Obama, Lurie discussed Vick, green energy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama reportedly called Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie recently to discuss quarterback Michael Vick and other topics.

Lurie told Peter King of NBC and Sports Illustrated the president praised the decision to hire Vick after the former Atlanta Falcon served 21 months in the Leavenworth, Kan., federal prison and was under home confinement for his involvement in an illegal interstate dogfighting ring, The Washington Post reported.

"The president wanted to talk about two things, but the first was Michael," Lurie said. "He said, 'So many people who serve time never get a fair second chance.' He was ... passionate about it. He said it's never a level playing field for prisoners when they get out of jail. And he was happy that we did something on such a national stage that showed our faith in giving someone a second chance after such a major downfall."

Lurie said they also talked about efforts to make Lincoln Financial Field greener with the installation of wind turbines and solar panels and the construction of a biodiesel plant nearby.

And he said they talked about the Chicago Bears.

"He's a real football fan," Lurie said. "He loves his Bears. He really follows it. He knew how Michael was doing. It was really interesting to hear."