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:
- That Goodell believes Vick has paid a sufficient penalty for his admitted crimes;
- 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;
- 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;
- That clubs interested in Vick would feel they had Goodell’s tacit, if not blatant, approval to pursue him.
- 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.
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293 comments Add your comment
Vick Realist
July 22nd, 2009
11:32 am
Yes the man messed up. He’s paid his deb,let him play.
MB please close this thread down. Everytime we talk about MV7 it turns into the same racist nonsense. It’s getting old.
Nativebird
July 22nd, 2009
11:33 am
Matt Ryan learned how to read and exploit defenses in 1 training camp better than Vick could after 7 NFL seasons. Regardless if Ryan ever does anything, that fact is unquestionably clear. Enough of this, who cares where or if the guy plays anywhere else? The Atlanta aspect of this guy and this storey is done, if only the press and other non-starters concerned with other things not football would give it up.
ON THE DOWN LOW
July 22nd, 2009
11:36 am
Mike Vick was a “lover of men” while in prison. If he ever plays QB again, I would NOT want to be his center.
O’bama is a “lover of men” as well, but he likes to keep that ON THE DOWN LOW. If you were married to a beastly stallion like ME-Chelle, I can’t say I would blame you.
Is it really any surprise Vick and O’bama have so many of the same fans here in The A T L ?
Vick Realist
July 22nd, 2009
11:45 am
Mike Vick was a “lover of men” while in prison. If he ever plays QB again, I would NOT want to be his center.
“O’bama is a “lover of men” as well, but he likes to keep that ON THE DOWN LOW. If you were married to a beastly stallion like ME-Chelle, I can’t say I would blame you.
Is it really any surprise Vick and O’bama have so many of the same fans here in The A T L ?”
I rest my case.
Michael
July 22nd, 2009
11:49 am
Who Fing cares if he plays I will watch if he doesnt I will still watch. Yes he is a great athelete and a show stopper but all this media attention is the whole reason why he was sentenced to such a strong sentence. Everyone neeeds to let this man live he has paid his debt to society. Oh yeah I dont think Mike Vick should do any work with Peta beacuse all those people are wack jobs and yes I own pets but PETA people need to come back to planet earth.
A Realist
July 22nd, 2009
11:51 am
I agree that there is no real reason to prevent him from playing if a team wants to sign him,…BUT….he’ll never make it through 3 YEARS of probation (State and Federal) without doing something illegal. Puff..Puff…
CathyD
July 22nd, 2009
11:52 am
Enter your comments here
sidslid
July 22nd, 2009
11:53 am
#2. Competition is a beautiful thing. All of Roger’s huffing and puffing can’t overcome the threat of losing key demograpics to an upstart league
CathyD
July 22nd, 2009
11:54 am
Good Luck Vick!!! hope to see you on the NFL field this season. And for all you haters Thou Shall Not Judge. I sure you’ve done stupid things that you regret. Leave Vick alone!!!!!
Judge not less ye be judged
July 22nd, 2009
11:58 am
It’s time to move on…MICHAEL VICK WILL RETURN TO THE NFL, get over it!…It’s about money and the NFL WILL NOT allow Michael to leave the league…the publicity of his return alone is a cash cow for the NFL…I am a dog lover (owner of an adorable mutt) and believe what Michael did was absolutely appalling. He has paid his debt to society. If he cause more problems for himself when he returns, that’s on him. Love ya, Mike!!! Welcome Back! P.S. If you have to play a game in Atlanta, don’t focus on the crowd say focused on Christ no matter what city you visit!
Thomas
July 22nd, 2009
11:58 am
Flo-Ri-Duh … apparently you never followed Vick’s career when he was with the Flacons! He caused plenty of trouble with the Falcons … you know all those people that are in the stands that are there to support the Falcons?? It was Vick that so eloquently flipped them the bird! $130 million and the guy still has ZERO class. I say keep his ass out of the league and make a reality show about his self destruction! I would watch …..
Sage of Blueland
July 22nd, 2009
12:00 pm
Does Mike Vick play in Atlanta?
