ESPN: Goodell could let Vick attend an NFL training camp

Citing sources, former colleague Chris Mortensen and Sal Paolatonio of ESPN.com reported Tuesday night that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could meet with Michael Vick as early as this week. And Goodell, ESPN also reported, could allow Vick to join a NFL team in training camp. From ESPN:

“Under a scenario involving conditional reinstatement, Goodell would reserve the right to extend or further define Vick’s indefinite suspension but allow him to attend training camp if he is signed with an NFL team, sources said. A conclusive reinstatement, or additional suspension, for the 2009 season would be expected before Sept. 1, the first mandatory date for roster cuts.”

The belief here has been that Goodell would allow Vick to play in the NFL at some point this season, but I didn’t think we’d see No. 7, who was released from federal custody only Monday, back under the league umbrella this summer. Assuming Goodell sees the desired “genuine remorse” from Vick in their meeting, a “conditional reinstatement” would indicate:

  1. That Goodell believes Vick has paid a sufficient penalty for his admitted crimes;
  2. That the NFL doesn’t want the guy once among its biggest names to make his reappearance as a member of the start-up United Football League;
  3. That the commissioner has some indication there’s interest in signing Vick among NFL clubs, no matter how much those clubs might insist there isn’t;
  4. That clubs interested in Vick would feel they had Goodell’s tacit, if not blatant, approval to pursue him.
  5. That Goodell, as Mortensen and Paolatonio report, could still choose to suspend Vick further depending on his conduct, which would make training camp a probational period.

As mentioned in Monday’s post and subsequent comments, I think there’s a market for Vick. Not necessarily as a starting quarterback, but certainly as a backup and potentially as the in-vogue Wildcat quarterback. Several NFL clubs could use Vick – Vinny Iyer of Sporting News Today identified Miami, San Francisco, Jacksonville, Washington, Seattle and Oakland — but the entire NFL has been waiting to take its lead from Goodell. And the commissioner is apparently ready to move.

293 comments Add your comment

Vick = Subhuman

July 22nd, 2009
9:28 am

Vick is too stupid to attend an NFL training camp.

Maybe if we sent Vick to a canine obedience school, he would at least learn some manners or how to not talk/bark in a movie theater while the film is playing.

russell nassau

July 22nd, 2009
9:28 am

Mullet13,

It’s racist naxis like you who depise Vick. Your ignorant hate is pathetic. Check your history and you will see that rich White folks started dog fighting. They eventually left dog fighting and started dog and horse racing. You talk about cruel, white folks are the only ones who go hunting on a full stomach..they kill innocent animals for fun and sport. Go Mike!!!!

Elvisinthehouse

July 22nd, 2009
9:29 am

Falcons fan,what do the hell fighting dogs and football have to do with taking a gamble? yall responding like vick is gonna bring dogs to the game and fight them on the 50 yardline.But it do speak volumes for a guy(mv7)to get more attention than any sports player of any sports and he been out of football for two years.Negative responses or not,that speak wonders.Reason why is because if you don’t like him and don’t care for him then why waist your time responding? ok i know why,thats what hatred does.Bradley,i guess this will be your topic of discussion until vick turn another color other than black.

Adrian

July 22nd, 2009
9:30 am

Michael Vick should not have raped the dogs.

However, he went to federal prison for running an illegal, interstate gambling operation for the purpose of making money in violation of federal law and NOT for abusing animals. Unfortunately, many of the Obama voters on here who worship Vick like a “god” still do not understand that.

Vick looks like like a “Gremlin” (after adding water) from that 1980s movie, doesn’t he/it?

nomovick

July 22nd, 2009
9:33 am

(read this with a sarcastic tone) Thanks for the continued Vick updates. They are relevant and intriguing. I’m sure teams will be clamoring for his services.

Sgt. Steele

July 22nd, 2009
9:34 am

Should this man really lose the ability to work in his chosen profession even after he has “paid his debt to society?”

James

July 22nd, 2009
9:50 am

Why is this front page, top story news? The governor just announced a 3-day furlough for state employees in 2009, which includes public school and university teachers. This was just a side-note on the front page, but probably much more important – at least in my mind. There has been a lot of talk about a ”biased media” lately. The real bias is not political. It is bias towards reporting the sensational, the absurd, and that which distracts us from the important yet mundane issues of the day, like education and health care. I really could care less about the career prospects of a millionaire football player superstar who blew it on illegal dog fighting, even if he has served his time.

