Vick being sacked by the collateral consequences of an indictment
Earlier this week, as discussed here, USA Today had a long article discussing collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. But, as the on-going Michael Vick story highlights, just a criminal indictment can have profound consequences for the accused. The New York Times has this article covering the latest news on Vick:
The Atlanta Falcons were prepared to suspend quarterback Michael Vick for four games after he was indicted on federal felony charges related to a dogfighting operation before Commissioner Roger Goodell stepped in. On Monday, Goodell ordered Vick not to appear at training camp and the team to hold off on disciplining him.
Arthur Blank, the Falcons’ owner, speaking publicly for the first time since Vick was indicted last week, said the team had begun drafting the letter about the suspension when Goodell decided that the National Football League would conduct an investigation into the charges against Vick…. Blank said that he never asked Vick if he was involved in dogfighting — he spoke to Vick about putting himself in bad situations, Blank said — and that he had not spoken to Vick since last Wednesday.
More of the latest Vick coverage can be found in the Washington Post and in USA Today. Though the Falcons and the NFL are apparently making lawful employment decisions, it is interesting to see that Vick’s employer and the league in which he works are essentially treating him as guilty until he is proven innocent.
These collateral consequences realities must ratchet up the pressure on Vick to plead guilty and cooperate with authorities even if he might have a real chance to contest the charges in court. At this point, Vick’s lawyers are probably telling him that a quick plea deal and cooperation — rather than protracted and costly legal proceedings — likely presents Vick with the best hope of getting on with his football career and his normal(?) life.
Some recent related Vick posts: