Free Mike Vick!

Kidding.

I've never liked Roddy White. And the unveiling of his homemade "Free Mike Vick" shirt on Monday Night Football was proof positive that he needs to focus on catching footballs and not ghettotastic craft projects.

Indeed, Mike Vick has to do his time. He'll be freed in 23 or so months. And that's soon enough. I'm not totally comfortable that so many resources have gone toward a crime without an obvious human victim or that $1 million in restitution was set aside for the care of dogs, but Vick was sentenced fairly. He didn't get sentenced to lethal injection. He'll have plenty of time to get on with his life after the fact.

From the time of the initial rumblings of criminal activity to the indictment to the plea to the sentencing, you'd think plenty of time would have passed for me to finally be angry at Michael Vick. I'll admit he's almost ruined my NFL season. I love the NFL generally, but love starts at home. And with my hometown team in turmoil, it's hard. And this year all the pundits can unanimously agree the Falcons underachieved because of Michael Vick.

But how can I be wholeheartedly angry at somebody so dumb? And since the time of the initial rumblings, indictment, etcetera, it's become increasingly apparent that Michael Vick is as simpleminded as they come. Back in the spring, I wondered why the Virginia property wasn't cleared of evidence once it was known Vick's cousin caught a case. I wondered why Vick wasn't more upfront in the initial police and NFL investigations. I wondered why Vick allowed the other defendants to flip on him. I was stupefied when I found out he decided he couldn't forego weed after he plead out to the charges. I was puzzled when I noticed Vick didn't even bother to remove the kennels and other canine accoutrement from the Virginia property before he sold it, allowing the new owner to hold an open house of canine macabre for the general public. And I was flat out floored when I learned that Michael lied to federal agents and failed a polygraph test concerning his involvement in the whole mess.

Nice try on the early surrender, the prompt restitution and the contrite statements, but Vick's stupidity ultimately sealed his fate in the eyes of the judge.

And because I suspect Vick is more stupid than evil, I still have empathy for him. Michael Vick is gone for now. I have no doubt he will play football again. He'll be young enough and the NFL will always need athletes. If Favre, Testaverde and Warner can play quarterback, so can Michael Vick. Arthur Blank said the Falcons were moving on, but he didn't actually say Vick would never play for the team again. I would wager New England Patriot odds that the Falcons will still be in turmoil in 2009, so there's no need for the Falcons to completely close that door especially if they actually want to recoup their financial losses from Vick's absence.

Furthermore, I still hold out hope that Michael Vick is more ignorant than stupid... That he has learned and that he will learn from his mistakes. Until then, I am left only to mourn my hometown team, ponder the relative dignity of a courtroom artist's sketch versus a mugshot and pray that Michael doesn't become a full blown Quincy Carter/Maurice Clarett statistic. And I await to see what Mike knows in 2009.

Will You Accept a Post Dated Check, Sir?

$20 mil, Mr. Blank? Sure thing. Just let Mike unscrew the bottom of his Aquafina bottle and he'll pull it out for you right away

I seriously doubt Michael Vick has $20 million to spare, but if he is forced to repay that kind of money to the Atlanta Falcons, he will hover like a curse over the NFL for a long time. Anyway, the Falcons shouldn't be trusted with that kind of money. They might spend it on free agents. Expensive, worthless free agents like Peerless Price or Ed Hartwell.

If NFL teams are granted the ability to demand repayment of bonuses to such an extent, expect a chill on the inducement power of the signing bonus. Jamarcus Russell length holdouts will become more normal. He got his money, but the Raiders lost the ability to choose whether or not their coveted #1 pick would start this season. Teams will lose the salary cap flexibility when dealing with coveted players who prefer to eschew the risk of potentially having to give their money back. Steve Wyche of the AJC elaborates:

The ramifications of this case could be profound, which is why the players' union immediately drew up papers to file an appeal of Burbank's decision. Should the Falcons ultimately win this case, teams throughout the league could make use the same argument to recoup bonus money paid to players found to have violated terms of their contract.

Still, Vick's professional team is getting the sideways glance. Things continue to go so badly for Michael Vick on a seemingly daily basis, one has to wonder whether he would have been better off facing a jury of his peers. What more would he have lost, even if he was found guilty? The downside of the guilty plea was that various third parties now have a negative factual basis to rely on. It increasingly seems apparent that there was no coordination amongst Vick's professional team. No one has stepped up to simultaneously manage Vick's freedom, image, finances and professional prospects. They have a copy of the contract. If a $20 million judgment was a foreseeable risk, they should have worked out a private settlement with the Falcons. If the guilty plea was going to collapse the rest of Vick's life like a house of cards, maybe Michael should have gone to trial.

Michael Vick has lost so much. Too much for the crime he committed. Someone needs to show him some mercy. Maybe that person could be the commissioner who could expedite Vick's return to the league so that Vick can get started on that payment plan.

The Dogs Live and Ookie Learns to Love

The pit bulls seized from Michael Vick's Virginia home have been evaluated and all but one are suitable for placement. That's great news. I hope some of the people who have been buying notes and t-shirts and chew toys have enough resources left over to help find suitable homes for the dogs in question. Especially since they love animals more than the rest of us.

