Michael Vick’s “conditional reinstatement”: I don’t get it
The NFL has finally ruled. Michael Vick can practice, but he can’t play until the final two preseason games. (This assumes he can find a team that will hire him, which I believe he will.) Once the regular season commences, he can do everything except play in games.
That’s in September and the first half of October. Once October passes its midpoint, he can play in real games, too.
I don’t get it.
Maybe there’s a Solomonic compromise embedded in Roger Goodell’s ruling, but for the life of me I can’t find it. What I see is a commissioner who felt pressured to do something even if he wasn’t quite sure doing anything more is warranted. So he half-stepped. He also overstepped.
This is, to use a football term, piling on. Vick has been suspended by the NFL for 23 months and three days. If the league wanted to disassociate itself with him completely, it could have just said, “Suspension stands. Sorry, Mike.” But clearly it doesn’t want to disassociate itself with Vick. Clearly it doesn’t want him to pop up first in the low-rent United Football League. It wants to see him on an NFL field again.
Just not quite yet.
Loading ...Why? For no other reason I can discern beyond cosmetic issues. The NFL wants Vick back but it doesn’t want to appear as it’s welcoming him back. And that’s understandable. He’s a convicted felon. He just did 20 months in government custody. But docking him six more games — eight if you count the two exhibitions — isn’t really a penalty. It’s a nuisance. It’s Goodell doing an Alexander Haig and saying, “I’m in charge here.”
OK, Vick embarrassed the NFL. We know that. And playing in the NFL isn’t a right but a privilege. We get that, too. But why have him on an NFL roster if you don’t want him playing — at least not yet — in NFL games? Either ban him or reinstate him fully. Why drag this into October? Why spend 2 1/2 more months reminding everyone of one of the sorriest chapters in league history? Why not just clear him and be done with it?
Because Roger Goodell wanted to look tough. But Roger Goodell didn’t want to look so tough as to drive Vick to a start-up league. So he tried to split the difference. Sorry to say, he missed. This satisfy neither the Vick haters or the Vick supporters. I doubt this even satisfies Roger Goodell.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
313 comments Add your comment
PokeUINURI
July 27th, 2009
5:37 pm
Hey people let it go. Vick is back in the league and I am happy for him. PETA needs to get a life, the fanatics. We all know the real problem was this guy having $135 million. He has it no more, so move on. You will get nowehere with your seething hypocrisy. The guy is a football player, let him play football.
Rush Limbaugh broke laws and doctor shopped for illicit drugs (you call them “prescription” drugs, but he didn’t receive them by legal prescription, plus they’ll ‘F’ you up just as bad as coke or meth). What did he get.. $400 MILLION???!!! And your entire life’s philosphy rides on his every word. Sad.
Get over yourselves.
Rojer
July 27th, 2009
5:43 pm
Exactly right Juan. Tired of white folks liking dogs better than people. Fu#k the NFL. Art Blank wont get a dime from me.
bali smith
July 27th, 2009
5:43 pm
let the hate motivate,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,geez
Drez
July 27th, 2009
5:48 pm
This lis like a guy who cheats on his wife. She’ll take him back, but he can’t get any nookie for 6 months. If that’s the case, screw the wife and go live with the mistress!!
Vick should screw the NFL and Dictator Goodell and go play for the UFL for a year. They’re willing to pay him $1million and give him playing time. To me, that’s a no-brainer. I’m not sure when the UFL games will be played, but i’m willing to bet every game Vick plays for the Orlando franchise would have higher ratings than the Tampa Bucs.
Eman
July 27th, 2009
5:51 pm
Dam, Da man deserves a second chance!!! Mike Vick put the Atlanta Falcons on the map and I know what he did but he deserves another shot. This is what is wrong with da south today; racism is still alive and that is something every black man has to deal with. Gave him a shot to prove himself and we better hope that he is not in the NFC South because that would haunt the falcons for a long time!!!!
Vick Supporter
July 27th, 2009
5:51 pm
(Some) Caucasians,
Why so much hate? Wouldn’t you want another chance for YOURSELF if you f’ed up in your life? What more do you people want?
Fire Frank Wren
July 27th, 2009
5:54 pm
It’s obvious the NFL just wants to wait and see if Vick does something stupid. I think the timetable is fair. The NFL is saying, “OK, you’re out. Prove you’re going to be a good citizen first, then you can come back.”
