Throwing It All Away...

Michael Vick seems determined to throw his whole life away. He had long been in hot water with the fans for failing to live up to expectations on the field. He angered more fans and team ownership when he 'gave the finger' to the hometown crowd during a game. There was the 'Ron Mexico' sexual assault accusation. He was busted by airport officials for trying to pass thru airport security with a water bottle containing a secret compartment filled with marijuana. Then came the dogfighting investigation, the denials, the indictment, and eventually the plea agreement and the admission of guilt. County charges are now being filed on top of the Federal charges (Because these are separate and individual jurisdictions, there is no protection from 'double jeopardy' and Vick's guilty plea in the federal charges will most likely be used as evidence.)

Because of all this, its estimated that Vick has lost over $130 million in salary, bonuses, and endorsements.

For most people, all that trouble would have been enough to ensure some sort of behavioural modification. In the very least, we would have expected Vick to tread lightly and do everything he could to keep himself out of the news.

Some people never learn, it seems.

A urine sample submitted by Michael Vick on September 13, 2007 has tested positive for marijuana. As a result he'll have tighter restrictions on his freedom. He is now under house arrest, must wear an ankle bracelet, and is subject to surprise drug testing at any time.

In addition to these restrictions on his freedom and mobility, Judge Henry Hudson is allowed to take the results of this drug test into consideration when he sentences Vick on the Dogfighting charges on December 10.

Maybe NOW Vick will start to realize that he needs to clean up his act and begin to live life as a responsible human being. Its far to late to salvage Vick the NFL Player... in addition to the pending suspension for the dogfighting, he will now be facing a separate suspension for the failed drug test.

Its likely that Vick will have several years to sit and think about his actions. Odds are he will probably write a book, which will undoubtedly generate several million dollars for him. Maybe the second time around, he will be able to use his money to live a productive life and keep himself out of trouble.

But odds are he will just throw it all away a second time.