Vick may release early

[Swatguy]

vick has entered a drug program and could be released in September this year. I hope and pray for his redemption. The falcons should Not cut the ties.

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Suspended Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for his guilty plea on charges related to dogfighting, plans to enter a drug treatment program that could reduce his time behind bars.

"Mr. Vick has been transferred from the Northern Neck Regional Jail in Virginia to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons minimum security facility in Leavenworth, Kan.," his attorneys, Billy Martin and Lawrence H. Woodward Jr., said in a jointly issued statement Monday. "Mr. Vick hopes to participate in programs offered at that facility, including the Bureau of Prisons drug treatment program."

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If Michael Vick has his federal sentence reduced, should the Falcons take him back for the 2009 season?

Yes, it was obvious they missed him this season.

No, the organization doesn't need the distraction.

Wait, the NFL hasn't lifted his suspension yet.

He could be in a Virginia prison in 2009.

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Vick, who failed a drug test while awaiting sentencing in the dogfighting case, is eligible for a federal drug treatment program known as the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Inmates are involved in intensive treatment that lasts six to 12 months, with a minimum of 500 hours of treatment.

Upon completion of the program, the inmate's eligibility for early release based on previous criminal

convictions is determined. Vick did not have any previous convictions before his dogfighting case.

The RDAP accepts inmates, and they are eligible for early release even if they have not been convicted of drug-related offenses provided they meet a series of qualifications. Vick meets those requirements.

Animal rights activists were not happy that Vick may not serve his entire 23-month sentence.

"The drugs were completely irrelevant to the actual crime here," said John Goodwin, the Humane Society's deputy manager of animal fighting issues. "If this was drug rehab or a narcotics-related event, that's another thing, but the issue of killing these dogs is an entirely different matter."

According to Criminal Justice magazine, which is

published by the American

Bar Association, the program is known as the 500-hour Comprehensive RDAP. Some qualified offenders

will be eligible for an early release benefit of up to 12

months. The Bureau of Pris-

ons average is 8.5 months, usually coupled with an extended halfway house stay or home confinement.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed Monday that Vick had been transferred to Leavenworth, but would not confirm that Vick would be entered into the drug program. Vick was moved from Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw, Va., where he has been since reporting to prison before being sentenced Dec. 10.

For now, Vick's prison number is 33765-183, and his projected release date is July 2009, which would be the full 23-month sentence.

An 8.5-month reduction on top of a possible reduction of 15 percent for good conduct means Vick could be released before the end of 2008. He faces an April 2 trial date in Virginia on state dogfighting charges.

An early prison release would allow Vick to apply sooner for reinstatement to the NFL. He is suspended indefinitely but is still on the Falcons' roster. A suspension by the NFL for the conviction and failed drug test is possible.

The Falcons refused to comment. They have attempted to distance themselves from the fallen quarterback, but because of severe salary cap ramifications have kept him on the roster. The team has sought to recover almost $20 million in salary and bonuses from Vick. The grievance is under review by Judge David Doty in Minneapolis.

From the outset, Martin has stated his goal was to get Vick back to his NFL career as soon as possible. Successful completion of the treatment program would give him a better chance of returning to the NFL in 2009 after missing two seasons.

"Mr. Vick looks forward to being reunited with his family upon completion of his sentence," Martin and Woodward said in the statement. "He is hopeful that following his release, he will have the opportunity to resume his career as a professional football player."

[AHF]

That is pretty strange. How does the drug treatment have anything to do with the crime? Maybe that positive marijuana test leading to his sentencing wasn't such a bad thing for Vick.

[BHayley]

While i think Vick just wants the easy way out of this sentence (He'd still have probation), I'm somewhat happy. My hope is we get McFadden and beef up our lines so Vick can return and do big things with this team.

[Eddielives]

God I hope you're joking...about Vick returning to the Falcons that is.

[BHayley]

I'm glad you're telling that to God.

I stick by my statement.

