August 28, 2007
USC Asst Coach arrested twice for dogfighting charges
This could be just a remarkable coincidence, but the boys at Bruin Nation have gone witch-hunting and may have stumbled upon a past dogfighting arrest for current USC assistant coach Todd McNair.
Happened to look up the U$C staff on Google today. Assuming the names are correct, then it looks like U$C RB coach Todd McNair may have been arrested for dogfighting in 1996:According to the April 4, 1996 online edition of the New York Times:
Todd McNair, a Houston Oilers running back, was arrested Tuesday and charged with 81 offenses involving the mistreatment of 22 pit bulls being trained on his property for dogfights, the police said yesterday. Seventeen dogs were found tied to trees with chains, all had scars and many appeared malnourished, Lieut. Scott Goess of the East Greenwich police said. He described the condition of the dogs as "appalling."According to McNair's official bio at U$C:
He was a running back and special teams standout for 8 seasons in the NFL, first with the Kansas City Chiefs for 5 years (1989-93), followed by 2 seasons (1994-95) with the Houston Oilers and then back with the Chiefs in 1996. In his career, he ran for 803 yards with 3 touchdowns, caught 252 passes with 7 scores and averaged 18.6 yards on kickoff returns. He retired as the Chiefs' No. 10 all-time receiver.Hmmm... assuming that $C's Todd McNair wasn't signed by the Chiefs until after April 4, 1996, meaning that he was still considered an Oilers player, then it sounds like the same guy.
I'll take this with a grain of salt due to the severity of the charges -- I mean, look at Vick, right? -- and the source, which certainly has the appearance of being on a wild-goose chase and coming home with... well, a goose.
That said, this definitely appears to be more than just a coincidence. I've passed this along to a couple of folks in Houston and LA, so we'll see if this vets out.
Hat Tip: Bruins Nation
UPDATE: The LA Times has spoken with McNair and confirmed that the story is true. And then some.
USC running backs coach Todd McNair, in his fourth season with the team, was twice convicted on charges related to mistreatment of dogs in the 1990s, according to reports."I really don't want to comment on something 14 years ago, and especially something I was cleared for," McNair told Gary Klein of the L.A. Times Tuesday night.
...
McNair, a former NFL player, was charged with animal neglect in July 1993 when he was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. He was found guilty, fined $500 and put on probation.
In March 1994, police in the New Jersey Borough of Paulsboro shot and killed a pit bull for biting and locking onto a neighborhood dog. They suspected the dog belonged to McNair, and discovered six more chained in his yard. He agreed to move them.
On March 30, 1996, McNair was charged with cruelty to animals, failure to obtain licenses and keeping animals for the purpose of fighting on his property in East Greenwich, N.J. Animal control officers found up to 22 pit bulls, including 17 adults and five puppies.
"I've never seen anything like it," Gloucester County officer Charles Barone told the Philadelphia Daily News in a story dated April 4, 1996.
Police Chief William Giordano told the newspaper: "These conditions are deplorable."
The Rocky Mountain News reported later that year that the dogs were attached to heavy automobile towing chains. Some of the dogs were found in standing water, and many were scarred. Several had fresh wounds and one had a broken leg.
Although authorities believe McNair had been training the dogs for fights, they could not prove it. In October 1996, McNair was convicted of cruelty to animals and neglect. He was ordered to pay nearly $25,000 in fines and perform eight hours of community service.
So, who knew what, when? Well, USC coach Pete Carroll knew about the dogfighting and abuse charges "about a year ago."
Update HT: Da Wiz
Comments:
Bobby said:
posted on August 29, 2007 8:38 AM — 146.6.158.10 — link — abuse?
