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NEWS- 'God loves Michael': Vick pleads guilty amid church supporters


Published August 30, 2007 in issue 0635 of the Hook


Dozens of members of Chesapeake's Deliverance Tabernacle Church made the trip to Richmond.
PHOTO BY WILL WALKER
After appearing in federal court in Richmond earlier this week to plead guilty to charges that he financed and operated an illegal dogfighting ring, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick told reporters, "Through this situation, I found Jesus and asked him for forgiveness, and turned my life over to God." 

While this message might have come as a surprise to those more used to seeing Vick elude tacklers than allude to a higher power, "God loves Michael" was the rallying cry of dozens of supporters who lined the barricades on Monday, August 28 along Main Street across the street from the Lewis F. Powell Courthouse.

In the hours before Vick's scheduled 10:30am appearance, it looked as though his detractors would far outnumber his supporters, as they had a month earlier at his arraignment. Once again, the Norfolk-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals had organized a group of protesters, though their numbers were noticeably smaller than they had been when Vick was still professing his innocence.

"Now that he's pleading guilty and signed off on a statement of facts, some people think this is covered," explained Caleb Wheeldon, PETA's youth outreach coordinator.

But although the scene surrounding Vick's second day in court initially seemed relatively subdued, Monday morning quickly began to feel more like Sunday morning. Forty minutes before Vick was due to make his appearance, the first busload of parishioners from Chesapeake's Tabernacle Deliverance Church arrived.

One by one they processed, wearing white t-shirts emblazoned with the 23rd Psalm, the words "God forgives. How about you?" and a drawing of Vick deep in prayer, receiving an angel's blessing. They sang hymns and carried handmade signs with messages like "We've got your backfield," "Mike is the new Superman," and "Got Jesus?" Some even brought extras for passersby who wanted to show their support for the former Virginia Tech standout. Altogether, this flock's size equaled that of PETA's and succeeded in drowning out the animal rights activists' message.

While Vick was delivering a message of contrition and of finding Jesus, a block south of the courthouse in Richmond's Omni hotel, Tabernacle Deliverance pastor Steven Terry was explaining why his congregation put together their trip.

"We see the injustice, and we can't just sit back and let things happen," said Terry, noting that Newport News native Vick has attended his services in the past.

"The media has focused on every detail, and with all the negativity surrounding him, his case was dead on arrival," Terry said. "You would think it was the president who had committed a wrong with all this attention."

With literally dozens of national news outlets in attendance, Terry's group showed the kind of media savvy more associated with political campaigns than prayer circles. For instance, when approached by reporters, no individual member of the "God squad" would comment for the record, instead instructing questioners to read the t-shirts and signs and speak with Terry.

"They look like him," Terry said of his predominantly African American congregants. "We're here to let him know we're not going to abandon him."

PETA, too, maintained an eye on public relations.

"He's got a unique opportunity to educate the public that this is cruel, barbaric, and illegal, and PETA would be more than willing to work with Michael Vick to get the word out," said Wheeldon. "He can give us a call anytime."

Apparently, not all of the anti-Vick crowd felt eager to join hands. As Vick exited the courthouse where so many were testifying to his salvation, one man holding a PETA sign repeatedly exhorted the newly convicted felon to "burn in hell!"

But the crowd's emotion was not reserved just for the embattled quarterback. One man, University of Richmond third-year law student Eric Demetriades, carried a sign with the words "We love you, Judge Hudson!"-- a tribute to the presiding judge, Henry Hudson.

"He was my professor for Scientific Evidence," explained Demetriades. "He was the best adjunct professor I've had."

In court, Judge Hudson advised Vick that while he will take into consideration the prosecution's recommended sentence of 12-18 months, he's not bound by it. According to Demetriades, the embattled quarterback should take that reminder seriously when he's sentenced on December 10.

"As soon as I heard he was the judge, I thought, 'I guess Vick's going to spend some time in jail,'" Demetriades said. "When it came to grading exams, he was a pit bull."


