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Vick issue has now turned to race
By Ken Gimblin and Joe Cronin July 27, 2007 |
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In Richmond Virginia, the conviction rate is at 95% and Richmond is the home of the Michael Vick and his cruelty to animals trial. The crowds outside the court house are more hostile than those waiting to prosecute him inside as was seen in Thursday’s arraignment of Vick, who pleaded not-guilty of the charges. The people standing on one side of the street were Vick's supporters who wanted to see Vick get a fair trial, not get rushed into judgment, get a fair shake and that Vick would be viewed as somebody who is innocent until proven guilty. The people with this belief were mostly black. On the other side of the street were the animal rights activists mostly white, and when Vick arrived at the courthouse the activists yelled at Vick saying things like, "burn in hell" and "die like the dogs". When asked by reporters if these things they were saying were racially motivated some said, "he killed those dogs, he should be punished using the race card is a joke" and "Vick will get a fair trial to say he is being treated unfairly due to race is ridiculous" said another activist. The Vick supporters said that the chances of Vick getting a fair trial in Richmond is slim. The conviction rate is at 95% and convicting blacks are at a high rate most juries don't have much belief in what a black defendant says. "This is not about race but we would certainly like to see Michael Vick get a fair trial and get the opportunity to prove his innocence but in Richmond it doesn't look like he would get that chance." said one person who supported Vick. So the trial starts today and Vick's lawyer Billy Martin said he will be in it for the fight of Vick's life and that this will be a battle right down to the finish. Vick is currently suspended by the Atlanta Falcons and has not been kicked out of the league until the verdict at the end of this trial but if it's any preliminary to what is going to happen it doesn't look good for Vick. The photographic evidence, the witnesses, and the evidence that dog fighting took place at Vick's residence took place. Vick is looking at six years if convicted. Joe Cronin and Ken Gimblin co-host Sportstalk on 1690 KFSG Sacramento. |
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