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Belichick won't rule out Vick

Posted by Christopher L. Gasper, Globe Staff July 31, 2009 12:49 PM

Patriots coach Bill Belichick provided more fodder for the rampant rumors that disgraced former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who recently completed a 23-month sentence for his role bankrolling a dogfighting ring, could be a Patriot.

While several teams have made it known that they won't pursue Vick, Belichick wouldn't go there today, despite being given multiple opportunities.

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Belichick was asked directly whether he or the organization had ruled out signing Vick? His response was:

"Have we ruled it out? I don't know that it's ruled in or ruled out. I'm not not answering your question. I'm saying I don't think it's ever been put that way, so I can't really answer that."

The follow-up question was then whether he was interested in signing Vick.

"You know I think we would consider..." said Belichick, before seemingly reversing field. "We're coaching the players that we have on the field right now, so that's who is here. So, anybody who isn't here is there potential that they could be here? Yeah, there probably is. But right now they're not.

"We're coaching the 80 players that are here, so until we get somebody else we're coaching them. When we get somebody else in here, which I'm sure at some point we will, then we'll coach them and the players that are here. Who that's going to be? Right now, it's the 80 players who are here. That's all I can tell you."

When it was pointed out to Belichick that it didn't sound like he was ruling the 29-year-old Vick out, he repeated his refrain of coaching the players he had in camp.

"I'm coaching the players that are here that are on this team. That's what we do. I'm not coaching anybody else. I'm sure at some point somebody else will be here. I don't know who that is going to be. If I knew, they'd already be here."

Today's comments came on the heels of Belichick's answers on the opening day of camp when he complimented Vick as a player.

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61 comments so far...

  1. Vick has nonzero value, just as 1600 players on 32 teams have some value, and Vick might possibly choose to sign with the Patriots for next to nothing, but if BB salivates over getting Vick for next to nothing, he will really tick off Julian Edelman who is just above the bubble partly for his wildcat skills and would probably get cut if Vick came. No use ticking off a real player who is signed, for someone unsigned who will probably go to Seattle for more money.

    Posted by PaulK July 31, 09 01:00 PM

  1. The master at work. Never rules out any option.

    Posted by Ollie July 31, 09 01:06 PM

  1. Can we just wait to see if Vick signs with New England before dedicating so many blog posts and press conference questions to the subject? It's the first week of training camp, I'm sure there are storylines aplenty to follow that actually involve players and coaches who are currently under contract. Mike Vick questions are fluff no brainers... please continue with more of the in depth, team specific coverage we rely on this great site for.

    Posted by Andrew S. July 31, 09 01:09 PM

  1. BRING HIM IN

    The guy deserves a second chance. Ray Lewis got a second chance and he murdered someone.

    Vick would be awesome as a patriot

    Posted by Kevin July 31, 09 01:16 PM

  1. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Posted by nate July 31, 09 01:16 PM

  1. Coach B is the best. He is just toying with the media to take attention away from the players

    Posted by hank July 31, 09 01:16 PM

  1. Oh my god...

    Posted by Sonny_Corlione July 31, 09 01:23 PM

  1. I love how Belichick answers these reporters. Absolutely hilarious.

    I'm as diehard a Pats fan as they come and I say why not take a flyer on Vick in a 1 yr deal. I saw McNabb and Palmer weren't themselves their first years back after knee surgery so why not buy some extra insurance this year. I'm sure the other AFC coaches would not want to have to gameplan for Brady AND Vick, lol.

    Posted by Sean in Taunton July 31, 09 01:28 PM

  1. Everyone deserves a second chance since we all make mistakes. With that said as someone who adores his two dogs, I want NO PART of Mike Vick becoming a Patriot. He wasn't that special as a QB when he was with Atlanta and I am more interested if we run a wildcat having Julian Edelman or someone else behind center.

    I will have a big problem cheering for MV, and I doubt that Robert or Myra Kraft want this scourge as part of the Patriots.

