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Terrelle Pryor's Defense of Vick Is Dangerous, Dumb

Sep 9, 2009 – 10:00 PM
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Jay Mariotti

Jay Mariotti %BloggerTitle%

Terrelle PryorThe eyeblack signage shouldn't bother us. If Terrelle Pryor wants to pay tribute to the quarterbacking skills of Michael Vick, to whom he has been favorably compared as a turf-burner and hip-slinger, then that is life in the 21st century. In America, a college athlete is entitled to reasonable freedom of speech, too, even via a "VICK" patch under his left eye during a football game.

"I always looked up to Mike Vick and I always will, because I still think he is one of the best quarterbacks," said the Ohio State star, a 20-year-old sophomore. "I love Mike Vick."

But where Pryor loses me -- and does a flat disservice to a university that prefaces itself with an unapologetically pompous "The" -- is when he supports Vick's repulsive issues off the field with a disturbing twist of rationale. Regardless of what he does the rest of his NFL career, Vick always will be known as the sicko who bankrolled an operation, Bad Newz Kennels, that mutilated dogs. He'll never be excused, yet in his unique way, Pryor is trying to pardon his idol anyway.
Filed under: NCAA Football, Sports

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