Come One , Come All , It’s The Michael Vick Traveling Circus

Come One , Come All , It’s The Michael Vick Traveling Circus

Well unless you’ve been asleep under a rock over the last 2 1/2 years. Then it’ll come as no surprise to you that Michael Vick has returned to the NFL . Yesterday, as only ESPN seems to know how to do. They broke the news that Vick had signed with the Philadeplhia Eagles . It is part of a 2 year deal for $7m . The deal pays Vick $1.5m over the first season and $ 5.5m over the second season- with a further $3m , in additional incentives. Now some may well say that this places added pressure on the incumbent quarterback, Donovan McNabb . And it has been suggested that it was actually McNabb who first proposed this to his coach, Andy Reid .

Vick and Reid at a press conference at the Nova Care Complex in Philadelphia that formally announces that the player has signed a two year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Larry French ................

With that in mind , this will no doubt give the franchise an added boost in terms of the interest that’ll be shown by the fans. But it’ll also place them front and center in terms of the continuing controversy that has surrounded the player and his past troubles. There’s no doubt that as dynamic a player that Vick is, the demand to see him on the field of play will be plentiful . And at the same time there’ll be vociferous fans out there who’ll be determined to show their opposition to this maneuver.That being said only time will tell how the player’ll will fare. From a financial aspect it doesn’t place a great deal on the franchise to begin with. But it may well put some added pressure not only McNabb to perform at his best. But it’ll also place a great deal of pressure on the backups A. J. Feeley and Kevin Kolb , to show that they’re worthy of being on the team’s roster. In all probability Vick won’t only be just used in the backup position. But also as a slot receiver or under some other premise as designated by Reid and his coaching staff.

Coach Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles address members of the convened press to make the announcement that Michael Vick has been signed by the team and now becomes its newest member. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Larry French .................

Locally, within the city itself , the voices have been heard. There’ve been those in favor of the move. And there’ve been others who’ve shown their ire to the move by the Philadelphia Eagles. This all, had to have come with the blessing of the Eagles’ hierarchy of coach, Andy Reid and the owner Jeffrey Lurie and the franchise’s team president , Joe Banner . How this now, plays out as the season progresses , remains to be seen. The player for now will merely practice with the team and quite possibly play in one or two of the preseason games. As it is, the player won’t be able to participate in any regular season games, until game 6 of the regular season .As he’s still under suspension by the NFL.

A formal announcement is expected to be made by the team on Friday morning and one can expect the customary feeding frenzy by the press in covering the spectacle as it unfolds. That being said the player himself , can no doubt expect some vocal support and also a great deal of indifference by the fans, once he makes his physical entrance on the field of play for the very first time. Two years away, from the game and there’s bound to be some rust and a timing problem with the player. But that’s not what made Vick a major attraction when first introduced to the NFL. It was the fact that he could make the impossible at times seem easy. And the mere fact that with his explosiveness and athleticism , he wasn’t your prototypical quarterback. Now comes the hard part for the player ,it’ll be to reinvent himself not only as a player. But also in terms of his character. Which of above all, is what really matters as far as the player is concerned. And that too , of the NFL and league commissioner, Roger Goodell . Vick can ill afford to mess up this time around in any way. Another transgression either on, or off the field and he can kiss the resumption of his NFL career goodbye , once and for all. This is, the situation that Michael Vick now faces.

Vick and his mentor Tony Dungy look on as they both take questions from the convened press at the Eagles' facility in Philadelphia on Friday morning . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Matt Rourke ....................

It’s said that everyone is deserving of a second chance but one seriously doubts that a third or fourth chance will be forthcoming from the league or its rabid fans.Especially, should Vick ran afoul of the league or law once again . So make of it what you will, as the player re-enters the league and all of the privileges that he’s about to be afforded.

The Other Shoe Dropped And It’s Not All That Big It’s Merely Perception ………….

