How long does an indefinite suspension last? It sounds like some sort of sports-themed Zen riddle, but it was a question on the minds of many football fans regarding the suspension of noted animal lover and one-time NFL quarterback Michael Vick.
Since Vick was released from federal custody earlier this month, many sportswriters have speculated on the timeline for Vick’s return to the NFL. Whereas once it seemed like a long shot that an NFL team would even entertain the notion of employing Vick, now it seems like almost an inevitably that someone will give him a shot. This afternoon, Vick came one giant leap closer to an NFL roster after commissioner Roger Goodell finally decided Vick’s fate.
Word trickled out this afternoon, first via an Adam Schefter tweet, then an ASSOCIATED PRESS report. The verdict?
Vick can immediately participate in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games—if he can find a team that will sign him. A number of teams have already said they would not.
[…]
Once the season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19).
The considerations for Vick’s full reinstatement are not clearly listed, but apparently they involved Vick to continue meeting regularly with retired Colts coach Tony Dungy, who is serving as a sort of mentor and sponsor for Vick as he attempts his comeback. Presumably, other conditions will involve Vick staying out of trouble and exhibiting a public aura of contrition.
Obviously, none of this will matter if no one steps forward to claim the wayward QB, but at least now teams have an understanding of what the limitations on his performance will be. And, of course, now we know the answer to the riddle: How long does an indefinite suspension last? For Michael Vick, anyways, the answer is 703 days.
5:46 pm on July 27th, 2009
This is complete BS. The man has lost everything. friends, money, livelihood, money, freedoms, hell the right to vote, and his dignity. No one disputes his mistakes and negligence. But what in the hell is 6 games when you spent 2 years in jail? What does 6 games prove? Goddell is a Joke and a Tyrant! There is no garuantee a team would even pick him up, let alone him playing ever again. Let Vick Play!!! I’m not even a Vick fan…Just a fan of fairness…
7:16 pm on July 27th, 2009
The NFL is setting a bad example by re-instating a convicted felon.
9:44 pm on July 27th, 2009
Hell no! I would not attend any game, no matter what the team, if I knew he was on the field.
9:58 pm on July 27th, 2009
If that a-hole ever makes one cent at pro football then there is no justice in this world. For a rich man to get his ha ha’s killing poor innocent dogs- he should be in jail for a full 5 years and then be a street bum.
The NFL should be boycotted by all sponsors and people for harboring an ASSHOLE.
Im half his size and I’d like 5 minutes with him with no legal penalties. You wouldn’t have to worry about him anymore with no arms and no balls!
I guess you know my feelings are a bit strong on this matter.
11:59 pm on July 27th, 2009
I think you should boycott all sporting events and entertainment if they contain a single killer, wife beater, dogfighter, or drug user. After a few years in that isolation tank, perhaps you’ll be a little more realistic about the frailty of society’s morality.
3:44 pm on August 18th, 2009
Yeah Sure Give Vick another chance…….my ass
GIVE THE DOGS HE KILLED ANOTHER CHANCE TO LIVE DON’T GIVE THE KILLER ANOTHER CHANCE
His 60 minutes appearance was a farse he should get 20 years to Life for that alone