Vick stops dodging the dog question
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has admitted his family has gotten a dog — or at least a pet.
A day after declining to respond to rising speculation that he had gotten a dog — prompted by a box of Milk Bones appearing in a family photo he tweeted — Vick released a statement through his publicist:
“I understand the strong emotions by some people about our family’s decision to care for a pet. As a father, it is important to make sure my children develop a healthy relationship with animals.
“I want to ensure that my children establish a loving bond and treat all of God’s creatures with kindness and respect. Our pet is well cared for and loved as a member of our family. This is an opportunity to break the cycle. To that end, I will continue to honor my commitment to animal welfare and be an instrument of positive change.”
Vick posted a photo on Twitter last week of his daughter and him seated at a table. A box of Milk Bone dog biscuits could be seen on the right side of the photo, next to a book or folder with puppies on the cover. The photo was later deleted and replaced with a similar photo in which the Milk Bones box didn’t appear.
Last Wednesday, he initially evaded questions about it, according to Philly.com, and seemed to say his personal life — even if he Tweets about it — is private.
“I’m here to strictly talk about football,” Vick said. “What goes on in my personal life is not to be talked about. What’s most important right now is the Philadelphia Eagles and getting the win Sunday.”
Vick was barred from owning a dog during a three-year probationary period after his release from prison, where he served 19 months for owning and operating a dogfighting ring. He served an additional two months of house arrest after his release in May.
In July, as the probationary period drew to a close, he told CNN’s Piers Morgan that he did not want to deprive his daughters from having a pet.
Posted by jwoestendiek October 13th, 2012 under Muttsblog.
Tags: animals, biscuits, box, dog, dog fighting, dogfighting, dogs, michael vick, michael vicks new dog, milk bones, new, pets, philadelphia eagles, photo, prison, probation, quarterback, table, terms, treats, tweet, twitter
Comments
Comment from Sarahkate
Time October 13, 2012 at 1:11 pm
I suggest we up the ante here with the death wishes (and I agree with Manuel’s death wish!). I say first we do to Vick what he did to those dogs. For a looooong time – a really REALLY long time until he finally gets it about what he did and was never adequately punished for by our weak and largely indifferent (and mis-named) “justice” system.
I think most people believe it will only be a matter of time before he re-engages in the same or worse crimes and his kids’ dog won’t be immune. Vick seems to believe he is above everything (lots of money does that to some people) and sooner or later his smug arrogance will result in the deliberate injury or death of more animals – if not humans.
Comment from James Lewis
Time October 14, 2012 at 8:49 am
He admitted to the crime and served his time. It would be similar to someone getting a DWI and driving after they get out of prison or whatever punishment they serve. Everyone deserves the right to prove themselves after a mistake.
Comment from Judith Pannebaker
Time October 14, 2012 at 3:51 pm
James, I don’t know whether Vick “admitted to the crime” or not, but he was neither prosecuted nor convicted for dogfighting. He was sent to prison for inter-state gambling by the feds. In their “wisdom,” prosecutors with the Commonwealth of Virginia dropped the state dogfighting charges against him.
Comment from jeff
Time October 14, 2012 at 6:53 pm
I agree with James Lewis. He served his time, and I do think kids should have a good dog in their life. I still don’t like what Vick did, but everyone deserves their chance at redemption. This is his. And we’re watching.
Comment from Patch
Time October 14, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Manuel-
My initial thought was to wish you the same fate, but Karma is a bitch. We as a society will give a pass to certain people based on any number of reasons…the same courtesy should be given to all folks. This dude became a poster child for the HSUS(who are the scum of the earth), paid what ever respective fees, and tries to be a positive force in the community. Calm down and direct that energy towards helping animals.
Comment from manuel
Time October 13, 2012 at 10:44 am
He’s a piece of shit and I hope he dies.