From the Pressbox

I really don't want to see the CFL become a refugee camp for NFL failures. While his presence might generate substantial revenue, I wonder about public reaction to his conduct off the field and ultimately the safety of all those around Michael Vick including potential teammates as Animal Rights Activists can be very aggressive with their displeasure and Michael Vick's actions are considered by many as criminal, cruel and inhumane.

Vick fighting dogs?i dont understand whats the big deal i fought with my dog all through the puppy stage, hell i even fought with my older brother everyone fights with someone whats so special about vick doing a little fist-i-cuffs with a dog?

I can't believe anyone is seriously considering this idea. Is the CFL a dumping ground for any player that can't follow the rules in the NFL? We need a place for more Canadians to play not a holding tank for Americans waiting out their probation to return to the US.

they are both beyond scope. it is so thoughtless outside of canada that i find it trite. i know what it is, but very few people care. think about it really. canada has a terrible reputation all over. anyone who thinks otherwise is a diplomat. outside of hockey, which is borderline, do you think anyone cares?

Bob and Matt
I always laugh at people like yourselves who couldn't tell a half back from a tail back, yet can see how supposedly inferior CFL talent is compared to the NFL.

If thats the case, tell me why Mike Machmahon and Jerrius Jackson, former NFL starting QB's, have been resounding failures?

And if you people are such football "experts", why not use your "immense" knowledge to help improve Canadian football, instead of running it down?

The reason? Because its obvious you guys are arm chair know nothings.

Elliotte,

Nothing would surprise me after the Argos took Ricky Williams. A player that clearly has no regard for rules, contracts he signs, laws, or the influence he may have on our kids. The Argo's management should remember that these players are role models. According to Mr. Clemen's in one of his many speeches over the winter, Ricky Williams deserved a second chance. Sure some people do deserve a second chance but at whose expense and when?

Well I can tell you, after that deal I stopped watching the Argos as their values are, in my opinion, misguided.

Any deal the Argo's management makes moving forward, would be a mute point to our family.

OK - So I went overboard in insulting the CFL. I do hold all athletes in high regard, especially when they reach the top of their sport. (I still argue that the NFL is a higher-level football and a larger talent pool on the whole).

My insults were out of frustration for listening (reading) to how many of you missed what the article was about and how you CFL fans Tee'd-off anyone that indicated that it was possible.

I am very Canadian and for those of you to suggest otherwise is funny. Yes, I do not watch the CFL much, but that is just not my brand of entertainment. I apologise if that offends you but like I said I did watch some CFL in the Flutie days and I have not felt the draw to pull me back into the market and watch.

As being Canadian, we know that we are a very forgiving society. Mind you, if Vick is found guilty I am sure it will test the boundaries of tolerance, but we in the back of our hearts will still see some hope that the guy would turn it around.

Along those lines, I am sure it would be something that any CFL team would have to consider, whether it be over a coffee and presented as a joke at break time during a teams board meeting or if it a formal review for plausibility. As any and all business decisions should be reviewed and evaluated on their merit; if their team (or business) can see improvement in their chances to reach a desired goal (the Grey Cup here) then you would have to seriously consider the chances.

The initial backlash in this situation would be obvious, but the Toronto market would be forgiving of the Grey Cup would come to town again. Much like Leafs Fans would turn a blind eye if MLSE would pull out some crazy trade that would bring them a cup. It is all about the Enders Game...

Well, I just got home from three relaxing days at a friend's cottage and read all of the comments from the Mike Vick blog. Admittedly, I'm stunned by the response -- both the volume and the tone.

Ladies and gentlemen, read the article. It wasn't a commentary on why a team should or should not sign the guy. It was solely about whether or not it could happen, and if so, who would take the chance?

After Toronto signed Ricky Williams last season, it was only natural to wonder. It was not intended to be some kind of jokey or sarcastic post, but a look into whether or not it was possible. (I did make the one joke about Dog Appreciation Day, and some of you didn't like it. That's fair. Everyone is certainly entitled to disagree.)

Personally, if the guy is guilty -- and it doesn't look good -- he should be punished severely. But, you are kidding yourselves if you don't think a couple of CFL teams have at least thought about it. As I wrote, I don't think any of them would. And, even if one wanted to, Mark Cohon is expected to block.

Seriously, would anybody be surprised if the Argonauts considered it? Would anybody else be surprised if Roy Shivers considered it, assuming he was still in the league?

And, if it did happen, it would make Ricky Williams seem small by comparison.

Like I've said several times, I always read the comments. I like the feedback, even the guy who called me a "sleazeball." Sometimes -- like with the Michael Jordan column -- I get ideas from you.

But you're missing the point on this one.

You just blew whatever credibility you thought you had, Elliott.

Your disregard for basic decency has clearly insulted many canadian sports fans who live by certain values. I, for one, must cast you aside as a hack for this misguided missive.

Give me something to rationalize this momentus brain-fade --which cannot be minimized as "just a joke...or provocation."
(That in itself would be insulting.)

Tell me you aspire to a stint in the US where this type of discourse is rampant?

You could not look worse, Elliott.

Your disdain for us fans

This particular column is a sick joke and utter nonsense.

In all probability Vick is a soon to be justly convicted serial animal torturer. Any decent, sane individual or organization will have nothing to do with such a person.