The Other Shoe Just Dropped And It’s Not All That Big It’s Merely The Perception

The MLB All Star Game of 2008 and in particular the Home Run Derby made a hero out of Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers . His problems have been well chronicled from his chronic alcohol and drug abuse . Hamilton, for all of his virtue, as a gifted player, who can hit with power, made what he says was an error in judgement.When he was caught in a local bar with several young females and strippers. Now bear this in mind , Hamilton is said to be a happily married man with a young family.

Josh Hamilton lets loose in the 2008 Home Run Derby at the Yankee Stadium in New York. The player though did not win the tournament , excited the crowd with his repertoire of explosive hitting , scoring 28 home runs in the opening round of the competition. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Mike Segar .........................

Now it begs the question after having undergone sobriety , wherein, the Rangers assisted the player by placing him in treatment for his substance abuse problems. I can only ask of the player , what the hell was he thinking ? Did it not occur to him that by putting himself in such a position, where he’d become vulnerable, to possibly resuming his drinking and the use of drugs, it would do him irreparable damage ?

Josh Hamilton at play with some females at a bar in Arizona . pictures appears courtesty of tmz.com copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ...............

It is this sort of notoriety and idiocy shown by today’s athletes that clearly indicates to us all that they obviously feel that ,they’re above the laws of the land.

Hamilton with his wife and children riding in a parade prior to the 2008 All Star game held in New York at Yankee Stadium. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Paul McMillan .........

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Hamilton by his own admission acted stupidly and irrationally. But once again who’s really to blame here ? Clearly it’s the player and once again no amount of apologies, either to the public or his family will negate or add any veracity to his act of contrition. He seeks the public’s empathy for his action , much as in the same way that Michael Vick and Donte’ Stallworth did for their asinine acts . We’re told that we ought to be a forgiving society ? Well I say, enough is enough ! It has to stop ! These are grown individuals and not children. Are we meant to treat them as such ?

Hamilton in a cap, is seen here in full swing, taking part in the festivities at a bar in Phoenix , Arizona . picture appears courtesy of tmz.com copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ..............

And for all of the apologists out there , who seek to absolve the likes of Vick , Stallworth and now Hamilton. Can we have some common sense , as to trying to making an argument here ? It is becoming asinine to suggest that these athletes are actually learning anything at all from their mistakes ! ith each and every action they seek the public’s empathy and we’re to believe that for all sense and purpose this action won’t at all be repeated again ? I know that Roger Goodell allegedly, has Vick and Stallworth on a tight leash. No pun intended , concerning Vick ! But it’s apparent that if you’re going to act like a child instead of behaving and acting responsibly. Then screw it , then you ought to be treated like a damn infant ! Prissy athletes who over indulge and continue to act like an ass ! Is there anything else that I’ve left out ?

Hamilton at a bar in Phoenix Arizona alongside some unknown females . The player allegedly having overcome alcohol and drug abuse fell off the sobriety wagon. He's since apologized to the Rangers' organization as well to the fans and above all to his family for his misdeeds. picture appears courtesy of tmz.com copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ......................

Having One’s Cake And Eating It … Who Says There’s No Collusion In Sports ?

Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand over the last few months. You may not have been aware that all four of the major professional sports governing bodies and the NCAA are prepared to challenge the states of Delaware and New Jersey in proposing a sport’s book gamling bill that they’re preparing in their respective legislatures.

On the face of it one might feel that MLB , NBA , NCAA , NHL and the NFL have nothing to worry about. Being as the fact that all four sports have a healthy relationship with the gaming industry , one way or another. In many cases, some of the four do , more than others. And without that relationship one could surmise that the relationship would be as such somewhat minute . Other than the fact that there are still indeed some well meaning and loyal fans to the respective professional franchises.

Gov Jack A Markell (D-Del) . The governor is seeking legislative bill to be passed in both houses whereing legalized gambling and most notably sports book betting will be allowable in the state of Delaware. However the four major pro sports governing bodies and the NCAA are seeking to challenge any bill passed by placing their own challgenge as to its legality in the Federal Court system. picture appears courtesy of afp/ Carol Hemmings ...........................

