IT IS ABOUT TIME
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated quarterback Michael Vick Monday "on a conditional basis." Goodell also informed Vick that he would "be considered for full reinstatement and to play in regular season games by Week 6 (October 18-19) based on the progress he makes in his transition plan," according to an NFL press release.
The release says Vick is immediately eligible to participate in "preseason practices, workouts, meetings and may play in his club's final two preseason games. Once the regular season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities other than games." Goodell will continue to evaluate Vick's case and his behavior and will decide by Week 6 whether to make him eligible to play in games.
Currently, Vick is a free agent and may sign with any team. It's unclear whether Monday's decision will prompt any teams to try and sign him.
Former Colts coach Tony Dungy,who met with Vick prior to his release from prison earlier this year,will serve as Vick's mentor, the release says. Goodell will "periodically evaluate Vick's progress under this transitional step approach and consider full reinstatement for play in regular-season games by Week 6."
Goodell met with Vick last Wednesday. As we wrote here Friday, Goodell wants to make sure that, if he allows Vick back into the league, Vick won't embarrass him with further bad behavior, such as that which he exhibited by failing a drug test during his dog fighting trial.
"Needless to say, your margin for error is extremely limited," Goodell wrote in his letter to Vick. "I urge you to take full advantage of the resources available to support you and to dedicate yourself to rebuilding your life and your career. If you do this, the NFL will support you."
It's an interesting decision. By saying he'll decide by Week 6, Goodell leaves open the possibility that he could declare Vick eligible for games earlier than that -- perhaps even not suspending him for any 2009regular season games. A couple of players (most notably Terrell Owens and Donovan McNabb)have spoken out against any further action against Vick. The players' union has expressed support for Vick, though union chief De Maurice Smith said Sunday that it was up to the commissioner to decide what to do.
Of course, before he's able to play in regular-season games, no matter what Goodell decides, Vick will have to sign with a team.
AP
FormerAtlanta Falcon quarterback, Michael Vick, left, leaves federal courtafter a visit to the parole office in Norfolk, Va., Monday, July 20,2009. Vick ended his federal dogfighting sentence Monday, freeing himto lobby for a return to the field. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