I’m not sure why MB can’t understand that simple concept, but from reading some of his articles on the Braves, I shouldn’t be suprised.
scottbravesfan
July 27th, 2009
5:55 pm
He should come back as a wide receiver or a kick returner. It is going to be a long hard time for Vick to get his timing back to work at the QB position and let’s be honest passing was never his strong suit. He’s also older and those hits that running QB’s take are brutal. He should try and transition to another position to prolong his career and get back into the starting lineup on a team. He won’t be a starting quarterback again in the league for awhile if ever.
WHAT UP!!!
July 27th, 2009
5:57 pm
BWAAA HA HA HA!!!! BWAAA HA HA!!!!
Will he even be signed by a team? BWAAA HA HA !!!
Maybe Redman could give Vick some pointers on how to sell insurance.
BWAAA HA HA!!!!
YJ=01
July 27th, 2009
5:57 pm
Goddell did the only thing possible.
1. He conditionally reinstated to avoid a lawsuit from mr vick for dening him his right to gain employment.
2. He gives the owners cover for a few weeks till he can hit the field.
3. He could not immediately reinstate mr vick for fear of a severe backlash from ALL dor lovers.
He is/was in a no win situation.
I am just glad we have a Pro bowl quaterback for years to come.
WHUT!! WHUT!!
July 27th, 2009
5:58 pm
What more do I want, VICK SUPPORTER?
Well, since you “axed” so nicely….
For you and Vick to swap your VDs on the down low and each die a slow, painful death and then each of you burn for eternity with your dark lord.
Oh, and for neither of your losers to ever play in the NFL again!
Can I get a “WHOOP! WHOOP!” ?
Bubba Gone Wild
July 27th, 2009
5:59 pm
Roger Goodhellno Nccca made his point. He’s in charge and ain’t no black man gone lie to me again. He shall feel my wrath. Next time you young bucks out there. You go lying to the man, he’ll not only take your money, your job, keep from earning a living, he’ll also continue to humiliate you while you’ve been humbled. Sounds like Goodhellno Nccca read that Willie Lynch book.
Eman read and learn
July 27th, 2009
6:01 pm
Eman,
The black man would not get nearly as much “racism” if he would actually learn to work for a living, take care of his family, and not rob and kill each other at a drop of a hat. Black people shoot and kill each other all the time, this in turn gets put into the paper and the news, and when white people read this it makes them paranoid. You got a world champion boxer stopping by at a convenience store and getting shot 8 times and killed in South west Atlanta. The whole city of Atlanta is turning into one big ghetto. Black people have got to learn to take care of their own neighborhoods, their own families, and quit crying about the white man keeping them down. And for God sake stop shooting each other all the damn time
All World
July 27th, 2009
6:01 pm
If Vick goes to UFL his fans will go there with him. A playing Vick will sell out NFL or UFL stadiums. Goodell is hurting the cash strapped NFL. I think there will be “protests” from players, player unions and civil rights groups who oppose “unusual punishment”. A rudimentary investigation of PETA by the AJC would reveal that PETA members have killed , sorry euthanized, more dogs than Vick and also that perhaps hundreds of NFL players have viewed or participated in dog fights. Remember Dallas’ Nate Newton?
jen
July 27th, 2009
6:02 pm
Well said Curious George!
Good Grief
July 27th, 2009
6:02 pm
Mark, why even bother writing THIS blog? I mean, I know you have to get paid and what not but there’s no way to have good conversation when Vick’s name is mentioned.
Personally, I’m happy he’s reinstated. I’m curious to see what happen to the people year’s down the line when they really don’t have anything left to be angry about. Most people have moved on, but some people haven’t…Take a look around, Vick is slowly turning into a sympathetic person and so the “piling” on thing does nothing to him but make folks like PETA look even more ridiculous everyday.
blackbird13
July 27th, 2009
6:04 pm
Would the NFL hire a convicted felon to clean the offices in their headquarters? I don’t know the answer, just posing the question. I would guess they would not, and such a hire would have zero publicity consequences. As popular as the NFL is right now, pets, especially dogs, are far more important to far many more people. (Watch and see what business suffers more during the recession;it damn sure won’t be the pet industry). Any team that signs Vick is going suffer, at least from an image standpoint.
Abraham
July 27th, 2009
6:06 pm
Anyone notice how Al Sharpton and his ilk wanted the marijuana-free John Rocker suspended from baseball forever for using bad language, making stereotypes and calling New Yorkers and certain minorities insulting names while using his American-born right to free, if stupid, speech but now DEMAND that a convicted felon and drug user like Mike Vick be allowed to play with no penalty whatsoever?