Atlanta Falcons QB and former Virginia Tech standout Michael Vick enters federal court on Monday.
PHOTO BY WILL WALKER


Pastor Steven Terry said many among his congregation know Vick personally.
PHOTO BY WILL WALKER


While PETA's delegation was smaller this time than at Vick's arraignment, their outrage at his actions was not diminished.
PHOTO BY WILL WALKER

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YES GOD DOES LOVE MR. VICK,

BUT HE DOE'NT LOVE THE WAY THOSE DOG'S WHERE TREATED.

IF AND WHEN HE ASK FOR FORGIVNESS IT WILL BE HIS.

BUT!! I'VE NOT SEEN THAT YET IN ANYTHING HE'S DONE ARE HAS SAID.

YOU KNOW EVEN THOUGH GOD GAVE US DOMINION OVER THE BEAST GOD STILL WANT US (EVEN THOSE WE USED- FOR FOOD)HUMANE'LY AS POSSIBLE..GOD BLESS..JOHN

PS: THIS IS NOT A BLACK & WHITE ISSUE!!, DON'T MAKE ONE..

posted by john at 8/30/2007 4:19:23 PM

Is everything a black and white issue,

everytime a black supestar does something wrong.

Way do most balck's have to support the person, if there black.

You know if this had been a white pro-football-

player, you woul'nt be suppoting him.

just like O.J Simpson you supported him.

And you know with rest of World he did it.

He murder two humen being for God sake.

and got away with it.

Now i know already what you're going say, those white folks murder a lot black and got away with it.

Yes they all this is true, but it was'nt right then and its not Right Now. You break the law an you should pay..jb08/30/07

posted by JB at 8/30/2007 4:38:24 PM

Michael Vick has perpetuated some of the most cruel acts imaginable on innocent dogs who wanted nothing but love and gave their everything to the cruel and sadistic monster that owned them. He has committed these acts repeatedly over a period of six years. If seeing these dogs starved, fought, tortured, bled to death, electrocuted, hung, drowned, shot and beat to death over this extended period of time did not make him remorseful about what he was doing, than forgive ME if I find it hard to believe that he is truly contrite and sorry now that he has been caught, likely to go to jail, and be banned from the NFL forever. He said all the right things in his statement, but anyone who believes him after all the lies this monster has told in just the last few months, then...I have a bridge to sell them. Found Jesus? What's new about that? Every convicted felon alive touts they have found Jesus when they are busted. Good for you, Michael. Maybe Jesus will help you through the long five years that I hope the judge sentences you to. Michael Vick is not as good as ONE of the dogs he tortured and executed. Immature? Mistake? Oh please, give me a break--

I hate you Michael Vick, and I will until the day I die

posted by Mad In Atlanta at 8/30/2007 9:17:38 PM

If this man returns to the NFL, I will never watch another game. Whoever wants to turn this into a racial issue has their own agenda. This is not a racial issue, it is about being inhumane.

Lowlifes like Michael Vick have abused so many pit bulls and are ruining the name of the breed. They will likely be banned across the US soon, and it will be the result of the idiots who trained them to be killers. If these dogs are banned do you really think attacks on humans by dogs will stop?? NO, the sadistic demented trainers will go on to another breed, and ruin that one's reputation. Next time, it might be the breed of YOUR choice.

When you consider that this man had such wealth that he could have enjoyed any hobby that he could have chosen, and he chose to kill, abuse, and torture dogs, it sickens one's heart and mind to consider. It has been said that Sick Vick spent over $700,000 on this blood sport. Imagine all the good he could have done with this money instead of inflicting pain and suffering on so many dogs, all in the name of entertainment.

