Dog Fighting, Football Share Brutal Similarities

To raise awareness of pit bull plight, group will match tackles with food

(NEWSER) - A Pennsylvania animal shelter has put a price on Michael Vick’s head—sort of. Main Line Animal Rescue ran an ad in the Washington Post promising to donate five bags of dog food to local shelters every time a Redskin sacks Vick during their Oct. 26 game. “We just need to raise public awareness and this is a good way to do that,” the group’s founder tells the Philadelphia Inquirer. More»

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick returned with his No. 7 to the football field today, running the scouts' offense in practice with the Philadelphia Eagles. How'd he do? Apparently, not bad for an ex-con: "His first toss ... was a little wobbler over the middle to Danny Amendola," notes the Eagles blog of the Inquirer. "He looked better during one-on-ones, hitting Jeremy Maclin deep with a few bombs." More»

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick can play football again, ESPN reports. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell met with the newly free quarterback today and settled on a conditional reinstatement, sources say. Vick will be allowed to sign with a team—so far, none have said they want him—but will be suspended four games once the season starts. During their meeting, Vick reportedly offered a personal apology to Goodell for lying about his role in a dogfighting ring. The news comes just in time: NFL training camps open next week. More»

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick may yet fling a football again in the NFL, but it won't be for the Atlanta Falcons. The team today released its former quarterback, who is close to completing his federal sentence for dogfighting, reports the Journal-Constitution. The Falcons had hoped to trade Vick—who is still awaiting word on whether the league will lift his suspension—but got no takers, notes ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas. More»

Imprisoned QB's contract extends until 2013

(NEWSER) - The Falcons are looking to trade Michael Vick, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. His contract runs through 2013 and includes a base salary of $9 million, sweetened with a $6.43 million 2009 bonus. But with Vick in prison on dogfighting charges and rookie Matt Ryan having led the team to the playoffs in 2008, Atlanta is looking to dump the disgraced QB and open salary-cap room. More»