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.