I never want to see his face again in the NFL. Who would want to go to a Sunday game and see someone who reminds you of tortured and dead dogs. I do NOT want one RED CENT of my money to go into his pocket, it offends me to think that it could. Please Mr. Goodell, rid the NFL of this disgusting individual.

posted by NO MORE VICK at 8/30/2007 9:26:07 PM

I love my football. But if this jerk returns to the NFL, I guess I will have to get re-acquainted with college ball, because I cannot stand by and support a league that includes Michael Vick.

posted by NFL FAN at 8/30/2007 9:29:32 PM

They can sing all the hyms they want. However, anybody who supports Michael Vick either has no respect for animals themselves, or they have a racial agenda of their own. Vick should serve a full five years, then never return to the NFL. Let him flip burgers, he deserves nothing better.

posted by Jason at 8/30/2007 9:31:24 PM

He probably paid those people to show up and support him. There isn't a decent human being alive that would stand up for this piece of crap on their own accord. Even someone who is mentally handicapped must know what he has done is sick and offensive to all.

posted by Dante from Florida at 8/30/2007 10:04:46 PM

Michael vick is lower than those dogs he killed. He deserves to be thrown in a cage with the dogs he trained and see how he likes it. He's human you say? Well I say that statement is debatable. Never was a good QB either, couldn't throw a pass for ***** and fumbled more times than not when he scrambled around like a the running back he should have been, not a QB. He didn't have the brains to be QB, should never have been given that position. Instead of improving in Atlanta he was regressing. Look at the Falcons win/loss record, he certainly wasn't the savior he was supposed to be. The Falcons should say good riddance to Vick and the NFL too. Let this jack**** get a job that doesn't require the rest of us to have to put up with him.

posted by Mr. Mesington at 8/30/2007 10:13:12 PM

I don't and never will trust a person who would,

Treat a ANIMAL the way this man has done.

I don't trust a lot that just don't like Animal- period. I am a Vietnam veteran we used dog over

there to go where we could'nt.

We treated them as if they where another GI,

WE TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF THEM FOR THEY TOOK CARE-

US..

He sould pay just LIKE anyone else would!!!!!!. john 08/30/07 ...GO BUCCANEERS.

ps: Yes even if he was buc.. It's game people this life & death wake-up..

posted by john at 8/30/2007 10:24:15 PM

I agree with u. People need to get a life. It's just stupid dogs. Our society is in trouble if we care more about animals then humans. I'm not saying what Vick did was right. It's just people need to get off it, and leave that man alone. He did more positive then negative, but people tend to forget that. They seem to forget the GOOD things he did through out his career then this ONE MISTAKE, and I will say it's a mistake, I know so many people that don't think dogfighting is wrong. I think we all know some around our community or even in our family that have been part of this or seen this and did nothing. I think people can be hypocrites sometimes. They need to look at themselves before they Jump on people that they don't know. They hate them because of their celebrity status, and these bitter human beens wants to destroy a guys that has a lot of Money. Why don't u get off your fat ass and find a job that u like and are not miserable. He worked for that money, he is a talent athlete that enjoys what he does and just wants to provide for his family. People need to come off their high horse and GET A LIFE. ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE US!

posted by Ashely at 8/30/2007 11:51:14 PM

I cannot believe ANYONE would support this pitiful excuse for a human being. I watched his apology statement, and it was pathetic. WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS FOOLING. Certainly not the majority of us. WE know him for what he is, a sick and vile piece of dirt that doesn't deserve the respect that we DO give our dogs. There is a special place in hell for Michael Vick, and all those others who would make dogs fight and suffer for their own sick perverted entertainment.

posted by MADELINE MITCHELL at 8/30/2007 11:51:38 PM

REAL FOOTBALL FANS DON'T STOP watching the Game over one man. If u do then u are not a true fan, u are a bandwagon fan. It's really funny how Our society cars more about Animals then humans, I would love to see if u would choose your family member getting killed or your dog, and if u choose u animal then u are a sad person and need help. It's funny how people want a man that just harmed an Animal go to jail while killers are out there killing human beens. Oh and trust me it's a racial issue and it's going to stay one, because if this was a regular white guy that did this there would not be so much drama over this. Just because Vick is a Star athlete celebrity and is also Black people are against him. We love Vick down here in NY and Support him all the way.

