The NFL might occasionally fall for the "Just let them play" line, but I doubt the Federal Bureau of Prisons would.

Sent by Mark | 11:51 AM ET | 07-18-2007

I read the statements from the Atlanta Falcons today that "We are disappointed that one of our players -- and therefore the Falcons -- is being presented to the public in a negative way, and we apologize to our fans and the community for that."

I am disappointed, no I am appalled, that they worry about how he is being portrayed. They should be disappointed in his actions. He should be fired from the team.

Sent by Heather Taylor | 11:55 AM ET | 07-18-2007

I'm amazed that our society has gotten to the point where we even have to ask that question! We should not be separating a person's moral behavior from their physical feats, especially since so many children look up to these sports figures. A talent for playing football should not exonerate anyone from acting in an inhumane way, on or off the field!

Sent by Tina Faulconer | 12:02 PM ET | 07-18-2007

I can't believe some people are saying it's ok to let Vick play after these heinous actions have been exposed. Don't people realize how much kids look up to these players? Children watch and learn from the actions of adults. And they are wathing--on TV and on the internet.
I hope Vick never plays again.

Sent by Kathryn | 12:21 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Has Vick ever seen "The Gladiator"?Too bad he isn't the one asked to fight to the death.Some people don't know what to do with Honor and Freedom. God help him.

Sent by pit owner | 12:25 PM ET | 07-18-2007

I find it amazing that some people's obsession with sports and celebrity status would override their sense of justice. If the allegations against Vick are true, he deserves jail time, not a huge NFL paycheck. The more crimes we let public figures get away with, the more they're going to commit. Why not, if there are no consequences?

Sent by Megan | 12:55 PM ET | 07-18-2007

With fame comes responsibility. It seems many stars have trouble understanding this concept, and severe punishments may be the only way they'll learn. Let's have Justice set an example!

Sent by Lamine | 1:03 PM ET | 07-18-2007

oh you people need to get a grip! michael vick dogfighting isn't the least bit of my worries. So what if he was cruel to animals? I'm not saying he didn't commit a crime, and yes he should be punished, but you people act like he committed a crime against humanity. Well, he didn't! anyway you look at it, dogs are not humans. They don't think like humans; act like humans; or have any thought process or emotions like humans. They are DOGS. But I guess dogs are more important than actual human lives aren't they? well i'm off to donate my monthly check to PETA! save the animals!

Sent by ATLvickfan | 1:14 PM ET | 07-18-2007

oh yea and let's not forget that he is being charged with CONSPIRACY to commit, that means it's a bunch of people pleaing with the feds/DA's for lighter sentences in exchange for testimony; in short, a bunch of snitches...

Sent by ATLvickfan | 1:38 PM ET | 07-18-2007

This is just sickening. Shame on us if we allow him to keep playing.

Sent by anne | 1:49 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Many parents involve their children in team sports because it is credited with the ability to "build character." Obviously more than participation in sports is necessary to build character. It is a heinous act to mistreat the defenseless and to profit from it as well! It is time for team owners/managers to show some spine and stand up for what is right rather than just what is green$ Vick should be fired. Let's have a stronger code of conduct for professional players and hold them to it despite the financial/reputational fallout. In the end we all will profit more.

Sent by Patty | 2:00 PM ET | 07-18-2007

This incident raises so many issues about what is wrong in this country that I don't know where to start.

This "man" was given opportunitites, like going to college, that so many other more worthy people do not get, because he can play a sport! He makes more money in one year than most people see in a lifetime! Yet, what does he do? Exploit helpless animals to make even more money!!

I would also like to say to that "person" ATLvickfan- no, dogs are not human, but they are living beings that have just as much right to live free from pain and suffering as any one else. QB Vick chose to participate in his sport- these dogs did not. And football players don't get inhumanely executed when they can't play any more.

I hope this guy goes to jail for a very long time and that this horrific practice gets all the negative publicity it deserves.

Sent by Robin | 2:23 PM ET | 07-18-2007

As long as our society continues to condone the win at any cost mentality, we will see examples such as this. In any profession (sports or otherwise) character should be a primary concern when hiring an employee but especially one to whom millions are being paid to "play".

Sent by Ann | 2:27 PM ET | 07-18-2007

For those who don't think cruelty to animals should be a crime, consider this: children who show signs of taking pleasure in inflicting pain on animals grow up to be adults who take pleasure in inflicting pain on humans. Vick should be barred from every playing for any professional sports team again, NFL or otherwise, fined and sentenced to the maximum jail time permitted if convicted.

