Atlanta Journal-Constitution- The Falcons will try to recoup $22 million already paid to suspended quarterback Michael Vick, a person with knowledge of the team’s plans told the Journal-Constitution on Saturday.
Vick was suspended indefinitely by the NFL on Friday after he pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges in Virginia. That cleared the way for the Falcons to pursue money paid to Vick in signing bonus money.
Vick has received roughly $40 million in guaranteed bonuses — and even more in base salary — but teams are only allowed to try to recoup money paid in signing bonuses, per the collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union.
To collect the money, Vick must remain on the Falcons’ roster. Therefore the team will not release Vick until the matter is resolved, the person familiar with the situation said.
Ouch. That’s taking a bite outta crime. I’ll bet we see him crying “poverty” before all this is done.