In regard to the following statement by Matt - the Ameristani Wannabe - gratuitously insulting the CFL while lauding Vick's "transcendent talent" (presumably because he plays QB - poorly - in the NFL), hilarious stuff! If you strip away the branding, Toronto's Michael Bishop is now a better QB than Vick. Bishop has the strongest arm in football, size, toughness and scrambling ability. While there's no doubt that Vick is exceptionally fast and would have made a great running back, he's been a bust as a QB and let's just say that (the draft swap) Tomlinson for Vick was one of the very best trades every made.

-------------------
"I go back to my point in the second blog on this post...if he joined the league I would go what him play. Yes, in part to watch a skill set far superior to anyone else in the league and secondly to watch the sideshow antics of you ridiculous CFL fans as you lambaste the guy for his alleged criminal issues."

Why not get Vick into the CFL ? The CFL
is such a Gong show . If he signs
for 2 or 3 years with anyteam, rest assured
like all the other QB's , he will end up
playing for most of the CFL teams with-in
3 years anyway. Maybe he could be a good
selling ticket for bringing back a team
to Ottawa, AGAIN ! Milt Stegall is great.
It is his whining on just about every
play that makes him hard to embrace.
Apparently Milt is held and interfered
with on every play ...

Ken from Edmonton...What's wrong with ya son?

You know - I read the CBC online news every morning and I enjoy humour and especially satire as much as anyone. But this is not funny at all. There's no place in our sports culture for this kind of reporting. There's no place on CBC for this as well.

This article was too funny. The CFL has always been about trying to steal some NFL thundah.
If Lonnie Glieberman & the Ottawa Renegades were still here Lonnie would sign Vick & then rename the team the "OTTAWA DAWGPOUND"!!!

Bring Vick to the CFL!!!
Bring Back the GLIEBERMAN's!!!!
Bring back J.C. Watts

I like hypothetical fun don't care too much for football.

Blog comment people can be so sensitive...

Although i though Yashin on the Marlies was a great idea.

As an American married to a Canadian, and involved in sports as a career, this discussion has occured in my household.

It's amusing to read the diversity of opinions on Vick, but I think back to when the CFL board had its meeting in Arizona, and changed rules to accomodate NFL cuts...

Jarious is doing great in BC 'til the return of DD...Vick would need to sport Green 'n Gold in order to make it worth his while, because the Canadian dollar is still shy of the USD. No way you would have both Vicks in Toronto--salary cap wouldn't allow it, and the Toronto PD couldn't afford the extra man-hours.

Maybe Mikey V will go UFC...?

As far from funny or tongue in cheek as imagineable. I have no desire to see another brain dead NFLer attempt to "ease" his way through the CFL. It is an insult to the players of the league and its fans who I trust are a little more sophisticated than Elliot gives them credit for. We love the game and have no desire to be NFL Europe North. Vick can go golfing with OJ and help him find the killers(after a lengthy career ending prison term, scumbag!)

Michael Vick in an Argonaut uniform! Wow! Pet semetary just revived. Imagine the hooplah, the celebration and of course the social dogooders striving for justice where justice never lived. Come on this is Canada, the home of Draft Dodgers, refugee for the Negro slaves, where criminals come to hide their stash and construct their weapons to anahilate the world. Oh well, let freedom rings along the hostile shores of Nova Scotia, along the frosty mountains of the Rockies and the vile stench of covert racism in Ontario. Vick in a Toronto uniform; Welcome home!
Dman

For those of you who think the folks here are getting 'too worked up' about this whole issue, I would suggest that you/we read ALL the allegations, pay attention to the detailed evidence when it comes out, and really think about whether you'd like to see your kids have a poster of him on their wall. Really; just step back and think about what this guy stands for. Maybe do a little reading on dog fighting and what it entails - then how about reporting back to the rest of us on how you feel or better yet, what you think?

P.S. Professional athletes are not simply reflections of society...that's an excuse/statement that we should be very careful about making.

Let'im come to the CFL. Let the gun lobby members gook their faces up and use Vick as target practice...

...with acid-laden projectiles?

Now *that* would be entertaining. And justice ( how can you have the infrastucture on your property and say you did not know/notice?). Good for ticket sales to boot! Go fot it!

Matt, Eliott was speculating, not joking. Learn the difference. Also, "in general terms", how is the league league a joke? You can be the coolest guy in your mom's basement this fall watching the NFL while the rest of us Canadians go out to support our game.

CBC, why do you let the CFL haters like Matt on the comment sheet. They have nothing worthwhile to add. If you don't like the CFL game fine, you can laugh amongst your NFL buddies. Just don't bother coming here to spout your anti-canadian attitudes.

BTY, I'd love to see an NFL lineman last one quarter in a CFL game.

Oh my goodness...people what is wrong with you...did everyone wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Did everyone find that their coffee was spiked with a little piss n' vinegar?? You have all got to relax!

Elliot...did you have any idea how sensitive these CFL fans are over their league? [and its apparent purity?] I certainly did not! I mean the league in general terms is a joke and their fans reaction to your comment makes them sound like children who just dropped their lolly pop in the sand. wha-wha Get a life!