Sent by Jill | 2:32 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Not only should Mr. Vick be fired, but when found guilty he should serve prison time & pay a stiff fine. What an arrogant apathy for life & creation! Does he really believe that he is such a valuable football player that he doesn't have a standard of conduct like the rest of us? What he has done is not just, proper or honorable. Let him play football in the prison yard!

Sent by Karen | 3:20 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Although the evidence seems to point to Vick, we must remember that he has not been convicted yet and everyone deserves their day in court.

With that being said, it looks like he did it, and IF he did, he should be punished to the fullest extent of the law and should also be fired for five reasons. First, killing an animal, especially a dog, is one of the first signs of a serial killer - creepy. Second, how can we cheer for Vick on the field when we know he has participated in these sadistic acts - fire him. Third, do we really want someone capable of these acts representing the NFL or the Falcons. If he is not fired, the NFL and the Falcons will lose the wholesome and moral aura associated with the organizations. Fourth, Vick's colleagues need to know that this and other acts of this nature are wrong and will not be tolerated in the future. Fifth, and most importantly, children need to know that this act is punishable and that Vick can no longer be a role model because of his deplorable behavior.

The crime is disgusting and disturbing. If Michael Vick did commit this crime he has some serious issues that need to be dealt with off the field and in a jail cell.

Sent by Brianne | 3:21 PM ET | 07-18-2007

I think their actions off the field are as important as on the field. It is a testament to their character and if this is an example, it is sorely lacking.This is deplorable behavior in grown men. What kind of an example are they setting for adolescents?

Sent by Susan Cunningham | 3:24 PM ET | 07-18-2007

"With Liberty and Justice for All..."
I believe these words sum up my opinion. In our society, people are given the freedom to go on with their lives (as they please), knowing that there are laws that must be obeyed. Breaking these laws has as a consequence, penalties that apply to EVERYONE. If Mr. Vick broke the law, he must face these penalties....period.

Sent by Dr. D | 3:39 PM ET | 07-18-2007

There have been the wife-beaters, DUI'ers, gun-toters, sexual and physical aggressors, and even murderous players in the past. They bothered me, but I saw enough good guys around the league to compensate. Football is a great game. But Vick's indictment is turning my stomach. It's making me ask "why am I supporting a league and its players that behave this way?" Humans are at the top of the food chain. If you look at history, you could make an argument that dogs helped us get there. We have a responsibility to look after these selfless animals. If the allegations are true, Vick has abused that. Worse, he has gotten away with it for years due to his celebrity. It makes me sick.

Sent by Grant | 4:35 PM ET | 07-18-2007

I listened to a sports show on AM radio today where the host actually stated that if a dog isn't up to their fighting standards they should shoot it instead of torturing it! As if shooting the dog is a better alternative. How about we just don't purposely put animals in that position at all? Vick will never get the punishment he deserves even if he gets the maximum sentence. And ALL that are involved in dog fighting (even if just witnessing it) are equally guilty. We cannot be a "civilized" society and continue to find this acceptable...whether the person is a sports-figure, politician, or on any other public figure. What are we teaching our children by allowing them to look up to people like this?

Sent by Chrissy Lopez | 4:42 PM ET | 07-18-2007

It was dog fighting, he didn't invade iraq. I say you lock up BUSH.

Sent by Woodel | 4:42 PM ET | 07-18-2007

I can't believe anyone would EVER feel sorry for this atrocious loser. Of course, thanks to this country's misplaced enthusiasm for over-paid, spoiled pro-athletes, the cynic in me predicts Mr. Vick will get away with this heinous crime. Do you moronic sports fans not get that Mr. Vick's personal choices and lifestyle represent the norm of pro-athletes? (Witness Falcon teammates' support for Vick.) The optimist in me truly hopes that once he's proven GUILTY, Vick will not only never play pro football again (gee, I think life will somehow go on), but will be stripped of his undeserved riches and thrown in jail for the rest of his miserable existence. The NFL should be fined as well, or better yet, legally ordered to contribute millions of dollars and volunteers to our Nation's hard-working animal shelters. Shame on the media for giving Vick any media attention at all, though I do hope the spotlight on the horrible act of dog-fighting will help eliminate it once and for all. Those who condone this activity deserve a punishment equal to the crime -- chained up in a jail cell, at a minimum.

Sent by Alex | 4:45 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Is this not the same Michael Vick who was sued in 2005 for knowingly infecting a woman with herpes?

