Falcons' Vick indicted in dogfighting probe - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

flambers · 07-17-2007, 03:46 PM

http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story/?ID=213854&hubname=

Will be interesting to see how the NFL reacts to this story, with their new policy does Vick get suspended immediately (i.e. like Pacman)?

AaronSJ · 07-17-2007, 05:34 PM

Goddell (who I think has done a great job so far) likely won't suspend Vick until/unless he's found guilty. Vick's never been in trouble before and the conduct policy only allows for immediate suspension of repeat offenders.

However, this is going to be a huge story all season long... and obviously a big distraction for the league and the Falcons. I wouldn't be surprised to see Vick released after this all unfolds (assuming he's guilty, which I do)... and that's insane considering he's got another 8 years on his contract, which is even richer than Peyton Manning's (and $37 million is guaranteed).

I think they'll regret trading Matt Schaub.

FlamingLonghorn · 07-17-2007, 07:27 PM

Federal investigator's rarely pursue charges unless they pretty much know they can get a convictions something like a 87% conviction rate. Vick's screwed...

ricoFlame · 07-17-2007, 08:16 PM

if all the pitbull carcasses burried in his back yard wasn't enough evidence, i don't know what more that they'd need.

Slava · 07-17-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sowa

Federal investigator's rarely pursue charges unless they pretty much know they can get a convictions something like a 87% conviction rate. Vick's screwed...

###. I like to watch Vick play, but dog-fighting is horrible. Sounds like they ran through his bank records for the past few years in the process of the indictment....he is going down for sure. Maybe the CFL will take him after he is all done?

Flames4LifeFLA · 07-17-2007, 08:38 PM

This story infuriates me and sickens me simultaneously. How anyone can behave so brutally with defenseless animals is way, way beyond my comprehension. When the FEDS are bringing you in, you know they aren't lacking evidence anymore. Looks like this is past the point of him "maybe being involved."

Whether he was tangibly, physically involved in these acts (the actual dog fighting) remains to be seen. And I'm all for innocent until proven guilty. But he is pushing his luck, especially if he was originally lying about being involved in the first place.

If him and his posse are full-blown guilty, I they BETTER bring down the hammer, hard. Hope he has to write a huge, fat check to the Humane Society and never takes another NFL snap. Just disgusting, Michael Vick.

CaptainCrunch · 07-18-2007, 08:31 AM

If Vick is actually tried and found guilty, the NHL won't have to do anything about it, Vick will end up in prison for a short period of time.

After watching him play last year, is he really a big loss to the Falcons, He's a better running version of Nealon Greene with a stronger but more erratic arm.

I think Goodall is serious about an NFL career being a privledge and not a right, and he's hammered down on some pretty good players over thier run ins with the law.

But I very much doubt that Vick is going to play this year as it stands. The Falcon's might be wise to dump him and sign Culpepper to a cheaper contract.

FlamingLonghorn · 07-18-2007, 08:52 AM

btw I was wrong the Fed's conviction rate is over 95%

rubecube · 07-18-2007, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronSJ

Goddell (who I think has done a great job so far) likely won't suspend Vick until/unless he's found guilty. Vick's never been in trouble before and the conduct policy only allows for immediate suspension of repeat offenders.

I would say Vick is a repeat conduct offender. The Ron Mexico incident, flipping off his own fans, and now this. He should at least get 4 games.

socalwingfan · 07-18-2007, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubecube

I would say Vick is a repeat conduct offender. The Ron Mexico incident, flipping off his own fans, and now this. He should at least get 4 games.

Don't forget the water bong at airport security

AaronSJ · 07-18-2007, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socalwingfan

Don't forget the water bong at airport security

I was actually at the Miami airport (where the incident happens) on the same day -- different terminal, though.

But you and RubeCube bring up good points -- although he hasn't been suspended before, he's certainly no stranger to trouble.

I'd love to see him suspended now, but I still don't think it will happen.

nfotiu · 07-18-2007, 12:35 PM

I bet the Falcons kind of hope he does get suspended. They were losing patience with him anyway. They definetly don't need this baggage all year. If I was a Falcons fan, I'd have a very tough time cheering for him after these reports. I imagine they have more than a few ticket holders who don't want their money going to someone who brutually tortures and kills dogs.

Antithesis · 07-18-2007, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

If Vick is actually tried and found guilty, the NHL won't have to do anything about it, Vick will end up in prison for a short period of time.

After watching him play last year, is he really a big loss to the Falcons, He's a better running version of Nealon Greene with a stronger but more erratic arm.

I think Goodall is serious about an NFL career being a privledge and not a right, and he's hammered down on some pretty good players over thier run ins with the law.

But I very much doubt that Vick is going to play this year as it stands. The Falcon's might be wise to dump him and sign Culpepper to a cheaper contract.

