The audible commentary

5 reasons why Bengals should pursue Vick

Former Atlanta Falcon quarterback, Michael Vick, left, leaves federal court after a visit to the parole office in Norfolk, Va., Monday, July 20, 2009. Vick ended his federal dogfighting sentence Monday, freeing him to lobby for a return to the field. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

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By Sean McClelland, Staff Writer Updated 5:18 PM Saturday, July 25, 2009

He has paid his debt to society and wants to start recouping the millions he forfeited while sitting in prison for all these months.

But who will throw quarterback Michael Vick a line?

I’m semi-seriously thinking it should be the Cincinnati Bengals, and here’s why:

1. Team owner Mike Brown describes himself as a redeemer, and what better way to polish that image than by hiring a cat who tortured dogs for several years.

Vick would fit right in with scofflaws such as Chris Henry, Tank Johnson and Bernard Scott, the rookie running back who’s been arrested five times.

2. Vick was quite an athlete before going up the river, and with the so-called “wildcat” formation now all the rage across the league, he could play some at running back or receiver in addition to backing up Carson Palmer.

Palmer might whine about it for a couple of days, but chances are he would get with the program once Vick started eluding tacklers in the open field in Week 5 (assuming a four-game suspension).

3. It would be a great story line for HBO. Let’s face it. A team that invites “Hard Knocks” to training camp can’t be all that worried about the distractions of PETA picketers and other protesters.

4. The fuss will subside eventually. If Vick stays clean and starts contributing to victories, the Bengals will be hailed as visionaries rather than villains for giving an ex-con a chance.

5. What does this downtrodden franchise possibly have to lose? It’s not like the esprit de corps of a winner is at stake.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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