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Video: Michael Vick confronted by dog owner at weird Dallas key ceremony

Feb 7, 2011, 2:10 PM EDT

37 Comments
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Apparently there was a ceremony in downtown Dallas last week in which Michael Vick was given a key to the city by a member of the city council, which is strange. Dallas mayor Tom Leppert thought so too, because he issued a statement today denying any knowledge of the event. The key, he said, is not official. Please return it at his house, and if it’s after hours, leave the key under the mat. Thank you.

But even stranger was the confrontation that occurred afterward, as Vick was leaving the event. Dallas radio personality Richard Hunter filmed a confrontation with Vick (or more precisely, Vick’s bodyguards), in which Hunter attempted to show Vick a photo of his dog, which was adopted from among those that Vick had abused.

In the video (below), Vick’s bodyguards curse at Hunter, and Vick then makes eye contact, sees the photo, and walks away.

From the Dallas Observer:

But something else happens [in addition to Vick being given the key to the city] in video — which was shot by Richard Hunter, better known as radio’s own Big Dick. Hunter, as [Dallas Observer writer] Richie [Whitt] pointed out last June, adopted one of the so-called “bait dogs” Vick used in the dog-fighting ring that landed him in prison. The dog’s name is Mel — and as Richard told Richie, “While Vick is pure evil, this dog is so good despite having suffered through such hell that he’s truly changed my life.” Richard went to the event to show Vick Mel’s picture and confront him about the past — which, as you’ll see in the video, never happened.

If Vick is trying to rehabilitate his image, this is not the secret formula. Having a 350-pound bodyguard F-bomb a guy holding a photo of one of the abused dogs? And then you look at it and just walk away? Pretty short-sighted.

Now, to the key ceremony itself. The mayor of Dallas is unamused.

Leppert’s statement:

“The action taken was not sanctioned by my office and was not an official ceremonial honor on behalf of the City of Dallas. Official Keys to the City are presented by the Mayor, or an elected official designated by the Mayor, and reserved, on a limited basis, for an elected official of international status. Clearly, this was not the case in this situation and done without my knowledge or approval.”

Turns out the ceremony was the brainchild of Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway, a rebel key distributor. Fox Sports:

Caraway presented Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and convicted felon Michael Vick a key to the city of Dallas Saturday.

Caraway said he believes “a great majority” of the people of Dallas would have supported his decision, despite Vick’s conviction for running a vicious dog fighting ring.

“I gave it to him, sure I did. The wayward children that were there needed to have hope,” he said.

Caraway — who is poised to step in as Dallas mayor when Mayor Tom Leppert leaves office — did not say exactly where he was (“somewhere downtown” and “one of the clubs”) or exactly who was sponsoring the event where he handed Vick a key to the city. He said the event occurred around 5 p.m. with children in attendance.

Leaving aside the dogfight controversy, which is huge, let’s just settle on the image of a Dallas politician distributing ceremonial keys to members of the Philadelphia Eagles. Wayward children or not, that will not go over well with Cowboys fans. What next, a testimonial dinner for Daniel Snyder? Whomever runs against Caraway in any future political race now has unlimited mud to sling.

But seriously Michael, Dallas needs its key back; the janitor can’t get into the Magnolia Building.

***
Vick’s key to Dallas is news to mayor [Fox Sports]
Big Dick, Michael Vick And, As It Turns Out, Anybody Can Get a Key to the City of Dallas [Dallas Observer]

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  1. tstreeter - Feb 7, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    There is no denying what Mike Vick done to those dogs. It was so bad that he served time in federal prison for his crimes. This reporter done a remarkable thing in adopting and caring for this dog. There were many people in the United States that was trying to adopt one of the dogs also. He was blessed to have that oppurtunity.

    With that said, is it about this remarkable thing he done for this dog or is it about himself? When you do a good deed, you dont have to broadcast it. I think he was looking for some quick news. He could have easily put the camera down and attempted to talk with Mike Vick if he wanted Mike to know what he had done or wanted Mike’s take on the situation. I will give Mike the benefit of the doubt that he would have talked with the reporter without the camera rolling.

    • bc666 - Feb 7, 2011 at 9:08 PM

      You’re a fool.

