Russell Simmons Speaks Out

Simmons, along with the Rev. Al Sharpton and Ingrid E. Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), sent a joint letter condemning dog-fighting and other forms of violence to Vick’s corporate sponsors --- including Nike, Rawlings, Hasbro, Coca-Cola, Easton Sports, and Kraft --- yesterday (July 18).

"The recent media spotlight on dog-fighting reminds us of society's callous disregard for the suffering of animals and disrespect for sentient beings," the trio wrote. "We hope that Mr. Vick is not a product of this insensitivity that runs through our society. . . . It does us little good to prosecute just those who are famous and allow people across the country to continue to commit these hideous crimes.”

While the NFL and the Falcons deal with the fall out from the Vick situation, Simmons, Sharpton and Newkirk “are hopeful that authorities will take the appropriate action against anyone found guilty of an atrocity as serious as dogfighting.”

Spotted at AHH