Making Michael Vick a Co-captain of the pro-Bowl Adds Another Layer of Violence to The NFL
“The link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence is becoming so well established that many U.S. communities now cross-train social-service and animal-control agencies in how to recognize signs of animal abuse as possible indicators of other abusive behaviors.” ~ Charles Siebert, NY Times Magazine

The NFL has a problem with violence. Football itself is one of the most violent professional sports to the point that courts are hesitant to find for plaintiffs, who are also players, because of the ‘inherently violent nature of the game.’

True, it has moments of stunning athleticism, but the ugliness of violence eclipses it.

Players are aggressive on the field with a tenacity reminiscent of the gladiatorial games. There is even a list of violent spectator confrontations. But the aggression continues after the fourth quarter. David Evans in Psychology Today quotes Jon Shuppe of NBC News as stating that in 2018 there were 87 arrests for domestic abuse involving 80 NFL players over the previous 14 years.

Domestic violence and animal abuse go hand-in-hand. It’s all a part of the big, ugly picture. You have to look more carefully to see it. We shouldn’t be surprised then about the violence against man’s best friend by Michael Vick as he was surrounded by it growing up.

Sadly, the link was created long ago.

This goes beyond abuse. It was serial torture.
['Marilyn Regan']
['Domestic Violence', 'NFL', 'Dogs', 'Football', 'Animal Welfare']