Vick reinstated conditionally, may play by Week 6

[Catty1]

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/nphotos/sli...0204_superbowl

Vick reinstated conditionally, may play by Week 6

1 hour, 6 minutes ago

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Quarterback Michael Vick has been reinstated to the NFL on a conditional basis and may be able to play by the sixth week of the regular season, Commissioner Roger Goodell said on Monday.

Vick, who completed a 23-month sentence for bankrolling a dog-fighting ring, will be considered for full reinstatement for the NFL's October 18-19 games "based on the progress he makes in his transition plan," the commissioner said in a statement.

Vick was grateful to be given the chance to play again.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Commissioner Goodell for allowing me to be readmitted to the National Football League," Vick said in a statement.

"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."

Vick, a former number one overall pick in the NFL Draft and All-Pro quarterback, said he had learned from the experience and would continue to receive mentoring from former NFL coach Tony Dungy, who steered the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl title.

"As you can imagine, the last two years have given me time to revaluate my life, mature as an individual and fully understand the terrible mistakes I made in the past and what type of life I must lead moving forward," said Vick.

Vick played six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons but was released by the club following his conviction.

The 29-year-old quarterback is currently a free agent and able to sign with any team. If he signs for a team he will be allowed to practice through the summer and would be able to play in the final two preseason games, the commissioner said.

(Reporting by Steve Ginsburg and Larry Fine; Editing by Sonia Oxley)

[Karen]

I just hope he is sincere, and he did learn, and continues to do community service and preach about the evils of dog fighting.

[pomtzu]

It would be my hope that the fans would boycott any team that is stupid enough to sign him on!

I don't think there's an ounce of remorse in Vick's body, and he's only going thru the required motions to be reinstated by the NFL. The only thing he's sorry about, is that he got caught!

[Karen]

I don't think there's an ounce of remorse in Vick's body, and he's only going thru the required motions to be reinstated by the NFL. The only thing he's sorry about, is that he got caught!

I think any human being can learn, and he deserves to be given a second chance. Just because he's an athlete does not mean he is evil or stupid. We do not know him personally, and shouldn't prejudge, in my opinion.

[pomtzu]

I think any human being can learn, and he deserves to be given a second chance. Just because he's an athlete does not mean he is evil or stupid. We do not know him personally, and shouldn't prejudge, in my opinion.

Yes - I suppose I should have put "IMO" at the end of my post, because that's what it is.

Perhaps I'm becoming too cynical in my old age.

[Grace]

I agree with Karen.

Look at all the other athletes playing who have been convicted, and served time.

There's Donte Stallworth - driving while intoxicated, struck and killed a pedestrian. He took full responsibility, spent 30 days in jail, financial settlement with the family, community service and will be able to play sometime this fall.

Ray Lewis - indicted for murder and aggravated assault. He did a plea bargain, and is currently playing. He was even the MVP of the Super Bowl the year after the incident. He was not suspended by the NFL - just paid a fine.

Then there was Leonard Little. Driving drunk, killed a gal. 90 days in jail, four years probation and 1000 hours of community service. 6 years later, he was again arrested for drunk driving and speeding.

Vick has been in prison, paid fines, and his reputation is ruined. Let him play - if any team will take him. I can't imagine him being welcomed with open arms. But he should have the chance to work and earn a living.

[Cataholic]

I think any human being can learn, and he deserves to be given a second chance. Just because he's an athlete does not mean he is evil or stupid. We do not know him personally, and shouldn't prejudge, in my opinion.

No, his evilness and stupidity have nothing to do with his status as an athlete. He is evil and stupid because of what he did to animals. I will prejudge him, and any other 'person' that abuses animals. The animals DESERVE my viligence, they deserve everyone's viligence. Remember, the animals have no voice.

[elizabethann]

I was shocked to see he was reinstated in the NFL. If he were a New England Patriot I would never watch another game in my life.