NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell along with ad sales executives who sell TV commercial time on football games must be rejoicing that disgraced Atlanta Falcolns quarterback Michael Vick is pleading guilty to federal dogfighting charges.

A protracted legal battle would have done almost as much damage to the league's reputation as Vick's. Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) dropped Vick as soon as the detals of the charges emerged. The NFL, which told him to stay away from training camp, no doubt will suspend him for at least the rest of the season.

There's no excusing or explaining Vick's actions. It just goes to show you that just because you're rich -- he got a $62 million contract in 2001 -- doesn't mean you're smart.. Maybe he should ring up O.J. Simpson to get coping tips on how to be a societal pariah.

Vick apologized through his lawyer to "everyone who has been hurt by this matter." This sounds like a person who is "sorry" they got caught.

Good thing that Godell insituted a strict behavior policy in reaction to the off the field shenanigans of players such as Adam "Pacman" Jones. This isn't just the right thing to do, it's smart business.

If people think that NFL players are all moral degenerates, advertisers won't pay through the nose to buy 30-second Super Bowl spots. Moreover, parents won't shell out big bucks for jersies and other official team merchandise representing a player whose values they abhor.

Vick will soon realize why players joke that NFL stands for Not For Long.

Michael Vick's plea is good business for the NFL originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.