T.O. and I agree: Vick shouldn’t be re-suspended
Michael Vick was suspended by the NFL on Aug. 24, 2007 and remains suspended to this day. That’s 23 months (plus three days) of a suspension that ran almost concurrent to a 20-month jail sentence (reduced from 23 months for good behavior). That is, in a word, enough.
So far as we know, Michael Vick has broken no law since he reported to Leavenworth. So far as we know, he hasn’t further violated the NFL’s code of conduct. Currently speculation holds that commissioner Roger Goodell wants to clear Vick to sign with a team and participate in training camp — but then suspend him for the first four games of the regular season. I’m not a lawyer (though I was accepted to law school 32 years ago), but that seems, to use a legalistic term …
Stupid.
It’s essentially saying, “We know you’ve paid your debt to society, but we’re afraid certain parts of society [read: PETA] will look ill upon us if we let you play on Opening Day. So we’ll tack on another month. Doesn’t matter if you’re as pure as Pat Boone from here on out. We’re docking you four games just to cover our own, er, assets.”
This isn’t to suggest Vick should be given carte blanche the rest of his NFL days. He has heaped dishonor on the league, and if he messes up again he should be treated as a repeat offender. But the league cannot assume such a mess-up will be forthcoming, nor should it rescind, then extend, his suspension just for cosmetic purposes.
Loading ...If Goodell wants to bar him from training camp and not clear him to play until, say, Sept. 15, that course would at least have continuity working for it. But to say, “You can play in the exhibitions but not in the first four games that count” … well, that’s not a penalty based on logic. That’s whim. That’s caprice. That’s folly.
Michael Vick did some bad things, yes. He also admitted his crimes and served his sentence. For the one and only time in my life, I agree with Terrell Owens. The overstated receiver told reporters at Bills camp Vick deserves immediate reinstatement.
Being Terrell Owens, he also overplayed his hand, telling George Smith of ESPN “the commissioner needs to go sit in jail for 23 months.” (At last check, Goodell has pleaded guilty to nothing except being NFL commish.) And in that conversation with reporters, Owens loosed an unfortunate comparison: Suspending Vick further, he said, was “almost like kicking a dead horse in the ground.”
Note to T.O.: Regarding Michael Vick, hold all animal analogies … well, forever.
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162 comments Add your comment
The Grinch
July 27th, 2009
10:45 am
@ Robert:
Euthanasia of animals is often necessary; I’ve shot a few badly wounded and rabid ones myself. It’s not an “all-animal” PETA thing to me. Hell, I’m not averse to popping a squirrel or two off the bird feeder with a BB gun. That’s not the point.
All I’m asking is how can so many people go through life without the capacity for appreciating a pet? Generally speaking, well adjusted people who’ve not had a bad experience as a child with one can at least usually appreciate other people’s affinity for dogs if not their own.
To the rest of you (Robert at least seems to have an education): I’m thinking most of you don’t like them because you’re used to police K-9 units searching your cars or chasing you down alleyways. If your real viewpoint is “It ain’t nothin’ but a G-thang,” just go ahead and say so. Just please stop with the “I be a laywer and it ain’t nuthin’ but a bunch of danged dawgz” stuff. It’s absurd.
Lindsey
July 27th, 2009
10:45 am
It is not a civil rights violation for a person not to be re-hired after becoming a convicted felon. Jesus, most convicted felons are lucky to get a job.
They Don T Really Care About Us | All Days Long
July 27th, 2009
10:49 am
[...] Vick shouldn't be re-suspended Atlanta Journal Constitution – GA, USA Goodell has to further the success of the NFL, while the courts don't (rightfully) care. Yes, Michael did his time and fulfilled his obligations to the … See all stories on this topic [...]
VICKSAPRICK
July 27th, 2009
10:50 am
T.O. and Michael Vick need to move to California, get married and start a marijuana farm.
Whopper Dawg
July 27th, 2009
10:51 am
There seem to be two arguments to let Vick in the NFL, one is he paid his debt to society. Yes, he did as the court ordered by law after pleading guilty to his crimes. Why he is commended for that I have no idea. That does not speak to the NFL in any way, shape, form or fashion. Playing in the NFL is not a right. Two – there are other bums in the NFL that did worse crimes and still play. Well, ban Vick and kick the other bums out too. Right now.