Then why are we writing about him and not CURRENT FALCONS PLAYERS??
Suckers.
JUSTinCASEuFORGOT
July 22nd, 2009
12:08 pm
No; Michael Vick was not your typical QB…His stats were not that great and yes he did fumble
quite a bit. The man was running for his life! That offensive line left a lot to be desired and the receivers other than Crumpler was dropping everything that hit there hands. Yes; Matt Ryan has a higher football IQ than Vick but the buck stops there. He is no where near the athelete Vick is, if Stallworth had caught for Vick the way he catches for Ryan he would have made the pro bowl with Vick. The absolute worst thing that happened with Vick as a Falcon is Auther Blank’s choice not to retain Dan Reeves as coach to help Vick become a better QB. I don’t recall opposing teams designing special defensive plans when facing Matt Ryan but they all admit Vick gave them fits. Don’t get me wrong I like Matt and he is exactly what the Falcons needed but Vick did lead the Falcons to a playoff win in Green Bay and to the NFC Championship game. You can’t judge a man by stats alone; Vick comes to play every game.
ERich42
July 22nd, 2009
12:12 pm
What more does the man have to do. It will be a bigger crime if the Wizard Goddell does not reinstate him. We got players raping woman and killing people and they don’t even make the headline. Keep your head up Vick and make it do what it do when you get your chance. I will be watching.
GeTyourFactsRIGHT!!
July 22nd, 2009
12:14 pm
Vick did not flip the entire stadium the bird! It was one particular tampa bay fan who was letting Vick have it as he left the field; Vick still was wrong but don’t add to it!
Ol' Yeller
July 22nd, 2009
12:17 pm
If he did not already have so many illegitimate “kidz” with hideous, gold-digging women, I would say Vick was too stupid to breed with anything other than actual tail-wagging dogs.
Hugh Jaynus
July 22nd, 2009
12:22 pm
The whole situation has been blown out of proprtion. The simple fact is that at some point in history, it was deemed that some animals make for pets and are illegal to kill/torture and others are deemed for food and sport to be killed and tortured. If I could get a license to hunt and kill dogs, would I be the worthless person Vick is? If doing what he did was illegal, is it still an intoerable act?
The opinions on this tend to be two-fold: 1)Is what he did cruel? 2)Should he be judged for breaking a law, regardless of the crime. Most people believing he should rot in hell and never get the “privilege”of playing in the NFL again are making emotional decisions becasue an animal was involved. So I refer you to an earlier question…if it was legal to dog-fight, should he still rot in hell for doing it?
The guy’s crime was more stupidity for not doing this in Mexico or some other country that does not care about this stuff.
And yaeh, yeah…I have dogs and I have had season tix since before Vick, blah blah.
Let him play, Goodell is trying to be GOD-dell. I cannot wait to see how this pans out if Roethlesburger is a sexual predator. Also, did anyone see the story about the footage of circus trainer beating elephants? Don’t the beat them across state lines?
Humane Soicety Please Shut up!
July 22nd, 2009
12:35 pm
Peta should be protesting the Daily Killing of animals at the nation’s Humane Society. So What is Vick suppose to do to show remorse. Help the Humane Society kill more dogs? They do it everyday and nobody is charged with cruelty to animals. What is the Law or Offical Code that allows that. After all there are animal sanctuaries like the ones Vick’s dog were sent to and had a hefty 1 million care bill paid in full by Vick. Are these people really in charge of judging a man for making a living in His Profession when they Kill Dogs for Sport Daily simply, simply, simply and only, only, only, because no one has the money or millions they require to adopt them when they could simply give they away to good homes and sanctuaries. These people are criminals that kill helpless dogs daily in a well known process and setting. Thank God Michael Vick has paid his debt to society and will return to his job, making a living and can sleep at night knowing he will never kill another animal unlike his critics who do it without remorse, to millions of dogs daily.
Humane Soicety Please Shut up!
