FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (April 30, 2007) -- Michael Vick confirmed in a TV interview that he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss problems that have plagued the Atlanta Falcons quarterback this offseason.
"After what happened ... I just wanted to crawl in a hole. I can't take it no more," Vick told ESPN. "I walk around with a smile on my face and act like I'm happy, but on the inside it's hurting. And it's killing me. I ain't got no more energy left for it. The more I continue to do things and my name is in the media, I'm not going to get anywhere."
ESPN aired the interview during the second round of the NFL draft on April 29.
Goodell requested time with Vick at Radio City Music Hall, where the NFL held the draft. Vick was in town to make an appearance on behalf of his alma mater, Virginia Tech, following the on-campus shootings that killed 33 people two weeks ago.
Falcons vice president of communications Reggie Roberts said he hadn't spoken with Vick since his conversation with Goodell, but the quarterback's personal problems have clearly embarrassed the NFL and the team.
In the last week, Vick's name surfaced when police in Virginia arrested his cousin on drug charges at rural property the quarterback owns. Police reported that during their investigation they found neglected animals and evidence of dog fighting, including veterinary medications, treadmills for training and blood-soaked carpets similar to the ones used in fight pits.
Vick also skipped a congressional breakfast he'd been invited to earlier in the week on Capitol Hill to discuss federal funding for urban football facilities.
In January, Vick was stopped at the Miami airport carrying a water bottle with a secret compartment that allegedly smelled like marijuana residue.
He vowed to make changes in his personal life regarding the kind of people he associates with.
"I'm taking it upon myself and giving everybody my word that things are going to get changed around," Vick said. "Things are going to get turned around. I have a game plan for it. ... The company I keep, a lot of things (have) got to change, and I mean that from the heart."
On April 28, Falcons general manager Rich McKay promised to look further into Vick's recent problems after the team finishes signing undrafted college free agents over the next two days.
"I don't want to say I've neglected it, but it's not something I've been able to focus on," McKay said. "I do want to get further into it and focus on it next week."