I have.
the race card will always be king in the south
July 27th, 2009
6:10 pm
TW, Personal, and Falcon sorry,you are all some racist who want people to believe that you are ignorant and black. We all know, that you hate people who use capitals. BUT, YOUR ATTEMPTS AT HUMOR ARE PURE RACIST AND IT SHOWS YOUR LACK OF CULTURE AND INTELLECT. EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO BLOG HOW THEY WANT BUT , BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS… GOD BLESS
KT
July 27th, 2009
6:11 pm
Never been a huge fan of Vick. Great athlete, mediocore QB. With that said, the man paid his dues. Let him get on with his life. He paid his debt. enough already.
ESPN
July 27th, 2009
6:11 pm
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/07/27/clayton-the-phones-are-ringing/
Only seconds after being reinstated and “the phones are ringing” – yes he sucks
Curious George
July 27th, 2009
6:12 pm
Thanks, Jen @ 6:02 pm. Are you currently accepting resumes for the position of “Jen’s Boyfriend” from like-minded gentleman callers?
a mother's love
July 27th, 2009
6:13 pm
I just watched the live news with Goodell. I am not mad at him, because he gave a compassionate statement about Michael, and realizes that he convinced him that he remorseful and needs to build a life in football and society. I have prayed everyday that people, fans or not would look at the whole picture in regards to his future in life. Please get the hate out of your comments. If you on a personal level do not want to see him play then don’t watch him. It’s as simple as that! And far as PETA is concerned, Vick pay for his crime and they need a new poster platform. Tell them it’s over and they cannot hurt him anymore. The commissioner has forgiven him for showing remorse for what he did. I will continue to pray for Vick, because I know that prayers conquers hate!
Jack Barnes
July 27th, 2009
6:13 pm
We all deserve a second chance in life for redemption and forgiveness.
Jesus said it best, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone”
Jesus also fed the hungry and healed the sick…so, WHY are so many who call themselves Christian, so quick to ignore the words Jesus spoke?
Vick Supporter
July 27th, 2009
6:16 pm
Eman,
The black man would not get nearly as much “racism” if he would actually learn to work for a living, take care of his family, and not rob and kill each other at a drop of a hat. Black people shoot and kill each other all the time, this in turn gets put into the paper and the news, and when white people read this it makes them paranoid. You got a world champion boxer stopping by at a convenience store and getting shot 8 times and killed in South west Atlanta. The whole city of Atlanta is turning into one big ghetto. Black people have got to learn to take care of their own neighborhoods, their own families, and quit crying about the white man keeping them down. And for God sake stop shooting each other all the damn time
—————————————————————–
Typical of you…….yeah, ALL black men do that, right? ignorant.
Jenn
July 27th, 2009
6:17 pm
He doesn’t deserve to be in prime time and in a position where children can look up to him. As a society, we should show some morals here, he never should have been reinstated at all.
Matt Ryan
July 27th, 2009
6:17 pm
Mike Vick can I have your autograph pretty please?
Vick Supporter
July 27th, 2009
6:18 pm
Jenn….I assume you’ve lived a perfect life. of course
Equal
July 27th, 2009
6:19 pm
CasualNFLWatcher, who in the hell died and made you God? This is NOT the plantation, he’s paid the price and has gained his freedom. TW, I’m with you all the way. These idiots cannot name the people who have abused dogs and allowed the dogs to live in filth! The problem the south has, Vick didn’t bow down and tap dance all over the place, that’s what it’s really about. There are athletes who have killed people and are still on the field. I’m not saying what he did was right, it was completely wrong, but I am willing to bet that he will NEVER hurt another animal again. For all those judging this man and believe he should go somewhere and die, well you gotta get in that boat with him, because you are not without sin. As it is said, there is no such thing as a little bit of sin.
Paddy
July 27th, 2009
6:19 pm
I think the commish got it right. I can’t imagine him signing with Oakland. Then they would two QB’s that complete passes below the NFL avg.
news
July 27th, 2009
6:20 pm
Enter your comments here
Mike Vick
July 27th, 2009
6:22 pm
Dammit I have been gone since 2006 and the sports world can’t live without Mike Vick headlines. I was even on CNN today announcing the news of my reinstatement.
The AJC acts like Matt Ryan doesn’t exist – that’s cold! Well, I would love to stick around and chew the fat with you losers, but I have a meeting with The Humane Society – they are going to show me how to legally “wink wink” kill all the worthless dogs I want.
