Obama's Public Support of Michael Vick

[Corkey]

Originally Posted by BullDog

I think this articles ties many of the themes discussed in this thread together quite well.

http://www.thenation.com/article/ben...ustice-no-play

For those not familiar, Ben Rothlisberger is the starting (white) quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers- one of the leading teams in the NFL. Rothlisberger is one of the biggest stars in the NFL and has helped the Steelers win 2 Super Bowls. He was originally suspended for 6 games at the beginning of this season, but it was cut down to 4 games for his "good behavior." The Steelers are in the playoffs once again this year with Big Ben at the helm.

I think the differences between how Ben Rothlisberger and Michael Vick have been treated in the media and the reaction by the general public is very much connected. One is white, one is black. One concerned the alleged rape of a 20 year old woman (the second accusation of rape brought against him) and one against the abuse of animals. I don't think the difference in the reactions and treatment are based purely on race or purely on what people get all up in arms about- I think it is both of those things, among others.

Just to put this into perspective. Rothlisberger wasn't convicted of anything, whereas Vick was. See the difference? What ever the commissioner did to Rothlisberger was for breaking the league rules, not for rape, which was never proven in a court of law. Vick was brought to court, found guilty sentenced and served, now playing. In both of these cases the only two similarities are; 1. They are men, and 2, they are football players.

I don't care if Vick is playing again at this point because he served his time, I do care that he never get another dog. I don't care if Rothlesbsrger plays this year or any other as ..you guessed it, not a fan. But he will go to another bar, he will pick up another woman and yes he will be accused again, this will happen through out his career, it comes with the territory.
Is he guilty, no idea wasn't there and neither were any of us, so because we weren't there it is nothing more than speculation on our parts. Yet Vick was convicted, there was proof of his crimes, he went to federal prison, and while there he said he realized the error of his ways. Fine, but that man should never again have access to dogs.
Are there inequities, certainly, this is just a really poor example of it.