Michael Vick Reinstated

NFL bad boy Michael Vick has been reinstated as eligible by commissioner Roger Goodell on a conditional basis. The conditions behind Vick’s reinstatement state that he has to find a team that will sign him. If he can do that then he could end up playing in the final two preseason games and could play in regular season games as early as week six in October. No team has come forward yet in a bid for Vick, but several have already indicated that they would not consider signing him. Commentary from Vick’s former coach at Virginia Tech follow the statement issued by Michael Vick below.

Vick released a statement through his agent Joel Segal upon hearing of the commissioner’s decision:

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.

Among the teams that have indicated they have no interest in Vick are the New York Giants and the New York Jets. Vick has a long way to go to regain his status in the NFL. He was once the highest paid player in the league with a 10-year $130 million contract with Atlanta. Now he’s filed for bankruptcy with debts of $20 million. Meanwhile he has plans to work with animal rights groups to educate inner city youth on the issues surrounding dog fighting. It will be a long road uphill, but perhaps Vick can convince America that he has what it takes to be a bad boy gone straight.