posted by Nia at 8/31/2007 12:01:38 AM

IF YOU LOOK UP MICHAEL VICK IN WIKEPEDIA, YOU CAN LOOK AT THE CHARITIES HE HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH. IT IS PATHETIC CONSIDERING THE TYPE OF MONEY THIS MAN HAD. HIS LARGEST CONTRIBUTION, THE VICK FOUNDATION, IS A SHAM. GO TO THE WEBSITE, WWW.VICKFOUNDATION.ORG. NO LINKS, NO INFO, NOTHING, JUST THE LOGO. THE CONTRIBUTIONS HE HAS GIVEN NO WHERE NEAR EQUAL THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT IT HAS BEEN SAID HE SPENT ON HIS DOGFIGHTS.

THE POSTER ASHLEY SPOUTS ABOUT ALL HIS CONTRIBUTIONS, BUT OFFERS NO BACKUP. SHE SIMPLY ASSUMES. AND AS FOR HER STATEMENT THAT EVERYBODY HAS SEEN A DOGFIGHT OR KNOWS SOMEONE WHO HAS, WELL, THAT'S JUST NOT TRUE. I NEVER EVEN KNEW IT EXISTED IN THIS COUNTRY UNTIL IT CAME OUT IN THE MICHAEL VICK CASE. I THINK THAT WOULD EXPLAIN HER POST, HER REASON FOR SUPPORTING MICHAEL VICK. SHE KNOWS PEOPLE WHO DON'T THINK DOGFIGHTING IS WRONG. WELL, IF SHE IS LACKING IN COMPASSION, MAYBE SHE BETTER CONSIDER THAT IT IS ILLEGAL, AND THOSE SHE 'KNOWS' WHO PARTICIPATE CAN GO TO JAIL, AND I SUSPECT SHE HERSELF IS INVOLVED IN THIS HEINOUS ACTIVITY.

THE MAJORITY DOES NOT WANT MICHAEL VICK BACK INTO THE NFL, THE MAJORITY WANTS HIM TO SERVE TIME, AND THE MAJORITY CONDEMN HIM FOR HIS ACTIONS.

posted by JERRY TYLER at 8/31/2007 12:06:53 AM

I agree with everyone here but that Ashley person and Nia. What is their deal LOL? It pretty obvious though really, to the rest of us, hehe. Everybody seen dogfighting or know somebody who has? WHERE does she live? ewwwwww that's just gross and the high horse nia that thinks a game is more important than standing up for what you believe in, well that pretty well says she's an idiot--Vick should pay dearly for his sadistic behavior, and he will--he is-- he's on his way to jail and out of the NFL YEAAAAAAA

posted by Anna Bright at 8/31/2007 12:13:23 AM

to Ashely

add another s after the other s in your name that

tell me how stupid you sound..

Next time he does this kind of thing it may be to

you and yours..dog's now people later.

GOD IS THE ONLY ONE THAT WILL JUDGE US IF WE MAKE TO HEAVEN I MAY NOT BE THERE.

But if you keep thinking like this then i'll

have company in hell ..see the crime not the race he need to pay just like anyone else..

your saying this because he a black man not because he celebity say what you mean..

if this had been a white football star i know you would'nt saying this being a biggot work both ways..

posted by john at 8/31/2007 12:17:58 AM

Jerry Tyler... You are a loser and a lier you heard about Dogfighting and seen it. If you ever seen a movie or TV then you know about. Ashely is just tell the truth and I also agree with Nia. Move the F*** on and leave that man alone that is making his money.

