As his football world crashes down around him, you have to wonder why Falcons QB Michael Vick didn't seek a plea bargain when the first of his three co-defendants made a deal with the federal prosecutor. Now, with all three of them agreeing to seek a deal, Vick is now isolated with the dog-fighting indictment and may not have any information that can satisfy the government, thus avoiding some prison time.

The Falcons were always worried that Vick wouldn't seek a deal in order to save himself. Hey, in cases like these, a man may be innocent, but if others admit guilt and testify against you -- like these three men will do -- it is extremely difficult to beat the charges.

And who knows what other charges federal prosecutors may be holding over Vick. There is talk of another grand jury against him, plus talk about a RICO indictment, and those charges often start with a 20-year sentence.

Vick may decide to fight the charges in a Richmond courtroom if he can't strike a favorable deal -- little or no jail time -- with prosecutors. A jury may believe Vick and find his co-defendants untrustworthy. Hey, anything is possible with a jury. Vick only needs one juror to believe him.

Insiders always worried about the reckless, criminal-fringe side of Vick's entourage and friends. Now, all three of these so-called friends flipped on him in order to save themselves. Vick needed a friend like Greg Anderson, the personal trainer for Barry Bonds who chose prison over making statements that might have linked the home run king to illegal substances.

What Vick and his attorneys, Larry Woodward and Billy Martin, should be focusing on now is how to guarantee Vick is available for the 2008 season.

This season is lost because there is apparently enough ammunition available that Vick probably will be suspended for the season. Heck, Commissioner Roger Goodell could act as soon as Vick admits guilt in this case, which could happen by this weekend.

By admitting guilt, Vick is basically saying he gambled on dog fights and that he also lied to the commissioner about his involvement in the dog-fighting ring. Even if Vick was simply the money man supporting the ring and never tortured any animals, he is no less guilty.

But this is also America, where society is forever willing to give someone a second and even a third chance. The Falcons may never want him back as their quarterback if Vick admits guilt, but that doesn't mean another team won't sign him. Vick is a physical talent - he was the first visiting quarterback to ever win a playoff game in Lambeau Field.

After a season on the sidelines, Vick might even appeal to several teams as a running back. He did set the NFL rushing record for quarterbacks last season.

Granted, Vick would have to satisfy dog lovers everywhere. Those PETA pickets won't rest unless he's remorseful and helps build a dog shelter or two. What Vick won't see, though, is a team willing to give him $37.85 million over the last three years like the Falcons did when they renegotiated his original contract.

Atlanta's owner may have a difficult time getting his money back, too, if Vick doesn't play again for him. The bulk of Vick's money was paid in roster bonuses in 2005 and 2006 seasons. They might be able to get $3.75 million from his signing bonus and could argue that the $29 million in roster bonuses should be pro-rated, too, but that's going to be awfully tough to prove.

Holcomb available?

The Eagles have other issues after being whipped by Baltimore last night in a preseason game, but there have been rumblings that the Vikings, and others, have an interest in Philly quarterback Kelly Holcomb, who may end up a third stringer on Philadelphia's depth chart behind Donovan McNabb and A.J. Feeley.

But the Eagles won't give Holcomb away and are telling teams they plan to keep him on their final 53-man roster. The Eagles want decent compensation for Holcomb, who is definitely better than some teams' current backups.