More on detestible evil doer, Michael Vick

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http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/19/ap/politics/main3078663.shtml Sen. Byrd Calls Dog Fights 'Barbaric' WASHINGTON, Jul. 19, 2007 (AP) Allegations of a vicious dogfighting ring prompted an unusually emotional speech in the Capitol Thursday, as the Senate's longest-serving member fought tears and called for God's judgment on those who promote such activities."Barbaric," Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., shouted four times in a Senate chamber that was mostly empty except for two dozen somewhat startled tourists."Let that word resound from hill to hill and from mountain to mountain, from valley to valley across this broad land," he thundered, raising his right hand. "May God help those poor souls who would be so cruel. Barbaric! Hear me!"Federal agents have charged Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and three others with procuring and training pit bulls for fighting in Virginia and

elsewhere. Investigators say some losing dogs died in the pit or were later electrocuted, drowned, hanged or shot.Byrd, 89, said he would not prejudge the men's guilt or innocence, but he left no doubts about his sentiments."I am confident that the hottest places in hell are reserved for the souls of sick and brutal people who hold God's creatures in such brutal and cruel contempt," he said."One is left wondering," he said. "Who are the real animals: the creatures inside or outside the ring?"When he finished, Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who sometimes brings his Portuguese water dogs to work, said, "Great speech, Bob." As Byrd left the chamber, a Senate page and TV reporter shook his hand and thanked him, and a young woman had her photo taken with him. Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. ============== http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,290061,00.html Michael Vick Dogfighting Case Makes Way to Floor of U.S. Senate Thursday , July 19, 2007 RICHMOND, Va. — The Michael Vick dogfighting case made its way to the floor of the U.S. Senate Thursday when its most senior member publicly declared his outrage, saying he's witnessed one execution but wouldn't mind seeing another "if it involves this cruel, sadistic, cannibalistic business of training innocent, vulnerable creatures to kill." The strong words from Sen. Robert Byrd, D-WV, widely known for his devotion to animals, come as dogfighting controversy swirls around the Atlanta Falcons star quarterback. Vick and three others were indicted earlier this week on felony charges of competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting, and conducting the enterprise across state

lines. The dogs were housed, trained and fought at a property owned by Vick in Surry County, Va., under an outfit named "Bad Newz Kennels," the indictment says. Among the grisly findings: Losing dogs either died in the pit or were electrocuted, drowned, hanged or shot. The indictment said purses climbed as high as $20,000 for fights. Byrd called the activities described in the Vick case "sadistic" and "barbaric." At one point, Byrd began shouting and pumping his fist. "Barbaric!," he yelled. "Let that word resounding from hill to hill, and from mountain to mountain, and valley to valley across the broad land. Barbaric! Barbaric! May God help those poor souls who'd be so cruel. Barbaric! Hear me! Barbaric!" Byrd, 89, said he would not prejudge the men's guilt or innocence, but he left no doubts about his sentiments. "I am confident that the hottest places in hell are reserved for the souls of sick and

brutal people who hold God's creatures in such brutal and cruel contempt," he said. "One is left wondering," he said. "Who are the real animals: the creatures inside or outside the ring?" Meanwhile, the Falcons owner and CEO released his first public statement on the matter Thursday, saying he was "working diligently on exploring our options" on the indicted quarterback. "This situation affects everyone — our club, our players and associates, our sponsors, our fans and the Atlanta community among them — so we must consider all of our customers in making any decisions," Arthur Blank said in a statement. "Given the differing perspectives and strong feelings around this issue, we probably won't make everyone happy, but we are committed to doing the right thing." Blank added that he was "saddened and distressed about

this — not for myself, for our fans and community who have been so loyal to us." ESPN reported that Vick had called Blank, and said sources believed Vick to have been contrite, apologetic and grateful for Blank's support. Vick's legal troubles prompted Nike to suspend the release of its latest product line named after him. Nike told retailers it will not release 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. That news comes on the heels of a statement from the Humane Society of the United States calling upon Nike to pull its Vick clothing and shoes from retailers and from its Web site. It also called upon NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Vick. Vick and the

three associates are set to appear in Richmond July 26 for bond hearings and arraignments on charges contained in a detailed, 18-page indictment. Conviction carries up to six years in prison, fines of $350,000 and restitution. But after the hearing, Vick will likely rejoin the Falcons as he awaits his court date. After consulting with the Falcons, Goodell and top league officials agreed Wednesday to let Vick play as the legal process determines the facts. The NFL players' union took the same stance as the league. "It's unfortunate that Michael Vick is in this position, as these allegations are extremely disturbing and offensive," the union said in a statement. "This case is now in the hands of the judicial system, and we have to allow the legal process to run its course. However, we recognize Michael still has the right to