But you know what's funny about the results of the dog evaluation? From an evidentiary standpoint, finding that the dogs are docile enough to be placed would directly contradict the position that the dogs were programmed to fight. Anyhoo, it's neither here nor there. Vick has already plead out. It's funny though.

And, furthermore, Michael Vick has been visiting the PETA headquarters in Norfolk, VA and has been taking classes on how to love animals more. And PETA says he has been doing great! They say Vick was attentive and inquisitive during the 8 hour course.

“He was asking questions, following up on points we were making, taking notes,” [Dan] Shannon said. “He seemed to be putting an honest effort into trying to get something out of the course.”

Shannon said Vick told him “he wished he had gotten to take a course like this five years ago.”

Yeah, that and a herpes slash weed addiction prevention course.

In total, Vick visited the PETA headquarters three times, the final of which included a test on what Vick learned in his course. PETA declined to reveal Michael's score, but revealed that the test included an essay and long answer questions.

Yes, Ookie wrote an essay on his revised love for dogs. I wonder if he will turn it in to the Commissioner for extra credit.

In Praise of the Prosecution

The United States Attorneys that prosecuted Michael Vick are named Mike Gill and Brian Whisler.

I bet you didn't know that. And that's a good thing.

There were no press conferences on the courthouse steps. There was no tour of the cable news circuit. There was no hardball. These two men did their job. A law was on the books and they prosecuted. Mr. Gill and Mr. Whisler did not try to make a "name" for themselves. They did not pile on.

When the media proclaimed loudly that Michael Vick would get the worst deal because he was the last to plea, the prosecutors proved them wrong. Vick got the same or better resolution than the other defendants. And rightfully so. Vick is a first time offender. And hardly a menace to society. There is little benefit to society in wasting a prison bed on him.

Sure, maybe this case caught the government's eye because Michael Vick is a celebrity. Maybe they projected a win in the court of public opinion when the target was a young Black man. But they didn't abuse those advantages. Instead, they leveraged speed of investigation, the success rate of federal prosecutions and the inherent power of an interstate conspiracy charge.

And all of the defendants in the Vick case benefited from that professionalism. And society benefited. There is no need to lock dog fighting participants up for the maximum sentence just for the sake of doing it. That's a prison bed that a murderer or a rapist could be residing in. Animal cruelty, dog fighting, etc. have become law enforcement priorities mostly because they are gateway crimes. People that engage in those activities have a propensity to be engaged in gambling and drug enterprises. And while society has compassion for animals, people that do harm to other people are the greatest danger.

It could have been worse. Vick could have gotten the maximum sentence. But why waste time and taxpayer money on prosecuting dog fighters when you can get the drug dealers, the money launderers and the other real scourges. If Vick has to snitch, so be it. He was snitched on first. There's no "code" if no one is adhering to it. If Vick's testimony and the testimony of the other defendants gets drug dealers and gambling kingpins off the streets, then I can be happy about that.

Every public lawyer is not a Mike Nifong. Many lawyers do their job with efficiency and professionalism. It tugs the heart strings to see another Black man end up as a statistic . But the United States prosecutors performed their jobs efficiently and professionally. As a lawyer, I have to give credit where credit is due.

Is Michael Vick Going to Jail?

When Billy Martin gave his statement on Monday, he referred to December 10 as the date of Michael Vick's "probation hearing". I thought it was another "spring training" slip of the tongue by Mr. Martin, but maybe not.

Circumstances suggest that Michael Vick's defense team is trying to get probation for Michael Vick. Seriously.

They have scheduled a half day of testimony on the day that the mainstream media is referring to as his sentencing date. Vick's lawyers cancelled his appearance on the Tom Joyner morning show yesterday, as if there was still the possibility that Vick could incriminate himself.

Don't take for granted everything the mainstream media is saying. Remember, back in the day, when they said Michael Vick wasn't going to be indicted? That wasn't true. Remember when they loudly proclaimed he was going to get the worst deal because he didn't plea first? That wasn't true. Even the other day, certain people were saying the acceptance of the plea was in jeopardy because the statement of facts. Apparently, the judge doesn't pay much attention to Lester Munson.

The media is downplaying the possibility that Michael Vick will be sentenced to probation or time in a halfway house. That is a reasonable stance, because the possibility of that outcome is definitely a long shot. However the defense is apparently gearing up for the uphill battle. Otherwise, they would have thrown themselves on the mercy of the court and tried to accelerate the sentencing date, so that Vick could enter and leave prison as soon as possible. Instead, the defense has suggested that they're going to take the three months or so to rehabilitate Michael Vick in the eyes of the court. Maybe that will include a media blitz. More than likely it will include some secret grand jury testimony.

The possibility of Michael Vick serving little to no jail time is a potential development to keep your eye on. The prosecution has already demonstrated that they're not in the business of insisting on maximum sentences just for the sake of doing so. The tone of the prosecution suggests that the prosecution may have bigger fish to fry and that, consequently, Vick may have a chance in seeking a light sentence. You never know how things will turn out.

A Lonely Man

Michael Vick was alone today.

