I’m following the reports on the Michael Vick indictment, and there are two things running through my head:
1. A few days ago, I was seeing reports that this very indictment was unlikely. I’m not blaming any particular reporter; I have no reason to believe that the reporters on the case worked diligently and trusted reliable sources. But sometimes when we want the news now, rather than when it’s ready, we get the story wrong.
2. There are already calls for boycotts and suspensions and boycotts if there are no suspensions. And yet there are plenty of indications that many NFL powers that be want to see how this plays out in the legal system first. I can’t say I have anything against that approach – let’s see how Vick defends himself from the charges which, at the moment, are just charges. That said, should the trial and related investigations reveal enough proof for people to be confident Vick is guilty, even if he manages to beat the charges, I don’t think I’d have a problem with the NFL using something less than the reasonable doubt standard in making its decisions about whether Vick is fit to be a player in the league.