The Lay of the Land On Vick

I'm not sure if Michael Vick was even in prison before speculation began about where he'd play when he got out of prison. And while "Who's Getting Ookie?" sounds like a great parlor game for you and the kids, it's still way early for that. (Although the case that Buffalo may be a suitor is coherently made by Mike Florio at PFT). Why is it too early?

1. He's Still In "Custody"

Despite the fact he's leaving prison today, he's still under house arrest and will be for two months (or until he screws that up...just sayin'). During that period, he'll can only leave his house to go to his $10 an hour construction job.

2. Reinstatement and Remorse

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday at the league's owner's meetings that he won't speak with Vick until he's discharged from the legal system. That means somewhere around July 20 at the absolute earliest. Goodell has also made clear that he wants to see genuine remorse from Vick. Does that mean opening a dog-walking service or carrying a Bichon Frise Paris Hilton-style ? No. Goodell said Vick has to show 1) What he learned, 2) That he can be a positive influence going forward and 3) That he regrets his actions. Since any moron can pass that quiz, expect Goodell to have a brief ruminating period after that meeting to make his final verdict appear to have been reached after much soul-searching.   

3. Destinations and Practicality

I explored what Vick will need to do to appease the public and his new team in early March (a good read, if I do say so). Whichever team signs him will be subject to indignation and protests. And then they will stop. It is the nature of things. Still, most teams won't be able to bear the initial onslaught of negative attention. And of the ones that can, few will have A) the need and B) the patience for the distraction he'll cause in their locker room. The few remaining teams that could feasiby use him will then have to weigh whether he can be a contributor in 2009 after having not trained adequately for two years. And what would his role be?

So even though Vick physically gets out of jail today, he's got a lot of hoops to still jump through.