He's up on a felony though ... I know he is rich/famous, but this is also a federal offense. Public outcry over this (justifiably so --- it is going to become the Next Big Cause) on top of the horror of the allegations would add up to a prison sentence (if he is found guilty) measured in years rather than weeks or months. He will not be getting the maximum sentence of six years, but if guilty, he will get the book thrown at him, as much as is possible with him not having any previous substantial legal issues.

There is no doubting his tremendous athletic ability, but I have never been a huge fan of his, on or off the field (Ron Mexico, flipping off the fans, etc) and I agree that him being unable to play this season, or for portions of this season won't be a huge loss for the Falcons. Culpepper could be a good possiblity but Atlanta's offense has never struck me as the so-called vertical style ... they seem to make more plays to the Tight End or running plays, but I could be mistaken. Like I said, I've never really been a big fan.

CaptainCrunch · 07-18-2007, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antithesis

He's up on a felony though ... I know he is rich/famous, but this is also a federal offense. Public outcry over this (justifiably so --- it is going to become the Next Big Cause) on top of the horror of the allegations would add up to a prison sentence (if he is found guilty) measured in years rather than weeks or months. He will not be getting the maximum sentence of six years, but if guilty, he will get the book thrown at him, as much as is possible with him not having any previous substantial legal issues.

There is no doubting his tremendous athletic ability, but I have never been a huge fan of his, on or off the field (Ron Mexico, flipping off the fans, etc) and I agree that him being unable to play this season, or for portions of this season won't be a huge loss for the Falcons. Culpepper could be a good possiblity but Atlanta's offense has never struck me as the so-called vertical style ... they seem to make more plays to the Tight End or running plays, but I could be mistaken. Like I said, I've never really been a big fan.

I kind of want to revist my statement after doing some more reading on the indictment.

The fact that he was brutalizing puppies and executing losing dogs more then once, and it was witnessed means that this guy is now liquid magma to any NFL team out there.

I think its becoming more then likely that while the NFL will probably wait to decide on any kind of punishment, Arthur Blank who is very image concious might just cut his losses and start looking for another QB.

I know that the maximum prison term for this is 6 years, but if its tried in the Atlanta area, my gut tells me that he gets a massive fine and probation. From a media point of view, again magma, I'm sure that race will somehow be used in the defence of Vick.

My gut tells me (makes me hope) that his NFL career is over.

This whole thing is just sick.

I think a part of it goes back to the fact that I love dogs, I think they're the most loyal and trusting animal in the world. They'll fight for you, they'll entertain you, and they act like goofy kids around you if they like you. I don't know how someone can shoot, hang, electrocute or smash a puppy into the floor til they're dead.

I'd like to see how many Defensive ends and linebackers are dog owners out there.

Antithesis · 07-18-2007, 01:48 PM

I honestly think it's going to come down to the fact that this is not just a felony but a federal offense as opposed to his fame or race or anything like that. I also think this is going to become a huge news story in North America (not just for the sporting world) and there is going to be a huge, huge public outcry over the details of the alleged crimes. This will force the DAs to seek a really strong sentence. I think heads will roll if Vick is convicted and doesn't end up with a significant amount of jail time.

Clever_Iggy · 07-18-2007, 08:54 PM

With the Duke lacrosse debacle still fresh in the minds of the public, I think Goddell will sit back and let the justice system take the first shot. Then, depending on the outcome (guilty or not) he'll hand down his ruling. Guilty verdict = 20-22 games (1.5 season) which would effectively end his career. Not-Guilty = 3-5 games in combination with the bottle incident and the Ron Mexico incident.

Regardless, I hope this incident stops the constant marveling of how wonderful Vick is by NFL analysts and announcers like Michael Irvin and Michael Smith from ESPN.

The Falcons must be kicking themselves... not only did they trade Shaub months before finally needing him, but they traded away picks to San Diego who they used for pro-bowlers Shawn Merriman, Nate Keading and the lesser known LeDainian Tomlinson.

Sylvanfan · 07-18-2007, 10:01 PM

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19836601/site/newsweek/

Heres a brief artical on dog fighting and whats involved in it. Why someone would want to get involved in that is beyond me. If he is guilty I hope they come down hard on him and throw the book at him.

KTown · 07-18-2007, 10:04 PM

RON MEXICO at it again. Man do I love this guy. Nothing but entertainment in the offseason for my favourite sport.

Thank god he's not the dolphins qb.

CaptainCrunch · 07-18-2007, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KTown

RON MEXICO at it again. Man do I love this guy. Nothing but entertainment in the offseason for my favourite sport.

Thank god he's not the dolphins qb.

Don't think Green is much more of an answer is he?

Cowperson · 07-19-2007, 10:32 AM

I occasionaly frequent a few American dog/cat/pet related internet boards and the write-in campaigns against the NFL and Nike are gaining some traction . . . . . this will be a public relations disaster for the NFL to keep him playing and not so nice for Nike in terms of a boycott.

Nike is projected to have $17.6 billion in sales in 2008, about 40% of that in America.

An interesting story in the Atlanta Journal Constitution on Vick, his marketing deals and strategies for Nike.

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sp...ge_tab_newstab

Cowperson