We keep hearing the phrase "could trigger a lifetime ban from the NFL" in various media reports about Michael Vick's involvement in bankrolling a gambling operation in connection with his dogfighting outfit. 
But from what we're hearing from league sources, a lifetime ban isn't a realistic outcome once Vick is eventually out of prison. Remember, no one in NFL history has ever been banned for life for gambling. Former Colts quarterback Art Schlichter was suspended indefinitely for gambling and sat out the 1983 season, but was reinstated a year later. Former Lions defensive lineman Alex Karras and former Packers running back Paul Hornung were suspended for a year in 1963 for betting on games.
My sense is in talking to people around the league that Vick will certainly be sanctioned severely in connection with gambling, as well as the dogfighting operation as a whole, but that commissioner Roger Goodell will take a wait-and-see approach as to just how long the suspension will last. Once "the legal process concludes" - the catchphrase for getting out of jail - the league will revisit the situation and likely put a more definitive timetable on a suspension.
Vick would then have to meet certain behavioral benchmarks before being allowed to be reinstated. If he doesn't, then he could see himself in a similar situation to Bengals suspended linebacker Odell Thurman. Goodell suspended him for the entire 2006 season because of substance abuse problems. When Thurman applied for reinstatement for this season, Goodell turned him down because league-appointed doctors had determined that Thurman was still having alcohol-related problems. Thurman is now out for the entire 2007 season.
Of course, a lot of what happens with Vick depends on how much jail time he actually faces. Prosecutors are recommending 12-18 months, but Judge Henry Hudson told him yesterday that he will be the one deciding how long he spends behind bars.
And we still don't know the outcome of potential charges against Vick at the state level. If he is convicted or pleads guilty to animal cruelty charges in Virginia, he could face so much jail time that resuming his career would be impossible because he'd be too old.
Coming back is a risky proposition, anyway, since he'd have to find a team willing to put up with the controversy he'd be sure to engender by trying to play again.
Comments (6)
"a team willing to put up with the controversy"
And there's the rub. Never underestimate PETA.
Bob:
I think Vick should be suspended from the NFL for 3 years. Goodell seems to understand that suspensions are commensurate with the severity of the crimes. Pacman has a 1 year suspension and he hasn't been convicted of anything, so Vick's not getting a year.
From a football standpoint, what team in their right mind would revamp their entire offensive gameplan to accomodate Vick if and when he does return to the league? This may sound like revisionist history, but I was never impressed with Vick's accuracy and his overwhelming reliance on 1 receiver (Crumpler). Aside from that one season where they made it to the NFC title game, he has not been an elite QB.
I'm interested in your response from a football standpoint.
Darren:
From a football standpoint, I wouldn't touch the guy when all the jail/suspension time is over. I've always had him high on my "All Overrated Team," and I would never for a minute consider revamping my offense around him after 2-3 years off.
I think the only way he gets back in - if he even does get back in - is if someone takes a flier on him as a backup.
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