You are alone when there is only a suit earning his hourly wage at your side. Michael Vick had no wife by his side. Only a female marshall. It was the same marshall that escorted him into the arraignment a few weeks back. I guess that's what qualifies as a friend in Michael Vick's life these days.

In the end, Michael Vick had no friends. Not his homeboys his flipped on him. Not his owner, who accepted Vick's apology without enthusiasm. Not even his dad, who put his crackhead tendencies on blast to air out his son.

Vick only has what could be merely defined as "supporters." A handful of journalists. Some sports talk callers. A few buses of supporters brought in from his hometown, members of a church he funded with his own money. They outnumbered the detractors on the courtroom sidewalk. It seems apropos that the church was there for him at his low point. It's not unusual that somebody from the congregation brings a plate 'roun the way when you're a shut in. Vick will sit alone shut in and shut out from the world, confined within the borders of Virginia, for the next few months. Soon, he will probably be confined within a prison cell. Once again, alone.

And he stood alone at that podium.

"What I did was immature. So that means I have to grow up."

I couldn't help but feel sorry for Michael as he faces the singular road to maturity. I wouldn't wish that loneliness on anyone. And I can't help but feel relieved to be emerging from the bizarro world where people can watch animals beat the shit out of each other on the Discovery Channel, but condemn Vick for doing the same in his own back yard. Where nobody blinks at Kobe Bryant getting private air shuttles to his court dates or numerous criminals playing in the NFL, but feel superior in condemning Vick as committing the most reprehensible crime imaginable. I know it's not over, but I hope today was the first day of the rehabilitation of Michael Vick. As a human being, I can't stand to watch him suffer. Vick promised that he would redeem himself. I've got my fingers crossed. And I hope he finds some real friends on the other side.

Will Vick Take Michael Irvin's Advice?

A couple of weeks ago, Michael Irvin appeared on the 2 Live Stews radio show and said, among other things, said that Michael Vick should take a plea deal.

Now, if anyone knows about the trials and tribulations of the legal system, it's Michael Irvin. Is Irvin the legal analyst we should have been hearing from all along?

Today brings the news that Michael Vick's co-defendants have decided to enter plea deals later this week. Vick's spokesperson, Collins Spencer (who was "let go" from reading the news on a local tv station earlier this year), said the defense team didn't see it coming.

That's a joke, right?

At the arraignment, it appeared the co-defendants, except Tony Taylor, might have been cooperating with one another. If Vick's professional team was actually surprised about this latest development in the case, it would just be the latest in the comedy of errors in his handling of this matter.

Just another strange, if not negative, turn in the Vick case... Michael's lawyers have reportedly met with the federal prosecutors regarding a plea deal for Vick that must be accepted by Friday.

I certainly would not call this good news, but it's still definitively predict what this means. There is still no information about the specific nature of the pleas. Tony Taylor plead with no assurances about his sentence. The other co-defendants mostly have nothing to lose if "nothing to lose" means millions of dollars in NFL salary and endorsements. Are they pleading for the sake of any reduction in their sentences or for a significant reward from the prosecutors? The prosecutors can't force a certain version of testimony. A witness in court can only be forced to tell the truth. Who knows which way the co-defendants roll? Tony Taylor had a personal falling out with the co-defendants. It's not clear if the other defendants have any special motivation to turn on Michael Vick.

It should be noted that, if Vick goes to trial alone, it will likely change the nature of the testimony at the trial. The other co-defendants were alleged to be involved in the day to day activities of the dog fighting operation. Generally, Michael Vick was alleged to be a financial sponsor and present at certain fights. If the prosecutors were hoping to present gut wrenching testimony of animal cruelty in order to sway the jury, it will be more difficult to accomplish that task with only Vick as a co-defendant. The nature of the trial could become far less sensationalistic.

Michael Irvin's advice aside, I'm not sure why Michael Vick would have hired all those high profile lawyers just to plea. High profile lawyers do not like to lose. Billy Martin, et. al wouldn't have signed up if they didn't think they had a reasonable chance of accomplishing something positive. Maybe Vick will go for it. We know he likes to gamble. A lot of people have turned their backs on him. Perhaps he's at the point where he has nothing to lose too.

Preaching to the Choir

Michael Vick has finally made an appearance. Well, an audio appearance, that is.

He appeared on V-103 today. The highlights are as follows:

"Hopefully I'll see y'all again. It remains to be seen, but that's what I'm working on.

I just want to thank all my fans and all my support and all the people that are praying for Mike Vick and are in my corner right now. It's a crisis situation for me, but I'm going to get through it and I feel, by the grace of God, that's the only way. I believe in the outcome at the end, and that's why I put my faith in the man upstairs. It pains me not be down there right now because I know so many people want to see me and I want to be there."

...Hopefully, under the right circumstances, I think it can work. I know I put the city through a lot, my owner, Arthur Blank, who I love, sincerely; I put him through a lot. It hurts me to put him through this situation.

A lot of things would have to be worked out for him to put his faith and trust back in me. But if I had the opportunity, if it wouldn't be a problem, I'd like to come back, under the right circumstances."