If I were commish, the rule would be real simple – if you are convicted of a felony in a criminal court of law – you are gone – for life.
Sam
July 27th, 2009
10:51 am
Mark: Thanks for picking up on the gambling piece of the story. I’ve always been puzzled by this. If you set aside the nature of the crime, why isn’t bankrolling an illegal gambling operation alone enough to warrent suspension from the NFL?
Robert
July 27th, 2009
10:52 am
Grinch thanks for responding in a sensible matter since that appears the be the exception this morning.
That’s a good point about euthanasia.
My point is how many other athletes in numerous sports have done worse; drunk driving and causing a death. And then there’s Pacman Jones who has gotten how many second chances.
I just don’t think MV should be driven off the planet because there is a group more concerned with dogs than people.
Marlena
July 27th, 2009
10:53 am
@Whopper Dawg-so well put. My sentiments exactly!
Paddy
July 27th, 2009
10:55 am
Laywer(sp)… He did not go to jail for misdeamnors, he went to jail for federal felonies.
dog fighting is not a federal crime. Lying to federal investagators and running and financing a criminal enterprise is a federal crime. You say its a sad day when he lost his job and most of his money for his crimes. What planet do you live on? That happens every day in our society and court systems. It is the law we live by in this country. And just a minor point, there is no NFL Europe any longer for him to go to. And if there were, it was a NFL controlled enterprise and thus subject to NFL rules. Any suspension would follow him. But that is moot. My take is you are not a real laywer(sp)?
Bobby Dowell
July 27th, 2009
10:55 am
Terrell Owens..now there’s some wisdom. Actually Vick looked Goodell straight in the eye and lied to him. Lied like a dog! (sorry could not resist) Vick deserves at least 4-6 games for being stupid. It will actually work better for him because he can start midseason and the media will not be as over-hyped as it is now..
jeffrey d
July 27th, 2009
10:56 am
Mark -
I enjoy the Vick stories because, despite people claiming that the AJC is in love with him and are just beating a dead….tree, there’s new stories to report and opinions to be shared. But reading the comments gets a little tiring because you’re essentially going to have:
Steve-O: Yawn…another Vick story from the AJC
Jess: Vick did his time now he should be allowed back in.
Homer: Fire Mark Bradley!
Race Guy: If Vick was white he would’ve been playing in the NFL last season.
Righteous Dan: Vick is a heartless and selfish man who should never be allowed to play again. I won’t be happy until his life is ruined.
Stupid Guy: How can Stallworth kill a man and only get 30 days when Vick killed an animal and got 2 years???
VickFan4Eva: WHOO GO VICK!! HE WILL THROW FOR 100 TOUCDOWNS AGAINST THE FALCOSN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I TOLD YOU HE WOULD EB FREE AND HE WOULD BE TEH GREATEST PLAYER EVER AGAIN
all that times about a million
football fan
July 27th, 2009
10:57 am
I think MV will have a chance to play next year but not this year. MV served his time for doing illegal thing, but that does not give him a greenlight to go back and play in the NFL as soon as he got out. He committed to a serious crime and will have to pay his due just like everyone else in our society.
Lindsey
July 27th, 2009
10:58 am
My God, why are so many people saying…”what about the other criminals in the NFL? What about hunting? What about euthanasia? What about this…blah, blah, blah.” Plain and simple, Vick is a convicted felon. This is about what Michael Vick did, not all the other problems in society. There should be NO criminal in the NFL at all! As to all the other ills in society, they are separate issues and do not detract from the terrible things that Vick did, which by the way are not limited to dog fighting!
Robert
July 27th, 2009
10:59 am
@Grinch Good points and I’ll reread them later.
I got something else not found on this blog every often and that’s a sense of humor.
Debates on a subject like this one can’t be much fun for either side unless they all really need to bloviate.
Have a good one. I’m going to check out Mark’s second blog today.
