Blacks urged to reject ‘street culture’
Other prominent black commentators dismiss that argument, however.

Hayes, of the NAACP, maintained that such sentiments were misplaced, saying African-Americans’ legitimate grievances against the criminal justice system should not excuse the very real crimes to which Vick has pleaded guilty.

“What we have to understand is the backdrop,” he said on MSNBC. “We have to understand that what we’re hearing expressed by some African-Americans is their anger and their hurt, distrust, in a criminal justice system that they feel treats them like animals.”

“Certainly, Mr. Vick was not a victim,” Hayes added.

Bryan Burwell, a sports columnist for MSNBC.com who is black, echoed Hayes’ assessment, arguing that it is impossible to claim that “Michael Vick was unjustly persecuted.”

“The negative images that are embraced by too many young (black) men in our society needs to be changed to make them understand that intelligence is right and ignorance is wrong,” Burwell wrote this week. “We need to alter the perception so that it’s cool to be smart and the thug and gangster lifestyle is wrong. When your friends can’t understand that, they aren’t your true friends.”

And in an open letter addressed to “young, black men,” ESPN columnist Jemele Hill, who also is black, wrote:

“I caution you not to make Vick a martyr. Do not applaud him for taking his comeuppance like some modern-day gangster. Do not blame others for Vick’s predicament when he alone should be held accountable for his actions.

“Let this historic unraveling be a wake-up call for the young, black men caught up in the same lifestyle that claimed Vick. Let his prison sentence send the message that a continued allegiance to street culture successfully keeps young, black men frighteningly behind in American society.”

Don't miss this on MSNBC.com The eight biggest Olympic marketing debacles You, too, can train like an Olympian Do you believe in Olympic spoilers? Yes! Cosmic Log: Is this your jetpack? Travel etiquette: Don't offend the locals

MORE FROM NFL

NFL Section Front

Favre joins Jets after 'crazy' day   Jets release Pennington after getting Favre   'The best solution to a very difficult situation' Curran: Favre in Big Apple? Let the fun begin! Expert: At 38, does Favre have anything left? Opinion: Favre won't have huge impact with Jets Opinion: Jets make huge splash with Favre trade 'Pacman' preparing for Cowboys debut NFL preseason starts with Bears QB battle Top non-Favre training camp storylines NFL Section Front   Add NFL headlines to your news reader: