Indicted

Well, it's now official. Atlanta Falcons' quarterback, Michael Vick, has been indicted by the federal grand jury in connection with the dogfighting in Virginia. The indictment is for conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District in Richmond, Virginia. Vick, along with three others, Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips, and Tony Taylor, were also indicted on similar charges.

While I am disappointed by the news, I stand by ESPN analyst Michael Clayton's assessments, in stating that since this is Vick's first brush with the law and he has yet to be proven guilty, the Falcons should stand by him as their starting quarterback and commissioner Roger Goodall shouldn't suspend him unless he is proven guilty.

The problem will be that this case could drag on for the entire football season. This could be quite reminiscent of the Kobe Bryant venture with the Lakers a few years ago when a woman claimed that he'd raped her. Vick and the Falcons will have to remain extremely focused throughout the course of the season and Vick will have to display his leadership on the field unlike ever before, so that his teammates know he's there to win a football game and that's the only thing on his mind.

It's been an interesting month. What started with a federal investigator stating there was enough evidence to indict Vick took a turn a couple weeks ago, when the feds stated that Vick would most likely not be indicted. The rollercoaster ride took another turn for Vick and the Falcons today, as it was made known that the quarterback would indeed be indicted by the grand jury. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised to see many of Vick's sponsors back away from the star quarterback, much in the manner of Kobe, but like with Bryant, I'd be surprised if the team and the league commissioner did likewise. While the man has been indicted, he hasn't been proven of guilt. If that does occur, then I think he should be suspended for a season. If it doesn't, then no suspension should transpire at all.