The jury trial of Michael Vick is set for November 26th, so don’t expect dogfighting stories to go away anytime soon. And let’s hope the shame stays in the public eye until the Feds can put an end to this horrific activity.
Since the Vick indictment, only a handful of Vick fans have come to his defense … and most of them only ask for the process to take its course. I can deal with their legal logic. However, I cannot deal with those who admit to attending dogfighting – and blow it off as being less offensive than those who create the activity. That’s nonsensical since, like any event, without patrons, the activity can’t occur. Watching dogfighting is also appalling. Period.
I’m the first to admit that I’ve done some dumb things in my life – especially during my college days. Most of us have skeletons in our closets. However, watching dogfighting is hideous to me because it goes beyond simply being young and stupid. Stupidity is a matter involving the organ above your neck. Watching dogfighting is a matter of the organ between your waist and neck. It’s a matter of the heart.
While recently listening to Boston’s leading sports talk-radio station WEEI, fill-in co-host Steve DeOssie admitted to attending a dogfighting event. DeOssie, a former NFL player with the Giants, Jets, and Patriots, told listeners he was 22-years old when he attended the dogfight. He wrote it off as being young and stupid and said that he regretted attending. However, he also admitted that he didn’t leave until 11 dogfights were done.
DeOssie’s radio schtick is being an NFL tough-guy… and since sports talk-radio is entertainment (not sports journalism), schtick is what it’s all about. To be fair, Steve’s analysis of pro football gets good reviews. However, sadly, I will now always think of DeOssie as a dogfighting attendee.
DeOssie and others can write it off as being young and stupid all they want, but how do they answer to themselves and, more importantly, their loved-ones. Personally, I would have a difficult time relating to a friend or family member who attended dogfighting…at any age. But that’s just me.
Touche! You’ve hit the nail on the head. It is all about the heart. To attend dogfigting is beyond stupid, it’s heartless.
Comment by Manny — July 27, 2007 @ 9:54 am
I listen to WEEI often. DeOssie does play the tough-guy role all the time. His admitting to attending dogfighting doesn’t surprise me. Sad. Very sad.
Comment by Dawn — July 27, 2007 @ 10:38 am
Talk about being stupid. How old is DeOssie now?
Comment by JFF — July 27, 2007 @ 10:43 am
I listen to WEEI. DeOssie does play the tough-guy. Sad. Very Sad.
Comment by Dawm — July 27, 2007 @ 1:00 pm
Who’s this DeOssie guy? How stupid can he be? I hope his radio station takes heed of what he’s all about.
Comment by DRichard — July 27, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
DeOssie going to a dogfight disgusts me. And sackless John Dennis somewhat defending him was very disapointing. By the way Fred Smerlas actually supported DeOssie(what a suprise).
No matter what DeOssie says in the future I will always remember he was the guy who went to watch dogs rip eachother to shreds.
This is a stain on him that won’t go away. Like Frank Gifford and his bimbo, Marv Albert’s and his Biting or Hugh Grant and his hooker. Deossie is now the low life Dog fighting guy.
I love when people defend him. It lets me know who I don’t want as my friend.
Comment by Rocco — July 27, 2007 @ 1:26 pm
I had hoped there weren’t any Patriots involved in dog fighting, and now find out there were. Scumbags, that’s what those who would attend such a thing. Deossie is a scumbag. Plain and simple.
Comment by Rich — July 28, 2007 @ 12:22 am
Steve DeOssie’s cigars and insulting comments about women are part of his image, but watching 11 dog fights is about his character. I am disgusted. I won’t listen to his radio or TV commentary anymore. All I would see is a man who saw dogs being killed.
Comment by Ferd — July 28, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
you never did anything stupid at 22? at least the guy admitted he was wrong…..
Comment by Effie Pee — July 29, 2007 @ 9:44 pm
I did plenty of dumb things at 22, and even 32, but I did not sit through watching 11 dogfights. I would admire someone if they said they left after the first fight. I believe that watchng the next ten crosses a line that most people find unacceptable. And, I am as far from an animal person as you can get.
Comment by Ferd — July 30, 2007 @ 4:07 pm
People that are so “disgusted” by Deossie need to take a glance back at their own past. He said he was regretful. Get over it, you bored jobless losers
Comment by yeah — November 13, 2007 @ 3:22 pm