Globe 10.0: Would the Patriots sign Vick?

Dogs are idiots

Believing the Patriots would sign Vick belies how their front office works. The Patriots are willing to take on talented players with character issues that have prevented them from working effectively in a team environment, not that prevent them from getting on the field at all because they're incarcerated. Also, Michael Vick's talents were vastly overrated to begin with, and have surely degraded considerably while in prison. I doubt the Patriots have any interest in him whatsoever.

Its not an issue to me about what he has done at this point, my problem is that i just dont think there is an open position for him. We are pretty stacked on offense

We do not need Mike Vick! He's been out of the game for 2 years. We need LBs and DBs.

if they sign this thug, i'm done with them.

I'm not necessarily a PETA person, but i dig animals. I was recently at Boston Animal Rescue League, and i saw some fight dogs injured and scared and trying to rehabilitate. I thought - "who or what could ever do this to a living creature?"

I dare anyone to go down there and say different - that goes for you Vick supporters, you morons.

The question was "would they entertain the idea?"

Of course they would but it doesnt mean they would sign him. There's not a player in the league that they wouldn't consider on some sort of level.

I'm an animal love but he served his time in jail. What else do you want out of him?

Why would we sign Vick when we've already got the best QB in the game. Wildcat? We don't need it to win. I think the only teams that consider Vick are ones that are desperate for a QB and the Pat certainly don't qualify.

NavinJ-

Always some cretin who likes to stir the pot. Crawl back under your rock.

The answer is no and here's why:
1. He is not a good throwing quarterback. He has 71 career passing TD's and 53 career interceptions. Those are very poor numbers.
2. He and Tom Brady are less than 3 years different in age. Tom Brady still has a lot of years left to play I don't think Vick will want to be a long term backup quarterback.
3. He is a good runner with over 1,000 yards in one season but that isn't what the Pats need. He is not a good fit for the Pats type of offense. He is a very good running but below average passing quarterback.
4. He did serve his time in jail but he still has questionable character issues that many teams including the Pats want to avoid.

imagine Michael Vick playing other positions besides locked at quarterback?
Special Teams/Punt Returner, Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Tailback.
Vick proves more dangerous with the ball in his hands.
On a team that already has Tom Brady, you can put Vick at a skill position.
Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Michael Vick, Fred Taylor, all
on the field at the same time, it would drive DC's crazy?
I believe Vick could be great on defense at cornerback.

The Celtics could sign him and have a mean front court with Vick and Marbury at guards.

J E T S, Jets, Jets, Jets. NY tolerated Sprewell. Jets need a quarterback to run the offense while their rookie gets acclimated to the NFL. Vic would be a logical one to two year solution for them. Myra Kraft will never let Robert sully the Pats reputation with this unrepentant criminal.

I can't believe we wasted a jail cell on someday who fought dogs. Whoopty freaking doo.

We let rapists out early on parole because we don't have enough prison space.

Dog fighting does not deserve the kind of punishment he received. Millions of animals fight outside in the wild every day. If I leave both of my dogs outside together EVENTUALLY THEY WILL FIGHT! I wouldn't fight dogs, but its as if the media is trying to tell us this thing is abhorrent, I'm not buying it, he should have been fined $5,000.

I just don't care, and I am a dog lover/owner.

The day the Pats sign Vick is the day I quit being a Pats fan...

The Pats could rename it the WildDog Offense......

Pats sign him and I'll never watch them again. But Belichick isn't stupid and knows Vick is so it's a moot point.

It goes beyond serving your time. For me personnally I have a mental picture of him picking up those dogs above his head and slamming them to the ground until they are dead. That is not only inhumane but it is not human.

It's one thing to have animals fight in the wild, that's for the Nature channel.

It's entirely another to have some SOB forcing them into near certain death situations against their will. Humans are supposed to know better.

Vick is a pig, period. No one will ever convince me otherwise.

Don't diminish what Vick did by stating that he just "fought dogs". He was part of an interstate criminal enterprise. He pled guilty to "Conspiracy to Travel in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Unlawful Activities and to Sponsor a Dog in an Animal Fighting Venture". He admitted to providing the vast majority of the cash for the operation and participating in several dog fights himself. He admitted to making money from the dog fights and also that he knew some of his "friends" killed several dogs for poor performance. He's a dirt bag and he got what he deserved.

There's a difference, Vick didn't *just* commit a crime, he was directly involved in the torture of the weak and defenseless, and he made money out of it. This isn't a matter of someone losing their temper and striking out at someone, this was deliberate, planned, calculated. This isn't a bad attitude - if there's a scale of human decency, he's on the low end of it. That's not something a Patriot franchise needs to be associated with.

Hell yea! I'd sign Vick tomorrow! You guys need to grow up. As long as the Pats dont have a "bring your pets to the Game Day", I'm all for it ! Hey, i LOVE dogs too and Im not a supporter of what he did. But, this gets way too much attention. He paid his debt! So he should be allowed to play.

It's pretty ridiculous that the topic is even being brought up. Yes, Vick went to prison and paid his debt to society (whatever that means). That means he is now allowed to rejoin.....anyone? That's right: Society. He has not paid any debt to the NFL and they still need their pound of flesh. Besides engaging in absolutely sick behavior (drowning dogs, slamming them to the ground until they died, and much worse), he also brought an unbelivable amount of negative press down on the NFL. They were able to separate from him by banning him indefinately, but if they let him back in, it will be a PR nightmare. People just don't like the guy and are disgusted by what he did, and rightfully so. What does the NFL GAIN by having him in the league? Nothing. I doubt ANYONE will become a fan of the NFL because Michael Vick is back in it, and I doubt ANY sponsors are suddenly going to sign up because they can now tie their product to Michael Vick. On the flip side, two guys above have already said that they would STOP being a fan if he joins the Pats and I'm sure there are plenty more who feel the same (for every team).

There isn't anything positive that could come from him being back in the league, and as such, the NFL should ban him for life. He had, what, 5 or 6 chances? Dogfighting wasn't anywhere near his first offense, even it was by far the most greusome.

Pats don't need him and won't sign him. Prior to the dog incident(s) he was a bust. Face it...he was supposed to change the league with his skills. He done nothing.....

another article that has no business being written. Do these two really think there is a question of whether the patriots will sign vick? Writing to fill space. This is like a doctor taking a gallbladder out of someone because he/she can. What a joke these two blowhards are and the globe.

No one in their right mind would ever believe that the power behind the throne would ever agree to signing Vick to the Patriots. Oh, and in case you forgot, that PBTT would be none other than that conscience of the New England Patriots for a long time now, none other than Myra Kraft.
I have to congratulate Ms Kraft on her contributions to the Pats. She is one of the reasons that the Pats always insist on folks of good character.
As side note I wrote Arthur Blank a note re Vick about 6 months before the story broke about the dogs. I was upset because the Home Depot would not let me bring my little Shih-Tzu into the store anymore because they were selling candy. Candy? Can you imagine piling the kids into the van in order to go to the Home Depot to get a Mars bar.
I told him at the time that he should get rid of Vick too.

MS - really....really? you don't care that human beings actually train dogs to become really effed up and nuts, treating them in horrible ways, and then they let those dogs loose on each other to fight until death. Dogs that otherwise would just go about their business and be SOMEONES PET. Really....that doesn't bother you? You're kinda weird bro.

