Well the close of one chapter in what can now be called the sad saga of Michael Vick of the Atlanta Falcons has come to a conclusion. Judge Henry E. Hudson has sentenced Vick to 23 Months in Federal Prison, which was much longer than the Federal Prosecutors had recommended (12-18 months), and longer than his 2 co-defendants received (18 and 21 months each). Now the question will be asked, why did Vick receive this length of sentence?But this sentence should put an end to any speculation that athletics, or public figures receive "special consideration/treatment" in regards to commiting crimes. In fact, in this case, it appears that Vick received this sentence because of who he is.

One thing for certain, Judge Hudson did not think much of Vick's turning himself in early, nor his payment of almost one million ($928,000) for the care and housing of the dogs seized from his property. It appears that the judge was sending the following message: First, illegal dog fighting operations have no place in the United States. Second, even if one's upbringing makes him more likely to engage in illegal dog fighting, we expect that person to overcome the temptation to engage in that dog fighting. Third, wealth, fame, and privilege will not insulate guilty defendants from receiving tough sentences. Most likely Vick will serve at least 20 months of this sentence, based on it being his first, of any type of criminal offense, and the fact that he did plead out. More than likely he will go to a minimum-security facility where he won't face as much of a threat of retaliation from other inmates because of his celebrity status. He will also be on probation for 3 years after he is released and he will likely be required to perform community service and may be required to undergo drug tests. Vick is also facing state charges in Georgia for many of the same crimes, the trial for these charges will more than likely take place this coming April.

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JEH45 said:

	Around the lunch room has been a debate as to whether or not the league should impose a suspension after the criminal sentence is served. I am in the you served your debt to society camp, so you should be allowed to play ball after the jail sentence is served. I seemed to be in the minority. I would be interested in others thoughts.
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December 11, 2007
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Bugeatersteve said:

Well Godall has suspended other players for infractions that did not have a jail/prison sentence associated to it. So presidence already exists. However that being said, serving a 3 year federal prison term would probably be enough of a punishment for Vick. Although he will more than likely do some additional time on the state charges, as I doubt that he will be able to do the state time at the same time he is in the federal prison.

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December 11, 2007
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Lloyds Apple said:

	I don't know all of the details, but it seems if he returned anywhere it would be with the Falcons. If nothing else because they seem to have all liked the guy and may have some compassion when he's out. That's a great comic, by the way.
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December 11, 2007
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