Originally published June 10, 2009 at 2:59 PM | Page modified June 10, 2009 at 3:18 PM

Jim Mora says Michael Vick deserves to play in NFL again

Seahawks coach Jim Mora says Michael Vick deserves to be reinstated to the NFL, though it seems unlikely he'll get that second chance in Seattle.

The Associated Press

RENTON, Wash. — Seahawks coach Jim Mora says Michael Vick deserves to be reinstated to the NFL, though that second chance apparently wouldn't come in Seattle.

Mora, who coached Vick when he was the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback, said Wednesday during the Seahawks' mandatory minicamp: "I believe he's paid his debt to society."

But Mora said Seattle won't be adding any quarterbacks.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has not committed to reinstating Vick after he completes his 23-month sentence on July 20 for running a dogfighting ring.

Mora said he last spoke to Vick just before the suspended former Pro Bowl passer went to prison in the fall of 2007. That was about 10 months after the Falcons fired Mora following three seasons, including 2004 when Mora was a rookie head coach and the dynamic Vick led Atlanta into the NFC championship game.

Mora then became the Seahawks' defensive backs coach and assistant head coach for two seasons before replacing Mike Holmgren as Seattle's coach in January.

Though Vick is still under contract with Atlanta, the Falcons have said he will not be playing for them again.

Mora was asked if he would welcome Vick to the Seahawks, who have three-time Pro Bowl passer Matt Hasselbeck plus veteran backup Seneca Wallace and rookie sixth-round draft choice Mike Teel.

"You know what? It's a sticky situation, one I'm not comfortable talking about," Mora said. "The fact of the matter is, Michael Vick is a member of the Atlanta Falcons' organization right now. For me to be speaking on him would be speaking out of turn. I'll just say this for the record: We are very happy with the quarterbacks we have on our roster. We have no intentions of adding another player to our roster at this time."

He then caught himself, knowing "at this time" would invite rumors that Seattle's stance might change on Vick once he is a free man later this summer.

Mora made it clear it won't.

"Just cut out the 'at this time,' because then people will speculate for the next three months," the coach said, chuckling. "We have no intentions of adding a quarterback to our roster."

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