| Follow us on Twitter |
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had suspended Michael Vick indefinitely in 2007. Earlier this year, his team, the Atlanta Falcons, released him.
The conditions of his conditional reinstatement include limitations: Michael Vick can participate in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games. He will not be eligible to compete in regular-season games until week 6 (Oct 18 - 19), if then.
Another obvious hurdle for Michael Vick is finding a team to play on. While you can bet there will be at least one team who will jump at the chance, many have already stated they will not sign him. You can also bet than any team that does sign him will face the wrath of pet lovers and PETA.
Goodell noted in a letter to Michael Vick that playing in the NFL is a privilege, not a right, and that he has very little margin for error. He did add that if Michael Vick was sincere and worked hard, "the NFL will support you."
In a statement released through his agent Joel Segal, Michael Vick said:
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to commissioner Goodell for allowing me to be readmitted to the National Football League. 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.
"Again, I want to thank the commissioner for the chance to return to the game I love and the opportunity to become an example of positive change."
Posted July 27th, 2009 by Michael Santo
