Monday, August 20, 2007
News / Sports Five things Vick's guilty plea means
Posted by Scott Freeman on Mon, Aug 20, 2007 at 9:30 PM
1) Michael Vick's tenure with the Atlanta Falcons is over.
Read Arthur Blank's statement to Peter King of Sports Illustrated after Vick's final two co-defendants entered guilty pleas:
"With Michael, I guess looking back now, we should have been concerned about the time he spent away from our facility. When he went home to Virginia, it's like he disappeared. It seems clear now that Michael had a secret life we didn't know about. ..."You know, I've been criticized for being too close to Michael, for doing things like wheeling him around the Georgia Dome when he was hurt. Being too close to your players is not a negative. I still think, actually, it helps to be close to them, to try to get to know what they're thinking and what's going on in their lives. I think what this proves is that you can try to get as close to them as you can, but you'll never truly get inside their heads.''
That doesn't sound like an owner ready to stand by his man.
2) Vick will probably serve 12 to 18 months in federal prison.
Citing a source close to the case, the Washington Post reports that the deal, which the judge must approve, will mean Vick goes to prison for up to 18 months.
3) Vick's NFL career is in jeopardy.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has taken a hard-line approach with players who get involved with the law.
And don't forget: Vick lied to Goodell when he was called before the commissioner in July and asked point-blank if Vick was involved with dog fighting or gambling. That's a huge strike against him. Another huge strike is that Vick violated the NFL's code of conduct by gambling and consorting with gamblers. The last player who lied to a commissioner about gambling was Pete Rose. It is conceivable that Vick could face a lifetime ban from the sport, and have to apply for reinstatement.
4) Even if Vick does return to a NFL team, he will face a huge public backlash.
What franchise will want a felon convicted of dog fighting to lead their team? What franchise wants to face protesters every Sunday? What franchise wants to bank on a quarterback known for his running ability who has been out of the league for two or three years and is approaching the age of 30? If Vick does return to the NFL, those will be hurdles he and his team will have to face.
5) It ain't over yet.
According to reports, Vick's legal team wanted a promise from the state of Virginia not to prosecute him for animal cruelty and dog fighting as part of his federal plea agreement. The Washington Post reports that did not happen.
Vick could face an additional 40 years in prison if the state proceeds with charges.
Comments (3)
Showing 1-3 of 3
like
dislike
Latest in Fresh Loaf
-
Developers considering apartments next to Atlanta Waterworks reservoir on the Westside? 1
Firm asks city to rezone five-acre former steel supply company along Huff Road
-
First Slice 2/16/12: Facebook to the rescue
-
5 things today: KAWS, The Togas
A Culture Shock party at the High, garage rock at the Earl, and more
- More »
