Fear not NFL fan, despite the delay in ratifying the agreement by the players, you aren't going to lose much football. Unless you live in Canton, Ohio we suppose.
According to reports today, the league and the NFLPA (not a union for now), have ironed out most of their differences and according to Chris Mortensen and Professor John Clayton of the 4-letter word, the NFLPA executive committee will sign off on the deal Monday. It would allow the players to report to camp and actually vote in full on the deal come Wedneday
That would mean the league year could still start on Wednesday and training camps would start on Friday.
The intrepid Albert Breer of NFL.com doesn't quite go that far, but says it's more than likely going to happen.
Just so you know. None of this is surprising. We are very sure DeMaurice Smith and the players were not happy the owners publicly voted on and signed off on their version of the deal on Thursday. We think there was some disagreement on the timing and it sounds like some tweaking of verbiage.
Bottom line, the players felt dissed. Which we get. And by signing off on it and holding a press conference on it before the players got to look at things, boxed them in. It made the players look bad, like they were holding things up. It was a publicity stunt.
Considering how childish both of these sides of been, it's not surprising things are dragging out. But like we said, "Patience grasshopper", neither side wants to kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
If you check in with Trade Association head DeMaurice Smith or any of the hard-line player reps, the answer is "probably not..."
If we were to look into the shield's version of a Magic 8 Ball...
Smith wrote in an email to the 32 player representatives shortly after the owners' decision and back-slapping pride in Atlanta: "Issues that need to be collectively bargained remain open; other issues, such as workers' compensation, economic issues and end of deal terms, remain unresolved. There is no agreement between the NFL and the players at this time."
The HQ is fairly cvertain, however, that Jeffrey Lurie gave New Dawg more direct eye contact than he did Albert Breer of the Shield's network...
Chris Mortensen is confident of a Friday vote, but for all 32 player reps and 1,900 players all to get their hands on a copy of this 500-600 page document in time for digestion would be rare...
And we nearly have reached the end. Yes, it is true, an end to your NFL Lockout is fast approaching. No, it isn't here yet, be we and most everyone else fully expect it to be done by the end of the week.
Let's update the comings and goings at stately Wayne Manor:
The NFLPA (not a union) will be holding meetings in Washington D.C Monday morning ahead of more face to face meetings with legal teams and the owners themselves. The lawyers for both sides (who are making a fortune off this), met most of the weekend to peruse and agree to the language the parties have agreed to (??). And our pals, the Jolly Roger (Goodell) and DeMaurice Smith spent their Saturday hanging out together too.
According to reports, the agreement, for the most part is complete with only a few allegedly minor details to hammer out.
Among those: The use of a Franchise tag, settlement of the Brady anti-trust suit, Workman's comp issues and the TV. damages case.
Roger Goodell/File
They will all get together on Tuesday for "Group Mediation" with Judge Arthur Boylan and at that point is where the belief is they'll agree to agree. From there, the hope is the players will vote on the agreement Wednesday, the Owners on Thursday in Atlanta and the doors begin to open Friday.
Supposedly, internal free agents will get to negotiate with their current teams Friday, and a week from today, (Monday the 25th), we have Free Agency and camps opening later in the week.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, major progress was made when owners conceded that there won't be any more 2-a-day practices and limiting OTA's or Organized Team Activities, something that had been created over the past 6 or 7 years, which essentially were mini-camps under a different name.
What does this mean? It means were almost done. It's amazing to here what some of the idiotic arguments were about, but for the players sake, we're glad to here they got some concessions on some of them. The OTA thing was crazy, most players hated them, but had to come.
The interesting thing is going to be how teams install systems in a short period of time. Training camps will start almost immediately and we'll be playing exhibition football within a couple of weeks. Because if you look at the calendar, the NFL season is only about 45 days away.
So rejoice NFL fan, your stupid legal issues are all but resolved. Hope you put some money away over the summer, because while your ticket prices won't go up this year, they most certainly will next....
Here's your accompanying video, to be played while you read this story:
Is the end finally near? It would appear, at least on the surface that yes, it is. And before you say it; we did mention this way back at the beginning of the week and what we said then, hasn't changed.
According to the major Sports Networks, who have the resources to stake out the continuing and ongoing NFL Labor negotiations, most all the stumbling blocks have finally been cleared and if you believe what your read, there may be a tentative agreement today for the owners and players to ratify by the next owners meeting on July 21st in Atlanta.
