Modern Day Drifter

In an otherwise uninteresting ESPN article about the reaction among Atlantans to Michael Vick's intention to plead guilty to dogfighting charges way back in August (I'm slow; I know), the non-casual reader can find the following statement, posted on a discussion board on the Atlanta Journal Constitution's website: 'This is about race no matter how we put it. White folks can shoot ducks all day, but when you fight pit bull against pit bull it is a crime.'

Is it fair that hunting, a sport that the commenter correctly argues is largely enjoyed by whites, remains legal in this country while dogfighting, a sport that is probably largely supported by blacks (I want data before I will contribute any certainty to the second part, however; I suspect that more whites have gone to jail for dogfighting than blacks), has become a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison?  I don't know.  But every judge, lawyer, and prosecutor–and indeed every citizen who finds meaning in the words 'under the rule of law'–must negotiate compromises between what they think the law should be and what the law actually is.  

But the assertion that Vick's prosecution is ultimately about race qualifies as the textbook definition of a red herring.  In no way does this criticism of the legal system, regardless of its merits, change the fact that dogfighting is illegal, not because of discrimination against blacks, but because an overwhelming majority of the American populace considers this particular blood sport to be barbaric and inhumane and have therefore pushed for its criminalization.

And so the law is of course subject to political pressures.  Anyone who argues that the law is, and should remain, above politics has the cart before the horse.  The law is and must be a political process since our politicians are explicitly charged with crafting a fair number of the laws of this country.  Crafting the law will always be a political process. 

So is Michael Vick a victim?  Of course he is.  He is a victim of every other pressure that is placed upon celebrities in this country, regardless of whether or not they want them.  He is a victim of a culture that finds illicit activities to often be highly lucrative and tempting.  Of course, such an assertion is ludicrous, given that the amount of money he gained through dogfighting would have been dwarfed by his former salary and endorsement deals.  But ultimately, Vick is a victim of a human psyche that cannot let go of the past, that cannot say no to those with whom it has a history, and that ultimately finds it very difficult to sever social ties, even when they lead us back down paths we know we should not travel.

However, that of course does not exonerate him.  Not if we, as a society, want to live 'under the rule of law' at least.  I have every reason to believe that Vick knew what he was doing was illegal, in much the same way that I know I am breaking the law every time I drive too fast.

Having said all of that, however, I'd still like to see my favorite NFL team take a chance on Vick when he is finally released from prison.  Everyone deserves a second chance.  And man is he exciting to watch.

Sweet.  Next year the Royals might actually have a chance at breaking .500 for the first time in...well, a really long time.  This past season was merely a stepping stone.  Now with Hillman at the helm, things should continue to improve.  The Royals shouldn't lose anyone in the offseason and with a little luck can hopefully improve their pitching rotation.  Maybe Hillman can even convince Darvish to come over with him.  Major League Baseball has to end the discrimination against Iranian-Japanese pitchers at some point.  It may as well happen in Kansas City at the beginning of next season.

I would just like to draw everyone's attention to the fact that, as of this writing on Monday, 18 June 2007, the Kansas City Royals actually have a winning percentage that is not below .400 and (and!) there are actually two teams in the Major Leagues who have a worse record than the Royals do instead of the customary one or none.  Now I know that their record of 28-42 gives them a winning percentage that is exactly .400, but I don't care.  Things are looking up from here.  Hell, if the White Sox keep playing like they have been of late, the Royals might actually avoid finishing last in the AL Central.  That might be too much for me to take.  Ditto Kansans and Missourians.  They could even end up shooting at each other again, but this time it would have nothing to do with slavery and instead everything to do with excess inebriation and utter confusion at the state of affairs in baseball's central divisions.  Regardless, good job KC!  Keep it up and give me something to cheer about because Nippon Ham sure isn't doing it these days.

The Red Sox have won the "Great [Daisuke] Matsuzaka Sweepstakes" by offering $45 million to negotiate a contract with the star Japanese pitcher.  That's right.  Forty-five million dollars to merely negotiate a contract.  This money is nothing more than a down payment that gives the Red Sox the right to negotiate with Matsuzaka.  If they can't reach terms of a contract, then I guess they've merely blown $45 million and he'll wind up playing for the Yankees.  Oh, and for those of you who don't know, Matsuzaka's claim to fame is that he can allegedly throw a gyroball.  Now if only I could have spent my teenage years perfecting this pitch.  I'd have totally blown my right elbow for $45 million.

Both of my alma maters are in this year's Capital One Mascot Challenge.  Head on over and cast your votes for Mr. Wuf and Testudo.  Or you can vote for your own mascot if you prefer.  But I've seen Mr. Wuf angry.  You don't mess with him.  And Testudo is easily the cutest mascot ever.  How could you not vote for him?  Both NC State and Maryland will greatly appreciate your support.