Novacane
July 27th, 2009
10:59 am
This is really crazy! It is to the point were it is becoming what I really did not want it to be and that is a Race Issue. I know that I am not the only one that see this, How is it that your job can suspend you before you are convicted of anything, then once you are convicted, serve time in prison, and then your job tell you they will hire you back only if they can suspend you again!!! What the F***!!!! That’s double jeopardy in court; do the NFL and Goodell make their own rules??? Is this Dictatorship or Democracy??? Enough said!!
VICKSAPRICK
July 27th, 2009
11:00 am
Vick is the Adolf Hitler of dogs.
Jack G.
July 27th, 2009
11:01 am
Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree…..
VICKSAPRICK
July 27th, 2009
11:02 am
@Novacane…yes, Goodell and the NFL do make their own rules. Most companies do. DUH.
Lindsey
July 27th, 2009
11:04 am
Novacane…yeah, when you are supsected of doing something wrong, most employers do suspend you pending further investigation. Have you ever seen the news and story came on about “police officer suspended pending further investigation?”
The Grinch
July 27th, 2009
11:04 am
We may debate whether drunk driving is better or worse than what Vick did, but I think we agree in general. Vick shouldn’t be the exception. Pacman, Ray Lewis, and at least a half dozen others don’t have my support either.
jeffrey d
July 27th, 2009
11:08 am
Vick is the Adolf Hitler of dogs.
Vick isn’t a dog.
Robert
July 27th, 2009
11:12 am
Congradulation Grinch. Amidst the shouting, we came to an agreement about equal treatment. I’m done here and have a good day.
T-HUG
July 27th, 2009
11:16 am
It is an absolute disgrace how Vick’s rights as an American citizen and human being are being stolen away from him by hypocrites and cowards like Blank and Goodell.
Beautiful Monte
July 27th, 2009
11:21 am
Wow. (Yawn.) What a surprise.
In what appears to be his never-ending quest to be accepted as an honorary “brutha”, Mark Bradley writes yet ANOTHER column in which he expresses his “great affection” for the conVICKted felon who soiled No. 7 for the Atlanta Falcons.
To emphasize his point – and to score MORE brownie points with the “local” fans – Bradley notes that he shares the same opinion as that other beacon of calm, rational, and well-thought-out behavior … Terrell Owens. (I presume O.J. was unavailable for comment.)
Regarding the subject of today’s love note: Vick has been in prison; therefore, technically speaking, any previous suspension handed down by the NFL was irrelevant since Vick couldn’t play anyway … because he was in prison (duh).
If Vick is suspended for four or even eight additional games, it won’t be much of a punishment. Given his two-year absence from the game, the intellectual shortcomings that will hinder his ability to learn a new offense in a short amount of time, and his poor passing ability, Vick will likely spend most if not all of the entire season on the bench, so a four- or eight-game suspension wouldn’t be much of a penalty, either. (Only crackheads and Vick fans actually believe will be a starting QB anywhere in the NFL in 2009.)
If I were Goodell, I’d make Vick sit out the entire 2009 season, just to prove he can stay out of trouble. If he makes it to the spring of 2010 without incident, I’d let Vick back in – with the condition that ANY subsequent run-in with the law will result in a lifetime suspension.
In the meantime, Mr. Bradley: we get it. You have gladly accepted the torch of excuse-making and defending the indefensible from your former partner-in-slime, Terence Moore. You are the self-appointed spokesman for spoiled, pampered, “misunderstood” professional athletes all over the ATL.
Congratulations on taking such a courageous position. You’re a real credit to your race.
Novacane
July 27th, 2009
11:23 am
Torgo, I can see that you know nothing about the NFL! 1st time drug offenders in the NFL have to go to substance abuse classes, and are then monitored by the league they are not suspend for 4 games until the second time. If they test positive for a performance enhancing ban substance then they are suspended for 4 games the first time. It is people like you that should never post!! I see you do not know policies and procedures, what about rules???? Some of you people do not have a clue!!!! When has a the value of a dog life and a human life became the same, I guess it is the same when you take your hunting dogs out and they get ripped apart by a wild hogs and you have to shoot it because it will never recover!!! Dogs vs. Humans, it is not the same, less time for killing humans than dogs!!!
