Tucker Carlson: Vick 'should have been 'executed'

[brodie21]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) ? The Eagles are more worried about Michael Vick's injured leg than another attack on his dogfighting past.

Fox analyst Tucker Carlson gave the harshest critique of Vick's past yet, saying the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback ``should have been executed'' for his gruesome dogfighting crimes.

Carlson was guest hosting for Sean Hannity's show on Fox News Channel on Tuesday night when he made the remarks. He led a panel discussion about President Barack Obama commending the owner of the Eagles for giving Vick a second chance after his release from prison. Vick served 18 months in federal prison for running a dogfighting ring.

Carlson said: ``Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did (it) in a heartless and cruel way.'' He added, ``I think personally he should have been executed for that.''

Pamela Browner White, the Eagles senior vice president of public affairs and government relations, said the team had no comment.

The Eagles did not practice on Wednesday so Vick, voted an NFC Pro Bowl starter, was not available for comment.

Neither Vick's agent, Joel Segal, nor Fox News immediately returned phone messages on Wednesday.

This season, Vick has gone from a seldom-used backup to the NFC's leading passer, the catalyst for Philadelphia's dynamic offense. He was selected in a leaguewide vote by NFL players, coaches and fans to start for the NFC in the Jan. 30 Pro Bowl in Honolulu, and has led the Eagles to the No. 3 seed in the NFC.

He bruised a leg on the first play of the Eagles' 24-14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday night and might not play in Sunday's season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.

Carlson, a conservative commentator, was angry that Obama told Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie he believes people who have paid for their crimes should have the opportunity to contribute to society again.

``But the idea that the President of the United States would be getting behind someone who murdered dogs (is) kind of beyond the pale,'' he said.

Vick, who saw his first dogfight as a 7-year-old, has revived his career and is taking steps to rebuild his image. He spends time on his off days working with the Humane Society of the United States and speaking to school and community groups about the cruelty of dogfighting. He has said he'd never be able to completely forget the horrific acts he witnessed and committed.

He made headlines recently when he said he genuinely cares about animals and would like to have a dog for a pet. Vick said his kids ask him every day for a dog and wants to adopt one for his family.

It won't happen soon. Under the terms of his probation, which ends in May 2012, he cannot own dogs during that time.

Carlson called Vick ``some creepy rich overpaid football player'' and used his platform to take a dig at Obama.

``He went to jail for two years. I mean, whatever,'' Carlson said. ``I think the president should be quiet on this one.''

what do you guys think about this?

 

[archvile93]

Vick hasn't changed. The only reason he's doing this is because he got caught, though that punishment (death) seems a tad excessive.

 

[Amethyst Wind]

Much as I hate to dismiss something out of hand, this did come from Fox News, which does not have a good track record with its speakers.

As for Michael Vick, I believe that when his probation ends in 2012, assuming the world is still here, then yes, he should be able to own a dog if he chooses to. He has behaved himself exceptionally since leaving prison, which leads me to think that he maybe deserves a second chance. Not only that, but he has also made steps to actually improve himself as a player (the guy was already a pro-bowler before he went to jail) but he's got himself a work ethic and the drive to really make something of himself.

Redemption stories are always good when they go well, and Michael Vick's has gone well. I think that losing 18 months of his life has changed him, and regardless of whether he's learned his lesson or is just terrified of going back to prison, he's gonna be a good boy from now on, and a good player, and I'm firmly on his side here.

 

[capin Rob]

I think it's just the floks at Fox "News" not thinking before they say somthing, like they do.... Every time they open thier mouths.

I mean, vicks paid his debt, And they can get fuckin murders off for 5 years, but nope, vick killed dogs, we must KILLL!

It's just silly.....

 

[lostzombies.com]

Huh, I just agreed with someone from Fox News...who'd a funk it

 

[shadowstriker86]

i think denis leary had the best idea, strap 200lbs worth of meat onto vick and let him run through a caged football field chased by abused dogs

 

[Ken Sapp]

what do you guys think about this?

While I can easily agree with the sentiment expressed by Carlson I am also of the opinion that Vick should be allowed to reform himself. Does he deserve a second chance? Probably not but he has received one and the ball is in his hands now so to speak. Should people who help others get a second chance be praised? In general, yes but I severely doubt the owner/s and coaches of the Eagles were thinking about Vick's reformation when they signed him.

On the other hand the NFL should not allow him to be eligible for the Pro Bowl until he has shown himself to be provably reformed and a good role model. It is sad that professional athletes are put in the position of role models but since they are the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and NASCAR should hold them to a much higher standard of conduct.

 

[Gigaguy64]

i think denis leary had the best idea, strap 200lbs worth of meat onto vick and let him run through a caged football field chased by abused dogs

Now this is a punishment i could get behind.

OT:I firmly believe that he should have a second chance, but i don't think people will ever let him forget what he did.
His reputation is permanently hurt.
And that's something that will effect him for a while to come.