[Diesel]

There may be irreconcilable issues with Vick and Ownership. I would think that it would be hard to come back to the Falcons organization being that they attempted to take his money. But then again, Business is business.

[DJlaysitup]

Quote:

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...But then again, Business is business.

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And football's football...maybe once Vick gets his early out he should spend a bunch of time with a QB coaching specialist and work on his accuracy. He can always apologize again and make a donation to the Humane Society. 99% of American's are pretty forgiving once a guy spends some time in jail if he's not a murderer/rapist/pedophile.

[Eddielives]

Mr. Hayley, your credibility as a reasonable person is on the line. Are you sure you want to stand by that statement? Because if you do, all further posts made by you will have to be assumed to be void of rational judgment.

In all seriousness though, Vick will not be back in Atlanta. All his huggers will just have to take allegiance with the new franchise that gives this guy a second chance. You really don't believe there is a snowballs chance in hell he ever plays in this city again unless it's for another team do you? Come on, it just takes a little common sense to figure that out.

[Admin]

marijuana which everyone knows is highly addictive and habit forming. If he can somehow kick it then I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be let out early since it wasn't torturing dogs, gambling, and lying that is his real problem.

[DJlaysitup]

LOL...as somebody who has fought a couple real addictions in his life...that's funny.

[BHayley]

As soon as we release Vick from his contract, I will stop believing. For your info, on an AJC poll, at least 45 or 50 percent are intrigued by the idea of bringing him back, and I'm sure he'll bring revenue to our team. All he has to do is appear in commercials warning against dog fighting blah blah blah and he'll be something to reckon with.

[Admin]

Forgive my sarcasm, I just saw Walk Hard and there is a running theme throughout the movie about him trying new drugs, each getting progressively more hard core, but the first was marijuana and the Ladies Man Tim Meadows is freaking hilarious talking about marijuana.

Obviously you have yet to kick your worst addiction, being a fan of a heartbreaking team, so good luck with that one! LOL

[Eddielives]

I'm sorry guys. Marijuana is one of the least of Vick's problems imo. The real problem is his upbringing, the culture of losers he and many black athletes continue to associate themselves w/ after becoming super-rich and the mentality that they are above the law due to their celebrity status. The only thing that is going to change Vick is for him to finally have to come to grips with being a real man. He will have to realize that he will be punished for conducting himself as a criminal. For too long, this kid has been allowed to do whatever he wants w/ no consequences. Why do you think the judge gave him a longer sentence. One big reason was the he could see that Vick wasn't getting it. He said son, you are going to have to think for a long time about your life and a longer sentence may be what will truly change your life.

Trust me, if Vick gets off a year early, I think it does him a disservice. He has to shake off this I'm above punishment mentality. Trust me, I believe the guy has suffered consequences financially that none of us will ever realize and I totally think he deserves a second chance to play in the NFL again. But letting him off easy again will only perpetuate in this kids head that whatever he does, he'll get off easy somehow.

[Diesel]

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For too long, this kid has been allowed to do whatever he wants w/ no consequences. Why do you think the judge gave him a longer sentence. One big reason was the he could see that Vick wasn't getting it. He said son, you are going to have to think for a long time about your life and a longer sentence may be what will truly change your life.

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Do you really believe that that's how the law is supposed to work? A Judge says... Oh, you're not getting it (even though it's his first offense) so he gives him 19 more months than the highest penalty that has ever been levied for this law? Is that how the Law is supposed to work??

BTW, since you're so big on Upbringing...

What about Paris Hilton and Brittney Spears... I can't seem to pick up a news paper without seeing these rich women doing something I would consider "against the law"...

For instance...

Quote:

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Beaming for the cameras, Paris Hilton walked out of jail Tuesday morning after serving what she has called a life-changing sentence for violating probation in an alcohol-related driving case.

Shortly after midnight, a smiling Hilton – her hair in a long ponytail and wearing an olive jacket, white shirt and jeans – was escorted by deputies out of the jail complex's door. She waved to a crowd of nearly 200 reporters, photographers and others, and walked up to a waiting Escalade carrying her parents.