"They'd fight in the wild" - hahahah!!! that's the best doofus line I've ever heard. Dude, what is this - caveman times? there really are not too many "wild dogs" in the Hampton Virginia area. Dogs are basically pets, They rely on people.

When I think of Mike Vick my first thought is of him picking dogs up above his head and then slamming them into the ground until they are dead. Dog fighting might be a part of life in the South but killing a animal like that is not just inhumane but it is not a human act.

Therefore I will choose to not wish well for him or anyone who attemps to put a spin on this.

When I think of Mike Vick my first thought is of him picking dogs up above his head and then slamming them into the ground until they are dead. Dog fighting might be a part of life in the South but killing a animal like that is not just inhumane but it is not a human act.

Therefore I will choose to not wish well for him or anyone who attemps to put a spin on this.

As JOE touched on, if the pats were to sign Vick... I don't think they would treat him as just a backup QB to Brady. Brady is maybe one of the best pocket passers in the history of the game. I think the Pats would treat Vick similar to the QB they drafted from Kent State? As a general athlete. Not somebody who will touch the ball on every play, but someone who can put the ball in the endzone whenever he touches the ball.

Mike Vick would be a nice fit if the Pats would use the Wildcat. However, the Pats averaged about 38 points per game when Brady was healthy, and now we have Taylor in the backfield, so they have a chance to score more points this year. I don't think they need the Wildcat like less-talented teams like the Fish.

The Browns should sign him. They need a QB and the Dog Pound would love him.

So to save anyone who hasn't watch it yet, this is Shaughnessy and Ryan agreeing that the Patriots are arrogant enough to take a chance on Vick.

Pass.

MS - its not just fighting dogs, which is wrong, its hanging dogs, drowning dogs and generaly inflicting harm on someone or something that is undeserving or defenseless. I supose a few wild animals may drown from time to time but that is certainly not the natural order.

The only defense I can see for Vick is that what he did was cultural not behavioral. In other words, where he comes from dog fighting is seen as normal or part of everyday life. In New Mexico, where I live, Cock Fighting (no, the other cock) was just banned last year. In other words, you could fight birds legaly until 2008. In these cases I dont think people question right or wrong as opposed to what they grew up with and what they know.

Vick has served his time, and deserves a shot to make a living at what he does best. He has paid a steep price with his freedom, wallet and reputation and in America we believe in 2nd chances. I just think signing him would bring a three ring circus to town so unless the Pats are looking to take the media attention away from Brady he is not worth it.

just banned last year.

MS - its not just fighting dogs, which is wrong, its hanging dogs, drowning dogs and generaly inflicting harm on someone or something that is undeserving or defenseless. I supose a few wild animals may drown from time to time but that is certainly not the natural order.

The only defense I can see for Vick is that what he did was cultural not behavioral. In other words, where he comes from dog fighting is seen as normal or part of everyday life. In New Mexico, where I live, Cock Fighting (no, the other cock) was just banned last year. In other words, you could fight birds legaly until 2008. In these cases I dont think people question right or wrong as opposed to what they grew up with and what they know.

Vick has served his time, and deserves a shot to make a living at what he does best. He has paid a steep price with his freedom, wallet and reputation and in America we believe in 2nd chances. I just think signing him would bring a three ring circus to town so unless the Pats are looking to take the media attention away from Brady he is not worth it.

just banned last year.

MS - You're a dog lover? Tough love eh?

Dog fighting is bad enough - killing them for fun is horrific.

Anyone who doesn't have a problem with a guy torturing and killing animals has to have something a little loose in the head. You may want to get checked out.

MS - its not just fighting dogs, which is wrong, its hanging dogs, drowning dogs and generaly inflicting harm on someone or something that is undeserving or defenseless. I supose a few wild animals may drown from time to time but that is certainly not the natural order.

The only defense I can see for Vick is that what he did was cultural not behavioral. In other words, where he comes from dog fighting is seen as normal or part of everyday life. In New Mexico, where I live, Cock Fighting (no, the other cock) was just banned last year. In other words, you could fight birds legaly until 2008. In these cases I dont think people question right or wrong as opposed to what they grew up with and what they know.

The man should have been fined heavily with all the proceeds going to an organization that provides shelter and promotes awareness about the horrors of animal cruelty

What he got instead was 2 years in a jail cell at taxpayer expense with his career ruined forever and nothing positive or worthwhile having come out of it

Contrast this with a SOB named Leonard Little who killed a woman while driving under influence and after getting off with what was a slap on the wrist, repeated the offense multiple number of times. He continues to have a prosperous career with no repercussions whatsoever

It's sad society that we live in where animal life has become more important than the lives of fellow human beings

I could not cheer for this guy. I hope he goes elsewhere.

You'd have to entertain the thought. I'm sure if Belicheck did consider it, he would have him serve a slash role (think Kordell Stewart). A little WR, maybe PR's, lots of opportunity for trick plays. I would want him on the pats..it's just one more thing the opponents would have to worry about. And for the people that Vick "lost a step" because he hasn't played in 2 seasons... there are plenty of players who miss full seasons due to injuries and come back. Vick will have fresh legs. I'll enjoy watching him no matter what team he signs with...

"That is not only inhumane but it is not human." -RC

look up inhumane will you? it means not human.

Well I am pretty sure I have a screw loose in my head, but I still oppose what Vick did (not all crazy people like dog fighting). I don't want Vick with the Pats cause I think the wildcat is stupid and won't last that long in the NFL (see the difference between the two fins games) plus he hasn't played in two years and he's a jerk, I remember the opening game of 05 falcons-eagles and Vick could have thrown the ball to a wide open receiver for a TD, but he ran it in instead, he's selfish therefore not a Patriot Dillon and Moss weren't that bad compared to him.

I find it funny that people complain about dogs and "who in the right mind will hurt an animal" But they want to bomb the explicitt out of Iraq killing innocent children. Only in america

Joe,
You don't get it.
I agree about Little - he shouldn't be in the league, but you're an apologist for Vick. He deserved jail - anyone who shows that level of intentional cruelty and violence should be put behind bars for a while. A fine is ridiculous. I also think that he should be given the right to play again, but hope that the Pats don't consider him or I would be forced to sell my season ticket as I could not support him.

are you crazy joe
vick at cornerback

Pats are set at cb

Vick would be great in wildcat. He financed some dog fighting and spent more time in jail than half these nfl players. I still think Marvin Harrison, Pac Man, etc etc are all worse yet they never had to face any real time. I am a dog lover. Dog fighting is unfortunately popular in va and is something that has gone on for centuries. Is it a despicable act. YES but they made an example of him. He lost his fortune . Spent 2 years in jail.... I think he has probabley learned his lesson. I am sure he will still be a great player. He could be aquired cheap so as long as bill and kraft are okay with it. I am for sure

steve

I think Vick would add a new dimension to the team. First off he probably won't be a starting quarterback for any team in the next 2 years and by adding him to the Pats would add a running option that most all teams would expect from him especially if Brady stays healthy. Then as they set up against the run (especially in a big game) he throws it to a wide open Moss for a score this would just baffle our opponents even more.

most of you clowns seem to think that the government, of all things, were punishing Vick for fighting dogs....lets see doesnt the government send our 18 year old men and woman over to a middle eastern country to fight and kill other humans?...doesnt the government sponser and aid he humane society?....the human society by the way kills numerous dogs and other animals every week...the fact of the matter is that Vick was punished because there was illegal gambling going on at his venues...thus the government was not collecting there fair share of the $$$...so hell ya if the Pats want Vick and the think he can help us win the I say brng him on

Keep Shank off the Blog. If Reiss had this, it would have been a story or it would not be worth his time. Shank in the by line means it is not worth mine.

