http://www.wtkr.com/Global/story.asp?S=6963466&nav=ZolHbyvj
Bob Matthews Reporting
East End Still Supports Michael Vick
Aug 22, 2007 08:52 AM
Ridley Circle homes is one of the poorest housing projects in Newport News. Laundry is hung out on clothes lines and children play in the sparse grass between the buildings.
Here, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is still a folk hero. Vick, who graduated from high school in Newport News, starred as a collegian at Virgina Tech, then rocketed to fame in the NFL, is now facing prison time if he pleads guilty to federal gambling and dog fighting charges.
Even if he takes a deal federal prosecutors have offered, his standing in this neighborhood won't change.
"He's Vick, what else can I say," said Antwan Parson.
Parson grew up in this housing project, just a few yards away from Vick's house. Like many here, he does not understand why Vick is on the verge of prison time.
"People out here fight dogs all the time," Parson said.
Parson, like many residents here, think Vick has done little if anything wrong. Vick and three co-defendants are charged with runnign and interstate gambling and dog fighting ring.
Vick's three co-defendants have already plead guilty and Vick's attorney's announced this week he will do the same next Monday in federal court in Richmond. Even if that happens, East Enders say they will not abandon Vick. The man who once ruled the NFL will always have supporters in this poor section of Newport News.
No comments:
Post a Comment