CaptainHook Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 The Atlanta Falcons are entitled to recover nearly $20 million in bonus money paid to disgraced quarterback Michael Vick, an arbitrator ruled Tuesday. The players' union vowed to appeal. Stephen B. Burbank, the University of Pennsylvania law professor and special master who led last week's arbitration hearing, sided with the team after hearing from Falcons president and general manager Rich McKay and attorneys from the NFL Players Association, which represented Vick. The Falcons argued that Vick, who pleaded guilty to federal charges for his role in a long-running dogfighting operation, knew he was in violation of the contract when he signed a $130 million deal in December 2004. The team said he used proceeds from the contract to fund his illicit activities and sought the repayment of $19,970,000 in bonuses he was paid out of a total of $22.5 million in 2005 and '06. Any money the Falcons recover from Vick would be credited to its future salary cap, a huge step in recovering from the loss of the team's franchise player. Atlanta (1-4) is off to a dismal start with Joey Harrington at quarterback. "We are certainly pleased with today's ruling," the Falcons said in a statement. "It is the first step in a process that our club has undertaken in an attempt to recoup significant salary cap space that will allow us to continue to build our football team today and in future years." Vick was suspended indefinitely without pay by the NFL after entering into his plea agreement. He also lost millions in lucrative endorsement deals. "We have reviewed the decision handed down by Special Master Stephen Burbank and believe it is incorrect," the NFLPA said in a statement. "We will now appeal his ruling." The case now goes to U.S. District Court Judge David Doty in Minneapolis, who still has jurisdiction over the antitrust suit filed by players following the 1987 strike. from ESPN.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gdawg Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 Just heard the same on the local. Ouch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CD6405 Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 He doesn't need the money, he won plenty on the dog fights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Swerski Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 I'm sure that he's already spent it, so I doubt that they get more than the value of his property... and that's IF it isn't knocked down or overruled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAYBLACK Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Thats cold CD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaterMan Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 He doesn't need the money, he won plenty on the dog fights. Yeah anything can be done in VA and TN. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeR Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Yeah anything can be done in VA and TN. sho nuff. Actually an overruling wouldn't surprise me in the least. Upshaw has some weird Johnny cochran like ability that way. Good thing Vick didn't put da balm on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pope Flick Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 I'm sure that he's already spent it, so I doubt that they get more than the value of his property... and that's IF it isn't knocked down or overruled. Not that I'm an expert, or care about the details of the case at this poin but wouldn't the Falcons have to simply get in line if the Feds decide they want to forclose on Vick's home, for instance, if they decide he owes back taxes or something of the sort? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grits and Shins Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 It is the right ruling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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