Since few if any individuals have come forward to defend Michael Vick, leab it to the NAACP to do just that. NAACP leaders urged public restraint Monday in judging Michael Vick before he has his day in court.
Graffiti Wall Rumor Monger reports this news comes just hours after one of the co-defendants - Tony Taylor - plead guilty to charges of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.
Vick, the star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, and two other co-defendants pleaded not guilty last week to similar charges.
R.L. White, president of the Atlanta chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said the Atlanta Falcons quarterback has been vilified by animal rights groups, talk radio and the news media and prematurely punished by his team and corporate sponsors.
“If Mr. Vick b guilty, he should pay’n for da crime, but to treat him as he being treat’n now is also a crime,” White said at a news conference. “B restrain’n in ya premature judge’n until da legal process dar is complet’n.”
Georgia NAACP President Edward Dubose thanked Vick for his community service and the money and excitement he has brought to Georgia as a Falcon. Dubose said Vick is being prosecuted in the court of public opinion before he has had a chance to defend himself.
“We not B condemn’ bad behavior, but Michael Vick is innocent until proven he B guilty,” Dubose said.
Atlanta chapter member Bernadette Allen attended the news conference and also a rally Sunday to support Vick.
“The man is entitled to due process under the law, as is any citizen,” Allen said.
