You all continue to forget a few basic things. Just like driving a car is not a right, but a privilege, playing in the NFL is not a right but a privlege. All players' contract include a phrase on player conduct "if it's detrimental to the game and the NFL". Also the new CBA includes a statement which gives the Commissioner the right to suspend a player whether he's convicted or not.
This indictment includes allegations of dogfighting across state lines, gambling, etc. (don't know if income tax evasion is included but if he won & didn't declare it on his taxes, then they have him on that as well) and it has been going on since 2001 and continued thru April 2007. Understand the 18 page indictment includes such details as he personally ordered the execution of several dogs, even took a trip to another state with his $23,000 in hand to pay off a debt to the winner of the dogfight, etc. Even has the name of the dogs, etc. In other words a lot of details and you can bet the feds know a lot more.
This is more then just a nightmare for the NFL and the Falcons. Last night CNN, Fox (O'Reilly), and MSNBC all carried segments re Vick & showed a clip about what happened at Vicks' VA house, etc. So it's not just a nightmare in the USA but rest of the world will get to see an NFL star screw up as well.
What kind of reception will Vick (and the Falcons) get when the team runs out onto the field particularly at away games? You can bet it won't be the usual boos and what/how many anti-Vick demonstrations will there be, how much of a distraction will Vick invariably become as the media turns a big spotlight on him to the detriment of football, etc. You can also bet opponents aren't going to treat him gently nor even other players on the team when they play him. How do these players explain to their children (particular to the smaller children) when their children here/see on television that Michael Vicks kills puppies & dogs. Besides we can to see Vick stand up in court to face charges and then we will get to see a federal trial in the fast paced & conservative 4th district/judicial court with all the details. The feds are out for blood because this is not a 1 time dogfight but going on since 2001 when Vick drafted until April 2007. Vick will be made an example cause he's the major prominent person they've ever been able to get evidence on.
BTW: Understand dogfighting is really becoming an underground major problem. It's not just the dogfighting alone as bad as that is but apparently drug use/sales is routine at such activities along with gambling, etc. In some cases even the execution of the dog that lost is part of the social activities in such a dogfight which the fans sit and watch after the dogfight itself. This whole Vick problem will be an issue the entire season and I really question how much the NFL can tolerant before action is taken by the Commish.