      • tstreet - Feb 8, 2011 at 8:51 PM

        I have been called worse. You put alot of thought into that one.

      • Dirty D Fo - Feb 10, 2011 at 9:29 PM

        lick me.

    • arrogantathlete - Feb 8, 2011 at 11:34 AM

      Yeah who cares about dogs. Yeah they are living things but who cares. I just can’t believe you can murder and torture animals and you get a key to the city. He is a good role model because he doesn’t torture dogs anymore? haha what a joke.

    • lpmidd33 - Feb 8, 2011 at 1:32 PM

      Are we really still covering the dog fighting case? Vick has had his trial (April 2007)…accepted the blame…served his time…shown remorse…and is CLEARLY now a changed man.
      Richard Hunter…if this is your breaking news story to get some pub for yourself it’s sad, and i’m actually schocked it’s recieving so much attention already. Congrats on adopting an abused pet and joining the rest of the millions of people who have done the same before you. It’s a great thing to adopt any animal and give them a better life , but it seems as though you’ve used it to propel yourself into the media spotlight.
      The only story here is who the hell is this guy to be giving out keys to the city? Very strange…but your frivolous actions toward Michael Vick were stranger, three years late and a desperate cry for attention.
      Maybe try a less of a blitz approach to Vick next time, if you’re serious about getting a real answer. Good luck to you and your future in the media industry.

  2. bc666 - Feb 7, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Wow, what a shocker, Vick is still one of the biggest A-HOLES walking the planet. I’ve said it before and I say it again. Michael Vick is one of the most vile, inhuman beings walking the face of the Earth. I wish him nothing but the worst for the rest of his life.

    • mbhcu98 - Feb 8, 2011 at 2:38 PM

      And you think what you said reflects in anyway to Michael Vick? Think again sir, this reflects the type of person you are. And seeing what you wrote, I doubt you are in anyway a “better” person than Michael Vick. I wish you well.

  3. flyinghs10 - Feb 7, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    Really need to cut Vick a break he has done everything asked of him
    since he left prison.

    • bc666 - Feb 7, 2011 at 9:59 PM

      He has no remorse except that he and his loser thug pals got caught. He deserves nothing but hatred towards him.

    • blackeyeddaughter - Feb 8, 2011 at 2:47 PM

      You people who think Michael Vick has somehow “paid” for what he did are missing the point. The man tortured dogs. Get it? He electrocuted them, drowned them, and whatever other creative methods these sick dog-fighting freaks devise for their enjoyment. He is a SOCIOPATH. He has no empathy for other living creatures.

      Look it up: SOCIOPATHY. You don’t cure this. You don’t “pay” for it. You don’t somehow develop empathy because you got caught and went to prison. You only learn better how to fake being a functioning member of society so that you can collect the benefits of same.

      That’s what Vick is doing, and you reward him by defending his continued employment by the Eagles and consequent glorification and enrichment by the worshipful sports community. This loser is just as big a waste of oxygen as he ever was, and it’s a sad, sad thing that anyone can be fooled by his act.

      • lpmidd33 - Feb 8, 2011 at 3:19 PM

        @blackeyed
        In your opinion, what should’ve been the appropriate form of punishment for Michael Vick?

      • willhnic - Feb 8, 2011 at 4:13 PM

        @blackeyed
        Actually, your statements are false. Sociopaths are those who would have actually done the deed of electrocuting and killing the animal. Vick was prosecuted for primarily FUNDING the operation and being involved at a high level, sir. There is a difference.

        Whether we agree or not on that, I will always say that if someone spends time in jail for their crime, then they have been fully punished as determined by our law..our society. If that is the case, then a man and/or woman should be able to contribute in any way the courts allow. Is your argument that such crimes whould incur a penalty of being disallowed to be involved in professional sports? Or get any job for that matter? If so…then that would effectively drive the criminal to do the same crime again. It impresses me that most in our society don’t get it. If you want to rehabilitate criminals, you need to provide a path for each individual to bypass their old habits by being allowed opportunities to contribute to society, get an education and make a living. When a person does this…it’s less probable they will continue being criminals. Its logical and has been proven. However, according to your rant, you want to go outside the guidelines of our laws and keep on punishing. Thank GOD our Bill of Rights states we should not push cruel and unusual punishment because that is what you are referring to. And yes…that is what humans do for each other. Opportuniteis for second chances.

