If Michael Vick was your employee, what would you do? If he worked with you, would you want him sitting in the next cubicle, eating at the same lunch table?
If your answer is, I don't know, then you understand the predicament facing NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Falcons owner Arthur Blank, considering Vick hasn't been found guilty nor has he accepted a plea. In America, Vick is innocent until a jury or a judge says otherwise.
Now the NFL may be in America, but the same basic laws don't necessarily apply. Pro football is as much entertainment as it is sports. You say or do something stupid, you could lose your job. Remember, a racist remark by former Dodgers executive Al Campanis on ABC's Nightline years ago? Campanis seemed color-blind to me whenever I interviewed him, but his job and career were essentially over.
In sports, the rules are made by the fans, the people who buy the tickets and sit at home by the millions, watching on television. Public opinion is serving like a jury on the Vick matter. Many fans think he's guilty or at least responsible -- the conspiracy charge comes into play here -- of knowing what occurred on his former Virginia property. They surmise that he must have been aware of what was happening.
No national survey has been taken, but Goodell and Blank both believe that the majority of fans don't want to see Vick playing until he's proven to be innocent of these repulsive dog-killing charges. This is why Goodell has put his own investigators on the Vick case. He needs to know how strong the government's case is against Vick. Blank wanted to suspend Vick for the first four games of the season before the league asked to wait until more information on the case was revealed.
The game has endured for decades, now in its 88th season. Players come and go. We cheer them and boo them and the very best are even enshrined in Canton. But mostly we want our stars to be good people, men you can introduce to your daughters or your wife. And right now much of America doesn't want Vick in the same living room with them, either in person or on TV.
Finally, Blank and the Falcons wouldn't have this big financial headache -- whether or not to release the quarterback -- if they hadn't been in such a rush to re-do Vick's contract in 2004, giving him almost $34 million over the past three years. His original contract would have been ending this year and the salary-cap accelerations would have been nominal.
Thanks to Faneca
The Pittsburgh Steelers have grown weary of Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca's complaints about being underpaid, and his negative vibes toward the front office actually helped safety Troy Polamalu's bid for a new contract. How's that? Troy kept his mouth shut.
The Faneca backlash created an opening for Polamalu, who is truly respected by his peers and coaches, and it led to the richest contract ever for an NFL safety. Over five years, Polamalu has the chance to earn $33 million. He will collect almost $15 million over the next two years, more than double what he would have received if he played on the final year of his contract and then the projected franchise number if the Steelers decided to that in 2008.
Polamalu's deal is more than $5 million better than what Baltimore's Ed Reed signed.
Gallery at guard
When Robert Gallery was selected at the top of the first round by the Raiders in 2004, most scouts thought he was next great offensive tackle. Well, Gallery has struggled at that position and now he will start training camp at left guard even though owner Al Davis would prefer him at right tackle. Davis makes the draft picks and rookie head coach Lane Kiffin is basically saying that Davis made a huge personnel blunder. No team drafts a guard that high in the first round.
What is compounding the offensive line moves in Oakland is that new line coach Tom Cable is also changing the blocking scheme. He's switching to the Alex Gibbs' approach -- you know, that chop-blocking style that defensive linemen abhor -- and the Oakland offensive linemen aren't that athletic. Art Shell found that out the hard way last season. It will be interesting if the switch really works. But right now, two players listed as guards, Barry Sims and Paul McQuistan, are the starting offensive tackles.
I dont think that its fair that he is not able to practice or play and that peta is picketing his job! At my office job if I get into trouble outside of work they can`t fire me or suspend me until I`m proven guilty of somthing and sure as #### peta would not be picketing me at my job just because he is a celeb they think they have the right to make an NFL owner suspend one of his employees this is retarded
I don't understand why PETA has such a big influence on what the NFL and Atlanta Falcons are going to do with Mike Vick?!?!?!
Do they have some information to use as blackmail???
