Archive for July 31st, 2009

A Man without a Team

Friday, July 31st, 2009

Fresh off his prison sentence for his role in a dogfighting ring, former NFL quarterback Michael Vick was granted a conditional reinstatement on Monday from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The conditions allow for Vick to sign with a team and participate in preseason games, but forbid him from playing until at least week six of the regular season. So far, however, no team seems to be interested in Michael Vick.

Smeal’s Andrew Bergstein, associated director of the Center for Sports Business & Research, comments:

I would be surprised if Michael Vick isn’t playing in an NFL uniform for the preseason games allowed and then after his suspension is lifted later this fall. I would also be very surprised if he’ll be an NFL quarterback as early as this season, barring an injury or very poor performance by a starter. As a football fan I have to admire his athletic talent—something some NFL teams need as a roster spot.

What about the dogfighting conviction and jail time? Signing Michael Vick would be tough for teams whose ownership and management find the crime onerous and/or fear a public relations backlash from the media and fans. Other teams and their fans might counter that he pled guilty and served the sentence imposed by the courts. Without naming names, I bet most of us could guess the uniform colors of both sets of teams. Remember, both the Steelers and the Raiders wear black.

Tags: Bergstein, Sports Business
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