JESUS

July 22nd, 2009
9:51 am

ONLY I AND MY FATHER KNOW WHAT IS IN STORE FOR Michael Vick…those of you who have been praying for him continue to pray and those of you who are HATERS….oh well…
my desire is to bless people regardless fo their past sins…desires that you mat prosper….

Michael Vick walk in Victory, knowing that i HAVE ALREADY PAID THE PRICE FOR YOUR SIN….

Now the rest of yawl….IN HELL WILL YOU LIFT UP YOUR EYES….

Ms Ice

July 22nd, 2009
9:52 am

STEVE – I DON’T LIVE IN THE HOOD DEAR…WHAT I MEANT BY THAT IS PEOPLE ARE DOING EVERY DAY IN DIFFERENT STATES AS WELL AS GEORGIA!…IT DIDN’T STOP AFTER HE WAS CONVICTED IT SLOWED DOWN…BUT DID NOT STOP…HAVE A BLESSED DAY EVERYONE ;)

CVL

July 22nd, 2009
9:57 am

Not only do I want the judgemental jabronis that continue to hate on one man that has taken the flack for a whole generation of badasses to feel free to BOYCOTT the team that picks Vick – they can feel free to choke and electrocute themselves for all I care. It bothers me how misguided the values in the world have become.

Mike Vick coming back and doing well opens the door for a whole lot of troubled players to straighten up and fly right…..but the folks that are against this dont give a crap about that………these guys are just their “negro gladiators” to be used and disposed at the fans and owners will. Fine give up your friggin tickets then……there are folks waiting for your seats.

Ms Ice

July 22nd, 2009
9:57 am

There is a pitcher of GRAPE HATER-AID being passed around against Mike Vick but why???? He will play in the NFL again…

Ms Ice

July 22nd, 2009
9:58 am

Catholic Mr. Obvious

July 22nd, 2009
9:58 am

FYI: Jesus is not an articulate, chest-thumping, corn-rowed buffoon who would write in rambling, incomplete sentences, demonstrate poor writing skills or use such an inarticulate word as “HATER.”

By the way, Satan is a Vick Supporter and listens to V-103 as well.

Keep THAT Real, you degenerates.

AKALady

July 22nd, 2009
10:00 am

The man’s “crime” involved DOGS!!!!! There are more serious criminals that are involved in drugs, rapes, murders, domestic violence cases, assault cases, child molestations, & internet predatory activities that receive less punishment & ridicule than Vick did. I was watching Dateline’s Internet Predators just the other night & those caught received 30 & 90 day probations or 3 mth prision time, in which they’ll just go right back out & do the same thing all over again (one guy had already been arrested for the same act). Give him a break & let him do what he loves & the world at one time loved watching him do…PLAY FOOTBALL.

David

July 22nd, 2009
10:00 am

Seattle has already stated they will not sign Vick. People in Seattle love their dogs more then other people.

Falcons73

July 22nd, 2009
10:01 am

Okay, I really don’t care about the Vick situation anymore and I have moved on (as a Falcons fan). With that being said, the commissioner is going to sit down with Vick to see “if he is truly remorseful”????? Uh, okay. What is Roger looking for? Does he want Michael to get on his knees and say “Mr. Goodell, I’m REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, SORRY for what I did and it WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN”! If you think about it, it’s just DUMB!

Tina Harrison

July 22nd, 2009
10:02 am

Let him play already. He has suffered enough.

sharon

July 22nd, 2009
10:03 am

Go Saints, Go Panthers, Go Tampa Bay Bucs!!!!

Bob Horner

July 22nd, 2009
10:08 am

He’s paid his debt, and learned his lesson. If he can still play at this level, he should be given a chance.

I hope he shows up at training camp and proves everyone wrong.

Wade

July 22nd, 2009
10:12 am

Ummmmm, what makes some of you think just because a person sits out 2 seasons they have lost a step? I play ball with 40 year old men that can out run guys in their 20s. At age 29, you don’t lose a step unless you just plain out let yourself go! And with the speed that Vick has, a good month of training, he will be just as fast and quick! And plus, what else do you have time to do in jail? Workout! And I know I wasn’t the only one hearing the rumors of him playing QB in jail for the teams. Also, think about this, some of your best athletes are in jail. I think alot of the inmates want to see him get back on his feet. Now, when he comes back and destroy the Falcons and other opponents and he’s the biggest comeback story, then what you got to say… All this dogfighting stuff, it didn’t stop, they just thinking of new ways to get away with it.

oldref

July 22nd, 2009
10:13 am

Killing unwanted dogs via electrocution and body slamming to the ground is truly a heinous crime, not to mention his other indiscretions. He’s trouble with a capital T.

