Falcons opt to end ties with Vick

Vick is facing bankruptcy after his fall from grace

The Atlanta Falcons have formally ended their contractual ties to controversial quarterback Michael Vick.

Vick, 28, was released from a Kansas prison on 20 May after serving a 23-month sentence for his part in the organisation of a dog-fighting ring.

He remains suspended by the NFL for violating the terms of his contract.

In statement, the Falcons said: "In the event of his reinstatement, we feel his best opportunity to re-engage his career would be at another club."

Vick is eligible to immediately sign with a team even though he has not been reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

He was the number pick in the 2001 NFL draft and a three-time All-Pro quarterback with Atlanta.

Vick played for the Falcons for six seasons, but the team moved on by making quarterback Matt Ryan their number one draft pick last year.

Ryan started every game as a rookie and led the Falcons to the play-offs.

Vick's agent Joel Segal said: "Everybody always knew that Mike wouldn't be playing with the Falcons. He's really just taking it one day at a time."

He is currently making $10 an hour as a construction worker while he serves the final two months of his sentence on home confinement in Hampton, Virginia.