So basically these were poorly trained dogs like wmany have said
If you don't have the time to raise one or the resources to take it to obedience training or the time to socialize it, DON'T GET A PIT
Matter of fact, don't get a dog period. A German Shepard, Rottweiler, hell a St. Bernard will rip your face off if it's not properly trained, you just don't hear about it as much in the news because there are much more inexperienced owners getting Pits as their first dog and not knowing WTF they're doing.