Tucker Carlson: Michael Vick 'should have been executed' for running dogfighting ring (VIDEO)

Dec 29, 2010

Cable news host Tucker Carlson on Tuesday took issue with President Obama's support of quarterback Michael Vick's stunning turnaround, saying that he thought Vick "should have been executed" for his crimes.

Carlson, who is guest-hosting the Fox News program "Hannity" this week, made the remark during a discussion about Obama's call to Eagles' owner Jeffrey Lurie in which the President said he was happy the team gave the troubled quarterback a second chance after he was convicted of running a dog fighting ring.

"I'm a Christian, I've made mistakes myself, I believe fervently in second chances, but Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did [it] in a heartless and cruel way," Carlson said. "And I think personally he should have been executed for that. He wasn't."

"But the idea that the President of the United States would be getting behind someone who murdered dogs [is] kind of beyond the pale," he said.

During Obama's call, which was first reported by Sports Illustrated's Peter King and confirmed by the White House, Obama condemned Vick's crimes but praised the Eagles for showing faith in the idea of giving someone a second chance.

Professional golfer Ben Crenshaw, one of Carlson's guests on the show's Great American Panel, said he agreed that Vick's crimes were horrific but he was happy to see him back on the field.

Carlson later said he was "all for forgiveness," but he felt that that Vick's crimes were unforgivable, and asked why the President chose to make the call.

"He's some creepy, rich, overpaid football player, I mean, come on," Carlson said. "If the President said there's some guy who was dealing crack as a kid, grew up in a poor family, you know the story, and he's turned his life around, you know, fine. I get that."

Since his reinstatement in 2009, Vick has given speeches around the country apologizing for his crimes.

Earlier this month, Vick said that he was considering getting another dog as part of his rehabilitation process.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said in a statement that the terms of Vick's probation prohibit him from owning a dog until late 2012.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals told The Washington Post Tuesday that Obama's call was appropriate.

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