prove his innocence. Hopefully, these allegations are untrue and Michael will be able to continue his NFL career." Goodell and Blank say they met individually with Vick in May after the investigation started, telling him to straighten up or risk discipline. Blank said he "could not have been more stern" in telling Vick that he represents himself, the franchise and the league and needs to do it right. "They both challenged me to be more accountable in all areas of my life. I know I need to make some changes around me to make sure that the people in my life have my best interest at heart," Vick said at the time. "My goal is to not let my fans, my teammates or my coaches down." The Falcons signed Vick to a 10-year, $130 million contract in December 2004. He has been paid about $44 million, including $37 million in guaranteed bonuses, and is due to earn a base salary of $6 million this season. Teams can amortize the

salary cap implications of signing bonuses, but if a player is cut, all bonuses paid but not yet factored into the salary cap must be accounted for within two years. The Falcons face an estimated salary cap hit of about $6 million this year and $15 million in 2008 if they release Vick — devastating hits to any team's budget. FOX News' Trish Turner, Michael De Dora Jr. and The Associated Press contributed to this report. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nike No Hero for Boys July 19, 2007 – For a company that claims to be a responsible

corporate citizen, Nike has not gone far enough by merely suspending the launch of a new athletic shoe named for Michael Vick. The athletic apparel company needs to go further and halt sales of clothing that calls Vick a “hero.” Vick, of course, is the Atlanta Falcons quarterback who is endorsed by Nike. He was indicted on Tuesday on federal dogfighting charges in one of the most grisly and stomach-turning such cases ever to make headlines. Yet, two days later Nike continued to market a $16 “Vick Hero” tee-shirt to boys in sizes 0 to 18. A similar product is aimed at older youth. With public pressure mounting, Nike today issued a statement disassociating itself with cruelty to animals. It called the charges against Vick “disturbing” and added, “we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent.” Because of this, Nike said today it “made the decision to suspend the release of the Zoom Vick V and related marketing communications.” But why continue to try and wring a profit from shirts that label Vick a hero for boys? Why sell other shoes named for him? “Michael Vick is no hero. A string of dead, wounded and suffering animals has been left along the Eastern Seaboard as a consequence of this dogfighting ring. Federal authorities have charged Vick with felony offenses. This is no moment to tell America’s youth to look up to such a man,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSUS has assisted in the investigation that resulted in Tuesday’s indictments. In a prepared statement, Nike said that Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen. That, of course, is true. But he is unworthy of a launching a new shoe in his name at this moment, he is similarly unworthy of being called a “hero” for boys and youth. Americans are outraged by this case. And they can rightfully be furious at Nike for taking a half-way step that falls short of common sense and decency. Nike needs to pull its Vick clothing and shoes from retailers and from its website, and move to suspend its support for the athlete. This is the second effort by the HSUS to bring Nike to its senses. Americans will tolerate no effort – commercial or otherwise – to glorify this bloody and illegal spectacle. Dogfighting is a felony in 48 states, and also a federal crime. Still, in the urban underground dogfighting remains a surging criminal enterprise with an estimated 40,000 people involved. These illegal pits of blood and suffering are no place for a corporate name like Nike. The HSUS has also called on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Vick. Media Contact: Martin Montorfano Phone: 301-258-3152 -30- The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at www.humanesociety.org The Humane Society of the United States 2100 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037 humanesociety.org Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Humane Society of the United States Renews Call for NFL to Suspend Michael Vick for Dogfighting Allegations July 19, 2007 – The Humane Society of the United States renewed its call for the NFL to immediately suspend Michael Vick, citing a huge negative response from Americans who are appalled by the dogfighting allegations in a 19-page federal indictment against Vick and three co-defendants. HSUS officials appeared on numerous television and radio programs this week alongside football commentators, attorneys, and others. Widespread condemnation of the dogfighting activities Vick is charged with is

