Great article!
Survey re: Michael Vick
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Yes, most kids won't read what the penality will be if any for this guy…they will just see that he fights dogs and that is so COOL! NOT
Breaks my heart. -
Nike
http://www.nike.com/index.jhtml#l=nikestore,grid,_grid,s-conta ct&re=US&co=US&la=EN
(click on ‘email us’)
1-800-806-6453, go to Option#5 and someone will answer and type up your comments regarding Michael Vick's sponsorshipCoca-Cola
www.cocacola.com
click region and language, then click ‘contact us’ at bottom of pageNFL
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Commissioner Roger Goodell at (212) 450-2000Atlanta Falcons
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/About/Contact_Us.aspx
770-96 5-3115NFL Tells Michael Vick: Stay Home
Published: 7/24/07, 7:45 AM EDT
By GEORGE HENRY
ATLANTA (AP) - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has weighed in on Michael Vick's indictment on dogfighting charges, and as a result the Falcons star was ordered to stay away from training camp until the league reviews the case.The other men who could determine the future of Vick's football career - including Falcons owner Arthur Blank - were expected to be speak publicly Tuesday for the first time since the troubled quarterback was indicted.
It could be another pivotal day for Vick, though Goodell has asked Blank to wait for the NFL to finish its investigation before announcing the team's plans for Vick.
In a letter to Vick on Monday, Goodell instructed the Newport News, Va., native to stay away from training camp, at least for now.
"While it is for the criminal justice system to determine your guilt or innocence, it is my responsibility as commissioner of the National Football League to determine whether your conduct, even if not criminal, nonetheless violated league policies, including the personal conduct policy," Goodell said.
Goodell also promised that the league would complete its review quickly, adding that he expected Vick's full cooperation. The NFL wants to speak with federal investigators and prosecutors to learn how strong of a case they have against the 27-year-old.
The Falcons open camp on Thursday, the same day Vick will be arraigned in Richmond, Va. He and three other men face charges of allegedly sponsoring a dogfighting operation and brutal treatment of pit bulls.
Along with Blank, Atlanta's general manager Rich McKay and new coach Bobby Petrino are also expected to speak publicly for the first time about Vick's future and his effect on the team.
Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts said Vick, who is in Virginia, will not attend the news conference.
Vick hasn't commented publicly since the team held a mini-camp in May. None of the phone messages left on his cell phone have been returned. His lawyer, Lawrence Woodward of Newport News, Va., also did not respond to interview requests Monday.
Vick, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 draft, last season became the first quarterback to rush for more than 1,000 yards last season. He led the Falcons to an NFC wild-card win 2002, his first season as a starter, and in 2004, Vick's play helped Atlanta reach the conference title game.
The Falcons will pay Vick during his hiatus. NFL veteran players earn $1,100 per week from the beginning of camp until the first week of the regular season.
Vick signed a 10-year contract extension in 2004 worth approximately $130 million. His salary this season is $6 million.
Before Monday, the league, the NFL players' union and the Falcons had yet to make a definitive statement on Vick, each saying they would monitor developments and allow the legal process to "determine the facts."
Since then, pressure has mounted publicly and particularly from animal-rights activists.
PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - demonstrated at Falcons' headquarters in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Monday.
While PETA was demonstrating last Friday outside the NFL offices in New York last week, Goodell was meeting with officials from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The league and the ASPCA are working on a program to educate players about the proper treatment of animals.
Activists also pressured companies that have endorsements deals with Vick to sever their ties, and Nike said it would withhold release of a fifth signature shoe, the Air Zoom Vick V, this summer.
Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer said the four shoe products and three shirts that currently bear Vick's name will remain in stores.
The Humane Society of the United States has asked the apparel company to sever its relationship with Vick immediately.
Goodell's order came down after several talks with the Falcons and Gene Upshaw, the union's executive director.
In his first year as commissioner, Goodell has acted decisively in using the NFL's new conduct policy, suspended Adam "Pacman" Jones of the Tennessee Titans for the upcoming year and telling Cincinnati's Chris Henry and former Chicago Bears lineman Tank Johnson that they will miss the first eight games in 2007.
Vick's indictment states that several pit bulls at his Surry County home were killed if they weren't strong enough to fight. The federal government says Vick and his associates executed the dogs "by hanging, drowning and/or slamming at least one dog's body to the ground."
Purses for the fights ranged from hundreds of dollars to the thousands, and participants and spectators often placed side bets on the outcome, according to the indictment
If convicted, Vick and three others charged with him could face up to six years in prison, and $350,000 in fines.
AP Football Writer Dave Goldberg contributed to this report
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I just hope we all keep up the pressure on the sponsor so this fellow doesn't keep the excessive funds he has now.
This man deserves no reward for this type of behavior.
Those poor, poor dogs. -
Would definately like to see him get some prison time for this. For the life of me, I can't understand HOW someone could hurt an animal. Our furry friends need and _deserve _BETTER than that from the human race. Sad.
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Oh, my friend who does pit rescue has a site that shows dogs fighting and what happens to them when they lose.
