NFL: No discipline for Vick in connection with Beach shooting

By Rob Maaddi

BETHLEHEM, Pa.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told Michael Vick he will not face disciplinary action following a shooting at the quarterback's birthday party six weeks ago.

Goodell spoke with Vick on Tuesday while visiting the Eagles during his training camp tour. Shortly after, the NFL released a statement.

"Commissioner Goodell informed Michael Vick there will be no disciplinary action as a result of the incident in Virginia, based on his current understanding of the facts. Commissioner Goodell spoke several weeks ago by phone with Michael, Tony Dungy, and Eagles coach Andy Reid.

"All were in agreement 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."

Vick was scheduled to speak to reporters after practice on Wednesday.

The NFL and the Eagles had been looking into a shooting at a nightclub in Virginia Beach, Va., 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, who Vick's attorney Larry Woodward identified as Quanis Phillips — a co-defendant in Vick's federal dogfighting case.

Vick and Goodell spoke on the phone after the shooting, but this was their first face-to-face meeting.

"He understands the responsibility he has and the position he's in, and he has to make good decisions," Goodell said. "I want him to understand that he's in a different position than others and because of that he has to protect himself differently, and he recognizes that, I think, and hopefully he's going to make good decisions moving forward."

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 has no margin for error.

Vick was a model citizen off the field and in the locker room during his first season with the Eagles. He was popular among his teammates, who voted him winner of the Ed Block Courage Award.

"A large part of our message is going to be the additional support we want to provide, helping him make better decisions, including mentoring, guidance and support we think we can provide him both at the league level and at the club level," Goodell said.

A three-time Pro Bowl pick during six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick is Philadelphia's No. 2 quarterback behind Kevin Kolb. He wasn't much of a factor last year, despite taking snaps away from Donovan McNabb when the Eagles ran a variation of the wildcat formation. Vick completed 6 of 13 passes for 86 yards and one touchdown and ran for 95 yards and two scores. He tossed a 76-yard TD pass in a 34-14 loss to Dallas in the playoffs.

Goodell is more concerned with Vick's performance off the field.

"I think he's made significant progress. I think he understands his responsibility, he's been focused on it, but as I've said to him a year ago, he can't afford lapses in judgment," Goodell said. "He just can't afford that. He understands that position he's in, and he needs to make sure that he's held to that high standard."