    Posted by ampats July 31, 09 01:29 PM

  1. they are totally interested

    Posted by phatbenny July 31, 09 01:33 PM

  1. haha hes messing with you guys, he prepared for this and knew the line we havent ruled him in or out before the press conference started

    Posted by BB owns July 31, 09 01:35 PM

  1. My buddy just spotted Vick at Logan....

    Posted by Jared July 31, 09 01:41 PM

  1. Haha Belichick is the best!

    Posted by SMM July 31, 09 01:41 PM

  1. If the Patriots have anything to do with Michael Vick, they can say goodbye to a lot of fans, including this one. Signing Vick will be business suicide for any NFL team. I can't believe that any NFL coach would be in such a bubble that they don't understand how intensely the average person loathes Vick.

    Posted by Dave Larson July 31, 09 01:42 PM

  1. Get Vick, ASAP. We need him to have close to a full camp.

    From a FOOTBALL standpoint, there would be no better weapon to throw into the fold for opposing defenses to have to deal with. HE WILL TAKE ENORMOUS PRESSURE OFF BRADY! He will be a perfect specialty player out of the backfield with the threat of pass. The flee-flicker alone between those two will be good for 35 points this year.

    That is if he hasn't lost most of his mojo in jail.

    Posted by chunga July 31, 09 01:43 PM

  1. i love dogs. sign him anyways. they guy had a bad upbringing, he started seeing dogfighting when he was 7 years old, so obviously he has some issues, but as far as what he can bring as an overall football player, it is crazy to think about the things the pats could do with him. Remember "Slash" when he was just "slash"? that would be the effect, maybe even more since he is faster than Kordell. Sign him up Bill.

    Posted by Chris Simoneau July 31, 09 01:45 PM

  1. ampats, I think your dogs are safe.

    Bring him in!

    Posted by Bones July 31, 09 01:46 PM

  1. I just called Bob Krafts office spoke with his admin and told her that if they do sign him I will never watch another Pats game, I will cancel my season tickets, and I will also cancel NFL ST. There is no room for this jackass here in NE and I suggest to others who feel this way to call and voice your concern

    Posted by seminole July 31, 09 01:55 PM

  1. Every reporter out there should write BB a thank you note for this stuff. You guys always try to make it seem like hes a scrooge, and yet here he is, giving you something on a silver platter.

    Posted by MVPatsfan13 July 31, 09 01:56 PM

  1. Not saying they should or shouldn't bring in Vick. But can you imagine : Foxborough would be the NFL media Mecca of the world ! I'm sure it's crazy as is with all the start power - with Vick it would be insane !

    If I were a media member, I'd love it.

    Posted by farn July 31, 09 02:02 PM

  1. WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

    Posted by chunga July 31, 09 02:09 PM

  1. I have no problem with the Pats signing Vick if the need for a QB were to exist. Guy paid his dues.

    Posted by VICKtory July 31, 09 02:17 PM

  1. Why not? In the last few years I've been through the 2006 AFC title game, Spygate I, Spygate II, Super Bowl XLII, Brady's injury - this is just the next nut-kicker....

    Posted by Rich July 31, 09 02:18 PM

  1. Supposedly he's on his way to Foxboro now to meet with the Patriots. That's what rumors and Barstool Sports are saying. Take it for what it's worth.

    Posted by dr12487 July 31, 09 02:21 PM

  1. vick was in atlanta for a long time, remember the pot smoking, the flipping off the fans, the lying to goodell & blank, p_ssing away millions, running with the wrong guys, trouble with his brother, etc.. why would kraft and new england want these kind of PROVEN headaches ? the guy is'nt smart so why would belichick want this IDIOT. besides his personal problems the guys millions in debt, when is he going to shave points or throw a game to pay some bills? if new england signs vick it will be time to switch channels.

    Posted by jojohnson July 31, 09 02:22 PM

  1. I could accept the Corey Dillon and Randy Moss signings because they were malcontents on losing teams. But Vick is a convicted felon who participated in the theft and torture/murder of other people's dogs (to train his own) and in the execution of dogs that didn't perform well in the dog-fights that he hosted and arranged.

    I cheered for Dillon and Moss, but I won't cheer for Vick. Ever.

    Besides which, we don't need him -- unless he switch to cornerback in prison.

