Recent comments by Washington Redskins player Clinton Portis supporting Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick who is under investigation for the brutal crime of dog fighting, are dangerous and reprehensible.
"I think people should mind their business…I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, his dog, if that's what he wants to do, do it," Portis said. "If it's behind closed doors, it's okay."
The NFL should demand an explanation and hold the star running back accountable for endorsing an activity that is a felony in 48 states. Each year, thousands of pit bulls and other aggressive breed dogs are matched in vicious contests that always result in severe injuries and often end in death. Once a secretive, underground activity largely confined to rural areas, dog fighting has expanded to the inner cities, is glorified in rap videos, and is openly embraced as a macho symbol of hip hop culture.
The Vick investigation began when police recently raided his 15 acre property in Virginia looking for drugs. They found 60 pit bulls and similar breeds, some scarred and in poor condition. A large amount of evidence including veterinary medications, blood soaked carpeting, and fighting paraphernalia was also seized.
Portis' statement is not only insulting to law enforcement and humane societies nationwide working to protect animals and communities from the violence of dog fighting. It is also a highly troubling indication that some professional football players see nothing wrong with the activity. The flippant way in which Portis dismissed the cruelty of dog fighting, and the allegations against Vick, are a sign that the subculture has taken root within the NFL ranks and is not being seriously addressed by the league.
In a May 3rd letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell, HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle offered HSUS collaboration to investigate and eradicate any illegal animal fighting. Three former players have been associated with pit bull contests including LeShon Johnson, who has twice been convicted on dog fighting charges. Goodell has not responded to Pacelle's letter.
In light of the Portis comments, The HSUS is renewing its offer to the Commissioner to share our extensive knowledge and experience with dog fighting and work collaboratively to root out any in the NFL who may be involved.
Portis, a talented athlete and star running back, is a role model for many young men in the Washington, D.C. area and beyond. His recent comments may serve to encourage young men and boys to become involved in this violent crime. The running back, who has blithely dismissed animal cruelty at best, and endorsed a felony crime at worst, should be held accountable for his comments, and the NFL should issue a zero-tolerance policy against this activity.
In an effort to quell the furor that has erupted in the wake of his open support of Vick, the Redskins on Tuesday released a statement by Portis saying: "I want to make it clear I do not take part in dog fighting or condone dog fighting in any manner."
If the allegations against Vick result in criminal charges and he is convicted, the NFL should sanction him with a significant fine and suspension. Anything less would dismiss the seriousness of the crime and send a message that the NFL is willing to tolerate a cruel and violent felony pastime that is spreading nationwide.
Timeline:
April 25 - Authorities executing a drug related warrant on Vick- owned property discovered more than 50 dogs in a state of apparent neglect and malnourishment. Many of the animals had wounds and scars believed to be from dog fighting. Police also found evidence used to train fighting dogs and drugs typically used to treat wounded dogs.
May 3 - The HSUS sends a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell. President and CEO Wayne Pacelle calls on the NFL to collaborate with The HSUS in an organized effort to eradicate animal cruelty and illegal animal fighting activity from the ranks of the league.
May 18 - Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA) also sends a letter to Commissioner Goodell, urging strong action against any athlete involved in dog fighting. The same day, Clinton Portis makes comments to a Virginia TV station making light of the criminal allegations. The Redskins quickly issue a statement in Portis' name - "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."
May 22 - On the same day that authorities in Virginia meet to review evidence in the case, Clinton Portis again revisits the issue in comments to the NFL Network downplaying the seriousness of dog fighting.
Some Facts about Animal Fighting and Animal Cruelty:
- Other sports figures such as the NBA's Qyntel Woods have been arrested for dog fighting
- Earlier this year, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux was arrested and charged with felony animal abuse after allegedly killing his girlfriend's dog.
- Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis and NBA star Latrell Sprewell have had pit bulls who have attacked people.
- Boxer Roy Jones Jr. is a known cockfighter.
- President Bush recently signed into law a bill making the interstate transport of animals for fighting a felony crime. The law goes into effect immediately.
- There are reports of animal fighting crimes nearly every week in the United States. In March alone, raids in Ohio and California yielded dozens of arrests, the seizure of 64 dogs, 300 birds, $30,000 dollars in illegal gambling proceeds, guns and an explosive device. Raids in Arkansas and Oklahoma this past weekend resulted in 81 arrests.
- Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states. Cockfighting is illegal in 49 states. Only Louisiana allows legal cockfighting.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.