However , in light of this all each of the sporting bodies , headed by Bud Selig (MLB) , David Stern (NBA) , Gary Bettman (NHL), Myles Brand (NCAA) and Roger Goodell (NFL). For some reason each of the commissioners in question believe that should the legislation be passed it’d do more harm to the framework of sports in general . Than it would do good. I find that particular argument somewhat misguided , retarded but above lacking in basis in terms of a real argument.

Gov. Jon Corzine (D-New Jersey) . He, too, like his Democratic counterpart in Delaware would like to see a similar bill passed within both houses of the legislatiure in New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / Dwayne Osario ............................

Whereas over the years each of the sports in question have profitted greatly from the gaming industry and in particular the patrons wagering on the outcomes of their games. Granted that the real problem is in-fact illegal wagering and also that of the off-shore entities that the Federal Government has no jurisdiction over. But here we’re talking about two states’ governments that are proposing bills , that in large part there’d be a an agency overseeing the operations of the various entities that would seek to operate within their jurisdiction. It is not a threat to the dominance of the existence to any of the four governing sport’s bodies. But they’d have you believe that there is indeed a perceived threat to their existence. And the very fact that with this renewed effort by both Delaware and New Jersey , that there’d be some sort of mayhem caused.

Gov Arnold Schwarzaneggar (R-Ca). He now faces a budget shortfall within the state in excess of $24 billion (dollars) and the state is now issuing IOU's to pay its creditors as a way of staving off bankruptcy. The federal government's stimulus package won't even make a dent in the state's overall situation. So much for Schwarzaneggar having declared himself a fiscally and socially aware conservative. Which is it ? picture appears courtesy of afp/ Jorge Ayala .........................

Each year , tens of billions of dollars are wagered on sporting events up and down the country. And it seems to have somehow escaped the notice of these commissioners that without the chance for bettors to do this . Sports as we know it wouldn’t be the spectacle that it is. I don’t know if there’s some sort of puritanical bias behind the argument being put forth by the quintet. But I’d like to think that they’ve somehow outgrown that sort of archaic thinking and mindset. If anything , above all it’s downright hypocritical . Given the fact that a number of college as well as professional teams have marketing tie-ins with gaming establishments and casinos.

Rep. Heath Shuler (D-Nc) . The former NFL player and now Congressman opposes any such legislation that would legalize gambling and in particular sports book betting within the states of Delaware and Nevada. picture appears courtesy ap/photo/ Tiffany Warren ......................

The gambling industry in the US is worth upwards of between $30-$45billion dollars a year and employs close to 400,000 people. So to be of the belief that there isn’t some undue benefit to the government or a state agency would be redundant to say the very least. For many states across the country with the very fact that the harsh economic environment that many now find themelves. They are indeed looking to other revenue streams in order to facilitate their budget shortfalls. The state of California this year alone faces a $24bn budget deficit shortfall this year alone. Somehow the predisposition of their Governator Arnold Schwarzeneggar to blow everything up within his midst , in order to solve a problem. Well it appears that it doesn’t seem to be working as of now, for the citizens of California. Or as a matter of fact for the state employees who are being in some cases being placed on prolonged furloughs or fired from their positions.

Now as to the wish of both states to have this legislation passed. It seems even more outlandish that Congress would also seek to make its voice heard on the matter. Most suprising of all is the very fact that former NFL player and now Congressman Heath Shuler (D-NC) should come out in opposition to the proposals of both states. But it’s easy to understand the reason why , there. No lobbyist funds may have come betwee Shuler and him making a decision. But then I digress , not every federal legislator is corrupt. And the argument can also be pit forth that not every legislator is as altruistic as they’d have you believe.

Courtesy of USA Today:

Pro leagues, NCAA resist push by states to legalize betting ….

By Michael McCarthy and A J Perez of USA Today

It’s a sign of a lagging economy : American pro leagues and college and sports teams seeking new revenue through increasingly bold marketing relationships with gambling interests. It’s why team logos have begun appearing on state lottery tickets and why some basketball games have been played at casino hotels.

