Michael Vick’s legal troubles prompted Nike on Thursday to suspend the release of its latest product line named after the Atlanta Falcons quarterback.
Nike has told retailers it will not release a fifth signature shoe, the Air Zoom Vick V, this summer. Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer said the four shoe products and three shirts that currently bear Vick’s name will remain in stores.
Vick will be arraigned next week in a Richmond, Va., federal courtroom on charges of sponsoring a dogfighting operation.
Meanwhile, Falcons owner Arthur Blank issued a statement, saying the organization is “working diligently on exploring our options.”
“This is an emotionally charged and complicated matter,” Blank said. “There are a wide range of interests and legal issues that need to be considered as we move ahead.”
Blank added that he was “saddened and distressed about this – not for myself, for our fans and community who have been so loyal to us.”
Patriots: New England signed veteran free-agent linebacker Chad Brown, 36, and released cornerback Antwain Spann, wide receiver Jonathan Smith and tight end Jake Nordin.
Brown, a former University of Colorado star, returns to New England after playing there in 2005. He has 79 career sacks in 14 NFL seasons with the Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks, ranking second among active NFL linebackers.
Cardinals: Arizona agreed to terms on a three-year contract with linebacker Buster Davis, the team’s third-round draft pick.
Davis led Florida State with 109 tackles last year, 57 solo, and had five sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Davis led the Seminoles in tackles for three consecutive seasons, starting his final 37 college games.
Texans: Houston signed rookie linebacker Zac Diles, a seventh-round pick who played in 24 games in two seasons at Kansas State and had 92 tackles last season.
Dolphins: Second-round draft choice Samson Satele, a center from Hawaii, signed a four-year, $2.89 million contract, but the team’s top two picks remained unsigned.
Still unsigned are Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn Jr. and quarterback John Beck of BYU.