The article is humorous! I think the reaction by all of you bloggers that do not see that just goes to show you that although humorous there is a sense of 'hey they let Ricky in - they might let Vick in'. Which just goes to show you how much more of a joke the league is. I used to watch some CFL in the Flutie days but I could never get into it and I do prefer the NFL for my football fix...in the Fall and Winter when football is supposed to be played.

I go back to my point in the second blog on this post...if he joined the league I would go what him play. Yes, in part to watch a skill set far superior to anyone else in the league and secondly to watch the sideshow antics of you ridiculous CFL fans as you lambaste the guy for his alleged criminal issues.

I find this article to be quite offensive. To make light of the henious crimes Vick has been accused of is shameful, I am surprised the CBC would allow such a callous article to be displayed.

Vick has not only been accused of running a dogfighting ring, he has been accused of unspeakable cruelty towards these defenceless animals. He has been accused of electricuting, shooting, drowning and hanging dogs that did not perform well. Not to mention the unspeakble cruelty and torture endured by these animals in order to get them to the state where they will fight to the death.

His guilt has not been proven yet, but is almost assured as one of his co-defendents has already pleaded guilty and will testify against the others.

To those who think that animal cruelty is no big deal, I think you need to examine your humanity. Dogs and indeed all animals feel pain and sorrow just like humans do.

Vick is a sadist who found enjoyment in the pain of helpless dogs. His acts were savage and barbaric and he should not be allowed into this country for any reason, let alone to play football.

To CP, who so desperately wants Vick to be innocent, Nope. Sorry, bud.

100% of the affadavit points to Vick, the goons he "sported" with have pointed to Vick. The money trail points to Vick.

I hope you get your wish and your American cousin is innocent, but just as the feds drop the corner crack dealers to get to the big money behind it, they're taking Vick to the mat this time.

>>John

Toronto

Why this outrage over what he (allegedly) did. Why are we so against dog fighting when we allow human beings to be beaten to a pulp in boxing and other "blood" sports.

And again what gives us the right to treat human beings like animals eg current war in Iraq , the Guantanemo bay and in previous wars? Are humans = to animals?

Apparently what John does not seem to grasp is the concept of CHOICE! Did any of these poor animals have a choice? Do boxers or MMA fighters have a choice? I think the answer is quite clear. John - Please don't breed and dilute the gene pool any more.

As for the article, if we allow Vick to plpay here as if nothing happened, the league and the country can consider itself morally bankrupt.

We are not talking about some yahoo who smoked pot and got caught. The atrocities that Vick is being linked are absolutely deplorable. These are the actions of a sub human, scavenger of misery who really has nothing better to do with hundreds of millions of dollars, than entertain himself by torturing God's beautiful creatures. Is this the type of abomination we condone in Canada?

If Michael Vick is convicted, he won't be playing football anywhere. If he is aquitted, I am sure that he will be back in the NFL; maybe not with Atlanta, but some team will pick him up....I'm sure. Remember that people are innocent until proven guilty. Vick deserves his day in court...in the meantime, his team and sponsors are distancing themselves to allow him to deal with this matter. I hope that he is innocent because it would be an extreme waste of talent. For all the people that are supporting the suffering of the animals who have no voice...kudos to you...I only wish there would be more of an outcry when there is an abuse of spouses or even drugs by professional atheletes!

Totally irresponsible column Elliot! The CFL does not need another NFL REJECT !!!! I am getting sick to death of the Toronto Sports Media swooning all over these guys - just because they played football in the NFL. This is disgusting journalism from someone whom I thought should know better - considering the seriousness of the charges that have been laid against Michael Vick.

You know - I read the CBC online news every morning and I enjoy humour and especially satire as much as anyone. But this is not funny at all. There's no place in our sports culture for this kind of reporting. There's no place on CBC for this as well. And there's certainly no place in "our" football league for someone who is (allegedly) involved in this kind of stuff - gambling, dogs for fighting, breeding for fighting, and manipulation of dog behaviour.

I'm actually offended by Elliot's article. Are you a sports writer or just trying to make a name for yourself at any cost? This isn't sport, let alone, sports. You've lost my respect which says a lot as I'm an avid CBC HNIC supporter. Finally, who in the brainless control centre at CBC place this on the front page of cbc.ca?

Do I want to see Michael Vick in a Toronto Argonauts uniform? In the immortal words of Ted Steevens, NO!!! NO I DO NOT!!!

Given allegations of Mr Vick's involvement in extreme cruelty to animals , I find this article quite offensive.
The comment "The Blue Jays, their Rogers Centre cohabitants, would probably have to cancel Dog Appreciation Day lest Vick go trolling for contenders" is beneath bad taste does not reflect well on the CBC.
There really is nothing humourous or entertaining about people who are alledged to have drowned , electrocuted and shot dogs.
I enjoy reading the CBC website daily and this article has no place being published online or anywhere for that matter.

That "only issue": The Blue Jays Dog Day at Rogers Centre would have to be cancelled comment was hilarious!

Funny article, and probably a good thing he won't be able to play up here.
Felony Dogfighting >> Marijuana smoking

If the Argos signed Vick, I would never spend another cent of my money on anything attached to the Argos (ownership, the CFL, the Rogers Centre). I understand how much a team can want a competitive advantage, but that would be sending a lot of wrong messages.

Hey, let's not leave out the Lions. They've got trouble behind centre right now.

