NFL setting the stage for Vick suspension

Contrary to what the Len Pasquerelli’s, Chris Mortensen’s, and John Clayton’s of the world are saying, the NFL is clearly setting the stage to suspend Mike Vick regardless of whether he has been convicted of a crime. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has already set a precedent for suspending players whose conduct he deems detrimental to the integrity of the NFL before the players whose conduct is in question have been convicted of any crime, which is well within his power to do. The NFL’s first statement after Vick’s indictment on conspiracy charges may have slightly hinted at a “wait and see” approach, but it also may have revealed the league’s leanings on the matter, stating:

“We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him.” [emphasis added]

Today, in responding to protests outside the league’s office by PETA, the NFL issued a statement saying, in part:

“The alleged activities are very disturbing, and we are extremely disappointed Michael Vick has put himself in this position.” [emhpasis added]

The NFL offices are ran by lawyers who, as such, carefully choose which words to use in describing the current situation. Its words, while avoiding any presumption of guilt for commission of the acts alleged in the indictment, belie the league’s feelings that regardless of the level of Vick’s individual, direct involvement in the alleged acts, he is responsible for the firestorm that is raining down upon him and bringing negative attention to the league. The NFL has taken the stance that Michael Vick has put himself into his current position, and that, along with the precedent already set, suggests that the NFL has already made up its mind to take action against Vick; the league’s supposed “wait and see” approach is likely directed only toward just how harsh such action will be.

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