Michael Vick: Kill a dog, do the time
December 10, 2007It’s on: Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months for animal cruelty and financing a dog-fighting conspiracy. Like many addictions, from cocaine to gambling, Vick’s is costing him dearly:
The Atlanta Falcons are attempting to recoup bonus money from his 10-year, $130 million football contract, Vick is in default on a $1.3 million bank loan for a wine store, and two other banks have filed suits seeking repayment of a $4.5 million in loans and lines of credit.
Perhaps Vick was just born out of time and place. Shakespeare immortalized bear baiting, and Queen Elizabeth (the first one) was a big fan of what was a big-time sport. Even today, there are those who will defend Michael Vick and dogfighting, some on cultural, others on libertarian grounds. Money quote:
In the end, if animals are property — and they are — then their owners should be fit to do with them as they please.
Society–and the law–doesn’t see it that way. That’s why Vick is losing his liberty–and as predicted here, his money.
