UFL Still Wants Vick

Shapecity · Jun 7, 2009

UFL got a noticeable bump in visibility with the hirings of head coaches Dennis Green, Jim Haslett, Jim Fassel and Ted Cottrell. But landing the playing services of disgraced quarterback Michael Vick would be a major coup for the fledgling league.

Having the convicted felon Vick would be the equivalent of rubberneck drivers who can't look away from a wreck. Love him or hate him, Vick would be must-see TV for football folks wanting to see if he can rebound from his 18-month federal prison sentence for funding a dog-fighting ring.

Vick is still under contract with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, but owner Arthur Blank has already publicly stated that he is no longer welcome to play with the franchise. Speculation remains that Vick could face another suspension from the NFL and he'll likely be released by the Falcons if he can't be traded.

A natural landing spot might be Orlando's UFL franchise. The league wouldn't want Vick in the media cauldron of New York, Las Vegas seems a bad idea on so many fronts and it's unlikely that the ultra-liberal fans in Northern California would support Vick playing in the area.

UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue stressed that "we're not going to be a league of renegades," but he would welcome Vick back into the league if he makes all of the proper steps needed for reinstatement.

Haslett, the Orlando coach, said he would eagerly welcome Vick to Orlando if he's cleared to play. He said his talent is undeniable, and he hopes Vick will get a chance at football.

"People will come out and want to see him play and people on TV will want to watch him play," Haslett said. "He had a .700 winning (percentage) in the NFL. The question is that he hasn't played much football and where are his skills after two years out of football? Can he still bring them out?

"There are a lot of unknowns about him. But I do think if he does what he's supposed to do that he deserves a second chance. Out of the four cities, this would be the one that would accept him and give him an opportunity."
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Source: Florida Today

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UFL Still Wants Vick

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UFL Still Wants Vick

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