Michael Vick Should Have Just Killed Someone

R.L. White, the head of the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP who was probably appointed to that position based on the irony of his name alone, thinks Michael Vick would have been better off killing a person rather than getting caught dogfighting.

"In some instances, I believe Michael Vick has received more negative press than if he would've killed a human being," White said. "The way he is being persecuted, he wouldn't have been persecuted that much had he killed somebody."

It blows my mind that a leader in an organization that has worked so hard for so long on issues like civil rights and desegregation and education for the underprivileged would say anything at all to support a football player with a $130 million job. Seriously, sir... Vick does not need your help.

White's statements only show that he doesn't take the crime seriously and doesn't know history. I recall a football player being accused of killing a couple people a few years back. I seem to remember that it was kind of a big deal. Rae Carruth is still serving time for his role in his girlfriend's death. Leonard Little did bounce back from his accidental killing while driving drunk. His punishment wasn't nearly harsh enough, it's true. But let's also keep in mind that vehicular homicide was not a lifestyle that Little maintained for several years or invested thousands of dollars in. He got too drunk at his birthday party and killed someone. One time.

Vick has been involved in dogfighting at least since 2001. He took his #1 seed bonus money and made a commitment to being the best dogfighter in the country. He bought dogs, land, equipment... everything he would need to get Bad Newz Kennels going. He let someone else manage the operation, but make no mistake... Vick was the bankroll and inspiration behind it. It's not a lifestyle he fell into. It's a lifestyle he initiated and perpetuated intentionally. And here is the result.

So, no, I don't think Vick's persecution is unwarranted. Is there any other way White would like to downplay the crime?

White also said he didn't understand the uproar over dogfighting, when hunting deer and other animals is perfectly acceptable.

Ok, well, for starters...

1) Deer hunting is not tantamount to torture.
2) Deer hunting has a practical aspect to it. People eat deer.
3) Deer hunting is legal.
4) Fuck you.

I didn't think it was possible for any one man to diminish the progress that the NAACP has made over the years, but I had never before heard of jackassery to this degree. Someone from the national offices had better take a trip down to Atlanta to straighten White out before he opens his mouth again. Jesus, even Al Sharpton isn't defending Vick on this one. You know you fucked up when Sharpton won't hold a rally for you.