You can read the full story from Albert Breer and Jason LaCanfora of NFL.com RIGHT HERE
Well. We've been pretty vocal in our moral anger at this issue from the get-go. And yeah, we're glad that it is finally nearing an end. Though we've been around this enough to know not to believe anything until it actually happens.
We are fully cognizant that both sides can and have used the ever eager, NFL media to try and convince the public that they are right and all is well. We know that it isn't always the truth.
However, we also are very sure that both side recognize they need to get this done fast or they both stand to lose. As much as they've whined, they've done it during the summer, when they wouldn't be playing anyway. Getting a deal done now will have some, but not major impact on the upcoming season and financially won't impact either side. We say that because while both the owners and players like to say they are on the side of the fans, really they are only on the side of lining there own pockets.
Not playing football this season would have a big impact on that. And if nothing else, Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith are pointedly aware of this.
According to our friends at the 4-letter, we are a mere 10-days away from a ratified labor agreement which would trigger the beginning of this years NFL season.
Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter are both reporting that the deal is near completion and quote an owner as saying "No reason to believe it won't get done".
Yes, there are a few details to work out like the ridiculously stupid rookie wage scale and a compromise over free agency, but those are not considered major stumbling blocks.
((ed.note--original version of espn story basically said it would happen July 21st, they updated in much more nebulous terms in case it doesn't--sounds like a little CYA there))
If you don't believe us, read the ESPN.com report RIGHT HERE
We'll spare you the details invloving the Billions of dollars they are trying to hash things out about because quite frankly, it makes us revisit our thoughts about how absurd this has been in the first place.
Rather, we'll just say "Relax, NFL Fan", you'll get your football this season. Yes, it may slightly delay the start of training camp and may change where teams hold their camps, but they'll have 'em.
Your season ticket investment hasn't gone to waste. Really, it hasn't. You'll get your $100 per ticket upper level seats and have games to actually watch.
Obviously, we'll keep an eye out and let you know once they decide to settle this once and for all.
Enjoy your accompanying cheesy music video from the Big 80's:
It may soon be over. We could be back to a world with only one Pro Sports league is in the midst of a lockout.
We think.
The NFL, its owners and players are inching ever so much closer to a collective bargaining deal that will reinstate the most popular of all U.S Pro Sports leagues.
It's officially been 112 days now, though it seems like roughly 5,912, since we last had a Pro Football game and there wasn't a lockout involved and as we get closer to the normal opening of training camp and a season, it appears there's movement.
Both the Owners and NFLPA (not a union), realize if they don't do something soon, the oh-so-important revenues they are chomping at the bit to split, will start getting smaller. And they don't want that.
Albert Breer from NFL.com tells us more RIGHT HERE
They will do this, we think, soon. They have to. Still, there are a good amount of details that need to be finalized before it happens and it almost all collapsed last week.
But it didn't.
Neither side in this argument is stupid. They finally realize that if they don't do this soon, they hurt themselves more than they will hurt us. The only financial stake we have in this is buying tickets and concessions, which just so happens to be one of the bigger ways they get money. Of course, the fact they won't get any T.V money dwarfs our needs, but we had to get that out there.
And just for those curious, no, the suit filed by the NFL Alumni, won't affect any of this. While we get the point and agree that the NFLPA (not a union) and the owners should do more for former players and shouldn't be sacrificing their piece of the pie so the active players can get a few more bucks, the suit is essentially meaningless.
You can read about their "Class-action" complaint in the New York Times RIGHT HERE
Don't worry. Judge Nelson isn't going to add the retired players to the negotiating table. Not now.
Either way, kind of keep an ear open in the next 10-days because we believe there will be a tentative agreement by then. We think both sides have bridged enough of the gap to make this happen. They've met so frequently the past couple of weeks, that could be the only reason why.
The end may actually be near. Yes, its true or at least it is highly rumored. The NFL Lockout/Strike/Arguing/Mental Block or whatever you want to call it might actually be over soon.
Now, it's not over yet and there are no guarantees, but. There are reports of progress in the negotiations, pretty much for the 1st time since they started.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA (not a union), chief DeMaurice Smith have been meeting on a regular basis the past couple of weeks and side sessions with owners and players appear to have shown signs of success.
For those of you contemplating season tickets, you can probably breathe a little easier. If what this report, and others say is true, it will only be a couple of weeks before it gets settled. And if that's the case, it will play out like we predicted it will initially. Camp would start on time, you'd get your oh, so exciting pre-season games and the season would proceed as scheduled.
