Falcons to speak on Vick's future today
ATLANTA — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has weighed in on Michael Vick's indictment on dogfighting charges, and as a result the Falcons star was ordered to stay away from training camp until the league reviews the case.
The other men who could determine the future of Vick's football career — including Falcons owner Arthur Blank — were expected to be speak publicly today for the first time since the troubled quarterback was indicted.
It could be another pivotal day for Vick, though Goodell has asked Blank to wait for the NFL to finish its investigation before announcing the team's plans for Vick.
In a letter to Vick on Monday, Goodell instructed the Newport News, Va., native to stay away from training camp, at least for now.
"While it is for the criminal justice system to determine your guilt or innocence, it is my responsibility as commissioner of the National Football League to determine whether your conduct, even if not criminal, nonetheless violated league policies, including the personal conduct policy," Goodell said.
Goodell also promised that the league would complete its review quickly, adding that he expected Vick's full cooperation. The NFL wants to speak with federal investigators and prosecutors to learn how strong of a case they have against the 27-year-old.
The Falcons open camp on Thursday, the same day Vick will be arraigned in Richmond, Va. He and three other men face charges of allegedly sponsoring a dogfighting operation and brutal treatment of pit bulls.
Along with Blank, Atlanta's general manager Rich McKay and new coach Bobby Petrino are also expected to speak publicly for the first time about Vick's future and his effect on the team.
Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts said Vick, who is in Virginia, will not attend the news conference.
Vick hasn't commented publicly since the team held a minicamp in May. None of the phone messages left on his cell phone have been returned. His lawyer, Lawrence Woodward of Newport News, Va., also did not respond to interview requests Monday.
Before Monday, the league, the NFL players' union and the Falcons had yet to make a definitive statement on Vick, each saying they would monitor developments and allow the legal process to "determine the facts."
Since then, pressure has mounted publicly and particularly from animal-rights activists.
PETA — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals — demonstrated at Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Ga., on Monday.
While PETA was demonstrating last Friday outside the NFL offices in New York last week, Goodell was meeting with officials from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The league and the ASPCA are working on a program to educate players about the proper treatment of animals.