I don't like dogs and I think people are overboard in their treatment of animals but I don't condone killing them for sport.
I don't think the Patriots should sign him because he wouldn't fit into their offensive program. It's that simple

I've lived outside of Atlanta for 20 years and have seen almost all of the Falcons games. Vick just isn't good. He is neither a good passer nor a good field general. With his constant running the line is never sure where he is or which way to block. He can make a line look pretty bad. Without even considering any moral or legal issues involved, it would just plainly be a bad football move to sign him. Even if his position were changed it would take too long for him to really learn it. There would be plenty of younger and less expensive players that would already be years ahead of him at that spot. I don't think the Pats will give this any serious consideration at all.

Not going to address the morality of what he did, the Patriots seem set at quarterback and don't have the cap space to waste on him. Don't sign.

Why not Vick.
He is insurance for Brady maybe not this year but how about in 2 or 3 years. Vick is still young and you bring him in to learn the system. Of course he would need some time to get his passing skills back up to speed but running the ball in the Wilddog offense or even running back returns and punts is a possibility. The Pats have a good strong support system and with a little public relations work if the price is right I can see it. Mr Kraft is a business man and he understands that he has set the bar for all the NFL franchises. Patriots fans expect a Super Bowl run every year. I think the pressure is fierce. If Vick helps the team win how quickly all this will be forgotten. The man Vick paid the price for his mistake. Prison is suppose to rehabilitate the inmates and give them a fresh start. I love dogs and question Vicks' decisions but have people not forgiven others for worse crimes.

What Vick did was terrible and he was punished for it. But as a football player, there are no players who could bring more excitement and speed in every play. I agree the Patriots doesn't need him but with growing numbers of teams trying Wildcat formation we could use him too. If you think about it, there aren't 32 QBs who are better than Vick in NFL, which means he could definitely start for some teams. He could be a solid back up for Brady and for a cheap price, there's nothing to lose.

no thanks to Ron Mexico...I'll focus on the Bruins if that loser comes to NEP...

Everybody deserves a second chance and if he continues to move forward I would'nt mind if the Pats give him a chance too.

MYKE, if the patriots SIGN VICK, then he probably can't play right away, any chance they put him on the PUP list.

Must have been a slow day. Why not an article asking if the Red Sox should sign Vick? It would make the same amount of sense as the Pats signing him. Dog killing asside there is no position for him here. I never thought he was a good QB anyway. Fun to watch in that college all run no pass way but he never impressed me as NFL material and never will.

Hopefully tomorrow will bring real news so this silly stuff can be put away.

It is an embarrassment to the Globe's "proud" sports department that this is even being discussed. And the same with the "Is Papi Back?" discussion...One home-run.

The bottom line: if BB actually signs him, it goes without saying he will be value-added to the team, and you can bet it will be for cheap $$. Could they make use of him? I think so. And it's not about him replacing Brady--he would be the #2 QB and give BB lots of options for putting the opposing team off-balance. BB won't sign him without due diligence in assessing his skills, frame of mind, and most of all, if he's a "fit" for their system--that's a given. In Bill We Trust...

As for him being a criminal: how different in character do you really think Vick is from a good number of other pro athletes? What's the cutoff line for acceptable morality of a pro athlete? If Roger "The Hammer" says he's reinstated, than I'm satisfied--the whole idea of letting people out of jail after they do time is to allow them to contribute productively to society again. If he keeps his nose clean while wearing blue and silver, that is all that matters. I'm guessing Vick is very, VERY cognizant that he has zero room for error for the rest of his career--won't be an issue.

Am I the only one who remembers Vick's first NFL appearance against the Patriots. The Pat's D hunted him down like a pack of pitbulls on an aged an blind toy poodle. Maybe that's why he killed the pitbulls.

Hey dumbass Onlyinamerica (#42): How does your simple little mind make the connection that those who want to abolish something as abhorrent as dog fighting are FOR killing innocent Iraquis?

I'm against both. Maybe that's a concept you can't quite grasp.

Please take your medication regularly, ok? When you skip it, bad things can happen.

Ugh. Now we have the Vick watch on top of the Favre watch. The NFL is better off without either though ESPN would probably have to shutdown.

Seriously, I suspect Goodell will suspend him. For how long I don't know. I can't imagine any team that would seriously consider signing him with the possible exception of Oakland.

I hate what he did but he did pay his dues, such as it was, and is free to try and catch on with a team. The teams are free to ignore him (I hope!).

I just want them so sign Vick so all you morons stop being Pats fan.

It is about winning not moral issues. These are athletes paid to preform, not be roll models to the community. People put to much emphasis on these guys personal lives. They are gifted athletics, not model citizens.

He is 28 years old and an amazing athlete. Why not take the risk? If he messes up, you cut him, done and done.

The only deserving Patriots theme should be gather the top 25 pit bulls that can be found in new England bring them to the "house that Kraft built" and let Mr Vick and the pit bulls entertain 60,000 fans. Let the dogs eat!

This is great. The Browns should sign him, "The Dog Pound would love him"

I don't want to see a torturer of animals on the Patriots. No thanks to Mike Vick. Why would the Pats even bother? Seriously.

Maybe he could play DB and he could shank the receivers so they could not blow thru like they currently do regulary. BYE BYE Ellis Hobbs good riddance!

The question wasn't "Would they sign him?". The question was "Would they think about signing him?". Of course they would. They would probably weigh everything and decide not to, but to think that they wouldn't entertain the idea says you haven't been paying attention.

Mike is a good player on the football field. He could bring a new potential to the pats. He is a great player but even though the situation happened, let him have second chance. He should play with the pats. Tom Brady is still a little shaky but he could come back as a great player.

If the Pats bring in Michael Vick, I'm done with the Pats. The real issue is not the dog fighting - which is bad enough, really - but the fact that he killed dogs who were subpar fighters. He is a killer. End of story.

I am in no way shape or form condoning what Michael Vick did. Anyone with an ounce of humanity, compassion, and respect for life and living things detests dog fighting. I do believe though that people can change, if given the chance. I think Michael Vick, was punished for his crime and now he deserves a second chance. So, I do think Vick should be reinstated and that the Pat's should consider signing him, if, and only if, he is truly contrite and fully intends to make amends for his utterly reprehensible treatment of dogs. I think dog lovers and people from PETA should want Vick reinstated and possibly playing for one of the most visible and successful organizations in the NFL. It will give PETA and the issue of dog-fighting much higher visibility and a platform. Vick can reach those who are still involved in this horrendous form of entertainment. If he's truly sorry, give the man a second chance.

SIGN MIKE VICK! YOU OVERLY SENSITIVE PET LOVERS NEED TO STFU. HE'S PAID ENOUGH ALREADY LET 'EM PLAY!

I think they should sign Michael Vick , he would bring another weapon to the offense which when healthy is unstoppable. Bill knows how to handle people like Vick, besides hasn't he payed his debt to society, so I say sign Vick and se what he does for animal rights.