It's a smart move for Vick to appear on a radio station known for being a voice for the Black community in Atlanta (it's also the #1 station overall in the market and, for background, the host has also recently faced legal issues). Especially after the protest yesterday. Vick knows the local community is already sympathetic to him. He spoke to people that are ready to listen to him. And Vick is putting pressure squarely on the Falcons. If the team feels like the local fan base is "compromised," it's going to inform future decision they make concerning Vick.

The interview was taped. That is also smart. His lawyers could monitor the comments to make sure they wouldn't incriminate him.

And the interview counters the coverage of the Tony Taylor plea today. One would imagine the news organization will lead with Vick's comments (the good news, then focus on Taylor (the bad news).

I did listen to the audio (I will update the post w/ audio if it becomes available). He sounded calm, relaxed and genuinely aware of the bad situation he has put his various business partners in. He did reiterate the "under the right circumstances" comment as far as coming back to the team. However, he did express remorse about Blank personally, so it's hard to tell how bristled he is about the way the Falcons are treating him.

Overall, the interview was a good move for him. It's about time he made one of those.

Update : The audio is posted on the homepage here.

The Legal Process Begins for Vick

Michael Vick made his first appearance in court yesterday in connection with federal dogfighting charges. Not surprisingly, Vick entered a "not guilty" plea. Michael's lead attorney Billy Martin made a confident statement declaring their intent to vigorously fight the charges.

There were a few notable developments at the hearing.

The judge ordered Vick to remain in the Richmond area. This is not a highly unusual restriction. However, Vick would need court approval to travel outside of the Richmond area. Obviously, Vick's travel restrictions would complicate any effort to play for the Falcons at home and on the road.

Also, the federal government announced they would introduce a superceding indictment in the coming weeks. It's difficult to speculate on the nature of the new indictment. It could be for the purpose of adding or subtracting conspirators. For example, maybe Vick's cousin Davon Boddie (who lived in the house) finally gets charged. Also, the government could be introducing new charges applicable to some or all of the current defendants. Most likely they would be of a separate nature. For example, a gambling or drug trafficking charge, as those activities frequently go hand in hand with dog fighting enterprises.

Finally, Billy Martin made a statement on behalf of Michael Vick.

"Today in court I pleaded innocent to the allegations made against me. I take these charges very seriously and look forward to clearing my good name. I respectfully ask all of you to hold your judgment until all of the facts are shown. Above all I would like to say to my mom I'm sorry for what she has had to go through in this most trying of times. It has caused pain to my family and I apologize to my family. I also want to apologize to my Falcon teammates for not being with them at the beginning of spring training."

Personally, I am disappointed that Vick didn't make that himself. Legally, there is absolutely no benefit for Vick to make any statement. However, there is a pragmatic need to balance court in the technical sense and the court of public opinion. Vick has to protect his freedom, but he also needs to protect his image. It's possible to do both.

Also, it's hilarious that Michael Vick didn't apologize to Arthur Blank or the Falcons organization in general. I guess they're not friends anymore. But if you're so-called friends will cast you aside when there's trouble, Blank is barely an upgrade over the "friends" who helped get Vick into the situation he faces now.

Hypocrisy Abounds

Not much is making sense about the Michael Vick situation.

Jonathan Babineaux is facing five years on a felony animal cruelty charge for killing his girlfriend's pit bull mix puppy and he remains on the Falcons roster. At the press conference yesterday, Rich McKay said that the Falcons are "monitoring that case."

Also, Nike, who suspended the release of Michael Vick's latest shoe has shown a prior interest in fighting dogs. Not from the Peta perspective though. About 20 seconds from the end of this Nike basketball commercial, you can check some pit bulls getting crunk for a fight. Okay to use fighting pits to sell shoes that time, but I guess times have changed.



Hat tip to Krista and Adweek

Maybe Women Shouldn't Own Football Teams

It's clear after the Falcons' press conference today. The Falcons don't plan on standing by Michael Vick as he awaits resolution of federal dogfighing charges. They don't want anything to do with him. The team claims they wanted to suspend Vick for four games. How they contemplate a future where Vick can rejoin the team after missing training camp and four games is beyond me. So, it's clear.

Arthur Blank reacted with his emotions. The possibility of an indictment has been on the table for months. Still, today Blank is "disappointed" in Michael Vick. That's cool if you're getting over a breakup with a dreamy guy. But this is football. It's about wins and losses. I'm a grown woman and I can suck up any embarrassment I have as a fan for the sake of winning. Blank is a girl though. He's wallowing in betrayal like a teenager. The Falcons' stance against Vick makes no rational sense. Defensive Tackle Jonathan Babineaux allegedly killed a puppy with his bare hands and he's still on the roster. Safety Jimmy Williams just caught a marijuana charge. He's still on the roster. Patrick Kearney was injured for most of last season AND had a woman allegedly raped in his home and he wasn't dismissed from the roster before he signed with Seattle.

Blank kept saying over and over in the presser that he told Michael about the people he hung out with and that Vick should focus on his his legal issues. Blank can't tell Vick what to do. He thought he could. Now the Falcons are rebuilding. I think Blank realized just this week that he ain't Michael Vick's goddamn daddy.

