Calling it the “perfect situation” and the “perfect scenario,” Michael Vick expressed thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles for giving him a chance to play football after spending nearly two years in prison on charges related to dogfighting.
Sitting at a press conference alongside his advisor, former NFL coach Tony Dungy, and Eagles coach Andy Reid, Vick said he is eager to help the team in any way and that he is grateful for the opportunity to show he can still play.
“I’m glad I have a second chance,” he said. “I won’t be a disappointment.”
Vick last played in the NFL in 2006 as a member of the Atlanta Falcons, when he set an NFL record for rushing yards by a quarterback. In six seasons with the Falcons, he started 71 games, including four playoff games, and appeared in three pro bowls.
“I think we know Michael Vick two years ago was one of the greatest quarterbacks in the National Football League,” Reid said. “I’ve always said to the people of Philadelphia that I would try to bring in the best players that can help our players achieve the highest goal, and that’s the Super Bowl.”
• Click here to see an AP interactive timeline on Michael Vick.
The signing of Vick, 29, comes less than a month after he spent 21 months in prison and two months of home confinement. In April of 2007, federal prosecutors accused Vick of financing a large dogfighting ring and using his property in Surry County, Va., to hold illegal fights between dogs. According to prosecutors, many of the dogs involved in the ring were beaten or killed by Vick and his associates. Vick accepted a plea agreement in August of that year.
Shortly after being released from federal custody last month, Vick met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who had suspended him indefinitely in 2007.
Goodell earlier this month agreed to conditionally reinstate Vick on the grounds that he remain out of trouble. He also asked Dungy, who had been counseling Vick informally, to be a formal mentor for the player.
Under the terms of his conditional reinstatement, Vick can participate in the Eagles’ final two preseason games and work out with the team. Goodell said he would consider reinstating Vick fully for Week 6 of the season, at the latest. A full reinstatement at that point would mean Vick would be available to play on Oct. 18 in an Eagles road game against the Oakland Raiders.
Dan Shannon, a spokesman for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, posted a message on the group’s Web site expressing disappointment in the signing. Shannon used the forum to remind people in graphic terms the actions for which Vick served time in prison, including electrocuting and drowning dogs.
“What sort of message does this send to young fans who care about animals and don’t want to see them be harmed?” Shannon asked.
Vick repeatedly expressed regret for his involvement in dogfighting.
“For the life of me today, I can’t understand why I was involved in such pointless activity,” he said.
• Tim Lemke can be reached at tlemke@washingtontimes.com.
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