ATLANTA — Michael Vick's second chance in the NFL is well known to Atlantans. Once a star Atlanta Falcons quarterback, Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges related to his role in a dog fighting ring.
After serving nearly two years behind bars, Vick received a second chance in the NFL when he was signed by the Philadelphia eagles. Now a backup quarterback for the Jets, Vick has some words for another controversial player – Ray Rice.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t know what to tell Ray Rice right now,” Vick said. “That’s just being transparent with you right now. That situation is just so out of control. I just hope masses of people learn from this.”
Vick was speaking on Mike Francesa's radio show on WFAN.
“As athletes, we understand the position that we’re in, and that we are superior athletes. Some things you’ve got to learn to bottle up. There are so many different ways to handle things that come about. We’ve just always got to be mindful and competent when we’re in those situations."
Video released this week shows Rice knocking out his then-fiancée in an elevator. He was quickly released by the Ravens.
Vick reflected on what he has learned from his own history with violence.
"I took away a lot from what I went through -- the importance of decision-making," Vick said. "And like I tell so many people now: Ray Rice has had a great career. A lot of us had great careers and everything was in our favor, and you do the wrong thing in one hour of the day and everything turns around and is obviously not in your favor anymore.”
On Tuesday, Rice's wife, Janay Rice, issued a statement vilifying the media for releasing the video and lamenting her husband's release.