Blank couldn't have been making a "football" decision. Maybe it's that time of the month for him?

You can't say out of one side of your mouth that the Vick you read about in the indictment wasn't the Vick you knew and then say out the other side Joey Harrington is your starter for the season. At least talk to me about Daunte Culpepper. Say you're starting the search for the QB of the future by giving DJ Shockley snaps. I only crave a football decision, not a specific reprieve for Vick. This is a team that hasn't had two winning seasons in a row! Yet Rich McKay and Arthur Blank still feel they enjoy the luxury of having a "character" team. Whatever that means.

Like Falcons management isn't culpable... What kind of negligent is the Falcons' management to not know Vick enjoyed a little dog play? Rich McKay said with a straight face that he didn't even realize people indulged in dog fighting. That sort of ignorance on the part of the general manager does a lot to explain the Falcons' receiving core.

The league and the Falcons can't possibly believe that something significant will happen in Vick's legal matter before now and the beginning of the season. That's a scant two months away. They will be lucky to have a discovery hearing between now and then. Unless... They want Vick to plead out and resolve this situation for then. Yeah, that's the move of a "character" organization. Force a guy to sacrifice his freedom to avoid the company embarrassment. A trial happening during the season is possible, but not likely. "Scooter" Libby was tried in the same district court and his indictment to trial journey took about 2 years. Some of the most major convictions of dog fighters have taken from nine months to over two years, even in federal court.

For the record, it doesn't take a superlawyer to glance at this case and reasonably entertain the possibility that Michael Vick can beat the charges. The federal government hastily threw together a case within a couple of months. The "cooperating witnesses" are most certainly criminal scumbags who might easily be discredited. Plus Michael Vick has unlimited resources for his defense, the defense of his accusers and, ahem, maybe financial influence over some potential witnesses.

If the Falcons and/or the league are genuinely worried about the media circus, they could opt to restrict media access if it's that deep. Hanging Vick out to dry - alone - is not the only solution. Just say clearly that you do or do not stand by Vick. Then it's a non story. At least from the "will they or won't they" perspective. ESPN will obsess, but that's what they do. And they're going to do it whether Vick is playing or not. If he was on the field, at least there would be a chance to turn it into a conversation about winning. As for the mainstream media.... Lindsay Lohan just caught a case. Michael Vick is not going to be the lead story generally.

This isn't going to end well. The Falcons are cursed as losers. Blank and his orange apron aren't going to work any magic. Michael Vick will probably find a way to clear himself of the charges and then Falcons management will look like assholes and they will have burned their bridges. I'm not surprised that the Falcons are shunning Vick, but I'm mad as a fan. And if Blank can act like a bitch, I can pout too. I bet the Cincinnati Bengals won't have a half empty stadium this season.

Put Me Out of My Misery

Michael Vick is banned from training camp until the NFL completes a review of his federal indictment for dogfighting.

What am I to think of this?

Is the NFL just laying low until Falcons practices go private and/or the NBA scandal evolves into a full blown nuclear meltdown?

Or is the NFL just laying the groundwork, with the blessing of Upshaw the Castrated, for Vick's indefinite suspension?

Did a few dozen PETA protesters really scare the NFL?

Does Arthur Blank need reprieve from making a big boy decision? Still, he has to be irritated that the NFL has essentially impaired his ability to get money back from Michael Vick if he decides to discipline him. Apparently, Vick's contract has a penalty for missing the opening of training camp. Because Vick's hearing is on the first day of training camp, he would automatically be in violation and potentially have to repay the Falcons some of his signing bonus. The NFL has resolved that potential issue in favor of Vick.

There is some good news today. The authorities in Surry County, Virginia decided they wouldn't pile on and press charges against Vick. And Vick hired a competent advocate - Billy Martin. ESPN has convicted Vick already. The NFL isn't sure. Blank isn't sure. Upshaw doesn't have a clue. Billy Martin is an aggressive lawyer. He has defended Jayson Williams and Monica Lewinsky. The signs say Vick isn't going to plead out. At least somebody has his back. Hopefully, Billy Martin will advise Vick to make an appearance this week before his court date. The "perp walk" can't be the first image that the public has seen of you in months. After that, I hope he demands that the Falcons cut Vick and take the salary cap hit, before they put him on some bullshit leave. See, that's where Upshaw's shortcomings become clear. Gene Upshaw's sole purpose at work is to be an advocate for the NFL players. First and foremost, that means he defends the rights of an NFL player to be PAID and to PLAY. PERIOD. Until Donald Fehr is cloned on behalf of the NFL players, hopefully Billy Martin will step up to defend Vick.

And right now it appears Billy Martin might be the only one defending the Falcons faithful. If Vick doesn't play this season, the Falcons season is done before it started. But, if Vick is gone for the indefinite future, we are officially in rebuilding mode. That means not just season but two or three after it - at least.

But, quietly, is Vick really being punished right now? He gets to sit out training camp with full pay! How many other veterans would like to be inside their home theaters catching up on their stories or back episodes of The Meadowlands? Doesn't everybody hate training camp? The NFL Conduct Policy is in such disarray now. Goodell is just making stuff up as he goes now. The indictment only takes about 30 minutes to review. They don't need more time. They just don't know what to do. Hopefully, Billy Martin will have some suggestions.