IF YOU ARE A TRUE NFL FAN THEN U WILL NOT QUITE WATCHING BECAUSE OF ONE MAN'S ACTION. YOU WOULDN'T EVEN CARE IF HE RETURNS. I BET MY MONEY PEOPLE ON HERE A BANDWAGONS FANS AND NO NOTHING ABOUT THE NFL AND JUST FOUND OUT WHAT IT WAS THREW MIKE VICK.

posted by Jeff at 8/31/2007 12:21:12 AM

Tell the truth if he was a White man and wasn't a Star Football player would y'all even care. So you people are telling me Animals Come before Humans..... Our Society is in Deep trouble if that's the case. what about all the pitbulls that killed those children and killing people everyday, what about them.

posted by Ashely at 8/31/2007 12:30:55 AM

Anna Bright - I will bet Money that you know don't know shit about the NFL, and acting like u do. Name at least 10 teams and half their players, with out looking them up. I BET A HUNDRED BUCKS U CAN'T. You problem thought Vick was a Basketball player. Why are White people the most lairs and back stabbers, it just kills me. Y'all know you are lairs you guys knew about dogfighting.

posted by Nia at 8/31/2007 12:37:04 AM

Jeff, what a nasty potty mouth you have. I have noticed profanity and poor spelling and grammar seems to be the norm in Vick supporters posts. Tells us something about them-- If you want to see what MOST educated blacks with common sense think about Michael Vick, try this website(read the article and the comments:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2007/08/cleveland_community_activists.html

You will see that it isn't just whites appalled and disgusted about what Michael Vick has done. It is generally the project dwelling blacks with little or no education that are supporting him, mostly because they have participated in the horrible sadistic dogfights themselves and see nothing wrong with it, sadistic and sick and illegal though it is.

posted by Anna Bright at 8/31/2007 12:50:38 AM

Nia, NOOOO, I didn't know about dogfighting. I went to New Orleans after Katrina and volunteered in a animal shelter there. When blacks came around trying to claim the pit bulls, the admistrators there raised their eyebrows and insisted they show proof of ownership. I didn't understand it then, but I have put two and two together SINCE then. No, most decent people know nothing about this disgusting blood sport. While I was at the shelter working, there was a shelter there for Katrina refugees as well.They all sat on their backsides and played basketball all day, and waited on the charity food to be delivered to them. Not ONE of them came over to help, although they had nothing else to do, they were waiting for more handouts.

Most whites liars and back stabbers huh? With all the NFL players in the league that are in trouble and have been in trouble, I think you should re-evaluate. But you just keep on living in your dream world and excusing every black that gets in trouble.

Oh, and I guess I could have thought that Vick was a basketball player because they sure do have their share of thugs over there too, but nope, I know who he is, and I though not a total football freak, I am a Falcon fan and have been for many many years. And BTW, most here are GLAD he's gone.

And he is gone...he's going to jail and suspended from the NFL, and there is nothing you can do about it!!!

posted by Anna Bright at 8/31/2007 1:00:07 AM

For your Info, I'm not Black, I don't know if my name gave you hints I was. I'm not.

I could see that racism is in your blood. Since you think Black NFL Players and Basketball Players are Thugs, are Black Baseball players Thugs too. Give me a break. Do you really think Vick is never going to play in the NFL, come on. This is America we are talking about.

posted by Nia at 8/31/2007 1:18:21 AM

I am so amazed at seeing sooo many people enjoying someone’s else pain and misery I wonder how many of you would react if this where you or a member of your family. Remember the bible says judge not and you wont be judged.. We should be praying for Michael Vick instead of being gleeful of his downfall. One thing I know about GOD is when things look it’s worst. He always shows up with this great burst of Light. Michael Vick keep your head up and remember that GOD Is GOD.. He will bring you through this ordeal. Love you with the Love of the Lord And yes you have a lot of people praying for you. Not against you.

posted by Simon at 8/31/2007 1:21:37 AM

Thank GOD! Someone that has a brain..... I 100% agree with u Simon.

posted by Nia at 8/31/2007 1:23:59 AM

Oh and racism is NOT in your blood? Whites are liars and backstabbers, you said? You are ridiculous, not even worthy of an argument--One can't argue with a stump--

But one final thing-- I really don't care what you call me, call me racist, call me whitey, call me cracker, whatever--the truth is the truth and your calling me a racist doesn't matter a twit to me-- I could care less

posted by Anna Bright at 8/31/2007 1:24:57 AM

Simon, Michael Vick enjoyed those dogs pain and misery, but you don't have a problem with that eh?

