Vick Takes Step Toward Life After Prison

Former NFL Star Will Spend Final 2 Months Of 23-Month Sentence In Home Confinement

(AP)  An attorney for Michael Vick says the suspended NFL star has left a Kansas prison and is on his way back to Virginia to meet the next challenges he'll face.

Larry Woodward, a member of Vick's legal team, says Vick left the federal penitentiary at Leavenworth overnight. Woodward says Vick is happy to be starting this part of the process. He's due to return to Virginia later this week to begin serving the final two months of his sentence on electronic monitoring at his five-bedroom home in Hampton, Va.

Vick had been serving a 23-month sentence for financing a dogfighting ring.

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback is expected to be released from federal custody July 20, but he will be on probation for three years. He hopes to persuade NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to reinstate him.

Vick, once the NFL's highest-paid player, will be allowed to leave his house to work a $10-an-hour job as a laborer for a construction company and for other limited purposes approved by his probation officer. He will be handed a new set of rules when he begins serving three years of probation after his expected July 20 release from federal custody.

The transfer from the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., will allow Vick to begin rebuilding his life, repairing his image and working toward his goal of reinstatement to the NFL.

Vick wants to work with the Humane Society of the United States on a program aimed at eradicating dogfighting among urban teens, society president Wayne Pacelle said Tuesday. Pacelle said he recently met with Vick at the federal prison in Leavenworth.

Goodell has said he will review Vick's status after his criminal case is concluded. He has said Vick will have to persuade him and the public that he is genuinely sorry for his crime, that he has been changed by his experience and that he is committed to leading a different life.

Even if he is reinstated, Vick's future in the league is uncertain. He and the Falcons have parted ways, agreeing to a contract settlement that will allow Vick to sign with another team - if there is one willing to endure the wrath of some fans in exchange for the services of a player who was perhaps the NFL's most electrifying performer.

A public backlash isn't the only risk. By all accounts, Vick has tried to stay in good physical shape, but there's no telling how much his skills have eroded after two missed seasons.

Vick, who turns 29 in June, said in bankruptcy court last month that he believes he can play another 10-12 years. The NFL career average is only 3.2 years and Vick already has played seven.

[nolies74621]

I detest what he did, but I'm not for keeping felons down, so they ONLY have crime as a choice. Vick will be back in the NFL, most likely next year. Unless his character hasn't changed. I'm just sayin, we'll see.
Posted by gravyboat45 at 4:35 PM : May 20, 2009

Criminals, How many of them actually change after prison and do not become a repeat offender. I will give him a year before he does something else that is criminal.

[gosstom]

Here in the Philippines, not only do we have dog fighting but also dog is a staple meat for consumption and for three-quarters of the world's population. Remember, we have Mexican Swine Flu, not Mexican Dog Flu.

[formrusmcsgt]

I'm sure Roger Goodell wants to see all of that play out, with no legal hick-ups, before he reinstates him.

Posted by gravyboat45 at 5:24 PM : May 20, 2009

Let's certainly hope not.....

Hey ,gravy.

[Ichabod09]

It was you who sunk to a low. To question wether children would be safe if Vick was in your neighborhood, or if a parent would feel ok with him being around is the low.

He was convicted of tranporting his illegal organization accross state lines. And of course, we all know he took part in killing puppies. A very low character indeed. But he's done his time, let's see what he can do to lift his character, before we condemn him, shall we?

I detest what he did, but I'm not for keeping felons down, so they ONLY have crime as a choice. Vick will be back in the NFL, most likely next year. Unless his character hasn't changed. I'm just sayin, we'll see.
Posted by gravyboat45 at 4:35 PM : May 20, 2009

Did not say feel, I stated comfortable repeatedly in the context of being a public example. My question now is why you in particular are so defensive of public opinion of someone losing their position after being caught in a crime?

[gravyboat45]

Graveyboat

Like I say I dont always agree with you but the more I think of it he would do better at the Raiders. I think he may play this year he owes a lot of money we will see after the 20th of july.
Posted by dwilson59 at

I don't think he's gonna play this year. Goodell has a history of leaving a player who is suspended on suspension up to a year after they get ouf of jail/prison.

And Vick has a lot on his plate right now. He's going to be on house arrest for a few months, then he's on probation, and has to work at a construction business,(owned by a friend of his), for $10.00 an hour, I forget for how long.

He's also working with the Humane Society to begin an anti-dog fighting campaign in the South. I'm sure Roger Goodell wants to see all of that play out, with no legal hick-ups, before he reinstates him.

2010 is when he will make his come back, IMO.

That gives Jamarcus Russel 2009 to prove himself to the Raiders and Al Davis.

Although, I don't see Vick as a starting QB anymore. He should be used as slash type player. He lines up in the back field, and sometimes he gets the ball, sometimes not. Could really confues a D.

[gravyboat45]

Hey IW. You a football fan, or just anti Vick? lol Or rather, what he did...
Posted by gravyboat45 at 4:41 PM .......

Hey there :-) I'm not a fan of him as a man and what he did.

I really only watch sports that my kids are playing in. Except for when the Steelers are on a roll and in the SuperBowl. Then I'm glued to the set. I also like to torture Broncos fans, just cause they get so crazy when I do Heeehe
Posted by IrishWench01

LOL One of my best friends on ESPN is a HUGE Bronco fan. I have her thinking they're gonna go for Vick. hehehe

[dwilson59]

Graveyboat

Like I say I dont always agree with you but the more I think of it he would do better at the Raiders. I think he may play this year he owes a lot of money we will see after the 20th of july.

[gravyboat45]

So you see him going to Detroit Lions for redemption?
Posted by dwilson59 at 4:22 PM ..

He'll be lucky to play at all.
Posted by IrishWench01

Hey IW. You a football fan, or just anti Vick? lol Or rather, what he did...

[gravyboat45]

So you see him going to Detroit Lions for redemption?
Posted by dwilson59

Nah, the Raiders. Only Al Davis would take the chance. You know how Al loves speed. And I'm sure Vick is still fast, he's had two years off from gettin hit for 16 + weeks.

[gravyboat45]

I wasn't aware that Vick had been charged with crimes against children...

Interesting, you'd think somethin like that would have made the news?
Posted by gravyboat45 at 1:47 PM : May 20, 2009

No gravy, Like I told Wilson the is issue has and is still as an example of character-seems you and wilson sunk to the same low.
Posted by Ichabod09

It was you who sunk to a low. To question wether children would be safe if Vick was in your neighborhood, or if a parent would feel ok with him being around is the low.

He was convicted of tranporting his illegal organization accross state lines. And of course, we all know he took part in killing puppies. A very low character indeed. But he's done his time, let's see what he can do to lift his character, before we condemn him, shall we?

I detest what he did, but I'm not for keeping felons down, so they ONLY have crime as a choice. Vick will be back in the NFL, most likely next year. Unless his character hasn't changed. I'm just sayin, we'll see.