The one problem I have with all this is that dog fighting is such a horrible thing, but we still have bull riding and keep animals captive in Zoo's. If Vick wasn't a million dollar athlete then we wouldn't be talking about this issue. Plus it's not like he was stealing dogs from little kids, he was breeding his own dogs and training them to fight, just like others breed and train horses to race.
I hope he gets off and gets back on the field and America can start to focus on real issues like solving rape, murder cases and bringing their troops home.
Last edited by MVPVick07 on July 25th at 11:07 AM.
He is responsible for what happens on his property to say the LEAST. Now take into consideration when he bought the property it was vacant of buildings, now theres a two story dog fighting facility on it and some 60 fighting dogs there as well... in 7 years he didnt notice a building on his vacant property??? or the dogs??? 60 dogs are not what you would call having a pet... HE KNEW and probably is guilty of all accused of, but to say the least common sense says he knew and it was his property...
PETA, has forgotten the law of due process. Whether he is guilty or not, PETA, the media, and the public, have already ruined Vick's chances of a fair trial. A judge is going to be more pressured and if it is a jury trial who in this country wouldn't already betainted by what information has been leaked. The FEDS arepartially responsible when their enditement was published on espn. It should have been kept underwraps as to not taint a future trial
MVPVick - PETA doesn't have control over the NFL but their picketing along with media coverage continues to hurt the NFL reputation. If the PETA (other organizations) and the media laid off a bit then I don't think the NFL suspends (yet). But as long as this is the headline in the public eye the pressure to do something is far greater in order to preserve the integrety of the NFL
I believe that Mike has amazing athletic ability
and great legs. However, he's never been a very acurate passer. Noone doubts that he should get paid but your childhood helps mold you into the adult you'll become. Bad aquaintances and wrong choices will be Mike's downfall. It would be doubly sad if his little brother was involved.
Most companies have a fire at will policy and can let you go for any reason they see fit. If you think the labor board is going to help you out you are dreaming. Pro atheletes have a contract and so there is more legal constraints their bosses have in terms of still having to pay these players and the effects on salary caps. They also have the union to fight for their rights irregardless of what they have done. Comparing how you would handle the Vick situation in a normal job setting is entirely different. He would have been let go in a normal situation and that would have been the end of that unless he tried to sue which would be more difficult because he wouldn't have the millions of dollars to pay for a lawyer and a loss in court would put him in even more financial hardship as he would be fighting two cases. Something he currently doesn't have to worry about. PETA has alot of financial and high profile backing. If they feel the NFL is trying to throw the situation under the rug things could get really ugly between them and the NFL for years. Just look at all of the adds and commercials that PETA puts out against the fur industry. They could make it difficult for the companies that sponsor the NFL and extend their protest to them as well to put pressure on the NFL. Some people are unaware the types of extremes PETA will go through to get their point across.
But Stonewallz I just don't get why they feel any pressure at all, I mean you look at some of the PETA who protest and they don't even look like they've watched a football game in their life.
MVPVick - I was referring to the pressure of the NFL and the Falcons. PETA could care less about football (and I would assume most don't watch it) but they do care about being noticed and being publicly active in the preservation of animal safety. With such a high celebrity being involved they are getting great free PR. I mean they don't really have to spend a dime and they are all over the media. Not sure but they may be non-profit. If that is the case they could be seeing huge increases in donations...
You know what I think, I think someone should just get ahold of Mr Vick and hose him down and electrocute him. Or maybe when he throws a bad pass maybe someone should pick him up and slam his stupid bleep on the floor..
It's a shame that Mike is already labled as guilty. What more shamefull is that when he's aqquitted of these charges there will be no retractions printed or apologies issued to him.
Obviously, the innocent until proven guilty doesn't apply to all cultures. It has been proven over and over again in the judicial system, government and entertainment. It is my position, let the process take place. Avoid the rush to judgement......