Jamie
July 27th, 2009
11:25 am
I do agree that since he did the time he was given he should therefore be allowed to live his life, but what I cannot agree on is that he be allowed a life in the spotlight again, where children can look up to him and he receives praise when he has such a poor character. He had his chance at fame and heroism and proved he wasn’t up to the standards. Being a good football player doesn’t mean he should automatically be eligible to play pro where he can be idolized for all the wrong reasons.
To put it into a different perspective, let’s say a priest molested a few alter boys over the course of a few years. He is convicted and goes to jail for his crime, and then gets out 10 or so years later and wishes to be an acting priest again. Is that right? Certainly not, and it’s the same exact situation. You wouldn’t allow it because it’s putting him back in that same arena, where people are supposed to look up to him and trust him, but he no longer deserves that respect and trust just because he is. He must earn it from everyone he meets.
My feelings on human beings and animals are the same. They are lateral, equal, one in the same. The bible says something about loving all of his creatures alike… we were all created by him and are thereby equal in his eyes. I’m not a practicing religious person, but I was born Christian and my God said, “Protect the rights of all who are helpless.” Proverbs 31:8.
The argument here is whether or not Michael should be allowed to return to the public eye, to which I respond, not a chance in hell. Let us use the same standards on all, and understand that when you commit a crime of a certain type, there are certain things you are no longer allowed to be a part of because of it. I think it’s called something like, consequences for your actions. We all must abide.
And btw, this isn’t just an argument against Michael Vick. I believe the NFL (and other organizations as well) need to start cleaning up their acts and taking responsibility for the fact that these players need to be class acts because there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of children, and adults, who look up to them for their accomplishments. The double standards need to be reevaluated.
wordy
July 27th, 2009
11:28 am
novacan- yes the NFL (owners) and Goodell make thier own rules ( in conjuction with the Union). The NFL is not an branch of the US government. Most “private” companies probably would not rehire you if you went to jail for a year.
Novacane
July 27th, 2009
11:31 am
VICKSAPRICK Goodell nor other companies can make their own rules!!! they all have to operate under certain rules and regulations, that’s why you see congress get involved in everything even sports because they can. This is America not a third world country CLOWN!!! I will have to end my conversation with you because you really do not know better!! SAD
WBK
July 27th, 2009
11:31 am
I did not like Mike Vick as a QB…however, I do not like seeing a special interest in keeping the man down. Just in…”A Jonesboro man arrested for allegedly having sex with his dog was released from jail Friday night on $6,600 bond.” AJC.
I thought this is what these special interest thought of their animals.
They put humans and the interest of the human being behind animals…no pun inteneded.
Novacane
July 27th, 2009
11:40 am
wordy- Key Word “Private” when did the NFL become Private last time a family member of mine that will remain nameless played in the league it was very much public!!! You are talking to some who knows the system. Also you said the NFL (owners) and Goodell make thier own rules ( in conjuction with the Union. Still not just Goodell its everyone eles as well!!! Thanks
CONZY
July 27th, 2009
11:45 am
Jeez Mark it is a good thing you didn’t get into law school you don’t seem to have a clue on this one. Mike Vick in an EMPLOYEE of the NFL…if he doesn’t help their business and in fact hurts it they owe hin NOTHING. Think about this if you seriously damaged the public’s perception of the AJC do they owe you another chance, especially if you were convicted of a felony that called into question your journalistic integrity? Heck no. Don’t forget how large a role gambling played in Vick’s troubles and there is no place for gambling among professional atheletes.
Novacane
July 27th, 2009
11:51 am
Jamie- You lost me because the Bible states that when god made humans they were made a little less then Heavenly being, and ruler of the Earth inhabitants. I did not see dogs, but you know if you think that dogs and humans are the same, that’s your belief, but don’t quote the Bible with garbage like that!!! We are Not asking Vick to raise poodles or any other dogs we are saying that he should be allowed to play football so using the analogy of priest and boys are not the same!
Jamie
July 27th, 2009
12:28 pm
Garbage? What bible are you reading? Keep your overemphasized quotation marks to yourself for a stinkin’ minute and read this…
Romans 8:19 says that all creation waits with eager longing, groans, until God reveals his sons.
