NFL reinstates Vick, but stigma to dog him

Michael Vick did his time, spending 20 months in federal custody after a dogfighting conviction.

Now that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has conditionally reinstated the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, the team that signs him - assuming that happens - will face its own trial in the court of public opinion.

Many will find the club guilty of enabling a felon who contributed to the maiming and death of dozens, if not hundreds,of dogs.

Vick, who remains on three years’ probation, will face new challenges himself. After an absence from the field of more than two years, he will attempt to revive his career and rediscover the specialtalents he displayed for six NFL seasons.

He last played a professional football game on Dec. 31, 2006.

“Nobody knows what kind of shape this guy is in and how rusty he’s gonna be,” former Washington Redskins and Houston Texans General Manager Charley Casserly said.

“It’s going to be more of a transition than even he realizes,” said ex-Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick.

As part of his reinstatement, Vick will serve at least a five-game suspension. He will have time to find his legs and his timing, reclaim his football acumen and ease into what figures to be a different and more limited role as a player.

But any team that signs Vick is likely to jump into controversy and public relations quicksand immediately.

The general outcry against Vick - which reached fever pitch before, during and after his trial - is expected to resume. Wherever he shows up, he probably will be joined by a cadre of protesters that includes animal rights activists, pet owners and anyone else angered and horrified by the abuses connected with dogfighting.

Many will vent their wrath via innumerable forms of media and social networking. Others will express their scorn for Vick (and whoever signs him) at the dinner table or coffee machine or simply shake their heads in disgust and root against his new team. Once he is activated, a flashing neon “Kick Me” sign will become part of his jersey.

“I’ve got three dogs, three cats and three horses,” said Mr. Billick, now a Fox television analyst. “My wife and daughter - talk about the vitriol they have for Michael Vick, I don’t think it’s something that people who aren’t animal lovers can understand.”

Actually, many do.

Mr. Billick and the Ravens dealt with something comparable, although not identical, nearly a decade ago. That’s when All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis faced double-murder charges along with two others, stemming from the stabbing deaths of two men after Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta in January 2000.

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