It with mixed emotions and sadness when thinking of the plight of our talented Black men. So much potential wasted and for what? We can talk about the injustices our people suffer under this system, and there are instances where it appears justice is harshest to people of color, but why put ourselves in those situations.

Sent by Bill | 5:34 PM ET | 08-20-2007

This is most definitely about color. There were black ones, brown ones, and some were even bi-colored, hell some even had blue eyes. Most would have killed a person with kisses. Yet to Vick it was sport? What kind of humane is this guy, from what planet did he come from. He's just another predator of the innocent. I think a year in jail WITHOUT food and water would be overly just.

Sent by Pam Banegas | 5:59 PM ET | 08-20-2007

Look Vick made a choice to attend dog fights, breed fighting dog, gamble on dogs, and surround himself around the people who rolled on him. He made a choice to jeopardize his NFL career, endorsement deals, and his freedom as a free citizen. He made those choices and that it.

Sent by R. | 10:04 AM ET | 08-21-2007

I wasn't surprised by Vick's plea deal. I mean it was just a matter of time for him to do the same thing that his "friends" did before further charges were brought against him.

Also, I can't believe those folks who are making this a racial matter. Come on, this is about a guy who was stupid (and sick to some extent). How stupid could he be to forfeit $130 million contract?; not to talk of the $50 million Nike contract by trying to "keep it real" with his boys who finally rat him out. He of all people should know such multi-million contracts come with "moral clauses" and though they don't require him to be a choir boy; he shouldn't be a thug committing illegal (and heinous) acts such as dog fighting either.

So for those folks who think Vick is been targeted for been black, I give you exhibit A in R. Kelly. Who after five years for an alleged "relations" with an underaged girl, is still the toast of the R&B music world. Exhibit B in former basketball player, Jayson Williams who accidently shot and killed a security guard at his house four years ago and still hasn't seen the big house. These two aforementioned individuals were allegedly involved in lives been altered or taken and I don't hear or see the outrage. But Vick is been seen by some as the victim because he's black . . . give me a freaking break.

Sent by Moji | 12:47 PM ET | 08-21-2007

Stupid is as Stupid does!

Sent by BlackinUSA | 1:53 PM ET | 08-21-2007

The guy made one good choice... he showed up for arraignment with a conservative haircut and no jewlery.

Sent by the chief | 4:48 PM ET | 08-21-2007

It all boils down to this; you are judged by the company you keep and there are consequences for your actions. If nothing else comes out of the Vick case, this needs to be stressed to our youth. Does race play a part in this? Maybe, but only when it comes to the media. If what the other co-defendants say is true, Vick not only placed bets, but personally participated in killing dogs. I still support him since he is admitting his guilt now he needs to make amends.

Sent by Native Son | 9:15 PM ET | 08-21-2007

Since Vick is going to have to fully cooperate with Federal authorities, this may yet turn into a case with a diversity of defendants. If he was truly involved with a criminal enterprise(gambling across state lines) then it is doubtful that he was at the top of the heap. As soon as he gets past the "don't snitch" code we may see a diverse variety of co-defendants.

Sent by the chief | 2:04 PM ET | 08-22-2007

Vick had a choice. He could have hung out with his backfield and teammate; Running Back Warrick Dunn.

In the off-season, with his millions, Dunn builds houses for single mothers (should be parents) with kids.

Vick chose to finance a back-woods Neanderthal operation for chump change (when compared to his million dollar salary and endorsements) DUMB!

However, I would like this critique of cruelty to animals extended to include the millionaire athletes that participate in 'sport' hunting.

AND while we're at it: those obnoxious fur coats and diamonds marinated in African blood, sweat and tears!

And not just athletes, entertainers too!

Sent by Jon Jeter | 7:35 PM ET | 08-22-2007

If you listen to the media, all black folks either approve of dog fighting, accept it as a "cultural" thing, or are just ambivalent. Admittedly, I was starting to believe it, and have been feeling disheartened. Thus, it has been a relief to read such intelligent, insightful posts that recognize the ignorance, no--just plain stupidity--and cruelty of Michael Vick and his associates. I am glad to see that many of us refuse to pull out our deck of (race) cards on this one. Black or white, Vick has done a heinous and inarguably inhumane thing. Yes, a jury of his peers (too bad Snoopy and Scooby won't be there) will decide and I hope they make the right decision. He should be punished, and if that punishment includes the dissolution of his football career, so be it. Young people deserve far better role models.

Sent by Joi Maria | 12:24 PM ET | 08-24-2007

There comes a point in all of our lives where we make a decision we learn to regret, I feel if Peta had a greater focus before this they could have had an effect on his decision making process. Dog fighting is not a new thing. It's just out in front of our faces because of Vicks superstar status. It is wrong what he did.but it is just as wrong to be this out raged over this and not Katrina,Iraq,starving children,guns on our streets,drugs ect. People need to let the justice system deal with Vick and find a forgiveness for a misguided black kid with alot of money. Be out raged over the fact that this happened at all and the fact that if it were the average guy on the street we wouldn't even know and the press wouldn't be there to pump our emotions into a fury. How would people react if Joe Montana or any of the other all american boys had done the samething? I hate watching horses being raced , I hate seeing spurs driven into a horse to make him buck.We pick which animal to say it's o.k with. I have rambled enough. See you at the Kentucky derby where those same people screaming bloody murder now will be screaming for their favorite philly until he breaks a leg and has to be put down no one will want the trainer lock away and all of the good things he has done forgotten about. People will say its legal! Animals don't think so. Greyhound don't race for fun, We race them for fun. It is legal. Be out raged but be willing to forgive.

Sent by T | 5:40 PM ET | 08-29-2007