More News on Michael Vick.

Vick should seek mercy of the court - and commissioner.

Michael Vick has more to worry about at the moment than just what Roger Goodell thinks. Or so it would seem.

Three of his acquaintances already cut their own deals and told the feds most of what they know about the goings-on at "Bad Newz Kennels," leaving Vick to fend for himself. He faces a $250,000 fine and a year in jail if he pleads guilty, and as many as five years if he fights the charges in court and loses. And that’s assuming he can avoid state charges in Virginia and that the federal grand jury that convenes Monday doesn’t add racketeering charges, either of which would raise the stakes considerably.

On top of that, the Falcons could decide to go after some or all of the $22 million in signing-bonus money Vick already pocketed to cover the final three years left on his contract. That would require owner Arthur Blank to swallow hard and keep Vick on the roster, a smart business move, but a potential public-relations disaster.