How Many Games Should Vick Be Suspended?

[Dlyne8r]

Considering Pacman Jones’ suspension of 10 games, and what he has been accused of, I would recommend that Vick be tossed for the entire season. Of course we’ve all heard the arguments and comparisons between Vick and Pacman, and that Vick has not had the number of run-ins w/ the law, etc. etc., but Vick has apparently done immeasurable harm to those animals not to mention his teammates, his team owner, and God knows what else. If the NFL is going to be consistent with their new get tough policies, then they need to dish the same, if not similar, punishment to Vick that they have to Pacman.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Dlyne8r

Considering Pacman Jones’ suspension of 10 games, and what he has been accused of, I would recommend that Vick be tossed for the entire season. Of course we’ve all heard the arguments and comparisons between Vick and Pacman, and that Vick has not had the number of run-ins w/ the law, etc. etc., but Vick has apparently done immeasurable harm to those animals not to mention his teammates, his team owner, and God knows what else. If the NFL is going to be consistent with their new get tough policies, then they need to dish the same, if not similar, punishment to Vick that they have to Pacman.

That's sort of what I'm leaning toward as well. I have a feeling though that something will be worked out where he's suspended indefinitely but with pay, with no opportunity to return before the 5th game of the season.

[Dlyne8r]

"SmootSmack: That's sort of what I'm leaning toward as well. I have a feeling though that something will be worked out where he's suspended indefinitely but with pay, with no opportunity to return before the 5th game of the season."

That is exactly what is being said here in Atlanta. If the Falcons (and Arthur Blank especially) place Vick on an “indefinite leave,” even with pay, the organization appears to be placing some type of disciplinary action toward Vick. But, they also would look like they were offering some amount of support for Vick in case he is exonerated. Finally, the scenario you mention would avoid the impending media frenzy and accompanying distractions to the team.

[Gmanc711]

I voted zero until he's proven guilty (which I think he is)...but unlike those in the other cases, this is his first time in serious trouble with the law/NFL, so I'm willing to give him the benifit of the doubt until his trial plays out.

If he is found guilty....than I dont think he should ever play again.

[onebum]

all of them, other than some

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by Dlyne8r

"SmootSmack: That's sort of what I'm leaning toward as well. I have a feeling though that something will be worked out where he's suspended indefinitely but with pay, with no opportunity to return before the 5th game of the season."

That is exactly what is being said here in Atlanta. If the Falcons (and Arthur Blank especially) place Vick on an “indefinite leave,” even with pay, the organization appears to be placing some type of disciplinary action toward Vick. But, they also would look like they were offering some amount of support for Vick in case he is exonerated. Finally, the scenario you mention would avoid the impending media frenzy and accompanying distractions to the team.

That's pretty much what I posted earlier. I read that they were considering a leave of absence, which makes sense. If I were his agent I would take the initiative to get him some leave w/pay.

Suspended or not, I just don't see how he can get on the field w/all of this going on. People will give him hell everywhere the falcons go, including their own home stadium.

I can bet you one thing for sure, Va. Tech has been getting offers from Metallica & Dave Mathews to play free before kickoff on their opener, 9/1. I bet VT won't be inviting Michael back anytime soon!

[Paintrain]

At this point I'd say zero.. Right now he's been indicted but not convicted of anything. This is his first ever offense with the law so there is not a history like there was with Pac-Man, Chris Henry or Tank Johnson.

Without an admission or a conviction, there is no proof he lied to the NFL or the Falcons.

If/when he is convicted or agrees to a plea deal then he will get his just punishment from the league. I expect him to agree to a plea and spend 4-8 months in jail and have at least an 8 game suspension.

[Chief X_Phackter]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

At this point I'd say zero.. Right now he's been indicted but not convicted of anything. This is his first ever offense with the law so there is not a history like there was with Pac-Man, Chris Henry or Tank Johnson.

Without an admission or a conviction, there is no proof he lied to the NFL or the Falcons.

If/when he is convicted or agrees to a plea deal then he will get his just punishment from the league. I expect him to agree to a plea and spend 4-8 months in jail and have at least an 8 game suspension.

I hope you are wrong. I hope they give him more than the maximum which is six years I think. The judge assigned to his case has a track record of handing down stiffer sentences than what the federal guidelines are, and I would like to see him do the same here. No pleas, no deals...send him away for a long time and never see his ass on a football field again.

