NFL taking time in Vick case

NEW YORK -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell is not rushing to judgment on disciplinary action against Michael Vick.

In all likelihood, Goodell will wait until the Atlanta Falcons quarterback enters a guilty plea Monday to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges before deciding on the league's punishment.

Previously, the NFL said it was waiting for a report from its observers, a group headed by Eric Holder a former deputy U.S. attorney general, before making a decision.

"The commissioner has not decided on a specific timetable on Michael Vick's status," league spokesman Greg Aiello said Tuesday.

Vick has been barred from training camp by the NFL and Goodell has asked the Falcons not to take any action until the league rules.

Goodell has leeway to issue a suspension under his personal conduct policy. While the NFL hasn't said whether a potential suspension would be concurrent with Vick's prison sentence -- expected to be at least a year -- it is more likely it would take effect once he is released from custody.

Under that scenario, Vick would likely miss both the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Atlanta owner Arthur Blank may try to release Vick, or the Falcons could keep him on the roster while attempting to get back some or all of his $22 million signing bonus.