This is in response to John's (from Toronto) response. I find a few things fundamentally wrong with some of the comparisons you made between humans and animals. There is no doubt that humans are humans and animals are animals but your comment on why do we treat humans like animals poses a problem. Let me ask you, how are we suppose to treat animals? Like property? As ours to abuse and use for our own selfish needs? I don't want to sound like a PETA activist but animals have the right to live on this earth without the fear of harm just as much as we do. Also the difference between dog fighting and boxing or "blood" sports (as you put it) is the cognitive reasoning behind why a fighter fights and an animal forced to fight or die if it doesn't perform. Fighters choose to fight, in these cases these dogs don't have the choice to say "hey i don't want to fight that other dog, I want to go run in the park". Where's their decision? what do you think they would rather do? Can you see the difference?

If y'all want him, you can have him, after he serves his possible 6 year sentence in the federal prison system. It is rather pathetic that a CFL fan would seriously consider Vick playing in their league. The evidence against him is overwhelming. He will be taking a plea deal to save himself from some heavy time.

Dog fighting is illegal in the US. Vicks was [allegedly] conbducting an illegal butst mostly despicable business: provoking dogs to fights to death for the pleasure and greed of men. The "losers" were hung, electrocuted, disposed of like garbage. People who do not treat animals with respect will not treat children and human beings with respect. Vicks should be banned from ever working again except in an animal shelter after having been in counselling for a long while. DOgs do not choose to fight, unlike boxers. I am however equally against any type of boxing, fights, by human beings too.

Give it a rest... No one is sure he is guilty.. and if he is found guilty... then include your tastless joke.

If Vick comes up North, it will sell tickets. It's a fact. Not one player in the CFL or NFL matches up with his caliber. He's the show, and could give the CFL a boost in attendance, which it so badly needs.

First, to Elliotte: I think, even if you're being somewhat tongue-in-cheek(? it's hard to tell, frankly), it's far beyond anything that could be considered decent to even suggest that any Canadian should welcome someone like that into this country, let alone let him play professional sports here. It's a disgrace to you to have written this article and a disgrace for the CBC to have published it. I don't care what talent he has, this man is accused .... of horrific crimes -- the torture and murder of innocent victims for pleasure. Even if one doesn't see such crimes against dogs to be on the same magnitude as such crimes against people, the ethical issue is the same. Does anyone want a man who has such a sadistic and immoral character to be representing their city? presenting himself as a role model to children? No thanks.

To John in T.O.:
"why the outrage?" Because causing pain to the defenceless is an outrage.
"Why are we so against dog fighting when we allow human beings to be beaten to a pulp in boxing?" Because humans choose to put themselves in the ring. No one expects the outcome of a boxing match to be the death of one of the contenders. No one would think its okay for a boxing manager to kill fighters that weren't making money.
[Iraq War herring]: Nothing. But nothing gives us the right to treat animals like some people treat other human beings.

Boxers make a choice to get in the ring, have trainers and immediate medical care, not to mention rules. Caged animals don't get to make those choices or have that kind of care, and last time I checked, when a boxer was damaged beyond repair they didn't shove a probe up his anus and electrocute him, they way Vick "allegedly" did to his damaged dogs. Pull your head out and learn a little about what's really going on out there before you brush it off. Unfortunately some sports fans have lost sight of what sport is really about; showcasing the very best in human talent, not overlooking unacceptable behavior to boost ticket sales.

Boxers make a choice to get in the ring, have trainers and immediate medical care, not to mention rules. Caged animals don't get to make those choices or have that kind of care, and last time I checked, when a boxer was damaged beyond repair they didn't shove a probe up his anus and electrocute him, they way Vick "allegedly" did to his damaged dogs. Pull your head out and learn a little about what's really going on out there before you brush it off. Unfortunately some sports fans have lost sight of what sport is really about; showcasing the very best in human talent, not overlooking unacceptable behavior to boost ticket sales.

That would be great! I can't wait to see him in Toronto.

BREAKINGS NEWS: Athletes are a simply a reflection of society. Deal with it.

John in Toronto and others who think like him just don't get it. The people who participate in blood sports do ultimately have a choice. Animals do not. To inflict suffering on them for our pleasure is just wrong.

And to minimize animal cruelty by comparing it to human suffering doesn't make sense. Two wrongs don't make a right. Can't we just say that all suffering intentionally inflicted by humans, whether it be on animals or humans, is wrong?

Great idea. But, some border officials have guns now...I guess you'll have to help him illegally slip across the border [if convicted]. You don't mind, do you? While you are down there, could you also try and get my cousin Tony across? He's completely innocent as well. Bring all the criminals up, that's what I say.

In response to John's comment. Boxing is a fully professional and controlled environment with referees and health officials on site to prevent serious injury.

Dog fighting, most of the time, results in one of the dogs dying. Not to mention all the torture and abuse the dogs endure for weeks leading up to the fight.

As humans, we have a choice to become a boxer, soldier, doctor, lawyer, etc. Dogs don't have a choice in whether or not they get locked up and take a beating and get starved for weeks on end before being thrown into a pit with another dog who went through the same.

I, personally, think the comparison is ridiculous.