I say that if this man has already gone through the justice process then this should not be an issue. This dog fighting issue is an appauling thing, but this man has been convicted and did what he was ordered to do. What is USC suppose to do about it now?
gatorstud said:
posted on August 29, 2007 8:44 AM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
wow...this happened 14 years ago and they are dragging it out now...huh...if the guy paid his due..then get off his back...everyone makes mistakes..as long as he has been "a good boy"...and kept his nose clean..then this shouldn't be an issue....but if he is still connected to dog fighting, which it looks like he isn't, then go after him.....but, other than that....look at what he has done since...has he been a good role model, a good coach, father, husband....if the answer is yes....then leave him alone.....
jmho
go gators....and hokies
DumpDorrell said:
posted on August 29, 2007 8:48 AM — 76.167.71.209 — link — abuse?
someone should tell Pete Carroll that his pants are at his ankles.
hokie4life said:
posted on August 29, 2007 8:57 AM — 216.89.164.100 — link — abuse?
welcome to the club. this makes me sick! who can stand by and watch this mess go down? takes some really sick people. why would USC give him a job if they checked his background and saw this on his file? but then again it is USC tops when it comes to cheating and taking the low way out. no wonder this country is headed to the crapper, it's full of people like this
gatorstud said:
posted on August 29, 2007 9:25 AM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
c'mon hokie....i will agree w/ you on that dogfighting is a real disturbing and sick scene...but if this guy has paid his debt to society then he has earned the right to try to live a normal and productive life....yeah it looks bad on usc right now, with all the other allegations flying around that school, but we are talking about 12-14 years ago.....why don't we look at what this guy has done since then..has he become a productive member of society and usc, does he work w/ charities...and etc...
your comment "no wonder this country is headed to the crapper" could also be directed to the people who dig up crap on other people from decades ago and try to use it against them and try to tarnish their image.....it seems easier to look at the bad in someone rather than looking for the good in them......
jmho...
on another note...how is blacksburg these days...are you all getting ready for the opener.....for the first game my children and i will be wearing your teams colors...i know it is not much...but we just wanted all of virginia to know that we still remember...and care....good luck....i hope your hokies have an outstanding year
go gators....and hokies
Tampa Hurricane
posted on August 29, 2007 9:39 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse?
said:
gatorstud, this may have happened 12-14 years ago, but is that the type of role model that you would want for your kids. These college students (if USC athletics actually has students), are at an important time of their life. This is not a time that you should have a criminal as an authority figure. USC should have completed background checks on their employees and not hired a convicted criminal.
hokie4life said:
posted on August 29, 2007 9:44 AM — 216.89.164.100 — link — abuse?
#9 correction, VT is in Virginia? Or are you just pulling my leg? Blacksburg is alive and definately ready to get the season started. All weekend long theres going to be events taking place on and around campus. College GameDay will be there. It's going to be a very special day for Hokie Nation. I can't wait (season tickets).
gatorstud said:
posted on August 29, 2007 10:10 AM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
t-hurricane...i understand where you are coming from.....but, i definatley want my children to know.....that in life we ALL make mistakes...but what is important is what you do after the mistakes you make...stand up like a man, accept responsibility, and take whatever punishment is given.....that is what i teach my children....
why can't we look at what he has done since..has he been in trouble again.....or has he been a good person......
let me ask you all this...if he (while at usc) has helped one kid...just one....stay off drugs...stay in the classroom and turn his life around for the better, and in a positive way helped him become a beter person or player....isn't that worth the risk usc took....
i am not say that we should overlook the trouble he has been in or the process in which he was hired at usc.....but we also shouldn't overlook what he has done since....
jmho...
go gators...and hokies
c-dogg said:
posted on August 29, 2007 10:46 AM — 76.188.150.25 — link — abuse?
Kevin,
I first want to apologize for being off the subject here. But I didn't know where to put this post. Please put this through.
TO ALL FANBLOGGERS,
Now that the new season is upon us, I want to wish all of your teams well. Although we rip each others teams here.....it's just blogging. None of this is life or death. Good luck to all of your teams. Yes that includes Notre Dame and Virginia Tech. I pick with those two teams the most just for fun, just like everone picks with Miami. C-Dogg is heading off to see my buddy play in person all season (Ohio Northern University).
I personally think that this is Michigan's year to win it all. Time will tell.
