White House Confirms Obama's Michael Vick Phone Call, But Says He Condemns The Crime

NEW YORK CITY -- The Obama administration confirmed on Monday afternoon that the president, in a call with the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, expressed gratitude for the team's decision to give a second chance to quarterback Michael Vick.

But the nexus of the call, spokesman Bill Burton told The Huffington Post, was on the team's plans to use alternative energy sources at their stadium. And while the president was thankful that Vick was given a career do-over, he still thought that the actions committed by the QB -- the orchestration of an illegal dog-fighting ring, the killing of animals and the deceiving of investigators looking into the matter -- were condemnable.

Here's Burton's statement:

The President did place a call to Mr. Lurie to discuss plans for the use of alternative energy at Lincoln Financial Field, during which they spoke about that and other issues. He of course condemns the crimes that Michael Vick was convicted of but, as he's said previously, he does think that individuals who have paid for their crimes should have an opportunity to contribute to society again.

News of Obama's call to Lurie was first reported by Sports Illustrated's Peter King. Vick's comeback has been celebrated by many sports fans, of whom Obama is one, but the notion that the president was seemingly willing to forgive the crimes rubbed a few folks the wrong way. Burton's statement helps to patch that aspect up.

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Comment by deborah rollerson on December 30, 2010 at 2:00am: especially when it comes to our BELOVED PREZ

Comment by deborah rollerson on December 30, 2010 at 1:59am: You are so damn right People say the most far fetch s*** I ever read in my life And I've read quite a bit

Comment by Hugh on December 29, 2010 at 10:27pm: He's such a cool President! Kudos!

Comment by Mikey on December 29, 2010 at 6:15pm: People in this country care more for animals,especially dogs,than human beings.They don't even realized how hypocritical they are when they spend a fortune to watch two boxers in the ring,killing each other.Is that any different than dog fighting?

Comment by mr fix on December 29, 2010 at 2:48pm: @ CARL WELL SAID!!!!

Comment by Carl on December 29, 2010 at 12:30pm: Ya know, it's a shame that President Obama has to qualify everything he says because of the racist minions out there. Like him or not, agree with him or not, President Obama should not have to always "explain" his statements or actions for fear of them being misconstrued or misunderstood. White folks and some Blacks in this country are quick to hop on every word and/or statement that Obama utters and rip him apart......but I ask, where were these same people when Bush/Cheney, Clinton, Bush, Reagan were ripping this country apart? Where were they when the banks were leading people into financial ruin and where are they when the blood-sucking corporations are decimating the middle-class? Yes, President Obama is all too easy a target, but are these nay-sayers and doom-prophesiers going after the banks and corporations with the same vitriol?