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05/22/2007: "Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say ... Unless You're An Pro Athlete, Of Course"

We've known for years that professional athletics may attract the best and brightest physical talents, but there's no particular link between athletic ability and, say, ethics or common sense. Whether Pete Rose and gambling, Barry Bonds and steroids, or any of a myriad of other examples, we're used to our pro athletes doing what they want and assuming that when they lie about it, we'll believe them. Unfortunately, too often we do.

Recently, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick - not exactly blemish-free character wise, has his house in South Carolina raided by the Feds. What do they find? A full-blown dog fighting cartel ... the dogs - the rings - the whole deal. Vick naturally blames a relative who was living there and quickly sells the house. It still remains to see just how that will all shake out.

What made this story even more interesting was the way that Washington Redskins players Clinton Portis and Chris Samuels went public on Monday with their support for Vick. To them, dog fighting was all harmless fun, and if Mike was into it, they had his back.

"I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog," Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis told WAVY-TV in Virginia. "If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business."

When told that dog fighting is a felony, Portis replied, "It can't be too bad of a crime."

"You want to hunt down Mike Vick over fighting some dogs?," Portis told the television station. "I think people should mind their own business."

Portis said that dog fighting is more common than people think.

"I know a lot of back roads that have the dog fighting if you want to go see it," he said.

That lasted for about 6 hours - right until NFL Commissioner and Head Executioner Roger Goodell caught wind of it. Suddenly, the Redskins were releasing a statement purported to be from Portis that tried to "clarify" his comments.

"In the recent interview I gave concerning dog fighting, I want to make it clear I do not take part in dog fighting or condone dog fighting in any manner."

Puleeze ...

You see, to me the real issue isn't dog fighting - it's character. I don't care what you believe in - if you believe it and are willing to stand behind that belief, I can respect you. But these guys come out and say what they say, proclaiming it to be their belief - right up until they got the call from the Commish. Then all of a sudden they're all politically correct and contrite. C'mon, fellas - grow a pair. Either stand by what you say, or STFU in the first place!