I just can't force myself to watch it. If anyone has the need to see what these dogs go through, I will share it…but its very, very RAW!
Horror + 10.
This guy is suspose to be a roll model to kids.
No way!
WHAT Do the sponsor expect when they hear this has happened and they do nothing...
Please, write and call...I do, 2 times a day...until this is settled.
That can't be allowed to go on.
Poor, poor doggies! -
I don't see how he'll be able to play ball from inside a 10x5 prison cell?
Vegas
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I hope he sees a cell…with $$$ seems everyone gets off.
But this is just wrong.
We can only share out outrage by voting with our money and not dealing with any company that has this guy onboard. -
From my BRAT list…sorry if you have seen it.
for those interested below is an update regarding the Atlanta Falconsquarterback dog fighting investigation and link to NEW education materials
Dear ASPCA Members and Supporters:
I wanted to let you know personally that we have just announced that the ASPCA is currently assisting in the federal investigation against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and three other individuals, who were indicted on July 17 by a federal grand jury in a Virginia dog fighting venture.
At this time, we cannot offer any additional details in order to protect the integrity of this investigation and the ongoing criminal process.
We have also posted new educational materials on animal cruelty at www.aspca.org/cruelty. We’ll be regularly updating this section, so I hope you will bookmark it and visit often. You will find a wealth of information here on animal cruelty, as well as a look at the reprehensible world of dog fighting.
Thank you very much for your support of the ASPCA. It is what enables us to pursue our 141-year-old mission, which is as crucial today as when we were founded in 1866—to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals. Every day, we come one step closer to being a humane community. We could not do it without you.
Sincerely,
Ed Sayres
President and CEO–---------------------------------------
PLEASE consider supporting the ASPCA, there are ways to support them other than finacially, vist their website www.aspca.org for more info.
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Survey - Michael Vick Indictment
Over 28,000 people have already voted and I think if we all vote this
can have a serious impact on the behavior of players, the NFL and the
sponsors. So, please take a moment to do this!They have got to be told this is unacceptable.
Please vote and pass on immediately
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/07/19/polls/index.html -
Before donating to any group… make sure that you understand what their mission is... for example HSUS was pro California AB1634 and made no bones about it... and now they are trying to get donations that they claim would be for these dogs... however, in small print it states "The money you donate may not be used on this cause"....
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Very good advice.
I was more interested in the survey then promoting the $$$.
So, did the California AB1634 fail?
I thought it did… -
Very good advice.
I was more interested in the survey then promoting the $$$.
So, did the California AB1634 fail?
I thought it did…It did not fail, it was pull from the committee to be presented at the next session, January 2008
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Here is another site to visit. They are working to make this "sport" end.
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com/michaelvickdogfighting.html
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I received an e-mail regarding this:
July 25, 2007 - Dogs Deserve Better, a national nonprofit working to end the suffering endured by dogs kept chained or penned for life, announced today that the group will join the Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare in a rally at the Thursday court appearance for Michael Vick in Richmond, Virginia.
Tammy Grimes, founder of the organization, will make the trip to Richmond for the 3:00 p.m. rally. "This case is too crucial for those of us who fight for humane treatment for dogs to miss, and I implore all those who are in agreement to make the trip. Dog fighting takes our issue to the utmost levels of cruelty imaginable; not only are the dogs short-chained on thick logging chains to build their muscles and frustration, but they are then subjected to horrendous deaths for the enjoyment of sick individuals.
As a rescuer, I've seen my share of unintended dog fights, and I know many rescuers (including myself), who have been bitten trying to break up a fight between two dogs who take a dislike to one another. Those brief moments before you stop the struggle are absolutely terrifying-I cannot imagine actually WANTING dogs to fight, much less allowing it to continue to the death.
While in New Orleans after Katrina, a well-meaning individual put a pit covered in scars into the doggie play area…It took 7 people to pry the trained fighter off the old, shaggy dog; his screams filled the air for what seemed like hours. I will never forget the distress of all those in attendance, all those who cared enough about both dogs to put a stop to the attack.
I implore dog lovers the world over to help us finally end this intensely cruel practice."
Attendees to the rally are asked to meet at 9th and Bank Streets, and wear black business attire in remembrance of the fighting dogs of Surry County. Members of Virginia's General Assembly have been invited, and further information can be obtained from DDB/VVAW member Lisa Hetrick at 804-306-0418.
Dogs Deserve Better (www.dogsdeservebetter.org) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA Pet Protector Award, and currently has over 150 area reps in 38 states as well as in Canada and France.
To read Dogs Deserve Better's statement on Michael Vick and dogfighting, go to http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/michaelvickdogfighting.html.
To read the wrapup of the Unchain the 50 campaign, go to http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/chainoff2007wrap.html.
To read founder Tammy Grimes 'Diary of a Woman (and Friends) Chained 3", go to http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/diarychained3.html.
Dogs Deserve Better (www.dogsdeservebetter.org) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA Pet Protector Award, and currently has over 150 area reps in 38 states as well as in Canada and France
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We Did It! Nike Drops Vick
Dear Mary,
I know you heard from me earlier today or yesterday, but I wanted you to be one of the first to know: Nike announced today that it has suspended Michael Vick's contract without pay and will stop selling all Vick-related products at its stores.