        My question to you…what does his crime have to do with his ability to play professional football? Especially, since he has already paid his price to society.

      • blackeyeddaughter - Feb 8, 2011 at 4:32 PM

        It is not relevant what his punishment should be. That’s exactly the problem, as there really isn’t anything that can make up for what he did. If you strung him up by his nads and skinned him alive, it still wouldn’t undo the torture he inflicted on those dogs.

        The point is that he continues to be rewarded, admired and defended. It’s disgusting. This isn’t a man worthy of anyone’s admiration, and I’m sick and tired of hearing about how he’s “paid his debt” and he’s sorry for what he did. Give me a break. His so-called remorse is a joke. The guy is a vicious sadist, and he always will be. Yet thousands of people cheer for him, ask for autographs, put his posters on their walls, and apparently give him the keys to their city, because he can throw a ball.

        One day I hope this society learns to revere the people who actually deserve it. I’m not holding my breath.

      • blackeyeddaughter - Feb 8, 2011 at 4:36 PM

        willhnic:

        SOCIOPATH

        [soh-see-uh-path, soh-shee-] Show IPA

        –noun Psychiatry .
        a person, as a psychopathic personality, whose behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience.

      • ihatevick - Feb 10, 2011 at 10:43 AM

        Well said blackeyeddaughter! Well said!

      • golddustgoldens - Feb 16, 2011 at 4:54 PM

        @willhnic Actually, while Michael Vick was convicted and served time for funding the operation rather than animal cruelty, which he has never admitted to, he DID participate in killing the dogs. Go to
        http://chrisdurant2000.wordpress.com/2011/01/02/michael-vick-was-wrongly-convicted/
        and read a bit more about it, especially towards the end of the article where it says, “Here is a final parting image for you: (From The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant, senior editor of Sports Illustrated)

        “As that dog lay on the ground, fighting for air, Quanis Phillips grabbed its front legs and Michael Vick grabbed its back legs. They swung the dog over their head like a jump rope then slammed it to the ground. The first impact didn’t kill it. So, Phillips and Vick slammed it again. The two men kept at it, alternating back and forth, pounding the creature against the ground until, at last, the little red dog was dead.””

        Yes, Michael Vick actually did that deed and other deeds personally. Many of the court records are public if you want to do further research on what he personally did to those dogs. While it may be all he admitted to, he was a lot more hands on than just being the money bags.

        Any changes in your thoughts?

  4. willhnic - Feb 8, 2011 at 1:56 AM

    How is Vick an A-hole for looking and walking away? Just because he didn’t do what YOU all wanted him to do, he is an A-hole? LOL…sounds like you all are just simpled minded and have nothing else to do. Only those who do nothing to make a difference judge others intent instead of trying to make a difference themselves. Who worries about others when you should really be worried about your own life and those in it? Worthless.

    As for the guy who tried to give the pic to Vick…I agree that there is no reason to confront Vick. What does he care if Vick sees that dog again or not? What is the point? Whether Vick is completely rehabilitated or not…there is no need to try to pull stunts like that. Any one who thinks it makes sense is just into drama like a gossiping woman or is so obsessed with Vick it makes me wonder why? Maybe jealous? Nothing else to do in life?

  5. lewp - Feb 8, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    Next thing you you know, some Dallas Cowboy will ask him for his autograph on the field. Just doesn’t make sense.

  6. soleman50 - Feb 8, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Really you people that think you hate Michael Vick are really no better. You spout off all these lame comments like you know the guy. Do you really put in any effort into judging your own lives, or does it make you feel like you guys are the ones that are superstars. So lame. I bet if you guys knew him & he was spending & picking up the tabs, he would be the greatest guy in the world. Lame comments by readers & the moron that writes this crap. Ever noticed how reporters no longer report the truth, they spout off opinions, thinking everyone agrees with what they say. I can say this, I bet half the or 3/4 of the Vick haters wouldn’t go near him & confront him, all talk & not very informed.

