Marcus Vick dismissed from the team

[Suudy]

Originally posted by Texas Aggie
It isn't the NFL owners' responsibility to deal with Vick's problems. Its their job to improve their team. If they feel Vick can do that, then they need to consider drafting him and offering him a contract. There is, however, a caveat. I believe history has shown that bad behavior can mean more trouble for a team than whatever the upside is. See Lawrence Phillips. Thus, an NFL owner that thinks he 1) has an easy score in Vick and/or 2) can ignore his transgressions might very well pay dearly for it down the road.

It is amazing how professional sports organizations will take on players when if the same person were applying for an office job in the organization, and had the job skills relative to that of the player's on field skills, how bad behavior would eliminate him from any job consideration.

All companies, even NFL teams, have social responsiblities. Employing athletes that are terrible examples, regardless of their talent and ability to help the team succeed, is a failure to be socially responsible. How many kids look up to these athletes (despite Barkley's mantra of "I am not a role model")? How many kids are likely to imitate their behavior?

As officals, we are in a uniquely important position to counteract such behavior. When a kid comes on the field with a sharpie to autograph the ball after a touchdown, give them a flag. If they stomp on another player, toss 'em. We have a hugely important part in helping keep this from happening. Some part failed in Vick's development, be it the parents, teachers, coaches, officials, or whatever.

Regardless of those failures in the past, the NFL teams are still responsible for fostering good citizenship. Just because someone turns 18 does not mean the are done growing up.