Michael Vick: Did Roger Goodell Tell Him to Sign with the Philadelphia Eagles?

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell may have played a hand in Michael Vick signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. In a recent interview, Vick spoke to GQ Magazine about how he became an Eagle after being released from prison in 2009. 

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"I think I can say this now, because it's not going to hurt anybody's feelings, and it's the truth...I didn't want to come to Philadelphia. Being the third-team quarterback is nothing to smile about. Cincinnati and Buffalo were better options." 

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The interview also reports that after Vick spoke with Goodell and other NFL officials, he was convinced to sign with Philadelphia, which Vick added was the best place for him.

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"And I commend and thank them, because they put me in the right situation."  

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However, it begs an obvious question. Did Roger Goodell tell Michael Vick that he should sign with the Philadelphia Eagles?

If this is the case, then Goodell might soon find himself in hot water. Regardless of whether or not Goodell had pure intentions in what he said to Vick, as commissioner of the league he has no business in determining where a free agent should sign a contract. 

Maybe Goodell felt it was his duty to help reform Vick, who had been through significant struggles in the past. Maybe he thought Andy Reid would be the best coach for the former Hokie.

Whatever the case, it doesn’t make a difference.

The commissioner needs to be neutral and cannot in any way help one team over another. 

Vick was reinstated to the NFL and had a right to sign wherever he so chose. What if Goodell had never said anything to the star quarterback? If you believe Vick’s words, he would most likely be under center in Cincinnati or Buffalo. 

Goodell has always ruled the NFL with an iron fist, but if what Vick has said is indeed true, then he might come under fire himself.

Somewhere, James Harrison is smiling.