RICHMOND, Va. — Michael Vick might soon discover just who’s interested in giving him a second chance.
Two people familiar with the meeting confirmed NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Vick, agent Joel Segal and two other members of the suspended quarterback’s team met Wednesday at a security firm in New Jersey. The two people requested anonymity because the league has not acknowledged the meeting.
ESPN reported on its website Thursday night that an anonymous source said Goodell had decided on a conditional reinstatement that would allow Vick to attend training camp if he signs with a team and that he also could be suspended for the first four games of the 2009 season.
On Tuesday, a day after Vick was released from federal custody, Goodell told The AP that he hoped to make a decision “in the near future.”
Goodell suspended Vick indefinitely in August 2007 after the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback admitted bankrolling the “Bad Newz Kennels” dogfighting operation. Goodell has said Vick must show remorse and signs that he has changed before he would consider reinstating him.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined to confirm the meeting, saying: “We’re being consistent in not discussing any of the details while the review is taking place.”
Earlier Thursday, Vick’s attorney Lawrence Woodward denied reports that Vick spent his first night of freedom at a Virginia Beach strip club.
“It is absolutely, categorically false,” Woodward said.
An Internet blogger reported Vick was seen at the strip club Atlantis on Monday night, just hours after the electronic monitoring device he wore for two months under home confinement was removed.
Woodward said Vick was not in Virginia Beach that night and was not at any strip club.
Two dancers arriving at the club Thursday, who identified themselves as Tropical and Tara, said they did see Vick and NBA free agent Allen Iverson there Monday night.
Leon Rose, Iverson’s agent, said the former Nuggets star hasn’t seen Vick since his release from prison.
Draft going prime time
NEW YORK — The NFL is making its already popular draft even more television-friendly, moving the first round to Thursday night.
Next year’s draft will switch from a two-day, weekend format to a three-day event, with the opening round in prime time for the first time.
The first round will begin at 5:30 p.m. MDT on April 22. The second and third rounds will start at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, with the last four rounds beginning Saturday morning.
The Associated Press