Michael Vick in an Argos uniform? Please tell me you`re kidding.
This idea is absolutely repugnant. Yes, he is innocent until proven guilty, however, based on the prosecution`s strong evidence, even if he were found innocent on a legal technicality, his name is forever tainted and associated with this despicable activity. And if he were to be signed by the Argos, you can count on that team losing legions of fans starting with me. I will certainly never watch the Argos again. Should the Argo organization even consider this, not only does this forever reflect very negatively on the organization, but also sends the wrong message to everyone especially young people about the issue of animal cruelty.

I would never purchase a ticket to watch Vick play in the CFL. I would not want my children to see Vick portrayed as a roll model due to his alleged actions with the death of canines. There are surely severe character flaws in a person who would partake in such an inhumane and barbaric act.

The outrage over what he is alleged to have done is because dogs don't have a choice as to whether or not they want to fight. They are not compensated or given a contract. The owners do make money off the fights. The dogs usually die.
The wars that people fight have nothing to do with this issue. There are numerous reasons people end up in wars. Most recently it's because of a lying administration in the US. This shouldn't cause us to accept dog fighting.

Count me as one of those people who would walk away from the Argos and the CFL if they acted on this horrible idea.

In fact, I think I'd head over to the local chapter of the SPCA and give them my season tickets (10th row 55 yd line) so they could have a great location from which to heap scorn (and the occassional airborne projectile) on the Argos organization.

Vick either sponsored and/or participated in the torture and murder of animals. That Friedman might possibly find something entertaining about this notion is worth keeping in mind the next time I decide to watch a CBC broadcast... IF I decide to watch a CBC broadcast.

I say the Argos should try to sign him. Dave Winfield killed a seagull during a game and was signed by the Blue Jays a couple of years later. So why not?

Vick is an awesome quarterback with tremendous upside. Yeah, so he does stupid things in his off-time, so what. Did he kill any people? Does he abuse women?? or prey on children? Nope...

Keep in mind that he 'allegedly' committed a crime. By law, he's still innocent.

Come on Arrrrrrrrrrrgggooooooooosssssss and sign him!!

Vick might be able to play for the prison team during recreation but he ain't gonna be playing anywhere. With his friend pleading 'guilty' yesterday, undoubtedly in return for leniency, let's begin to imagine Vick behind bars rather than Vick behind the centre.

Vick signed a contract worth well over 100 million. Why the hell would he come to the CFL? Plus, does the CFL really want to look like a joke. Ricky liked to smoke pot but the CFL accepted him. But how about they now accept someone who allegedly operated a dog fighting ring. If the CFL wants to spice up its brand maybe they should just link up with WWE.

I am very much opposed to any CFL team (especially Toronto Argonauts) giving Michael Vick a contract while he is awaiting the outcome of a trial for participing and supporting dogfighting. The CFL is not designed to provide cash flow to an individual whose focus is not upon football but upon increasing his own personal cash flow opportunity.
If sports teams want to continue the illusion of providing positive role models for the communities, then the owners, coaches and players need to behave in ways that promote and generate that respect.
Until Mr. Vick has had his day in court and had the results determined, no CFL team ought to sign him to a contract despite the apparent need to strengthen the quarterback position.
By accepting the notion that a person is innocent until proven guilty then I will recommend that Mr. Vick needs to keep focussing upon the upcoming trial rather than journeying north to Canada to learn a new game.
Since one of Michael Vick's "colleagues, friends, and/or accomplices" has just agreed to plead guilty (Monday, July 30th 2007) and to provide evidence to the prosecutor, Mr. Vick will need to pay increased attention to his changing circumstance as he prepares for his November trial.
I expect that Vick's need to engage in stress reduction activities will increase as the trial date approaches and Canada would not want to create a conflicting situation where Michael would need to concentrate and learn the plays of a faster and more physically demanding football game!
Why would any Canadian team try to justify giving this person a helping hand when all professional sports are under the microscope of public scrutiny?

I'd like to rebut to the comment from John in Toronto. Yes, there are many people suffering due to war and other terrible crimes against humanity, but it doesn't excuse the atrocities that are also committed against animals every day around the world, especially by high-profile sports stars who are supposed to be role models to our children. Unless I'm mistaken, people have a choice to engage in boxing or so-called "blood sports", whereas animals have exactly none. We may or may not be "equal" to dogs, but as heads of the animal kingdom, we have responsibilities.

though the allegations regarding michael vick should not impact his football potential, they should minimally detract from his hero status. as a result, i would not wish for michael vick to excel in any league/country as a result of being disgraced from another.

of equal concern is the support he received from other atheletes, including hall of famers (ie d sanders), before public disgust was truly realized.

Ya, the CFL could use Vick. People are always wanting more teams, better players, more excitement. So why not take the NFL bad boys and use them in OUR game!

Ya, the CFL could use Vick. People are always wanting more teams, better players, more excitement. So why not take the NFL bad boys and use them in OUR game!

I think all the comments posted as assinine. Has Vick been proven guilty yet? No. Wasn't it also stated the no evidence pointed to Vick, or that he was even involved? You're all just being steretypical towards Americans. Someone was charged for something, they're American, so it must be true. If I cared, even the slightest bit about the CFL, I'd say bring Vick to Toronto. God only knows the Maple Leafs won't win the Cup anytime soon, nor will the Raptors win a championship. So bring Vick to Toronto, atleast have one dominating team to cheer for, and not get pissed everytime they lose (even though it's now tradition, that they won't win).

