The negative stereotypes about the American Pitbull Terrier are creeping back due to the huge media coverage involving Atlanta Falcon’s star quarterback Michael Vick.

Although I’m a huge fan of the NFL and I was looking forward to watching Vick and recently acquired Joe Horn play together, I feel that Vick should be punished to the fullest extent of the law, if he was indeed involved in the dogfighting allegations. According to many reports I’ve read recently, Vick was indeed involved with fighting pitbulls.

I believe Vick had a passion for dogfighting. I know many athletes who share his passion. The allure is the intensity and the challenge of a dog fighting to the death. It’s like ultimate fighting, but the dog doesn’t tap out when he knows he can’t win.

It reminds me of when I wore a lot of jewelry back in the day because I always wanted to have the biggest chain or the biggest, baddest car. It gives you status.

~ Deion Sanders

“He’s a pit bull fighter,” the source said of Vick. “He’s one of the ones that they call ‘the big boys’: that’s who bets a large dollar. And they have the money to bet large money. As I’m talking about large money — $30,000 to $40,000 — even higher. He’s one of the heavyweights.”

~ ESPN Confidential Source

The 52 pit bulls found on Vick’s estate were mostly emaciated, authorities said, kept ravenously hungry so that they would eagerly assail the flesh of the dogs they met in the ring. The losing animals, the indictment said, were sometimes executed if they didn’t die in the fight. One dog, the grand jury reported, was hosed down after a loss and then electrocuted.

~ SFgate

I’ve owned Trench (my pitbull) for a couple years now and I can’t understand why people would fight these awesome dogs. They are loyal, protective, determined, and most of all not aggressive if you teach them right and treat them well. I’ve always been against dogfighting and animal cruelty and if Vick is indeed guilty, its time to face up to the crime and do the time. Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony in most of them as well. Maybe six years in prison, a $350,000 fine, and being expelled from football and losing all endorsements will open the eyes of other “stars” who think they can get away with anything because of their so called celebrity status.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think he is guilty? He has already plead not guilty, so it looks like the trial will be a long fought one.