Michael Vick Dodges Media, Heads Home

After 19 months in prison, Michael Vick is a free man. Well, a free man under house arrest, but when you live in a mansion that's a whole lot better than a tiny cell.

Vick (pictured above pleading guilty to federal dogfighting charges in 2007) got out of Leavenworth, Kansas' federal prison around 5 AM ET Wednesday morning on his way home to Hampton, Virginia, where he'll serve the rest of his sentence.

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He managed to avoid the flock of reporters who were waiting to try to get footage of him leaving prison by exiting out an alternate entrance. According to the Daily Press, he was headed to a hotel with his fiancee before beginning the relatively long drive back to his home in Hampton, Va.

When will the reporters learn? In cases like this, the celebrity never comes out the main door/gate. It couldn't have been fun for anyone on the graveyard shift of the stakeout to learn that they wasted their overnight hours without getting any footage of Vick out of it. And why didn't anyone break from the pack to check out the side doors?

Vick will be on probation, and as part of his new "freedom," he'll begin a construction job next week. The terms of his house arrest limit his movement outside of work. While he serves the rest of his term, he "will place football on the back burner," according to his agent, who also said Vick doesn't have any conversations planned with Roger Goodell regarding his reinstatement. Goodell wants to see true remorse out of Vick before allowing him back into the NFL, where the next struggle will be finding a job.

He also still has to work out a bankruptcy plan, since his first proposal -- which would allow him to keep the first $750,000 of his annual pay, with a percentage of any amount over that going to his creditors -- was shot down by a judge skeptical of his NFL future. For now, though, he's going home.

Latest Michael Vick Images

FILE - This Aug. 27, 2007 file photo shows Michael Vick. A person familiar with the release details said suspended NFL star Michael Vick has left a Kansas prison to begin home confinement in Virginia Wednesday, May 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, file)

FILE - In this July 26, 2007, file photo, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick leaves the federal courthouse in Richmond, Va., following his arraignment. Vick is scheduled to leave federal prison later this week. For two months, the suspended NFL star will be largely confined to his Hampton home and will wear an electronic monitor that allows federal probation officials to track his movements. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, File)

Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy speaks at a workshop for ex-offenders seeking jobs, in Indianapolis on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. Dungy is busier than ever, even though he's no longer coaching the Colts. In the past few weeks, he has met with former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick at a federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., been involved with an education project in St. Louis and attended a Fellowship of Christian Athletes function for flood relief in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy signs an autograph for Dwight Cobbs at a workshop for ex-offenders seeking jobs, in Indianapolis on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. Dungy is busier than ever, even though he's no longer coaching the Colts. In the past few weeks, he has met with former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick at a federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., been involved with an education project in St. Louis and attended a Fellowship of Christian Athletes function for flood relief in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

FILE - This Aug. 27, 2007 file photo shows Michael Vick. Vick's house is still available. Lawyers for suspended NFL star Michael Vick said Tuesday, April 28, 2009 they are making progress on a new bankruptcy plan, but they are not ready yet to submit it to a judge for approval. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Sussex, VA - NOVEMBER 25: Protesters hold signs outside Surry County Circuit Court where suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick after plead guilty on two felony counts connected to dog fighting on November 25, 2008 in Sussex, Virginia. Under a plea agreement, Vick, who is currently serving a term in prison for federal dog fighting charges, will serve one-year of probation for the state charges. He is scheduled to be released on July of 2009. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Vick

Getty Images

Sussex, VA - NOVEMBER 25: Suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick (R) leaves Surry County Circuit Court after entering a guilty plea on two felony counts connected to dog fighting on November 25, 2008 in Sussex, Virginia. Under a plea agreement, Vick, who is currently serving a term in prison for federal dog fighting charges, will serve one-year of probation for the state charges. He is scheduled to be released on July of 2009. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Vick

Getty Images

Sussex, VA - NOVEMBER 25: Suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick (C) leaves Surry County Circuit Court after entering a guilty plea on two felony counts connected to dog fighting on November 25, 2008 in Sussex, Virginia. Under a plea agreement, Vick, who is currently serving a term in prison for federal dog fighting charges, will serve one-year of probation for the state charges. He is scheduled to be released on July of 2009. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Vick

Getty Images

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

5-20-2009 @ 10:02AM

horatiowrd said...

He maintains his elusiveness!!! GET THIS MAN SOME PADS!!!

5-20-2009 @ 10:51AM

bkind7x said...

Let him work so he can have a method to reach new convictions and goals. This will help everyone - including his desired charities with The U.S. humane society.

5-20-2009 @ 10:55AM

Janice said...

It's amazing to me. You kill a human being driving drunk and there's no public outrage and no having to prove yourself. You kill a dog and you're the son of satan. I never realized a dogs life was more valuable. WOW!!!Maybe it's not the fact its a dog. Maybe its because it's Vick. Either way he's more than paid his dues. Let the man play football!!

5-20-2009 @ 6:12PM

blakatit said...

I agree with you Ms. Janice. It is so unbeliable that out of all the people present during this terrible event that Mr, Vicks is the only one who is being persecuted still even after serving his sentence. That double standard is still in this day and time rearing it's ugly head! Thia man has a life to live and no doubt one heck of a mortgage to pay (Let him live)! Man is the ruler over all things under the sun with the exception of other men (King James). He has to answer to a higher power and not to other men indefinitely. Have a heart I say to the rest of the world and let the man live! Blakatit

5-20-2009 @ 8:12PM

Cheif said...