Everyone is saying he killed dogs...But no one has SEEN him do it. He was seen at a Dog Fight. Big deal. And even that is in question because it's being said by people that are PAID to say it. His cousin already copped to the whole deal...Why are they (The Feds) even involved? He's guilty of not being smart with his money and trusting family memebers that haven't moved on to a life thats beyond "The Hood."
Forget PETA, the point for the Falcons is this: Vick's off field issues are going to be a huge distraction for the rest of the team. Vick is not the only Falcon player.
As his employer, the Falcons and the NFL have to look after the best interests of the rest of the team. Distractions aside, there has to be a personal safety issue for Vick. Some nut job could fly out of the crowd and potentially injure him or his team mates regardless of Vick's guilt or innocence.
Dog fighting is de####able. There is nothing more low and I find it hard to believe, as has been pointed out in previous posts, that he had no idea what was going on. However, he's entitled to his day in court and he's going to get it.
At the end of it all, Vick killed his own career. Over and over he has said and done foolish things in a business that is public and has a high visibility. He has made terrible choices in his off field life that are now reflected at work. Most employers would do what the Falcons have done - attempted to assist, given him chances and then ultimately, cut the rope. I doubt another team will ever pick him up because his image will be tainted by the allegations and even if he's found not guilty, the public will never trust him again - history is littered with examples.
When this is all said and done Vick will be aqquitted but won't be a Falcon. His reputation will be tarnished but that's the price you pay for fame. He WIIL be picked up by another team because Sports IS A BUSINESS and let's face it...The man can Ball. I'll be cheering him on all the way just as I did Latrell Sprewell.
The work place is not treated like the legal process. You do not have to be proven guilty to be terminated. Many states have what is known as employment at will. You can be terminated at any time for any reason and conversely you can quit at anytime for any reason. Remember that playing a sport is not a right. If you violate a written or implied code of conduct you can and will be terminated. This has nothing to do with due process or legal rights. Any football player can be disciplined or terminated as the league or club sees fit. And, you can't force a club to keep a player if they don't want to keep him regardless of his legal status.
I think the NFL\Goodell stinks. They are making rules when it suits them. Vick is innocent until proven guilty. Was the same process followed when Patrick Kerney had the attempted Rape in his home?
You get in more trouble for dog-fighting than if you own a dog and it kills someone. Where is PETA then?
PETA makes me sick. I don't dislike animals but animal-lovers are starting to #### me off. Walking around with their mutts picking up dog poo at all hours of the day and night. IDIOTS.
In some places you can't own a pit-bull. Why - because they are viscous animals that attack anything and anyone.
Last edited by JAMology101 on July 25th at 12:11 PM.
Why is everyone cracking on Micheal Vick? Obviously, he doesn't know any better. Just take a look at this brother, Marcus, another solid citizen. Not guilty? Like hell.
The NFL has a personal conduct clause in all contracts, and players can be fined, suspended and receive other punishment for violating that code. The players don't have to be convicted in a court of law before they are reprimanded, they simply have to violate the code of conduct. Pac Man is a prime example....he has not been tried or found guilty of breaking any law, but he has been suspended for the entire 2007 season for continued violations of the code of conduct.
So, let's get off this innocent until proven guilty excuse. The NFL commissioner has the right and obligation to take whatever action is necesary to protect the image and integrity of the game. The previous commissioner was interested only in TV contracts, increasing attendance and expansion outside the United States, and he ignored all the disgraceful behavior by the NFL players. That's why Goodell has such a serious problem on his hands with Vick, Pac Man, Tank Johnson, etc., etc., etc...
I have NO PITY on a anyone who would stoop to the level of intentionally harming an animal, especially dogs. It angers me to the point of wanting to put the person in a cage with the animals and let the animals have some fun too. Take away their means (MONEY), they don't deserve it and put them under a jail house and throw the key away.
