The U.S. legal system will determine if Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was in any involved in the so-called ‘dog-fighting’ scheme that his name has been allegedly linked to.
Almost as distressing was the reaction of a fellow NFL player, long-time running back Clinton Portis.
Before his team, the Washington Redskins, rushed to issue a public apology, Portis was evidently accurately quoted as saying (on ESPN.com) , "If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business."
The story goes on to say that when Portis was informed that dog fighting is a felony, he replied, "It can't be too bad of a crime."
Beyond the cruelty and uneccessary pain inflicted on animals stemming from this so-called “sport”, are we to believe that Portis’s attitude reflects a broader malaise about such activities?
Impossible to say, of course.
But young athletes would be well advised to keep certain thoughts to themselves.
While it is generally a good thing to be honest, engaging and open, though guarded, when interacting with reporters, situations like the one that has touched Vick should throw up red flags.
Perhaps Portis was simply saying what he really felt, that forcing dogs to fight one another is no big deal.
If so, while it is his right to hold such views, many would find those views at best disconcerting.
But to publicly express such views?
No wonder the Redskins scrambled to have him apologize publicly, and did so themselves as an organization the next day.