July 22nd, 2009
12:38 pm
Peta should be protesting the Daily Killing of animals at the nation’s Humane Society. So What is Vick suppose to do to show remorse. Help the Humane Society kill more dogs? They do it everyday and nobody is charged with cruelty to animals. What is the Law or Offical Code that allows that. After all there are animal sanctuaries like the ones Vick’s dog were sent to and had a hefty 1 million care bill paid in full by Vick. Are these people really in charge of judging a man for making a living in His Profession when they Kill Dogs for Sport Daily simply, simply, simply and only, only, only, because no one has the money or millions they require to adopt them when they could simply give they away to good homes and sanctuaries. These people are criminals that kill helpless dogs daily in a well known process and setting. Thank God Michael Vick has paid his debt to society and will return to his job, making a living and can sleep at night knowing he will never kill another animal unlike his critics who do it without remorse, to millions of dogs daily.
Humane Soicety Please Shut up!
July 22nd, 2009
12:44 pm
I wonder if all those no. 7 Vick Jerseys the Humane Society Collected were used as body bags for the dogs they kill daily. Remember they were killind dogs long before Michael Vick. It has to be a sight worse that hacking deaths at a hen house or chicken farm. Killing innocent animals who haven’t harmed anyone only to have a death sentence in less than 30 days after their arrival at a place where Dog Killers are suppose to care for animals and have their best interest at Heart? People should be protesting and demand the closing of these Death traps for animals. Money is the root of all evil, and if Peta and the Humane society don’t get money for these animals or their own perverted causes away with the dogs, off with their heads, kill em, kill em now. Yeah that’s what they call caring for animals………..Kill em.
Nope
July 22nd, 2009
12:50 pm
If he was convicted of the same crime and not a football player he would not be able to get a job anywhere in his field (professional fields) becuase he could not pass the background check. Why should sports be any different. the message you send is you can get away with anything and play. great for the kids.
Humane Society Please Shut up!
July 22nd, 2009
12:53 pm
Yeah I know, who cares if I Spelled Society wrong in the ScreenName?
It Is A:
W – worthless,
R – Rogue,-
O – offensive,
N – Nefarious,
G – Gang
All these so-called animal lovers and Vick haters need a reality check. could it be there a hiding their real sentiments behind this so-called and fake love for animals?
If one hates killing of dogs why be selective as to who can and cannot be allowed to kill dogs.
Just makes me wonder about dog lovers?
bigeasy830
July 22nd, 2009
12:57 pm
If Goodell lets Vick play in the preseason he will play the entire season and fans will have the chance to once again see this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6-jbdaYFUo
Humane Society Please Shut up!
July 22nd, 2009
12:58 pm
Nope……….So I guess when a Humane Society employee applies for work outside of their fields, should they list killing dogs as a reference, How many they kill on a daily basis, after all that stuff doesn’t show up on a background check. They should have educational tours so the public can see these killers and doing their jobs, Just like Vick after doing his time that was given by the feds and completed can be seen Playing football, oh, that is his job!
Steve
July 22nd, 2009
1:00 pm
Humane Society Please Shut Up, take you own advice and shut-up. The shelters wouldn’t have to put dogs to sleep if idiots like you had their dogs spayed or nutered. They don’t hang dogs or electrocute them for low performances in the dog fighting rings. Some times it’s best to keep you mouth shut and not prove that you’re a product of damaged genetics rather than open your mouth and validate the fact. Most people running around south Atlanta in a number 7 jersey are convicted felons, even Vick!
Humane Society Please Shut up!
July 22nd, 2009
1:02 pm
Well, Vick should be given the opportunity to Play football and be seen by the public performing his job.
Will the Humane society allow the public access to see them kill dogs daily which is their profession?
I see a double standard here.
Raul
July 22nd, 2009
1:06 pm
People, c’mon. Give the guy a break. Michael has served his time. Remember, as young as he was coming into the NFL and making the millions that he did, he just didn’t have a good support group. I truly believe he has seeked the one and only Savior which is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I hope and pray that Michael will continue his walk with the Lord.
Humane Society Please Shut up!
