The recent statement by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell related to Michael Vick's indictment on dog-fighting charges has many wondering about the commissioner's motives for not following his recently established precedent for suspending troubled NFL players.
Following reports of the indictment, a statement released by the NFL stated in part, "The activities alleged are cruel, degrading, and illegal. Michael Vick's guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts."
Odds are long against Vick coming through this untarnished. Conviction and plea agreements for federal cases are reportedly in the upper 90 percentile.
Innocent until proven guilty is a foundational right of all Americans. Waiting until the legal system has run its course before deciding on league action seems appropriate. It's what each of us would want, our day in court.
Why wasn't Adam "Pacman" Jones afforded similar treatment? In May of this year, he was suspended for the 2007 season for violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy.
In a statement at the time, Goodell said, "The highest standards of conduct must be met by everyone in the NFL because it is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right. These players, and all members of our league, have to make the right choices and decisions in their conduct on a consistent basis."
Like Vick, Jones has yet to be convicted for any of the charges brought against him.
Obvious distinctions can be drawn between the two men and their patterns of conduct. Authorities had contacted Jones on 10 separate occasions for questioning. His conduct seemed to indicate that he didn't care what the league or anyone else thought about his actions.
However, Vick hasn't exactly been a model citizen. Frustrated by the fans, Vick's departing obscene gesture as he left the field on November 26th of last year after losing to the New Orleans Saints leaves one wondering whether Vick's conduct meets the "highest standard" referred to in Goodell's suspension of Jones.
Further, his scrape with airport authorities over a bottle with a secret compartment that security officers said smelled of marijuana doesn't reflect well on Vick or the league.
Goodell's one-year suspension of Jones served to send a message to the NFL's players. At the same time, the suspension established precedent for disciplining players without waiting for their day in court.
This puts the commissioner in the unenviable position of deciding Vick's fate. The slippery slope that Goodell has started down is difficult to climb back up. Should he be consistent with the discipline meted out to Jones and similarly suspend Vick? Should he wait until the legal system runs its course?
One thing seems certain. Public sentiment seemed to favor Goodell's action toward Jones. In the Vick situation, public sentiment is divided. Many favor a wait and see approach, while many others are calling for Vick's suspension. The commissioner is in a no win situation.
The NFL and the Atlanta Falcons have a much larger stake in Vick than in Jones.
To state that Michael Vick is a huge star is an understatement. He is the face of the Atlanta Falcons. His appearance on game day is an almost unequaled fan draw. His suspension would cost the league and the Falcons millions.
We will never know whether that stake is influencing the NFL's stance in this case, but the seeming lack of consistency in the treatment of these two high profile cases will have many questioning the motives and actions of the NFL and its commissioner.
Todd Beckstead is the founder of MonsterDraft.com, a fantasy football draft tool.
July 23, 2007
Den:
I’m not a member of PETA or any animal rights group. I don’t have to be to know that anyone who engages in dogfighting for profit or entertainment is nothing more than a perverse, immoral sadist who is not worthy of the respect or support of a decent society. Vick should be shunned by every man, woman, child and corporation with any conscience. Get this sick, sadistic individual out of the league.
July 23, 2007
KarenS:
For all those concerned about Vick’s “due process,” (translation: “…. all the millions we are going to lose if he is suspended…….”, consider the fact that this is no casual accusation. He has been indicted by a FEDERAL GRAND JURY after exhaustive evidence gathering. Most people in this position are removed IMMEDIATELY from their post, be it in government, business or sports. Shame, shame, shame on the NFL, Nike and the Atlanta Falcons owner for not having the you-know-what’s to do the right thing — take Vick down and out, and publicly decry animal cruelty and organized dog fighting.
July 23, 2007
KarenS:
PS: Wonder how many other Falcons players actually attended and/or bet on Vick’s organized dog fights? How deep does this REALLY go???
July 23, 2007
Paul Murad:
Beckstead you are wrong in asserting that public opinion is divided. Polls indicate that most people want Vick suspended. Hey Beckstead, do you condone cruetly to animals???? Seems to me you are an NFL lackey and Michael Vick apologist!!!!
July 23, 2007
acsportsbooks:
Public opinion is 50/50 on suspending Vick? I really disagree with that. I think the public wants him suspended.
July 23, 2007
Lauren:
The beauty of living in the United States is our legal guarantee that each indicted individual is “innocent until Proven Guilty.” To preclude Michael Vick this fundamental right in his professional career is injustice at its height. If we all recall, no one suspended Kobe when he was indicted for rape.
July 23, 2007
Jackie:
Leaving aside the brutality and illegality of dog fighting, Vick’s indictment details both gambling and conspiracy (i.e., organized criminal activity). There is no sport at any level which should allow an athlete charged with such crimes participate pending resolution of a criminal case.
July 23, 2007
bob weaving:
I have a well earned week off from work. A staggering and completely intimidating list of home fix ups to tackle. I will be traveling the extra 5 miles out of my way to go to Lowes, rather than the Home Depot 1 mile from my home. This will not bankrupt Blank, far from it, but I will not allow 1 of my hard earned dollars go to a man even accused of animal sadism. Not 1 dollar.
July 23, 2007
karina:
I DONT THINK THIS MICHAEL VICK SOME PEOPLES BIG HERO SHOULD BE REWARDED I THINK HE SHOULD BE THROWN IN JAIL FOREVER!I HATE HOW HE TORCHERS ANIMALS LETS THROW HIM IN A CAGE AND SEE HOW HE LIKES TO FIGHT WITH NO ESCAPE!
July 23, 2007
Angela harrison:
Why is everyone so quick to judge Micheal Vick. I taught you are innocent until Proven Guilty.
July 23, 2007
Troy:
Considering the disgusting charges against michael vick ……. he should be banished forever from the league.
It seems that michael is the biggest “ANIMAL” in this story !!!!!
July 23, 2007
E Johnson:
Michael Vick is a sadistic scumbag…and completely undeserving of the success he’s attained. What he DOES deserve is some jail time and a dog bite in the a**.
July 25, 2007
Micahel:
We can have the PETA association put time and efforts in to protesting when an animal is treated wrong, but what about when a dog mauls a little child and leaves them disfigured. Do they put time and effort into making sure the medical bills, rehab, plastic surgery, ect. are taking care of?