Vick Reinstated

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated quarterback and former dog-fighting ring operator Michael Vick to the league today. But he did so under a few conditions. Vick may sign with a team and go to training camp, but he will not be allowed to play until the final two preseason games. Then, once the season begins, Vick would be permitted to take part in all team activities and practices except for games until Week 6, at which point he will be eligible for full reinstatement. Basically, it's a five-game suspension. Of course, to get fully reinstated Vick has to earn it. He can't screw up again. As Goodell stated in his letter to Vick, "I accept that you are sincere when you say that you want to, and will, turn your life around, and that you intend to be a positive role model for others. I am prepared to offer you that opportunity. Whether you succeed is entirely in your hands."

Did the commissioner let him off easy? That's the point of view of many right now who would have just as soon seen Vick banished for life from the league or at least be suspended for the year. After all, playing in the NFL is a privilege, not a right. Being allowed basic freedoms, including being able to pursue a job in any profession now that he has done his time by serving two years in jail is his right. You can quibble with the length of his sentence, but it's a little too late for that. The real issue of the moment is that Goodell did not have to reinstate Vick. No one forced him to do so and many would have sided with him if he hadn't done so. No employer or industry is being forced to open their arms to welcome Vick right now. The guess here is that neither PETA nor Alpo will be giving him job opportunities. But the NFL is giving him a second chance and I happen to agree with Goodell's conditional reinstatement. I am in favor of forgiveness and redemption even for the type of hideous transgressions of which Vick is guilty. And yes, I'm a dog-owner and I'm appalled by what Vick did.

Not to get all preachy, but I don't think too many of us would get too far if we weren't offered forgiveness and second chances. Not everybody kills dogs, but everyone whether they are a professional athlete or not is guilty of something. No one is unblemished. I sincerely hope Vick gets his act together, speaks out against the terrible things he did, becomes a champion for animal rights, and tells kids about forgiveness and redemption. He has a heckuva mentor in his corner in Tony Dungy. I hope he leans on him constantly and learns from his goodness and wisdom. Do I really think all of these things will happen? Let's just say I'm not holding my breath. But Vick, just like anyone else, deserves a chance in my book.

Now, as for the fantasy ramifications of his reinstatement, we all must reserve judgment until he 1. signs with someone, and 2. stays on the straight an narrow. Having said that, regardless of where he signs I do not expect Vick to have a significant fantasy impact in 2009. No team is going to hand him the starting reins and it is doubtful that a quarterback who was a lousy passer to begin with got any better while sitting out of football for two years. He was never a great quarterback. Vick was a running back with a strong arm. A phenomenal athlete to be sure, but not a great quarterback. This is not to say he wasn't a fantasy commodity of some value. In many leagues he was. Any player that can rush for 1,000 yards and throw for 20 touchdowns, as Vick did in 2006 has some value. There are many who point to Vick as an ideal "Wild Cat" quarterback, and that may initially be his role wherever he signs. That's assuming he hasn't lost his ridiculous speed and elusiveness. If he has, he's in trouble from a job-search perspective. Again, we'll just have to wait and see where he ends up.

Many teams, just like many people, don't want to give Vick a chance. Many front-office types have stated that they have no intention of adding such a controversial player to their team. The Falcons released him in June. That is their right. But he will sign with someone; I don't doubt that for a second. His agent is fielding calls from teams right now. I would submit that fantasy owners in dynasty leagues who aren't boycotting Vick might want to take a last-round flier on him in hopes that he has a meaningful role by next season. That's the extent of his fantasy value at this juncture. Those in re-draft leagues need not waste a pick on him at this point.