reverberating on the airwaves and in newspapers across the country. While acknowledging that Vick has the right to his day in court, The HSUS is disturbed by the message the NFL and the Falcons are sending by letting Vick continue to play under such serious allegations of animal cruelty. Yesterday, The HSUS urged their online advocates to send the NFL a strong message that dog fighting is a gruesome act that should not be condoned by allowing Michael Vick to continue playing professional football. The campaign has been the largest campaign to date for The HSUS, and generated a wave of activity that shut down the organization’s website for a large portion of the day. The NFL claims that it is waiting to see whether Vick is convicted or not before taking any disciplinary action, but The HSUS calls on the league to stop sitting on the sidelines. If it does nothing but wait for the legal process to run its course, The HSUS argues, then the NFL’s internal code of conduct is entirely meaningless. “By allowing Michael Vick to continue as a part of the NFL, they are clearly ignoring the cries of the American public and are seemingly condoning these barbaric acts,” said Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States.

“While these disturbing dog fighting charges against Vick are being prosecuted, the NFL and the Falcons need to disassociate themselves from this cruel and unacceptable conduct. Vick will have the opportunity to defend himself in court; by not suspending him the NFL is sending the wrong message to the American public.” In a May 3rd letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Pacelle offered HSUS collaboration to investigate and eradicate any illegal animal fighting, and to help educate NFL players about animal cruelty issues. To date, the NFL has not taken advantage of the opportunity to work with The HSUS. "The NFL and the Falcons must take a stand against animal fighting by reversing their decision not to suspend Vick and implementing internal policies to raise awareness about animal cruelty,” added Pacelle. The HSUS has assisted in the investigation of this case and also has control of the care of the surviving dogs seized from Vick’s property. More information is available online at www.humanesociety.org. For broadcast-ready dog fighting b-roll visit http//video.hsus.org.com And for the most recent comments by Wayne Pacelle visit his blog at http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2007/07/vick-suspension.html

Media Contact: Heather Sullivan: 301-548-7778, hsullivan or Martin Montorfano: 240-888-1910; mmontorfano. -30- The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at www.humanesociety.org. The Humane Society of the United States 2100 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037 humanesociety.org Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-07-20-2237129334_x.htm PETA tells NFL to "Sack Vick" after dogfighting charges By Dave Goldberg, AP Football Writer NEW YORK — While commissioner Roger Goodell was meeting with officials of the ASPCA, about 50 people urged the NFL to "Sack Vick" Friday in a demonstration outside the league's headquarters following the indictment of Michael Vick

on dogfighting charges. "Sack Vick!" chanted the demonstrators, organized by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals as they walked peacefully in front of the Park Avenue building. Many held dogs who had the "Sack Vick" signs on their backs and one woman brought a pit bull, the breed killed in the dogfighting operation the Atlanta quarterback is accused of sponsoring. The leaders of the demonstration focused on Goodell's one-year suspension of Tennessee's Adam "Pacman" Jones under the NFL's personal conduct policy, although Jones has not been convicted of any crime. "We think they should do the same with Michael Vick," said Dan Shannon, an assistant director of campaigns for PETA. "We don't think their 'wait and see' attitude goes far enough. If they suspended

Pacman Jones, they can suspend Vick." The NFL said after Vick was indicted Tuesday, it was watching legal developments in the case. Vick is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in federal court in Richmond, Va. "Michael Vick's guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts," the league's statement said. "The matter will be reviewed under the League's Personal Conduct Policy. Sherry Ramsey, a staff attorney for the Humane Society of the United States, said he was disappointed at the league "wait and see attitude. "There is a precedent in the Jones suspension," she said. Ramsey said her organization wrote to the NFL in May, offering

to work with the league help educate players about dogfighting. She said it did not receive a reply. However, two letters written June 21 by the NFL to the Humane Society, provided to The Associated Press by the league, said warnings on animal fighting and animal cruelty are now being included in the annual briefings by the league security staff to players. Those briefings will take place at all 32 training camps this summer. "We are in total agreement that there is no place for animal cruelty and illegal animal fighting and take very seriously the allegations of dog fighting against Michael Vick," Peter Abitante, Goodell's personal assistant, wrote nearly a month before Tuesday's indictments. "We certainly do not condone this activity and will not tolerate cruelty or mistreatment of animals. If Mr. Vick or anyone associated with the NFL is found to have violated state or federal

law, the commissioner has stated publicly that he will impose significant discipline under our personal conduct policy." Earlier this year, the NFL began working with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on programs and public service announcements to educate players and the public on the importance of caring properly for animals. The Associated Press Download Attachment logo_cbsnews_small.gif Download Attachment fnc_logo05.gif Download Attachment foxnews_story.gif

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