Michael Vick will not face disciplinary action following a shooting at the controversial quarterback's birthday party six weeks ago, Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, said. Goodell spoke with Vick on Tuesday while visiting the Philadelphia Eagles during his tour of training camps. Shortly after, the NFL released a statement saying Goodell based his decision "on his current understanding of the facts".
Vick, his NFL mentor Tony Dungy, the Eagles coach Andy Reid and Goodell spoke on the phone weeks ago "on the need for additional support measures to be added to Michael's plan to enhance his opportunity to succeed in life and football. These additional steps will remain confidential, but they will require Michael to meet even higher standards." The NFL and the Eagles had been looking into a shooting at a nightclub in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where Vick held his 30th birthday party on June 25. Police said no charges would be filed because of a lack of cooperation by witnesses and the victim, whom Larry Woodward, Vick's attorney, identified as Quanis Phillips - a co-defendant in Vick's federal dogfighting case.
"I want him to understand that he's in a different position than others," Goodell said, "and because of that he has to protect himself differently, and he recognises that, I think." When the Eagles signed Vick to a two-year contract last August after he finished an 18-month sentence in federal prison, he was told he had no margin for error. Vick was a model citizen off the field and in the locker room during his first season with the Eagles.
Elsewhere, the Detroit Lions signed Ndamukong Suh, the defensive tackle, to a five-year contract worth $68m yesterday. Suh, who has missed four days of training camp this week, was expected to practice with the team yesterday. * AP