    Posted by bidemytime July 31, 09 02:28 PM

  1. Not shocking the Pats would bring in Vick for a workout. If he looks like crap, its just a workout. If he looks like he can play, I trust Belichick and Kraft to assess Vick's current value and make a smart decision .

    Posted by Jack July 31, 09 02:29 PM

  1. Vick is at Foxboro right now sitting down with Belichick and Kraft and a deal could be pending!!!

    Posted by BA July 31, 09 02:31 PM

  1. Bring him in!!! All you people saying you'd cancel your season tickets, never watch a game, blah, blah, blah, get over yourselves. The dude has done the time, lost a ton, and deserves a shot at redemption. Plus everyone will hate us even more, which will be awesome.

    Plus, we don't really have a back up QB.

    Posted by Jess July 31, 09 02:32 PM

  1. Kevin, Ray Lewis was never convicted of murder anywhere in the U.S.

    Posted by bidemytime July 31, 09 02:32 PM

  1. Most hated team with the most hated coach will now have the most hated player, good job Mr. Kraft.
    And how does this play out with the Big London Game!?
    "Hey Europe here's OUR football, see that guy runing with the ball, he just got out of jail for killing dogs. So what do you think of OUR game?"

    Posted by TGinNJ July 31, 09 02:39 PM

  1. Seriously - give the guy a break. He didn't kill a human being! There are a number of other professional athletes out there that have done way worse and were given a slight slap on the wrist!! (If that.) He was obviously made an example of....I say why not throw him a bone.

    Posted by shnooks July 31, 09 02:40 PM

  1. I am shocked people care so much about this guy. give up your season tickets so i can get them if this is such a disgrace. Look dog fighting is disgusting I agree but the guy served his time. The NFL turns a blind eye to murderers, guys who beat their wives, deadbeat dads, etc. And we turn a blindseye to drug addicts on yawkey way so I think we can give this guy a chance for a season. He would be tremendous as Faulk's backup, bottomline the team would be better with him and he won't cost much. Plus the structure of the team and organization is what this guy needs.

    Posted by Jon J. July 31, 09 02:45 PM

  1. I am a dog lover. I own three dogs. These people who say they would never watch an NFL game again are clueless. This guy did his time. He recieved a very harsh sentence for what he did (and he should have), but the moral highgrouned attitude of some people amazes me. Dogfighting is a cultural phenomenon. Vick was entrenched in this from the start, as others are subjected to spousal abuse or drug abuse in their childhood. Players beat their wives and people don't say they should be banned for life. The white picket fence crowd cares more about the animal abuse issue thatn anything else. It is really facinating to read about.

    Posted by steve July 31, 09 02:46 PM

  1. Please bring him in -- I would buy season tickets just to see him break out of the pocket in a game snow storm

    Posted by Ryan July 31, 09 02:49 PM

  1. Sign him. Every time someone cancells their season tickets I move closer to the front of the waiting list!

    Posted by Dan July 31, 09 02:57 PM

  1. I think it's pretty obvious that ALL these guys should be banned for life, not just Vick. But, what's more obvious is that fans don't care, because they still put their fat butts in the seats, blow tons of money on crappy beer and food and buy insanely marked up merchandise in order to glorify criminals and do nothing with their own lives. Pro sports is pathetic.

    Posted by muhuh July 31, 09 03:00 PM

  1. Michael Vick is nothing but a punk. He has served his time no doubt but he is still a punk and is much better suited for the NBA he would fit in real good there. The Pats don't need him and I bet most fans don't want him.

    Posted by seminole July 31, 09 03:02 PM

  1. All those claiming to jump ship if he signs are probably the same baffoons who said they would head to Canada if George Bush got re-elected. You are all one 80 yard wild cat touchdown from jumping back on the band wagon. Bunch of pompous hypocrites.

    Posted by Michael Vick's Cat July 31, 09 03:08 PM

  1. I am a die hard Patriots fan! I have a shrine in my family room to Teddy and I have started one for Tom. I cried for days when I learned Mike Vrabel wasn't going to be on the team this year, and I couldn't have been more proud of Junior Seau when he came out of retirement to help the team. I salute Bill for what he has accomplished, he is an absolute genius in my eyes. That being said: MY ENTIRE FAMILY WILL NOT WATCH ANOTHER PATRIOTS GAME IF MICHAEL VICK COMES TO BOSTON!