Go Canes!
gatorstud said:
posted on August 29, 2007 10:55 AM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
c-dogg...well said...one thing i would like to add to that is...
i wish for all our college football athletes to be able "walk" off the field after the game instead of being carried off during the game due to some serious injury....c-dogg..good luck to miami this year....hope to see your team in a game "after" new years eve.....
go gators...and hokies
hokie4life said:
posted on August 29, 2007 12:09 PM — 216.89.164.100 — link — abuse?
#15 your totally right! lets enjoy the season. I feel a great college football season coming. Hokie or not, it's going to be a blast! It's especially going to be awesome for Hokie Nation, it seems this year is especially important to VT obviously. Yeah I trash UM and FSU big time, but they are ACC contenders also. And UM VT series has become a very good rivalry. In fact maybe the best in the country following of course in state rivalries. Let's have a beer and get fired up here it comes (2007 football season) Have fun all!!
1st_and_NOLE
posted on August 29, 2007 12:09 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
@ gatorstud:
In several posts you made the point we should look at what this man has done since then. You also said we all make mistakes. I agree with those assessments 100%.
However, there IS a big difference between making a mistake and having a repeated pattern of a specific type of behavior. From the information I've been able to gather, it looks like this man has had more then one occasion of mis-treatment of animals. There is definitely a pattern there.
Fox 71 said:
posted on August 29, 2007 3:43 PM — 24.164.19.212 — link — abuse?
TrOJan Horse -
I agree that McNair's dog fighting affair many years ago is not current. Dog fighting in general is obviously quite current. But McNair was also right in the middle of Bu$hgate. And he is also the official apologist for the "White Nation" scandal. So it seems that while Mr. McNair may have opted out of the dog-fighting business, he is right in the middle of at least two other scandals.
Why not do something about the glaring misconduct in the football program instead of taking offense when people point out obvious deficiencies? Why haven't the sc student body and alumni groups risen up en masse to protest what is obviously a lack of control over athletes and agents? How can you take pride in a program that blatantly cheats?
Or to use your figure of speech - the kettle is black, and it doesn't matter who points it out. If you don't like people making comments, clean up the program so comments won't be made.
Tampa Hurricane
posted on August 29, 2007 3:44 PM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse? said:
horse condom: re:19 You might want to do some research before posting (otherwise with incorrect opinions you just look like a dumb ass). Per Rivals.com "Miami's graduation rate for football players has exceeded the national average 14 of the last 16 years, and the Hurricanes ranked 11th out of 119 Division I-A teams in the most recent NCAA Academic Progress Rate standings."
Cane Mutiny said:
posted on August 29, 2007 4:46 PM — 65.12.247.141 — link — abuse?
A lot of you have said that since this guy's paid his debt to society, he shouldn't be bothered about it. So are you guys just gonna forget about Michael Vick's dogfighting scandal once he's paid his debt to society? I doubt it...people will view Michael Vick as a scumbag for ever, most likely. Not saying that Vick's an up-standing citizen, but it seems like Vick is getting hit a lot harder (for whatever reason) that most athletes who get into trouble.
gatorstud said:
posted on August 29, 2007 5:57 PM — 72.69.14.26 — link — abuse?
cane mutiny...in vick's case..he stood in front of the cameras and lied to america with his "in time everyone will see that i am not involved in anyway" comment.....not to mention he is linked to killing some of his dogs and when they didn't die...he drowned them.....that is what makes the whole vick thing sickening.....
todd mcnair, although i do not know all the details of his incidents, has seemed to have gotten his life back on track.....and like i said before..if he is still involved, then go after him....but if not...leave him alone.....and it states in the report that they could not prove he was dogfighting....twelve years is a long time to hold someone accountable when he has already paid the price.....
