Atlanta Falcons to Vick: Can I borrow 20 million dollars?

The mission statement of the National Football League Players Association is as follows,

“We, The National Football League Players Association … Pay homage to our predecessors for their courage, sacrifice, and vision; … Pledge to preserve and enhance the democratic involvement of our members; … Confirm our willingness to do whatever is necessary for the betterment of our membership – To preserve our gains and achieve those goals not yet attained.”

Pretty impressive right? If you’re a football player its good to know that you have this wonderful union looking out for your better interests (wow, they do whatever is necessary for the betterment of their membership…that’s me!). That’s probably what Michael Vick was thinking when the Falcons went after him to try and recoup $20 million dollars worth of bonus money (man…this whole dog fighting thing escalated pretty quickly…Fortunately, I know I have the NFLPA looking out for me on this one…I can at least count on them). Then, he probably remembered this statement,

“We believe the criminal conduct to which Mr. Vick has pled guilty today cannot be condoned under any circumstances. Speaking personally, as I have previously stated, the practice of dog fighting is offensive and completely unacceptable. I can only hope that Mr. Vick, who is a young man, will learn from this awful experience.”

– Gene Upshaw, head of the NFLPA

That was the vote of confidence Michael Vick was looking for, I’m sure. It almost seems as if the NFLPA was going to completely disregard their duties because of the heinous nature of Vick’s act. Apparently since then though, cooler heads have prevailed, because lawyers for the NFLPA defended Vick in court on Thursday, arguing that the Falcons cannot recover the money based on provisions in the collective bargaining agreement. A decision on the matter is expected on October 12th.

I certainly don’t condone dog fighting, but I do condone doing your job even when its an ugly job. Obviously Upshaw (and, I assume many others) didn’t condone Vick’s actions, I just wonder how close they came to turning a blind eye? Guess we’ll never know.

ESPN: Falcons seek $20M from Vick

Yahoo! Sports: Union attorney: Falcons don’t have right to recoup bonus money paid to Falcons QB Vick

Related –

Sports Business Digest: Mike Vick…well at least he’s fast right?

Sports Business Digest: Reconstructing Michael Vick