The same Michael Vick, who, under the alias 'Ron Mexico' visited a doctor, and received treatment for herpes before sleeping with the woman, thus proving that he knew he had it beforehand?

Charming guy. He'll fit in nicely with the other inmates.

Sent by angsty | 5:21 PM ET | 07-18-2007

ATLvickfan said: "They are DOGS. But I guess dogs are more important than actual human lives aren't they?"

Who said that dogs are more important than humans? Or are you just making up straw men? Believe it or not, it is possible to care about both dogs and humans at the same time.

Sent by Mark | 5:34 PM ET | 07-18-2007

I hope he's suspended and if convicted, fired of course. And I hope that if convicted he's punished to the full extent of the law. And I fervently hope that his fellow inmates are dog lovers.

Sent by D Cohen | 5:43 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Mark said: "Who said that dogs are more important than humans? Or are you just making up straw men? Believe it or not, it is possible to care about both dogs and humans at the same time."

from the media reports and the attention this thing is getting, you'd think that dogs actually had feelings, and that there actually was a heaven where all dogs go to.

Dog fighting is cruel, and vick should be punished, but not thrown in jail with rapists and murderers and child sex offenders.

Why don't you animal lovers actually do something instead of wasting time making a big scene: why don't you protest Mcdonalds or Wendy's or any other fast food chain that exhibits cruel animal treatment in processing meat. Oh wait, that's not trendy and cool to do, is it? Or maybe it's not as easy to do? Well time to be american and stick my head in the sand...

Sent by ATLvickfan | 10:56 PM ET | 07-18-2007

ALTvickfan said, "Why don't you animal lovers actually do something instead of wasting time making a big scene: why don't you protest Mcdonalds or Wendy's or any other fast food chain that exhibits cruel animal treatment in processing meat."

Mr. ALTvickfan seems to be under the impression that there must be some justification he can offer for Mr. Vick's unforgivable behavior.

Mr. ALTVickfan: there is a vast difference between slaughtering animals for food, and taking pleasure in purposely tormenting animals. Please stop trying to tell the rest of the world that his actions are okay for any reason. The only requirement for understanding why what he did is so offensive is the ability to perceive the feelings of others. A waste of time is really a subjective thing, isn't it? I consider being a professional sports fan one of the biggest possible wastes of time.

Mr. Vick seems to exhibit the lack of empathy characteristic of sociopaths. Beyond the dogfighting allegations, his history seems to include many other actions to support the idea that perhaps he IS a sociopath. People who cannot feel empathy, I regret to say, do not have a rightful place in society, as they are a constant danger to those of us born with a full compliment of mental function. Mr. Vick has demonstrated through his many selfish and insensitive actions that he does not deserve the privilege of freedom (or companionship or respect or tolerance).

Sent by Elizabeth | 8:28 AM ET | 07-19-2007

Dogfighting has been going on behind closed doors for a long time. Mr. Vick is one of thousands of cruel people lacking respect and compassion for life. If Mr. Vick could spend real time with a dog, he could see what amazing and loyal creatures they are. Yesterday I was extremely upset at this news. Today, I think that maybe finally people will realize that we should take serious measures to stop this cruelty and not just think, "Well, it's not happening in my neighberhood." Also, maybe this will open conversations about the other countless acts of cruelty to animals (factory farming, fur trade)"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress, can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Gandhi- What does this cruelty say about our country?

Freedom Rights
Women's Rights
Civil Rights
Animal Rights

Sent by Erika Hirsch | 4:00 PM ET | 07-19-2007

The good that is to come of this is that it is in the mainstream news where buried issues such as these are brought to the surface. It is difficult but crucial to see and then do.

Sent by Agnes | 4:43 PM ET | 07-19-2007

I grew up in Los Angeles (Watts) and knew of individuals who fought dogs. I found and find the practice atrocious! If Vick was involved in this activity - and all indications are that he was - his actions cast a dark shadow over the league in general. Fighting animals for fun and profit is reprehensible and I believe are worse then "human death fights" - at least humans have a choice.

Sent by Darrell | 5:30 PM ET | 07-19-2007

You represent your employer whether you are at work or not. With the money the athletes are making their employers deserve to have the BEST representation. You won't see a felon working at a bank, so why should he be allowed to parade around on a field making millions a year. He should not be in a position to be a roll model for anyone. To all those who watch him play, they are supporting him by supporting the team. Vick made bad decisions, he should pay for them like anyone else. The beautiful pit bulls had no decision, they did all they could to please their employer and were tortured for not properly representing.