"for he who has lived without sin, may cast the first stone"
i know i have made mistakes in my life concerning breaking the law....and i am glad that i am not perfect like everyone else on here....so you all better watch out...the last perfect person who walked this planet...WAS NAILED TO A CROSS....
jmho
go gators....and hokies
TrojanHorse said:
posted on August 29, 2007 7:27 PM — 132.228.195.206 — link — abuse?
here is post 10:
gatorstud, this may have happened 12-14 years ago, but is that the type of role model that you would want for your kids. These college students (if USC athletics actually has students), are at an important time of their life. This is not a time that you should have a criminal as an authority figure. USC should have completed background checks on their employees and not hired a convicted criminal.
my comment at #19 was regarding the part in quotes nothing more nothing less.. in that sense what the poster in 10 said was nothing short of being a moron.. look at any ranking of the US 4 year university's and see where USC is and see where Miami is.. just to save you the trouble.. USC #27/UM #52.. not quite in the same ball park
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/t1natudoc_brief.php
next up re post 21 on graduation rates... per scout in 2005 USC was at 58% and UM 57%
http://stanford.scout.com/2/355659.html
2004 USC 62% UM 49%
2003 USC 65% UM could not locate
2002 USC 65% UM 41%nuff said
tougher school and higher grad rates...
rip on something you know about
next Fox #20 my comment had nothing to do about the dog fighting; it was strictly that someone from Miami a school rated significantly lower than USC was making comments about student athletes... all that other crap you blew out your ass was irrelevant to my post
Bobby said:
posted on August 29, 2007 8:22 PM — 70.112.114.73 — link — abuse?
Cane mutiny to answer your question #23. Yes in my eyes once Vick has served his time then yes it should be forgotten. Will it be...probably not the media is as relentless as the wind. I hope he comes away from this better person. From what I've read and heard he was a thug. For him to turn his life around and to play football again and become a real roll model would be great. I think he's on the right track with turning his life over to Christ. I believe true change can occur when you look to Jesus to do the work.
gatorader said:
posted on August 29, 2007 11:20 PM — 64.252.20.182 — link — abuse?
Everybody has a past. People make mistakes. I am not going to condemn a guy for something he did 14 years ago, and was held accountable for. What has he done lately? That is much more important. People learn lessons and change...
USCLink said:
posted on August 29, 2007 11:36 PM — 76.171.0.237 — link — abuse?
So can we expect the update that completes the story?
http://uscripsit.com/news/newspage.php?news_id=938
According to Gloucester Co. (N.J.) Times, McNair was charged with animal neglect in 1996 for improper housing of his 22 dogs at his New Jersey home, where he bred dogs. He said a violent snowstorm slammed the East Coast with more than 20 inches of snow at the time, and when it melted, standing water was everywhere.
The other conviction happened in 1993, when he left his dog outside on a chain while attending Kansas City Chiefs practice. He said rain started to fall when he was gone and a neighbor reported him for leaving his dog outside without proper housing.
For both convictions, McNair said he had to pay fines and, for the 1996 count, perform community service.
McNair emphasized he never was involved in dogfighting.
“I wasn’t involved in dogfighting,” he said. “I don’t condone it in the least bit.”
Tampa Hurricane
posted on August 30, 2007 8:30 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse? said:
TrojanHorse re:29
Why did you leave the most current rates out? Could it be that you don't want to show the current information that goes against your opinion?
http://stanford.scout.com/2/520523.html
Football
USC 55% Miami 67%All student athletes
USC 67% Miami 77%Do you see a trend in the graduation rates? USC is on the decline and Miami's is rising!
Tampa Hurricane
posted on August 30, 2007 8:39 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse? said:
TrojanHorse Just to help you a little with the statistics. Between 2004 and 2005, USC had a decrease in graduation rate of 6.5% while Miami had an increase of 16.3%. Between 2005 and 2006, USC had a decrease in graduation rate of 5.2% while Miami had an increase of 17.5%. Please explain to everyone how these facts help prove you opinion that USC actually has student athletes.
Remember as I stated before: "the Hurricanes ranked 11th out of 119 Division I-A teams in the most recent NCAA Academic Progress Rate standings!" I realize that there are 10 Universities above Miami, but USC is not one of them!
Eye of the Tiger said:
posted on August 30, 2007 3:16 PM — 138.163.0.44 — link — abuse?
