Vick’s Initial Court Appearance set for July 26

Quarterback Michael Vick is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Thursday, July 26, according to summons issued on Wednesday. Coincidentally, the Atlanta Falcons open training camp on the same day at the team’s Flowery Branch headquarters.

With Vick missing for the first day of camp, the Falcons will go with backup Joey Harrington under center. Harrington was drafted 3rd overall in 2002 by the Detroit Lions after leading the Oregon Ducks to a 25-3 record in three years as a starter, finishing his collegiate career with a 38-16 romping over Colorado in the Fiesta Bowl and appearing on the cover of EA Sports NCAA Football 2003.

Unfortunately, that success has not carried over to the NFL.

After three abysmal seasons as the quarterback for the Lions, Harrington was traded to the Miami Dolphins prior to the start of the 2006 season. The Portland, Ore., product battled with recently released Daunte Culpepper for playing time as the Dolphins finished the campaign 6-10.

Perhaps Harrington can resurrect his career or he could be supplanted by local star D.J. Shockley, who played at North Clayton high school before heading to Athens, Ga., for his collegiate career. Shockley waited patiently behind David Greene for four seasons, before finally taking over the reigns his senior year and leading the ‘Dawgs to a 10-3 record and an SEC Championship in 2005.

Head coach Bobby Petrino most certainly is not pleased with the current developments and will move forward with the two quarterbacks on his roster and former Louisville Cardinal Chris Redman, who has six career starts in the N.F.L. with the Baltimore Ravens.

As for Vick, no sanctions have been handed down from the league or the Atlanta Falcons.

The first day of camp will be a will be a media circus for the Falcons. Petrino, already faced with the challenge of resurrecting the Atlanta squad that has been notorious the last two years for melting down in the second half of the season and losing focus, now has to work overtime to keep his players focused as they move forward with this dark cloud hanging over the organization.

It is safe to assume that Petrino didn’t leave his 41-9 record and potential Heisman Trophy quarterback behind for this.