Apple Doesn't Fall From The Tree- Big Brother Mike in trouble

Marcus Vick heard all the critics. While he racked up misdemeanors, everyone asked "Why can't you be more like your big brother?" Apparently the two aren't so different after all. Just months after flipping off home town fans, Falcons quarterback Michael Vick could be facing further trouble stemming from an aiport incident allegedly involving marijuana. Flying from Miami to Atlanta, Vick was asked to hand over a bottle of water he was carrying due to a suspicious aroma. Against his will he handed the bottle over and was allowed to pass through security. It is reported that a security official retrieved the bottle from a trash can to further investigate. The police report, in regards to the bottle, stated the following.

"The bottle was found to have a compartment that contained 'a small amount of dark particulate and a pungent aroma closely associated with marijuana'. The compartment was hidden by the bottle's label so that it appeared to be a full bottle of water when held upright."

Vick is not the first athlete to be caught with drugs, and certainly will not be the last. The alarming thing is, why have that bottle on you at a commercial airport? Athletes too frequently believe they are above the law and take unnecessary risks. Not to condone drug use, but it's hard to believe they couldn't afford to just waste their remaining "stash" and purchase again in their next location. Their ego's lead them to believe they can get away with drug smuggling because they are larger than life. This particular case did not involve that, which makes it even more puzzling. If he merely carried a bottle that had marijuana residue, why not throw it out before you got to the airport? Was it a treasured water bottle bong that he and his friends created to smoke out of? It seems senseless that he would have kept the bottle unless he routinely used it to either smoke from or carry illegal substances in the hidden compartment. Either way, with all he stands to lose, the risk certainly outweighed the rewards.

In comparison to its steroid policy, the NFL is lenient against so-called "street drugs". Players are subjected to tests infrequently and the punishments lack severity. It almost seems like the league accepts that its players will participate in recreational drug use. Since it is not perceived that these drugs will enhance their performance on the field, owners and league officials cast a blind eye. The plight of Ricky Williams cast a light on recreational drug use, particularly marijuana, but a player needs to fail tests several times before penalties kick in.

This incident may have larger ramifications for Vick. With a new coach and many pundits questioning Vick's ability to lead a successful franchise, he's not guaranteed to be Atlanta's opening day starter. Lots of people are high on backup Matt Schaub and new head man Bobby Petrino could want to put his stamp on this franchise. Petrino has stated his offensive philosophy will be based around Vick, but the organization is clearly disturbed over this incident. If not for his league-high contract, Vick's starting quarterback position wouldn't be so solidified.