Majority of Americans Agree with NFL Commissioner's Decision to Suspend Vick


After Viewing Vick's Apology Nearly Half Say He Deserves a Second Chance

Flemington, NJ, August 29, 2007 – A new national focus group conducted among 303 Americans revealed that an overwhelming majority (82%) agree with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision to indefinitely suspend Atlanta Falcons’ Quarterback Michael Vick from the NFL.

The communications research study was conducted by HCD Research during August 28-29, using its mediacurves.com web site, to obtain Americans’ views on a video clip of Michael Vick, in which he apologizes for running an illegal dog fighting operation.

While viewing the video, participants were asked to indicate whether Vick’s apology was believable or not believable by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses were recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves. Participants were also asked pre- and post viewing questions. To view believability curves and detailed results of the study, go to: www.mediacurves.com

Among the findings:

  • Prior to viewing Michael Vick’s apology, an overwhelming majority of responders (86%) reported that they agreed with the NFL commissioner’s decision to suspend Michael Vick indefinitely from the NFL. After viewing Vick’s apology 82% of responders reported that they agreed with the NFL commissioner’s decision.
  • Prior to viewing Michael Vick’s apology, 45% of responders reported that Vick “should not” be given a second chance in the NFL after serving his sentence, while 40% indicated that he “should” be given a second chance in the NFL.
  • However, after viewing Michael Vick’s apology, 45% of responders reported that Vick “should” be given a second chance in the NFL after serving his sentence, while 41% indicated that he “should not” be given a second chance in the NFL.

The Media Curves web site provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans’ perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.
 
Editors/Reporters: For more information on the study, or to speak with Glenn Kessler, managing partner, HCD Research, please contact Vince McGourty, HCD Research, at (908) 483-9121 or (vince.mcgourty@hcdi.net).

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HCD Research specializes in conducting communications research for the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, financial and entertainment industries, among others. Headquartered in Flemington, NJ, the company's services include traditional and web-based communications research.  For additional information on HCD Research, access the company’s web site at www.hcdi.net or call HCD Research at 908-788-9393.

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RE: Michael Vick Apology
by bettyjhaigh (User #98300) on Thursday, September 6, 2007 @ 6:21:40 PM (#409)
Guilty is guilty. Play by the U.S. rules. What he did to those animals is barbaric, just to make money. Let them chew him up and see how it feels. I think the punishment should fit the crime. I hope never to see him or his name again.
RE: Michael Vick Apology
by veggie74 (User #62846) on Saturday, October 6, 2007 @ 12:55:01 PM (#426)
Michael Vick knew exactly what he was doing when he participated in the brutal sport of dog fighting, and the only reason he is sorry is because he was caught. The NFL should not give him any mercy because Vick did not show any mercy for those poor animals he and his co-defendants tortured and killed.
RE: Michael Vick Apology
by ghussar342 (User #99572) on Thursday, October 11, 2007 @ 1:54:56 PM (#430)
I strongly believe that NFL player Vick should be held accountable to the most harshest punishment in the land. Not only was what he was doing illegal, but it was extremely cruel. Our younger generation looks up to these type of people. To let him off with a slap on the wrist tells our young children that abusing animals is ok, and they can do it with no fear of being punished. Animals cannot speak to us. They are a gift from God and should be treated as such. What person has had a dog, who then realizes that their dog is full of unconditional love for othem. The answer is most of us.
RE: Michael Vick Apology
by Kceymac (User #62639) on Saturday, October 20, 2007 @ 2:11:35 AM (#434)
Considering what he did to those poor dogs, his apology doesn't mean a whole lot. In fact I think he is more sorry he got caught then for what he did. I also think he should have got a lot more punishment than he did! Somehow I doubt this has made him change his ways any.
RE: Michael Vick Apology
by cmitz42 (User #58659) on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 @ 5:42:45 PM (#472)
How anyone can do this to a dog is unreal. Yes I think his apology came from the heart. He still needs to pay for what he has done. I would never trust anyone who can do what he did to a dog. Or to any animal.I dont care if he apology or not if he would not have been caught he would still be doing this to dogs.
RE: Michael Vick Apology
by MZKUMA (User #100094) on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 @ 2:30:48 AM (#508)
I belive Vic was honest his apology. I also think that he has recieved a harsher punishment than some murders of human beings have recieved.....which is showing just how unjust our justic system really is.
RE: Michael Vick Apology
by jeanhair (User #59407) on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 @ 9:24:31 AM (#511)
We have made these guys (NFL Players) out to be gods,and with all the money they make you would think they could find more things to do then be so cruel to these animals. I think Micheal Vick is "The Nut of Century"
RE: Michael Vick Apology
by josmith3 (User #206667) on Thursday, May 22, 2008 @ 5:21:02 PM (#707)
Michel Vick was wrong, true. But I knew him when he was playing for the Hokies, and he is NOT the cruel person he is being made out to be. Yes, he should have to pay, BUT most of you who have written in on this do not seem to realize or understand that he was not even around when this was going on. Yes, he provided money, but for his HOME upkeep, not the animal abuse. When he found out what was being done, he should have kicked all those creeps who were running this from his home in Blacksburg, but unfortunately he did not. That was his downfall. So please, don't put all your hateful remarks directly on him because you DO NOT know him. I feel bad for him because he is a really decent guy, and I feel bad for you who are condemning him because you do not know the whole story, AND you do not know HIM.