It didn't take long for Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens to create a controversy at training camp.Owens said that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has been unfair to suspended quarterback Michael Vick and that the union and more players need to speak out. In an interview with ESPN's George Smith, Owens said he was surprised more players haven't spoken up in support of Vick and that, "the commissioner needs to go sit in jail for 23 months" to see what it's like to sit behind bars.
"I think it's unfortunate," Owens said. "I think the way the commissioner has handled it, I think it's unfair to Michael Vick. I think he's done the time for what he's done. I don't think it's really fair for him to be suspended four more games. That's almost like kicking a dead horse in the ground."
Vick met with Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith in the last week to discuss his chances of getting back into the league. Vick has been on suspension for violating the NFL conduct policy for his involvement with dogfighting.
Vick was released from prison last week after serving 23 months in federal custody. Owens feels that Vick has paid his time and should play in the league again.
Multiple reports and sources have confirmed to FanHouse that the league will give Vick a conditional reinstatement -- possibly next week. Vick has to convince Goodell that he's sorry for his actions and that he will not violate the conduct policy again in order to return.
The league is looking into a possible four-game suspension for Vick, should he sign with another team for the 2009 season.
"I think a lot of guys around the league need to speak up," Owens said. "I think the players union needs to step in because the guy's already suffered so much. To add a four-game suspension to a two-year prison sentence, I mean, that's ridiculous."
One NFL player, the Chargers Shawne Merriman, has reacted to Owens' comments. In a post on his Twitter page, Merriman said, "how about TO ... and he said the commissioner needs to go sit in jail for 23 months wooooo ..."
Officials with the players' union and Vick's agent Joel Segal didn't return a phone call seeking comment regarding Owens' comments. NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello said the league would have no comment.
Comments (Page 1 of 13)
T.O. please try to keep that BIG MOUTH of yours shut. Every time you open it you prove how STUPID you are Maybe they should put you in a pit wit mad dogs so you could understand just how bad what vick did
Thank you so much for your suggestion. I was thinking the same thing. Geez, what an a.. T O is not to mention what I think of Vick
Everytime that stupid ass T.O. opens his mouth something assinine comes out of it. I guess that jerk-off forgets that Michael Vick committed a crime and the law put his hoodlum ass in prison, not the commissioner.
Well said Steve!!!
I remember when Goodell sentenced Vick....no, wait a second, that was a court of law. Goodell has a full time job protecting the NFL against this trash; if not careful, they will be the NBA in a couple of years and they gravy train will be derailed. Whoever is stupid enough to sign Vick is facing a potential devatating media and fan mutiny, all for a great athlete (who now looks a little like Tony Gwynn) but subpar QB. TO needs to shut his mouth and slowly fade away in Buffalo-as I remember, no contender wanted him and his whining.
Vick is worth money and all the negative press won't stop some rich owner from hiring Vick and making more money. And guess what!! There will be NO criticism of the Owner by the press, AOL, The Fanhouse, and all those who criticize Vick. They can all be tough and criticize Vick but they aren't going to say nothing negative about the owner's decision to hire Vick. Watch what happens.
I can hardly believe that I actually agree with something Owens has said - but I do. Vick has served his time and it is only fair to allow him to go back to work. The Vikings would be crazy not to sign him with or without Favre. I say that even though I am a Bear fan.
yo T.O. stfu, it is what it is. MV got off with some easy time. as it was. If it was a poor white boy, he'd still be in.
If it was a poor white boy as you put it, he would have never went to prison. Dog fighting has been going on for years along with cock fights. All you have to do is go into some of the back woods where all you poor old white boys have your dog and cock fights. The paid his debt for his crime. People need to leave him alone. TO is right, the union and the other players should speak up. All the pansy ass owners has given Roger Goddell carte blanche to do what ever he wants. It is no different in the NBA and MLB. Roger Goddell has no right to punish him again.
thats bull bullshit you mean if it was a poor black boy he'll get life in prison
hate to say it but he is right. suspending him for another 4 games is like kicking a dead horse. i know what he did was wrong, but not as bad as it is to kill another human. that is insane to say that its the same thing. so don't try and bash me and say dogs have feelings too. anyways vick did his time, has a tarnished rep, tarnished image, bankrupt, why 4 more games. what is the 4 games going to do that he hasn't been through anyways.
Did you mean to say kicking a dead dog???
I agree that Vick has paid his debt to the state for what he has done. The suspension of 4 games is not additional punishment for that infraction. By lying to investigators, and associating himself with people that encouraged his negative behavior he has broken the NFL code of conduct. They all sign contracts agreeing to conduct themselves in a manor that will not harm the NFL. Vick violated that contract. His debt to society may be paid, but his breech of contract has still not been addressed. I think 4 games is mild. Before anyone tries to bring it up I don't think Vick is the only one that deserves this. If they start suspending players and hitting them in the pocketbook you might be surprised at how fast the general character of the players in the NFL improves.
Say it ain't so TO come on dude, Michael Vick shouldn't even be back in the NFL.
When the Cowboys cut you some people had some compassion for you but when you defend an animal murderer your just as whack aS Vick.
I hope Goodell suspends your BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ray Lewis killed 2 people didnt miss a game,wow
common sence is officialy dead... OJ kills his ex-wife, no punishment, Vick kills DOGS and go's to jail?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? I can't believe i am agreeing with T.O.! tell Goodell to stop trying to please the dam_ press and realize that football fans are not a bunch of tree hugging, bambi loving, vegitarian pussi_s!!!!!!!!!!!! and before you brainwashed animal lovers start chewing me out, think about how you are putting more value into animal lives over human lives... although if you were THINKING with some logic in the first place you wouldn't have a problem with what i am saying. so for everyone who disagrees with me, i want you to take a deep breath, look deep into your soul, and realize what a fool you really are. God bless everyone
O.J was found not guilty of that crime, thats why no further jail time him, but he spent more time in jail for a crime he was found not guilty of, than Michael Vick spent for a crime he was guilty.
P.S. I do believe OJ got away with murder.
MV was found to only promote and fund a dog fighting ring. so why is the four games necessary if he wasn't found guilty to killing dogs.
Why is Goodell above the law ? Fist you get sentence in a court of law ,do your time.Oh wait you forgot to do Goodell time too.
look he works for the NFL and they have rules to follow if you break them they can do what ever they want if you dont like them you can quit