Thugs of a feather flock together (Deion Sanders & Vick)
 

Here's his column

I would’ve never thought Mike Vick, one of the NFL’s most exciting players — the man who makes the network execs smile every time he plays — would ever be indicted for crimes against man’s best friend.

The potential impact could be devastating.

He could lose millions worth of endorsements. Nike has already suspended the release of his new shoe. He could lose millions he was supposed to get from the Atlanta Falcons, if the club decides to cut him. That’s unlikely, but it could happen if he’s convicted or makes a plea arrangement.

Or his reputation might wind up so stained that he’s never forgiven in the court of public opinion. That would be too bad for the 27-year-old superstar.

This is all the result of perspective.

What a dog means to Vick might be a lot different than what he means to you or I. Hold on, don’t start shaking your head just yet. Listen to me.

Some people kiss their dogs on the mouth. Some people let their dogs eat from their plate. Some people dress their dogs in suits more expensive than mine, if you can believe that.

And some people enjoy proving they have the biggest, toughest dog on the street. You’re probably not going to believe this, but I bet Vick loves the dogs that were the biggest and the baddest. Maybe, he identified with them in some way.

You can still choose to condemn him, but I’m trying to take you inside his mind so you can understand where he might be coming from.

I’m sure all of the animal activists and Humane Society folks have a dart board with Vick’s picture in the center of it. And if he plays this season, PETA is going to picket every stadium where he plays.

Still, I must ask the question: Where is all of this going?

By now you’ve read all of the accusations about the cruelty involving the dogs — and I’m not just talking about their duels to the death. All of that is enough to make me cringe because I have three highly-trained protection German shepherds, just in case someone wants to rob my family.

Believe me, you don’t want to deal with them. With one German command, our dog Yascho turns into Cujo. And for the record, I live around the corner from the police station, so it won’t take them long to show up and save you from the dogs.

Now back to Vick.

Why are we indicting him? Was he the ringleader? Is he the big fish? Or is there someone else? The fights allegedly occurred at a property that he purchased for a family member. They apparently found carcasses on the property, but I must ask you again, is he the ringleader?

This situation reminds me of a scene in the movie “New Jack City,” when drug dealer Nino Brown is on the witness stand and eloquently says, “This thing is bigger than me.”

Are we using Vick to get to the ringleader? Are we using him to bring an end to dogfighting in the United States?

The only thing I can gather from this situation is that we’re using Vick.

Was he wrong? Absolutely. Was he stupid? Can’t argue with that. Was he immature? No doubt. But is he the ringleader? I just can’t see it.

I believe Vick had a passion for dogfighting. I know many athletes who share his passion. The allure is the intensity and the challenge of a dog fighting to the death. It’s like ultimate fighting, but the dog doesn’t tap out when he knows he can’t win.

It reminds me of when I wore a lot of jewelry back in the day because I always wanted to have the biggest chain or the biggest, baddest car. It gives you status.

Can I pause for a moment to ask you a question?

Who shot Darrant Williams? Remember the Denver Bronco cornerback? I’m just more concerned about bringing to justice someone who killed a human. Or finding out who broke into Miami Heat forward Antoine Walker’s home, tied him up and robbed him at gunpoint.

We’re attacking this dogfighting ring the same way a teenager attacks his MySpace page after school (by the way parents, make sure you monitor your kids). We should have the same passion for man that we have for man’s best friend.

The reason this is turning into a three-ring circus is that baseball is boring, basketball is months away, football is around the corner and we in the media don’t have a thing interesting to write about.

How will this end up? I have no idea. All I know is Falcons fans better pray because Vick’s backup is Joey Harrington. Enough said.

God bless and God willing I’ll hollah at you next week.

Why is it that athletes feel they are above the law and that their personal income is something the average fan gives 2 sh_ts about? Personally Sanders, the coke head, should be more worried about his own situations. Apparently a FELONY is nothing to worry about if you are in a professional sport.