The problem with these polls is they never have the explanation I would pick. I picked No - he's Subpar. It's not that he's Subpar. He's above many many many QBs out there. He's not a Belichick QB. Belichick would like him less than he liked Bledsoe.

yeah, he's an athlete, but not a student.

He'll play again and will undoubtedly play well again, it's only a matter of time before someone takes a chance on him. Too bad it'll be the J-E-T-S or Vikes who are smart enough to recognize his talent outweighs the risks, sorry Pats. It's strange that Pats fans ignore their owner's sponsored Dog Racing operation, yet they're not ready to forgive a man who's paid his debt with 2 years in lockup. Seriously folks, isn't 2 years enough already, no matter how grizzly the crimes? It seems weird that it's not discussed more in the media, but could this situation and it's public reaction be a race issue? Just ask ATL fans who are still #7 supporters, the reaction might surprise white America!

We al know that he's going to the Raiders.

I know it's fun to speculate, but lets wait and see what Goodell does first. He is going to decide if Michael Vick gets a second chance first. I think if he does, then Bill Belichick will do what is best for the team. People will undoubtedly agree and disagree. This is all premature. No one even has heard anything in his own words for almost 2 years.

I wouldn't diarhea on Vick to put out a fire, but the boy can play some wildcat. I think he learned his lesson in the pokey. Does anyone here know why they call it the pokey? They call it that because there's a big black dude named Bubba who likes little dog beaters like Mike and he don't treat them too nice, ya dig? Now let me analize some of these irrational arguments. Bert, are you serious abot anything in your post, or are you just a donkey? The humane society does put down animals but I dont believe that they do it in anyway comparable to what Vick did. Also, to say he is not in trouble for animal cruelty but that he is instead in trouble for gambling and not cutting in the govt on the $$$ shows me that u r an ass.

Woof, woof, wooooof, ruuuth, hehehehehe, woof, woof.

They should take a chance with the likes of a Michael Vick. It's not like he stole or killed someone.

Vick has morals issues. that does not bide well for sports in the public eye. this isn't about dogs v humans. it's about the sanctity of life period! just because he served his time doesn't mean he is ENTITLED to anything. he's got his freedom end of story. why do we need to give him publicity. and MS-your saying you are a dog lover is an oxymoron. he joins the pats-i'm a steelers fan, save me a terrible towel.

wow...pf401...that's pretty high up the echelons of d-baggery...

I do not want to see scumbags glorified or their heinous actions minimized. Nor do I want them to be paid millions.

You and a few others here have very warped senses of proportion.

Actually patsfan401, you need to shut up. That you'd willingly root for a man who strung dogs up and electrocuted them to death through their genitals is bad enough, but he's also not a very good football player. Though you probably want the Pats to fail, I think you're a closet troll. And he hasn't paid nearly enough for his crimes. A life in jail wouldn't be enough for him, he's nothing more than a monster.

I kill fish in the exact same manner as Vick killed dogs.

Therefore I killed a defenseless animal in the same abhorrent manner. Should I be prosecuted?

Both animals experienced an equal amount of pain. Why does nobody care? Oh because Vick killed a "pet". Evidently dogs deserve more humanity than fish. What if I got hungry, needed to eat a dog, and the only manner in which I could kill him was by using a rock? Again, should I be prosecuted?

I wouldn't watch/enjoy a dog fight so don't mistake me for some type of weirdo. Animals have no rights and should no longer be treated as humans. If you believe otherwise then stop eating cows, morons.

He's a punk. No team should sign him. He does not deserve another chance.

He served his time and should be allowed to earn a living. He went to college and supposedly has a degree.....let him use it.

This argument dosn't even pass the laugh test.
I think Bob Ryan and Dan Shaughnessy are just messing with us.

even if we except of the moment that Vick has seen the error of his ways Vick would still not be a good fit in NE.
NE's offence is built around FHOF QB Tom Brady a pocket passer. Vick is a scrambler.
NE would have to completly change it's style and personal.

I want to tie Navin up by his balls and dunk him in a tank until he drowns. He has not paid nearly enough and sure never be allowed to play football again.

Enough with the idiots who couldnt get laid in high shool and had to revert to animal cruelty. The fact is Mrs. Kraft would never allow it. Think Jason Peters

Some team will envision a Wildcat option with Vick, but not the Pats. If he's not your starting QB, then you're less concerned about him running the ball. I think he'd be a great Wildcat QB for a team without an otherwise stellar offense. You know, like the Raiders.. Oakland might PITA-protest less after the initial onslaught from SF.

lets see.....two years out of the league....just out of prison for pulling a junior dahmer(Torture of animals is the first sign of a violent sociopathetic pathology)and gambling....could never throw with accuracy and consitency.....has the IQ of a walnut...but might be able to handle punts or a wilcat four times a game after another season of getting in game shape...Hmm???
listen i would let a young dahmer play football if he was any good. football is a violent sport played by criminals and steroidal morons. what's one more.
but on my team are you kidding? isn't it obvious he should play for the bengals?

The pats clearly dont need another QB, but the guys an amazing athlete that could play several different positions. i dont see why they would put it completley out of the question. anyone with that kind of skill belongs in the game

If Vick couldn't play a lick of football (or, say, was a politician from the political party you don't like), most of you idjits saying "No big deal" would have strung him up a long time ago.

So let me get this straight: it's okay to torture animals to death as long as you can run for touchdowns?

Man. That's pretty sick, to think that some of you want the Patriots to win badly enough to condone torturing dogs to do it.

Did anyone see that our ex Pat Donte might serve as little as three months for his DWI killing?

People need to realize that some people make mistakes in their life and Vick clearly screwed up big time. I'm a dog lover and personally think Vick is a ahole for what he did but as time as passed I realized he has paid a bigger price than most people would ever wanna pay and it was deserving. The guy lost 2 years of his life and millions of dollars while now being in debt. His Image has been ruined which I think is deserving for what he did. He's also gonna have PETA hassling him for the rest of his life if he ever gets a chance to suit up again. Let's keep in mind that he hasn't met with Goddell yet to determine if he'll even be able to play in the NFL again. The guy has to show Goddell true remorse for his past actions and if Vick shows that he may be let back in the league. Vick has been visited by Tony Dungy while in prison and you can only hope Dungy's conversations with him can help Vick turn his life around. Vick is now working on a program to prevent dogfighting with inner city youth so they don't make the same mistake he did. Time will only tell if he really is a changed man but you still gotta give a guy a chance. The guys that did most of the work in the dog fighting ring working under him got a lot less jail time and lost nothing compared to Vick while ratting Vick out to save their their own butt. You got a situation with Leonard Little Killing People behind the wheel but I don't see people getting on Little's neck right now about that or even a a couple years after the incident when he went to jail for the cool 6-12 months. I know Little didn't serve much time though and didn't have the media coverage anything like Vick and the guy killed actual people. He played a few seasons more and that never appeared to be a problem. I think Vick should be put on a short lease similar to Pacman Jones that paralyzed a person was. If Vick screwed up again then I'd kick him out the league since he didn't learn the 1st time. The guy does deserve to make a living though so if he could help the Pats run a Wildcat to improve the run game I'd be for it. If the Pats won a Superbowl with Vick running a Wildcat a few plays while Brady was the QB Pats fans would completely forget what Vick did cause that's what most wagon jumpers really care about. A player doesn't make a team so if your willing to jump the wagon just cause of Vick possibly signing to NE then just leave since your not a fan anyway and would probably leave if we had a few bad seasons. Everybody has their faults in life and Vick clearly got caught up in a tough upbringing where dogfighting is accepted. It's been a problem long before Vick came around but most people thought nothing of it then until a famous person got caught. Why don't most people go harass the guys that ran the ring for Vick during the football season when Vick was traveling from city to city since those guys did most of the killing. The same guys that snitched and will probably do it again since they have nothing to lose.

