New United Football League Interested in Signing Michael Vick

by Jon Azpiri | December 2, 2008 at 11:17 am

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The Commissioner of the new United Football League is trying to raise interest in the fledgling league by signing jailed football star Michael Vick.

The UFL will consist of six teams and will play their games on Thursdays and Fridays. The league has not officially announced where the six teams will be located, only that three teams will be on the East Coast and three on the West Coast.

Vick, who is currently serving time for being involved in a dogfighting ring, has been indefinitely suspended from the NFL. He is scheduled to be released from prison July 20. At that time, the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback will have to apply to be reinstated by the NFL. Considering the black-eye the NFL has taken thanks to the recent antics of New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress, league officials may not be willing to bring Vick back into the fold.

According to UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue, if Vick is rejected by the NFL, he may find a job with the UFL. Getting Vick to sign with the UFL is a longshot, but it could be a public relations boon for the league. It could also be a public relations nightmare.

"We've received fan letters and e-mails already saying, 'What are you guys, nuts?' He would have to be evaluated like all players and clearly he presents more risk," said Huyghue. "You have to weigh the risk of bringing a player like that into the league versus not. A club would have to make that determination. I think it's safe to assume at some point he'll return to professional football. We are a country of forgiveness."