Now officials in Delaware and New Jersey, facing their own budget problems, say it’s time for a bolder move ,full scale legalized sports betting in states other than Nevada,currently the only place such activity is allowed. They are pushing hard to add legalized in-casino sports betting to their states gambling offerings , which include horse racing , lotteries , slot machines, and in Atlantic City – table games.

The plans are being resisted by the nation’s four major pro sports leagues- the NFL, the NBA , the NHL, and Major League Baseball- as well as the NCAA. Despite marketing arrangements that schools have with gambling, sports officials are asking a federal court to stop the Delaware effort, saying that widespread legalized betting would threaten the integrity of their sports by creating incentives for cheating and game-fixing.

That view is not unanimous among sports owners, however.

Joe Maloof, whose family owns the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and the WNBA’s Sacramento Monarchs as well as the Palms casino resort in Las Vegas, says well regulated sports gambling would help prevent such problems. cont’d ………… see below for further details concerning this article

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In order to read this article in its entirety just click on the headlined text link above to view. Your comments on this subject is keenly looked forward to. Thanks in advance for your cooperation and participation. As always it’s appreciated !
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The test for both legislatures will be to see if the bill is passed. And then to see whether not it can withstand the challenge of a suit as to its legitimacy within the Federal Court system by the parties concerned. In this case Major League Baseball (MLB) ,the NBA, the NFL, the NHL and finally the NCAA. In large part all five have close ties to the gaming industry in some for another. But to now see them to try and deprive a state of a way formulating a revenue stream in order to stave off economic duress. Well to my mind it smacks of hypocrisy. When these are the very same entities engratiate themselves upon states and municipalities up and down the country in order to obtain lucrative tax breaks that facilitate the building of their arenas and that in effect also allows them to conduct their very business.

Something is inherently wrong here if they are indeed allowed to challenge the veracity of what both states are trying to do. No one has yet to challenge each of the five upon the basis of how they operate and conduct their businesses. But here they are trying to dictate and legislate how states of Delaware and New Jersey ought to conduct their own by seeking recourse through the legal system.

This is something that it is odious in nature . But even more it smacks of collusion and if nothing else it is also depriving the two states and its citizens their very rights govern themselves in an appropriate fashion.

What are your thoughts on this matter ? Below also is a poll that you can participate in should you choose to. I look forward to reading your comments with a keen interest as to your responses.

Quarterback Fridays: Vick is back

Hello, and welcome to he first edition of Quarterback Friday.

And, although the picture tells of Brett Favre, today I’m on the topic of Michael Vick.

So, for anyone who didn’t know, Vick met with Goodell just yesterday. Discussing reinstatement, obviously. And guess what? Reinstatement exactly what went down. Vick is back.(I have a feeling I’ve already said that).

Vick fans rejoice, Vick haters just keep on hating. We all have different opinions on him as a person. But no matter what your opinion is, you have t admit th guy was on heck of ’a player. Still, he’s loss some talent – there’s no way he couldn’t have. But hey, maybe he can gt his mojo back. And hopefully get a better reputation.

Now, about 3 months ago, made a post on the perfect place for Vick – New England. Say though, I made the mistake of deleting that blog. I regret it, because I feel that was on of my best early post. I say early because that’ when I started blogging.

Back topic, I want to know what you think about Vick being back. Just leave a little comment. If you don’t know how to do that, just click HERE.

But before you do that, I’m gonna’ leave my opinion:

Now, understand I don’t hate or love Michael Vick. What he did was cruel and horribly wrong. I love dogs, had one in all my 14 years. Still, he deserves a second chance. Everyone does. And if he dose pull off this comeback – think of how what inspiring story this will be. To me, it’d say: You can always turn your life around. And if he doesn’t pull it off…this was another sad waste of talent.

Not to mention, I’d like to see Vick play again. He’s the most exciting player that I’ve ever seen.

Anyway, if you want the facts, Vick can sign with any team and can play all preseason games. But, he has to sit out the first 4 games of the regular season. Not that it would matter, Vick isn’t starting right off the back – suspension or not.

