Jesse Jackson compares Vick to Jackie Robinson

[_Simpson_ 250]

“I want to make it an issue,” Jackson said Thursday in a telephone interview. “I want teams to explain why they have a quarterback who has less skills but is playing or at least is on the taxi squad, and a guy with more skills can’t get into training camp.”

Two years ago this month, Vick pleaded guilty to felony charges related to his participation in an unlawful dogfighting ring and was indefinitely suspended from the N.F.L. Vick was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison in December 2007.

He was conditionally reinstated to the league last month by Commissioner Roger Goodell. Under terms of the reinstatement, Vick can take part in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and may play in the final two preseason games — if a team signs him.

•

When the season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities except games. Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6.

“Democracy does not guarantee success,” Jackson said. “Democracy guarantees an opportunity. It’s not fair to de facto try to lock him out of his right to compete. If he can’t make the team, don’t let him play. If he can, let him work.”

Jackson, born in 1941, has been a civil rights activist for most of his adult life. He said that in some ways, Vick’s attempt to re-enter the N.F.L. was similar to Jackie Robinson’s entering Major League Baseball.

Although their situations were drastically different, Jackson said, the challenge was the same: Which owner would have the courage to make a controversial signing?

Viewed from a 2009 prism, that comparison seems blasphemous. Robinson became an American icon because of his courage and perseverance. The only thing he did wrong — in some eyes — was to be born African-American.

But in the era in which Robinson came of age, his admirable qualities mattered to Major League Baseball owners. A significant segment of the American population knew little to nothing about Robinson, and saw him as someone who threatened a way of life. Owners were not going to allow Robinson or any other African-American to play major league baseball, regardless of how much character and fortitude he possessed.

Many fair-minded baseball owners had the same concerns about Robinson that fair-minded N.F.L. owners today have about Vick: What will critics say? How will the public respond?

Finally one organization, the Dodgers, and one man, Branch Rickey, were bold and pragmatic enough to weigh the risks and take the leap of signing Robinson.

Vick, unlike Robinson in 1947, has a proven track record. Vick has performed at a star level in the N.F.L. Robinson performed briefly in the Negro Leagues before joining the Dodgers.

The question is: How severely have Vick’s skills eroded? You would think that one owner, one team would at least be curious; training camps have been open for only a week.

“If the guy has paid his dues to the criminal justice system, paid his debt to the N.F.L. and shows remorse, what else does he need to do?” Jackson asked.

•

For many, the nonnegotiable issue in the Vick case is cruelty to animals. But let’s climb off our high horses. We know many fans hunt. They track down innocent animals, blast them with shotguns, shoot them out of the sky with rifles — for sport. Some take off animals’ heads and mount them as trophies.

Perfectly legal.

But the issue here is that Vick served his time in prison for breaking the law. The issue is degrees of cruelty. Who is worse: someone who tortures in the name of sport and then apologizes, or the one who kills in the name of sport and continues to hunt?

Vick was cruel and was punished. Now he has promised to be compassionate.

Jackson pointed out that Vick had satisfied the demands of the legal system. Now, like thousands of young men who are released from prison each year, Vick is eager to become a productive citizen. So far, he has been unable to find a job and his options are limited.

The Canadian Football League will not consider Vick or any player under full or partial suspension by the N.F.L.

“One of the big issues of re-entry is that when people come out, can they get gainful employment?” Jackson said.

Vick is fortunate. As a quarterback, he has skills that are highly valued.

“He has a right to compete,” Jackson said. “If he doesn’t make the team, then he can’t play. If he can, let him work.”

So far, everyone has said no. Someone should have the guts to say yes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/08/sports/f...l/08rhoden.html

Edited August 15, 2009 by looking_up

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

African americans should have kicked this guy to the curb long ago. He profits off of racism.

[reeses16 8]

African americans should have kicked this guy to the curb long ago. He profits off of racism.

No, Jesse Jackson (or Al Sharpton for that matter), do not represent all African-Americans. Unfortunately when something happens the media turns to them for "the Black Reaction" (When something happens in America or white America, they don't turn to a single White person for their reaction- you get to hear from many people). You'll find the opinions of African Americans are for more varied than what they represent in their singular views.

I think Howard Stern profits from sexism. Any Men kick him to the curb yet?

And to boot, why is Jesse talking about this anyway? Its not an issue or race or democracy. Football is a business, and potential employers have the right to deny people that aren't good for business or the image that they want to portray for their franchise. Vick is lucky he's back in the NFL. They should have made an example out of him.

Edited August 15, 2009 by reeses16

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

African americans should have kicked this guy to the curb long ago. He profits off of racism.