  7. tlclove - Feb 8, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Wow! I commend Richard Hunter. He stood his ground in a peaceful way for a good cause. More people should do that. This article and video really were great in finally showing the truth.

    • willhnic - Feb 8, 2011 at 10:18 AM

      @tlclove. What cause did this guy stand for? LoL. It makes me laugh to read comments like this. All he did was show Vick a picture? To what end was he trying to serve. Please. Tell us. This kind of grand standing is only done by lame fame seekers. Note those that actually do good work in the world are rarely noticed because they do it for all the right reasons. Not to try to look good on camera or make someone else look bad. Pathetic.

      • tlclove - Feb 8, 2011 at 10:33 AM

        He stood up for the dogs. He wanted the truth. Vick is surrounded by so much fame, wealth and people who do spinning for him regarding his image. He walked up to the actual person to try and find out what he had to say. I don’t know what to tell you otherwise. If the media quits spinning a tale that Vick is truly reformed then people might back off. What did anyone expect? They keep building this guy up and talking about him. Vick is being compensated nicely for all his troubles. Don’t worry about Vick. He seems to bounce back nicely. People care about the dogs and there is nothing wrong with that. He is doing it in a peaceful manner. This is the United States. People can stand up for anything they believe in.

  8. willhnic - Feb 8, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Really, tlclove? What truth? I agree…Vick has a lifestyle you and I do not share. However, how does that ensure he isn’t reformed? Tell me exactly what action has Vick taken that says he is OR isn’t reformed? You are trying to speak on behalf on another person’s intent and heart which you do not know.

    He is not compensated for his troubles…he is compensated for doing his job…playing as a QB for the Eagles. Just like you get compensated for your job…just that his awards him a different lifestyle than you and I. He bounced back…yes. Nothing wrong with that. Why can’t someone who got in trouble…begin to contribute to society and try to undo the wrong he was involved in earlier. You should watch the movie/play Les Miserable. This is exactly what it covers.The way you are thinking suggests that each and every one of us is ALL BAD or ALL GOOD. Which is impossible. Very rarely if ever is a person all bad or all good. Even the bad are good friends, fathers, sons, dog owners, etc. And let’s be honest, those we think are good can be horrible parents, friends, spouses, pet owners, etc. You cannot deny this. Otherwise, you and I should be judged for our worst offense and never be allowed to work or contribute to society. That notion is very dangerous if ever truly implemented.

    • tlclove - Feb 8, 2011 at 11:51 AM

      Then how do you know he IS reformed? We’ve gone over this what seems like a million times but we’ll go over it again. Sure he is contributing to society but you see the problem is he is always in the news being built up for something that he is not. If you did something horrible and were truly sorry for it what would you do? Would you think about going back to football and making a lot of money and back to the lifestyle that you were in when you did that horrible thing or would you try to take a different direction to avoid those temptations and try to help the ones you hurt the most, the dogs by donating and volunteering and trying to get some understanding of why what you did was so wrong? He is speaking to kids and that is good but it just doesn’t seem sincere. Again, I don’t know what to tell you. He is ALWAYS in the news with some spin to it. It is nothing people have had to deal with before on such a scale. You can believe what you want but AS LONG AS THEY KEEP TALKING ABOUT VICK someone is going to have a comment pro or con.

      • willhnic - Feb 8, 2011 at 11:58 AM

        If you read my comment, I actually ask the question “What action has Vick taken that says he IS or ISN’T reformed”. My point is that we don’t know if he is or not. But we can’t assume either way.

        AND YES…after getting out of jail, I would do what I do best to make money for myself and my family. Why would I not still try to have a life? That makes no sense. I would do what I do today if I have the opportunity because what I do today…I am good at. It’s not the lifestyle that drove his actions…it was he decsions. Being in the NFL does not = dog abuser. That is ridiculous. His childhood and friendships are what is avoiding today which is what drug him down. The two shouldn’t be confused.

        To your point, he is acting on his own and working with the Human Society. He actually does seem sincere as he was not court ordered to…a fact always overlooked by the media. And whether he is truly sincere or not…only he knows that. Not you or I. If kids listen…and look up to him and good down a good path…shouldn’t we just be grateful? I mean…isn’t that ultimately what we all want?