Arthur Blank speaks at 4 pm. More later.

Blind Leading the Blind

When asked what he thought about Michael Vick's current legal predicament, Allen Iverson said Vick should:

"Keep his head up."

See, that's part of the problem. These guys get in trouble. They turn to Tupac songs for guidance. Some people need new reference points.

Emmitt Smith is not a lawyer, but he plays one on ESPN. He says:

"He's the biggest fish in the whole doggone pond right now so they're putting the squeeze on him to get to everyone else."

"Now, granted he might have been to a dogfight a time or two, maybe five times, maybe 20 times, may have bet some money, but he's not the one you're after. He's not the one you're after, he's just the one whose going to take the fall -- publicly."

"Whole Doggone pond." Pun intended.

Precedent Supports Due Process in Atlanta

Shockingly, an Atlanta Journal Constitution columnist published an article in support of Michael Vick. I know this was difficult for them to do, so I will acknowledge the effort. Mark Bradley basically acknowledged that the Falcons are in a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation. He also brought up some interesting situations of current and former Atlanta athletes who found themselves in the legal hot water.

• Jonathan Babineaux is still on the Falcons roster. Jonathan has an active felony charge for animal cruelty. He allegedly killed his girlfriend's puppy with his own hands. He has not been cut from the team, suspended or placed on any sort of leave. Arthur Blank said the following about his case in February: “There’s this thing called the legal process that’s even above the NFL and sports … [Cutting Babineaux] would be the worst possible thing we could do. It would be a slap in the face to the judicial system. Making the concession of throwing somebody on the fire would be the worst thing for our organization and the worst thing for Atlanta.”


• Tony Martin was a wide receiver for the Falcons during their Super Bowl season. The Falcons released after he was indicted on federal money-laundering charges (Vick is also the subject of a federal indictment). He was acquitted and wound up catching 67 passes for the Dolphins that fall. Two years later he returned to the Falcons for his final pro season.


• Rafael Furcal played for the Atlanta Braves in the 2004 division series after having being sentenced, earlier that same day, to three weeks in jail for violating probation. Not many exprssed moral outrage when Furcal hit the home run that won the game.

Joe Horn Wants To Win

ESPN is speculating that the NFL, NFLPA and the Atlanta Falcons are leaning toward urging Michael Vick to take a voluntary leave of absence. Remember, ESPN also said Vick wasn't going to be indicted. So, give ESPN reports as much credibility as you want. But there are actually some factual developments today.

One of the concerns about Michael Vick remaining on the active roster is the effect on the team if the Vick situation was to drag out. Presumably, teammates would be forced to answer questions about Michael and generally suffer negative consequences from having to cope with Vick's circumstances.

Well, wide receiver Joe Horn is voicing his support for Vick.

"Mike is saddened about the tension this is going to cause the team. I assured him I support him, the rest of the guys support him and the team supports him. Whether he's guilty or innocent or whether you believe he is, time will tell.

"No one, I don't care if you're wealthy or poor, no one is immune to the trials and tribulations of life. Everyone who's breathing is going to have to deal with issues in their life. Unfortunately, Mike is up at bat right now."

Horn said he understands NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's right to suspend Vick and the team's option to keep Vick away from team activities, but he doesn't think that would be right or in the best interest of anyone involved.

"Not having him around, that will hurt. I think he should be around. The more he's around his teammates playing football might help Michael Vick. I don't think suspending him is going to help him."

"Michael wants to play football. He told me over and over again, 'I know what's going on and I need to be there playing and go through training camp to try and get through this.'"

Joe just signed with Atlanta, presumably with the expectation of winning. I would guess Joey Harrington wasn't part of that expectation. The rumors are that the Falcons have already decided not to pursue Daunte Culpepper. So, if the Falcons are interested in winning this season and for the prospective future, they have no choice but to figure out a way to work through Vick's situation. Joe Horn and me feel this to be true.

Vick Should Remain QB

Just because Michael Vick is a knucklehead, we should all suffer?

I was surprised when Vick was indicted and horrified reading the allegations. But it didn't take me long to decide that I wanted to see Vick on the field this season. Flat out, if Vick is not the quarterback, the season is presumptively tanked. Joey Harrington is not the one.

The NFL is full of manslaughter committing, murder trial having, gun running, marijuana trafficking, drug dealing, drug taking, wife beating, baby mama abusing, bar fight starting, DUI getting, strip club fight starting, pain pill abusing, steroid rage having, cleat stomping assholes. Vick is not the first and he won't be the last NFL player to get into trouble. Michael Vick should not be singled out. If it gets to that, let him pay his debt to society and/or the league and let Ookie back on the field.

There is no way that Vick should be suspended with or without pay before due process takes it course. That would just be an unfair action with total disregard to Vick's presumed innocence. And one idea that has been gaining steam - that Vick should take a leave of absence - should not be considered unless the legal proceedings substantively interfere with Vick's ability to do his job or the situation otherwise becomes untenable. Yeah, they'll be some booing at the games, but it'll settle down. The league has been through this before.