"Mom!" she said as she embraced her mother at the car. (See a YouTube clip here.)

After she got in, the chauffeured car then drove off with a swarm of photographers in its wake.

Hilton was driven to the Hilton family home in Beverly Hills where "she got to see her parents and her brothers, and to spend time with them," a family friend tells PEOPLE. "She was looking forward to a long shower and something to eat – and then to bed."

As for what else the heiress missed while she was in jail: "She has been missing her pets a lot. And she loves fast food," says the friend. "She's looking forward to In-N-Out Burger and Taco Bell."

On Tuesday, pink balloons were delivered to the house, as was a white frosted cake with the words "Welcome Home" written on it. No word on who sent the goodies.

Hilton's much-anticipated release for jail was broadcast live by cable news networks and local stations. Before leaving the building, she had gone into a public restroom to change into her street clothes, said sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore.

Hilton, 26, reported for jail on Sunday, June 3, to "face the consequences of violating probation," she said in a statement at the time.

The heiress was originally sentenced to 45 days on May 4 for driving with a suspended license, but her sentence was reduced with credits for good behavior. She was briefly released to home confinement, but was quickly ordered back to jail by the judge.

Suffering a mysterious health problem, Hilton served much of her sentence either in the Los Angeles downtown jail's hospital or in the medical ward of the women's jail in Lynwood, Calif.

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Her second DUI...

No Eddie.

I think John Edwards was wrong. There aren't 2 Americans. There's about 4 of them.

Rich, Poor, Black Rich, Youth...

The Black Rich suffer from the same stereotype that you just levied on Vick... However, Vick falls under youth with Hilton, Spears, and all the rest of the MTV generation. They do outlandish stuff because they have been television taught that it's alright and because they have money, there's nobody around them that will give them truth.

[Swatguy]

Quote:

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I'm sorry guys. Marijuana is one of the least of Vick's problems imo. The real problem is his upbringing, the culture of losers he and many black athletes continue to associate themselves w/ after becoming super-rich and the mentality that they are above the law due to their celebrity status. The only thing that is going to change Vick is for him to finally have to come to grips with being a real man. He will have to realize that he will be punished for conducting himself as a criminal. For too long, this kid has been allowed to do whatever he wants w/ no consequences. Why do you think the judge gave him a longer sentence. One big reason was the he could see that Vick wasn't getting it. He said son, you are going to have to think for a long time about your life and a longer sentence may be what will truly change your life.

Trust me, if Vick gets off a year early, I think it does him a disservice. He has to shake off this I'm above punishment mentality. Trust me, I believe the guy has suffered consequences financially that none of us will ever realize and I totally think he deserves a second chance to play in the NFL again. But letting him off easy again will only perpetuate in this kids head that whatever he does, he'll get off easy somehow.

---

Yes you are sorry for this pathetic effort of being profound.

Being lost in a culture does not equate as being a "loser" as you attach and attack Vick's character. Too many White people seek their "pound of flesh" by ascribing uneven punishment based on hateful agendas. He is being punished now and have been for the past 6-8 months since this all started.

How can you responsibly think and believe You Know the spiritual state of contrition of Vick? This guy has been sentenced of 23 months where as the same crime in other juris districts offer probation. So it is way past for him to

"get of easy".

Regardless of this "dog mess". Vick has contributed to millions much morer than 90% of all walking. The millions given for endeavors of misadvantaged youths is enough to warrant consideration of mercy. But you and some which him imprisoned and reminded of "the culture of his upbringing", not his rise of prominance.

Makes me think of Ollie North, Nixon, and W of true human monsters as you say, unpunished.

It is a serious thing to wish someone in prison.