Are you that simple minded? There is public outrage when a drunk driver kills someone. The HE SAYS' In My culture(black), this is natural'. What the hell does being black have to do with fighting and betting on dog fight's? The thing is that he's too chicken $h*t to bet on himself in a fight against another football player. He's going to dallas, Home of the thug's.Animals are helpless, let him try drowning a man in a 5 gallon buckett !! Vick is a sick S.O.B.!!!

5-20-2009 @ 8:56PM

Rosetter Dirden said...

Amen Janice!

5-20-2009 @ 11:38AM

Hello Julius said...

It was appalling what he did. But he has paid his debt to society and should be allowed without prejudice to work and pursue his profession. If God can forgive us of our wrongdoing, shouldn’t we do the same? He paid his debt to society and we should move on.

5-20-2009 @ 11:59AM

Cy'sMatters said...

I beleive his next move is to check into a half-way house and get a part time job bagging groceries. He was also overheard saying "You either get busy livin' or get busy dyin'."

/brooks was here

5-20-2009 @ 1:41PM

The Maacks said...

Poor Mikey he lives in a mansion, has an agent, has bodyguards, has attorneys and paid advisors. All of this for someone who can't pay his creditors. Give me a break. He did not make one mistake, he repeatedly tortured and abused helpless animals because it made him feel powerful and in control. He is and will always be one very sick individual. He should never be allowed back into the NFL. He needs to just fade away. The media needs to stop following his every move. WHO CARES? He is trash and our kids don't need this kind of a person continually in the spotlight. Wherever he goes and whatever he does will be met with negativity and protests. Time to move on and forget about him.

5-20-2009 @ 7:36PM

carlnls said...

like a few posters have already stated let the man play football, the nfl has wife beaters guys driving drunk and are still playing the great game of football. I have had my share of problems but was got a second chance.

5-20-2009 @ 9:10PM

michell philips said...

I agree with you. People talk about, If it was a human etc.. What the heck? Animals and Children are innocent, unable to defend themselves. We as a Society need to defend and protect the innocent. That goes for Animal Abuse, Child Abuse, and Human Trafficking. So I think...Dog Fighting is Animal Abuse. Yes he served his time but many of the dogs had permianent damage done to them. Some of the dogs that survived went to Dog Town a rescue group in Idaho (I think)took a number the Vick dogs. They found all the dogs had a permiaent Blood Disorder. No cure. Once to dogs became adoptable the dogs could not be placed with families that already had a dog in their home, since the disorder could be passed to the healthly dog. So yes BO Who to Mikey

5-20-2009 @ 2:42PM

Omen1618 said...

Look I'm as much a dog lover as anyone, and what Vick did was truly sad, however this man has paid more than his debt to society. He went from being one of the most beloved athletes in the sport to undoubtedly the most hated. He's been humbled, brought down a peg or two and deserves a second chance. Get this man a pigskin and let him prove he is a better person and role model to children.

5-20-2009 @ 2:48PM

Ed Fielding said...

He fought dogs. So what? I mean, I love dogs and would love ther not to be dog fighting, but let the punishment fit the crime. He should have never been in jail or even suspended. I have never liked Vick or the Falcons for that matter, but jeez people, lighten up. At the end of the day, dogs are property and this was overprosecuted.

5-20-2009 @ 7:41PM

Cyndi said...

NO. At the end of the day, dogs are LIVING CREATURES -- and no living creature deserves to be tortured and killed in an inhumane way. I am an avid animal lover and I am horrified by the idea of what he did. He took innocent animals, (true innocents; who ask nothing from you other than love and protection), and tortured them, starved them and forced them to fight for their lives. So, let's not try to sugarcoat what he did, because it's heinous.

5-20-2009 @ 2:58PM

billiondollars1 said...

Danny Heatley killed a HUMAN! He spent zero days in jail even after it was proven he had been drinking and speeding in excess of 90 miles per hour on a narrow STREET. He could have killed more than his team mate yet the public said NOTHING! The media said nothing! All is forgiven. He only had to give 150 public speeches about the dangers of speeding. In exchange for his plea, the only felony charge -- first-degree vehicular homicide -- was dropped along with a charge of reckless driving.

Mike Vick FUNDED a dog fighting ring. The "friends" who actually ran the operation took a deal from the prosecutor and testiLIED on Vick. They were excused while Vick lost millions, his job, his good name and his freedom. He was not on drugs. He didn't rape anyone. He didn't lie under oath.

Do we see a double standard here?

5-20-2009 @ 6:11PM

brynebrown said...

you are a damn idiot

5-20-2009 @ 11:49PM

Stitchsmom02 said...

why would you call someone who is passionate about someone they have personally lost an idiot? Did those dogs really mean anything to you personally, other than being helpless? I doubt it and I think you should investigate the meaning of idiocy.

5-20-2009 @ 6:19PM

kimber5321 said...

He's trash. I hope he rots in hell.

leosuncat2 said...

Mike Vick is a scumbag who should never be allowed to play football again. Don't talk to me about what other people got away with. It has NOTHING to do with Mike Vick and the carppy way he treated a bunch of helpless animals. It was proven in memos sent by Mike Vick that he took part in the torture and killing of dogs! He's a pathic excuse for a man and football will survive without him. He hasn't paid his debt to society, which is why he's still under house arrest. Let the world of football forget him and give other younger players a chance. Vick was never so good that he couldn't be replaced. Vick can dig ditches or work in consdtruction, just some blue-collar job for a man with no education, no brains and no morals. Let him die lonely, broke and forgotten.....and then he'll have paid his debt to society.