Josh S's Blog

So tonight ESPN aired a 90 minute special detailing the Michael Vick divide in this country. I'm not sure I understand why this story is such a big deal and how anyone can argue that he's the victim. Michael Vick chose this lifestyle and in the end he needs to face the consequences of his actions. Some people, like Whoopi Goldberg, argued that dogfighting is a way of life where he's from. However, last time I checked just because it was a way of life doesn't mean it was right or legal for that matter. 

While I was watching the special I became so angry during a few different moments. I really didn't understand why former Atlanta Falcons WR Terence Mathis was a part of the panel. He brought nothing to the table. By the end of the special we all understood that Mathis and Vick were friends, but was it necessary for us to hear Mathis constantly toe the line. We get it Terence you're all for giving him a second chance, but last time I checked no one was denying Vick a second chance. He hasn't paid his debt to society yet so why are we crying for him to receive a second chance?

I also couldn't believe that a member of the Humane Society was booed for saying that the real victims were the dogs who were brutally murdered. So the majority of the audience booed this guy for defending these helpless animals, yet they're defending a guy who has already plead guilty to felony charges???

Finally I found myself screaming at the TV when one of the panelists tried to downplay the race card that was frequently raised by members of the audience. The panelist said that he did not believe race played a huge factor in this specific case and that in the past there are examples of major white athletes facing just as much scrutiny such as Pete Rose. When Rose's name was mentioned they cut to the crowd and showed a woman who could not believe what she was hearing. That someone would have the nerve to actually supply truthful facts to this argument.

I personally am at a loss with this story and I think we all need to get over it. The man plead guilty and even worse for him might be that his own close group of friends turned on him. The same people he protected and catered to for all these years and in the end they ratted him out. It's time for us all to move on and drop the race card issue.

Did any of you see this town meeting special? What did you think?