
When you’re name is Mike Vick, you get a lot of special treatment. Being the second highest paid player in the NFL (only Peyton Manning makes more) is one of those benefits. Getting away with murder, it seems, may be another.
Pacman Jones, Chris Henry, and Tank Johnson were all suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for a combined total of 32 games for run-ins with the law, before he let the judicial system do its thing. However, when Mike Vick was indicted for hosting a dogfighting ring on his property, Goodell said he would wait and see what happens in court before he decides to suspend the $100M quarterback.
There is always the argument that maybe Goodell learned his lesson after the last suspension he made. Former Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson was suspended by Goodell after being pulled over in Arizona on suspicion of driving under the influence in June. After Johnson was suspended, the Bears released him for his ongoing legal troubles. Then on July 2, it was determined that Johnson’s blood alcohol content was .072, below the Arizona limit of .08, and all charges against Johnson were dropped. Had Goodell waited for these results, Johnson would not have been suspended, and would still have his job with the Bears.
There is also the argument that Goodell’s suspensions are for players with repeat run-ins with the law. All three afore-mentioned players had multiple legal troubles before being suspended. Vick however, has not.
And if you’re smart, and you don’t believe the first two arguments, there is always the argument that Mike Vick is good for the NFL. Regardless of his reputation, every game he plays in is going to be sold out. People are still going to be wearing their Vick jerseys. The bottom line is, Vick is a money-maker for the NFL. Falcons fans don’t want to go see their team, quarterbacked by Joey Harrington, go 4-12, and earn a high pick in next years draft.
Whether or not Vick plays in the 2007 season remains to be determined. There is also talk of Vick taking a voluntary paid leave of absence, to focus on his legal issues. If Vick is convicted, he could face 6 years in prison. But for now, Goodell says he’s in.
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