National Football League

Vick reinstated, but not free under Goodell

Published Aug. 13, 2009 4:20 p.m. ET

Alex Marvez

He is no longer imprisoned, but Michael Vick doesn't truly have his freedom.

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Not with Roger Goodell holding the leash.

The terms of Vick's conditional return for the 2009 season go far beyond any player punishment levied since Goodell became NFL commissioner almost three years ago. To Goodell, it wasn't enough that Vick already missed two full seasons while serving 19 months in a federal penitentiary for dog fighting. If he wants to play in the NFL again, Vick will have to live much of his private life the way Goodell wants him to lead it.

Among the stipulations announced Monday for Vick's eventual reinstatement: Vick is required to have counselors and mentors guide him through his attempted comeback (former Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy is serving as the NFL's liaison). Vick must keep Goodell apprised about his living arrangements if/when signing with an NFL team. Vick even needs to tell Goodell how he will "manage his financial affairs" and follow that plan.

The only clause Goodell forgot was one forcing Vick to sit, beg and roll over on command.

This isn't a teenager we're talking about. Vick is 29 years old. Provided he isn't breaking the law again or violating NFL policy, Vick should be allowed to make his own financial and living decisions even if they're bad ones (like squandering tens of millions of dollars en route to bankruptcy). Such is the responsibility — and privilege — that comes with being an adult.

I believe that Goodell's heart is in the right place. He wants the disgraced quarterback to rebuild his shattered existence. Goodell also doesn't want Vick to make the same mistakes that led to this NFL embarrassment in the first place. Holding reinstatement over Vick's head through the first five regular-season games should get the intended results.

But Goodell's ruling again shows the biggest problem with the personal conduct policy he instituted in April 2007. Goodell's power is unchecked and growing.

There are no guidelines that state exactly what punishment a specific violation will bring. That gives Goodell an excessive amount of leeway. Goodell also hears every appeal made by a suspended party rather than an arbitrator in what would be a much fairer system. If he can't convince Goodell that he has changed, Vick may start thinking the upstart UFL is Shangri-La.

Goodell sounded like Father Flanagan during a Monday news conference about Vick. Goodell talked about what the league could do to help Vick "reestablish his life regardless of whether he's playing football."

Maybe O.J. Simpson should check prison mail for an NFL care package.