Michael Vick asks to return to NFL

(AP) - A remorseful Michael Vick wants a second chance and vowed to crusade for animal rights with the Philadelphia Eagles - and knows he won't be easily forgiven by fans. "I've done some terrible things,

News 12 Staff

Aug 15, 2009, 12:25 AM

Updated 5,459 days ago

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(AP) - A remorseful Michael Vick wants a second chance and vowed to crusade for animal rights with the Philadelphia Eagles - and knows he won't be easily forgiven by fans.
"I've done some terrible things, I made a horrible mistake. And now I want to be part of the solution and not the problem," Vick said Friday, referring to his conviction for his role in running a dogfighting ring.
Vick was introduced by the Eagles a day after signing a one-year deal for $1.6 million with a team option for a second year for $5.2 million. None of the money is guaranteed, so the Eagles face no financial risk if Vick does not make the team.
Vick, dressed in a gray pinstriped suit, was flanked by Eagles coach Andy Reid and mentor Tony Dungy.
"I really got the sense he wanted to do some great things," Dungy said. "He wanted to be a positive role model for young people. He wanted to get back to his family."
Vick has been out of action since 2006. The former Atlanta Falcons star served 18 months of a 23-month sentence in federal prison.
He also was suspended indefinitely by the NFL.
"For the life of me, I can't understand why I was involved in such pointless activity," Vick said. "Why did I risk so much at the pinnacle of my career?"
The turnout at the Eagles practice facility Friday was the largest in years, with more than 100 media members and nearly two dozen cameras there to hear Vick. Vick spoke softly during the 26-minute news conference, saying he felt remorse even as he was involved in dogfighting.
"There was a point in my life where I felt it was wrong and I knew it was wrong," he said. "To this day I have to live with that shame and that embarrassment."
Vick, who said he wants to be the "best ambassador to the NFL and community," said he hoped to play in a regular season game soon. He asked for a second chance, but expected he won't be easily forgiven by fans or the general public.


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