As August draws to a close, many are looking forward to crisp air, red and orange leaves, back to school shopping, and, of course, football. Interest in the NFL is increasing, as evidenced by its jump from number 23 to number 18 this week. Much of the current fascination with the NFL is likely related to the Michael Vick scandal. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was indicted on charges in July related to an illegal dog-fighting ring. On August 24, Vick signed a plea agreement admitting his funding of and participation in the ring. The NFL suspended Vick indefinitely without pay, while Nike terminated their endorsement contract. Vick will be sentenced on December 10 and could face up to five years in jail.

On a lighter note, many football fans are spending their days fiercely debating Peyton Manning vs. new daddy Tom Brady as they form rosters for their fantasy teams. From my observations as a non-football fan (and a shallow girl who would always make fantasy picks based on who is the cutest), fantasy football completely takes over the lives of fans, preventing them from communicating in a normal and healthy way with non-football fans for several months.

Its weird. But, hey ... whatever makes them happy.

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