Maroon News

Issue date: 8/30/07 Section: Sports

Some people may ask this question: would Colts quarterback Peyton Manning be run over the coals for a similar offense? How about Patriots quarterback Tom Brady? It's always dangerous to make something a race issue that isn't one, but I can't help but wonder. A prominent black man falling from grace makes a much juicier story than a prominent white man doing so. In addition, the action of defining what is culturally acceptable and the group that does the defining also becomes quite relevant. Who tells us what is and isn't culturally legitimate? Rodeos are acceptable and those animals aren't exactly treated like one of Paris Hilton's Chihuahuas. Would boxing still be considered acceptable in our society if the HBO and Showtime suits weren't making millions off of it? What about the Ultimate Fighting Championship? I won't venture to assert any conclusions from this, but I only ask that you ponder it for yourself. One thing is for sure: if humans pounding other humans into the ground is morally permissible, Mike Vick enjoying dog fighting suddenly doesn't seem like that big of a deal.

We all make mistakes. His certainly was a bad one, but the public has forgiven people for at least as much in the past. If Vick asks our forgiveness and puts himself out there, we as sports fans should accept his apology. Even a dog deserves that much.

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