We posted an item earlier today regarding an observation from Brian Costello of the New York Post that Eagles quarterback Mike Vick was drinking vodka despite a league-imposed requirement that he abide by the terms of his probation, including “prohibitions regarding drug and alcohol use.”
Despite indications that Vick possibly is prohibited only from “excessive” use of alcohol, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello has declined to elaborate on the matter.
“Our press release referred to conditions imposed by the court,” Aiello told us via e-mail. “Anything to do with the league’s program is confidential. I am not aware of any violations to the terms of his reinstatement.”
We then asked Aiello specifically whether Vick is or isn’t prohibited from drinking alcohol, Aiello said, “We are not going to be any more specific on the conditions than what was in the press release. As I said, I am not aware of any violations of the conditions.”
Even if Vick is permitted to drink alcohol as long as he doesn’t consume “excessive” amounts, wouldn’t the smart move be to drink no alcohol at all? In Vick’s case, it’s not enough to simply stay on the right side of the line. The challenge is to know where the line is, and to stay as far away from it as he possibly can.
UPDATE: We also contacted Brian Costello of the New York Post in an effort to learn whether the league has contacted him for more information about the report that Vick was drinking vodka, and to get more details as to how Costello knew that Vick was drinking vodka. Said Costello via e-mail: “We are not permitted to speak to any media outlets. It’s a Post policy. Sorry.”