    Posted by MissM July 31, 09 03:19 PM

  1. I am a die hard Patriots fan! I have a shrine in my family room to Teddy and I have started one for Tom. I cried for days when I learned Mike Vrabel wasn't going to be on the team this year, and I couldn't have been more proud of Junior Seau when he came out of retirement to help the team. I salute Bill for what he has accomplished, he is an absolute genius in my eyes. That being said: MY ENTIRE FAMILY WILL NOT WATCH ANOTHER PATRIOTS GAME IF MICHAEL VICK COMES TO BOSTON!

    Posted by MissM July 31, 09 03:19 PM

    First off....YOU NEED A LIFE!
    Also, don't watch the Pat's. Turn on figure skating or better yet, find a hobby or a job.

    Posted by Realistic July 31, 09 03:24 PM

  1. Anyones who thinks this a poor decision knows absolutly nothing about about the game or business of football and should stop posting. This is classic BB and RC these guys are like any other top CEO/COO, they never listen to the masses because (i think this thread proves) they are dumb, and know very little. They also evaluate for themselves and dont rely on outside opinions, if the Pats make a move its not out desperation almost every decision is come to organically inside the organization, that is why they are the team of the decade, they will make the right move. that being said heres to hoping Vick comes back fighting like a dog and kills it (Come and get me PETA).

    Posted by PC July 31, 09 03:25 PM

  1. The Patriots would be the most unstoppable and entertaining team next year if they get Vick. Say what you want, but like someone mentioned before, he's a product of his environment. I'd like to see how you would all turn out if your were raised in a crappy area where dog fighting was prevelant. Until you have gone through what he's gone through or something similar and came out alright you can say something, but until then, you need to get off of your high ground. To the people who will stop being a fan of the Pats, that's fine with me, you just make it easier for me to go to games.

    Posted by Justin Gibson July 31, 09 03:36 PM

  1. The Patriots would be the most unstoppable and entertaining team next year if they get Vick. Say what you want, but like someone mentioned before, he's a product of his environment. I'd like to see how you would all turn out if your were raised in a crappy area where dog fighting was prevelant. Until you have gone through what he's gone through or something similar and came out alright you can say something, but until then, you need to get off of your high ground. To the people who will stop being a fan of the Pats, that's fine with me, you just make it easier for me to go to games.

    Posted by Justin Gibson July 31, 09 03:36 PM

  1. Please, no Vick. I've been a fan of the Pats for 30+ years. That's all.

    Posted by pdxpaul July 31, 09 03:46 PM

  1. Vick was spotted in Logan Airport

    Posted by yey July 31, 09 04:05 PM

  1. Miss V.. get a life..

    I own 4 dogs and hate the person he was, but EVERYONE deserves a second chance. If he signs on with the Patriots its a business decision to make the team better. Put the faith in the team that has won so many games and let us sleep well for so many nights.

    Period

    Posted by J July 31, 09 04:13 PM

  1. Good thing they call it the wild CAT.

    Posted by Joe July 31, 09 04:20 PM

  1. i love the pats and want them to win football games...no matter your opinon about his past. He helps this team. Get it done.

    Posted by chris July 31, 09 04:45 PM

  1. Hey TGinNJ

    England used to have something called fox hunting. Look it up - not a nice sport

    Posted by Timster July 31, 09 04:46 PM

  1. I would think Vick would want to sign for a team that would give him a chance to be a starter. I really don't think Vick would sign with the Pats, so he can sit on the bench for the next 5+ years like Cassel did.

