QuickSlant said:
DLeo said:
The scope of these allegations and subsequent charges are far greater than most realize, it would seem. Folks, this is only the tip of the iceberg, mark my words. The Federal Government and FBI got involved in this case for a reason. Dogfighting in and of itself has been a growing concern among law enforcement officials for several years while they have been working towards a "landmark" case that they could bring to the courts to make precedent. Well, get ready, because this is it. The Feds have better than a 95% conviction rate, and if you think we already know what evidence they are bringing to the table, you are sadly mistaken. Sure, we know about the 65 dogs originally removed from the property, and the fighting pits and the rape stand(s) and the blood and the dead carcasses buried in the back yard...Michael Vick's back yard. Oh, and if you've read the 18 page indictment, they already have at least 4 corroborating witnesses as to Vick's presence and participation. Drop the O.J. and Kobe talk, a different animal altogether, no pun intended. A "one-time" incident with questionable intent and no witnesses. This case goes beyond the criminal aspect of it, there are serious character issues to look at here. This is where the personal conduct policy would indeed allow Goodell to act now if he wished to, in that it states you must conduct yourself in the best interest of the NFL and protect the "shield", which would include but not be limited to who you associate with and where you do it. This is where Pacman crossed the line, though he was never charged with anything. Only a number of recurring incidents. Vick's association has been an ongoing incident over a period of at least 6 years. That being said, I would fully expect Falcons owner Arthur Blank to act on this before Goodell does. Goodell is in a better position to allow the courts to take their course, while Blank is not. The Falcons are front and center, and you can bet that the Humane Society and Peta are watching very closely. It would already appear that hearings and the subsequent trial will disrupt Vick's participation with the team this season, not to mention the undoubted protesting and picketing that would take place at any and all Falcon functions, from training camp to any and all games whether they be home OR away. If Vick were to remain with the team, the public scrutiny would become increasingly unbearable for both the Falcons and the NFL. Chances are, Vick will be instructed to take a leave of absence until things are resolved, one way or another. What if he's found "not guilty", you ask? Don't you think that the Feds have considered that and what the repercussions would bring? I knew there was trouble when they got involved and were being so quiet and meticulous in their procedures. It was just too big for Surry County prosecutor Poindexter to handle or manage. This is only the beginning folks,...only the beginning. Vick has put himself in one pocket he can't escape from. I can assure you, he's headed for prison. The book on his NFL career can now be closed.
Thanks DLeo, appreciate it.I've been on top of this since the beginning, and promise to continue to do so.
Andy Herron (QuickSlant)
footballguys.com
Hey Andy, I think you're probably getting a little caught up in the Peta screaming and melodrama that's driving the story right now. It's the squeakiest wheel getting the most grease. Mob mentality will settle down and an interesting turn of events is going to unfold.
Maybe the book on Vick's career is closed.
Maybe he'll do time. Nothing is carved in stone.
There will hopefully be an awakening in this country to the horrors and prevalence of the dogfighting culture(s). There's three categorized and 6 or more subcategories, fwiw.
Hopefully our society gets an equally grounded education in the nonsensical madness of the US Humane Society and Peta.
Vick's in for a fight, but he can play it a number of ways to mitigate the results. Expect that. There's dozens of options beyond innocent or guilty of all charges. If he fights for a clean acquittal I think the odds are obvious, and he'll be in the kind of trouble many are certain he is in.
The court of public opinion has already tried the case, yet another rush to judgment. That always bugs me. Let's watch the system unfold before we are 100% certain of the results.
If he's "first to the courthouse door," as the adage goes, with an offer, I think some people will be surprised by the leniency available to him. He will have to give up evidence to make a deal. But it may be the evidence he doesn't turn that is the more valuable bargaining chip.
Vick making a deal could be a huge problem for the NFL. If a bunch of his fellow players are involved (and I think that's as likely as the sunrise, and I suspect dozens of big names participate in the festivities), then that becomes a bargaining chip with the league. Do the feds care? Does Goodell? I don't know, but I wouldn't presume anything for certain. This will get more complicated behind the scenes than we ever know. It already is.
Also the severity of his punishment will be directly related to what he is convicted of, and being he didn't live at the property, I suspect he has some leverage in the arguments, charges and counts. I read today none of the sentencing guidelines go beyond 10-16 months and if he cops a plea then six months or less with home detention options is most likely. He is a first time offender. So, odds are even convicted, he can make deals, do the requisite PR and try to revive his career. I'm not sure if he's a good enough QB, but some team will be intrigued.
This year is toast, I agree. I also agree his career is in jeopardy, but I'm not closing any books. This is too compelling of a story.