FX--the player to whom you are referring is named Christian Peter...

For those of you who have cast off Vick as beyond repair, you might want to remember that since 1973, we've allowed 50 million HUMANS lives to be aborted before their due date, and many of those who have aborted are still walking around today. Lets be real and be willing to give someone a second chance! As Jesus said, let he who has not sinned, cast the first stone. Ouch!!!

Shaughnessy and Ryan calling someone else arrogant? Really? That's rich.

SIGN MIKE VICK! BECAUSE DAWGS SHYT ON CARPETS!

The Patriots have gotten plenty of my hard earned money over the years and if they hire this pyscho, they'll get no more of it.
The "man" (for lack of a better word) DOES deserve a second chance and THAT's why he's realeased and was given a construction job, THAT'S his second chance.
A police officer who goes to jail for 2 years for financing a dog ring, killing and torturing dogs and gambling across state lines gets out after 2 years. He gets a second chance as well, but NOT in the Police department. Ban the ass****** for life from the NFL. Plus, he was never a good QB to begin with.!! It's not like we're talking Tom Brady here.

I live in Atlanta and the guys is a THUG. I've seen him at the airport with his entourage and it's like he's Mike Tyson. He never amounted to anything here because he doesn't work hard at all. He's a natural phenomenon. But break down tape? Study the opposition? Preparation? Vick was never known for any of this. Gifted athlete? No question. But every picture. Every image. His whole aura was THUG. And spare the "mistake" garbage. Mistake is singular. People don't make "a mistake" over a several year period. The mistake would be for the Pat's to think this punk has learned a damn thing.

Ah, the irony of Shaughnessy and Ryan calling someone else arrogant...

In 1919 players for the Chicago White Sox (black sox) were banned from baseball for LIFE for taking bribe money to throw the world series Shoeless Joe Jackson was banned with them he hit over .300 and had the only homerun BANNED FOR LIFE. Pete Rose over 4200 career hits a record nobody could come close to even in the steriod era bet against the team he was coaching BANNED FOR LIFE neither of these people were found guilty in a court of law but they took their punishment and had to live with it these were hall of fame players. Michael Vick is a P.O.S. he has been found guilty in a court of law its time the NFL takes a que from MLB ban him for LIFE.. the overrated gang banger

he's perfect for dallas---

From Pete:"He'll play again and will undoubtedly play well again" To Play Well again, you have to have played well once, he hasn't.
- "recognize his talent ", what talent? An old man trying to run or an old man who couldn't throw as a young man trying to pass?
-"could this situation and it's public reaction be a race issue? Just ask ATL fans who are still #7 supporters, the reaction might surprise white America!"
No, it's a HUMAN issue. Race has nothing to do with it. Atlanta Falcon fans (white and black) have moved on. Vick fans (i.e Black fans) have not.

Wow, MS IS a moron!!- "I kill fish in the exact same manner as Vick killed dogs"
So, you electricute fish through their balls? You slam them repeatedly on the ground until dead? You hang your fish? If you DO kill fish in the same manner as a$$ wipe killed his dogs, then you are almost as warped as he.
Ummm.... Fish, we EAT. Ummmm Cows, we EAT. Ummm Dogs we DON'T eat or raise them to be eaten. What a completely ridiculus post . Please unplug your computer before you hurt yourself, imbecile.

" He who will abuse animals because he has them in his power is both a coward and a tyrant. A disposition to cause pain, whether to our fellow men or to the brute creation, is satanic. Many do not realize that their cruelty will ever be known, because the poor dumb animals cannot reveal it. But could the eyes of these men be opened, as were those of Balaam, they would see an angel of God standing as a witness, to testify against them in the courts above. A record goes up to heaven, and a day is coming when judgment will be pronounced against those who abuse God's creatures. "

Patriarchs & Prophets, E.G. White

Patriarchs

" {PP 443.1}

He served his time and should be allowed to earn a living. He went to college and supposedly has a degree.....let him use it.

Posted by Paul May 21, 09 11:02 PM

Yep! Just don't let him earn his living in the NFL. He has a construction job now, that's his living and second chance.

He's a lowlife, plain and simple. The Patriots wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole. I can't imagine fans of any team cheering if and when he steps onto the field. If he does get signed, PETA should buy an ad for his first game and show footage of dog fights.

Vick and Favre even if signed would not help any team enough to make them contenders, so why all the ink? I turn the station or ch when I hear a Vick or Favre story. I want to know about Brady. Why Tony Allen didn't play after that wrap came off his hand? Why Pruitt didn't play. If he can't play better than Marbury, he shld be cut. Why doesn't Dice K change? Attittude? Or he is what he is?
Tell us real sports, not sensationalisms. Geo

Sign Vick. Why not? Then the Red Sox could sign Roger Clements and Barry Bonds.

Dog fighting? What percentage of NFL players have done stuff worse than that? What percentage has dealt with 'roid rage or ALCOHOL ABUSE, which is acceptable in our culture, and has seriously harmed another HUMAN BEING. This whole thing is just so hypocritical. It's like the line in Apocalypse Now when Capt Willard says that wanting Col Kurtz killed is like handing out tickets for speeing at the Indy 500. Hello?! Football players train to rip each others' heads off. These are some nasty dogs, themselves. Can you imagine the stuff that teams and the NFL has covered up over the years. Complaints from wives, girlfriends, ex-lovers, etc etc etc. These are violent guys. Jail for dog fighting? Stallworth may walk for killing somebody driving...

People need to realize that some people make mistakes in their life and Vick clearly screwed up big time.-Mistake is mixing your whites with your colors in the washer. A LIFESTYLE that was chosen over many years and effort and money is NOT a mistake, so please stop with the whining little "he made a mistake"
Vick is now working on a program to prevent dogfighting with inner city youth so they don't make the same mistake he did-Translation, I'm acting and pretending to change so I can try and earn some of my money back from the schumcks who will let me back in cause they think I've change. Please kids, don't do what I did (getting caught).
The guy does deserve to make a living though-He IS making a living, he's working contrucstion near his home of Newport. A cop wouldn't be allowed back in the Police force after serving time for animal cruelty would he? But, the cop does deserve a 2nd chance and a chance to earn a living, but NOT AS A COP- substitute cop for NFL player.
A player doesn't make a team so if your willing to jump the wagon just cause of Vick possibly signing to NE then just leave since your not a fan anyway -A TRUE fan embraces a team with his/hers moral qualities NOT just because he can run. So, IF you support a team that embraces a dog killer, what does that say about YOU? Please, for TRUE fans sake, jump off the wagon and go hug Vick.
Everybody has their faults in life and Vick clearly got caught up in a tough upbringing where dogfighting is accepted. -What a MORON! Because a minority of psychopaths ran Germany during WW2 does that mean it's accepted? Of course not! A SMALL minority of trash accepted that, the vast majority of folks (yes, even in the hood) do not! Then you start to lessen his actions by blaming it on his EMPLOYEES (i.e snitches). HE was the big kahuna, HE was the financier, HE was the one who owned the dogs. Stop trying the make it seem as if poor Mikey is being picked on. He's sowed what he is reaping.

