Fotbol
01-23-2007, 11:25 AM
ATLANTA (AP) -- Michael Vick was cleared by police Monday of any wrongdoing at a Miami airport, four days after the Falcons general manager said the star quarterback had "let a lot of people down."
Vick's water bottle was seized by security at Miami International Airport last Wednesday. Police said it smelled of marijuana and had a hidden compartment that contained a "small amount of dark particulate."
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Lab tests found no evidence of drugs, according to a memo by Deisy Rodriguez, an assistant state attorney in Florida. She said the bottle no longer is considered evidence in an investigation.
Police will not file charges and there will be no disciplinary measures from the NFL or the Falcons.
"If there is no violation of law, there is no basis for discipline," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told The Associated Press.
Vick has had no public comment on the incident.
"Michael fully understands that his actions on and off the field are a reflection on the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL," Vick's attorney, Lawrence H. Woodward Jr., said in a statement faxed to the AP.
"Michael intends to spend this offseason focusing on his family, working with his teammates and the new coaching staff to insure that the Falcons have a great season in 2007, and devoting time to his charitable interests."
The 26-year-old Vick had been the target of jokes and sharp criticism since the incident, including a skit on "Saturday Night Live."
On Thursday, Atlanta GM Rich McKay said Vick "knows he let a lot of people down. Not just the coaches, not just me, not just Arthur Blank, but the fans. We were very clear in discussing that."
McKay said Blank, the team owner, "is upset."
After Vick was cleared, the Falcons issued a statement.
"We appreciate the speed at which the Miami authorities concluded their investigation, and we are pleased to learn of the outcome of the investigation," spokesman Reggie Roberts said.
"This is another reminder of the high-profile nature of a professional athlete and the close scrutiny players undergo related to their conduct on and off the field. We look forward to putting this matter behind us," he said.
This season, Vick became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards. Atlanta had the league's worst passing attack and went 7-9, missing the playoffs for the second straight year. Coach Jim Mora was fired and Bobby Petrino was hired.
Vick led Atlanta to the NFC championship game following the 2004 season. The Falcons re-signed him to a $137 million contract, the league's richest deal at the time.
Vick had to apologize this season after he made obscene gestures to home fans while walking off the field following a loss to New Orleans in November.
Last April, Vick settled a lawsuit filed by a woman who claimed the player knowingly gave her herpes. She also claimed that he used the alias "Ron Mexico" while seeking treatment for the sexually transmitted disease.
Vick's water bottle was seized by security at Miami International Airport last Wednesday. Police said it smelled of marijuana and had a hidden compartment that contained a "small amount of dark particulate."
ADVERTISEMENT
Lab tests found no evidence of drugs, according to a memo by Deisy Rodriguez, an assistant state attorney in Florida. She said the bottle no longer is considered evidence in an investigation.
Police will not file charges and there will be no disciplinary measures from the NFL or the Falcons.
"If there is no violation of law, there is no basis for discipline," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told The Associated Press.
Vick has had no public comment on the incident.
"Michael fully understands that his actions on and off the field are a reflection on the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL," Vick's attorney, Lawrence H. Woodward Jr., said in a statement faxed to the AP.
"Michael intends to spend this offseason focusing on his family, working with his teammates and the new coaching staff to insure that the Falcons have a great season in 2007, and devoting time to his charitable interests."
The 26-year-old Vick had been the target of jokes and sharp criticism since the incident, including a skit on "Saturday Night Live."
On Thursday, Atlanta GM Rich McKay said Vick "knows he let a lot of people down. Not just the coaches, not just me, not just Arthur Blank, but the fans. We were very clear in discussing that."
McKay said Blank, the team owner, "is upset."
After Vick was cleared, the Falcons issued a statement.
"We appreciate the speed at which the Miami authorities concluded their investigation, and we are pleased to learn of the outcome of the investigation," spokesman Reggie Roberts said.
"This is another reminder of the high-profile nature of a professional athlete and the close scrutiny players undergo related to their conduct on and off the field. We look forward to putting this matter behind us," he said.
This season, Vick became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards. Atlanta had the league's worst passing attack and went 7-9, missing the playoffs for the second straight year. Coach Jim Mora was fired and Bobby Petrino was hired.
Vick led Atlanta to the NFC championship game following the 2004 season. The Falcons re-signed him to a $137 million contract, the league's richest deal at the time.
Vick had to apologize this season after he made obscene gestures to home fans while walking off the field following a loss to New Orleans in November.
Last April, Vick settled a lawsuit filed by a woman who claimed the player knowingly gave her herpes. She also claimed that he used the alias "Ron Mexico" while seeking treatment for the sexually transmitted disease.