No, Jesse Jackson (or Al Sharpton for that matter), do not represent all African-Americans. Unfortunately when something happens the media turns to them for "the Black Reaction" (When something happens in America or white America, they don't turn to a single White person for their reaction- you get to hear from many people). You'll find the opinions of African Americans are for more varied than what they represent in their singular views.

I think Howard Stern profits from sexism. Any Men kick him to the curb yet?

And to boot, why is Jesse talking about this anyway? Its not an issue or race or democracy. Football is a business, and potential employers have the right to deny people that aren't good for business or the image that they want to portray for their franchise. Vick is lucky he's back in the NFL. They should have made an example out of him.

I think they interject themselves in situations and then start stirring the pot. Onlty to make things worse. But yeah I agree.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Vick commited a crime and was punished for it. I hope he really has been rehabilitated, perhaps time will tell whether he has or not. Playing in the NFL isn't a given right. He'll have to work hard to get that chance again. He surely is not a victim.

Edited August 15, 2009 by spookyturtle

[nurse1967 287]

Not only is he NOT a victim but he happens to have a trait that makes him highly likely to be a SOCIOPATH. It is proven that people are are extremely cruel to animals often go on to later commit crimes against humans. I think he's a disgusting human being.

[Mary Lou 683]

Jesse Jackson needs to STFU

Like Reeses16 said, its not about race or democracy.

Edited August 15, 2009 by garyandmarylou

[_Simpson_ 250]

African americans should have kicked this guy to the curb long ago. He profits off of racism.

Agreed, I dream of the day when a racial issue comes up and no one turns to Jesse to ask him his thoughts.

Vick commited a crime and was punished for it. I hope he really has been rehabilitated, perhaps time will tell whether he has or not. Playing in the NFL isn't a given right. He'll have to work hard to get that chance again. He surely is not a victim.

IMO I think he has paid for his crime. I think we will a much more humble guy and a better athlete because of his experience.

[nowhereman 1]

IMO Vick did his time & the reinstatement makes sense. It would be very hard to argue that Vick got off easy because he is black, as the sentence was fairly stiff. Now Donte Stallworth did get off easy, as he was DUI when he killed a pedestrian & got 24 days in jail for it.

As for Jesse Jackson his views tend to be extreme and you have to take what he says with a grain of salt. Vick and Jackie Robinson is a bad comparison, period. What I find funny is that the Rush Limbaugh crowd are the first ones to speak out against the likes of Jackson or Sharpton. Pure, blatant hypocrisy.

Edited August 15, 2009 by nowhereman

[_Simpson_ 250]

I am part of the Rush crowd now?

How is it pure blatant hypocrisy?

[john & jean 37]

VICK SHOULD BE REINSTATED, AFTER HE WAS IN THE RING WITH A PACK OF LIONS! IF HE SURVIVED, HIS BLOOD LUST WOULD BE CURED........

[nowhereman 1]

I am part of the Rush crowd now?

How is it pure blatant hypocrisy?

I'm talking in general terms. Whenever you see a thread about this type of stuff the loudest voices are the same people that condone the antics of the far right. There seems to be little middle ground.

[_Simpson_ 250]

VICK SHOULD BE REINSTATED, AFTER HE WAS IN THE RING WITH A PACK OF LIONS! IF HE SURVIVED, HIS BLOOD LUST WOULD BE CURED........

So then do you think he should never have been reinstated or that he didnt spend enough time in jail? If so what do you think the appropriate amount of time is?

[john & jean 37]

VICK SHOULD BE REINSTATED, AFTER HE WAS IN THE RING WITH A PACK OF LIONS! IF HE SURVIVED, HIS BLOOD LUST WOULD BE CURED........

So then do you think he should never have been reinstated or that he didnt spend enough time in jail? If so what do you think the appropriate amount of time is?

Many of the young people today try to emulate or copy sports stars! They should be held to a higher standard. He has proven by actions that he has a sick mind.

If he had received a lifetime ban from pro sports it would have not bothered me.

[_Simpson_ 250]

VICK SHOULD BE REINSTATED, AFTER HE WAS IN THE RING WITH A PACK OF LIONS! IF HE SURVIVED, HIS BLOOD LUST WOULD BE CURED........

So then do you think he should never have been reinstated or that he didnt spend enough time in jail? If so what do you think the appropriate amount of time is?

Many of the young people today try to emulate or copy sports stars! They should be held to a higher standard. He has proven by actions that he has a sick mind.

If he had received a lifetime ban from pro sports it would have not bothered me.

I in no support what he did and I find it despicable. That said he has lost a lot of money and spent 2 years in jail for animal cruelty. I think he has paid for his crime.

I wouldn't of lost any sleep either if he had been banned from sports.