Detrimental Conduct to the League?

Let me start by saying I have no problem admitting that what Micheal Vick did was a heinous and awful act. Dogs should never be treated that way, and I beleive that the way in which Micheal Vick's actions have been disciplined have been appropriate thus far.

Bill Belicheck's however have not.

When Commissioner Roger Goodell ruled that Micheal Vick be suspended due to his actions which were "..detrimental to the welfare of the NFL and have violated the League's Personal Conduct Policy.." he was correct and justified in his indefinate suspension of Micheal Vick. What Micheal Vick was involved in was tarnishing to both the league's image and reputation, and was in full deservance of the suspension that was handed down.

Now, when I look at what Bill Belicheck has been convicted/caught doing by the league, I'm hard pressed to differentiate which act is more "detrimental" to the league. Sure, what Vick did was terrible, but in reality did very little to affect or damage the game of football, and the sport that the NFL markets. Yes, his actions had an affect on the image of the league, but had very little to no effect on the product that is being sold on the field. However, what Belicheck has done has hurt the credibility and legitimacy of the league. His actions have brought into question the fairness of the NFL game, and whether or not coaches are cheating or playing fair.

I beleive football is one of the greatest sports on earth. I enjoy the strategy and planning that can be exerted in football while still remaining on a level playing field. It is fun because it is fair, and it is great because it pits several great athletes against each other and forces them to use tremendous athleticism and strength to defeat their opponent. But all this is for not, if coaches and players are cheating. When a coach does what Belicheck has done, it changes the game. It takes away value from the game, and taints the image of the league.

So why hasn't Belicheck been treated the same way Micheal Vick was treated?

Belicheck has been given a slap on the wrist by being given a $500,000 fine and losing what will likely be a first round draft choice. To a man who makes 6 million dollars a year from his salary alone, not to mention the numerous speaking arrangements and book royalties he receives, this is a joke.

In my opinion, Bill Belicheck's conduct has been far more "detrimental to the League". I'm not saying what Micheal Vick did was right, this time Goodell has acted differently because there's noone like P.E.T.A. staning on his doorstep.



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Also, I think it's worth noting that Robert Kraft (owner of the New England Patriots) was the head man of a group of owners who lobbied for Roger Goodell as Commissioner. Coincidence?


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