Last month, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick said he looked forward to clearing his name of federal dogfighting conspiracy charges. Now, Vick will enter a plea agreement, which could mean up to 18 months in prison and a fine up to $250,000. The National Football League is still considering Vick's status, which could include a lifetime ban under its personal conduct policy.
As a federal judge determines the disposition of Vick's criminal case, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is, perhaps, in a more difficult position because of his push to clean up the league. In the past, other NFL players have returned to the league after felony and misdemeanor convictions, which, to some degree, reinforces the public's notion that professional athletes are above the sanctions that would apply in most places of work.
Vick's alleged crimes differ in the respect that they involved the torture of animals. A federal indictment said dogs that lost fights or fared poorly in test fights were sometimes executed by hanging, electrocution or other brutal means. Co-defendants told prosecutors that Vick largely bankrolled the kennel's operation in rural southeastern Virginia, including providing gambling funds. Two co-defendants said Vick participated in the brutal executions of at least eight underperforming dogs, The Associated Press has reported.
As much as the public tires of celebrities and professional athletes who perceive that they are not subject to the laws that apply to common folk, Vick's alleged crimes touch the third rail — the victims were innocent animals. Investigators, in the course of conducting a drug search of Vick's home in April, found 66 dogs — some of them injured — and dogfighting paraphernalia.
Society tends to view crimes involving innocents — children and animals — in a different light. They count on "trusted" adults to treat them appropriately. Those who violate those boundaries should face harsh consequences.
Currently the NFL is reviewing Vick's involvement in dogfighting. No timetable has been announced for action by the league, although Vick was barred from training camp. According to news reports, Goodell likely will not announce a decision until after Vick enters a guilty plea.
For ordinary people who do not have Vick's athletic talent, physical appeal or income, it is difficult to comprehend why someone would risk his livelihood and reputation to bankroll and participate in activities that are illegal and morally reprehensible.
Vick already has paid a price in the court of public opinion by virtue of this investigation and the criminal charges he faces. And a federal judge will determine his sentence under a plea agreement and federal sentencing guidelines. The public will, perhaps, be more focused on the NFL's handling of this matter. The league's decision will speak volumes about whether it is serious about holding its players to a higher standard.