Vick still considered hero in hometown

To prosecutors, Michael Vick is a ruthless participant in a dog fighting operation.

To people living in the poor, crime-ridden neighborhood of Newport News, Va., where Vick grew up, he is a generous benefactor who provides school supplies and athletic uniforms to local kids and buys air conditioners for housing-project residents suffering through Virginia’s sweltering summers.

That is why they’re sure that “Ookie,” as he’s known to childhood pals, is innocent.

“He’s a good person. He’s making a difference in the community,” Misha Brown said Tuesday as she dropped off her children at the same Boys & Girls Club where the 27-year-old Vick honed the athletic skills that made him the No. 1 pick in the 2001 NFL draft.

Though Brown has never met the Atlanta Falcons quarterback, she sings his praises. Without his generosity, she said, her children and others in the East End neighborhood would not have had backpacks and other supplies for school last year.

“There should be more role models like him,” she said.

Seahawks top pick not signed

Josh Wilson is fast – but apparently not at everything.

The Seahawks’ top choice in April’s draft still had not signed a contract, leaving his agent merely “hoping” to avoid the speedy cornerback and kick returner being late for his first NFL training camp. Seattle’s rookies are due to report today.

Howling at the Moon

Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon was charged with negligent driving and avoided charges on drunken driving.

A spokesman for the King County prosecutor said that Moon tested below the legal limit of .08 (.068) in the hours following his arrest for investigation on April 6 in Kirkland, Wash.

Holmes makes surprise move

Three-time Pro Bowl running back Priest Holmes will report to the Kansas City Chiefs’ camp Saturday in a surprise development that comes 21 months after he was knocked out of football by a devastating hit.

The return of the team’s career leading rusher adds an interesting twist to the situation surrounding Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson, who has vowed to hold out of camp until he gets a new contract.

Around the league

Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs, who’d threatened to sit out the season, agreed to a one-year, $7.2 million deal with the Chicago Bears as the team’s franchise player. … The Atlanta Falcons revealed that running back Warrick Dunn will miss three to four weeks after having back surgery.