NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has told beleaguered Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick to stay away from training camp while the league completes it’s own investigation. He also told the Falcons to hold off on any form of punishment until the investigation is done.
Vick is set to be arraigned Thursday on charges of operating a dogfighting operation. Coincidentally, Thursday is also opening day for Falcons training camp.
Goodell made this statement in a letter sent to Vick:
“While it is for the criminal justice system to determine your guilt or innocence, it is my responsibility as commissioner of the National Football League to determine whether your conduct, even if not criminal, nonetheless violated league policies, including the Personal Conduct Policy.”
Goodell did say that Vick will still receive his preseason pay. PETA has been actively demonstrating lately, as they did one at the Falcons headquarters on Monday and last week at the NFL offices in New York.
Personally, I think if he is guilty he should be suspended from the NFL for life. But until the legal system runs it course, he should be “presumed innocent until proven guilty.” Such a cliché I know, but it is the American way although the new American way seems to be the media convicting an athlete before the legal system has it’s chance to do so.