July 22nd, 2009
1:06 pm
Steve, The truth hurts doesn’t it. I didn’t know killing dogs in any fashion was okay. I am not a product. You however are a Vick hater. Ha, Ha, Ha. You go Steve keep the support for the Humane Society and keep killing dogs daily.
Oh Steve, I don’t own a dog. to much work. My lawn is just too perfect for a poop scoop job.
Have a good Day!
Humane Society Please Shut up!
July 22nd, 2009
1:08 pm
Oh how I miss seeing Michael Vick,
just love all those fancy End-Zone Tricks,
He’s just fantastic on the field
A human highlight on Video Reel!
bigeasy830
July 22nd, 2009
1:14 pm
In response to
HEY JUSTBLAZE
July 22nd, 2009
10:39 am
How do you know Matt Ryan is oh so classy, etc… You do not know Matt Ryan. I don’t want to take anything from Matt Ryan. I don’t know him either and I wish him no ill will. But most of you MV7 haters act as if Matt Ryan walks on water after one good season. I know one thing for sure. Matt Ryan is not perfect as a human being, none of us are. Now I talk badly about Ryan as a football player. I am one of the main ones who says Matt Ryan has a weak arm and I stand by that. But, so far Matt Ryan is record is 11-5, took his team to the play-offs and won rookie of the year. He has also been a model citizen in the NFL. His name has not been associated with anythig negative, but, if you think that he can do no wrong, you are either very young and naive or just stupid.
Hillbilly Deluxe
July 22nd, 2009
1:18 pm
I’m not a fan of Mike Vick but he did his time (more than someone else in the league who caused a human death). So if he can keep his nose clean and somebody wants him, let him play.
As for PETA, after the Obama fly incident, does anybody take them seriously?
Sick of It
July 22nd, 2009
1:20 pm
It appears that the only way people can build Michael Vick up it to tear other people down. Please try to understand that: #1 The Humane Society does not destroy animals, the local shelters of the municipalities do that, according to their own law and rules. Some euthanize, some do not. #2 There would not have to be millions of dogs destroyed every year if people didn’t allow their animals to over breed, not want to care for them properly and release them on the streets without any concern about what will happen to them. #3 You don’t have to be a whack job to care about animals, simply a human being. #4 No on said dogs were more important than humans, simply that they should be humanely treated. #5 Raising dogs for the sole purpose of having them kill each other for your viewing pleasure is not a mistake, it is a significant character flaw, I don’t care if you were raised in that “culture”. #6 Arthur Blank did not let Michael Vick down, exactly the opposite. #7 Matt Ryan did not take Michael Vick’s job, Michael Vick lost that due to his own bad actions. Now go ahead, call me a racist, a moron, an idiot, whatever it takes to make you feel that Michael Vick was justified in what he did, because quite frankly your opinion counts for nothing in the minds of most rational people.
Humane Society Please Shut up!
July 22nd, 2009
1:20 pm
Hooray For Michael Vick!
Oh how I miss his End-Zone Tricks
He’s done his time for the crime,
Now it’s time for Prime-Time!
Walter Miller
July 22nd, 2009
1:20 pm
Shame on you, “Humane Society Please Shut up!”
When the Humane Society kills animals, it is done quickly and usually without pain (some animals are gassed).
Get this: Michael Vick TORTURED animals.
He has no right to play in the NFL amd people who condone his activities — shame on you.
Walt
Oh yeah
July 22nd, 2009
1:24 pm
I can’t count the comments I have read “why are dogs more important than humans”….. Well folks, watch any news station in Atlanta and you’ll see that we have a whole group of young males who’ll kill you for a few dollars, so I have to say to one element of people in Atlanta, no life carries a value. I have rasied my dogs better than a lot of people in this city have raised their kids.
Phil McCrotch
July 22nd, 2009
1:28 pm
Humane Society. You have been anointed King Idiot of the vick apologist. As dumb as the rest of you are mr. society has topped all of you. Congratulations society. You have made all of us smarter today. Oh, and the word HUMANE is in the name for a reason.