Quite honestly, we believe the main reason this is finally happening is because things ended up in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals which basically told both sides "Figure this out" "If we have to make a decision, neither of you may like it".
So, stay tuned, the next couple of weeks should be fun and yes, you, you NFL crazies, can start making plans to spend roughly one weeks pay to go see your favorite team this season.
We can't say that "D-Day" is here, but it has been a somewhat busy week in the land of NFL negotiations and we'll have the added bonus of a legal ruling from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals today (Friday).
1st things first. Yes, the league and the NFLPA (not a union) have been meeting the past 2 days in Chicago. The hope: getting negotiations jumpstarted. The outcome: Unkown. Both sides were decidedly non-committal with their answers saying that "The fact they were meeting is good".
Several of the principals took part in those meetings. For the NFL: The Jolly Roger along with owners Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft, Jerry Richardson, John Mara and Art Rooney. For the NFLPA: DeMaurice Smith, Kevin Mawae, Mike Vrabel, Jeff Saturday, Tony Richardson and Dominique Foxworth.
And while they didn't go into detail about what was discussed, enough came out of it that Judge/Mediator Arthur Boylan has postponed next weeks scheduled mediation sessions.
Now as for today (Friday):
We are supposed to find out the decision on the owners appeal of Judge Susan Nelson's decision to lift the lockout back in late April. The 8th Circuit granted the owners a stay on that decision which is why we've had no mini-camps or anything like that.
The expectation is that the owners are going to win their appeal and the lockout will continue. Why? We don't really know. We aren't labor-law experts and quite honestly, we don't understand the reason why there is a lockout/strike going on anyway. We know it has something to do with the owners and the players both wanting a bigger "piece of the pie" along with a few other minor details.
Don't get your hopes up yet for your NFL Football, though it's coming. We think this is going to drag on a bit longer, but both sides are starting to realize the longer this goes on, the more likely they are to piss people off. Though we've been a bit disappointed in the lack of concern on the fans part.
The decision comes at approximately 11:00 a.m eastern time and we will update you as soon as we are able to.
Here's another group who wanted a "Piece of the Pie":
In today's episode, we find out the NFL releases a regular season schedule. Sportswriters and broadcasters rejoice. Certain fans are confused and the rest of us don't really give a shit. (sorry for the language)
Without getting too detailed in the details. Yay! (sigh). Wow, this really doesn't mean a whole lot right now. Some of the features include the New York teams getting to play/remember 9/11, the Green Bay Packers playing on every holiday and the Washington Redskins (can we say Redskins? Jon?), yeah, the Redskins will still suck. (Sorry J-Dub)
For those interested, NFL.com gives you everyones schedule in PDF form RIGHT HERE
And for those interested in news about our favorite subject, the Lockout...well, there isn't much news. The 4-letter seemed to make a very big deal over the fact that both sides met on Tuesday. And that the Jolly Roger and Jerry World were part of the leagues group. Yawn!
But, in the spirit of keeping up with the Jones's (Jerry joke), we give you the NFL's latest PR Spin. In that spin, they take umbrage with NFLPA (not a union) head DeMaurice Smith's claim that the average players career is only 3.2 years. They apparently spent a lot of time researching this.
Realistically, much like we said when the subject of Mediation came up, nothing is going to happen. Though it would probably be in the owners best interest for an agreement to be made, we don't expect it. Judge Susan Nelson, who heard the case for the players trying to sue the league to in part force them to open their doors, is expected to weigh in soon. It's been two weeks since she said she'd rule in a couple of weeks.
So, expect nothing significant to happen. And even if it does and the Judge makes a ruling, expect it to be appealed. Which essentially means that, well, we will be exactly where we are today. We'll be sitting and looking at gleeful writers and TV guys gushing about the nuances of this years schedule, knowing full-well, that it could be completely meaningless if both sets of children can't agree on anything.
They are so sweet. They just want to do what is best for you, the NFL Draft fan. You can just see it in the flutter of their collective eyes.
Today's update in the legal action none of us can relate to, the NFLPA (not a union--a trade group!), out of the kindness in their hearts, have decided to not hold an event simultaneously with the NFL draft. They've decided to hold their usual spate of draft weekend events in New York City, but have scheduled them so they don't conflict with the draft itself.
