This doesn’t appear to be on YouTube yet, so I will have to post the link to CNN, but after watching Wolf Blitzer’s interview with Bob Costas, I can’t find much to disagree with when it comes to Costas’ views on Barry Bonds as well as the case against Michael Vick.

When the Vick charges first emerged, I was sickened by the details of what was described of the dogfighting ring that took place on Vick’s property. But after stepping back from the articles and CNN and all other kinds of media outlets that have already seemed to put Vick in prison, I realized that at this point these are just allegations. Allegations that have yet to be proven unequivocally as fact.

Whether the exposure/over-exposure of this case is race related or not is hard to tell. I would like to think that it isn’t. Fact is, people in this country love their animals more than human beings. Not all people, but a lot of people would save a dog before a person. I honestly do believe that. A reporter was reprimanded for saying that Vick would have been better off raping someone than being charged with dogfighting. I’m not sure I would go that far. Because of the stereotypes branded onto African-American men in this country, I think the rape charge would have been just as bad for Vick as the dogfighting charge. However, if Vick had shot a man or been with his entourage when a man was killed, I don’t think he would be crucified the way he is being crucified now. I do think the reporter’s comments support my sentiments, however. Animal life in this country is often held as being equal and sometimes above the value of human life.

Don’t get me wrong. I love animals. I love them even more since I’ve gotten my cat. And I think that if the charges against Vick are true, he should be put under the jail. But until then, put down the “Neuter Michael Vick” signs. That is wrong on so many levels.

And regarding Bonds, I must agree with Costas again. Do I think Bonds belongs in the Hall of Fame? Begrudgingly, yes. Before he was a cheat, he was an astounding player, and I think his numbers before he started down the road of impropriety more than justify his being honored at Cooperstown. However, you will never, ever convince me that Barry Bonds did not cheat. Nor will you ever convince me that he was unaware of the fact that he was cheating. I will take that belief to the grave.