ATLANTA — Less than five years after the Atlanta Falcons signed Michael Vick to a $130 million contract, the suspended quarterback was released in a 98-word statement.

Before yesterday's announcement — a move that clears Vick to sign with any NFL team — general manager Thomas Dimitroff called the team's former franchise player.

Dimitroff said Vick, who has missed two seasons while serving a prison sentence for running a dogfighting ring, deserved to hear first about his release. He said Vick "was upbeat" in the short conversation and was looking forward to moving on.

"Respect him as an individual and as an athlete in this profession. It was the right thing to do and I'm happy that we had a conversation today."

Dimitroff said releasing Vick allows the Falcons "to have a clean slate going into the summer" and allows Vick the freedom to negotiate with other teams.

Vick is eligible to immediately sign with a team even though he has not been reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

VIKS TO VISIT FAVRE

The Minnesota Vikings are planning to send a trainer and a coach to Mississippi to work with Brett Favre, ESPN reported yesterday.

The purpose of the trip is to assess the quarterback's progress since he had arthroscopic surgery two weeks ago to repair a partially torn biceps tendon in his right arm, the network reported, citing an unidentified source.

Favre's agent, Bus Cook, didn't return messages left yesterday by The Associated Press. A Vikings spokesman declined to comment on the report.

BURRESS STILL WAITING

Former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress will have to wait a while longer before he knows the legal consequences of accidentally shooting himself with an unlicensed pistol.

Defense lawyer Benjamin Brafman said Burress will appear in court Monday for a brief hearing. Brafman said Burress and prosecutors have yet to agree on a plea deal and the case will be adjourned until September.

Burress shot himself in the thigh Nov. 29 in a Manhattan nightclub. He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and faces up to 3 1/2 years in prison. Burress has pleaded not guilty and is free on $100,000 bail.

QB GREEN RETIRES

Former Pro Bowl quarterback Trent Green has decided to retire after 15 seasons and plans to pursue a career in broadcasting.

Agent Jim Steiner said Green was proud of a career that included a Super Bowl ring with the Rams and two Pro Bowl appearances with Kansas City, but was ready to get on to the next phase of his life.

"He thinks it's the right time," Steiner said yesterday. "He had a long, prosperous, very successful career.

Green, 38, an eighth-round pick by San Diego in 1993, was released by St. Louis in February after playing three games in his second stint with the Rams last season.

"He wanted to be proactive and will pursue a career in broadcasting," Steiner said. "He feels good about his career, but it's time to move one."