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