Penn arbitrator rules Falcons are entitled to Vick bonus money

By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine

An arbitrator ruled Tuesday that the Atlanta Falcons are entitled to recover nearly $20 million in bonus money paid to suspended quarterback Michael Vick.

Stephen Burbank, the University of Pennsylvania law professor and special master who heard the arbitration hearing, sided with the Falcons, who argued Vick used the proceeds from his contract to fund an illicit dogfighting ring.

"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."

The National Football League Players' Association plans to appeal on Vick's behalf.

"We have reviewed the decision handed down by Special Master Stephen Burbank and believe it is incorrect," the NFLPA said. "We will now appeal his ruling."

Vick pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges in August in which he acknowledged being part of a Virginia-based dogfighting ring since 2001. He is awaiting sentencing December 10.
The embattled quarterback is also facing a litany of other problems. Vick and his three co-defendants, Quanis Phillips, Tony Taylor and Purnell Peace, were also indicted on local felony charges for the dogfighting operation.

Meanwhile, a Canadian bank filed a federal lawsuit against Vick because he defaulted on a $2.5 million line of credit taken out earlier this year.

Vick also tested positive for marijuana last month, a violation of U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson's order that he stay sober in exchange for bail. After that positive test, Hudson ordered random drug testing and electronic monitoring to make sure Vick is confined to his home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell imposed an indefinite suspension on Vick following the federal plea announcement, leaving in doubt the QB's return to professional football.

The case will now move to U.S. District Court Minneapolis.