Of course only if he's found guilty.

[irish]

Its a moot point because Vick is going to the slammer and by the time he gets out his career will be toast. Vick is done playing football.

[irish]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

At this point I'd say zero.. Right now he's been indicted but not convicted of anything. This is his first ever offense with the law so there is not a history like there was with Pac-Man, Chris Henry or Tank Johnson.

Without an admission or a conviction, there is no proof he lied to the NFL or the Falcons.

If/when he is convicted or agrees to a plea deal then he will get his just punishment from the league. I expect him to agree to a plea and spend 4-8 months in jail and have at least an 8 game suspension.

I heard a stat on sports talk 980 yesterday that said 99% of these Federal indictments end up in convictions. Now that the Feds are involved history says they take it all the way to the end. IMO Vick is finished.

Vick's bigger problem is that he is scheduled for court the day camp starts and the contract says that if he does not show up at camp (for whatever reason) all his bonus $ goes back to the team. First it will be his bonus money then his endorsements. Talk about going from the penthouse to the outhouse.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by irish

I heard a stat on sports talk 980 yesterday that said 99% of these Federal indictments end up in convictions. Now that the Feds are involved history says they take it all the way to the end. IMO Vick is finished.

Vick's bigger problem is that he is scheduled for court the day camp starts and the contract says that if he does not show up at camp (for whatever reason) all his bonus $ goes back to the team. First it will be his bonus money then his endorsements. Talk about going from the penthouse to the outhouse.

Irish, you may be on point with this. I'm hearing the same thing here on my end. Some people think this guy won't see the NFL ever again.

I'm hearing he could do like 3-6 years.

I think it's more like from the penthouse to the outhouse to the doghouse!

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by irish

I heard a stat on sports talk 980 yesterday that said 99% of these Federal indictments end up in convictions. Now that the Feds are involved history says they take it all the way to the end. IMO Vick is finished.

Vick's bigger problem is that he is scheduled for court the day camp starts and the contract says that if he does not show up at camp (for whatever reason) all his bonus $ goes back to the team. First it will be his bonus money then his endorsements. Talk about going from the penthouse to the outhouse.

I think Vick has made enough money that he is set for life and I know that he has a very good atty. who handles his money. The reason I know is because a relative of mine knows the atty and he's set for life.

[Dlyne8r]

Everyone on this board has offered very valid reasons for their choice in how many games Vick should be suspended, if any at all. That’s what makes this site so good: intelligent and informed conversation. But what frustrates me so much is this one simple thing: If this incident involved me or any one else on this board, we would be facing insurmountable obstacles. In fact, we most likely would lose our jobs, our income, and even worse, our families. Even if we had NOT been given the opportunity to go through the legal system. Why then should an athlete, or a celebrity, people that have huge amounts of income, be treated any different than we average people?

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by Dlyne8r

Everyone on this board has offered very valid reasons for their choice in how many games Vick should be suspended, if any at all. That’s what makes this site so good: intelligent and informed conversation. But what frustrates me so much is this one simple thing: If this incident involved me or any one else on this board, we would be facing insurmountable obstacles. In fact, we most likely would lose our jobs, our income, and even worse, our families. Even if we had NOT been given the opportunity to go through the legal system. Why then should an athlete, or a celebrity, people that have huge amounts of income, be treated any different than we average people?

Good thoughts. Well for one, our legal system doesn't treat athletes like average people because we don't treat them like average people.

Unfortunately, money can buy you freedom in this country. In this case, however, I think he'll be prosecuted, if not to the full extent of the law, enough to make the average Joe happy about it.

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by Dlyne8r

Everyone on this board has offered very valid reasons for their choice in how many games Vick should be suspended, if any at all. That’s what makes this site so good: intelligent and informed conversation. But what frustrates me so much is this one simple thing: If this incident involved me or any one else on this board, we would be facing insurmountable obstacles. In fact, we most likely would lose our jobs, our income, and even worse, our families. Even if we had NOT been given the opportunity to go through the legal system. Why then should an athlete, or a celebrity, people that have huge amounts of income, be treated any different than we average people?

Welcome to America. $$ talks.