Dog fighting? Incredible. Where does sport find these guys? We pay them millions for what? Professional sport makes me gag.

I would never ever support this league again, period.

It's a shame people tend to think that one criminal act equals another.
A dog will do what you condition it to do. Conditioning it to fight to the death for entertainment is sadistic, and cruel, regardless of legality. Ricky Williams smoked pot, with his own money, lungs and mind. Nevermind that he still remained a top class athlete - put that on an anti-drug poster.
Yeah, maybe it was illegal, but some people capable of greater cognitive capacities understand that that doesn't necessarily make him morally wrong. Hell, he's a vegetarian, whatever you think of that it signals a larger amount of sympathy in him than the average citizen.
He's a millionaire and instead of spending it on limos and mansions and other useless crap he went to Australia, lived in a tent for a year reading books. What a jerk.
What? How many Canadians have smoked weed, half, forty percent?

Please don't confuse "blood sport" such as the boxing mentioned in the first comment with dog fights. Human = Animal? Human's can say "no" ... dogs can't. And if they try not to do what their handlers are beating them to do they will be beat to death. Not quite the same thing. If indeed, this man is capable of doing what he has been charged with I would not want to see him playing anywhere, here or south of the border. Anyone capable of that kind of cruelty does not deserve the fame, money, perks ... he just deserves to be locked in a cage all day and beaten when he whines.

Well said Robert Dumar. Canadians would just not accept him (I hope!).

HEY, Doesn't anyone care this guy is an [alleged] animal abuser, and obviously hates animals.What's next, little children that can't defend themselves.
Your late night radio reported "THE LOSING DOG WAS HUNG, DROWNED, or KILLED" in some inhumane fashion. Some of these dogs didn't want to fight, I saw one licking the other, while the owners were trying to provoke them.These people are sick.
As a 30 year Argo fan, he is the last person I would want on our team.
COME ON CBC, TELL IT LIKE IT REALLY IS. The TV newscast leaves all this out but covers every little car accident. This guy's a coward, we don't need him in Toronto.
I hope John, Toronto reads this.

To John, I say the difference between human and animal fighting is that, in the circumstances described, the human has a choice. For them, it may be the difference between a minimum wage job and superstar status, but there is a choice.

The dog has no choice. And the human doesn't get electricuted to death for losing.

Tracye is right, the CFL doesn't need scumbags like Vick. Even (especially?) tongue-in-cheek, Elliotte's whole argument is inappropriate.

To John from Toronto:

The difference is that boxers and other fighters choose to enter the ring. While not all wars are good wars, we don't have conscription right now, so every soldier volunteered for military service. The dogs in this alleged crime are not capable of volunteering for this kind of fighting. This is just abuse.

Elliotte...brilliant idea. You should become the Commissioner. That way you can make sure Vick and a bunch of other top notch individuals from the American and Canadian prison systems can live and play football in Canada. You should then change the name of the league to the Convict Football League. I can't wait to sit back and watch this top quality family entertainment on Friday nights while I get drunk and clean my guns with my kids.

Something is wrong in your head if you think this is a good idea.

Given what a pathetic league the CFL is:

1. where in the middle of a season a kicker, Mark McGloughlin, can become the team GM;

2. where you're so desperate for a team in Ottawa that you let the Gliebermans, the owners that you banned from the league because they were such massive sleazeballs, own the team again only to ban them again for surprise, displaying what massive scummy loser sleazeballs they were;

3. which operates like a charity, setting aside roster spots for Canadian players because they're not good enough to make it on their own merits against American players;

4. which had two teams with the same name for the longest time LOL! WTF? How did that happen? How can you be stupid enough to allow a team when coming into the league to take the same name as another team? How dumb do you have to be to not be able to come up with an original name?

5. which gladly accepts convict wife-beaters like Lawrence Phillips after the NFL has banned them because the league is so
desperate for recognizable "name" players;

etc.

I wouldn't be surprised if Vick gets a job in the CFL. The league is a league of non-name rejects, the bottom of the barrel in terms of player quality. If the league is populated by guys who couldn't make the NFL because they were too slow and fat or had weak arms, then adding an athlete like Vick wouldn't be a surprising move for a league desperate for star power, even if he was a sociopathic sadist. The CFL is a joke.

Vick is a US citizen, therefore he doesn't require a passport to travel to Canada, and everyone seems to be forgetting something... Vick has only been accused of these crimes... Last time I checked people are innocent until proven guilty...I don't think we should hang Vick until he's received the same due process that we would all want if we were being charged with a crime. So if he wants to come and play in Canada then let him come, if he's charged he'll be booted out of the country anyway.

Keep Vick in the States.

Williams had a crappy rushing season. Sure, this can be explained due to his breaking in to the CFL and all that, but I think most of it is that he was playing for TORONTO. Really! In this week's game John Avery rushed for over 100 yards for the first time since.....I have no idea, probably 10 years or something ridiculous.

Now, if he was in SSK or CAL? I think he would have performed better.

Vick in the CFL? Judging from the Canadians I know, the country has too much humanity to put [an alleged] sadist like Vick on the field. I can usually look to Canada to behave better than the U.S.

