The television interview was disturbing.
Washington Redskins players Clinton Portis and Chris Samuels on Tuesday defended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick – who may face charges for supporting a dog fighting operation in Virginia – by ridiculing the idea that dog fighting is a crime.
Joking throughout the interview, Portis’ and Samuels’ comments as quoted in an Associated Press article include:
“I don’t know if he was fighting dogs or not,” Portis said. “But it’s his property; it’s his dogs. If that’s what he wants to do, do it.”
Portis said dog fighting is a “prevalent” part of life.
“I know a lot of back roads that got a dog fight if you want to go see it,” said Portis, a native of Laurel, Miss. “But they’re not bothering those people because those people are not big names. I’m sure there’s some police got some dogs that are fighting them, some judges got dogs and everything else.”
“Politicians,” added Samuels, who found it hard to keep from giggling while Portis was talking.
“Presidents,” added Portis with a laugh.
Although dog fighting is a felony in Virginia, Portis said that if Vick is charged and convicted: “Then I think he got cheated. … You’re putting him behind bars for no reason – over a dog fight.”
“Haven’t you seen Animal Planet?” Samuels added with a giggle.
Later that day, the Washington Redskins released a statement on behalf of Portis:
“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,” the statement said.
Of course he doesn’t condone dog fighting. Nothing in his comments during the interview would lead anyone to believe he approves of dog fighting. Certainly, Portis is the poster boy for PETA.
Ahhh, yes, the PR spin machine is in high gear.
But it may be too late. The reputations of Vick, Portis and Samuels have already gone to the dogs.
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