Five Possible Destinations For Vick

Michael Vick was released from federal custody on Monday. Many questions still need to be answered with regards to his life, especially whether NFL commissioner will reinstate Vick. Alan did an excellent job of breaking down what needs to happen in order for Vick to return to the league. Now, it is time to look at the possible landing spots for Vick assuming he does get reinstated. Even if he is suspended for four games, some team is likely to take a chance on him, because in that scenario he would be available to play in the final 12 games of the season.

Before we look at where Vick could land, let’s delve his return in a football sense. He hasn’t played the game of football in over two years, so there will be somewhat of a relearning of the game. He has to re-familiarize himself with the nuances of the game. The biggest aspect of his return will be his conditioning, as he certainly is not in good enough game shape. Over the last few weeks he worked with trainer Tom Shaw, which was a great decision. Vick needs to get in excellent physical condition before he can even think about playing a game in the NFL again. If Commissioner Goodell reinstates Vick and a team signs the QB before training camp, that will also improve Vick’s conditioning.

Another question surrounding Vick’s return is what position he will play. Vick was always more of a playmaker than a QB, and teams may want to use him in more of a wildcat role than in the tradition QB role. Learning an entire offense as a QB is very difficult, and if the team that signs him wants to see a contribution immediately, QB isn’t the best position to get that kind of return. There are many questions and few answers about Vick at the moment, but we’re likely to get some answers soon. For now, let’s look at five potential landing spots for Vick.

1. Oakland Raiders — For starters, owner Al Davis has never been afraid to take a chance on player, criticisms be damned. No matter how bad the players transgressions, Davis has looked the other way and in order to get production on the field. Moreover, Vick has what Davis covets: speed. Davis certainly does not care about the public relations implications of this move, because if that were the case, the Raiders would have looked drastically different in terms of personnel over the last decade. The QB situation in Oakland is far from great, as JaMarcus Russell is the starter going into training camp. Veteran Jeff Garcia has a chance to take the job over with a solid camp and preseason. The Raiders lack playmakers on the outside, and Vick could be the ultimate wildcat player for head coach Tom Cable. Davis did invest a lot of money in Russel, a former No.1 pick, but the chance to improve the team is what has always been most important in Oakland.

2. New England Patriots — Wait, isn’t Tom Brady the QB in New England? Yes, he is, but once again, Vick is a playmaker. Though Vick doesn’t seem to fit the good character mold that head coach Bill Belichick has built in New England, he does fit the profile of the troubled player looking to redeem himself that New England has looked for over the past few seasons (see: Corey Dillon, Randy Moss). Belichick loves to prove people wrong, and making Vick an important contributor with the Patriots would be very impressive — even by Belichick’s standards. The offense in New Engand is already loaded with playmakers in WRs Moss, Wes Welker and Joey Galloway and RB Fred Taylor; a player of Vick’s caliber would make the Pats that much more dangerous. Belichick experienced firsthand how effective the wildcat can be when the Miami Dolphins’ Ronnie Brown scored a total of five touchdowns against the Pats in Week 3. The toughest task would be getting Vick to buy into the Pats’ system, but Belichick didn’t have a problem with that aspect when it came to Dillon and Moss.

3. New Orleans Saints — The Saints, like the Patriots, have a number of weapons offensively. QB Drew Brees is one of the best in the league, WR Marques Colston is very good when healthy, and RB Reggie Bush is a threat in a number of different ways. Playing in the NFC South, the Saints know just how explosive Vick can be. Also, this is a team that doesn’t have the best running game, and Vick would likely improve that when given the opportunity to run the wildcat. Head coach Sean Payton is an offensive guru, and having a player like Vick would only give him more options to work with. Payton loves using Bush all over the field, putting him at running back and sliding him into the slot. Having Vick at his disposal would give Payton a player even more explosive than Bush. Also, the Saints need to return to the playoffs after missing out last season. Expectations are already high for the team heading into 2009, and if the team doesn’t succeed, Payton may be out of a job. Vick could be a player that helps the Saints reach the playoffs.

