matclone,

The article is dumb! It talks about hunting and sadistic killing of a generally DOMESTICATED animal as one and the same.

I would be up in arms if Vick brought a live deer home and then decided to electrocude it or drown it or rip its throat with his friends standing and laughing.

Let me tell you ITS THE THOUGHT PROCESS THAT COUNTS.

On one side, lets go hunting for deer. On another side, lets sadistically kill domesticated animals for no other reason than our pleasure.

Its no different than pushing someone while playing football or pushing someone on the ground while waiting for a bus. One would be all legal while another would get you sued in court.

Originally Posted by matclone

First, I was making a specific reference to talk radio--suggesting that the story gained more relevance on that bastion of race-baiting media because it involved a black man. Actually, I don't know because I haven't been listening. But I'd bet anything I'm right.

Second, I disagree with your disagreement anyway. Race clearly has a place in media presentations (in general) in this country. As to whether Peyton Manning would receive as much publicity in a similar situation, that seems plausible. However, the type of publicity, and the way the story played out, might be different.

When you catch an article in the news about Vick, it is not someone that reports on general interest news, it's a sports writer. It's in the national headlines because sports writers are keeping it there. Sports writers are keeping it there because Michael Vick is a nationally recognized personality.

If this story broke about Darrell Shropshire or Todd Weiner, it hits the wire, the guy is suspended from the team and it goes away. 2 months later you hear he pleads, gets 18 months in the big house and the story goes away again until he shows up as a free agent at some team's camp in 2009.

This is a story about a nationally recognized, highly paid NFL QB who had no financial need to, yet engaged in the illegal practice of cruelty to animals; torchering dogs - the household pet of choice. That is sole reason it is in the news for so long.

Just imagine if he was playing for a team called the Atlanta Bulldogs instead of the Falcons.

This just in. It sounds like he's gonna accept a plea bargain, perhaps sparing us months of trial coverage.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

"Looking out for the tight end" will soon take on an entirely new meaning for Vick.