        To your point…you can’t blame Vick for what the media does…you blame the media. I think he should be ignored off the field and let his actions speak for themselves. If his work on the field is good…so be it…he will be in the news…but doesn’t deserve to be villifed because of it. But everything else…just leave it alone.

  9. qbcoach9 - Feb 8, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    He’s a human being and professional athlete, I’m sure he probably doesn’t have time to talk to a guy he doesn’t want to…simple as that. I live in Philadelphia and I don’t even respond to homeless people anymore when they ask me for money because it happens all the time…and sometimes if they’re persistent, I’m an asshole to them. Its not because I hate homeless people..but rather that I just don’t feel like dealing with someone else’s shit sometimes, simple as that. So Mike can ignore whoever he wants whenever he wants because he only really has to talk to who he wants to and the be available to media after the games in which hes publicly know for. Truth is, is Mike Vick was an accountant nobody who saved one of the dogs would come up to him or care about who he is. Everyone feels as though because you’re famous you have to respond to everybody who has a camera and a question when really its all about you, its all about me, its all about every individual making whatever decision they want. Go Birds.

  10. tlclove - Feb 8, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    One final note. What Mr. Hunter did was a defining moment in the Vick story. People are going to try and defend Vick and believe in him. People are going to speak up for the dogs since they can’t speak up for themselves. It is a very emotional issue that has not come up before to such a scale in the sports world. The debate is good. It has been eye opening for a lot of people even though they don’t want to admit it. Vick will go on doing what he does but all along, because the news was saturated with the great Vick, people who cared about dogs and what was going on with sports had to speak up. They had that right to question things and Vick himself. It will never be resolved but some important issues were definitely brought up that have been simmering for a while in the background.

    • willhnic - Feb 8, 2011 at 12:49 PM

      @tlclove. I like it and agree. Good debate with no name calling…just points of view. Very passionate. Agreed…the real issue is that there are folks who see what is important to them. Just a fyi…I don’t defend dog fighting. Any person who breaks the law deserves the punishment.

      I think its great people speak up for their passions…but hope that they do it appropriately, responsibly and aim at the proper targets. My last point…people who have this passion for animals…they should aim it towards oversight and awareness in the community. Not at one person who has already done his time. That is a waste of energy and passion.

      • tlclove - Feb 8, 2011 at 1:03 PM

        You make a valid point. I don’t think anyone could ever have thought that the Vick story would drag out this long. No one was prepared for the strong emotions on both sides of the issue.

      • beckymchat - Jan 9, 2012 at 7:32 PM

        @willhnic, it would be different if he felt and showed remorse. HE HAS SHOWN NONE.

  11. akismet-fc6c623ca6fbb7a8389abb5c30a203c1 - Feb 8, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    C’mon it was probably not the key to the city…probably to the dog pound.

  12. yahmule - Feb 15, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    Vick is scum and his defenders should be ashamed of themselves.

  13. tstreet - Feb 22, 2011 at 4:46 AM

    Cool. We all agree Mike has served his time and paid his debt. Now, he has been franchised by the Eagles and about to be paid around 16 MIL.

  14. agrippamom - Jan 9, 2012 at 6:07 PM

    Gotta love these idiots who keep defending this sociopath.

    No morals, brains, nor sense of values. Glad I was raised to know right from wrong.

  15. beckymchat - Jan 9, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    BRAVO to you for proving, once again, what a royal JACKASS Michael Vick is. Whoever that guy is who gave him the key to the city is about as much of a jackass. Michael Vick never did and never will care for his dogs. He may have did his time but he feels NO REMORSE, whatsoever. That is clear in this video as he looks at the photo and coldly walks away. For those of you who support this piece of trash, he electrocuted his dogs, hung his dogs, fought his dogs, and much more. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU THAT YOU THINK THIS CAN BE FORGIVEN. I hope he rots in hell. I actually hope he dies a horribly painful death and I don’t feel the slightest twinge for feeling this way or speaking it (:

  16. tiredofdouchebags - Jan 9, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    The comment that concerned me and proves alot is the statement made by his entourage, we don’t care about the dogs. That pretty much says it all. Vick and his “people” don’t care about the dogs…I find that as proof positive that Vick will never care or have remorse.

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