Bad News
July 22nd, 2009
1:43 pm
Remember when Vick first got into trouble with the worthless dogs and Mike Tommin (youngest coach to win superbowl) said he thinks Mike Vick deserves a 2nd chance, when all of “evil” America said he should be banned for life?
Well guess what Falcons fans? It looks like one of your golden boys is in big trouble, accused of R A P E! That’s right raping a real human being.
Now, if Goodell is true to his word, “protect the shield” and the shield does not look good if we have a low life rapist of “humans” running around free – lock up your daughters!
Now there are rumors started that Mike Tomlin may pursue Mike Vick, in the case that big Ben feels the wrath of “God”, I mean Goodell.
Can you imagine the great Mike Vick on a defensive team like the Steelers? They may go 19-0. Finally, he will be on a team with true talent.
Vick Supporter
July 22nd, 2009
2:14 pm
Football will be fun to watch again. The King has returned
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
2:21 pm
Even if Vick gets reinstated…teams will be reluctant to sign him given all the negative publicity he has following him. Will everyone call NFL owners racists now? I agree he should have another shot at the NFL but we’ll let the owners decide his fate. And please, enough with Vick “King” QB- the man was decent…not great. Needs to work on his passing game. His body isn’t the same anymore. You won’t see another 1,000yd rush season from him….EVER.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
2:24 pm
Bad News: How does Big Ben..your “golden boy” affect us as Falcons Fans?? Besides, its some gold digger with a BS claim just to make a few dollars. Which the Steelers will handle behind closed doors to make the situation go away. And your rumors are complete BS!!! You think one of the greatest franchises in NFL history is going to add more bad publicity to their team…get a clue. If anything, Vick will go to Oakland or Skins.
Big Muddy
July 22nd, 2009
2:39 pm
Hey the Man served his sentence which is more than even several guys accused of murder/manslaugther have done. let it go!!!!!! It’s now political with the NFL
FalconsFan
July 22nd, 2009
3:17 pm
americanone,
It does matter what the fans think, it matters a great deal to the NFL, after all without the fans the league would be nothing.
Enter your comments here.....
July 22nd, 2009
3:24 pm
WOW!! I got to agree with Bad News @ 1:43. It may just be a gold digger trying to get money, but if thats not the case then it is definitely worse than what Vick did and he should be punished beyond what Vick got. The NFL can’t have star QB’s going around raping women. If that’s the case then Vick is the least of our problems. “Our” meaning humanity.
Dink
July 22nd, 2009
3:31 pm
Mark,
If Stallworth & Leonard Little can return so quickly to the NFL with a heck of a lot less jail time for KILLING SOMEONE, it sure seems that Vick should be able to return for dogfighting.
Bad News
July 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
MiltonDawg
That is typical of “you” people. Trash the victim as long as the villain does not have dark skin. I don’t recall you coming to Vick’s defense before he confessed – typical.
That poor woman did not deserve to be raped. The Steelers win and cannot sweep this under the carpet as you would hope. “Do the crime – do the time”! Maybe you would be more understanding if it was your daughter, sister or niece – who knows maybe you are just stating your opinion based on who or what he represents. I think you know what I mean.
Either way, this one will not be swept under the carpet – he is toast!
Billy
July 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
I think Vick deserves a second chance, and hopefully an NFL team will give him one. But, if Goodell keeps him out, he definitely shouldn’t bring back Donte Stallworth either. What Vick did was terrible, but Stallworth killed someone!
Falcons4Ever
July 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm
How many ex-cons get there old jobs back besides the rich and famous. What a society we live in where we idolize the wrong people.
Falcons4Ever
July 22nd, 2009
4:15 pm
Enter your comments here…All crime does is show the mentality of the offender. Sure some crimes are worse than others but there is one common theme to most all criminals, “phsycological issues” one way or another. No one desrves to be abused, NOT even animals!!!
jarvis
July 22nd, 2009
4:31 pm
It’s 4:30, and we’ve only gotten one blog today. MB, I’d hate to see your performance evaluation effected by this.
dgroy
July 22nd, 2009
4:41 pm
Any NFL Owner that signs him is an idiot. Why would you want a dog killer and a liar working for you?