Reports: Vick meets with commissioner

NEW YORK - ESPN.com is reporting that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has reached a decision on Michael Vick's future in the NFL.

The sports website says Goodell decided on a "conditional reinstatement" that would allow Vick to attend training camp if he signs with a team. However, Vick may be forced to sit out the first four games of the 2009 season.

SI.com is reporting that Vick and Goodell met on Thursday afternoon in Allendale, New Jersey. The two were seen leaving the meeting looking "somber", according to SI.com.

On Tuesday, Vick and NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith met one-on-one. No details from that meeting were released.

Michael Vick finished his 23-month federal sentence for his involvement in a dogfighting ring on Monday. Vick left Norfolk Federal Court quietly and expressionless, but he did acknowledge a supporter who yelled out, "Go Mike, we got your back baby."

Vick's attorney Larry Woodward and federal probation officers were at Vick's home early Monday morning to remove the ankle monitoring device Vick was required to wear while on home confinement in his Hampton home for the past two months.

Local Attorney Chris Zaleski told WAVY.com if it's approved, returning to the NFL could be a good thing for Vick.

"One of the benefits would be that he would have a set schedule training camp, the games are already outlined. He is, of course, going to have to get permission to travel out of the state," Zaleski said.

It is also uncertain where Vick might play if he is reinstated. The Falcons released him in June.

"Michael did an egregious thing," Goodell told The Associated Press in April. "He has paid a very significant price for that."

He said people are forgiving when someone who has done wrong shows remorse and is prepared to live a different life.

"That's something he has to prove to myself and the general public," Goodell said.

29-year-old Vick did not initially show enough remorse to satisfy U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson. Vick apologized in court in 2007, but Hudson denied him an "acceptance of responsibility" credit that could have reduced his sentence.

Under the federal truth-in-sentencing law, Vick had to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. He served the first 18 months in the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., before being transferred to home confinement in May.

While on home confinement, Vick -- once the NFL's highest-paid player -- worked a $10-an-hour construction job for a few weeks. He switched jobs last month, assisting in children's health and fitness programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Vick will remain on probation for three years. He also is under a three-year suspended sentence for a state dogfighting conviction.

ESPN.com says Goodell will announce his decision early next week.

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