'Heartless and cruel' - When Tucker Carlson wanted ex-Falcons QB Michael Vick executed
Michael Vick is a controversial figure in the league's history. Although nobody ever doubted his talent during his playing years, his career was tarnished due to his involvement in a dog fighting ring which led to him spending 21 months in prison right in his prime years.
Opinions about Vick are divided. While some believe that he has served a fair punishment due to his actions, others believe what he did was unforgivable and that he deserved a harsher punishment. One guy sitting in the second group was Tucker Carlson, who has served as a political analyst for Fox News since 2009.
In 2010, Carlson held a panel to discuss the praise sent by Barack Obama to Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie for giving the player a second chance as a quarterback in the NFL. Here's the take by Carlson on the same:
"I think, personally, he should have been executed for that.''
Not to defend what Michael Vick did because it was gross and he was rightly punished for it. But to say a guy deserves to be executed for that reason is also absurd - especially considering Carlson's opinions on many different matters.
Why was Michael Vick arrested? Star quarterback spent 21 months in jail due to dog fight scandal
A federal investigation that started in 2007 found that his property in Virginia was home to a dog fighting ring, with over 70 pit bull terriers seized, many with injuries.
The quarterback pleaded guilty to federal charges in August 2007 and was subsequently suspended by the league. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank tried to recoup part of the signing bonus he gave to the quarterback, and got $19.97 million back.
Vick turned himself in to the authorities in November 2007 and spent 21 months in prison, being released on July 20, 2009. He also declared bankruptcy during his time in prison.
Once released, he was given a second chance by Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and played for the team for five years until 2013. He then spent time with the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers later in his career. He retired from the league on June 12, 2017, as a member of the Atlanta Falcons.