Month: May 2007 (Page 4 of 12)

The prosecutor investigating the alleged dog fighting ring conducted at one of Michael Vick’s homes in Surry County Virginia has commented that there isn’t enough evidence to tie Vick to the allegations.

“I know everybody is saying, ‘When are those fools in Surry County going to get up off their butts and do something?'” Gerald Poindexter told The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk on Wednesday. “But what are we going to do?”

Poindexter said there are no eyewitnesses who say they saw dogfighting at the home where 66 dogs were seized along with equipment that could be associated with dog fighting. The discoveries were made during a drug raid at the home on April 25.

This doesn’t mean Poindexter or any other investigator still won’t find evidence linking Vick to the supposed crime. It’s amazing, however, how so many national reports have already insinuated Vick is guilty, yet nobody can actually come up with hard evidence. My guess is that unless one of his boys rolls over on him, I doubt these investigators are ever going to have enough tangible evidence to actually charge Vick. That’s sad if he is indeed guilty, which by all accounts – through the media at least – he appears to be. Although, considering I’m not even remotely close to the situation, who am I to judge? The boys on the Duke Lacrosse team appeared to be guilty too now didn’t they?

Redskins running back Clinton Portis is being absolutely reamed for scoffing during a recent television interview on WAVY-TV in Norfolk, Virginia when asked if dog fighting is becoming popular in NFL and NBA player circles. He’s also being criticized for essentially backing Michael Vick while prosecutors continue to investigate whether the Falcons’ quarterback had any involvement in a dog fighting ring that allegedly occured at a home he owned in Surry County, Virginia. Click here to read the highlights of what Portis said, but if you’re already aware of his comments, lets roll right into the meat of the issue.

There are actually two separate issues here, but only one people are choosing to focus on. The first issue is Portis basically downplaying dog fighting as a big deal, which people are understandably upset over. Even if you grew up in a situation were dog fighting happened on a regular basis, it still doesn’t make it right. His comments and teammate Chris Samuels’ – who was standing beside Portis during the interview – laughing were insensitive and bordered on ignorant. Like many of you, I don’t approve of them downplaying such a sick activity like watching or gambling on two dogs ripping each other to pieces.

However, the second issue, which is what the media and others are choosing to sidestep a bit, is the overall point Portis and Samuels were trying (and failed) to make, which is that Vick hasn’t been charged with anything yet. I’m fully aware part of the media’s role is to bring facts to light, but these daily articles insinuating Vick is guilty is getting a bit nauseating. And don’t ridicule Portis because of his insensitive comments without noting he has a point by saying that dog fighting is bigger than just Vick’s situation. It’s apparently happening all over America, but because Vick is a million dollar athlete every paper in the country has its take on why he’s the scum of the earth. What if Portis is right and politicians or law enforcers are into dog fighting? Would they get this much media attention before officially being charged with anything? Doubtful, and yes, I realize more people are going to tune into a scandal involving Vick then they would a normal “Joe”, but I get sick of the double standards.

Vick has plenty coming to him if he’s found guilty and he’s certainly made it easy to chastise him (click on the second video underneath the one about Portis). However, lets wait and see how this entire situation plays itself out, shall we?

Keyshawn Johnson has opted to retire instead of accepting a two-year deal from the Tennessee Titans according to the Nashville Tennessean. Johnson will immediately join ESPN, presumably with Chris “I’m a shell of my former self” Berman and the rest of the “Countdown” crew.

So the debate begins. Considering he was the top selection in the 1996 NFL Draft, was Johnson a bust? Here are some stats:

– Three time Pro Bowler (’98, ’99, ’01)
– Caught at least 70 passes nine times in his career
– Finished 15th on the all-time career reception list with 814
– 10, 571 yards, 64 touchdowns
– This isn’t a stat, but he was also renowned for his blocking

As far as being worth the #1 pick in the ’96 draft, well, that’s debatable looking at the rest of the top 10 that year (there’s no sense looking at the entire draft considering no team realistically would have taken a guy in the second round first overall). Jonathan Ogden was selected fourth by the Ravens and Willie Anderson went 10th to the Bengals, two offensive tackles easily worthy of the top pick. Simeon Rice has been an elite pass rusher most years and he was taken 3rd overall by Arizona. Looking at the entire ’96 receiver group, Johnson had stout company. Terry Glenn (7), Eddie Kennison (18th), Marvin Harrison (19th), Eric Moulds (24th), Amani Toomer (24th), Muhsin Muhammad (43), Bobby Engram (52), Terrell Owens (89) and Joe Horn (135) were all taken after Johnson.

When you factor in how much Johnson pissed off teammates Wayne “The Mascot” Chrebet (Jets), Ronde “Uncle Tom” Barber (Bucs), Drew “You led me too much and that’s why I fumbled on that play” Bledsoe (Cowboys) and the entire Tampa Bay Buccaneers front office, I think it’s safe to say any of the above wide outs – except Owens – would have been less of a headache even though Keyshawn had better overall numbers save for obviously Harrison and T.O. Although it’s also worth noting that Bill Parcells loved Johnson and would have gone to the depths of the earth to have him on his team(s).