[smurfalicious]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

LOL!!! So, you suggest that the NFL fire all felons and those found using drugs, illegal substances (so funny!), and prostitutes in any way

Ummm, no, I didn't suggest that at all. I don't think I gave my opinion on what football players should be suspended for at all. Maybe it's that silly disappearing/reappearing font.

Originally Posted by smurfalicious

If the NFL's idea of maintaining an image requires players to be not felons, [etc.]... and the NFL believes... that the image of the league... would suffer... they may very well be within their right to fire him...

I was speaking of the legality of a contract, not the type of employment ("football player") involved in this case. A contract can set forth any stipulation the employer wants, as long as it's legal. As a potential employee, you have the right to sign the contract - or not, and thus be bound to the contract - or not. Legally speaking, if you agree to the terms of the contract and sign it, you are bound by the contract terms. It is a fact that Vick is under contract with the NFL. It is a fact that the contract stipulates certain behaviors will result in suspension, fines, and/or expulsion from the league. It is a fact that the NFL is legally allowed to exercise - and in fact is choosing to exercise - its rights under the contract that Vick signed.

It seems to me that you disagree that the NFL should be allowed to stipulate such things in its contracts. If that is the case, then I might agree with you to some extent. But still - the fact remains, Vick agreed to the terms of his contract.

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

As for his contract... has he been found guilty of fighting the dogs?

No. I don't believe any literate individual with an IQ above 65 and access to newsmedia believes Vick has been convicted yet since he was just indicted.

Regardless of whether or not you think image is an issue, or I think it's an issue, or anyone else thinks it's an issue, the NFL has made it pretty clear that it is an issue with the league - or else they wouldn't have suspended him for being charged (not convicted) of these crimes.