It's with much interest (and a good dose of ire) that I've been reading reactions to Greg Biffle's statements regarding Michael Vick. There seem to be several mindsets, all of which lead to "Greg Biffle needs to keep his mouth shut". Frankly, I think all of those that think that need to keep their mouths shut.
Why?
1. Greg Biffle has the Greg Biffle Foundation, an organization that specifically deals with animal welfare. He is an athlete who is educated on the subject of dog fighting. His opinion is just as relevant as anyone who has actual knowledge - from the Humane Society to PETA.
2. Greg Biffle was asked by a reporter at an appearance (that had nothing to do with Vick) about the case. He didn't make an unsolicited statement. He was asked about the case because of his vested interest in animal welfare. (And when the media asks such a question, they want the reaction to dog fighting, not as to whether Vick is innocent or guilty.)
3. Everyone is so quick to offer their opinions, in blogs and on message boards, but no one else is who's even remotely famous?
4. People keep saying that there are other greater issues in the world today. There are many horrible things going on that you haven't heard Greg Biffle make a comment on. Why? Because he has no foundation that specifically targets those things. That makes his opinion not newsworthy. He may have donated thousands of dollars to causes such as aiding Iraqi vets with healthcare, supporting Right To Play, or feeding the homeless, but we all do not know about it. Each person can do their best in some small way to make the world a better place. Biffle does so through animal advocacy. Other NASCAR drivers have other charities that cover other causes. Children's hospitals. Camps for children with disabilities. If Vick had beaten up children with Down's Syndrome regularly, Kyle Petty would have been the quote du jour.
5. Quite frankly, I've been appalled by the number of NFL players who have come out in support of Vick, not because they maintain that he's innocent, but because they see nothing wrong with dog fighting. It's about time someone in the sport world took a stand against it.
6. For those that think because they don't know who Greg Biffle is, he shouldn't have an opinion - oh come on. NASCAR is the number two sport in the country. Get over yourselves and accept that it's popular. Not everyone knows who the big, respected football players are, but if they have knowledge of dog fighting and speak out against it, they'd get praise.
7. Regardless of guilt or innocence, dog fighting happened on that property. This situation should be used to discuss the crime and how we can do away with it. Let the court decide his guilt or innocence, sure. But we as people can be above going after someone for being mad about dog fighting and instead being glad that there are people that find it heinous.
All in all, quit pointing fingers at a guy for having an opinion unless you're willing to sacrifice yours.
1. The title of this post should be a t-shirt; would sell like deep-fried Snickers at a Cup race.
2. Biffle's "lock him up" statement was going too far IMO, but I agree with your "he'entitled to his opinion" theme here.
3. I like to think I'm famous. I'm averaging about 11 or 12 comments per blog, and I just spoke at a national conference regarding performance management. #### o' the walk baby! Now gimme more cowbell!!
4. Geek girls are hot. I'm happily married, so no cheesy comeon, just a statement of a universal constant.
I used to hate Biffle, alot. Now the goofy looking guy has been growing on me for some reason. If he wants to say that about Vick, more power to him. Like you said, he was asked his opinion.
Dave, I'm so sorry for messing up your street cred by agreeing with you so often.
If it keeps up, you're going to have to go South of the border (you know, into Kentucky) and jack a pickup with a gun rack and a 3 sticker in the back window.
ccr1d3r - Oddly enough, I'm totally with you on PETA. They scare the ever-loving bejeebers out of me with their tactics and views. The only reason I included them in this post is because even with their radical views and crazy ideas, they've at least done some sort of research (and most likely twisted it, true) on the topic first and can speak from a slightly more educated background than most folks. Dog fighting is one of the few instances where I actually root for PETA to take on someone who fought dogs. (Okay, it's because I'd like the dog fighter to get some back by being attacked by some of the more radical harpies that PETA can produce. I'm a little bit mean on that one. *g*)
Dave_in_Indy - I think Biffle's statement (I keep wishing for a full transcript of what he said and what the person asking the question said) mostly comes from the supposition of guilt. If Vick is guilty, he actually will most likely go to prison, as his lawyers are currently refusing any sort of plea deal. And now I'm so totally tempted to make myself that shirt for the next race I go to. LOL
98RedZone - In the few years I've been watching NASCAR, Biffle has grown on me a lot too. I've discovered that a lot of the quieter guys achieve a persona based upon how others react to them. So it takes a long time to figure anything out about them. Biffle, though...I think he's gotten a bum rap from some competitors that have talked down about him. He's a great racer and a stand up guy, doesn't cause controversy. I think this is the most controversy we've seen from h
Geek girls love NASCAR too! If you don't believe me, spend a Sunday afternoon at my house (or a Saturday night). I have great love for the cars, the speed, the engines, the stories, the drivers, the crew chiefs, the crews, the owners, the business that is NASCAR.
