Talking NFL

Last night, the New Orleans Saints handed the Atlanta Falcons their 10th loss of the year, dominating them 34-14. And that was the SECOND worst story coming out of Atlanta.

Earlier in the day, Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in a federal penitentiary for his role in the dog fighting operation that took place at his house in Virginia. According to ESPN legal analyst Lester Munson, Vick’s prison time could have been considerably shorter:

In the months since Michael Vick pleaded guilty for his role in a federal dogfighting case, Vick should have been trying to impress federal officials with his honesty and contrition. It would have reduced his time in prison considerably.

Instead, Vick flunked a drug test, lied about his drug use and failed a lie-detector test on his role in the executions of fighting dogs that failed to perform.

If Vick, who filed a guilty plea Aug. 24, had cooperated with FBI agents and probation officials, the sentence could easily have been between 12 and 18 months.

There were visual tributes made by fans and players alike in Atlanta last night, but the truth has finally hit home that Vick is going away & very unlikely to return. Falcons owner Arthur Blank said as much when he was interviewed by ESPN prior to Monday night’s game:

(Regarding Mr. Blank, I have to give him credit for his position on Vick. He seemed to earnestly hope that Vick is able to turn his life around. I spoofed him earlier this year, but throughout this process he has really come across as a stand up guy. Kudos to you, sir. Let’s hope Vick can somehow learn from your example…)

So if not for the Falcons, will Vick ever play for another team in the NFL? Don’t bet against at least one team giving him a shot after he serves his time. Right or wrong, the NFL is filled with players that have been given second chances after committing heinous crimes (just ask Leonard Little, Ray Lewis, and most recently Todd Sauerbrun). In a business where talent and winning are the most important things to most teams, someone out there will see what Vick has left to offer. The real question is whether or not his skills completely erode during his time behind bars.

As for the Falcons, Mr. Blank expressed confidence in head coach Bobby Petrino, and they should have a top 5 pick to help them rebuild (the early money is all ready on them picking former Petrino protegé Brian Brohm).

Every new season brings with it new hope, and the same will hold true for the Falcons in ‘08. Until then, it’s time for their fans to recover from a nightmarish ‘07, and prepare for a future that doesn’t include Michael Vick.

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Michael Vick, sentence, Atlanta Falcons, Arthur Blank, 23 months

…no wonder he made a plea bargain.

Speaking of which, the NFL just suspended Vick indefinitely from the league. What’s less surprising; the suspension itself, or the fact that Commissar Goodell snuck this news story in at 6 p.m. EST on a Friday?

Come Monday, expect the Falcons to shread Vick’s $130 million dollar contract. Then (hopefully), we’ll be done with this entire sordid tale & can get ready for some REAL football!

Cartoon Source: Gary Vervel of IndyStar.com

Michael Vick, trial, dogfighting, Ren says, you eediot

Yesterday, Michael Vick agreed to plead guilty to federal conspiracy charges in connection to his role in an illegal dogfighting ring run from his property in Virginia.  

The maximum term for the charges Vick was convicted of is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  However, ESPN reports that that prosecutors will recommend a sentence of 12 to 18 months for the embattled quarterback.  Sentencing will be held next week, after Vick officially pleads guilty in court on Monday.

Of course, there have been numerous articles published on the sad Michael Vick saga.  I’ve provided links to some of the better entries:

- Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports describes just how far the fall has been for #7.

- The Mighty MJD from AOL Fanhouse feels that, despite the fact Vick may have to stay out of the NFL for at least a few years, he will eventually play in the league again.

- Michael Wilbon of the Washington Post wonders if the post-prison version of Vick will carry the same level of arrogance that got him in trouble in the first place.

Finally, once part of the ESPN article on Michael’s plea bargain is sure to catch everyone’s eye:

About a dozen bright red Vick jerseys have been donated — often accompanied by financial contributions — to the Atlanta Humane Society since he was indicted last month. The shelter uses them for dog blankets, and to clean up after the animals.

“Kind of appropriate,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States.

Michael Vick, Plead Guilty, NFL, dogfighting, gambling, Atlanta Falcons

Michael Schmidt of the N.Y. Times writes today that Michael Vick’s NFL career is in serious jeopardy…but not just because of the dogfighting allegations.

A new set of indictments being prepared by federal prosecutors will focus on the gambling monies that Vick reportedly collected from the dogfighting ring.  If he is found guilty, Vick would be subject to the league’s gambling policy, which (as Schmidt reports) includes the penalty “a suspension from the NFL for life.�?