Gen 1:26-28, Gen 2:15: The purpose, role of humanity: to cultivate, guard, steward, manage – for the sake of God and of the creation itself.
Jonah 4:11 The Lord can concern specifically for animals
Psa 145:9 The Lord has compassion on all he made
Psa 36:6 Men and animals are in your care
Lev 25:7 God has care for wild as well as domestic animals
Lev 26:43 .. even without people
Prov 12:10 We are to look after animals
You want to look at the one part in the bible where it says we are given “dominion” over other living things, and take that as we can do as we want with them? Think what you want, but all the other areas where this “dominion” is described as moreless caretaking, is what I think our God meant. He certainly didn’t mean to put them into pits and fight them to their death. Or to use them in mass production meat factories so that their entire life existed purely for the purpose of our consuming them. Get real here. And before you call it out, no, I’m not vegetarian. I get my foods from local farms and markets and eat from this earth the way it was intended – humanely and in a considerate manner.
I didn’t see “dogs” either, but all animals are mentioned all throughout your bible buddy. As I said, I’m not even practicing religious, but I know what I have studied in the past and it doesn’t seem to be the same as what your God believes. Dominion and ruling… ha! Don’t you wish we were so superior? What right would we have?
No, we’re not asking Vick to raise poodles, but you ARE asking that he be put BACK into a position in the spotlight for which he has already abused. There SHOULD be a certain standard or structure of character and morality when we choose to make someone a hero.
Bill C.
July 27th, 2009
12:49 pm
” I did not have sex with that woman.” OJ is still looking for the killer and Mv has served his time, let em play, when He screws up again, can we all say “PAC-MAN !!!!!
Jim
July 27th, 2009
12:56 pm
Am I the only one that thinks that he should never be let back into the league again??? I am sick of athletes making Millions and Millions and then get a free pass through life. He screwed up…BIG…Bigger than Pete Rose! Give me a break! He was bank rolling a dog fighting organization for christ sake! I am sorry if you are ignorant and don’t understand how illegal and morally wrong that is, but come on…he should never be let back to the NFL again. I work my butt off and have never made anything like he has made and to just do something so incredibly stupid…Obviously money doesn’t mean anything to him and If he needs to be the lesson for all the other athletes out there then so be it! He has no remorse for what he has done…what did he tell the judge was his plan to pay back his massive debt? “I’m gonna play football!” give me a break. The author of this article just like TO are both compelete morons! I guess killing dogs is just an everyday think for you and TO and all you other idiots from the hood, but in real life that’s wrong and you should pay so bad that you never forget what you did. So sorry Vick, If football is the only way you can ever make any money…Didn’t you go to VT? Can’t you get a real job…I got one for you… $30,000 a year. Live like the rest of us, not killing dogs, or smuggling weed through airports. Maybe if the Comish makes a stand with you…other guys thinking about doing stupid stuff in the NFL will think twice.
Mark Bradley
July 27th, 2009
1:01 pm
I’ve been a bit distant this morning not because I’m trying to ignore anyone but because I’m in Day 1 of a three-day AJC brainstorming session. (We’ve just broken for lunch.) Tune in at 3 p.m. for a fuller example of what a Bradley brainstorm actually looks like.
wawel78
July 27th, 2009
1:11 pm
I really hope you’re not going to the bathroom at 3 p.m.
Hillbilly Deluxe
July 27th, 2009
2:36 pm
I’m not a fan of Vick but isn’t he already on indefinite suspension? So how do you suspend him 4 more games? Is that like “double-secret probation”?
Football Fan
July 27th, 2009
2:44 pm
How much money will the league make with a Mike Vick comeback? Good or bad tickets will sell. Merchandise will sell. The NFL has a small window to get that money. Yes it’s about money. As we have seen on Wall Street and with people in politics, it’s just a matter of time before we hear of some dirt coming out about the NFL commish..In many cases a hardliner has some skeletons in their closet.
