Falcons Release Suspended QB Michael Vick

Atlanta Journal Constitution ^ | : 12:38 p.m. June 12, 2009 | By CHIP TOWERS, D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER

[lewisglad]

The Atlanta Falcons and Michael Vick are set to move on after the team issued the quarterback’s unconditional release on Friday.

The team had been seeking to trade Vick even though he remains suspended by the NFL for his conviction on dog-fighting and gambling charges. He last played for the Falcons in 2006.

“We spent a significant amount of time this off-season trying to trade him to another NFL club, and we had some conversations with a few teams, but nothing materialized,” general manager Thomas Dimitroff said on the team’s Web site. “At this point, we feel releasing Michael is best for him and best for us.”

Vick is now free to pursue any playing opportunities that come forth. No one could say if or when Vick might be reinstated - “that’s up to [Commissioner Roger Goodell],” Dimitroff said — but NFL rules allow teams to sign suspended players.

Vick still has other legal issues to resolve before a return to the NFL. Vick must conclude his prison sentence — he is currently serving the final five weeks of his federal sentence in home confiement — to be reinstated to the league and clear up remaining bankruptcy issues and a new pension fraud case.

Vick will also have to explain why he lied to Goodell about the dogfighting operation and show remorse.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

I cannot believe that the Vikings didn’t sign him.....

[lonster]

he’ll wind up with the raiders.

[Always Right]

You would think the best fit for him would be Cincinnati given the criminal record.

[smith288]

Bengals will. It’s something im used to.

[RichInOC]

I would think the Raiders.

[pnh102]

Vick was convicted of gambling?

[lewisglad]

Chiefs could use him as a backup.

[wolfcreek]

On dog fights< IICR.

[ssapro]

I’m surprised that Jerry Jones hasn’t picked him up.

[pnh102]

If he was convicted of gambling then he is ineligible to play in the NFL as far as I know. I believe that his plea bargain involved him not pleading to guilty to gambling.

If I am wrong please let me know.

[Mac from Cleveland]

Can’t our Emperor appoint him Secretary of Dogfighting?

[VA_Gentleman]

Jerry cleaned out the garbage this off-season. While I do believe Vick deserves an opportunity to resume his career, I pray it is not with my Cowboys.

[sweetiepiezer]

I think that would be the czar of dogfighting.

[danamco]

You mean Czar???

[Mac from Cleveland]

...part of the new Cabinet Department of Pimps, Hos, and Playas, no doubt......

; )

[COBOL2Java]

Is Mike now CFL bound?

[Niteranger68]

If anyone tells you that Micheal Vick deserves a second chance, remind them that his second chance will come at the expense of someone else’s first chance.

[pgkdan]

If anyone tells you that Micheal Vick deserves a second chance, remind them that his second chance will come at the expense of someone else’s first chance.

No it won't. If your straw man is good enbough to play he'll get his first chance.

[jagusafr]

I just wish somebody would replace Jerry. HE’s been the Pokes’ problem since he bought the team. Ah, for the days of Landry and Staubach...And Jordan, Garrison, Jones, and the list goes on. I’d even put Emmit and Banzai Billy on it.

Colonel, USAFR