Team Wants Vick’s Bonuses Back
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will be asked to pay back part of the bonuses he received from the team before pleading guilty last month to conspiracy in connection with a dogfighting operation.
At issue is a $7.5 million signing bonus paid in March 2006 and a $22 million roster bonus paid in March 2005, according to the Fulton County Daily Report.
Published reports say the team is seeking to recover $20 million to $22 million of the bonuses paid. To pursue the money, the Falcons will have to keep Vick on the roster.
General counsel Richard Berthelsen of the NFL Players Association told the Washington Post that generally roster bonuses should not be subject to forfeiture, although he would not comment specifically on the Vick case. The association will represent Vick in legal proceedings over the bonuses.