Mike Vick is good for the NFL, and the NFL is good for Mike Vick. There are children living on the streets and people are so up in arms on Mike Vick. At the end of the day it’s just football. Is the NFL clean in all of their dealings with the players and fans? Mike Vick. How many productive years does he have left? People it’s about money. The NFL needs competition…
Back 2 Reality
July 27th, 2009
2:58 pm
It’s a good thing that none of these racist morons are in Roger Goddell’s position. They seem to not understand that the NFL is a private company, and that it is in the business of making money. Michael Vick not playing or going to another league is revenue loss, & they’re not going to let that happen.
Get over people it people & grow up. Vick will play again, if you don’t like, don’t watch & shut up. Time to move on & go forward.
VICKSAPRICK
July 27th, 2009
2:59 pm
@novacane…What is sad is some suck ass like you who thinks they know everything. Listen you twit, if you were convicted of a felony you would be hard pressed to get your job back that you had before you went into the slammer, with our without congress. I wish you were Michael Vick’s pit bull.
wordy
July 27th, 2009
3:00 pm
novacane- you miss the point and your family member has mislead you. private as in the teams run the NFL are usually run by private companies or are owned by individulas…for profit. The commish is selected by them and then the rules made and agreed upon by all parties. The labor union is not the NFL it is a seperate organization that legally argues for consessions from the NFL for the players at large. The only team that is owned by the community is the Green Bay Packers.
So in conclusion your susposed family member, if he is a player, agreed to give Godell the power to suspend Vick for 4 games.
Lindsey
July 27th, 2009
3:02 pm
Enter your comments here
Ms Allen
July 27th, 2009
3:05 pm
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” A famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi.
VICKSAPRICK
July 27th, 2009
3:07 pm
By the way novacane…novacane is spelled N O V A C A I N E and the word “race” is not capitalized. Yep, you can’t fix stupid.
Taleah
July 27th, 2009
3:18 pm
For all of you who are minimizing Vick’s crimes because the victims were “just dogs,” shame on you. Of course humans and animals are NOT the same. Does that excuse animal cruelty, which is what Vick was CONVICTED of? Humans are supposed to be smarter than dogs but in Vick’s case I seriously doubt that is true.
VICKSAPRICK
July 27th, 2009
3:31 pm
Back 2 Reality… we don’t have to shut up…we live in America and we can say whatever the hell we want, so up yours.
Back 2 Reality
July 27th, 2009
4:54 pm
Vicksaprick, just in cause you didn’t know, the NFL just reinstated Vick back into the league. So once again for the inbred trailer trash, this is all about MONEY!!!!! Vick is a money machine waiting to be switched back on, & sometime soon it shall come to pass.
So get some education and stop all the hate-mongering!!!!!!!!!! Power to the people!!!! Vick is back —- I love this Country!!! Great old USA!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr ARay
July 27th, 2009
6:53 pm
All those negative Mike Vick’s haters behavior are contemptible, inferior, ignorant. Now there you go, I said it, I agree with T.O. and Mike…let Vick play now!!! He has paid his dues. I think Roger Goddell should explain the logic in making his decision. Oh I forgot, plain and simple, when it comes to honor he just don’t have any!!!
Novacane
July 27th, 2009
6:59 pm
Jamie- No more comments for you because you are taking little boys and priest and comparing it to what Michael Vick does on the football field and dogs!!! That’s crazy
VICKSAPRICK- Nope! Not So! not the way I spell NOVACANE and yes you seemed to know what it ment so why change the way I spell it for you!
wordy-I see that you have never owned anything bc if you did you would know still family owned Businesses still have rules regulations that they must follow and can still be reprimanded if they are not following the guidelines to run the businesses or organization! Thanks and have goodnight!!!!
To all if Vick is in the spotlight or not he is only human and Role Models start at home!!! Charles Barkley said it the best “he is not a Role Model” and neither should Vick have to raise your kids or any body else’s. Is it about the money or the color of his skin!!! I see some of you are really steaming, hope you all make really good tea!!! LOL!!!
I have been were so few of you will ever go, let the man make a living. Forgive! It is what you have to do if you want to make it in to Heaven or wherever you plan on going!! No need for profanity because you guys and girls could not stand up to me if you wanted to believe that!!! Thanks, also have a goodnight Vick is BACK and will be playing somewhere maybe for your team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!