Did people simply over-react to Clinton Portis' comments?

"I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not. But it's his property; it's his dogs. If that's what he wants to do, do it. "I know a lot of back roads that got a dog fight if you want to go see it. But they're not bothering those people because those people are not big names. I'm sure there's some police got some dogs that are fighting them, some judges got dogs and everything else."- Clinton Portis 5/21/07

Here's how screwed up we are. Rather than talking about Michael Vick and his doggy, dog world, we go after Clinton Portis, who had a take on the issue in response to a reporter's question. He was honest to the question. If you can't handle the honesty, no matter how bat-crazy the answer is, then don't ask the question. And how about this? How about not taking to heart what Portis has to say about anything other than playing football. Sure, I'm like you. I tire of celebrities providing unwelcome opinion on current events. I tire of Leonardo Dicaprio's dire warning that humans will perish in 50 years because of Global Warming. But I don't fault them completely. They are being asked to provide a take on an issue and the media wildly runs with it. It's not like Clinton Portis called a press conference, with note cards and Power Point presentations. He's not the issue; he's stating his opinion in response to a question about an issue that has nothing to do with him.

If we can't handle a man's opinion, then we're really in trouble. Skin Patrol, accurately pointed it out, "First, it isn't a crime to be on the wrong side of an issue so long as you don't act on it. CP made a public relations error..." He's absolutely right. And it's a shame that we spend more time pondering one man's opinion who makes a living off wearing funny uniforms and plays football rather than running Michael Vick into the ground.

However, that didn't stop Portis from making the unnecessary "clear the air" statement. "In the recent interview I gave concerning dog fighting, I want to make it clear I do not take part in dog fighting or condone dog fighting in any manner." Most didn't think you did. Most of us thought you were just providing fodder for an "intellectual" debate. Sadly, those on the fence of moral perceptions, found more time assuming that you not only condoned it, but beat the hell out of dogs yourself.

It was such an over-reaction from fans, media and even NFL officials, that Roger Goodell needed to comment, "I'm extremely disappointed and embarrassed for Clinton Portis," he said, according to the Post. "This does not reflect the sentiments of the Redskins, the NFL or NFL players." Roger, what's your thoughts on Michael Vick?

Even the Redskins apologized for him. "The Washington Redskins, as an organization, obviously would never condone anything related to animal cruelty," the team's statement said Tuesday. "The team takes the recent comments of Clinton Portis very seriously and apologizes to everyone that was offended."

Honestly, who actually takes a "Public Relations Repair" apology seriously? It doesn't mean anything if you're not sincere... and the funny thing is, people buy into it. They believe if they hear the words, then all is well.

But here's a thought, how about not taking a football player's comments about dog fighting so seriously that wasn't even involved? Or, here's another thought; deal with the guy that's actually running the Scooby Doo Fight Club... then, after that, apologize or tell everyone that the league doesn't condone it. Don't worry, people will buy into it.

In other SB Nation News.

• Chris provided a great conversation about relocation at Big Cat County (Jags blog).
• Big Blue Shoe said yesterday while it was still unknown where the Super Bowl would be played in 2011, "It is absolutely vital that the NFL pick Indianapolis because the NFL needs to hold a Super Bowl in the Midwest." He's right. Hell, I think Chicago and Green Bay would also be good places. Football has traditionally been played in the cold (um, December, January). And you have to admit, playing in the cold would have made nipple-gate a bigger issue. Instead, the NFL awarded the game to a city that won't have the stadium built until 2009. My question has always been, why punish colder climate cities the opportunity to at the revenue seen by cities that host the Super Bowl every 3-4 years? Because of corporate sponserships? The hell with them. They will eventually leave. The cities and the fans that represent them won't. Then again, loyalty in sports has become a myth.
• Windy City Gridiron is confident the Bears will six-peat by the time the 2011 Super Bowl comes around. Problem is, that's impossible because you lost 2006. Five-peat is still possible though... :)
• Music City Miracles is fence sitting whether or not the Titans should sign Keyshawn Johnson. It really doesn't matter now that Keyshawn announced retirement pursuing TV career -- likely at ESPN. I thought he did a fine job during the draft coverage.
• Len Pasquarelli wrote a piece on Tarvaris Jackson that drew reaction from Minnesota and Green Bay. Tarvaris Jackson Will Make People Look Stupid (Daily Norseman).
• Marques Douglas is doing his best Chris Farley impression.
• This could be a make or break season for Marc Bulger.
• JScott (Tampa Bay blogger) examined whether or not trading for Lance Briggs would be a good thing.
• The Alan Faneca deal in Pittsburgh seems to be a little messy.
• Oh, and something is going on with Michael Vick.