Cleary this polarizing of an issue (with 100 plus comments on this excerpt only) is not worth it to the Patriots. People are that fired up about this. The Patriots won't risk alienating a sizable percentage of passionate dog loving fans (Mass. most popular dog name...Brushci) and additionally protests from PETA.
I think the entire thing is unfortunate from the horrible actions Mike Vick condoned and committed to the way he is being judged by all of us after completing his prison sentence.
But, deep down inside if you are like me and are an ardent Patriots fan - tell me you wouldn't be thrilled to see him as a hybrid player - returning punts, lining up as a wideout and on screens and end arounds out of the backfield. The possibilities with the current offense and his addition are beyond comprehension.

Training dogs to fight to the death, while also electrocuting some of them, disqualifies him as a human being and as a member of any NFL team. I cannot imagine Bob Kraft signing off on having Vick be a part of any Patriot team. I would lose respect for anyone in our organization that even entertained the thought. It's a no brainer or should I say people without a brain would consider it.

The guy did abused dogs, he got caught, was found guilty and did his time. He went from having scads of money to a $10-an-hour construction job. I think he's been punished enough. Anyone who wants to keep on punishing forever is just vindictive and mean. He's entitled to do what he wants, just as I'm entitled to not buy tickets or watch if I don't like the fact that he's playing.

Patriots would weigh the risk/benefit to bringing in Vick.

- Public relations distraction - not a positive
- They're pretty strong on offense without him, why create a distraction.

vs.

- 3rd team QB that can return kicks or play a slot / wildcat position.
- Let the guy prove himself and then trade him to a desperate team for a high round draft pick....classic Belichick

He'll probably end up in Oakland aka the garbage dump for players who have nowhere else to go.

Tonyp falls into the lobotomy category. Fortunately for us, he isn't a member of the Patriot braintrust. He wouldn't be, he's already had surgery.

Tonyp falls into the lobotomy category. Fortunately for us, he isn't a member of the Patriot braintrust. He wouldn't be, he's already had surgery.

All you self-righteous clowns need to get off your high horses. The man made a mistake and paid a high price for it. Get over it.

We can use an experienced backup QB and the price would be bargain basement.

"The man made a mistake and paid a high price for it. Get over it."

Every last person who says this is a complete and total moron. If you think what Vick did is "a mistake", you have no concept of what the world is really like. He crossed the line into systematic torture. That is so far removed from a mistake. Leonard Little getting drunk repeatedly and killing a woman with his car after a pattern of DUIs is a mistake too, right? Neither he nor Vick should be in the league.

And he STILL SUCKS as a QB. He doesn't fit the offense, the Pats don't need him, period.

Again--some of you have ZERO sense of proportion.

Let's use this analogy: Do you want a convicted pedophile to be allowed to go back to his position teaching your little Johnny and Susie?

Why not? He's rehabilitated he says.

TC--this is a football blog--this is no place to go on an abortion diatribe you jackass.

To put Vick in uniform and back on theplaying field in the NFL would diminish every NFL player past and present that has an ounce of integrity. It's about the crime, not the time. You wouldn't reinstate a pedephile priest back into the church just because he did his jail time. Paying your debt to society doesnt change who or what you are.
Moss and others that the Patriots have taken on and revitalized were malcontents, not criminals. There's no comparing the two and you're an idiot if you do. You are the company you keep and the Patriots are better than this guy.

A Police Officer is much different than a football player. Would I trust Vick with my life or my animals life. The answer would be definitely not. A cop has oaths to protect people and animals while the NFL is a form of entertainment. If that officer could play football as well as Vick I'd have no problem letting him play in the NFL but chances are he doesn't. I could care less if Vick signs with the Pats or not but I think the guy should get another chance in the NFL if teams think he's talented enough. The fact of the matter is the NFL is letting a guy with a DWI and murder still play in the league and that doesn't seem to be a problem but a dog killer should only be able to only bag groceries. I think that's a joke if you ask me. You also have Stallworth possibly only getting 3 months for killing someone while intoxicated while Vick served 2 years. I'm sure you'd be fine with him Stallworth coming back before Vick since Stallworth only killed a person compared to Vick killing 50 dogs or so. Why don't we just put Alaska Governor Sarah Palin behind bars since she's responsible for countless Wolf shootings in Alaska. It looks to me that killing other animals and people isn't a big deal but dogs is a hell sentence and could never be forgiven. People need to grow up and look at themselves before trying to judge someone else. Read a bible or something to learn something about forgiveness.

Give me a break about the Patriots brain trust being so pure.

Bob Kraft was 55yrs old when he and Bill Parcells drafted Christian Peter in the 5th round of the 1996 draft. It wasn't like Kraft was young and immature when he (and the Tuna) made that decision. Peter had been arrested 8 times and convicted 4 times for all kinds of heinous stuff- and that's not even including the Kathy Redmond, Melissa DeMuth, and Natalie Kuijvenhoven incidents.

They could still make the mistake and bring Michael Vick in town. And it might even work out well for them...

Michael Vick would be a football player on the Patriots.
At any point, he could be the FASTEST man on the field.
He's a guy that you might want to plug anywhere on the offense or on defense
that would help the team.
He's not coming here to play quarterback, but to play football.
Imagine if you can put this guy at cornerback, he has
all the tools to be great at it.
Imagine lining up Moss, Galloway, Vick on any given play,
SPEED KILLS. it's a very scary thought with Brady pulling the trigger.

Tom Brady

please stop hating on mike vick,i mean eveyone deserves a 2nd chance! he is still able to play ball , so let him play and stop worring about his past. foregive and forget

I ate dog on a trip to China. It was OK.

So many self-righteous people!!!

Not that I have ever lived it, but do you know the culture Vick comes from? People eat dogs all over the world. Dog fighting and cock fighting and bull fighting happen all over the world. It's just not what most of us grew up with. Are we somehow superior because we have not participated in dog fighting?

If he has learned his lesson, Vick should get a second chance. I'd rather have him than T.O. who is a cancer on every team he has played on. Vick, by all accounts, is a very good team mate.

if they're interested they'll do there homework like they always do when bringing some one in maybe sit down with him and if they believe that hes remorseful then they'll probaly work him out and if they like what they see and think he'll help the team he'll be a patriot

Yes, they drafted Christian Peter and then summarily released him within the week. That is a poor analogy for this.

Lets see, Tom Brady is back, we have a prospect in O'connel, and you ask if the Pats would be interested in Vick? Pick a topic that actually makes sense. Your clearly just fishing.

all of you saying youd quit being pats fans if they signed vick were never really pats fans to begin with were you?

"Are we somehow superior because we have not participated in dog fighting?"

Yes. If someone grows up in a culture that allows you to murder and steal, that still doesn't make it right, and they aren't excused because "it's what they grew up with". Either you inherently, without any outside influence, understand that this sort of behavior is wrong, or you are sub-human. Seems that there are so many fools willing to excuse horrendous behavior so easily.

"there are so many fools willing to excuse horrendous behavior so easily."

Dig it. And Michael Vick is NOT the worst guy in the NFL. He didn't beat his wife or his kids or have a bunch of kids that he doesn't emotionally or financially support out of wedlock. He hasn't had to cover up a whole bunch of nasty off-field incidents.