What I like about this coming to light is that it shows the world that this is nothing new, and Michael Vick doesn't deserve to lose his career over this. He needs to pay, and get on with his life and career. In 93' McNair got a slap on the wrist and continued playing football. Why can't this be the case with Vick?
Eye of the Tiger said:
posted on August 30, 2007 3:16 PM — 138.163.0.44 — link — abuse?
What I like about this coming to light is that it shows the world that this is nothing new, and Michael Vick doesn't deserve to lose his career over this. He needs to pay, and get on with his life and career. In 93' McNair got a slap on the wrist and continued playing football. Why can't this be the case with Vick?
Eye of the Tiger said:
posted on August 30, 2007 3:17 PM — 138.163.0.44 — link — abuse?
What I like about this coming to light is that it shows the world that this is nothing new, and Michael Vick doesn't deserve to lose his career over this. He needs to pay, and get on with his life and career. In 93' McNair got a slap on the wrist and continued playing football. Why can't this be the case with Vick?
Eye of the Tiger said:
posted on August 30, 2007 3:19 PM — 138.163.0.44 — link — abuse?
What I like about this coming to light is that it shows the world that this is nothing new, and Michael Vick doesn't deserve to lose his career over this. He needs to pay, and get on with his life and career. In 93' McNair got a slap on the wrist and continued playing football. Why can't this be the case with Vick?
1st_and_NOLE
posted on August 30, 2007 4:00 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
@ Eye of the Tiger:
Vick won't lose his career for DOG FIGHTING. Vick will lose his career for RUNNING AN ILLEGAL GAMBLING OPERATION.
A gambling offense is punishable in the NFL by a life time ban.
Trust me, when it comes to Vick's career, dog fighting is the least of his problems. The gambling is what will end his NFL career.
Tampa Hurricane
posted on August 31, 2007 8:26 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse? said:
Eye of the Tiger, Vick isn't going to lose his career. He will be suspended for one year for the dog fighting and a year for financing the gambling. There will still be some teams (Raiders, Bengals, Cowboys) that will be willing to take a chance on a convicted felon after he serves his suspensions.
1st_and_NOLE
posted on August 31, 2007 10:40 AM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
Tampa Hurricane #46:
Actually, you can't say that with certainty. The gambling charges alone COULD be punishable with a LIFE TIME BAN by the NFL. I'm not saying the NFL will give him a life time ban but it's a very real possibility. In fact, there will be A LOT of outside pressure to give him the life time ban from fans and PETA.
It could easily happen.
Tampa Hurricane
posted on August 31, 2007 10:57 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse? said:
1st_and_NOLE, with the wording that Vick's lawyers used, I have heard many experts state that they could not use the life time ban. That ban is for gambling, but Vick pled to financing the gambling organization, not to gambling or as you stated running the gambling organization. This does just sound like a cosmetic difference, but it is the reason that Vick's lawyers took so long in drawing up the wording for Vick's plea.
1st_and_NOLE
posted on August 31, 2007 12:28 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
Tampa Hurricane #48:
I hadn't heard that. Thanks for providing me with updated information. That may save him from the life time ban but I think his suspension will be longer then a year.
I mean, Vick has admitted guilt to quite a few various charges including felonies. Pac Man Jones simply got arrested many times without ever being convicted and he got a year. I don't see how a convicted felon can get equal or less then that.
Eye of the Tiger said:
posted on September 1, 2007 12:53 AM — 138.163.0.37 — link — abuse?
I see it panning out into a couple of years as well, but Vick doesn't have a very long life span in the NFL as it is, so 2 years could mean career. I'm just thinking for a QB known for his legs and not so much his accuracy, he might get a little rusty. I do think you are right about some teams willing to take some chances with him, but for the most part I think new talent will step up and guess what...Vick is forgotten.
Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.
USCLink said:
posted on August 28, 2007 11:27 PM — 76.171.0.237 — link — abuse?Wow...What was that you said about not having time to deal with all the goings on with all schools, just the serious stuff? And then ignoring Minnesota's rape case? And then posting this from 12 years ago?
Does Nestor run fanblogs too Kevin?