NFL Quarterback Got Game (Dogs)

The Atlanta Falcons’ young star quarterback, Michael Vick, claims he had no knowledge of the nearly 70 pit bulls found on his property in Smithfield, Va., in connection with a drug raid last week (Sports Illustrated). Vick says the dogs -- some of whom were injured and malnourished -- and dogfighting paraphernalia belong to a cousin who lives at the home. Virginia authorities have not yet charged Vick, but the NFL is investigating his possible involvement in the dogfighting ring. Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, sent a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell imploring him to ban all players who engage in this illegal bloodsport (Nashua Telegraph). Coincidentally, President Bush recently signed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, which gives law enforcement greater authority to combat animal fighting. To read Pacelle’s letter or learn more about the new law, go to HSUS. - Julia Kamysz Lane