In sports, the rules are made by the fans, the people who buy the tickets and sit at home by the millions, watching on television.
his reputation is gone and his career is over(in the nfl) maybe he can play in canada
lests see oj was a successful actor before and how many jobs has he had since
expect the same for vick
i will never forget
peta will never let us forget
and he will nevr get any endorsements again
and im glad blank wanted to do more because that means i will continue shopping at homedepot and rooting for tony cause if blank supported vick im am positive that joe gibbs wopuld find another sponser fast
The NFL and Nike need to act on cleaning themselves up!
IT reflects badly on everyone associated with the game and the team. EACH and everyone of them should try to clean up their environment while they can still can
First, how can a man be held responsible for what happens at a property that he simply owns, but does not live in? Thousands of crimes happen every day in/on rental properties and the actual owners are never held responsible.
Second, the Feds are only involved in this b/c they love prosecuting "high profile" cases. If this were not the starting QB for and NFL team, the local and county law enforcement would be handling this case. No questions asked.
Makes me sick to see how our politicians talk so much about our troops protecting the freedoms of America is Iraq, but in truth freedom and justice in America is only an illusion. Due process? I don't think so.
Mike Vick is going thru what every Black person in America who has ever been involved in the justice system already knows: You are guilty when you walk thru the door because you are Black.
Now I know some may say this is playing the so-called "race card". Those who do probably are not of the race of people in this country who have been denied equal justice since the USA got started. So you have no idea what the bleep you're talking about.
I Mike Vick is found to be innocent at the end of all this, he should demand to be traded b/c of the Falcons lack of support.
Peta has the right to picket. People are responsible for what happens on their property whether they are present or not. The football team can suspend him pending investigation. That does not mean he won't be paid. So far no one has done anything wrong in handling this matter. The indictment is a matter of public record, the animal rights activists followed procedure to express their opinion publicly.
It seems a lot of people do not realize that court is public. No sessions can be closed or sealed unless special circumstances are heard prior to the presentation or filing.
In America we have rights to many things. No one can be more disappointed in this event than I, but not to the exclusion of anyone's rights over what a fan perceives to be a right.
Here's what it all boils down to. You have a group of people saying ONE man is the running a HUGE DOG FIGHTING OPERATION. He's saying he isn't. I belive him, most people don't. The NFL can fire him. The reason they haven't yet is because he may be innocent, they don't want to look stupid when he's found guilty, face a lawsuit from MIke Vick, and the guy is a crowd draw. PETA IS NOT always right. Many of the people testifying for the government ARE criminals getting deals/money. The system isn't always right...It does fail us.
Dog fighting and bull riding same thing! Last i saw they don't shoot them,throw them to the ground.Besides with his money better things too do then KILL animals---YOU THINK. I am for the kids,KICK HIM OUT!
Last edited by william57w on July 25th at 12:53 PM.
Plain and simple he's innocent until proving guilty the only one's who find him guilty in the publics eye are white people and thats the bottom line they love to see an african american hung.
Last edited by lionheart26 on July 25th at 12:56 PM.
Don't think he should play. The everyday man is not allowed to work pending work investigations, and less often, paid.
Vick not playing protects him, his team and the league by keeping him out of the fishbowl. But that not why I don't think he should play. I think he should go home and straighten out his personal business.
William57w tell me who you see pressing charges and picketing so shut the #### up....your a typical #### when someone calls your race racist r insists that you are thats when white people get offended keep it real and show your true colors and stop hiding them president bush
Last edited by lionheart26 on July 25th at 1:04 PM.
If you read the indictment it clearly states that he did knowingly and willfully conspire with persons KNOWN and unknown to the Grand Jury to commit the offenses.
John Czarnecki, a former sportswriter with over 20 years experience covering the NFL, has been the editorial consultant for the Emmy Award-winning FOX NFL Sunday since its 1994 inception. Prior, he provided exclusive information to CBS Sports' The NFL Today program from 1991 to 1993, holding a similar position.
Prior to joining CBS Sports, Czarnecki was a pro football writer for The National Sports Daily (1989-91), The Dallas Morning News (1989), and The Los Angeles Herald-Examin er. An archive of work can be found here.
