NFL thinks dog torturing is fine, will let Vick play – ESPN
July 19, 2007 by William K. Wolfrum
With Pacman Jones and Chris Henry, the NFL acts before the courts do. With Michael Vick, they want to wait things out so the courts can decide.
Translation: The NFL is pro-dog torture.
Vick reportedly contrite; sources say NFL to let him play for now
ATLANTA — On a day when Atlanta Falcons officials were publicly silent about the legal entanglements of Michael Vick, there was still plenty of private discussion inside the team complex Wednesday over the crisis that now swirls around the franchise and its high-profile quarterback.
And some of the most-critical dialogue of all might have been between Vick and the man who could ultimately determine his future with the team.
Several league sources told ESPN.com on Wednesday night that Vick spoke by phone with Falcons owner Arthur Blank earlier in the day. The call was initiated by Vick, who Tuesday was indicted by federal authorities on charges related to an illegal dogfighting ring.
None of the sources knew or would divulge the exact wording of what is said to have been a fairly brief conversation. But Vick, who one associate said was “devastated” by the indictment, is believed to have been contrite, apologized for the distractions the case has created, and thanked Blank for his support.
In a statement released Thursday, Blank said the team is considering its options.
“This is an emotionally charged and complicated matter, Blank said. “There are a wide range of interests and legal issues that need to be carefully considered as we move ahead, including our need to respect the due process that Michael is entitled to. Also, this situation affects everyone — our club, our players and associates, our sponsors, our fans and the Atlanta community among them — so we must consider all of our customers in making any decisions.
“Given the differing perspectives and strong feelings around this issue, we probably won’t make everyone happy, but we are committed to doing the right thing. As the owner of this club that’s, ultimately, my responsibility.”
There was at least one conference call between Falcons officials and the league office to clarify the options available to both entities, and to discuss a possible course of action.
The Associated Press reported that after consulting with the Falcons, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and top league officials agreed Wednesday to let Vick play as the legal process determines the facts.
A person with knowledge of the meeting, who requested anonymity so the case would not be influenced, said the NFL would stick to that position for the foreseeable future, despite its new personal conduct policy, the AP reported.
–WKW
Jeffrey Dahmer started out by torturing small animals. Good to know the NFL doesn’t think anything bad could come from that.
I think anyone that has a Atlanta Falcon Vick Jersey should mailed it back to the NFL.
Sorry, I just don’t see what any of this has to do with football. I would hate to think that my employer could punish me just based on the fact that I have been accused of something.
Wonder cow, I think is a different situation. The NFL position itself as an organization commited to public service and their players as role models. They say right there in their website “For the National Football League, the game of football is about more than making plays on the field. It is about making them off the field as well. Our commitment to fans and the communities that support us does not end when the final seconds tick off the game clock. The NFL’s commitment to public service is strong and has grown over the decades.” I believe that if you are going to talk the talk, walk the walk. I think the situation with Vick and the NFL is more like a goverment official having to step aside after being indicted for corruption. The guilt has not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt but the mere presence of the accused causes a serious embarassment to the organization and what stands for.
Um… if a police officer is involved in a shooting (meaning the officer shoots someone) then he or she is usually put on paid leave while the shooting is investigated. Their superiors don’t just take the shooter’s word for what happened. So, there’s an example of when the employer takes a cautionary approach to something an employee does or may be suspected of. Any time teachers are accused of anything, they get put on paid leave while the accusations are sorted out. There’s another example.
“The NFL position itself as an organization committed to public service and their players as role models.”
And they should stop being such phonies. The NFL is about one thing: money. As far as I’m concerned the league is trash and it would be no great loss if the whole thing went away over night.
“Um…”
Both of the cases you mention Miranda are based on more than just appearance of impropriety. There are safety issues, for students in the case of teachers, and for the public in the case of the police officers.
What is the danger of Vick continuing to play? Is he going to abuse dogs on the field?
The only danger is that the NFL is perceived in a negative light, as if they don’t care about the fact that dogs were abused. Which, by the way, they don’t.
It just amazes me how athletes are held to this type of standard while other high profile individuals, like actors for example, can get away with just about anything without anyone demanding they be fired (before they are found guilty).
What is it exactly about certain athletes (football, baseball, basketball) that compels us to couple their personal life so closely with what they do on the field\court?
IMO, they are being hit from two different camps: people who are really into sports (like our friend Bill), and people who don’t like sports at all.
And just so there is no confusion, I love animals. Dog fighting, gamecock fighting, and strapping animals to the roofs of station wagons anger me also.
I’ve had multiple jobs where employers have let people go because it became known they were arrested for drug and/or weapons offenses outside of the workplace. I see no difference with this situation. Legally it might be a grey area if the employee wanted to fight it. But in my mind it’s part of the consequences of committing felonies.
Besides I wouldn’t want to be the one to work in the next cube over from Michael Vick if we were both programmers at IniTrode. He might mess up a TPS report and strangle me like one of his puppies.
“Besides I wouldn’t want to be the one to work in the next cube over from Michael Vick if we were both programmers at IniTrode. He might mess up a TPS report and strangle me like one of his puppies.”
Humm..An office space reference. Do I know you sir?
You do have a point , wonder call. I also believe that the NFL is about money.
Anyway, for those interested, here is a little something from the US humane society: “Ask Nike to sever all ties with Michael Vick immediately, with an email to Nike President, CEO and Director Mark Parker”: https://community.hsus.org/campaign/US_2007_dogfighting_nike?qp_source=gaba7g