With Falcons quarterback Michael Vick's release from federal prison, here are five things to know about his future:
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Home confinement
For two months Michael Vick will be confined to his home in Hampton, Va., with his fiancee and two of his children. He will be allowed to leave for work and church. He is set to be released from federal custody on July 20. He also has to serve three years of supervised probation. Also, he cannot own any dogs.
Return to the NFL?
Vick is suspended by the NFL and remains on the Falcons roster. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell does not have a meeting set with Vick or his representatives to discuss reinstatement. He wants to see that Vick is truly remorseful for his actions.
Goodell finds himself in uncharted waters. The one-year suspensions of Paul Hornung and Alex Karras for gambling don't provide any guidance. Previously, they were the league's longest suspensions. Vick will have to explain why he initially lied to Goodell about the dogfighting operation.
If Vick is not reinstated
He will not be eligible to play in the NFL or the Canadian Football League. The collective bargaining agreement precludes players under contract with NFL teams from playing in the CFL. It's unlikely, but Vick could elect to play in the United Football League, which is set to open play in October.
Trade talks
There have not been any takers since the Falcons announced in February that they planned to trade Michael Vick's contractual rights. If the Falcons can't find any takers, they would very likely release him outright, if he is reinstated. Vick would then become a free agent. Falcons owner Arthur Blank has stated that he will not play for the Falcons. The salary-cap hit would be $7.11 million in 2009.
Raising some cash
Vick is in bankruptcy and needs to raise some cash. There have been discussions about a reality show and a book deal. Vick reportedly has written his book while in prison and is seeking a publisher and a co-author.
D. Orlando Ledbetter writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: dledbetter(at)ajc.com.