What did Deion Sanders ever do to make you say he is a thug? My impression of him is a very religious person. I remember him once saying that he never even had a single alcoholic drink in his entire life. Quite the opposite of a thug if you ask me.

Hmmm maybe this is it:


Deion Sanders
Published: June 21, 2007 | Mugshots | 6042 clicks
Lee County Port Authority Police in Florida caught former Dallas Cowboys star Deion Sanders trespassing on a lake owned by the Southwest Florida International Airport in June 1996. Charged with misdemeanor trespassing, the 28-year-old defensive back was found fishing on the lake despite the posted "no trespassing" and "no fishing" signs as well as previous law enforcement warnings to stay off the property.

how convenient that he doesn't mention the gambling that Vick was "the house" for.

how convenient that "status" makes it ok...


I'm surprised that he didn't say "we kill cows and eat them don't we?" Yeah, we do, but they'e not tortured for entertainment first and then killed by a slow painful death like drowning or hanging.

how convenient that he doesn't mention that it's illegal. Whether VIck likes the law or not, it's the law, he's not above it.

come on wiki man...you couldn't research this?


Published: October 20, 1994

Deion Sanders of the 49ers and Andre Rison of the Falcons were fined $7,500 each by the National Football League today for trading slaps and punches in the middle of the field during the second quarter of Sunday's 42-3 rout of Atlanta by San Francisco at the Georgia Dome.

Although game officials penalized Sanders as the fight's instigator, the league found both players at fault. The game was Sanders's first against his former team since joining San Francisco as a free agent Sept. 15.


Published: September 24, 1994

A grand jury decided yesterday against indicting DEION SANDERS on a felony charge related to a confrontation with an off-duty police officer at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati.

A Hamilton County (Ohio) grand jury instead indicted Sanders on a first-degree misdemeanor of failing to comply with a police officer's order. The Cincinnati Reds outfielder was originally charged with misdemeanors after driving his motor scooter away from an officer at the stadium, but the police later added a felony count.

The misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $1,000 fine. Sanders would have faced a maximum of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine if convicted of the felony.

The police said HERB KOHUS, an officer working as a security guard after the Aug. 8 game, was dragged 30 to 40 feet while trying to turn off Sanders's motor scooter. (AP)

AP
Published: August 7, 1989

LEAD: Deion Sanders, the Columbus Clippers' outfielder and a leading National Football League prospect, was arrested today on charges he assaulted two fans who had heckled him during a game with the Richmond Braves.

Deion Sanders, the Columbus Clippers' outfielder and a leading National Football League prospect, was arrested today on charges he assaulted two fans who had heckled him during a game with the Richmond Braves.

Sanders, who played briefly with the Yankees this season, was charged with two counts of simple assault and was freed after posting $5,000 bail, the sheriff's office reported. Bucky Dent, the manager of the Clippers, the top Yankee farm team, said Sanders would be fined by the club.

Sanders, a cornerback from Florida State, was chosen by the Atlanta Falcons as the fifth pick over all in the N.F.L. draft.

Don't forget the link that exposes him as "Sanders, the coke head" :rofl:

sorry got him mixed up with his boy Michael Irvin on that one....but lets not paint him as "such a good boy" guess it is acceptable to be arrested and have the threat of jail time.... :confused:

D McNabb and B. Dawkins better run out and get arrested so they can be taken seriously....

It is never acceptable to be arrested and have the threat of jail time. However i'm sure you are aware that athelets and others in the spotlight are often accused of issues that make the news but really have no merritt.

I don't know the man and of course support no wrong doing but i guess (and i include my self in this) i just wonder what's the profit of continueing to look for the negative about someone who has an opinion about the issues of the day especially when they have no opportunity to defend themselves. Weather it's Al sharpton, The NAACP or whoever. Their opinion is like everyone elses just an opinion. They have all made errors in judgement. Their human and so are we. For a change isn't there anything good to be said about those who make mistakes? I certinally hope so. :thumbup:

I can't find anything good to say about Michael Vick. Sorry. I guess I just set the bar higher for myself and others the society as a whole does. Ya know, not getting arrested.