Only in America Baby
Smitty
July 27th, 2009
6:24 pm
I think Michael Vick will end up with the New Orleans Saints…I hate it because he will be playin in the NFC South and we’ll have to defend against him twice a year but the people of New Orleans are very quick to forgive and forget….I don’t approve of what Michael did but everyone deserves a 2nd chance…Good Luck Mike…
Terrell
July 27th, 2009
6:24 pm
Linda,
If he raped a woman would you be saying this? Which is of more importance? I hate what he did, but if people weren’t so attached to dogs this wouldn’t be a problem
Terrell
July 27th, 2009
6:27 pm
Eman read and learn:
And racist like yourself need to realize that you aren’t as smart as you claim to be.
Taletha
July 27th, 2009
6:28 pm
Congratulations Vick…. I will be wearing your Jersey again really soon…
I am sooo happy for you.. Let them without sin cast the 1st stone… trust me
no one can .. For we all have done something wrong… some just haven’t been
caught yet… I am sooo excited about seeing you play again…
Be happy shake the haters off… they will always be there
MV7
July 27th, 2009
6:30 pm
Man I was just kicking back in my “broke” $775,000.00 (shhhsh….don’t tell the bankrupt court), watching NFL Live today – they did a whole segnment on me today.
I was cracking up when Trey Wengo asked coach Herm Edwards what he thinks about me returning to the NFL.
Herm said without hesitation “I’d hate to be the defensive coordinator for the rest of teams in the division”.
I was laughing my you know what off. I was thinking “man I sure hope I go to the NFC South”!
It’s time for me to go regain my thrown, even though I will be on the visiting team in the dome, you won’t be able to tell by all the red & black number 7 jerseys. I wonder if anybody is wearing that jersey yet – old Artie will probably secretly retire it.
They Don T Really Care About Us | All Days Long
July 27th, 2009
6:30 pm
[...] I don't get it. Atlanta Journal Constitution I really don't see what the point is of letting him sign with someone – but he can't play in regular-season games until October. If they're still trying to … See all stories on this topic [...]
news
July 27th, 2009
6:31 pm
it’s so amazing how all of the MV7 hater’s have forgotten and will not even mention the Danny Heatley incident (oh yeah, remember that?!?!).. All these MV7 hater’s are idiots, AND hypocrites!!!
HAPPY AS HECK
July 27th, 2009
6:33 pm
I have been praying for this man to get back into the NFL I am sooo excited..
Hurray Hurray..lmaoooooooooooooooooo… I might be the only person who is this
happy to see this man get back on his feet… Love you Michael Vick..
Yes I will be sporting your Jersey… I would love for you to play against the Falcons
lmaaoooooooooooooooo whoop that ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY AS HECK
July 27th, 2009
6:36 pm
lmaoooooooooooooooooooooooo
LOVE YOU MICHAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
blackbird13
July 27th, 2009
6:37 pm
Terrell
If he were a convicted rapist, there would be no NFL discussion because he’d still be in prison, probably for at least 8 more years.
Most felons struggle to find ANY job; why does Vick have the right play football? Sure, teams have a right to hire him if they choose, but people also have a right to express their outrage and boycott the NFL if they choose. Vick paid his dues. But so have a lot of other felons, and they don’t have to go back to their previous job.
Nielsen never lies
July 27th, 2009
6:39 pm
Once Michael Vick signs to a team, friends and foes alike will watch/read about him – GUARANTEED! Humans are inquisitive like that and from the feel of this blog, you all are very emotionally attached already – I’m going the T.O. route and plan to have my popcorn ready. Smooches fellas!
HAPPY AS HECK
July 27th, 2009
6:39 pm
GREAT JOB …
ALL OF MY MONEY IS ON MICHAEL VICK TO WIN THE SUPERBOWL
THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THEN WATCH ALL THE HATER KISS HIS ASS!!!!!!!!!!!
Vick Supporter
July 27th, 2009
6:39 pm
38-28-1.
HAPPY AS HECK
July 27th, 2009
6:41 pm
What gets me is ..you have drug dealers who didn’t go to jail who played in the NFL.. Rapist who have not been suspended yet!!! hmmmm go figure… wait it is you are innocent until proven guilty only if you are white… wow…I just figured it out.. if you are black you are guility until proven innocent.. just damn
Taylor
July 27th, 2009
6:41 pm
Why must people always make it about race?
Taylor
July 27th, 2009
6:42 pm
To the caps lock crew, typing it caps lock makes you look stupid
Rawdog
July 27th, 2009
6:42 pm
He shouldnt ever get to play again. Let him hang off the back of a turnip truck.
HAPPY AS HECK
July 27th, 2009
6:43 pm
Because it was about race