People who want to make Michael Vick out to be THE BAD GUY are excusing the really bad guys in sports. And there's lots of them, so let's just not go there, OK.

This whole story is based on speculation. Until I hear from BB, Peta and the ASPCA, I'm not buying it. How about running the offense we have and froget about this wild-cat stuff!

He needs to rot !!! He did not spend enough time in prison. He has no remorse for what he did to those helpless dogs. How could you hold a dogs head under water while it is squrming to get air or pick up a dog and throw it against the ground or beat a dog to death as they loked at him and wonder what they have done that was so wrong. He is no kind of humane being. He is a monster.

He looks and acts like a punk. He would be in jail if he was not playing professional sports. How stupid can one person be to piss away millions of dollars and go to jail . Who needs this guy. He has had his 15 minutes of fame. Send him home.

"Yes. If someone grows up in a culture that allows you to murder and steal, that still doesn't make it right, and they aren't excused because "it's what they grew up with"."

Richter - Yes it does. Morality is subjective. Cannibalistic societies did not believe they were doing anything wrong, and in fact many thought they were doing the right thing. Morals are an abstract concept created by a self-conscious mind.

Animals fight, interspecies, and kill eachother all the time over territory. Are our soldiers criminals for killing people? Even when it's a war of aggression? Are you suggesting that we're somehow better than animals? Because I've lived a decently long life, and I just don't see it.

And don't bring God into it, because I'll just start talking about the crusades.

You jealous liars. You idiots have hated Vick from day one, calling him a "thug", when you really want to use the "N" word. This is just an excuse for all of you $5 per hour losers to dump on him, jealous of his fame and money. You just want him to be more broke than you.

This self-righteous B.S. is nauseating. You people don't care about dogs, you just hate to see a young black man from the ghetto use his gifts to attain enough money to buy your entire family 10 times over.

Maybe if he was more 'acceptable' like Leonard Little you jerks would give him some slack. You know, the guy who murdered a human being and is still playing in the NFL?

I HOPE HE COMES TO THE PATRIOTS, WINS A SUPERBOWL, MARRIES A BLOND WHITE WOMAN, AND GETS ALL OF HIS MONEY BACK SO YOU LOSERS CAN STEW AND FESTER EVEN MORE!!!

Pac Man Jones has done a lot more than Vick yes he should be able to play

People have short memories, but the truth is that Vick is semi-retarded emotionally and socially. Plus, with all of his physical skills he doesn't have the intellectual maturity to have ever been anything more than just exciting as a QB.

I don't care about his criminal past. My dog is sitting at my feet as I write this comment. Do the Pats need a QB? Not really. A solid back-up yes, but I doubt Vick would settle for the clipboard role.

Is he a criminal? Technically, no. He has served his sentence. According to the laws of this country, he is allowed his freedom after serving his sentence. If he screws up again, like Adam Jones, then throw his butt back in jail. Until that time, he is just like everyone else.

The Patriots needs are not filled bu signing Vick. More players are needed on the defensive side of the ball. The only role that would suit him would be one like Slash in Pittsburgh. Cordell Stewart was his most effective when he didn't have a defined role. Vick's legs in the Wildcat would be his most effective weapon because he could always throw the ball down the field.

Would I be upset that they signed uim? Hell no! That is not my job. Yes, what he did was wrong, but that is the past. I ama Pats fan first and foremost and I have to trust my team to do the best for the team.

My goodness but there are a lot of fantastically stupid people out here. To wit:

"I can't believe we wasted a jail cell on someday who fought dogs. Whoopty freaking doo. We let rapists out early on parole because we don't have enough prison space. Dog fighting does not deserve the kind of punishment he received. Millions of animals fight outside in the wild every day. If I leave both of my dogs outside together EVENTUALLY THEY WILL FIGHT! I wouldn't fight dogs, but its as if the media is trying to tell us this thing is abhorrent, I'm not buying it, he should have been fined $5,000. I just don't care, and I am a dog lover/owner."

Millions of animals fight outside in the wild every day? Only the most rank imbecile would compare what transpired under the auspices of Mr. Vick and what occurs "in the wild." As for your two dog's unfortunate propensities, well, obviously you are a completely piss poor dog owner. And finally, you raging jackass, the media isn't just telling us that "this thing" is abhorrent, the law decrees that it is utterly depraved, as does any one with a modicum of decency.

And let me finally add that, for what should be obvious reasons, the Pats wouldn't touch Michael Vick with a sterilized twenty foot pole while wearing two pairs of reinforced rubber gloves.

Everyone needs to get off of, Vick; he paid for his crimes to society (The worst anyone convicted of this charge has had to pay to society). I think what Vick did to those dogs is wrong, but he has served his sentence and therefore should not have PETA, or any other people protesting him getting back into the NFL. I love dogs just as much as the next person, but its getting to a point were people seem to put dogs above people. Is Vick any worse then Lenard Little, Dante Stallworth, Adam “Pacman” Jones or any other professional athlete that has killed a person while driving drunk or just doing stupid things. Think of all the athletes alone in the NFL past and present that have gotten a second chance, and have taken human life, dealt with drugs, or other countless acts of stupidity. I think he deserves a second chance, while his skills may not be what they used to be, that is for the team that signs him to worry about. NOT PETA or other people who think he does not deserve a second chance. Its AMERICA allow the man another chance, face it we have given second chances to people who have done worse, and if this was an regular everyday guy we never would have heard about it.

Would the Pats sign Vick...Not as a QB. Pats wont put big bucks on another QB unless Brady couldn't play. They must think Brady is good to go or they would have kept M.C. Vick should get a chance, but on the Pats...That doesn't even make sense unless Vick is willing to play a different position. I don't even think the Pats would run a wild cat if they had a guy like Vick, maybe trick plays like the Steelers did with Slash & R/L, wild cat could be ran with Brady. If Pennington can do it any QB in the NFL can!

Why not sign Vick people make mistakes in life, commit crimes do their time and go on to do great things in society. Is it such a bad idea to entertain the thought or give him a look. Michael Vick committed a horrible crime against defenseless animals, but he bad for it losing two years of his life in jail, and millions in endorsements and compensation. Randy Moss hit a meter maid, Corey Dillon had drug charges on him, and countless other athletes have made mistakes. I think the bigger issue is the media circus that would evolve from this in Foxboro which could be big distraction to the team.

Michael Vick might be a good addition as a third QB or third down RB, but I wouldn't want him on my team. I am not a dog lover, but ask any pshychologist or mental health expert and they'll tell you how people who enjoy torturing and killing animals are on the way to sociopath status. At some point, if he stays clean and can show he's not going to be the next Ted Bundy, let him play. Just not on my team. He's still young enough to make a positive impact somewhere. Hopefully he will.

1) What he did was heinous, but HE DID HIS TIME. That's why we have a justice system. He took his punishment.
2) Wildcat maybe? Not sure where else he could fit. I always think of Shannon Sharpe's famous line speaking on Vick's annual QB dropoff: "just like the carnival rolls out of town in November"...

If Vick were willing to take short money and be a backup, he'd be a tremendous addition to the team, from purely a football perspective. The big question is how the controversy of adding him to the team would play out.

People seem to forget that Vick is more than just a running QB. He has a heck of an arm, a nice touch with the deep ball, incredible mobility, and he stays away from mistakes. He's a top QB, who just happens to possess world-class speed and running ability.

