Vick's key to Dallas is news to mayor

The mayor of Dallas was distancing himself Monday from an honor given to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick by Dallas Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway during Super Bowl weekend.

Mayor Tom Leppert released a statement Monday saying that when Caraway gave Vick a key to the city, the action was "done without [Leppert's] knowledge or approval."

The ceremonial honor, which has sparked some local controversy, was performed at a Super Bowl event in Dallas on Saturday -- the same day the quarterback was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

The backlash against Caraway's gesture raised questions, and Dallas City Hall responded with the following statement:

"The action taken was not sanctioned by my office and was not an official ceremonial honor on behalf of the City of Dallas. Official Keys to the City are presented by the Mayor, or an elected official designated by the Mayor, and reserved, on a limited basis, for an elected official of international status. Clearly, this was not the case in this situation and done without my knowledge or approval."

The controversy stems from many in the public who have not forgiven Vick for his involvement in a dogfighting ring. The former Atlanta Falcons superstar served 19 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal charges.

In his second season back in the NFL, Vick took the league by storm in 2010 to claim his fourth Pro Bowl appearance. He threw for 3,018 yards and racked up another 676 on the ground, amassing 30 touchdowns in total and a 100.2 passer rating.