EDITOR'S NOTE: The Atlanta Falcons announced the release of quarterback Michael Vick on Friday. AtlantaFalcons.com asked some questions of General Manager Thomas Dimitroff regarding the move.
AF.COM: What caused you to decide to relinquish Vick’s rights today?
THOMAS DIMITROFF: "We spent a significant amount of time this off-season trying to trade him to another NFL club, and we had some conversations with a few teams, but nothing materialized. At this point, we feel releasing Michael is best for him and best for us. Our entire organization sincerely hopes that Michael will continue to focus his efforts on making positive changes in his life, and we wish him well in that regard."
AF.COM: Did you call Michael and inform him of his release from the Falcons?
TD: "Yes. I spoke to Michael earlier today."
AF.COM: Vick is under indefinite suspension by the NFL. Are teams allowed to release a player who is under NFL suspension?
TD: "NFL rules allow teams to release or trade the contractual rights of suspended players."
AF.COM: What are the salary cap ramifications of this move for the Falcons?
TD: "The remainder of his signing bonus is in our cap this year, but it was something we budgeted. There is no cap impact beyond this year."
AF.COM: What are the Falcons hearing from the NFL office regarding the timeline for Michael being reinstated?
TD: "We have not been advised by anyone from the League Office of any type of timeline regarding Michael Vick being reinstated. So, we don’t know when that might occur. That decision is up to the Commissioner."
RELATED LINKS:
- RELEASE: Falcons release quarterback Michael Vick
- DIMITROFF Q&A: General manager answers questions about Vick release
- BOARDS: Talk about the move with other fans on FalconsLIFE
- TRANSACTIONS: Review all the Falcons 2009 transactions
- BLOG: More on the move from Managing Editor J. Michael Moore
