National Football League

Carlson: Vick deserved death penalty

Published Dec. 29, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Filling in as the host of Fox News' "Hannity" Tuesday night, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson said that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick should have received the death penalty for killing dogs.

The comment came during a panel discussion on President Obama's recent phone call to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, in which he praised Lurie for giving Vick a second chance after his federal dogfighting conviction.

"I'm a Christian. I've made mistakes myself. I believe fervently in second chances," Carlson said. "But Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did in a heartless and cruel way. And I think, personally, he should've 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? Kind of beyond the pale."

Lurie said earlier this week that Obama said during the phone call "he was happy that we did something on such a national stage that showed our faith in giving someone a second chance after such a major downfall."

Lurie explained that the president believes convicted criminals do not always face a "level playing field" after they are released from prison.

Vick, who was chosen Tuesday as the NFC's starting quarterback for the Pro Bowl, is in his second NFL season since spending 19 months in prison for his role in a dogfighting ring. In his plea agreement in 2007, Vick admitted to helping to kill dogs deemed unfit to fight.

The former No. 1 overall pick of the Atlanta Falcons seized the Eagles' quarterback duties in Week 1 after an injury to Kevin Kolb and has led the team to the NFC East title.

Vick has thrown for 3,018 yards and rushed for 676 yards this season while totaling 30 touchdowns.