Ricky Williams needed money, Vick is worth millions. He would never take $200,000 to play in the CFL, he makes more than that in mothly bank interest.

I always thought Eliotte an astute sports journalist ,after this article I'm no longer sure.It is incomprehensible for any CFL team to consider taking on Vick.Besides putting the CFL relationship with the NFL in jeopardy,the Canadian game would be open to ridicule and scorn by fans and pundits on both sides of the border.Come on EP lets talk about more important things like how many points the Als are going to win by on Thursday

Classless article from a normally good writer. As for the guy who doesn't have problem with dogfighting, there is big difference when compared to boxing. In boxing the combatents are willing and not forced into the ring. They also don't torture to death the loser. Besides the CFL is already more exciting to watch than the NFL, so why invite the controversy.

Sure, at the same time, for our major companies let's hire some top execs that have been indicted for insider trading!
The message: are you being investigated by your government or governing body? Then, come to Canada, we'll take you!

After the Duke Rape scam, the Valeri Plume Hoax and a whole bunch of other BS coming out of the media these days, I am not even sure Vick had anything to do with this at all.

So yeah, if Toronto wants him let him, it is his right and the teams right.

I am not going to take the media's claim on high profile cases anymore.

I didn't realize Vick has been convicted....has he? He owned a house where a relative lived, who happened to be involved in dog fighting. What's the problem with him playing in Canada for a few games? Let's just all take a step back and relax.

I think the seemingly jesting manner in which this is brought up by is quite frankly disgusting and in the poorest of taste. Then again the author has a reputation for being a sleazeball, so I don't put it past him for drawing up such a letter. If the CFL considered enlisting someone likely guilty of such heinous crimes as mr. vick the league would be rendered more of a joke than it already is. Suggesting it and then comparing it to Ricky Williams' case is also absurd as I can't even begin to imagine how the two cases are even remotely in the same galaxy, one guy smoked pot the other tortured and murdered dogs (for the fellow above who i guess doesn't know this, at least in the Western world boxers aren't drowned, hung or electrocuted for losing).
Keep up your exceptional journalism record elliot....sports broadcasters should be required to be more than a couch quarterback enabling them to bring at least a modicum of relevence to the conversation

"Why are we so against dog fighting when we allow human beings to be beaten to a pulp in boxing and other "blood" sports."

Because humans are free agents, choosing to be combatants.

You are alone on this one Elliotte. After seeing how the Ricky Williams frenzy last year, we shouldn't be counting our eggs yet. The crime that Vick committed was far more serious than Williams however, and I believe that most Torontonians wouldn't want him in their city, even if he is a star player.

i think everything in sports gets way too much attention except for our cfl league so i say go for it. Anyother offence like drugs, rape, sideline betting it all happens wheather they are in the headlines or not. and it's canada suppost to the land for new opportunies. Lets go for broke- might not even cost us that much with the dollar breaking new record highs.

I'm not sure why Vick would need to be involved in this, but in this world people need to get paid so they can eat and have a place to sleep. When you eat meat you are supporting the livelihood of people who raise those animals that are destined to die by design. We humans use animals for our own gains, despite the means, and we've been doing it all along.

Opposed to dog fights? Get those people some real jobs instead of giving them false hope (if any or anything at all.)

If only so many bleeding hearts had as much compassion for their fellow man as they do for the beasts of their choice.

I believe even pondering such an absurd notion and giving it the time of day is in poor taste and beneath the regular CBC reporting standards & commentary we Canadians have come to respect over the years.

Simply put, convicted criminals have have no place in professional sports. Although Mr. Vick has not yet been convicted in a court of law, the notion that the CFL turn a blind eye to either Mr. Vick's actions or the actions of the people he associates himself with would be at the vey least "a classless act" on the part of a professional sports league and is debasing to the very integrity of the league itself. A bad public relations stunt from my perspective. I wish the general public and the media would simply let athletes/celebrities like this drop into obscurity where they belong and stop giving such individuals face time and press coverage. They deserve "no free press" whether good, bad or otherwise.

Regards.

You people are all a bunch of liberal pieces of crap who should not be watching football in the first place. Let Mike Vick alone for being associated with dog fighting and start focusing your pathetic attention and lives on the COMMON poachers who are killing ENDANGERED species. Or maybe you would be so smart as to put your attention toward keeping drug dealers from bringing marijuana into montreal and keeping it out of your kids hands. Christ, if you would stop worrying about what Mike Vick was doing and turn sports center off, you might even do yourself a favor and watch shark week on discovery channel and find out that humans kill 40 million sharks a year. Does Mike Vick kill 40 million mutts a year?

@Kevin Murray

As a devout Christian, I think the Pinball WOULD give Vick a second chance. Not only that, but I think the Pinball could really help Vick in terms of morality and maturity.

Clemons could really be a positive influence in Vick's life.

I guess the adage of "innocent until proven guilty" only stands in theory only. Vick - if convicted - will not and should not be able to play in Canada. At that point I would imagine he'd be a convicted felon and therefore why would we want to put him up as a potential role model to the kids here.

Let's reserve our judgement on whether he is a "scumbag" or not until the verdict comes in...until then this is very unfortunate the NFL and football in general...now onto people who deserve our attention Elliotte thanks.