There is no need for Falcons owner Arthur Blank to overreact to the situation. Locally, Vick's current troubles make little difference to the Falcons fans. Vick has long been a divisive presence in Atlanta (for a variety of reasons). So, if you were a Vick detractor, you'll just be a more enthusiastic Vick detractor. If you are a Vick supporter, he needs you more than ever.

Still, the tone of the ESPN coverage on Vick is so somber, it's as if Vick is being held for assassinating the president. The analysts have gone stupid just to paint as dire a picture as possible. This morning, Mike and Mike wondered why Kobe Bryant's endorsers reacted more swiftly against him than Vick's endorsers have. Because Kobe was accused of violently harming a PERSON, not a dog, geniuses. Plus, I assume Nike, maker of leather shoes, could care less about PETA. Also, The NFL Live panel had an entire debate on whether Vick could handle a trial during the season. For some unknown reason, they decided the trial would be occurring in 4 months. Their own analyst, Roger Cossack, said a trial would probably not occur inside a year. Still, they chose a selective "fact" they wanted to run with and ran with it.

Nevertheless, any publicity is good publicity. If Vick stays on the field, the Falcons will be the number one story of the season. If Vick is not on the field, we'll be an afterthought. I bet ALL the networks who have Falcons games this season want Vick on the field. It might not be the kind of publicity Arthur Blank prefers, but it's better than none. The Falcons don't really have any other options.

As a fan, I am not interested in the morality of the players on the field. Judging the relative "goodness" of players is an exercise in futility. I will settle for wins. In that respect, Michael Vick is my best hope.

Update your Vick Jersey

With news that 62% of Falcons fans are ready to throw away their Michael Vick jersey, the need for replacement gear will be huge. Do you know the following #7 jerseys are still available at NFL Shop?

"Ookie"
"ILuvPeta"
"IHrtPits"
"ILuvPits"

As well as some tasteless ones like:

"Rapestand"
"HangDogs"
"WetDogs"

Which #7 jersey can you get away with ordering? Visit the NFL Shop and let me know.

Damn Feds!

Not only did the sneaky ass Feds surprise everybody with the indictment of Michael Vick, they have scheduled Vick's first hearing for July 26 - the first day of training camp. It's at 3:30 pm, so there's no way Vick can practice that day.

Right now, 62% of AJC readers plan to throw away their #7 jerseys.

The Atlanta Falcons message boards are inoperable.

Morning sports talk hosts plead for calm in the stands at home games. Midday sports talk hosts say suspend him with pay. Callers prefer Vick over Harrington. No PETA members have called in yet.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank just got back from Africa and is "huddling" with team and league officials concerning the Vick indictment. Vick is characterized as being "devastated" by the indictment.

Ookie Might Make a Good Prison Name

Sorry.... That is such an irresponsible title. I'm not in Roger Cossack mode today. He is awesome. I am grieving.

Michael Vick was indicted on charges related to dog fighting. It is only an indictment. He is innocent until proven guilty. Remember that, especially if your heart is still heavy with empathy for the Duke lacrosse players.

Still, let me live blog my reaction to the indictment.

"Ookie?!"

"One alias for herpes, one alias for dog fighting. This Negro is organized!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. He owned the house. That's all you got? Guilt via ownership of property? I need more."

"Oh. He attended some dog fights? Great."

"Shit! He put up the purse?"

"Ookie gave the nod for "termination" of the doggies? Heartless bastard."

"Dogs wet down and electrocuted, hung and thrown against the floor? Yuck."

"Fifteen or so separate incidents of dog fighting amongst the indictees?"

"Perhaps the feds are workin' with something."

It's just dogfighting... but Vick is in serious trouble. No wonder Vick was maintaining military silence on this issue.

It is what it is. It's going to be all Vick, all the time - for a long time. ESPN may have to cancel "Who's Now." Some sick kids may not get to meet their favorite athletes. First up, an arraignment, a mugshot, and maybe a perp walk if God is smiling on the ESPN producers.

How do Atlanta fans feel? Happy that Daunte Culpepper is available. But mostly disappointed. Vick, innocent or guilty, put himself in a position - again - to embarrass the Falcons organization and the fans. Even if Falcons fans can avoid fighting in the stands at the Georgia Dome, it's going to be rough on the road.

The indictment should not interfere with the season. If it gets to trial, it is highly unlikely that a trial date would be set during the season, although Vick might have to attend a handful of hearings. The whole process should take a year or so. But Barry Bonds has been awaiting an indictment for three or so years, so there's no way to predict just how long the matter will stretch out.

Presumably, Vick will plead "not guilty." Then the lawyers will get to work on finding a way to dismiss the case, working on a plea deal and/or preparing Vick's defense for trial. Obviously, they will get to work on discrediting the "cooperating witnesses" referenced in the indictment. It is probably safe to assume they are also in the dog fighting world and maybe they lack the credility to accuse Vick of anything.

Michael may need to be worried about additional charges against him. Remember that the local Virginia officials were pretty slow to the draw to act on this case. Now that the Feds have levied charges, the local officials may feel embarrassed enough to pile on.

