Days after reports surfaced that Michael Vick had reunited with Nike through a contractual agreement, a representative from Nike denied those claims.

From Nike spokesman Kejuan Wilkins:

“Nike does not have a contractual relationship with Michael Vick.  We have agreed to supply product to Michael Vick as we do a number of athletes who are not under contract with Nike.”

The reports of the reunion were based from comments made by Mike Principe – a managing director at a company that represents the former Pro-Bowler.  Principe made the statement at a sports symposium in New York – which indicates that his camp must have been fairly well convinced that Vick was back with the marketing giant. 

So, what do we make of this?  I’m guessing that we can reasonably deduct that there was at least some discussion around how Vick can get back into the good graces of Nike.  And somewhere along the way, someone had to feel that Vick fit Nike’s requirement(s).

Unfortunately for Vick, the ill-advised timing of the initial report may cost him.  I’m sure that Nike will now carefully examine the impact of potentially signing the convicted dog-fighter.  And with stable, revenue-producing athletes like Tiger Woods and LeBron James, they can afford to play it safe and not over-extend themselves to bring Vick back into the fold.

More importantly for Vick, he has to re-establish his identity on the football field.  With Kevin Kolb (conventional QB) and LeSean McCoy (Wildcat trigger man) contributing impressive performances in a Week 3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, his window of opportunity will have to wait.

And so will any possible endorsements.

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