Blank declined to say whether he envisions Vick playing for the Falcons again. He said that right now the allegations are unproven criminal charges, and the legal process has to be respected.
Blank said the team had suggested a four-game suspension by the NFL but is satisfied with action taken by Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has ordered Vick yesterday to stay away from the team's training camp until a league review of the charges against him is completed.
Blank noted at a news conference this afternoon that Goodell has instructed the Falcons not to take any unilateral action on Vick's status pending the league review.
Goodell said in a letter to the quarterback that although it is up to the criminal justice system to determine guilt or innocence, it is Goodell's responsibility as commissioner to determine whether Vick's conduct violated league policies, including the Personal Conduct Policy.
The NFL says Vick will still get his pre-season pay.
The Falcons open camp on Thursday, the same day Vick is scheduled to be arraigned in Richmond, Virginia, on charges of sponsoring a dogfighting operation.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/7/87183