By John Garces/sports editor
Upon further review, Michael Vick admits he broke the law.
In a plea agreement with a Richmond, Va., federal court during his Aug. 27 plea hearing, Vick admitted his guilt for, among other things, helping in the killing of under-performing dogs by various means, such as hanging and drowning.
The exact nature of just how hands-on he was in the killing of the animals remains a mystery as Vick’s major charge was for conspiracy to aid in an illegal dog-fighting ring.
On the Friday preceding the formal announcement of the fallen Falcons star’s plea deal, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell took league action, indefinitely suspending Vick pending the conclusion of the league’s independent investigation into the case.
How long the league decides to suspend him is not known either as the sentencing hearing for Vick will be Dec. 10.
It is expected that any NFL suspension will not become effective until the end of his jail sentence, which will most likely range in the 12- to 18-month range.
Ultimately, Judge Henry Hudson has the final decision, and could sentence Vick to five years should he so desire. Sports pundits are predicting furiously what awaits the star quarterback.
Also having a possible affect on the case will be Vick’s admission that he helped bankroll the operation, although he says he never bet money himself on the dogs owned by “Bad Newz Kennels.” The team owned by Vick and his three associates, Tony Taylor, Quanis Phillips and Purnell Peace, also plea bargained out of jail time in previous hearings.
Any association in gambling is punishable by a lifetime ban from the NFL, courtesy of the new, stronger personal-conduct policy implemented by Goodell.
In his first public statement since the indictment against him became public, Vick expressed remorse for his actions, specifically apologizing to Goodell, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and his Falcons teammates, as well as the fans in Atlanta.
Admitting he was not “forthright and honest” in his conversations with both the league and his team, he also took the opportunity to denounce dog fighting.
That public denouncement of his past actions, while woefully late in my opinion, is a good start, as well as his saying he needed to grow up in order to better Michael Vick the man, not the football player.
Michael Vick the football player may never be seen on a football field again.
Thanks to the indiscretions of Michael Vick, the Atlanta Falcons are currently seeking the return of the $22 million worth of prorated signing bonus money they gave Vick at no cost to the team’s salary cap.
These actions are just part of the greatest American sports tragedies in memory and a reminder that no one is above the law.