If guessing that he needs the money and wants to start somewhere, though. But I can imagine him coming in for Brady if our OL protection broke down and Brady got taken out. It'd be a good backup plan to have ready.

Abuse of the helpless - animals, children, disabled, elderly, anyone in a position weaker than the abuser - is unforgiveable. He has forfeited an opportunity that many others of equal or better talent - and certainly of better character - would be very grateful to have. He blew it. Now let him work as a laborer for $10 per hour for the rest of his life and see how real people have to earn a living. Have you looked at the price of Patriots tickets lately? I expect more value - both talent and character - for my money. It's time to clean the scum out of the NFL - not reinstate them or bring them in. He showed his true colors. Let him pay the price. I have no intention of paying his.

Sign Vick! Lets have the orignal WildCat at our disposal.

As usual, we are back to our Puritan roots. Does the statement " HOLIER THAN THOU" RING A BELL?

MS, you are an idiot...go back to the cave that you crawled out of and take your club with you...

Yes Hire Vick.. Let him sell hot dogs in the stands!!!

u know what i like animals myself,but i think vick situation is blown out of place.
first of all to all you people out typing all this nonsense,theres alot of people that kills animals,most people like hunting,to go hunting you've got to kill the animal.
second i think people with hunting license should be in jail for shooting animals.

I can't believe this dumb question is still at the top of the Globe Patriots page. If there's no Pats news you could at least do a story on the cheerleaders with some pictures. Anything is better than this idiocy

I love animals, but as poster #155 said, the Michael Vick situation is blown out of proportion. Who thinks Mike Vick did horrible things, just ask yourself:
1. Do I like stakes?
2. Do I like pork chop?
3. Do I like chicken kabobs?
4. Meats etc...?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, where do you think those meats come from? I guess whoever eats meat, they are no different than Mike Vick, including myself.

Vick's physical abilities are unmatched in the NFL and he has not been anywhere the player he can be due to the lack of creativity of NFL coordinators (i.e. force a player to fit into your system rather than creating a system designed to take advantage of a player's abilities). As we've seen over the years with the Pats one of the biggest parts of our success has been BB's ablity to create and modify offensive and defensive schemes to fit the talents of his players. BB and Vick joining up would be a match made in heaven but I doubt it will ever happen due to the all-World QB on our roster and all of the negative attention it would garner.Hope to see you soon in the NFL Vick.

Playoff football in New england is played in cold and slow conditions. Vick would bring much value in those condiditons, that combined with the PR risk makes it a no brainer NO. A place like INDY makes sense. Imagine haveing to deal with Manning all day with VIck in the wildcat in the dome

I am no fan of Michael Vick, for reasons I won't get into here. However, he's paid his debt to society and deserves to get on with his life. Look back several years ago to Ray Lewis and the obstruction of justice charges (MANSLAUGHTER case) he pleaded out to in Atlanta. Rarely does anyone mention that, why, because he won a super bowl ring.
He's not a pedophile or rapist and doesn't need to be crucified for the rest of his life.
I like dogs, had a few a kid, but dog fighting has been going on in this country and elsewhere for decades. Michael Vick playing in the NFL again is not going to change that.
Take a look at the film Amores Perros if you doubt the latter statement!

I would almost herald the signing of Vick just so I could garner some satisfaction that it was my team that spit in PETA's face and let him back into the NFL, I live in PETA central in Norfolk, VA, and they are hypocrites...they routinely bring exterminators into their building to kill poor defenseless mice!

That aside, I can't envision the Pats with a guy like Vick...he comes from around here, and he came from an area that was and is 100% thug. Like I always say, you can take Vick out of the Hood, but you can't take the Hood out of Vick.

Nuff Said.

The Mann has Spoken.

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Vick is a bad NFL quarterback, plain and simple. He's the opposite of Tom Brady, an out-of-control scrambler who always looks to run, then pass. This is not what wins in the NFL. Ever. Plus, he's a me-first mental midget who can't pick up or read complex systems.The Patriots don't want him and neither do I.

The word is "talent", and the outcome of any game is to "win". The Pats should get Vick, if they want to, and I would rather him being on the Pat' roster, than some drift pick.

I cringe at the thought of Vick actually at the helm of the team, but as a super-gimmick complementary player? Well that's at least kinda intriguing... What does it do to a defense's ability to anticipate when he's on the field? If he's lined up as the finesse runner in a two running back set behind Brady? How much easier is it to go for it on 4th & 4 if he's the holder on a punt? Could be punt, run, or pass?

I assume there are a ton of reasons why not, but in normal times it's mostly because guys good enough to make that work get starting jobs somewhere else. Maybe a little time in the clink has knocked his ego and job opportunities down to the place where he'd think about it.

Obivious a slow day in sports why would you all comment on this half a**ed story I 'm sorry I wasted this much time reading all these stupid assumptions that the PATS would want this piece of crape DON'T WANT HIM DON'T NEED HIM.

Lets sign Michael Vick for some cheap money....then put him as CB, or WR... we deff would not need him as a QB. Now with the dog thing. let it go, he was in the wrong he did his time, thats how the judicial system works, im not going to hold a grudge or anything.... now if he does it again..... thats different.. sign him

I don't seriously think the pats will take him, I think they will just say they're considering him to hype up the media

Wow, some people are just clueless. First of all, it's not JUST that he went to jail for managing a dog fighting ring, but what he did to the dogs that lost or who weren't fit to fight. I don't care if you hate animals, there is no justification for the brutality of what this guy (not even worth calling a man) did. 2 years wasn't enough. You can bring up your lame points that rapist and other thugs get out of jail in less time but that doesn't make it right. It just means our justice system is wacked. But keep in mind, we do have the best justice system in the world. On the other note, why the hell would we even entertain the idea. Besides the fact that we don't need a QB , he was always an overated. Who wants a qb that lets his receivers hanging out to dry.

I think if anyone here actually witnessed the things he did to these dogs you'd have a different view. You seriously have to be a psychopath to hang, electrocute, drown, slam there heads in the ground and who knows what else to these poor dogs.

Sure he did his time and I believe in second chances as well but not on my team. Vick is a QB! not a CB, not a running back, not a punt or kick returner, not a wide receiver! He's a QB, a subpar one at that. Yes great athlete, but not a team player. The Pats were built and won superbowls as a TEAM. There is no Mike Vike in TEAM.

Michael Vick is the man and if the patriots were to pick him up it would be a great addition to an already stacked team, with Vick as a back-up to Brady this offense would be that much better because then the Patriots can use the wildcat formation offense and that would just be ridiculus!!! SIGN Michael VICK!!!!

I'm a lifetime fan, but if the Patriots pick up Michael Vick, I'm giving ridiculous amounts of money to PETA and I will spend every Sunday homegame at Gilette showcasing his disgusting acts. I'm horrified it's even an option. Shame on you Mr. Belichick!

This man is a disgusting human being. Even if he had any current skill, which I doubt, he killed living creatures for fun. It should not matter in any way if he is going to be an asset to the team. The only reason that he did not get more time in jail is because animals are considered property. They do not have enough rights to protect them from sick, demented people like Vick and his ghetto posse.

I hope that all life long fans like myself will become ashamed to be a Patriots fan if Kraft signs Vick. What does that say about us as an organization if all these other teams want nothing to do with him and we are the team that signs him. In my eyes it shows that we support what Vick did.