Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
Once again, Carolina coach John Fox was asked Wednesday about potential interest in Michael Vick. Once again, Fox didn't flat out say "absolutely not."
He gave the same standard answer he always gives when asked about available players. He said you never rule anything out and then added it's not something the Panthers are heavily involved in.
Before the rumors get out of control, I'll say the same thing I've said all along on Vick and the Panthers. It's not happening.
First, Jerry Richardson, the man who owns the Panthers, has been very hesitant to bring in players who have had off-field issues, ever since the Rae Carruth saga in 1999. I don't see Richardson changing now.
And I don't think this is a case where Fox and general manager Marty Hurney are lobbying the owner to bring in Vick. First off, Fox and Hurney are very much under-the-radar guys and I can't imagine them wanting the circus that's sure to follow Vick.
Second, although some fans might not be wowed by Carolina's quarterback situation, Fox and Hurney firmly believe they've got a nice trio in Jake Delhomme, Josh McCown and Matt Moore.
One other thing, Fox is as much a creature of habit as any coach in the league. He's created a system in which the quarterback is basically a game manager. Vick's an outstanding athlete and could thrive in some systems. But I'm not so sure Vick would thrive doing what Delhomme is asked to do.
Do you really see Fox changing his entire offense?
Sort comments by: Most Recent | First Posted
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.