Vick Indicted on Federal Charges

By: T. Love

Well Falcons’ fans, it is the day that some of us hoped would never come. Quarterback Michael Vick has been charged with two felony counts stemming from the dog fighting investigation that first took place on his Surry County, Va., property in late April. The charges include: Conspiracy to travel interstate commerce in aid of unlawful acts and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. There are some pretty graphic details in the indictment (To view the PDF version of indictment, please click here. ) and it looks like No. 7 will be no more. It would be a miracle, once this trial goes through for the judge to say “not guilty” at the end of this one.

Vick, who has been a lightning rod for bad press and criticism both on and off the field now has his back pressed firmly against the wall. Back in April when the story first broke, Vick stated that he was rarely at the home that sits at 1915 Moonlight Road in a secluded neighborhood. The Falcons’ QB said, “I left the house to some family members and apparently they weren’t doing the right thing.” Now it is up to his legal team to prove if that is actually the case.

As for the immediate to this case, Vick has yet to turn himself in to authorities this evening and that is scheduled to take place sometime on Wednesday. Team owner Arthur Blank and General Manager Rich McKay are currently out of the country, but the organization has released this official statement.

“This situation has been troubling to many people, including our fans, during the last few months. With today’s news, our club and team will continue to be tested as Michael works through the legal process toward a conclusion.

Obviously, we are disturbed by today’s news from Virginia. However, we are prepared to deal with it, and we will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out. We have a season to prepare for and training camp opens next week. Our plan is to continue to do everything we can to support our players and coaches.”

Blank should do just that. For those unfamiliar with the legal process, an indictment is brought forth against an individual when investigators believe there is enough evidence for a conviction. Proving the evidence in the court of law is a totally different process.

Blank is in a tough spot as Atlanta “fans” have been calling for Vick’s head all offseason after the water bottle incident that happened in a Miami airport in mid-January. That incident came after No. 7 gave the “dirty bird” to “fans” while exiting the Georgia Dome field following a 31-13 defeat to division rival to New Orleans, sending the team to its fourth-straight loss (Vick was 9-24 passing with 84 yards, while rushing for 166). These incidents are the most recent to go along with the “Ron Mexico” allegations, so it is easy to see why Falcons’ “fans” are fed up.

Rightfully so.

The turmoil surrounding Vick has created a disconnect between fans as half sit on the side as “haters”, while the rest are labeled “apologist”.

I like to consider myself somewhat of an apologist, but my reasoning stems from a belief that every man/woman deserves their day in court. I will not convict him on past offenses or throw out the obligatory “he’s a thug” and think that holds any barring on the current situation. If Vick is found guilty in the court of law, then he deserves whatever is coming to him. Until a judge says “guilty”, Michael Vick is innocent (despite some pretty damning accusations in the indictment).

Let’s look at Vick’s past offenses.

He “supposedly” gave a woman STDs and used a fake name to go into a health clinic. I would probably use a fake name too if I was in the same situation.

Tried to carry a water bottle onto an airplane that had a secret compartment that contained “a dark particulate” that smelled similar to marijuana. Lab test showed that it was not marijuana so no wrong doing on his part. Maybe being an ass in the airport, but who hasn’t?

Flicking off fans after a game. O.K., that was pretty bad. He screwed up big and it was pretty disappointing that the face of the franchise could not control his emotions better. However, he was obviously provoked. I pay $1,762 per season to watch the Falcons every Sunday in the Georgia Dome and that does NOT give me the right to say whatever I want to these players, but Vick should still hold himself to professional standards.

Vick has had plenty of run ins, but none as serious as the dog fighting operation allegations. These prior offenses will not be grounds to pass judgment. Does this look bad for him? Shit yea and punishment from the league is forthcoming.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been adamant (a little too much) in cleaning up the leagues image. Adam “Pacman” Jones was suspended the entire season for 10 separate incidents with police and “Tank” Johnson was given an eight-game vacation after spending 60 days in prison for weapons charges. Vick is the first “marquee” athlete to come under fire and Goodell can’t bend on his policy now.

Vick at the very very least should receive a four-game suspension. However, a year-long suspension would perhaps be in the best interest of Vick, the Atlanta Falcons and the National Football League for a few reasons. First, it will alleviate much of the tension that will certainly surround the team as they head into training camp next week. The relief of Vick will also prepare the Falcons’ for life without him as 2007 is pretty much the end of his career with the organization (league?) unless he has a Ray Lewis “Double Buckhead Murder Circa 2000-01 Season”. The suspension will also allow Vick due process, but he can remain out of the public eye until the conclusion of the trial. Probably where he needs to be.

Two weeks ago, ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli reported that Vick was unlikely to be indicted and many of the Vick supporters were happy and began to exonerate him of all wrong doing. ESPN has been wrong on everything since about forever, so it was important to remember that the case still has a long way to go. Well, the indictment has come down, but this process still has a long way to go. However, this was definitely a few steps in the wrong direction.

Vick has got to take more responsibility for his actions and be more conscious of who he hangs around. Most people would say, “Leave those punks behind as they obviously are only dragging you down.” This one is on you Mike. Whether the indictment turns into a conviction or not, you put yourself in this position. This is yet another “black eye” for the franchise, but after 40 years of existence and never having back-to-back winning seasons, this is just another black eye or a kick in the balls.

Despite all of this, stay positive Falcons’ fans. We don’t know what will happen with Vick. It’s out of our hands and it was never in our hands to begin with. Let this situation play out and root for the 90 other men that are battling for a spot on the roster to represent this city on Sunday’s. We may lose one, but we must still support the others. It’s the Atlanta Falcons, not the Atlanta Vicks. I’ve been losing with this team since 1983 and I’m not going to stop now.

Here’s to 2007!!!! Go Falcons!!!!!