Celebrity Justice
Humane Society Auctions Off Vick's Note to Self

On August 27, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick plead guilty to a dogfighting charge, and the following day held a press conference in Richmond, Virg., apologizing for his involvement in the Bad Newz Kennels dogfighting ring.
michael vick
After Vick's four-minute speech, a rep with the Humane Society of the United States went up to the podium to retrieve his microphone, and found the note left by Vick containing his talking points.

Vick's big idea: apologize, apologize, apologize. The six-point speech calls for him to "apologize for what I've done;" apologize to his coach and team; tell young kids that "I acted immature;" ask for "forgiveness and understanding;" "take full responsibility for my actions;" and remind people that "we all make mistakes."



At the very bottom of the note was a reminder that "dogs have suffered."

"Watching video of the event, I recall Vick reading through his talking points. I don't recall him getting to those words at the end. No, for some reason, he didn't get to the dogs on whom he inflicted such tortures," wrote Humane Society blogger Wayne Pacelle on A Humane Nation. "The biggest apology of all was left unspoken-to the dogs who suffered and who died so horribly at his hand."

The Humane Society has put the note up for auction. Proceeds will benefit the Humane Society's Animal Cruelty Response and Reward Fund.

Tags: michael vick, MichaelVick

Reader Comments

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76. #51 -- You're right, animals suffer myriad cruelties. But this doesn't mean we should disregard one because others exist. We can fight many injustices -- against both humans and animals -- at the same time. I think plenty of people will gladly take on your call to "do something." I have heard so many say that, before the Michael Vick case, they had no idea dogfighting was happening at the level it is. They've now been inspired to take action, and to keep an eye out for this activity in their community.

And did you even read the auction? The money raised will be going to a reward fund to help root out the very types of animal cruelty you list.

Regarding your lazy reference to hunting, and others' comments about those who eat animals, how does this invalidate the public spotlight on this case? Let me remind you that dogfighting is a felony crime.

Posted at 9:33PM on Sep 4th 2007 by Perspective seems fine from here

77. He's not sorry. If he never got caught, he would still be abusing and killing animals! The fact that he had to write down what he was sorry about proves it! He should be banned from the NFL for life! He should also be banned from owning any type of animal for life! The guy's a loser.

Posted at 7:30PM on Sep 4th 2007 by vanzantnm

78. OK. Enough with the Vick story. I didn't see this amount of press following Ray Lewis for his involvement of the murder of two black men, better yet the Atlanta Hockey player that killed his team member while driving drunk and spending (as a matter of fact he plead guilty got a plea deal and is back on the ice).

Do we have more regard for dogs than human life. In no way am I condoning what Vick did to the dogs (I have a dog); however is the media crusade ever going to shift to more important issues.

Where was all this press when the Hockey player committed his act or is his act different since he was intoxicated or white.

Give me a break. He made a mistake we all do. Allow him the opportunity to apologize and time to reflect without everyone on his back.

Posted at 7:31PM on Sep 4th 2007 by Over it

79. "We all make mistakes"...

Well, we don't all torture and kill dogs. That's what separates people with souls from evil douchebags like Vick. He can go to hell. He doesn't feel sorry. He is just trying to get off as easily as he can.

Posted at 8:08PM on Sep 4th 2007 by Katy

80. I knew his sorry *** apology was fake. What an idiot to leave that note there. He's only sorry he got caught.

What goes around comes around Vick and you'll get yours someday...

Posted at 12:15AM on Sep 5th 2007 by Melissa

81. He pleaded guilty. Not 'plead' or 'pled'. The past tense of plead is pleaded.

Posted at 8:20PM on Sep 4th 2007 by Queen Elizabeth

82. So he had notes. Only a dummy would have gone up without notes. You want to write down all the important bullets so you don't forget. When you're giving a speech you tend to get nerves and you may forget something.

I find what he did was terrible. But Geez I don't see anyone going after a child molester or child killer like they are going after this guy. Boy if more people should take this attitude towards child molesters.

Leave the guy alone already. He has paid a huge price. And I'm sure he has learned his lesson.

Posted at 8:31PM on Sep 4th 2007 by Everyone deserves a 2nd chance

83. To the people who say we should care more about homeless people than about dogs who are tortured and killed in dogfighting, I say this: homeless people, at critical points in their lives, had choices. Dogs who are put in these kennels for the purposes of fighting never had a choice.

Posted at 9:18PM on Sep 4th 2007 by Penny

84. #44 Perhaps you should choose your icons more thoughtfully. I like Tom Brady, but if he was guilty of the same crimes as Michael Vick, I would be equally outraged and angry. The race card doesn't play well here. Michael Vick is a very sick man who enjoyed the screams of agony of the dogs he tortured to death.

Posted at 9:14PM on Sep 4th 2007 by China

85. It would be refreshing to see the majority of the African-American leaders in this country step up and call this punk out. He is a disgrace not only to his race, but also the Southern States. Can I hook him up with a chain to the bumper of my van and drag him down a gravel road??

Posted at 9:21PM on Sep 4th 2007 by USA-Observer

86. I think we should be a bit more fair. I am not condoning what he did. I do think it was wise for him to jot down a few talking points - most of us would have done the same thing. It was a stressful setting and it would have been very easy to forget what he wanted to say. He only had this chance to say what he wanted to, and most people would recommend writing a few notes to make sure that the speaker covers the main points. He DIDN"t write down "be sure to act sincere", or "Look like you mean it". He genuinely wrote down the points he wanted to cover. I think it's fine to hold him accountable for what he did to those poor dogs, but I also think that this has gotten out of hand. How many people who are posting have actually gone to a shelter or rescue group and saved an animal? He was wrong and is going to do the time. I think that's all we can ask, and the hysteria should stop.

Posted at 9:24PM on Sep 4th 2007 by let's be fair

87. I did not know about this note. I just got logged onto my computer a while ago and there was a story right here on TMZ. I knew Vick didn`t mean a thing he was saying on tv because his eyes twitched and he was unremorseful and I am glad that a note written by him was found to show the world exactly what he is a dog killer,who used and abused dogs and took such glory in it that he had merchandise printed up for Bad Newz Kennels. This is not a man that should be out there in the public trying to be a role model to children. He would only teach them the spoils of aggression and cruelty.

Posted at 10:48PM on Sep 4th 2007 by Sasi is the best

88. Throw him to the wolves. I don't care if he was fighting mice...rabbits...or dogs, what he did was the intentional destruction of a living creature for his own pleasure and personal gain without a survival need. He could argue that it was for money...but he had all he needed, he could argue that it was for entertainment but I'm sure he could afford other means of such. He should be made to pay OUTRAGEOUS fines per animal then locked up for the rest of his young years. Come on now, how dumb are you!! You can't blame this on immaturity because I don't know any little boys who kill animals just because they havent "grown up" yet. Ugh!!

Posted at 9:46AM on Sep 5th 2007 by ANC

89. For any civilized person Vick's "apology" is viewed as an insincere attempt on spinning his atrocious and sadistic behavior. He is a sub-human thug, worthy of nothing more than years in prison and exiled from football forever. No person in their right mind can defend such a murderous torturer of defenseless animals. He needs to be forever removed from the American scene.

Posted at 11:53AM on Sep 5th 2007 by Luigi999

90. Only a fool would believe Vick has "found Jesus." That in itself is an insult to any civilized, intelligent person. This clown just can't shoot straight. Totally STUPID!

Posted at 11:54AM on Sep 5th 2007 by Luigi999

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