How desperate do you have to be to even suggest that Mr. Vick might play in the CFL. I always thought that the CBC, a publicly funded broadcaster, had some standards. Apparently not.

While I agree that he is an innocent man until proven guilty, the very serious charges against him have made him playing in the NFL undesirable. Why would it look any better on the CFL?

You all seem to forget that the biggest crime that has been committed is GAMBLING on a sporting event. No matter the other charges, Vick will never play anywhere ever again mow that it is out in the open that he [allegedly] ran/financed an inter-state wagering system and has a gambling habit.

How desperate do you have to be to even suggest that Mr. Vick might play in the CFL. I always thought that the CBC, a publicly funded broadcaster, had some standards. Apparently not.

While I agree that he is an innocent man until proven guilty, the very serious charges against him have made him playing in the NFL undesirable. Why would it look any better on the CFL?

Vick would laugh at a contract offer from a CFL team. He'll be throwing footballs in the the NFL next year, maybe not with the Falcons, but somewhere, if not he would rather join Pacman Jones and get into wrestling rather than play in the CFL.

Controversy or not, Vick would be a major drawing card for all teams and would draw a lot of attention to the CFL. 4-5 years ago, people were wondering whether or not there would be a CFL. HELLO people....this would generate the hipe needed for the league to prosper, and if it takes a "dog fighting waiting to be arrained criminal" so be it. Gainer the Gopher better watch out as he may be fed to the dogs soon.

I can just see it now...the twilight zone episode where Michael Vick meets Milt Stegall for the first time! Could there be a greater contrast between two players? Milt the hero of the CFL and Vick the, well, you know! Winnipeg holds Milty in such high regard that I'm sure most fans would strap on the pads and risk their necks to get a win for Milt. But I wouldn't cross the street to glimpse Vick, or Barry Bonds. And to both of them, I exhort, "Gentlemen! Got Milt?"

Why this outrage over what he (allegedly) did. Why are we so against dog fighting when we allow human beings to be beaten to a pulp in boxing and other "blood" sports.

And again what gives us the right to treat human beings like animals eg current war in Iraq , the Guantanemo bay and in previous wars? Are humans = to animals?

When and if (hopefully if) Vick is suspended, he would not be able to play in the CFL due to the new Ricky Williams rule.
Frankly, I wouldn't put it beyond Toronto to pull something low like signing Vick. But then Williams was supposed to run roughshod over the CFL and he finished with what, 500+ yards?

I don't want him playing here, or any player who is banned from playing in the NFL for committing crimes or breaking the rules. What kind of reputation does that give to Canadian football? "You're watching the CFL - the Criminal Football League!"

"...lest Vick go trolling for contenders."

Seriously bad taste all around with that comment.

jk

This will never happen, Elliot. The backlash would be wide and intense. I'd like to believe that all Canadians, and humans in general, find Michael Vick's alleged actions sickening. Imagine the reaction by the talking bobble heads on American cable news. Even discussing the possibility would create a stain, not only on the CFL but, on the entire country.

Robert Dumar
Calgary

This is wrong for so many reasons. The first problem would be if Vick is suspended. Secondly I doubt Pinball would see Vick as the reclamation project that he seemed to view Ricky Williams as. Finally, I would hope that Toronto fans would stay away in droves. It's not just the plays, it's who the players are that we need to think about when we cheer for them.

This is the kind of useless trash you want to bring into our country/League? Get real I would seriously put the ki-bosh on the entire league if that happened.

All of this is a moot point, as Vick no longer has a passport. Michael Vick is an exciting player, and would look great in the CFL, BUT.....

BUT.....if he is found guilty of the charges he is facing, ANY of the charges, the CFL does not need him ANYWHERE north of the border. Let's sign players who we WANT in our community. Law abiding, stellar members of the community - the kind we'd want living next to us.

Let the NFL keep the players that are notoriously in trouble with the law - this inlcludes Michael Vick. The CFL will lose this fan if any team makes a stab at trying to entice Vick to come north.

Elliotte, you ask what Vick would look like if freed from his leash - I say keep him on a leash, and in the confines of the good ol' USA, where he belongs.

Why even suggest that we in Canada should lower ourselves and accept bottom of the barrel scumbags like Vick to play football here - I say feed him to the dogs - yeah - a bunch of real hungry, very angry pitbulls. He deserves nothing better.

CFL --- Highschool Football!!!!!---- who cares

Elliot...=)

...what was slipped in your coffee this morning? LOL...that is a great article. Vick would certainly draw a couple extra people to Rogers Centre if that ever came to pass...heck I might even buy a ticket!

To be silly along with you though, I think it has actually come time to start up a new exhibit in the respective 'Halls' of Fames...or a new one Hall together dedicated to the traditions of Criminals in Sports or all together Bad-A$$es of $ports. This of course should not be confused with the Yankees Murderers' Row, but more of the likes of your Canseco's, McGuire's, Bonds'; Vick's, Williams' etc etc etc...

Wow, that would require some serious square-footage to handle the growing crowd!!

No way Elliott. Cohon was quite clear and even if he wasn't, no-one gave a damn about Ricky and his weed but no way would someone who harmed a dog fly - especially not in Toronto where they won't even euthanise at the Humane Society when they are overflowing with dogs. I'd say a cop-killer would get a shot easier than a dog-killer in this town.