You can read about their greatness from their own website RIGHT HERE
Oh, and for what it is worth, they've filed their final legal brief in preparation for the April 6th lawsuit hearing with a Minneapolis judge. In it, they harp on the fact that in a previous settlement, the league and its owners agreed the NFLPA could decertify when they needed to. They argue that the owners are not complying with that agreement, saying the NFLPA's actions are a "Sham" and that is the reason for the "Lockout" (Technically its not a strike)
You can read that legal discourse from the NFLockout website RIGHT HERE
Fred Taylor, a long time NFL Running Back had his own take on what is going to happen. Taylor in fact thinks the "Lockout" will be over in about a month. He offered his own take on negotiations in an interview with the Florida Times-Union and writer Tania Ganguli including the notion that the owners deal, was the worst in labor history according to NFLPA president DeMaurice Smith
You can read excerpts from Jacksonville.com RIGHT HERE
Meanwhile, back at stately Wayne manor, the Owners fired back on their own website. In a post by the author "Staff", the league is arguing why they consider the NFLPA's action illegal. And though we ourselves are not legal experts by any means, we kind of wonder about this ourselves. Especially since the only thing that seems to have changed with the NFLPA is that they don't call themselves a union anymore.
It's mostly legalese, but the league gives a lengthy but compelling reason as to why the NFLPA's actions were very premeditated and not entirely legal.
Okay, again with the rhetoric. What does all of this verbiage mean?
Well, I'm glad you asked. Really, it means next to nothing. It means nothing will happen at least before April 6th. It means that the Draft will happen regardless of where the two sides stand. It means that we'll hear a lot more posturing and a ton of pandering in the next couple of weeks.
It also means this is far from over. We are guessing that neither side will be totally victorious in the April 6th litigation. We suspect they will be coerced back to the bargaining table, but nothing of consequence will happen right now.
Essentially right now, it means that both groups are playing chicken. They are waiting to see who blinks first. The owners are betting on the players breaking ranks, individually at first, in larger groups as we get closer to a season. As for the players, the path they've chosen is essentially go for broke. That's the main reason they don't want to continue negotiating, despite saying they'll talk. If they really wanted to talk and work something out, they would have. The two sides aren't that far apart.
So? What are you saying? Well, I'm saying you are going to continue to get updates Monday thru Friday for awhile because we don't expect much, other than more rhetoric to happen for the next week or so. So enjoy!
In preparation for the possibility of replacements, we give you the movie, the Replacements. More specifically, deep thoughts by Shane Falcon (as played by Keanu Reeves)--dig the subtitles:
Well...there really isn't too much to report here. On the good side, nobody from either side said anything stupid. Which is a change from previous days.
Both sides have spent the better part of the past couple of weeks. No, actually the past couple of years saying stupid things to each other and just being entirely unproductive.
According to many, the players primary complaint really is more the "Lack of respect" shown to them by the owners. And while on one hand we understand that, on the other, it's completely and utterly childish.
Read a good story on respect from Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com RIGHT HERE
For their part, the players are sticking to their revenue complaints. They maintain the league is inflating the figures that the players receive from extra revenues.
Okay. We don't dispute the math here, but the whole thing misses on fundamental issue that neither side is willing to address. This is an ASTRONOMICAL amount of money. Why or how can you not work this part out?
We cringe at comments such as the one by NFLPA President (not a union, a trade association) Kevin Mawae. Mawae is concerned that young players don't have insurance and have to get COBRA insurance and that they may not have the ability to pay it long term.
Ok Kevin, we get that COBRA is not cheap. But the league minimum salary is somewhere close to $400,000 a year. We are pretty sure if the money is budgeted well, it can be afforded.
Do we think the owners should do more for players in terms of medical? Absolutely. Players and former players are injured and have health problems that don't go away. Why can't you take some of the $Billions we are talking about and put it in a HSA?
As for the Owners/Greedy bastards. They seem to be coming across as just looking for more bucks. They already, routinely hold city's hostage for new stadiums paid for on the backs of taxpayers in those cities. At last check, there are a ton of cities and states going broke these days.
We suspect that is the crux of most of their issues. None of them want to dish out of their own pockets...to build a stadium themselves. Which it appears is what the owners believe can drive revenues.
Anyway, we've rambled on and on about this, we could talk for hours. We still maintain this is all about greed...on both sides of the issue. We suspect nothing is going to happen before the "Class-action" case goes in front of a Minneapolis Federal Judge on April 6th. Legitimately, there isn't a reason this can't be resolved before the season starts. It's more a battle of egos than issues, but we suspect it is going to drag on for awhile. So we better do our homework, because it's going to be tough to come up with material every day.
In the meantime, here is your title music, which really...kind of sums everything up:
Sorry we couldn't update our mocking of the NFL strike over the weekend. That whole job thing gets in the way from time-to-time.
