NEW YORK (Reuters) –
Quarterback Michael Vick has been reinstated to the NFL on a conditional basis and a decision on his return to action will come by the sixth week of the regular season, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday.
Vick, who completed a 23-month criminal sentence for bankrolling a dogfighting ring, was free to sign with an NFL team, participate in practice and play in the final two preseason games.
A decision on his return to regular-season competition would be based on the progress he makes in a "transition plan" laid out by the commissioner at a news conference.
"I will decide within the first six weeks of the regular season when and whether he will be reinstated to play," Goodell told reporters.
Goodell said he would evaluate how Vick conducted himself in terms of court-mandated conditions and promises the former Pro Bowl quarterback made to him in a four and a half hour meeting he had with him last week in the New York area.
Vick said he was grateful for the chance to play again.
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Commissioner Goodell for allowing me to be readmitted to the National Football League," the 29-year-old said in a statement.
Vick played six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons but was released by the club following his conviction and indefinite suspension by the NFL.
"I fully understand that playing football in the NFL is a privilege, not a right, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have been given," he said.
Vick, a former top overall pick in the NFL Draft and a three-times All-Pro, said he would continue to receive mentoring from former NFL coach Tony Dungy, who steered the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl title.
Dungy visited Vick in prison and also saw him during a final two-month period of home confinement in Virginia.
Commissioner Goodell said working with Dungy was a key component in Vick's transition plan.
"One of the most important things that we talked about is that nobody gets through life alone," Goodell said. "You always have to have a mentor, someone who can give you guidance and support at critical moments.
"Michael needs that right now and I've asked Tony Dungy to play a more formal role on my behalf and on Michael's behalf."
Vick is currently a free agent and able to sign with any team. Besides evaluating how Vick might help on the field, teams will also consider potential backlash in their community from people outraged by his role in the dogfighting ring.
STEP BY STEP
Goodell told Vick in a letter that the conditional reinstatement allowing him to practice with his team should not be viewed as punishment.
"It is intended to maximize the prospect that you can successfully resume your career and your life," Goodell wrote.
"You have submitted to me a written plan concerning your proposed living arrangements, how you will manage your financial affairs, counseling and mentoring plans, and your proposed work with the Humane Society (animal protection organization) and other groups.
"You have committed to me that you intend to abide by this plan, and as I said when we met, you are accountable for doing so."
(Additional reporting by Steve Ginsburg; Editing by Sonia Oxley/Ian Ransom)
