Crime and punishment: What sentence does Vick deserve?
By Evan Harmon
Winfield High School
Perhaps Michael Vick has finally found an opponent that will not allow him to scamper away untouched. In fact, it’s likely that Vick will lose a lot of ground in coming months.
After his guilty plea to federal charges of “conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities” and “to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture,” the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback is howling for mercy. However, once the dust finally settles and the December 10 sentencing is complete, what punishment will this renowned superstar ultimately face?
The most obvious and crushing consequence is the 12-18 month jail sentence that could be on Vick’s hazy horizon. It is also worth noting that the man presiding over Vick’s case, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, who is known for stiff sentences and little pity for the guilty regardless of their income, has the power to extend that sentence to a maximum of five years.
If Vick remains an inmate for that long, it is widely assumed that his days on the gridiron could be limited to a men’s flag football league. However, if the speedy dog-fighter is released after only a year and a half in prison, it seems likely that certain NFL general managers may sign him as a receiver or punt returner. It is unlikely, though, that Vick will ever line up behind center again.
Financially, Vick, the man whom so many have watched scramble away from defender after defender, could be facing sack upon sack in future days.
The Atlanta Falcons organization will attempt to recoup as much as possible of the $37 million in bonuses paid to Vick upon signing. The organization is hoping to recover $20 million.
Also, Nike has suspended its endorsement contracts with Vick without pay, due to protests from animal-rights groups. The multi-billion dollar company is expected to terminate sales of Vick-related shoes and other apparel as well. Reebok has also pulled the plug on the quarterback’s now-infamous No.7 jersey.
Two of the biggest names in the trading card industry, Donruss and Upper Deck, have also displayed disapproval. Donruss will pull Vick’s card from the stack in all 2007 releases, and Upper Deck has already removed Vick’s card as well as all autographed apparel from its on-line store.
And if the dollars aren’t running away from Vick fast enough, his NFL career is running away even faster. Commissioner Roger Goodell has pronounced an indefinite suspension for Vick, which can only hurt his hopes of a return in the future.
However, how do the teenagers feel about this issue? Surely those who bought his jerseys and chanted his name have something to say on the subject.
“I think that he should serve jail time, but I do not think he should be banned from the NFL forever,” said Falcons fan and Winfield junior Spiro Stilianoudakis.
“Michael Vick’s punishment is fair, but I feel he deserves a second chance because America is a forgiving country, and he deserves a second chance despite how inexcusable his actions were,” added Nick Fisher, a Winfield junior and state champion in track.
Others, however, are less forgiving.
Varsity soccer player Alex Ryan, a Winfield junior, does not mind watching Vick jump through legal hoops for a while. “I feel the punishment he received was adequate for the crime. He also needed to be made an example of — not only for dogfighting but also for the gambling.”
“I feel like Michael Vick deserves the punishment that any normal person should receive for the crime, regardless of social status,” said Winfield junior softball standout Ashley Brown.
Perhaps there is no clear-cut punishment for Vick. Whether one believes that forgiveness is the route to take or that harsh punishment is the only way to go, one thing remains certain: Vick is definitely in the doghouse now.