Here's the latest salvo in the battle that is--The NFL Strike:
When we left you on Friday, the NFLPA...ok, the players received a letter/e-mail from the Jolly Roger (Roger Goodell), outlining why their last offer was a good one.
It didn't go over so well.
The players association, though not union, issued a brief rebuttal--essentially saying that Goodell and the owners are liars.
Now, we move forward to Monday, the owners are meeting in New Orleans and the rhetorical fighting continues with Players Association head DeMaurice Smith again saying "It's the worst deal in the history of Sports". He may come to regret that.
The players continue, they now have a website that will tell YOU, what you are missing. If you want to check it out, follow the link HERE
For their part, the league and its owners say the last offer was "Still negotiable". They say the players had no interest.
Here's what we say: SHUT THE HELL UP!!!! BOTH SIDES!!!! YOU ARE INSULTING OUR INTELLIGENCE!!!!
We still maintain what we've said all along. The owners are a bunch of greedy bastards. Why hold back your financials? According to the players, that would be all it takes to resolve this. Are you (Owners) hiding something? It sure seems that way...
And players---STOP SAYING STUPID SHIT!!! Just keep your mouths shut. You'll win. Why is your front man saying the owners offer is the "Worst deal ever". IT ISN'T!!!!
Do you not get that no person who attends your games on a regular basis can't relate to the money you are talking about? Do you not get that we don't have ANY sympathy for either side here? You all--and the owners are coming off sounding like WHINY BITCHES!!!
Just stop! You're making me angry as I write this. If you want to disagree its your right. We don't begrudge that. Just negotiate a deal....privately. We don't want to hear that the players are "Treated Like Slaves". That may be the single most ludicrous statement of all-time. We've been to an NFL Training facility. 99-percent of all living human beings would kill for facilities like that. You travel on charter jets from city to city and stay at the nicest hotels in every town you go to. You don't pay for it. SHUT UP!!!!!
We're going to stop now because we are getting more angry the more we think about this. I still don't know why we should care. There are other things in life to do rather than watch NFL Football. I know a lot of people in a lot of places don't believe that, but its true. You should try it. You might find you have a whole heck of a lot more money in your pocket.
Until then...we give you "The Crying Game"...because that's these people seem to do...
When I wrote to you last on behalf of the NFL, we promised you that we would work tirelessly to find a collectively bargained solution to our differences with the players' union. Subsequent to that letter to you, we agreed that the fastest way to a fair agreement was for everyone to work together through a mediation process. For the last three weeks I have personally attended every session of mediation, which is a process our clubs sincerely believe in.
Unfortunately, I have to tell you that earlier today the players' union walked away from mediation and collective bargaining and has initiated litigation against the clubs. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, our clubs offered a deal today that was, among other things, designed to have no adverse financial impact on veteran players in the early years, and would have met the players’ financial demands in the latter years of the agreement.
The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).
It was a deal that offered compromise, and would have ensured the well-being of our players and guaranteed the long-term future for the fans of the great game we all love so much. It was a deal where everyone would prosper.
We remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached, and call on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.
While we are disappointed with the union's actions, we remain steadfastly committed to reaching an agreement that serves the best interest of NFL players, clubs and fans, and thank you for your continued support of our League. First and foremost it is your passion for the game that drives us all, and we will not lose sight of this as we continue to work for a deal that works for everyone.
And we also have guys filing suit against the league now...
Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees are among the players who have filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL to prevent a lockout.
Just after the players' union pulled their decertification card out of the deck, the players filed suit against the NFL in U.S. District Court. They're seeking a class-action against the league. They also filed a request for an permanent injunction that would keep the NFL and their member teams from engaging in a lockout.
The HQ is guessing "permanent" and not "temporary..."
Also included in the lawsuit are Vincent Jackson, Ben Leber, Logan Mankins, Brian Robison, Osi Umenyiora, Mike Vrabel, and Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller, who is entered in this year's draft.
The HQ would love to know who their collective agents are...
The players allege that the NFL conspired to deny the players' ability to market their services- which, in all reality, is just a legal maneuver in this whole proceeding following the decertification...
Michael Vick was conditionally reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday and could play in regular season games as early as October.
Vick can immediately participate in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games -- if he can find a team that will sign him. A number of teams have already said they would not.
Goodell suspended Vick indefinitely in August 2007 after the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback admitted bankrolling the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting operation.
