“Michael Vick: Anatomy of a Downfall” Kicked Off Hot Topic Series
By Fabiana Furgal, 1L

September 13, 2007

The recent indictment of NFL’s Michael Vick, who was federally charged for dog fighting, gambling and cruelty to animals at his residence in Surry, Virginia, kicked off the hot topic discussion series at Capital University Law School for 2007-08. Issues of contractual obligations and breach of contract, animal cruelty, theories of punishment, public perceptions and race were raised by an impressive panel of speakers.

Director of Multicultural Affairs Shakeer Abdullah moderated the discussion. A former Wittenberg University football player, Abdullah commented on how the public shapes their perception of Vick through his football playing, and now through his unlawful deeds. He described Vick’s “downfall” as being grossly exaggerated, a persecution which had unfairly overshadowed his well-established generosity to the community.

Marc Kessler, sports law attorney and partner at Hahn, Loser + Parks and adjunct law professor at Capital, spoke to the contractual obligations that were breached as a result of Vick’s federal charges. Included in his contract was an option bonus with the NFL amounting to nearly 30 million dollars. This bonus now hangs in the balance, as does a suspended Nike ad campaign featuring Vick, who may be liable to Nike for damages which resulted from his bad press.

Capital Area Humane Society Officer Jennifer Kulina offered insight into the far extending consequences of animal cruelty. She stressed the horrific nature of the crime, its link to pathological violence in society, and its unfavorable influence on children.

Visiting Professor Michael Rich, who teaches Criminal Law, discussed theories of punishment, and how Vick’s celebrity status serves to adversely affect his case. He begged the question whether the case was made federal simply because Vick is a high profile individual and in what manner Vick may be more severely punished for
his crime if society feels he owes a greater debt because he was a celebrated person.

Professor of Law Floyd Weatherspoon, who teaches a seminar on African American Males and the Law and publishes extensively on the subject, discussed the clear dichotomy which exists concerning what punishment would be preferred for Vick across racial lines. He referred to the stiffer penalties suffered by African Americans, and the staggering statistics which demonstrate the overwhelming imbalance of black to white prisoners in the correctional system.

The thought-provoking discussion was concluded by a question and answer session and students are still talking about the issues which were raised during the session.