BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea

[SmootSmack]

ARTICLE: Vick takes plea deal, avoids additional dogfighting charges (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com)

Vick is going to enter a guilty plea to the felony conspiracy charge next Monday at 10:30 a.m., said Lawrence Woodward, one of Vick's defense attorneys.

(From BrudLee): Alternate Link: FOXNews.com - Vick Attorney Says Star Quarterback Will Plead Guilty in Dogfighting Case - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

[MTK]

Smart move on his part. The quicker he gets this over with the better.

[MTK]

I wonder how Goodell will deal with Vick once he can come back, you would think he'll be forced to sit out another season at the very least.

[12thMan]

This is going to be one juicy thread. He's definitely done for the year now. You figure he'll do a minimum of 1 year, so that probably scratches 2008.

So the earliest he'll be back is '09....that's if he does a straight 12 month sentence.

[Dlyne8r]

Rumor: From everything I've read and heard, he may be done until 2010. BuhBye Michael...

[GusFrerotte]

Originally Posted by Dlyne8r

Rumor: From everything I've read and heard, he may be done until 2010. BuhBye Michael...

Where did you read that? Would like to look into that. Haven't heard squat up here, other than folks saying the year minimum and maybe earlier for good behavior type stuff. I think they are talking out of there butt though.

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by GusFrerotte

Where did you read that? Would like to look into that. Haven't heard squat up here, other than folks saying the year minimum and maybe earlier for good behavior type stuff. I think they are talking out of there butt though.

Simple math.

If one year (the bare minimum he could serve, and there would be outrage at that) started on August 28th - the day after his plea - then Vick would get out after training camp next year. IF he was signed walking out of Fulsom County Jail and faced a one year suspension (which, again, may be light considering the gambling aspect of the charges), he would be unable to train or practice with his team for a full year thereafter, leaving him out of game shape and without basic knowledge of his new team's playbook at the beginning of 2009 - which seems a waste for a franchise.

It is more likely that the CNN report of the government seeking 18-36 months is accurate, with Oookie serving 18 months, which definitely takes him out of the 2009 picture.

Regardless of his intentions with this deal, Vick is radioactive in the league now.

[Dlyne8r]

Originally Posted by GusFrerotte

Where did you read that? Would like to look into that. Haven't heard squat up here, other than folks saying the year minimum and maybe earlier for good behavior type stuff. I think they are talking out of there butt though.

My comment was based on a number of different media outlets (web, radio, tv, etc.). That's why I started my post with "Rumor." However, there is so much speculation right now, who the hell knows. If Vick begins with even the most lenient of possible sentences, one year, that takes him to almost the end of 2008. Potentially he may get 18-24 months and if he gets nailed with the suspension from the NFL after his prison term, well, 2010 may be the earliest he would be eleigible to be reinstated.

[BrudLee]

Curiously, the site is overwhelmed.

For those who have read the report, are potential State charges affected? The Surry County DA apparently has a bit of a mad-on right now.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

I don't care if I ever see vick in an NFL uni again this guys deserves whatever he gets. Just think he will be great in the Arena league

[skinsfan_nn]

FOR SUCH A DUMBASS.....smart move. Now the COMMISH gets his turn...? HAMMER TIME, ROUND II

[12thMan]

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick accepted a plea deal Monday and lengthy prison sentence to avoid additional federal charges in a dogfighting case that has driven his NFL career to a halt.

How long is lengthy?

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

I have a question. Does the NFL suspension begin when he gets out of jail?
I would assume so. Any info there guys?

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by artmonkforhallofamein07

I have a question. Does the NFL suspension begin when he gets out of jail?
I would assume so. Any info there guys?

Damn good question!

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by artmonkforhallofamein07

I have a question. Does the NFL suspension begin when he gets out of jail?
I would assume so. Any info there guys?

The commisioner hasn't suspended Vick yet. Presumably, he can do so at any time. The Falcons will be able to cut Vick and seek repayment of unearned bonus money (around $22.5 million) as soon as he is in default of his contract - first unexcused miss of practice, meeting, etc. Once arraigned, Vick will be in default, and he can be cut. The commissioner is in no hurry to suspend or ban Vick - he will face a jail sentence, and then any suspension will make it unlikely he will be signed.

Think about Tank Johnson. He is a talented DT, who broke the law served his time, faces an eight game suspension, and has no team - therefore his suspension doesn't start until he is signed. He hasn't been signed not because no one wants to hire a felon, but because no one wants to pay him and waste a roster spot for half the year. If Vick faces a one year suspension after his incarceration, no team will waste time or money waiting for him to (a) get into shape, (b) learn an offense, (c) serve a suspension, and (d) make a roster in the face of withering criticism from the general public.