Sent by Kaye Sellon-Langley | 11:54 AM ET | 07-20-2007

I find it beyond belief that someone could do this and worse yet, that other players, such as Portis can say whats the big deal. He should be suspended from playing.

Sent by Virginia | 6:24 PM ET | 07-20-2007

Too bad this is not Dante's Inferno and the punishment can't suit the crime.

Sent by Diana | 6:30 PM ET | 07-20-2007

Since the NFL and Falcons are too cowardly to suspend Vick while his legal defense goes on, let's look at the front linemen of opposing teams. Hey guys, here's your chance to sack someone who truly deserves to get hurt...things do happen on the field.
QBs have been known to be permanently injured. Retribution takes many forms.
Something to think about. I might add that the rest of us should stop shopping with Nike (Vick made $7 MILLION from them). Jail is too good for the guy, but I hope he winds up there.

Sent by Susan Zenier | 9:53 PM ET | 07-20-2007

Talented male athletes are given a free pass at an early age. They get away with pretty much anything when the "powerless" (women & animals) are involved. The lesson they've learned for most of their careers is that they are above the law because of their inherent value to "the team." If their actions don't damage the income for the college program or owners, they get off and all is forgiven. Most NFL fans are men. What percentage of men REALLY care about animal cruelty? Certainly fewer than the percentage of women outraged by dogfighting and the inherent cruelty of this so-called sport!

Sent by Connie Graham | 7:22 AM ET | 07-21-2007

I think this is all a bunch of stupid BS. We have HUMANS being poisoned by our food supply and all that is being talked about is dogfighting. Get real people. Is it ok that our children are poisoned daily by their peanut butter and jellies and yet its more important that some idiot got caught fighting dogs. Who freaking cares?!!! I'm gonna be one pissed off MF'er when my kid is in the hospital because of some poison in his food. Why aren't people talking about that? I think people should recheck their priorities.

Sent by Scooter | 10:40 PM ET | 07-21-2007

but that does not mean that I condone the intentional brutality involved in dog fightine. Instead of paying professional athletes millions of dollars, they should be paid minimum wage and the higher salaries should go to the teachers, fireman, police and other community projects that support moral fiber.

Sent by Clinton Timmons | 7:12 AM ET | 07-22-2007

ALTvickfan and Scooter are prime examples of why so many prefer the company of animals to so-called humans. All of creation serves a purpose. If Scooter's child disappeared, dogs would be called upon to aid in his/her location. Dogs are used to help protect our troops and us by sniffing out dangerous explosives in the war arena and at our airports and border crossings. Some of our great heroes of 911 were dogs used to locate victims buried beneath the rubble of the World Trade Center. Our local police depend upon dogs to carry out their work, not to mention the health benefits they bring to adults and children confined to long term care facilities and hospitals. They give sight to the blind and life to those plagued by seizures. Given their service to humanity, why should they be treated with less respect than they have earned?

Sent by J. Shands | 6:08 PM ET | 07-22-2007

Shands

I am not saying they should be treated with less respect. I am saying that when it comes to priorities I think the media should be all over the dangers of our food supply first and foremost. However the first thing you see when you turn the news on is this Vick thing. If indeed he was fighting dogs and then electrocuting them then he deserves all the punishment he gets, BUT this topic and his actions do not directly threaten the lives of people and their pets like the food recalls do.

Sent by Scooter | 9:58 AM ET | 07-23-2007

It is so interesting that ATLvickfan and Scooter don't see why this is so horrendous. The quote from Gandhi says it all. If we can't take care of the defenseless in our society (dogs, children), then we are lost. Perhaps if Vick and all the other participants were treated as they treated the poor animals, they would feel differently. I hope with all my heart they convict him. If he keeps playing, I will boycott NFL, NIKE, etc. By the way, we do avoid other types of cruelty to animals...

Sent by Sammy | 2:54 PM ET | 07-23-2007

I think that some of you seem to have blinders on when reading responses. I did not say I did'nt think it was/is horrendous, I said that I think people need to prioritize issues of importance. When you turn the news on every day and only a few seconds are allowed to inform you of what food will likely kill you today and then the next 20 min are focused on some stupid football player and his abusive nature towards his animals, It just does not make sense.

Sent by Scooter | 6:41 PM ET | 07-23-2007

I think it is time to stand up and do the right thing! Fire this sadist! Drop him from nike ads! HE DESERVES IT!!! I hope he gets punished to the fullest extent of the law and even then it will not be long enough!!!

Sent by lynn | 3:40 PM ET | 07-24-2007