There’s a tremendously well-written article by Don Banks posted Wednesday evening on SI.com about Michael Vick’s involvement with recent allegations that he either knew, or was involved with a dog-fighting ring at a home he owned in Surry County, Virginia. There’s not enough space to post the entire article, but here’s a link and below are some highlights.
According to unnamed sources, Vick knew about the dog fighting:
“He knows what’s going on in that house in Virginia,” one source said. “There’s not a doubt in my mind he’s involved with it.” The other source cited Vick’s longtime “affinity” for the dog-fighting subculture, and expressed certainty that Vick was aware of what was happening at the house…
That same source believes that Vick will likely end up beating any potential rap in connection with dog-fighting in Virginia…According to the source, in other NFL situations like this, someone in the group often steps up and takes the blame. “Vick is the meal ticket,” the source said. “If he takes the fall, all the money goes away. They’re not going to let that happen.”…
Vick is not a “bad guy,” the sources say, but he refuses to take direction from anyone, often fails to recognize good advice when it’s offered, and is unwilling to separate himself from bad influences, who are largely friends and members of his ever-present “posse.”…
Vick accedes to his friends’ wishes far too often, eventually giving in to them if they continue to harass him about any particular topic or activity, a source said. “Mike’s the classic case of the guy who listens to the last person who speaks to him, whether it’s a 15-year-old or a 50-year-old. He doesn’t have a barometer about whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing. That’s how something like the dog fighting can get started. That’s where he’s so easily influenced.”…
There appear to be at least two key developments that helped sow the seeds for Vick’s recent spate of off-field incidents: One was when Vick’s mother, Brenda Boddie, moved from his house in Atlanta back home to Virginia at the start of his third NFL season, in 2003. With her stabilizing presence gone, Vick’s coterie of friends had more opportunity to occupy his time and agenda. The second, more dramatic change might have occurred when Vick signed his huge second contract, in December 2004. The 10-year extension was worth $130 million and included a $37 million signing bonus.
Mikey, here’s some advice from just one person who still lives in reality. True friends aren’t the ones who stay with you because of your money or fame. They’re not the ones who are going to get your name in the wrong headlines or talk you into illegal actions. Further more, be a man and know when’s the time to tell your homeboys to kiss off because they’re bad people. You’re 27 years old now; you know what’s right and wrong and can distinguish between the two. You’ve been given many people’s life dream of playing a professional sport and millions of dollars to go with it. Now buck up and tell the truth if you were involved with these sick allegations, and take whatever punishment is handed down to you like a man. Or if you’re innocent, shout it from the rooftops as many times as you can, either way, tell the truth and you’ll likely be able to start slowly repairing the image you’ve managed to tarnish over the years. The Atlanta Falcons, your fans and the NFL have given you more than enough, now it’s time to start repaying them in ways besides breaking dazzling 45 yard touchdown runs. Or else this isn’t going to end pretty for you, because there’s already a large contingent who feel you’re the most overrated quarterback in the history of the NFL and are ready to say, “See! I told you so!” And many more who have stuck up for you that are going to be vastly dissapointed.
