Falcons/Vick arbitration means he’s gone

If there is any doubt that the Atlanta Falcons will sever ties with its former star quarterback, look no further than today’s arbitration hearing, where the team seeks to recoup $22 million in bonus money paid to Michael Vick.

According to ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, the Falcons contend that Vick “defrauded” them because he knew he was in violation of the terms of the contract when he signed it — he was fighting dogs and knew it violated the personal conduct clauses.

A team doesn’t throw around the term “defrauded” if they intend to continue a relationship with a player. A lot of people in Atlanta desperately want Vick back. Forget it. He’s gone.

An interesting aside: An ESPN poll revealed that a vast majority of people want Vick to be able to continue his football career once he’s released from prison. But when asked if they would want him to play for their team, a majority said no.