4. Miami Dolphins — The Dolphins were the team that introduced the league to the wildcat last season. Ronnie Brown ran it wonderfully all season long, and he did throw one touchdown pass out of the formation against New England. But Brown’s arm isn’t great, which limits the team’s options. It almost seems like Vick was born to run the wildcat, and as a result it has to be an intriguing option for team vice president Bill Parcells. Though the team did use its’ second round draft pick on QB Pat White, who is similar to Vick, the Dolphins are still likely to consider making this move. Former NFL head coach Dennis Green said he thinks this is where Vick will end up, and it’s easy to see why. Going 11-5 last season, the Dolphins caught everyone by surprise. No one in their right mind expected Miami to make that kind of turnaround after going 1-15 the season before. This season, they are not going to sneak up on anyone. Signing Vick would be a good move to help try to avoid a 2009 letdown.

5. United Football League — If Vick is suspended by Goodell, this may be the only option. Let’s say, for example, that Goodell suspends Vick for an entire season. It wouldn’t make sense for a team to pay him for 2009 when he won’t be able to play, so the NFL option is gone. Vick lost millions upon millions of dollars as a result of his incarnation and suspension, so he needs to make money as soon possible to repay his debts. Since he likely isn’t capable of doing much else other than football, the United Football League is a great option. Reports have recently stated the UFL is willing to pay Vick around $1 million for one season’s worth of duty. Vick would be able to showcase his ability in the new league and get into great physical shape in the process. For the UFL, this move makes loads of sense. The league starts in October, and signing Vick would generate a lot of buzz. Moreover, having a player of Vick’s caliber would give the league credibility and increase interest. One game per week will be televised nationally on Versus, and displaying Vick would certainly give the games a dramatic ratings boost.

Now What ?

What should be the position taken by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the re-instatement of former NFL player, Michael Vick ? The player is now set to be a free man after serving the last part of his sentence at a half-way house. Seemingly now , the final adjudication to be made will by Goodell, himself , as to Vick’s immediate future.

Vick leaves a federal district court on Monday in Norfolk , Va,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mark Thibodeaux ................

At stake is whether or not the player can return and resume his livelihood as an NFL player. It’s a privilege and not a right to play within the NFL ! And albeit, that Vick has served his sentence as meted out by the justice system. The indefinite suspension elicited by Goodell and given to Vick was based admission of by his own volition with regard to his involvement in a dogfighting ring and the very fact that whilst this was going on he was also part of a nationwide betting ring enacpsulating the sport. That in ofitself, was enough for Goodell to act.

Some people seem to forget that there are strict rules in place concerning players and illegal wagering. And herein lies the real problem as many of Vick’s supporters seem to overlook or just don’t seem to care that he broke a federally mandated law. You can’t have it both ways as far as this issue is concerned with regard to Michael Vick and his transgressions. It’s like excusing the actions of rapist , merely because he’s told you he won’t do it again. Vick for his part placed himself in an impossible position , once the lies started to mount , one on top of another. He lied to the Commissioner , the Falcons’ ownership, his teammates and above all the federal law enforcement officers investigating the crime.

Vick and his lawyer Larry Woodward seen here arriving at the federal courthouse in Norfolk , Virginia,. Vick met with the judge to satisfy him that he'd met the requirements of his release from within legal system. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / Steve Helber .....................

When the Atlanta Falcons chose to rescind Vick’s rights and he became a free-agent . There was a great deal of speculation as to which teams would show an interest in the former Pro-Bowler. But it also has to be noted that there was allegedly an interest to be shown by one of the new franchises within the fledgling United Football League .

Jim Haslett , who’s said to have expressed an interest in the player once his legal and NFL status has been completely resolved. He feels that Vick’s need for a fresh start is paramount if he’s to completely turn his life around. And that if anything is what everyone envisages for the player. As to how soon that’ll happen will be most definitely be predicated upon the decision yet to be made by Roger Goodell. Most certainly he’ll be addressing the league’s general counsel as well as DeMaurice Smith , Head of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).

