Michael Vick unhappy with how Riley Cooper has treated him
New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick says he saved Riley Cooper's career last year, yet the wide receiver has not answered a text Vick sent after Cooper signed a long-term extension with the Eagles in February, according to ESPN.
When he was with the Eagles, Vick came to Cooper's defense last summer after Cooper was caught on video using a racial slur at a country music concert, an act for which Cooper was fined. He later apologized for his actions.
Jeff Fisher rips ESPN's Michael Sam coverage
Vick said he doesn't hold grudges, but that he has disliked a few ways that Cooper has treated him since, including the ignored text. Asked what he would do if the roles were reversed, Vick said he would "have you on speed dial."
"That's the only reason I say I hope Riley appreciates that. His life is his life and he played good football last year, and he was always like a little brother to me. But money should never change an individual, and I'm not saying it did that to Riley." Vick said.
The quarterback said if he had not taken a stand in defense of Cooper -- something that Vick said he took a lot of backlash for from teammates and fans alike -- "it would've ended [Cooper's] career."
MMQB: Michael Vick content being Jets backup QB
Vick and the Jets will face Cooper's Eagles in a preseason game Thursday night, and Vick says he'll still greet his ex-teammate warmly.
GALLERY: SI'S 60 GREATEST NFL PHOTOS
60 Greatest NFL Photos
1954
1958
1960
1960
1962
1962
1964
1966
1968
1968
1968
1968
1969
1969
1970
1971
1971
1972
1973
1973
1973
1973
1974
1974
1976
1979
1982
1982
1983
1984
1986
1988
1989
1991
1994
1994
1994
1994
1994
1995
1996
1999
1999
2001
2001
2002
2003
2003
2003
2004
2006
2008
2009
2009
2009
2010
2010
2011
2012
2012
- Molly Geary