NFL Offseason Thread

[DanS]

I don't know what Vick is doing. He's got tens of millions of dollars riding on how he is perceived in the public and he goes out and gets involved in dog fighting?

[-Jrabbit]

My understanding is that his involvement in dogfighting dates all the way back to VaTech.

[Zopperoni]

Originally posted by Jaguar
They should end up with one above-average player, a couple of decent players, and a couple of below-average players starting on the line. Nothing special, but enough that Leinart should be able to create a seriously good offense.

Don't forget that Russ Grimm will now coach that line. He can make significant improvements with his coaching skills.

[DanS]

Originally posted by -Jrabbit
My understanding is that his involvement in dogfighting dates all the way back to VaTech.

I have a minimum of high regard for the VaTech football program, to be honest. This doesn't surprise me.

[SlowwHand]

He is so screwed.

California congressman asks for strong action against Vick

By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer
May 18, 2007


A California congressman has joined the cause against Michael Vick, firing off a letter Friday that urged NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to "act swiftly and forcefully" if the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback was involved in dog fighting on his former property.

U.S. Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.) pointed out that he's a senior member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which two years ago held highly publicized hearings on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports.

Lantos raised the prospect of government intervention if the NFL fails to discipline Vick.

"I am outraged that one of the National Football League's superstars is affiliated with such a heinous enterprise," Lantos wrote.

Last month, police raised a Virginia home owned by Vick and allegedly found evidence of a major dog-fighting operation, including dozens off malnourished and injured dogs. The quarterback has denied any wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been filed against him.

Vick has since sold the home.

"The level of cruelty involved in exploiting animals to the point that 60 malnourished and injured dogs were removed from Mr. Vick's property is mind boggling," Lantos said. "I will view anything less than the strongest repudiation of Mr. Vick's involvement as tacit support for this atrocious activity."

The NFL has said repeatedly it is investigating the case to determine if Vick violated the commissioner's tougher standards for players who run afoul of the law. Reached Friday, Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts reiterated the team's policy of not commenting until the investigation is completed.

Calling himself a longtime advocate of animal welfare, Lantos joined two prominent animals rights groups that have called on Goodell to suspend or ban any players involved in dog fighting.

"As evidence of Mr. Vick's involvement mounts, I implore you to act swiftly and forcefully," the congressman wrote. "Your strong rebuke of dog fighting -- and those who promote it -- will send the message that this all-too-prevalent practice has no place in a civilized society."

In a not-so-subtle threat of possible congressional action, Lantos reminded the commissioner of his committee's efforts to weed out those who use performance-enhancing drugs.

"I also suggest you educate your players on the illegality and cruelty of dog fighting to prevent this from happening again," Lantos wrote. "It is my hope that the issue of animal fighting will not require us to further investigate the behavior of your athletes."

[Lord Avalon]

It still has to be proven that he was involved, although perhaps not to the standard of a criminal court of law.

But now that he's a pro, and a high profile one at that, he won't be able to get away with the same sh!t he did at college or before.

[SlowwHand]

I thought I read that they had him on film.

[Koyaanisqatsi]

Supposedly there is film that exists, but it has yet to surface.

[Lord Avalon]

That would certainly seal the deal. I didn't see it on YouTube.

[-Jrabbit]

I wonder how Atlanta is feeling about that Schaub trade now...

[SlowwHand]

If he goes down, it changes everything. Don't you think they might have addressed free agency and/or the draft from a different perspective? They had a good draft, when they thought they had a maybe still salvageable QB. If they don't, at least they'll get a high pick next year and a few years after to come.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by -Jrabbit
I wonder how Atlanta is feeling about that Schaub trade now...

Well, at the very least, if he was going to play this season it may have devalued his future trade value if they didn't have an offensive line to protect him (the 2nd rounder got for him turned into Justin Blalock) .

[SlowwHand]

Blalock was an excellent pick.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Needed some offensive line help as Alex Gibbs' zone blocking isn't in vogue anymore in Atlanta with Petrino in. Actually the first three picks (Anderson, Blalock, Houston) will probably start from day one. And the fourth (WR Robertson) is looking like he may get significant playing time (especially since Finneran is injured again - shame because he is a good guy).

[SlowwHand]

I saw he was hurt. You're right about the 3 first rounders. They'll all start for 15 if healthy.