Now it’s pretty clear why no one associated with Michael Vick would discuss the parameters of his marketing agreement with Nike.

That’s because he doesn’t really have one.

Darren Rovell of CNBC quotes an executive from Nike saying that there is no contract between the shoe and apparel giant and the ex-con backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Nike once produced a line of Vick products, and now the company is simply giving him free shoes and gear to wear.

“Nike does not have a contractual relationship with Michael Vick," Nike spokesman Kejuan Wilkins said, in a statement. "We have agreed to supply product to Michael Vick as we do a number of athletes who are not under contract with Nike.”

Nike abandoned Vick in 2007 when he was indicted on charges stemming from his involvement in a dogfighting ring. This means that Vick won’t be using any money from a shoe deal to re-pay the pension fund he diverted cash from.

These types of shoes deals are commonplace in the NFL, where apparel companies find it hard to justify dropping big bucks on players for endorsements. Kids aren’t running out to buy multiple pairs of cleats, after all. Even backup offensive linemen get deals similar to what Vick has.

It was surprising when Mike Principe, the director of a firm representing Vick, announced that he had a deal with Nike because it’s hard to imagine a company jumping behind him right now, even after he’s received a second chance in the NFL. As it turns out, Vick’s just getting free shoes.

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