Michael Vick wants to play football 10 more years

Well, at least Michael Vick has confirmed our worst suspicions. It's all about football and money.

It's not about feeling remorse for killing dogs or bankrolling a dogfighting operation or trying to turn his now-infamous celebrity into a good cause.

Michael Vick is looking out for Michael Vick, which means turning the money machine back on as soon as he can.

Facing a judge today in Newport News, Va., in a hearing to consider his plans to crawl out of his self-made financial mess, Vick said he wants to play football 10 more years.

Here's what he told the judge, with his family, friends and fiancé watching: "I can't live like the old Mike Vick. I was very immature. I did a lot of things I wasn't supposed to do being a role model."

Oh, you think so? Now there's an understatement worth framing.

These sensitive words were uttered because Vick, who is completing a 23-month prison sentence over his dogfighting operation, needs to show his creditors that he can pay them off after he resumes his career in the NFL - if he resumes his career.

It's already been reported that Vick might be writing a book in prison, and his agent said today that there are plans for a TV documentary that would pay him $600,000. If he gets to play football again, he's looking at millions more.

Of course, Vick also has a construction job lined up after he gets out, but he'll probably hammer nails for, oh, a couple of weeks until his agent gets him a tryout. Then it's back to cashing those big checks, assuming the NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, gives him the OK sign (no sure thing).

I just wonder if there's room in his plans for an apology.

UPDATE: The judge hearing Vick's plan to get out of bankruptcy rejected the player's proposal, saying there's no guarantee he will return to his football career. He suggested that Vick sell one of his two Virginia homes and his three cars. Vick's next hearing is April 28.

(AP Photo)