Yeah, I couldn’t resist. I know that was trite and predictable – something I try to avoid, but again, I could not resist. So, Vick has pled guilty to conspiracy to fight dogs, conspiracy to betting upon dogs, and that he had some ambiguous role in the deaths of several dogs. (Impressive defense attorney’s got that for him.) So now the sentencing all depends upon the judge in the ‘court trial.’ (A court trial is when the judge sits alone and determines the defendants innocence, guilt, and then does sentencing. A jury trial is when a panel of peers determines the defendants innocence or guilt, and, in some cases, recommends sentencing to the judge.) In all situations, the judge makes the final determination of sentencing. But what will the judge do in Michael Vick’s case?
The prosecution and defense have determined a ‘deal’ which they will present to the judge. Part of the deal is Vick will have to stipulate to the facts of the crime (in some degree), he will have to plead guilty, and will be told the judge is the final arbiter of sentencing. Even though the defense and prosecution have agreed to a deal, they can only recommend a sentence to the judge. The judge can change that sentence to whatever he or she deems appropriate, within sentencing guidelines for the incident. So will Vick’s judge do just that?
I say no. Any judge who takes on such a high profile case will be examined with a microscope. If this white judge increased the sentence of this black defendant beyond the recommendation, the wheels of the anti-racism, politically correct machine will grind into action and stick that microscope up the judges behind. This is one just common sense.
Vick will do time. He will be suspended from the NFL for a period of time not concurrent with this prison sentence, and he will then return in some capacity or role that better suits his skill set (which, if you’re wondering, doesn’t include quarterback). Best of luck, Mr. Vick.