[Eddielives]

I really feel sorry for you two. Why do some people have to carry racial chips on their shoulders? It is so unbelievably frustrating when trying to respectfully disagree w/ someone on a topic and they immediately start making you out to be a racist. This is absurd, childish and will get us nowhere. I'm not going to conduct myself as if the "fairness doctrine" is a policy of Hawksquawk, where an equal amount of time criticising has to be distributed to members of each race just to placate your overly sensitive mindset Diesel, or anyone else here for that matter.

It wouldn't matter if Vick were white and seemingly white posters were defending him. I would call them out just like I'm calling you and those attacking me out. The only "monsters" here are those who still choose to see Vick as a "black" man being treated unfairly instead of a troubled individual who finally had to face harsh penalties(aside from his financial punishment) for his criminal actions. Why is that so hard to understand? If he had commited his crimes in just Georgia, he would be a free man today. But that's not what happened swat so there is no "unfair" punishment being issued to him. Is that so hard to understand? Geez, grow up fellas!

[Diesel]

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I really feel sorry for you two. Why do some people have to carry racial chips on their shoulders?

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I'm sorry guys. Marijuana is one of the least of Vick's problems imo. The real problem is his upbringing, the culture of losers he and many black athletes continue to associate themselves w/ after becoming super-rich and the mentality that they are above the law due to their celebrity status.

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If we were to answer your question above... by looking at your statement from a previous thread, I think the answer becomes very obvious.... We are this way because racist bastards like yourself still exist.

I showed you that this is not a problem that is true for black athletes... However, we can say Paris Hilton, Brittney Spears, Hillary Duff... all day long and you will still submit racist statements!

What's left to say Eddie?

[Eddielives]

You can't even properly define racism Diesel. Once again, I feel sorry for you harboring such hate for those who simply make statements that are objective and reasonable but that you disagree with. Hide behind your race card. It's a cowards way to go. And please, continue to respond more because you're making your true colors shine so brightly for all to see.

[Swatguy]

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I really feel sorry for you two. Why do some people have to carry racial chips on their shoulders? It is so unbelievably frustrating when trying to respectfully disagree w/ someone on a topic and they immediately start making you out to be a racist. This is absurd, childish and will get us nowhere. I'm not going to conduct myself as if the "fairness doctrine" is a policy of Hawksquawk, where an equal amount of time criticising has to be distributed to members of each race just to placate your overly sensitive mindset Diesel, or anyone else here for that matter.

It wouldn't matter if Vick were white and seemingly white posters were defending him. I would call them out just like I'm calling you and those attacking me out. The only "monsters" here are those who still choose to see Vick as a "black" man being treated unfairly instead of a troubled individual who finally had to face harsh penalties(aside from his financial punishment) for his criminal actions. Why is that so hard to understand? If he had commited his crimes in just Georgia, he would be a free man today. But that's not what happened swat so there is no "unfair" punishment being issued to him. Is that so hard to understand? Geez, grow up fellas!

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You made it a Race issue, I didn't. Your comment about "Black Athletes" and "loser culture" were combined. Vick being Black could be inconsequential, but you chose it to be noted.

You played the card.

Curious? You state you would have Vick to serve More than a year and one year is letting him off easy. How much time would you prefer?

[Eddielives]

First off, thank you for not being condescending in your response.

Okay, I made a generalization about how "many", not all, black athletes have issues with dealing w/ their newfound riches by continuing to associate themselves w/ some of the less desirable friends from their childhood because they feel some pressure to stay true to their poor cultural upbringing. I have taken issue w/ this several times because, more often than not, it gets them into trouble. I believe this to be the case with Vick. Part of his problem was the people he continued to associate himself with after he "made it." I'm sorry if it is viewed as "racist" by some but it is sad to see so many black athletes finally make something of themselves only to be brought down by the leeches that look at them as their gravy train. It is sad that when someone like Vick chooses to allow these leeches to take advantage of him by using his wealth to perpetuate a loser lifestyle that involves spreading herpes, dogfighting, pot smoking and just being a f'ing loser! Offended anyone...deal with it! That is not making it a racial issue. It is making a legitimate social statement as to why Vick is in the situation he is in today.