    Posted by Doug July 31, 09 04:50 PM

  1. To Dave Larson... he has served his penalty and time... he never killed anyone (Donte Stallworth) nor assaulted anyone.. if you stop rooting for the Pats cuz they get Vick then good riddance to you as a fan

    Posted by Joe July 31, 09 05:06 PM

  1. Hey TGinNJ

    England used to have something called fox hunting. Look it up - not a nice sport

    Posted by Timster July 31, 09 05:06 PM

  1. I thought Bob Kraft told Belichick not to ever do anything to embarrass his family. Signing a sadistic animal murderer and coward like Michael Vick would be an embarrassment to the organization and its fans. Hell, Plaxico Burruss is a saint compared to this piece of dung. Plaxico was just immature, trying to act tough and only hurt himself and made a fool of himself. He's worth rehabilitating. Michael Vick has one of the three required attributes of a serial killer: torturing animals. He's probably also a bed-wetter and fire-starter, though he didn't start any for the Falcons that other teams couldn't put out. He did his time and deserves a chance to work, but he doesn't deserve another chance at the NFL.

    Posted by Brian G. Walsh July 31, 09 05:08 PM

  1. NSAWins is reporting on their blog that Vick will sign with NE.... I would rather see pass rushing help, but if Vick comes cheap and can give them a Wilcat look, then why not.

    Posted by benchhobbs July 31, 09 05:11 PM

  1. I love all the "fans" that say they'll never watch the Patriots if Vick is signed.

    They lie.

    Posted by Boo33cubee55@verizon.net July 31, 09 05:14 PM

  1. I am a die hard Patriots fan! I have a shrine in my family room to Teddy and I have started one for Tom. I cried for days when I learned Mike Vrabel wasn't going to be on the team this year, and I couldn't have been more proud of Junior Seau when he came out of retirement to help the team. I salute Bill for what he has accomplished, he is an absolute genius in my eyes. That being said: MY ENTIRE FAMILY WILL NOT WATCH ANOTHER PATRIOTS GAME IF MICHAEL VICK COMES TO BOSTON!

    Posted by MissM July 31, 09 03:19 PM

    Honestly get a life. If you're not down with the team through thick and thin then you're not a fan. You seriously cried when Vrabel got traded? Grow up.

    Posted by Jess July 31, 09 05:31 PM

  1. I believe in redemption and a criminal paying his price to society and then being allowed full participation. Too often convicts who have done there time are restricted by CORI laws. Muhamad Ali went to jail for violating the draft laws, he paid his price and was eventually allowed to pursue his career. Why not a reformed animal abuser? You can't deny that black people bare the brunt of such issues.

    Posted by david carpenter July 31, 09 05:33 PM

  1. I swear, everyone who is against signing a quaterback who took his team to the NFC Championship game a few years ago are idiots, this guy is the most extraordinary athlete the NFL has ever seen, i'm not a dog/animal lover, but there are no dogs or animals involved in Football from what i can recall, go ahead and get upset, give up your season tickets, and call P.E.T.A. to Gillete stadium because like it or not Vick is more than likely going to be the #2 QB of our
    NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS!!!! Once he starts producing and making plays on the field, everyone will forgive him anyway, that's how NEW ENGLAND fans operate.. RIGHT????

    Posted by Rican-Justis July 31, 09 06:04 PM

  1. Vick,Belichick and Lassie have just met Obama at the whitehouse.

    Posted by MickeyMor July 31, 09 06:10 PM

  1. ALL OF THE PEOPLE ON HERE THAT SAY "WAH,WAH IM NOT GOING TO WATCH ANOTHER PATRIOTS GAME IF VICK COMES TO BOSTON." STOP BEING CRYBABIES AND ACCEPT IT. I DIDNT SAY LIKE IT, ACCEPT IT. SOME TEAM IS GOING TO SIGN HIM. MAYBE NOT NOW OR EVEN THIS SEASON BUT HE WILL BE SIGNED. RAY LEWIS KILLED A HUMAN BEING AND GOT OFF. STALLWORTH KILLED SOMEONE AND GOT 1 MONTH IN JAIL AND IT DOESNT EVEN GET ANY PRESS COVERAGE. I UNDERSTAND THE "MANS BEST FRIEND" THING, AS I AM A DOG OWNER/LOVER, BUT I TREASURE A HUMAN LIFE MORE THAN A DOGS LIFE. OH YEAH GOOOOOO STEELERS!!!!!!

    Posted by CHRIS August 8, 09 04:59 PM
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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.
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