NFL grants Vick conditional reinstatement
Bob Glauber - NewsdayIssue date: 7/23/09 Section: Real News
NEW YORK - Former Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick, who spent nearly 11/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to felony charges of running an illegal dogfighting operation, will have a chance to play again after missing the 2007-08 NFL seasons.
Vick was informed Monday by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell that he has been granted a conditional reinstatement that could have him back on the field by Oct. 18 or sooner. Now all he needs is a team.
Under the plan, Vick can sign with a team and participate in all practices, workouts and team meetings, as well as play in the final two preseason games. Once the season begins, Vick can participate in all team activities except games. Goodell will consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19) at the latest, and he could even allow him back for Week 1 if he meets certain conditions.
In a letter from Goodell that was received by Vick Monday, the commissioner wrote: "My decision at that time will be based on reports from outside professionals, your probation officer and others charged with supervising your activities, the quality of your work outside football, the absence of any further adverse involvement in law enforcement, and other concrete actions that you take that are consistent with your representations to me."
Goodell stressed that his timetable does not represent a suspension. "This step-by-step approach is not meant to be a further punishment and should not be viewed as such," he said. "Instead, it is intended to maximize the prospect that you can successfully resume your career and your life."
Vick expressed gratitude about Goodell's decision in a statement released by his agent, Joel Segal. "I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to commissioner Goodell for allowing me to be readmitted to the National Football League," he said. "I fully understand that playing football in the NFL is a privilege, not a right, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have been given. As you can imagine, the last two years have given me time to re-evaluate my life, mature as an individual and fully understand the terrible mistakes I have made in the past and what type of life I must lead moving forward."
Vick will continue to work with former NFL coach Tony Dungy, who has served as a mentor in recent weeks.
Vick had been suspended indefinitely since August 2007 after pleading guilty to federal criminal charges relating to his involvement in an interstate dogfighting enterprise. He was released from federal custody July 20 but still is serving three years of probation.
Goodell said he received "very mixed" responses when he spoke to numerous current and former players and coaches about the situation. "I do recognize that some will never forgive him for what he did," he said. "I hope that the public will have a chance to understand his position as I have."
Vick was informed Monday by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell that he has been granted a conditional reinstatement that could have him back on the field by Oct. 18 or sooner. Now all he needs is a team.
Under the plan, Vick can sign with a team and participate in all practices, workouts and team meetings, as well as play in the final two preseason games. Once the season begins, Vick can participate in all team activities except games. Goodell will consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19) at the latest, and he could even allow him back for Week 1 if he meets certain conditions.
In a letter from Goodell that was received by Vick Monday, the commissioner wrote: "My decision at that time will be based on reports from outside professionals, your probation officer and others charged with supervising your activities, the quality of your work outside football, the absence of any further adverse involvement in law enforcement, and other concrete actions that you take that are consistent with your representations to me."
Goodell stressed that his timetable does not represent a suspension. "This step-by-step approach is not meant to be a further punishment and should not be viewed as such," he said. "Instead, it is intended to maximize the prospect that you can successfully resume your career and your life."
Vick expressed gratitude about Goodell's decision in a statement released by his agent, Joel Segal. "I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to commissioner Goodell for allowing me to be readmitted to the National Football League," he said. "I fully understand that playing football in the NFL is a privilege, not a right, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have been given. As you can imagine, the last two years have given me time to re-evaluate my life, mature as an individual and fully understand the terrible mistakes I have made in the past and what type of life I must lead moving forward."
Vick will continue to work with former NFL coach Tony Dungy, who has served as a mentor in recent weeks.
Vick had been suspended indefinitely since August 2007 after pleading guilty to federal criminal charges relating to his involvement in an interstate dogfighting enterprise. He was released from federal custody July 20 but still is serving three years of probation.
Goodell said he received "very mixed" responses when he spoke to numerous current and former players and coaches about the situation. "I do recognize that some will never forgive him for what he did," he said. "I hope that the public will have a chance to understand his position as I have."
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