Worst of times for pro sports

Goodell doesn't want to rush to judgment, but he will be guilty of hypocrisy if he protects an NFL star.
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Perhaps the legal troubles enveloping the NFL and NBA will disappear like a quick thunderstorm. It's difficult to see which outrages Americans more: dogfighting charges against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, or ex-NBA referee Tim Donaghy standing accused of betting on games.The events have spawned a perfect storm of controversy for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NBA Commissioner David Stern.Combined with San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds pursuit of Hank Aaron's all-time home run record, it may be the worst of times for professional sports. Bonds has never acknowledged using steroids, but his name has been linked to a drug scandal plaguing the sport.The cases involving Vick and Donaghy, however, are polar opposites.Vick's entrenched in a personal criminal matter while accusations against Donaghy attack the very fiber of professional basketball.The indictment last week of Vick on felony dogfighting charges must bring greater scrutiny to this despicable enterprise.These dogs are bred to fight. Once the fight ends, surviving dogs are killed by being beaten, electrocuted, shot or hung.Vick is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but public opinion clearly states he should lose his job.People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and others seek Vick's immediate suspension. Goodell told Vick to stay away from Falcons training camp until a private investigator reviews his case and reports back to the commissioner.Goodell, who imposed a tougher personal conduct policy in April, should act now because he isn't dealing with a first-time violator.After a loss in New Orleans last November, Vick made an obscene gesture to a fan. In January, he reluctantly surrendered a water bottle to security at Miami International Airport. The water bottle smelled like marijuana and had a substance in a hidden compartment, reports stated. Vick wasn't arrested and was allowed to get on his flight to Atlanta.The commissioner does not require conviction of a crime to take action, and repeat violators can be dealt with aggressively.He's suspended three NFL players for a combined 32 games in 2007.Goodell doesn't want to rush to judgment, but he will be guilty of hypocrisy if he protects an NFL star.Meanwhile, the FBI is probing Donaghy for allegedly betting on games, including some he officiated the past two seasons, according to reports.As troublesome as the Vick scandal is, Donaghy's troubles are simply outrageous.Fans consistently gripe about "blind" umpires or referees, but these officials operate under a sacred trust to call game without prejudice.That's why Stern considers the mere accusation a betrayal.Fans should feel the same way.