However, the troubling thing in all of this is that Goodell has given no indication as to what his decision might be. And it makes the situation seem all the more like an unfolding thriller movie . Wherein the plot has as many twists as it has turns. Seemingly now is trying to work out who’s the hero and who’s the villain in the midst of this all ? Is it the dastardly commissioner ? Or the player now seeking to turn his life around ? And as apologetic as Vick may have been initially. A real act of contrition from the player would’ve been to address all of the parties with a concerted effort , offering his profound apologies for his misdeeds and actions all round.That sort of sincerity would go a long way in persuading Goodell that there has been a profound change by the player.

In happier times , Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and his Pro-Bowl quarterback Michael Vick . picture afp/photo/ Scott Thompson ..................

Granted he’s said to be working in conjunction with PETA in making several PSA’s (public service announcements) to be aired both on television and radio. And though Vick still has his detractors . He also still has a great many supporters . Much of that support appears to be along racial lines. But it’d be remiss to think that all African Americans are completely in support of Vick and his actions. And whilst many have used his behavior as a suggestion that much of this comes down to his social environment and upbringing. I think that it’s a poor excuse for someone who seems to not know right from wrong , much less have a moral compass to guide him to begin with. One has to be accountable to for one’s actions. And that’s something that Vick clearly didn’t seem to comprehend at the time. Either he’s lacking in intelligence or he’s an amoral individual to begin with ?

My biggest concern now is how this’ll be played out should Vick not be re-instated ? Will it be viewed as rightful response by the public at large ? Or will it be seen as perhaps a racially motivated response ? I’d like to consider that it’s not the latter ! But it’s my belief that the NFL and the game has gone way beyond that with regard to this very issue. We all saw how divided the citizenry had become after the O J Simpson acquittal. This mess could well have been avoided , had Vick initially saw fit to tell the truth to begin with. But then again that’d be predicated upon his doing the right thing to begin with. And that’s to be truthful as to his action , rather than hiding behind the veil of privilege and his celebrity status.

As funny as it appears athletes would have us believe that their human and are no different from the fans who support them. Unfortunately that’s a fallacy that just doesn’t hold true. As more often than not when they’ve ran afoul of the law and plead their innocence. All too often that alleged human frailty, then arises as they choose to circumvent the law. And then try as they must, to either hide their guilt or buy their way out with their own apparent view as to how justice ought to be applied as befitting them.

Goodell Made the Right Decision

As NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly said that playing in the NFL is a privilege. When players go out and break the law, they have relinquished that privilege for some time period, however short or long it may be. When Browns WR Donte’ Stallworth got drunk, drove his car and killed pedestrian Mario Reyes, a 59-year-old construction worker, Stallworth effectively ended his 2009 season.

Stallworth, who has had no previous run-ins with the law, handled this situation as well as he could, which is why he was sentenced to just 30 days in jail, as well as two years of house arrest. But Goodell had a tough decision to make, because the public was clearly miffed at the legal process. Most believed that Stallworth got off easy, and so Goodell had to take matters into his own hands.

As a result, the commissioner suspended Stallworth indefinitely, with a decision on just how many games likely to be made in the coming months.  This was the right call by Goodell. Had he decided to let Stallworth off easy with, let’s say a four-game suspension, people would have thought 0nce again Stallworth was getting off easy.

Ever since becoming commissioner in 2006, Goodell’s top priority has been cleaning up the league’s perception when it came to arrests. More than any other sport, the NFL deals with arrests frequently. The charges and allegations have ranged from domestic violence to murder. He implemented a new Personal Conduct Policy, which has allowed him to quickly suspend players who have broken the law. The biggest and best example of this is Pacman Jones, who was supsended for a year without even being convicted of a crime. What Jones had, however, was numerous run-ins with the law, but all they ever amounted to was a date in court that led to no jail time. But Jones had to be punished for frequently getting into trouble.