Vick: Once Innovative, Now Indicted

As previously stated, Michael Vick is flashier than Tom Brady, more exciting than Peyton Manning, and more productive than Rex Grossman. Unfortunately, Vick has squandered his reputation. Brady, Grossman, and Manning have accrued conference championships. Vick has flipped off fans and tested airport security. On Tuesday, he completely disintegrated.

Yesterday, Vick was indicted. Vick, as well as associates Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips, and Tony Taylor were charged with competitive dog fighting. They were also charged with procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines. The potential federal penalties? Six years incarceration. Substantial fines and restitution.

NFL reaction was severe. “We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him,” a statement read. “The activities are cruel, degrading, and illegal. Michael Vick's guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts.”

Atlanta Falcons’ reaction was similar. “Our club and team will continue to be tested as Michael works through the legal process toward a conclusion,” the statement said. “We are prepared to deal with it, and we will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out. We are disappointed that one of our players -- and therefore the Falcons -- is being presented to the public in a negative way, and we apologize to our fans and the community for that.”

During his career, Vick has completed 930 of 1,730 passes for 11,505 yards with 71 touchdowns and 52 interceptions. He has also logged 523 carries for 3,859 yards and 21 touchdowns. In 2006, Vick hit 204 of 388 aerials for 2,474 yards with 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Vick has scrambled six years. Regrettably, he has achieved little. He is twenty-seven, a millionaire, and a defendant. Vick should have revolutionized. Instead, he became repetitive. Vick befriended losers, discarded opportunity, and flouted authority. Roger Goodell should punish accordingly.