Michael Vick’s attorneys announced today that he will enter a plea of guilt regarding federal dog fighting charges in Richmond, Va., essentially ending the career of the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback.
No aspects of the deal has been released, though ESPN and the NFL Network seem to believe a prison sentence of 10 to 12 months could be at play. Though, it’s possible Vick is looking at an 18 month prison sentence. That is before any suspension from the NFL.
So what happens to Vick’s playing career?
In my opinion, Vick’s playing career is over.
Vick can forget about playing this season and next season on an 18-month prison sentence. If the NFL follows what it did with other players who have have legal issues, Vick would then receive a year suspension from the league, according to ESPN’s John Calyton.
By that theory, it’s possible Vick will be out until at least the 2010 season. Most likely, the Falcons would not want him back on their sidelines.
Hence why I believe his playing career is done. I’m not quite sure that there will be a market for a 31-year-old athlete who has been out of the league for three seasons when he is eligible to return, especially with the multitude of quarterback talent that will rise into the NFL in the next three seasons (John David Booty, Colt McCoy, Colt Brennan, Pat White, etc.).
Vick has a long road ahead of him and that road doesn’t include a return to the NFL, though it could happen. Regardless, Vick is an athlete who waisted away a lot of talent in getting caught up in such a horrific illegal activity.
