by Todd Pheifer

Created on: December 18, 2008

In general, Michael Vick, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, is in the NFL "doghouse" (no pun intended) for one simple reason. Most organizations do not like it when their employees take steps to become convicted felons. Therefore, Vick's incarceration puts the NFL in a position where they are forced to look for ways to sever ties with their once great superstar. Even when Vick gets out of prison, he may face an additional suspension by the league. Here are a few specifics about Michael Vick and his ongoing "relationship" with the NFL.

Public perception

In many ways the NFL of today is trying very hard to project a positive image regarding the character of it's player. To be sure, the league wants people to picture hard hits and spectacular feats of gladiator conflict. However, they want their players to still appear "clean and tidy." Vick going to prison is not part of a positive public relations campaign. Granted, professional sports leagues have had "bad seeds" forever, but modern leagues are doing their best to keep up appearances in order to keep certain sponsors happy.

We love our dogs

The situation is also impacted by the nature of Vick's crimes. I suppose you could argue that "crime is crime", but there are certain acts in society that are considered more heinous than others. America does love their dogs very much. Many people, particularly those who regard the dog as their "best friend", considered Vick's transgressions particularly cruel. It isn't as if he committed mail fraud. He killed Fido and Fluffy in particularly mean ways.

Tolerance

Again, Michael Vick is not in the good graces of the NFL because the new commissioner is trying to establish a new order in the league. The NFL will still put up with troublemakers if they are talented enough, but they can't defend the actions of their players if they are in prison. The new "commish" has handed out stricter fines and suspensions in order to impress on players that he wants a certain type of behavior.

In many ways, Vick is a tragic story. He once signed a $100 million contract, and now he has filed for bankruptcy. Will the NFL take Michael Vick back if they think he can still play? Probably. However, recent years have shown that the league is a little less willing to give chance after chance. It may be that Vick no longer has the physical tools to play once he leaves prison. If he does, it will interesting to see if he can stay out of the "doghouse", both literally and figuratively.

Learn more about this author, Todd Pheifer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.