If I did this same crime, spent time in Leavenworth, would I be so bold to assume that I could get my old job back?

He should never be allowed to play again, period.

Vick Supporter

July 22nd, 2009
10:14 am

Michael Vick = SUPERSTAR

Matt Ryan = Good Player.

Michael Vick, Superstar, has returned.

Vick 09

KayC

July 22nd, 2009
10:21 am

You all do realize that the Falcons suck anyway right? But anywho…people kill me talking about they will boycott any team that picks up Vick-well clearly that’s a threat they should take into consideration because YOU’RE all that! Yeah, people are going to boo and boycott, but he still should be allowed to play. But to say this man is evil…heck I’m sure many of us live and see evil everyday-in your homes, on your jobs oh but I guess that’s okay. So just because you won’t support the team that picks him won’t put a dent in that team’s revenue. And furthermore, “what if’s” don’t matter.

JESUS

July 22nd, 2009
10:22 am

and you catholics are lovers of men…so what…not just men..but little boys….you fool

Curious

July 22nd, 2009
10:24 am

There’s no question that Mike Vick has talent. Give him a chance.

He’s paid his debt to society, probably more so than anyone else in his position. I just hope that Mike has not become an angry, resentful man. His behavior put him in prison. His fame kept him there.

NFL clubs must be salivating to get him, but no one wants the publicity that’s sure to follow.

But let’s face it, television ratings and ticket sale will soar.

I, for one, can’t wait.

Just a crazy thought

July 22nd, 2009
10:26 am

I do not care about Mike Vick, good luck to him. He completed his sentence, the Falcons look good and I’m looking forward to the 09 season.

Was a season ticket holder

July 22nd, 2009
10:35 am

Still got love for MV7. And where ever he go I will be the first to get that jeresy. It is a MUST!

Rufus

July 22nd, 2009
10:35 am

Enough, talk about this guy, he wasn’t that great to begin with, it takes more than the one quarterback to make a team, and he wasn’t that great of a player or team mate.
Give him enough time and he’ll be in trouble again.
Hope he stays out of football.

Gerald

July 22nd, 2009
10:36 am

The man is a professional athlete. When he throws his first touchdown pass, all else will be quickly forgotten.

#1 Falcon Fan

July 22nd, 2009
10:36 am

He who is without sin, may cast the first stone. That statement should quiet all of you who are trying to judge Vick…Only GOD can judge him. I think he should be re-instated and the commissioner should let him know that if he screws up again, then he will be banned for life. I think Vick has learned his lesson and will keep his nose clean if he is re-instated!

I used to like him...

July 22nd, 2009
10:38 am

Just remember, Vick defender’s, that while yes….he does deserve a second chance….nobody took anything including $150-million from him. Vick did it all by himself. Well, Vick and some “friends”.

As far as comparing him to Stallworth, Heatley, even Leonard Little…they are different crimes, different scenarios, different everything.

Not saying it’s okay that someone who killed a human being gets less time than someone who “only” held a dogs head under water until it stopped struggling, watched a puppy squirm while hanging in a noose, or ran electrical current through a dog who never had a chance, but what I am saying is that just because people don’t take a gamble on Vick or don’t want him on their team doesn’t mean they are doing anything wrong, it just means their not dumb.

Vick, prison aside, hasn’t played in two years and was ONLY good because of his athletic ability. Not his brain, not his intangibles, his speed and arm. We’ll have to see if he still has that before anyone should even think about signing him.

And also, yes, while we’ve all done things that are bad and that we could have gone to jail for I for one have never violently killed anything more than a mosquito or bee so no, Vick doesn’t deserve people to be playing that card either.

Get a clue, Vick DESERVES a second chance, but no one OWES it to him.

Was a season ticket holder

July 22nd, 2009
10:38 am

Rufus how do you know he wasnt a great team mate? You only know what the media tell us UNLESS you played with him….

