<font size="5"><center>NAACP Leaders Urge Fairness for Vick</font size></center>
Georgia president of The National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People Edward Dubose, left,
speaks as Atlanta NAACP president R.L. White and
executive board member Dr. Martha Plowden, right,
look on during a news conference in Atlanta, Monday,
July 30, 2007. The NAACP is asking the public to withhold
judgment until all the facts come out in court in connection
with the federal dogfighting charges against Atlanta Falcons
quarterback Michael Vick. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Associated Press
ERRIN HAINES | July 30, 2007 04:50 PM EST
ATLANTA — NAACP leaders urged public restraint Monday in judging Michael Vick before he has his day in court.
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 is guilty, he should pay for his crime, but to treat him as he is being treated now is also a crime," White said at a news conference. "Be restrained in your premature judgment until the legal process is completed."
Vick has pleaded not guilty to charges of sponsoring a dogfighting operation.
White plans to contact Vick to see what assistance the Atlanta NAACP chapter can offer. White predicted that public opinion may worsen in the wake of Taylor's plea deal.
Until then, he said he would keep an open mind and encouraged others to do the same.
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're not condoning bad behavior, but Michael Vick is innocent until proven 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.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070730/fbn-vick-naacp/
Georgia president of The National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People Edward Dubose, left,
speaks as Atlanta NAACP president R.L. White and
executive board member Dr. Martha Plowden, right,
look on during a news conference in Atlanta, Monday,
July 30, 2007. The NAACP is asking the public to withhold
judgment until all the facts come out in court in connection
with the federal dogfighting charges against Atlanta Falcons
quarterback Michael Vick. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Associated Press
ERRIN HAINES | July 30, 2007 04:50 PM EST
ATLANTA — NAACP leaders urged public restraint Monday in judging Michael Vick before he has his day in court.
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 is guilty, he should pay for his crime, but to treat him as he is being treated now is also a crime," White said at a news conference. "Be restrained in your premature judgment until the legal process is completed."
Vick has pleaded not guilty to charges of sponsoring a dogfighting operation.
White plans to contact Vick to see what assistance the Atlanta NAACP chapter can offer. White predicted that public opinion may worsen in the wake of Taylor's plea deal.
Until then, he said he would keep an open mind and encouraged others to do the same.
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're not condoning bad behavior, but Michael Vick is innocent until proven 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.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070730/fbn-vick-naacp/