Goodell said then that Vick must show remorse and signs that he has changed before he would consider reinstating him.
Once the season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19).
Goodell called a news conference for late Monday afternoon.
Here's how our friends at MyFoxAtlanta/WAGA covered the story... Lisa Rayam and Tom Haynes are your anchors... They toss to Sports Director Ken Kodriguez...
The announcement came after a busy first week of freedom for Vick, who met with union leaders and Goodell on consecutive days last week. His 23-month federal sentence ended when an electronic monitor was removed from his ankle early on July 20 at his home in Hampton, Va.
He met with DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association, last Tuesday and, on Wednesday, he sat down with Goodell at a security firm in Allendale, N.J.
They include- no committing of any further crime, prohibiting drug and alcohol abuse, and nothing to do with firearms or dogs. Seven has also submitted a plan to the Commisioner about how he plans to live his life. Commissioner Goodell hopes that he will abide by the plan.
So sayeth The Shield... Thanks to our friends at CBSSports...
ESPN.com is reporting that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has reached a decision on Michael Vick's future in the NFL.
The sports website says Goodell decided on a "conditional reinstatement" that would allow Vick to attend training camp if he signs with a team. However, Vick ((pictured, Virginian-Pilot file)) may be forced to sit out the first four games of the 2009 season.
SI.com is reporting that Vick and Goodell met on Thursday afternoon in Allendale, New Jersey. The two were seen leaving the meeting looking "somber", according to SI.com.
On Tuesday, Vick and NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith met one-on-one. No details from that meeting were released.
Michael Vick finished his 23-month federal sentence for his involvement in a dogfighting ring on Monday. Vick left Norfolk Federal Court quietly and expressionless, but he did acknowledge a supporter who yelled out, "Go Mike, we got your back baby."
Vick's attorney Larry Woodward and federal probation officers were at Vick's home early Monday morning to remove the ankle monitoring device Vick was required to wear while on home confinement in his Hampton home for the past two months.
Local Attorney Chris Zaleski told WAVY.com if it's approved, returning to the NFL could be a good thing for Vick.
"One of the benefits would be that he would have a set schedule training camp, the games are already outlined. He is, of course, going to have to get permission to travel out of the state," Zaleski said.
It is also uncertain where Vick might play if he is reinstated. The Falcons released him in June.
"Michael did an egregious thing," Goodell told The Associated Press in April. "He has paid a very significant price for that."
He said people are forgiving when someone who has done wrong shows remorse and is prepared to live a different life.
"That's something he has to prove to myself and the general public," Goodell said.
29-year-old Vick did not initially show enough remorse to satisfy U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson. Vick apologized in court in 2007, but Hudson denied him an "acceptance of responsibility" credit that could have reduced his sentence.
Under the federal truth-in-sentencing law, Vick had to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. He served the first 18 months in the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., before being transferred to home confinement in May.
While on home confinement, Vick -- once the NFL's highest-paid player -- worked a $10-an-hour construction job for a few weeks. He switched jobs last month, assisting in children's health and fitness programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs.
Vick will remain on probation for three years. He also is under a three-year suspended sentence for a state dogfighting conviction.
Here's WAVY-TV's coverage from Thursday...
The Big Lead ran a story quoting an anonymous DJ saying that Vick was seen at a strip club Monday night with Allen Iverson. Vick's lawyer, Lawrence Woodward, denied the hell out of it.
From WVEC-TV:
Michael Vick's lawyer vehemently denied reports Thursday that the suspended NFL star spent his first night of freedom from federal custody at a Virginia Beach strip club.
"It is absolutely, categorically false," Lawrence Woodward told The Associated Press.
An Internet blog reported that Vick was seen at the strip club Atlantis on Monday night, hours after he completed his 23-month sentence for operating a dogfighting ring. Woodward said Vick was not in Virginia Beach that night and has not been to any strip club.
"He has been spending time with his family and friends and working with his advisers on legal matters and trying to get back to playing football," Woodward said.
Vick also denied the reports in an interview with the Daily Press of Newport News.
"That's crazy," he told his hometown newspaper. "That is the last place on my mind. I was out of town. I guess it's just someone trying to be hurtful."
The blog thebiglead.com, which some newspapers referenced on their Web sites, quoted a DJ who refused to be identified as saying Vick was at Atlantis with NBA free agent Allen Iverson.
Leon Rose, Iverson's agent, said the basketball star hasn't seen Vick since the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback's release from prison.
The voice mailbox at Atlantis was full and unable to accept messages Thursday.
