The UFL wants Vick

[A.E]

Anybody have any idea what the UFL is? United Football League, read on...

NEW YORK (AP) - When the United Football League debuts in October, Michael Vick could be one of its players.

Michael Huyghue, the commissioner of the new four-team league, says the UFL is willing to give Vick a place to play — provided there are no pending legal issues. His rights belong to the Orlando franchise.

"One of the things that is important in our premiere season is to showcase the quality of talent and the coaches, and to be able to show outstanding players who find themselves in this quagmire the NFL creates," Huyghue said. "Michael Vick might be that kind of player because he is ... a phenomenal talent, but he needs transitionining back into the NFL.

"Also gaining as much widespread exposure for the league as possible might be addressed with Michael Vick."

Huyghue said he will monitor the Vick situation closely and "if he is free and clear of legal issues, we will look at the situation."

Vick already has served an 18-month sentence in federal prison for his involvement in a dogfighting ring. He is under home confinement until July 20, after which the NFL is expected to announce whether the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback will be suspended.

Vick, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 draft, has not played football since the 2006 season.

The UFL will have teams in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco, playing games mostly on Thursday nights in October and November. The championship game will be Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving.

Orlando acquired UFL rights to Vick in an allocation draft of players not under contract in the NFL.

"I don't know if the NFL will suspend Vick," said Dennis Green, coach of the San Francisco team and the chairman of the UFL's competition committee - a role he also held while coaching in the NFL. "What he did was very wrong, and he paid his debt to society. He was a model inmate, otherwise he never would have made it out from prison early.

"Now he has to show he loves the game and is a responsible citizen. You can't show you love the game if you're not able to play the game. So if Michael Vick were to say, 'I will play for not a lot of money,' well, hello. We're here.

"If he is not allowed back into the NFL and he wants to show he is a model citizen and he loves the game, there is not a better situation for him."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league would have no comment. Joel Segal, Vick's agent, did not immediately respond to a message left by The Associated Press.

While it sounds as if Vick will be welcomed into the UFL, Huyghue would not address the situations of Plaxico Burress, Donte' Stallworth or other NFL players with legal problems.

More about the United Football League...

- Official Web Site: http://www.ufl-football.com/
- As mentioned above, 4 teams from New York, Orlando, Las Vegas and San Francisco will play out games in 7 cities
- Former NFL coaches: Jim Fassell, Denny Green, Jim Haslett and Ted Cottrell are slotted as the 4 UFL head coaches
- Teams have yet to be named
- Workouts/tryouts have been underway since the start of June

 

[dez]

Just 4 teams? lol

If he truly still wants to play this is a great backup plan lol but I think he should focus on his community service/re-building his reputation before he even comments on this.

 

[Gucci]

If Giddell won't let Vick in the league yet, then I think this is a great option for him.

 

[A.E]

I was hoping this thread would spark conversation about this new league...and not turn into another Michael Vick debate.

Like...how about the coaches they've got line up? 4 pretty big names there.

 

[Dice-J]

Just 4 teams? lol

Thats how the Arena Football League started, now they are at 16 teams I believe. Not a fan of them, but I did a report on the league before.

 

[Gucci]

I was hoping this thread would spark conversation about this new league...and not turn into another Michael Vick debate.

Like...how about the coaches they've got line up? 4 pretty big names there.

It would have probably ended up like that if you wouldn't have put Vick in the title

 

[Dice-J]

The whole reason this is being discussed is that Vick could be joining that league

 

[A.E]

Ya, I don't think any of us are interested in another "has Vick been punished properly" debate.

 

[aj3380]

by just gettng vick the UFL will have a ton of ratings this season. I'll be extremely interested in seeing vick play.

 

[Aharvey]

I'd follow the league to see Vick play but other than that, probably not. Could have potential though...they certainly have a solid group of coaches and could use Vick and the publicity he would bring along as a launching pad for growth.

 

[bestkeptsecret13]

LOL - You can sign up on there website to play in this league.

 

[Aharvey]

LOL - You can sign up on there website to play in this league.

Wow you really can. I should fill out the form and see what happens. :lol:

 

[Shadez]

Yeah I think he should play there for a year to get his football skills back to form and stay clean and he'll definitely get his shot at the NFL again. If he does well. This could also blow up in his face and cost him millions should he ever be allowed back into the NFL.

 

[Nucker]

Fail all over this.