An All-Pro football player with ties to Atlanta has drawn the ire of PETA, but it's not who you think.
The animal rights organization has sent Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett a letter protesting his recent purchase of a baby alligator, named Nino.
"Alligators in the wild roam freely with members of their own kind, travel long distances, and thrive in the rivers and lakes that they call home," wrote PETA President Michelle Cho. "When confined, wild animals will exhibit neurotic and self-destructive behaviors because of extreme boredom, stress, and frustration at being unable to engage in natural behaviors. Keeping an alligator as a pet is simply unfair to the animal."
While some consider PETA a fringe organization, few would likely disagree with its contention that gators pose "grave dangers."
"By their very nature, these animals are unpredictable and can inflict serious harm," Cho wrote. "You would be held liable for any damage, injuries, or illnesses caused by the alligator."
There's been no response from Dockett, seen recently "hanging out" with Nino in Washington, D.C.
The Florida State grad, born in Atlanta, has been selected to the Pro Bowl the last three seasons.