This is a big victory, one that simply would not have happened without your action and those of more than 165,000 others.
As you know, the allegations against Michael Vick are so serious and disturbing that The Humane Society of the United called on his corporate backers to end their commercial relationships with the star player. I’m so pleased that Nike has signaled it has a zero tolerance policy for athletes who may be involved with staged animal fights and other forms of malicious animal cruelty.Nike's statement reads as follows:
“Nike has suspended Michael Vick’s contract without pay, and will not sell any more Michael Vick product at Nike owned retail at this time. As we’ve said before, Nike is concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations made against Michael Vick and we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent. However, we do believe that Michael Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen in the United States, therefore, we have not terminated our relationship.”
Also today, Reebok agreed to stop selling Michael Vick-branded products. The company does not have a contract with Vick but has an official relationship with the NFL to sell its merchandise.
Thank you again for all you do for animals.Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States -
GOOD!! I don't get why some people are so unimaginably cruel. They don't deserve to be called people. They are lost satans in wait for hell's fire. Good for nothing!! That's all I can say, the rest is unspeakable! :mad:
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Yes, he seems to have no heart, or compassion, so I guess hitting him in his pocket book will probably get his attention.
I saw he say to a reported when he was walking away…"don't matter what I done, someone will want me to play!".
I so hope he is wrong. -
Upper Deck pulls Vick items from online store, will spike card from packs
July 28, 2007
CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) – Upper Deck has removed all Michael Vick autographed memorabilia from its online store and will remove the indicted quarterback's trading card from NFL sets that are scheduled to be released in October.
The announcement by the San Diego County company came a day after Nike suspended its lucrative contract with Vick and Reebok took the unprecedented step of stopping sales of his No. 7 jersey. Another trading card company, Donruss, announced it was pulling Vick's likeness from any new packs.
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"Of course we appreciate the fact that Mr. Vick is innocent until proven guilty, but the allegations alone have resulted in an outpouring of very strong emotion within our organization and among the collecting community," Kerri Stockholm, Upper Deck's director of marketing, said in a statement. "We believe collectors will agree and support this decision as being the best course of action for our football business."
Items pulled from the online store include autographed footballs, helmets, jerseys and the company's line of "Breaking Through" pieces. His card will be pulled beginning with the Ultimate Collection Football set.
The latest hit to Vick came two days after the Atlanta Falcons quarterback pleaded not guilty to federal dogfighting charges in Richmond, Va. In the indictment, he was accused of sponsoring a gruesome operation that often shot, hanged, drowned or electrocuted losing dogs.
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Wonderful…hope the lawyers he have take all his funds.
Can't be cheap, having that many folks to put "spin" on this.
Wonder if they will blame the dogs...like often they blame the human victims. -
RICHMOND, Virginia (CNN) – One of the co-defendants in the Michael Vick federal dogfighting case pleaded guilty on Monday and pledged to fully cooperate with prosecutors.
Tony Taylor walks into the federal courthouse in Richmond, Virginia, to enter his guilty plea.
1 of 2 Tony Taylor, 34, of Hampton, Virginia, entered the guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Richmond. He will be sentenced December 14.
Taylor, along with Vick and two other co-defendants, had pleaded not guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
In changing his plea to guilty, Taylor waived his right to appeal. He told the judge that he understands he is now a convicted felon.
It is widely believed that Taylor's plea, which had been expected, and his future cooperation could hurt Vick and help the government prove its case against the Atlanta Falcons' star quarterback.
The president the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP criticized the prosecution of Vick at a news conference Monday morning. Dr. R.L. White, Jr., accused the government of "piling on."
"There's a penalty in football for piling on," White told reporters. "After a player has been tackled and somebody piles on, they're penalized for unnecessary roughness. Today, the NAACP blows the whistle and warns the powers that be that you are piling on." Watch White caution the public to keep an open mind »
Along with Vick, Purnell Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach, and Quanis Phillips, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia, are scheduled to stand trial on November 26.
They were charged by a federal grand jury last week with organizing bloody and vicious dogfights on a piece of property that Vick bought in 2001. They also are accused of transporting and delivering dogs across state lines.
The indictment says Taylor discovered the site that became the Bad Newz Kennels -- the staging area for housing and training the pit bulls and hosting dog fights.
Prosecutors also accuse Taylor of helping to buy pit bulldogs and puppies, and of executing at least two dogs "who did not perform well in 'testing' sessions ... by shooting one dog and electrocuting the other."
If the men are convicted on both portions of the conspiracy charge, they each could be sentenced to up to six years in prison and fined $350,000, prosecutors said.
The indictment says dogs that didn't show enough fighting spirit or lost matches also were put to death by drowning and hanging.
Prosecutors allege that on one occasion earlier this year, Vick participated in killing eight dogs.
Vick is one of pro football's highest-profile and highest-paid players, signing a 10-year, $130 million contract with the Falcons in 2004. He was a standout at Virginia Tech and the first player chosen in the 2001 NFL draft.
