DOUBLE TIME Vick, Black (inset) (Photo: Getty Images)

With the sentencing of dogfighter Michael Vick and frauder and obstructer of justice Conrad Black this morning, global citizens might rest easier knowing the streets are safe once again. No longer must pit bulls wary of Vick or lowly competitors of Black look over their shoulders in anticipation of a jack-move or other. Actually, where they’re going, the two men will themselves want to keep a keen eye on what’s going on behind them.

The falls of Vick and Black were as rapid as they were hard. Vick, who came from the projects and rose to the top of the NFL, was indicted for financing a dog-fighting ring in July, pleaded guilty in August, and was sentenced today to 23 months behind bars. Former media mogul Black was found guilty in July after a four-month trial and sentenced today to six-and-a-half to eight years in a minimum security ping-pong palace.

But that’s about where the similarities end.