Bodog Beat

With a federal indictment likely to be a distraction on the football field, Michael Vick may take a leave of absence to sort out his legal issues. (AI Wire Photo)

ESPN is reporting that officials from the NFL, the NFL Players Association and the Atlanta Falcons, may force indicted quarterback Michael Vick to take a leave of absence to sort out his legal issues stemming from competitive dogfighting.

There are, however, two critical components that must be resolved: Falcons owner Arthur Blank must be on board with a plan that has generated considerable discussion at the league level the past two days. And Vick, who might be reluctant to accept even a paid hiatus from the game, might have to be convinced that the leave could be his best option right now.

Blank and the Falcons might also be considering other options.

Under the leave-of-absence scenario, and given the projected timeline of any trial that could ensue from the federal indictments brought against the quarterback Tuesday, all parties would enter into the agreement, if it is consummated, with the expectation that Vick would probably miss the entire 2007 season.

Other NFL News

• After being waved by the Miami Dolphins, Daunte Culpepper met with the Tampa Buccaneers on Friday.
• New England Patriots added even more experienced depth to the linebacker corps, signing 14-year veteran Chad Brown for a second tour of duty with the team.
• Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter has been fined $141,176, the equivalent of three game checks, by the NFL for his role in a March altercation in which he punched Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Levi Jones at a Las Vegas blackjack table.