The fact that two of Michael’s co-defendants look to have accepted plea deals will bring more evidence of gambling activities on Vick’s behalf, as Schmidt reports:

Tony Taylor, one of Vick’s co-defendants, said in a statement of facts that he signed when he entered a guilty plea July 30 that the “gambling monies�? used by the suspected dogfighting ring run from Vick’s property “were almost exclusively funded by Vick.�?

All this, without even talking about the fact that Vick is now almost certain to face jail time, as ESPN reports.

There has been heated debate throughout the internet regarding the Vick case.  Passionate cries on both sides of the issue; ranging from the horror of the cruelty to animals that’s been reported, to allegations of racism regarding Vick’s prosecution.

Regardless of your stance, one question has to keep being asked:  why would a man who holds a $130 million contract and multiple endorsement deals with the most popular sports league in America risk everything on something like an illegal dogfighting ring?

If you have any idea, let me know, because I’m stumped.

Michael Vick, Atlanta Falcons, indictment, NFL, gambling, plea, co-defendants

…Sports Illustrated published a cover story about pit bulls, and the growing problem of illegal dogfighting activity in the United States.

Quoting from the article:

This loathsome “sport” is, by most accounts, more widespread than ever in the U.S. At the same time it is even less humane, having passed from the hands of the old-time ”gentlemen” breeders into the mitts of the borderline sadists. Once primarily a rural dementia, dogfighting has become a city problem as well, the outgrowth of the popularity of pit bulls.

I bring this up, because both Senator John Kerry and Senator Robert Byrd were members of Congress back in 1987. The same two senators who have recently stepped up to the soapbox and blasted us all with fire, damnation and other general forms of flatulence regarding the Vick situation. Senator Byrd talked of reserving the “hottest places in hell” for those who took on such “barbaric” activities, while Senator Kerry wrote an impassioned letter to Commissioner Goodall, demanding Vick’s suspension.

…so where was this bluster 20 years ago? One can only assume they were not SI subscribers. Maybe they just bought the swimsuit edition.

Not that any of us should be surprised by the lack of action up until now by these two blowhards. Our Democratic leaders seem to have a habit of waiting for situations to pass a tipping point before finally making a stand.

Speaking of which, don’t you boys have a few more all-nighters to pull regarding that Iraq situation? Why don’t you let the NFL worry about Vick; right now you’ve got bigger fish to fry…

And with that, I’m taking off the political/serious writer cap & throwing it back in the closet for another 6 months. Back to football and fart jokes on Monday.

NFL, Michael Vick, dogfighting, Atlanta Falcons, Senator John Kerry, Senator Robert Byrd, 20 year slumber

…with PR-free translation in bold.

“We know you’re anxious to hear more from us regarding the indictment of Michael Vick and its implications to the Falcons.”

Personally, I’d rather have an enema with Texas Pete hot sauce administered by a nurse name Butch than talk about this train wreck…

“Please be assured that we are working diligently on exploring our options and getting the right people involved in this situation.”

I have 500 lawyers plowing through Vick’s contract as we speak. If there’s a way for us to get out of it, we’re gonna f–king find it.

“This is an emotionally charged and complicated matter. There are a wide range of interests and legal issues that need to be carefully considered as we move ahead, including our need to respect the due process that Michael is entitled to.”

Did I mention that contract was for $130 million? Did I mention I would have been better off spending it on hookers and cake? I’d like to sic the dogs on him. Wait–

“Given the differing perspectives and strong feelings around this issue, we probably won’t make everyone happy; we are committed to doing the right thing. As the owner of this club that’s ultimately my responsibility.”

We’re screwed no matter what we do.

“In the meantime, know that I’m saddened and distressed about this not for myself, but for our fans and community who have been so loyal to us. We will do our very best to earn your support.”

And on that note, may I present your new starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, Joey Harrington! (No, season ticket holders may not get a refund. How’s that for sadness and distress?)

Arthur Blank, Michael Vick, cutting through the BS

The Atlanta Falcons off-season continued to go to the (well, you know) yesterday when Michael Vick was indicted by a federal grand jury in connection to charges of dogfighting at his property in Smithfield, Virginia.

If convicted, Vick could face up to six years behind bars, along with a $350,000 fine.  The NFL has released a statement on the indictment that includes the following:

Michael Vick’s guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts.

…and I’m sure Goodell (a.k.a. the All-Powerful Tyrant) will show just as much compassion to Vick as he did Pacman Jones and Chris Henry once the facts start piling up.

Lucky for Falcons fans, a philosophical Dante Culpepper was just released, clearing the way for an ex-Dolphin quarterback reunion in Atlanta with Joey H!

…complete with 6-10 record.

Michael Vick, Dogfighting, Indictment, adios Ron Mexico, where’s Matt Schaub when you really need him