THE CHAT

Michael Baisden is an author and the host of a nationally syndicated radio show. His new talk show, "Baisden After Dark," premieres on TV ONE on Oct. 7.

You can't have a talk show today without being knee-deep in Michael Vick discussion. What's your take?

While I respect animal rights activists for their passion to save and protect animals, it seems a bit hypocritical.

How's that?

Well, where is the outcry against the abuse of chickens? And what about cows? And from what I've heard pigs are smarter than dogs -- what about their rights to not be slaughtered? Where is the outcry about how they're being slaughtered so that we can get a hot dog at the game?

So, you're not defending his actions?

No. I mean do I understand people's reaction to their household pets being used in this fashion? Of course I do. Of course I understand that to many, dogs and cats are more than just pets. They're family members.

Other issues need to be addressed, too . . .

Animal rights means rights for all animals. With that being said, what Michael Vick did was just plain old stupid.

In your books, you write a lot about the complex relationships of African American men. Where did Vick's relationships fail him?

It's hard for me to believe that not one person close to him did not tap him on the shoulder and say, "Man, you've got to separate yourself from this. Whether you like it or not, you are a role model. And by the way, you're jeopardizing over a hundred million dollars in salary and endorsements."

Didn't he take into account the whole scope of his actions?

Sometimes I wonder whether or not these athletes realize how much influence they have. And power! One hundred million dollars could buy a lot of scholarships and businesses. Or even build schools.

Is that reinvestment happening enough?

I don't think so. It seems that today's athletes are more concerned about the "bling-bling" and less about how much they can reinvest in their communities. That's unfortunate.

-- Sonny Amato