How Many Games Should Vick Be Suspended?

[12thMan]

I think we've had some very well thought out posts and good arguments on both sides of the fence.

In my opinion the best and most reasonable way for the NFL to handle this is to remove themselves from trying to determine whether or not Vick is actually guilty of a crime or not; They need to, and I believe they will, make their decision independent of the courts, the judge, or what any lawyer provides. The NFL would do themselves an injustice, in my opinion, of attempting to play the role of lawyer or judge.

Goodell's intention is to clean up the image of the NFL. Period. And sometimes that involves hardcore evidence and guilt beyond reasonable doubt and sometimes it doesn't. If Goodell makes his decision based on Vick's criminal involvement or lack thereof, then justice, according to the NFL, may not run truly run its course. Because it's the image and the perception of the league that the Commish is trying to restore. And on that basis, I think Vick will be, at the very least, suspended for several games, if not the entire season.

Now if the court of law later determines that Vick is actually guilty of said crimes, then obviously the NFL must submit to the higher authority and either extend Vick's suspension indefinetely or ban him from the league all together.

My 12 cents.