Whatever, I will leave you and Nia to commiserate with one another, I have better things to do that talk to idiots--

posted by Anna Bright at 8/31/2007 1:30:53 AM

F*** off you B*T**. GET A LIFE U TOLD NO TRUTH. OH and Nia is also white so how can she be a racist. Lets say if Vick had to kill your mother or anyone of your family members your or Dog. Who would you choose? mmmmm.... let me guess you would choose the Stupid Animal. I love my Dog, but he does not mean more to me than a human being or a my family member.

posted by Jeff at 8/31/2007 1:56:12 AM

Michael Vick does not belong in the NFL anymore. I think it is apropos that it was a DOG that brought him down. A police drug DOG located drugs in his unemployed public assistance cousin's car while it was parked at a local strip bar. (your tax dollars at work) The authorities got a search warrant to search his residence, which happened to be Michael Vick's 'house of horrors' in VA. Instead of drugs the authorities found 52 starving and abused pit bulls. Troy the drug dog deserves a medal. Initially, Michael Vick threw his cousin under the bus, and said he was never at that house, the dogs belonged to his cousin. He said he had bought the house for family members and they 'weren't doing the right thing'. So he was willing to blame a family member to clear himself.

Michael Vick would have done well to learn loyalty and love from his dogs instead of killing them.

He doesn't belong in the midst of society, much less in the NFL.

posted by Michael at 8/31/2007 9:03:20 AM

Jeff,first of all I would like to say that your profanity is uncalled for. People who have no legitimate argument tend to fall back on profanity. I think a better question would be 'what would YOU do if MICHAEL VICK killed your mother?' I guess you would forgive him, because you wouldn't want to be racist, right? Let's protect the black celebrity at all costs, right? You Vick apologist are absolutely a joke, so transparent. There is not one legitimate argument that you can give in support of Michael Vick, yet you continue to try and in the process you fall back on trashy profanity and really look like fools. Michael Vick wouldn't spit on you if you were on fire. Why do you choose to take your time to defend someone who has done such terrible things to dogs for such a very long time? Except for the heartless people who are equally as abhorent as Michael Vick when they say it 'was just dogs', most people are horrified by what this man has done. Most want Michael Vick to pay for his terrible deeds. He will have his life, but he should serve a long prison sentence and be kicked out of the NFL. It is obvious by reading these posts how the MAJORITY feels about Michael Vick. And by the way, I would like to add that I have never seen nor do I know anyone else that has ever seen one of these human induced dogfights.That's really scary that several of you seem to have known about these things for a long time, and have never seen the need to do anything about it, and justify it simply because you HAVE heard of them or seen them. I have heard of people robbing banks too, but that doesn't make it RIGHT or ACCEPTABLE. Your arguments are pathetic.

posted by Looking for Justice at 8/31/2007 9:34:57 AM

Anyone that dont think God hasn't forgave Michael Vick is a person that dont know him. God is a forgiving God. Michael Dwayne Vick made a mistake and at one time or another we all have. He is a new person in Christ. I am behind him 100%. And I am going to continue to pray for him each day God give me breath. I will pray for him and the protestors.

posted by Vee at 9/4/2007 2:34:50 PM

vee

I also believe in GOD, AND I BELIEVE if Mr.Vick

would or has ask GOD to forgive him then it shall be his.

I just don't believe he has ask GOD sincerly,

for you know as i do saying and meaning it is -

two different things.

Yes i could be wrong and so can you, but one thing

for sure GOD FORGIVES but he does't forget.

And one day he'll have stand before him then and only then

will the truth be known.

And yes as one of GOD CHILDREN we should forgive-

him to.

But you don't mean that God should pat him on the

back and say that ok!!

That you've abused one of my creature to that

degree and i'm just going to say its ok..

The bible say we must follow not just the ten commandment, we should also obey the laws of the land..

I myself think the punishment benote the grime.

In other words he should go to jail!!.

posted by jb at 9/7/2007 4:23:12 PM
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