http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2446261
MIAMI -- The Miami Dolphins saw enough potential in Marcus Vick -- both on- and off-the-field -- to believe he deserves a chance as a free agent.
Vick, the brother of Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick, signed with the Dolphins on Monday, agreeing to a free-agent deal after his many problems at Virginia Tech cost him a chance to be selected in the NFL draft.
"As an organization, we did an enormous amount of research, including consulting with professionals in detailed, in-depth analysis to feel comfortable that giving Marcus an opportunity as a free agent is a risk worth taking," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said in a statement released by the team.
"I want to make it very clear that we will not condone any behavior issues in the future relative to Marcus Vick. Marcus acknowledges that he has made some mistakes, all of which has resulted in severe consequences for him. They have helped him learn that he will need to make much better choices and decisions in the future or risk similar consequences that could jeopardize his career as a professional player."
Vick, who participated in a three-day mini-camp with the Dolphins earlier this month, completed 177 of 289 passes for 2,393 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, leading Virginia Tech to an 11-2 record and berth in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game in 2005.
But his career with the Hokies included many transgressions. He made an obscene gesture to fans during a game at West Virginia, and stomped on Louisville player Elvis Dumervil's leg during the Gator Bowl.
Vick was suspended by Virginia Tech for the 2004 season because of legal problems, then was eventually dismissed from the team after being stopped for speeding and driving with a revoked or suspended license.
The Dolphins are listing Vick as a "wide receiver-quarterback-specialist," clearly indicating that he could be tried in a number of roles.
During the recent mini-camp, Vick spent at least one practice session at wide receiver, and probably isn't being looked at as a serious quarterback candidate -- not with newcomers Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington now at that position.
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