Long Time Falcon Fan

July 22nd, 2009
10:42 am

Enter your comments here

Long Time Falcon Fan

July 22nd, 2009
10:44 am

I will tell you this much. I have always love the Falcons but if Vick ever plays here against the Falcons, I hope he kicks their butts. And I am sure I am not the only one that feels this way.

Beau

July 22nd, 2009
10:47 am

Why Long time Falcon Fan? What did the Falcons do to Vick?

Heavenly creature

July 22nd, 2009
10:47 am

I don’t give a crap about dogs. I don’t care if you fight them or not, all you bleeding heart animal worshippers are morons. He did the time, now let him play. And don’t let me around your precious doggie, cause I’ll tear off his little head and eat it for breakfast.

Elvisinthehouse

July 22nd, 2009
10:47 am

Animal lover you gotta remember vick is black.The average white will choose a dog(animals) over blacks anyday.I asked 5 of my white friends jokenly would they go to war with a black man or an dog? 4 of them said a dog.I have nothing against blacks,but thats the truth.

Kevrock/Smarty Jones

July 22nd, 2009
10:48 am

I kinda feel for the guy. He was ripped off by his attorney Billy Martin (How is he still a good attorney btw). The big mistake he made was trusting his family. He should have SOLD THEM out at the state level and it would have all been done. The state really didn’t want to try him but if came clean to them it would have been probation and maybe a 4 game suspension by the NFL. He paid a heavy price already. I don’t condone what he did because I love dogs BUT he didn’t kill anyone either!

Beedlebailey

July 22nd, 2009
10:49 am

WELCOME BACK MIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

amidude

July 22nd, 2009
10:53 am

Wow…great to see all these PERFECT people online “casting the first stone.” The man made a mistake…when is he allowed to move on? I would gladly pay to see Vick play again.

FalconsFan

July 22nd, 2009
10:53 am

A mistake is going 55 in a 45 when the speed limit changes and you don’t notice, what Vick did wasn’t a mistake, he participated knowingly in an illegal activity for YEARS.

Again, I wonder how many of you defending Vick would be doing it if he was Asian, White or Hispanic… if you’re going to call people racist you might want to look internally as to why you’re ACTUALLY defending the criminal.

Beau

July 22nd, 2009
10:56 am

Good poll Elvis, real scientific and stuff, now I understand.

And I took a poll too.

How many times, when a black athlete is in jail for something, do people (black and white) play the race card? 100%, made that one up to, probably a little more accurate than your made up poll, however. I’ll take a man who can hold a gun over a dog any day, if I was going to war…and yes…I’m white.

Carey

July 22nd, 2009
11:15 am

This is quite ridiculous!!! I mean this really teaches young kids that it is okay to commit a crime and then you can go back to leading a normal life and make lots of money. I feel that he should not be able to EVER play again. This will hopefully make him learn that you cannot have your cake and eat it too!!!

Walter Miller

July 22nd, 2009
11:16 am

Michael Vick should never be allowed to play professional football again. He had dogs hanged and electrocuted and drowned.

Shame on you that think he has “paid his debt.” He has not, and he never can.

Walt

Chris Broe

July 22nd, 2009
11:19 am

Is the tail wagging the dog in Goodell-land? What if Vick promises only to attend chicken fights for the next few years? Or how about if he only marginally participates when they club baby seals in Alaska? Will that satisfy Goodell?

Give Vick the football. (dammit).

americanone

July 22nd, 2009
11:19 am

I am in a hail storm of stones on this thread; You guys are funny in a sick kinda way. It matters not one bit what we think as fans, if he plays or not this year is up to Goddell. It really should be up to the owners since they will be paying his salary and putting up with all the PETA nonsense.
Vick has not fully paid his debt to society; he is on probation. More than likely he will get reinstated but if he causes a single ripple…HE’S DONE!!!

phoenix falcon

July 22nd, 2009
11:19 am

AKALady

ditto

ATL

July 22nd, 2009
11:25 am

He has done his time Please let him play.
Yes he was wrong, he did fall down everyone on this blog has fallin down but someone was there to help us back up so we could start over.
So lets stop throwing stones and let him play ball.

plow

July 22nd, 2009
11:28 am

It’s so good to see you back Michael. You will be great! I can’t wait to see you kick some butt.

p.s. I bet you can wait either…;-() GO MIKE!

vick supporter

July 22nd, 2009
11:29 am

where is the door to your closet.