So the Feds finally indicted Falcons QB Michael Vick for dogfighting. Can't say I'm surprised. Sports Illustrated did an incredibly detailed and reported story a few weeks back with more details than you want to hear, which made me suspect the indictment would come sometime.
I hate it when people jump the gun on assuming guilt before a conviction - See: Tank Johnson DUI, Ray Lewis murder charges and, of course, the Duke lacrosse team - so I'll refrain from calling for Vick to be thrown in the slammer or kept off of the field.
Regardless of whether Vick is guilty, many athletes are involved in dogfighting and other illegal activities. Former Cowboy star Nate Newton was accused of dogfighting. Chris Chambers, James Posey and Dominic Rhodes are two of many athletes arrested in the last year for driving under the influence. Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and John Daly have all reportedly lost huge sums of money gambling.
During the season, athletes thrive on adrenaline. When I write a solid story or feel the crunch of deadline pressure, I get a pretty strong adrenaline rush. I can't even imagine what it must feel like to do your job in front of thousands of screaming fans, a dozen TV cameras and millions of people watching at home.
After years of athletic competition, many athletes get hooked on the rush. So, when the lights go out, the TV cameras go off, the fans go home and their waistlines start to expand, athletes have to do something to keep getting their adrenaline fix.
Which brings us to many of the offseason problems. Pacman Jones making it rain. MJ with big gambling debts. And, at the moment, Michael Vick being indicted on dogfighting charges
I'm not trying to defend anyone. I'm just offering a possible explanation.
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