Sen. Byrd: Ok to Execute Niggers Who Fight Dogs

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,290061,00.html

Michael Vick Dogfighting Case Makes Way to Floor of U.S. Senate

Thursday, July 19, 2007

RICHMOND, Va. - The Michael Vick dogfighting case made its way to the floor

of the U.S. Senate Thursday when its most senior member publicly declared

his outrage, saying he's witnessed one execution but wouldn't mind seeing

another "if it involves this cruel, sadistic, cannibalistic business of

training innocent, vulnerable creatures to kill."

The strong words from Sen. Robert Byrd, D-WV, widely known for his devotion

to animals, come as dogfighting controversy swirls around the Atlanta

Falcons star quarterback. Vick and three others were indicted earlier this

week on felony charges of competitive dogfighting, procuring and training

pit bulls for fighting, and conducting the enterprise across state lines.

The dogs were housed, trained and fought at a property owned by Vick in

Surry County, Va., under an outfit named "Bad Newz Kennels," the indictment

says.

Among the grisly findings: Losing dogs either died in the pit or were

electrocuted, drowned, hanged or shot. The indictment said purses climbed as

high as $20,000 for fights.

Byrd called the activities described in the Vick case "sadistic" and

"barbaric." At one point, Byrd began shouting and pumping his fist.

"Barbaric!," he yelled. "Let that word resounding from hill to hill, and

from mountain to mountain, and valley to valley across the broad land.

Barbaric! Barbaric! May God help those poor souls who'd be so cruel.

Barbaric! Hear me! Barbaric!"

Byrd, 89, said he would not prejudge the men's guilt or innocence, but he

left no doubts about his sentiments.

"I am confident that the hottest places in hell are reserved for the souls

of sick and brutal people who hold God's creatures in such brutal and cruel

contempt," he said.

"One is left wondering," he said. "Who are the real animals: the creatures

inside or outside the ring?"

Meanwhile, the Falcons owner and CEO released his first public statement on

the matter Thursday, saying he was "working diligently on exploring our

options" on the indicted quarterback.

"This situation affects everyone - our club, our players and associates, our

sponsors, our fans and the Atlanta community among them - so we must

consider all of our customers in making any decisions," Arthur Blank said in

a statement. "Given the differing perspectives and strong feelings around

this issue, we probably won't make everyone happy, but we are committed to

doing the right thing."

Blank added that he was "saddened and distressed about this - not for

myself, for our fans and community who have been so loyal to us."

ESPN reported that Vick had called Blank, and said sources believed Vick to

have been contrite, apologetic and grateful for Blank's support.

Vick's legal troubles prompted Nike to suspend the release of its latest

product line named after him.

Nike told retailers it will not release a fifth signature shoe, the Air Zoom

Vick V, this summer. Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer said the four shoe products

and three shirts that currently bear Vick's name will remain in stores.

That news comes on the heels of a statement from the Humane Society of the

United States calling upon Nike to pull its Vick clothing and shoes from

retailers and from its Web site. It also called upon NFL commissioner Roger

Goodell to suspend Vick.

Vick and the three associates are set to appear in Richmond July 26 for bond

hearings and arraignments on charges contained in a detailed, 18-page

indictment. Conviction carries up to six years in prison, fines of $350,000

and restitution.

But after the hearing, Vick will likely rejoin the Falcons as he awaits his

court date. After consulting with the Falcons, Goodell and top league

officials agreed Wednesday to let Vick play as the legal process determines

the facts.

The NFL players' union took the same stance as the league.

"It's unfortunate that Michael Vick is in this position, as these

allegations are extremely disturbing and offensive," the union said in a

statement. "This case is now in the hands of the judicial system, and we

have to allow the legal process to run its course. However, we recognize

Michael still has the right to prove his innocence. Hopefully, these

allegations are untrue and Michael will be able to continue his NFL career."

Goodell and Blank say they met individually with Vick in May after the

investigation started, telling him to straighten up or risk discipline.

Blank said he "could not have been more stern" in telling Vick that he

represents himself, the franchise and the league and needs to do it right.

"They both challenged me to be more accountable in all areas of my life. I

know I need to make some changes around me to make sure that the people in

my life have my best interest at heart," Vick said at the time. "My goal is

to not let my fans, my teammates or my coaches down."

The Falcons signed Vick to a 10-year, $130 million contract in December

2004. He has been paid about $44 million, including $37 million in

guaranteed bonuses, and is due to earn a base salary of $6 million this

season.

Teams can amortize the salary cap implications of signing bonuses, but if a

player is cut, all bonuses paid but not yet factored into the salary cap

must be accounted for within two years.

The Falcons face an estimated salary cap hit of about $6 million this year

and $15 million in 2008 if they release Vick - devastating hits to any

team's budget.