Wednesday, August 29, 2007

NFL: National Felon League II

Now that convicted felon Michael Vick has entered his guilty plea to conspiracy charges before a federal judge one may make a comment about an appropriate outcome in the case. The most relevant fact is the conspiracy was to further an interstate gambling enterprise. As part of that criminal enterprise, Vick admitted killing fighting dogs. That alone is bad enough, but the inducement for Vick to plead guilty was that he would avoid also being charged with illegal interstate gambling and racketeering. The facts surrounding his financing and operation of "Bad Newz Kennels" certainly would have supported those additional charges which carry longer prison sentences.

Vick works for an entertainment business that is heavily influenced by gambling interests. You would have to have unplugged your TV set for the past 10 years not to know that millions of dollars change hands each weekend during the season based upon the outcome of professional football games. Tony Soprano's North Jersey mob empire included lucrative take from "sports book". Vick demonstrated his propensity for criminality surrounding gambling in all its forms. He did not bet on his own performance, but he was more than willing to bet on the performance of his own animal gladiators. Dog fighting is a growing and lucrative criminal business. An estimated 40,000 Americans are involved in the illegal activity. Some prize purses can be as much as six figures. Understandably few fighting dogs receive veterinary care. Experts estimate that 9 out 10 fighting dogs are euthanized. Similarly, in the NFL money holds sway over ethics and morality. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank demonstrated that by not terminating Vick's employment for adequate cause, but only suspending him from the team indefinitely. Blank's reason of course, was money. Atlanta is suing Vick for his $22 million signing bonus. Once Vick emerges from a relatively short prison term, he will be eligible for reinstatement in the League. Baseball player Pete Rose was banned for life from major league baseball for betting on himself. A lifetime ban from pro football would be appropriate for Vick. He should not only grow up, but move on in his life. My advice would be the same if he were white. He could find a useful, new career in caring for the animals he so ruthlessly exploited for fun and profit.