Goodell to decide on Vick 'in due time'
Commissioner Roger Goodell is beginning to focus on evaluating Michael Vick's future in the NFL.
That doesn't mean a decision will come any time before the 2009 regular season begins in September.
Goodell said yesterday his decision on whether to reinstate the former Atlanta Falcons star quarterback, convicted on federal charges of running a dogfighting ring, will come "in due time."
The Associated Press asked the commissioner during a telephone interview if he is seeing signs in Vick of remorse and contrition. Goodell has outlined those as prerequisites to possibly granting Vick's wish to resume his career. He is currently suspended.
"No, we're beginning to focus on evaluating the situation. I haven't spoken to him," Goodell said.
The commissioner said he won't sit down with Vick until after the former quarterback is released July 20 from home confinement and federal custody.
"I haven't given a timeline, other than after he's concluded his legal [case]," Goodell said.
The man who used to be the highest-paid player in the NFL is currently making $10 an hour as a construction worker while the final 2 months of his sentence wind down with home confinement in Hampton, Va. He was released from federal prison in Kansas on May 20.
The Falcons released him this month, less than 5 years after they signed the former Pro Bowl quarterback to a $130 million contract. Vick is free to sign with any NFL team, but none has stated it intends to offer him a chance to restart his career.
Noteworthy
* Seahawks fullback Owen Schmitt has apologized for "poor judgment" after getting arrested in a Seattle suburb for investigation of drunken driving.
Schmitt issued a statement apologizing "to the team, the NFL, the fans and my family and friends for my actions and poor judgment."
Schmitt was arrested Saturday night in Black Diamond, southeast of Seattle, according to a news release from the Black Diamond police. The release said Schmitt was observed by an officer weaving on the roadway and following too close.
* The Kansas City Chiefs added depth to the defensive backfield, signing former Pro Bowl safety Mike Brown, who played nine seasons with the Chicago Bears.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
* The Detroit Lions have signed center Dominic Raiola to a 4-year contract extension. The team announced that the 6-1, 295-pound starter will remain in Detroit through the 2013 season. Additional contract terms were not disclosed.
* The New York Jets have been awarded cornerback Rashad Barksdale off waivers from the New York Giants.
Barksdale was a sixth-round draft pick of the Eagles in 2007, but was released a few days before the season opener. He signed with Kansas City the following day and had nine tackles in six games for the Chiefs. He was released after training camp last summer and signed with the Giants, who waived him last Saturday.
* Singer Gloria Estefan and her husband, producer Emilio Estefan, are joining the Miami Dolphins as minority owners. *
