THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHILADELPHIA - Michael Vick, a quarterback who was convicted two years ago of running a dogfighting ring, is back in the NFL, landing a job with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Agent Joel Segal confirmed the quarterback's signing, shortly before the team announced it in a text message. The Eagles gave Vick a one-year deal with an option for a second year.
The 29-year-old Vick, once the NFL's highest-paid player, has been out of action since 2006. The former Atlanta Falcons star was convicted in August 2007 of conspiracy and running a dogfighting ring, and served 18 of a 23-month sentence in federal prison. He also was suspended indefinitely by the NFL.
Commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally lifted Vick's suspension on July 27, allowing him to sign with a team, practise and play in the last two pre-season games. Once the season begins, Vick can participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19) at the latest.
The Eagles went to the playoffs last season under quarterback Donovan McNabb, and are still looking for their elusive first Super Bowl win.
McNabb has led the Eagles to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance in the last eight years, and was rewarded with a US$5.3 million raise in the off-season. The Eagles tore up his old contract with two years remaining, and gave him a new deal worth $24.5 million over the next two seasons.
The team is a surprise landing point for Vick. It was among 26 clubs that said there was no interest in him, but that may have changed when backup Kevin Kolb strained a knee ligament earlier this week. Kolb's injury isn't serious and he's expected to return next week. The Eagles also have veteran A.J. Feeley.
When news of Vick's signing circulated in the press box during the first half of the Eagles' pre-season opener against New England, even the team's public relations staff seemed surprised.
The stadium was buzzing by halftime as word spread. Fans standing on the concourse were in disbelief. One guy wondered how quickly he'd be able to buy a Vick jersey. Another asked if this was a joke.
In a "60 Minutes" interview set to air Sunday, Vick accepted blame for not stopping the illegal dogfighting operation he bankrolled.
Vick said he feels "some tremendous hurt behind what happened."
He said he should have taken "the initiative to stop it all ... I didn't."
Asked if he was more concerned about his playing career or the dogs he hurt, Vick replied, "Football don't even matter."The animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, wasted no time reminding people exactly what Vick had done.
"PETA and millions of decent football fans around the world are disappointed that the Eagles decided to sign a guy who hung dogs from trees. He electrocuted them with jumper cables and held them under water," PETA spokesman Dan Shannon said.---
AP sports writers Hank Kurz Jr. and Jon Krawczynski contributed to this report.