 

[KingGolem]

Why is dog fighting illegal, again? Dogs don't vote and pay taxes, and I think it's a damn shame that we waste all this time and money to make sure that no one's mean to them. It's more of this nonsense of people trying to force their own self-righteous beliefs down other peoples' throats. To suggest that a man ought to be executed, or even serve 18 months in prison for being cruel to dogs is ridiculous, for it is nobody's business but the man's. If you don't like the idea of dog fights, don't make your dogs fight, don't go to dog fights, and let the people who think disagree do their own thing. But hey, that's just my take on it.

 

[Ken Sapp]

In general, yes but I severely doubt the owner/s and coaches of the Eagles were thinking about Vick's reformation when they signed him.

Andy Reid (Coach of the Eagles) actually was thinking of his reformation when he signed him.

Good for him, there should be more people like him in the world.

Why is dog fighting illegal, again? Dogs don't vote and pay taxes, and I think it's a damn shame that we waste all this time and money to make sure that no one's mean to them. It's more of this nonsense of people trying to force their own self-righteous beliefs down other peoples' throats. To suggest that a man ought to be executed, or even serve 18 months in prison for being cruel to dogs is ridiculous, for it is nobody's business but the man's. If you don't like the idea of dog fights, don't make your dogs fight, don't go to dog fights, and let the people who think disagree do their own thing. But hey, that's just my take on it.

Children don't vote or pay taxes either so why should we waste time and money making sure no one is mean to them either. I feel genuinely sorry for you if you are so coldhearted as to think the abuse of any creature for fun and profit is all right.

Is execution appropriate for crimes such as this? Probably not but the sentiment is entirely understandable.

 

[TheRightToArmBears]

No one should be excecuted, ever. And anyway, the lives of however many dogs does not equal the life of any human.

"Carlson, a conservative commentator, was angry that Obama told Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie he believes people who have paid for their crimes should have the opportunity to contribute to society again."

Evidence that this Carlson bloke needs clip around the ear. What a massive ****.

 

[Pipotchi]

Why is dog fighting illegal, again? Dogs don't vote and pay taxes, and I think it's a damn shame that we waste all this time and money to make sure that no one's mean to them. It's more of this nonsense of people trying to force their own self-righteous beliefs down other peoples' throats. To suggest that a man ought to be executed, or even serve 18 months in prison for being cruel to dogs is ridiculous, for it is nobody's business but the man's. If you don't like the idea of dog fights, don't make your dogs fight, don't go to dog fights, and let the people who think disagree do their own thing. But hey, that's just my take on it.

Isnt this exactly the argument people used to justify the keeping of slaves?. They dont vote or pay taxes, its not like they are people or anything

 

[WanderingFool]

Much as I hate to dismiss something out of hand, this did come from Fox News, which does not have a good track record with its speakers.

As for Michael Vick, I believe that when his probation ends in 2012, assuming the world is still here, then yes, he should be able to own a dog if he chooses to. He has behaved himself exceptionally since leaving prison, which leads me to think that he maybe deserves a second chance. Not only that, but he has also made steps to actually improve himself as a player (the guy was already a pro-bowler before he went to jail) but he's got himself a work ethic and the drive to really make something of himself.

Redemption stories are always good when they go well, and Michael Vick's has gone well. I think that losing 18 months of his life has changed him, and regardless of whether he's learned his lesson or is just terrified of going back to prison, he's gonna be a good boy from now on, and a good player, and I'm firmly on his side here.

I concur. Give the man a chance... just when he gets a dog, keep a bit of an eye on him, just to be safe.

 

[HobbesMkii]

Jeez... I dunno, man. Somehow, I don't think capital punishment ought to be handed out like candy. Call me crazy, but if we're going to use the death penalty (something I don't support anyhow), why don't we save it for things like murder (of humans), rape (of humans), or treason? Oh, wait, we already do that. Thank God I lived in an enlightened society.

I mean, I'm a dog-lover myself, but that doesn't mean I think anyone caught fighting dogs deserves to die. There are worse crimes in this world. Tucker Carlson needs a reality check.

 

[Jamboxdotcom]

the scariest thing for me here is that a FAUX NUs pundit is basically on the same side as PETA. what's the world coming to?

 

[NickCooley]

While I do believe animal cruelty should be punished I still fucking hate people who value the lives of animals over the lives of people. Backwards thinking morons. The guys already paid his time drop it you bloody minded, militant, PETA wannabes

Why is dog fighting illegal, again? Dogs don't vote and pay taxes, and I think it's a damn shame that we waste all this time and money to make sure that no one's mean to them. It's more of this nonsense of people trying to force their own self-righteous beliefs down other peoples' throats. To suggest that a man ought to be executed, or even serve 18 months in prison for being cruel to dogs is ridiculous, for it is nobody's business but the man's. If you don't like the idea of dog fights, don't make your dogs fight, don't go to dog fights, and let the people who think disagree do their own thing. But hey, that's just my take on it.

Isnt this exactly the argument people used to justify the keeping of slaves?. They dont vote or pay taxes, its not like they are people or anything

The difference here being slaves ARE people while, you know, dogs aren't. Thats a really stupid rebuttal.