The NFL has issued a statement essentially stating that they will wait for due process to take it's course. Nike has done the same. The Falcons are "disappointed" in "one of [their] players". Arthur Blank is put in the awkward position of balancing "innocent until proven guilty" with Vick's continual stream of embarrassing incidents with putting the Falcons in the best position to win. Do the Falcons throw up their hands and go with Joey Harrington right away? Go after Daunte Culpepper? Cut Michael Vick and devastate the salary cap? Sit him with pay and wait for the players union to go nuts? What if Vick stays on the field? If he wins right away, will it be "all good?" If he loses right away, will the Falcons organization have embarrassed themselves by playing him? What will the impact on the other players be? (Honestly, I think Vick will have the typical "it's just dog fighting" stance of many people to thank if his teammates find it easy to support him.) Image versus winning. It's the ultimate conundrum.

As a fan, I think I want Michael Vick on the field. If he has to report for incarceration the day after the Superbowl, so be it. There's no need to overreact to the impact of this indictment. Ray Lewis has endured a murder trial with little consequence. Jamal Lewis and Tank Johnson (prospectively) have played after serving time.

Let me get back into Roger Cossack mode. There's no need to focus on him being suspended by the league, convicted and/or whether or not he's going to spend up to six years in prison. Let's just wait and see. One thing is for sure. This show is going to run long.

Thanks to Larry Brown Sports for the pic.

Ignoring the Evidence As It Suits You

After ESPN reported that Michael Vick is unlikely to be indicted in connection with dog fighting, some have continued to insist on Vick's guilt when actual evidence, not the innuendo that has fueled this story, supports the position that Vick is unlikely to be indicted. Indeed, very few of the developments in this situation have ever truly suggested that Vick would be indicted of a crime. You would think people would have learned after the Tank Johnson faux DUI. Some insist that he was still in the wrong, when the facts show he didn't do anything. Still, some insist on manufacturing qualifications to the truth.

Via The Big Lead, the always reliable Pro Football Talk insists that "apologists" are covering things up concerning Vick.

"ESPN reports that at least three people are expected to be indicted. But that could merely be the first wave of the indictments. Doesn’t anyone think that the folks who are charged will receive offers of leniency or immunity in exchange for giving up others who might have been involved?

And why would the feds tell the Falcons, the league, or anyone else that Vick likely won’t be indicted? If that aspect of the report is true, maybe the feds are hoping that Vick will let his guard down a bit, perhaps by not focusing his efforts on ensuring that the guys who get indicted won’t snitch."

Also, The Fanhouse expresses skepticism that the omission of Vick's name from the complaint has any significance.

"...many readers were left to think it's somehow meaningful that Vick's name isn't mentioned in the papers, when in reality the government has additional information not included.

That doesn't mean the investigators have strong evidence against Vick, either. The ESPN report that Vick is unlikely to be indicted may prove correct. But when you read the whole document and see the evidence removed from Vick's property of a 'blood-stained fighting area' and the statement that 'Many of the pit bulldogs recovered or observed in the search had scars and injuries consistent with injuries sustained in dog fighting,' it's hard to understand why the filing has been portrayed as good news for Vick."

You can read the government's complaint yourself. It's pretty easy reading.

The complaint was filed for the purpose of seizing the dogs. Once the dogs are formally seized by the government, they will have control over them for the purposes of using them as evidence.

The seizure action is a limited action. It is not meant to represent the government's whole case and it clearly says so. "This verified complaint is being submitted for the limited purpose of establishing the grounds for forfeiture and providing notice to the interested persons, it does not include all of the information known by the government in this action." However, this is a standard disclaimer sentence that would be included in any complaint, so its inclusion should not be overexaggerated.

Still, the complaint is an important step in outlining the government's case. Indeed, it does provide "notice to the interested persons." And that is why it's reasonable to assume that Michael Vick is not one of those interested persons. The complaint does not mention Michael Vick at all - even as the owner of the property. In fact, the complaint is focused solely on Bad Newz Kennels, which is not the kennel Vick owns.

I am certainly not going to guarantee that Michael Vick is in the clear.

However, there would be little penalty if the government introduced all of its potential targets now. But if the government haphazardly identifies new targets down the line, it will make it easier for the defense to claim reasonable doubt to the extent that they could accuse the government of casting too wide a net and not really knowing who did what.

The complaint mostly reads like a generalized description of what could be any dog fighting operation. It offers very few specifics. Still, animal lovers should be happy. By omitting Michael Vick's name from the complaint, the government has indicated its priorities are not celebrity and publicity. Instead, they are focused on prosecuting the major crimes at hand.

Contrast that approach to the prosecutor in Pacman Jones' Las Vegas case. Although Jones is essentially accused of biting someone, the prosecutor only accuses Jones of coercion - not assault. That's an indication that there is questionable evidence to support the allegations and that the prosecutor is interested in attaching Jones to the case for the purposes of garnering attention.

Vick should be encouraged by the complaint. It is an actual indication that he may escape indictment. Just an indication though.

We should keep our focus on the actual crimes at hand and not just the undermining of Michael Vick. Lest, you really get called out.