Reader J tells us that The Sports Authority and Nike are pulling all their Michael Vick related merchandise, due to Vick’s recent indictment for running a dog fighting kennel. The charges are pretty gruesome. The indictment includes stories of dogs being put to death by electrocution for not passing “tests” to see if they were mean enough fighters, etc. Vick faces up to 6 years in prison if convicted.
J says:
Thought you all might be interested in this. It isn’t necessarily news about consumers being screwed over or their bad experiences, but more about how certain items are going to be harder to find in the near future.
As most of you should be aware, the recent Michael Vick controversy has caused Nike to postpone the release of Vick’s new line of Nike footwear. I work for the Sports Authority Inc., the nation’s largest sporting goods retailer, and we had a directive come across this week ordering all stores that Nike has recalled all Nike footwear, including football cleats and athletic shoes. What that means is that Nike will be eating the cost for those shoes and consumers will be spared at least a few more pairs of overpriced shoes and sports gear.
More interesting than that, though, is the fact that T.S.A. has also directed all stores to pull ALL Michael Vick Jerseys, shirts, and any related signage and advertising. This is a rather bold move, especially since the whole case is still relatively recent news and it is not clear what actions the NFL may eventually take against Vick. What this means is that it is going to get a whole lot harder for consumers to find Michael Vick apparel (whether or not they still want it is another matter), especially for fans as the season gears up in the next few months.
Bad news for those of you who were in the market for some good old “Ron Mexico” apparel, but we can understand the thought process behind this. Michael Vick (who has plead ‘not guilty‘ to the charges) is an embarrassment to the sport, even the NFL has told him to stay away. If stores are pulling their goods, it seems they are just following the NFL’s lead.
(Photo:AP)
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GUYS GUYS GUYS!!!!
What about this whole “elevating the level of discourse” thing?
I’m glad they’re pulling it. Too much evidence to show what kind of problems people involved in this activity, or exposed to this activity cause.
It is a fact that people who get involved in any form of animal abuse, which includes a lot of activites involved in dog fighting, are far more likely to be dangerous to other humans. Even more so in children who are more impresionable. So by removing the glory assosiated with this player, even if it IS for the sheer purpose of preserving their situation with the public is a good thing.
Humans gaining entertainment from animal suffering, or humans gaining entertainment from human suffering? Dog fighting is bad but it’s all part of the same thing, some people only get their kicks by seeing others suffer.
Professional sports, especially football, remind me of one now vanished civilization that used to derive much entertainment from gladiators. Stock car racing, no, not who can drive the fastest, but to see crashes and worse.
@crichardson79: eat a dick.