Death threats? Really?
Granted, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick’s past transgressions are among the more appalling in the annals of bad behavior by pro athletes (which, unfortunately, are voluminous).
He pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from his five-year operation of Bad Newz Kennels as a dog fighting ring.
He served 21 months in prison for unspeakable cruelty to animals.
There’s no justification for what he did to those poor dogs.
Among those who stand in support of humane treatment of animals, he is surely the most hated player in the NFL.
And yet, there he is, lining up under center for a team that many people in our community root for.
He’s apologized for his crimes, served his time and has given to humane causes.
He’s even playing fairly well this season.
Whether his is a great “comeback” story of redemption, or a sad commentary on a sports-obsessed nation, is in the eye of the beholder.
But either way, issuing death threats to a local businessman for scheduling a local autograph session with Mr. Vick is an absurd overreaction – calling into question the priorities of some animal lovers.
Joe Bartolo, owner of JJ Cards-N-Toys in the North Hanover Mall, said he received many death threats for scheduling the session at Buffalo Wild Wings in Springettsbury Township.
The session planned for the end
of October has been canceled by Buffalo Wild Wings, which said the event was never approved through proper company channels. Nevertheless, Mr. Bartolo said he planned to hold the session somewhere in the area.
The death threats understandably alarmed and angered Mr. Bartolo, who said, “You don’t threaten my family. That’s B.S.”
True.
But that said, holding a Michael Vick autograph session is open to public opinion and criticism.
It’s a free market, and the well-intentioned Mr. Bartolo is certainly free to sponsor such a session – without being threatened with death by animal rights activists.
But it’s hard to understand why anyone would want to pay $75 for the autograph of a dog killer – reformed or not.
And really, it’s hard to understand why anyone would pay that amount of money for the autograph of any pro athlete who is earning millions for his “work” and then charges little kids 75 bucks a pop for his useless John Hancock.
That is indeed a sad commentary on a sports-obsessed nation.
