[12thMan]

Originally Posted by BrudLee

The commisioner hasn't suspended Vick yet. Presumably, he can do so at any time. The Falcons will be able to cut Vick and seek repayment of unearned bonus money (around $22.5 million) as soon as he is in default of his contract - first unexcused miss of practice, meeting, etc. Once arraigned, Vick will be in default, and he can be cut. The commissioner is in no hurry to suspend or ban Vick - he will face a jail sentence, and then any suspension will make it unlikely he will be signed.

Think about Tank Johnson. He is a talented DT, who broke the law served his time, faces an eight game suspension, and has no team - therefore his suspension doesn't start until he is signed. He hasn't been signed not because no one wants to hire a felon, but because no one wants to pay him and waste a roster spot for half the year. If Vick faces a one year suspension after his incarceration, no team will waste time or money waiting for him to (a) get into shape, (b) learn an offense, (c) serve a suspension, and (d) make a roster in the face of withering criticism from the general public.

Brudlee, as we used to say in the hood, you just broke it down! Makes sense!