NFL = 'No Fun League'

The NFL sure knows how to put a damper on things. While most of the Atlanta Falcons organization has been trying to wash its hands of Michael Vick, a few of his fellow teammates decided to show their support:

Roddy White and four other Atlanta Falcons were fined by the NFL for
violating uniform regulations with tributes to Michael Vick during last week's
Monday night game.
. . .

After scoring a touchdown, White displayed a "Free Mike Vick" T-shirt
under his jersey.

He, along with tight end Alge Crumpler and cornerbacks
DeAngelo Hall and Chris Houston, were fined US$10,000 each. Crumpler, Hall and
Houston all wore black eye strips with written tributes to Vick, which the
league called "displaying an unauthorized personal message."

Wide receiver Joe Horn was fined $7,500 for pullig up White's jersey to show the black T-shirt with handwritten white lettering. . . .

Hall (pictured above), was also fined for the poster he's holding in the picture.

Roger Goodell will do anything to suck the fun out of football. A regular 'ol Debbie (or should that be Dougie) Downer. What's the point other than to keep people from expressing themselves in an already over-regulated business? If they can't express themselves on the field, when can they express themselves? These guys aren't seen much off of the field. You didn't see Goodell fining any Washington Redskins or Baltimore Ravens players when they wore a similar display following the death of Sean Taylor.

Of course not. That would have been horrible for PR. Well, just because it's popular to hate on Michael Vick doesn't mean that the rules should be applied differently on a case by case basis. That's what makes the rule of law legitimate - applying it the same way to everyone. When you start picking and choosing who gets punished and how, you lose credibility.

BUT we know the bottom line in the NFL is dollars and (not common) cents so the league will only care about losing credibility when it results in a similar decrease in the wallet. . . which, judging by how terrible teams can still sell out every home game, will not be anytime soon.

NFL means Not (Gone) For Long

In case you haven't heard, Mike Vick filed his written plea agreement today (for those of you with the time and the patience, or who just need to know everything, here is a copy of the actual plea). He pretty much admitted to everything with which he was charged, only in the vaguest way possible. After looking at it, I'd have to say his lawyers are worth every million that he paid them. He was careful not to admit to personally benefiting from any gambling on the dogfights, which would amount to giving the NFL the noose to officially hang him and his cleats (sorry, I couldn't help it) up forever.

Following his plea, both the NFL, led by Commissioner Roger Goodell, and the Atlanta Falcons, led by Arthur "I was betrayed" Blank, responded with their own open letters/statements. (Oh, Vick's estranged father also resurfaced with his own tales about Vick, but I'm not even linking to this one, so you'll have to Google it on your own.)

The bottom line of the events today is that Vick has been suspended indefinitely from the NFL.

Blank made the following statement following the plea and the commissioner's decision to suspend Vick:

“Today, Michael Vick admitted his guilt to very serious charges related to his earlier indictment. His admissions describe actions that are incomprehensible and unacceptable for a member of the National Football League and the Atlanta Falcons.”

“We respect and support the Commissioner’s decision today to place Michael Vick on an indefinite suspension. As with other actions he has taken this year, the Commissioner is making a strong statement that conduct which tarnishes the good reputation of the NFL will not be tolerated.”

“We hope that Michael will use this time, not only to further address his legal matters, but to take positive steps to improve his personal life.”

Did he really say "tarnishes the good reputation of the NFL"? Nothing better than a billionaire with a sense of humor in supposedly serious situations. They claim there is more coming next week, so that's all I have to say about this statement.

Moving right along. In his open letter to Vick, Goodell expressed his disappointment, stating that Vick lied to his team, and (more importantly) he lied to Goodell. Ultimately, he suspended Vick indefinitely without pay. Concerning Vick's possible reinstatement into the league, Goodell said:

I will review the status of your suspension following the conclusion of the legal proceedings. As part of that review, I will take into account a number of factors, including the resolution of any other charges that may be brought against you, whether in Surry County, Virginia, or other jurisdictions, your conduct going forward, the specifics of the sentence imposed by Judge Hudson and any related findings he might make, and the extent to which you are truthful and cooperative with law enforcement and league staff who are investigating these matters. I urge you to give these individuals your full cooperation.

Let's take a closer look at this. This letter is open, and Goodell knows it, so he had to be as stern as possible to appease the people calling for Vick's head in a doggie bag. But see that last part of the above quote where he tells Vick exactly what he has to do to return to the NFL? That was Goodell giving us the "wink wink" that we shouldn't lose hope because we will see Vick play in the NFL again. He could have just said that the suspension would be reviewed in a year or after he completes his sentence, or something along those lines, but instead, he decided to go into way too much detail. Because justice and atoning for your actions are one thing, but money rules the world. You might as well set your TiVo now for the most watched game in NFL history. Mark my words.