Friday, July 24, 2009, 11:53 AM
Sports, Celebrities, Atlanta, In the News, Stop the Presses
By Kevin Moreau

Henry Gates, Michael Vick and the benefit of the doubt

Across Atlanta, from the Internet to the water cooler, two men dominated our conversations this week. One was former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who was reportedly spotted at a strip club on his first night as a free man. The other was Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., who was arrested by Cambridge police on July 16 for disorderly conduct.

What was notable about the questions and controversy surrounding Vick and Gates was the stark contrast in their situations: Vick was widely scolded by bloggers, Tweeters and columnists for something he and his lawyer say he didn’t do. Meanwhile, Gates enjoyed a tremendous outpouring of support and sympathetic outrage at the way he was treated for something he has not denied doing.

Vick was excoriated for allegedly patronizing a gentlemen’s club, not because of any legal or moral issues, but because it fit into an established pattern of poor decision-making. If you’re a one-time professional athlete and ex-con looking to get into the good graces of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell—a man you once lied to, right to his face—you want to keep your head down and stay out of trouble. And strip clubs aren’t historically great places for doing that.

Gates, meanwhile, was arrested after exchanging words with Sgt. James Crowley, who was responding to a call from a neighbor who saw what she said looked like two men attempting to break into Gates’ residence. As it happened, the two men were Gates and his driver, who had to force the front door open, Gates said, because it was jammed. 

Crowley asked Gates to step out onto his front porch to talk with him; Gates refused. What happened next depends on whom you believe. Either way, the end result was a respected national figure in handcuffs, a shot seen ’round the world.

President Obama said the Cambridge police “acted stupidly” in arresting Gates. That may be. But according to his own version of events, Gates was not cooperative. He denied Crowley’s request to step outside, repeatedly demanded his name and badge number, and accused him of racial profiling. Like President Obama, I wasn’t there, and I can’t say what role, if any, race played in what happened. But you don’t have to be a Harvard professor to know that antagonizing a police officer isn’t a good idea. I’m not saying that justifies Gates’ treatment. But if he’s a victim, it’s of his own actions and judgment as much as Crowley’s.

Our reaction to both men’s stories speaks volumes, not only about our issues with race, but with class as well. Because he’s a respected author and thinker, the public gave Gates the benefit of the doubt. Vick, an athlete and convicted felon, wasn’t so fortunate.

What is your point? There is not a shred of similarity or any parallel in these two stories.

Emily
Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 1:36 PM

Emily: what do you mean? The point is that the public took Gates's side even though he admitted to provoking the police, but were quick to rush to judgement on Michael Vick. I think that is interesting, however what he fails to consider is that Gates was well within his rights to react as he did. It is not illegal to ask a police officer for his name and badge number, or to refuse a request. Gates is right when he said that a white person who did the same thing would not have been arrested.

John B.

John
Monday, July 27, 2009 at 10:12 AM

John,
Were you there? Do you have first hand knowledge of the situation and what unfolded? The police didnt initiate this call with Mr. Gates, they responded to it. A very tense call of a possible burglar in a residence. Don't think for a minute that race played a part in this. Mr. Gates, and other people of class or with money, think they are above the police or authority. If it had been a burglary and the burglar had told them he lived there but they didn't ask for ID, do you think they would have gotten in trouble? OF COURSE they would have. So why did Mr. Gates become upset when the police were simply doing thier job and trying to protect his property? He should have been laughing at the whole thing, showing them his ID and thanking them for responding so promptly to a call at his residence. And then he could have followed up by thanking his neighbor for being willing to get involved that way. Do you think someone will think twice before calling for him again, and who will Mr. Gates have to blame then if he needs help and doesn't get any?

rob
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 4:11 PM

You white people think that the police can do no wrong.They are human and have bad days and make mistakes as well.The police need to recognize that they are paid by all tax payers not just white and should treat every citizen equally.I have seen white women several times at the airport verbally abuse cops over parking disputes and the cops showed tremendous restaint.And in most cases the white women were wrong.Out of all of these encounters only one was detained,not arrested, detained.She was let go a few minutes later.We as a people should all have the right to question their authority and actions..who are the cops to say they have full power and control over all.If you dont agree with me then stop bitching and crying when the Chinese or Iranian police go on a rampage.Thats why I love when do gooders,rogue cops and lawmakers get arrested every now and then so they can see how it feels.Our police are just milder versions of the Chinese and Iranians.If you are white you might not fully understand what im talking about so dont judge.As far as the Michael Vick situation is concerned 99% of the people black and white,are hypocrites. P.E.T.A the Humane society of the U.S. and all of you meat eaters need to take a trip dowm to your nearest slaughter house.Go ahead get your asses down their and tell me if you like what you see.I hope every member of P.E.T.A . is Vegan.But I know you people are saying its O.K. because we are going to eat the animals not abuse them.You clowns are so phony and contradictory,think about this when you are enjoying your bloody steak tonight and I will do the same while im eating my Jerk chicken.

Anthony
Saturday, August 01, 2009 at 11:36 AM