Report: Goodell to allow Vick to sign with team

By MASHAUN D. SIMON

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Michael Vick could be on his way back to the NFL if a team signs him before, during or following a four-game suspension levied by Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Enlarge photo

Former Atlanta Falcon quarterback, Michael Vick, left, arrives at federal court with his attorney Larry Woodward in Norfolk, Va., Monday, July 20, 2009. Vick ended his federal dogfighting sentence Monday, freeing him to lobby for a return to the field. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

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ESPN.com reported Thursday that Goodell issued a conditional reinstatement for the suspended former Falcons quarterback that will allow Vick to attend training camp if he signs with a team, but will still suspend Vick for the first four games of the 2009 season.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, however, told The Associated Press on Thursday no decisions on Vick’s future have been made.

“This is a serious matter,” Aiello said in an e-mail. “We are engaging in a careful and thoughtful process.”

Vick, fresh from serving 23-months in federal prison for dogfighting, met with Goodell Wednesday, hoping to restart his NFL career, according to published reports.

The two met Wednesday afternoon in Allendale, N.J., ESPN.com reported, citing a unnamed league source.

Sport Illustrated reported on its Web site that Vick and Goodell were seen departing from Buckley Petersen Global Inc. around 4 p.m.

Vick left in a Cadillac Escalade; Goodell in a BMW 10 minutes later, according to SI.com. Eyewitnesses described the two as having “somber” looks on their faces.

Aiello declined to confirm the meeting when contacted by The AP.

On Tuesday, Vick met one-on-one with NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith.

That same day Goodell, who suspended Vick indefinitely, said he’ll make a decision “in the near future” on reinstating him.

In order for Goodell to reinstate Vick, he must show remorse and convince him and the public that he is reformed.

The animal rights group PETA issued a statement Thursday reiterating its resistance to Vick rejoining the NFL unless he first undergoes a psychological evaluation.

“Until a determination is made about his ability to feel empathy and contrition, the NFL would be acting irresponsibly if it offered Vick the opportunity to serve as a role model for millions of young children who look up to football players,” read part of the PETA statement. “PETA will not rule out targeting any team or league that may choose to associate itself with Vick.”

The players union has not taken a formal position on Vick’s reinstatement but has pledged to support him on a personal level. Vick must serve three years’ probation for his dogfighting conviction.

The Atlanta Falcons released Vick in June. It is unclear who would sign Vick if he were reinstated. Several teams have indicated they have no interest in signing him.

NFL training camps open for veterans next week.

Several NFL stars have shown support for Vick. Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin told the AP Vick should be reinstated. Michael Strahan, Chad Ochocinco and Jamal Anderson have all posted statements supporting Vick’s reinstatement on Twitter.

--Alyse Knorr, ESPN.com, SI.com and The Associated Press contributed to this report.