Michael Vick Could Be in More Trouble, Still Eyes NFL Return

Good news: Michael Vick, convicted puppy murderer, is paying restitution for his crimes. Bad news: according to a Department of Labor complaint filed in federal court, he's doing so using roughly $1.3 million in pension plan funds.

Obvious question: how in God's name would Vick have access to pension plan funds? Well, you see, he owns a celebrity marketing company called MV7, and as trustee of the pension plan, he had little trouble getting his mitts on the dough. (DOL accused two of Vick's former financial advisors of taking part in some of the transfers.)

Vick, who also answers to Ron Mexico, has just four months to go on a 23-month federal prison term, although this latest incident could complicate matters -- if not his release date (which appears unlikely), his plans to resume making a living as a professional athlete.

Vick's plan for paying his creditors is based largely on his intention to resume his NFL career. Vick was suspended indefinitely after his 2007 indictment, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will review Vick's status after he is released.

The Falcons still hold the contract rights to Vick but have said they will try to trade him. Vick's bankruptcy plan would allow him to keep the first $750,000 of his annual pay. After that, a percentage would go to his creditors based on a sliding scale.

That's a hell of a plan if he can convince somebody to go along with it: keep three-quarters of a million bucks a year to scrape by (Latrell-style, presumably), and pay creditors with the difference.

Latest Michael Vick Images

** FILE ** In this Aug. 27, 2007 file photo, Atlanta Falcons football player Michael Vick leaves federal court after pleading guilty to a dogfighting charge in Richmond, Va. Suspended NFL star Michael Vick has left a federal lockup in Kansas, apparently bound for Virginia for a bankruptcy hearing next week. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons Web site shows that Vick is no longer at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan. It lists his status as "in transit." (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool, File)

** FILE ** This is an Aug. 27, 2007, file photo showing Michael Vick. Vick's house is still available. No one made an offer on the luxury home in suburban Atlanta at an auction Tuesday March 10,l 2009. A minimum bid of $3.2 million was required, but only two parties showed up and neither brought the $160,000 payment that was needed just to start the auction. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

** FILE ** This March 5, 2009 file photo shows the home of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, in Duluth, Ga. No one made an offer on the luxury home in suburban Atlanta at an auction Tuesday March 10,l 2009. A minimum bid of $3.2 million was required, but only two parties showed up and neither brought the $160,000 payment that was needed just to start the auction. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

The home of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick stands in Duluth, Ga., on Thursday, March 5, 2009. The home is scheduled to be put up for auction on Tuesday. The minimum bid is $3.2 million. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

A sitting room in the home of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in Duluth, Ga., is seen Thursday, March 5, 2009. The home is scheduled to be put up for auction on Tuesday. The minimum bid is $3.2 million. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

The enterance to the home of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in Duluth, Ga., is seen Thursday, March 5, 2009. The home is scheduled to be put up for auction on March 10. The minimum bid is $3.2 million. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

A sitting room in the home of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in Duluth, Ga., is shown Thursday, March 5, 2009. The home is scheduled to be put up for auction on Tuesday The minimum bid is $3.2 million. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

** FILE ** This is an Aug. 27, 2007 file photo showing Michael Vick shaking hands with his lawyer, Billy Martin, left, as he arrives at federal court in Richmond, Va. Others are unidentified. A government official says imprisoned NFL star Michael Vick has been approved for release to home confinement. Vick's lawyers have said they expected him to be moved any day into a halfway house in Newport News, Va. But the official says there's no bed space, so Vick could be released to his Hampton, Va. home as soon as May 21st. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

** FILE ** In this July 26, 2007 file photo, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, right, is escorted by U.S. Marshalls as he leaves the federal courthouse in Richmond, Va., following his arraignment. A government official says imprisoned NFL star Michael Vick has been approved for release to home confinement. Vick's lawyers have said they expected him to be moved any day into a halfway house in Newport News, Va. But the official says there's no bed space, so Vick could be released to his Hampton, Va. home as soon as May 21st. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, Pool/File)

** FILE ** This is a Nov. 19, 2006 file photo showing Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick gritting his teeth as he applies pressure to his throwing hand after hurting it during the first half of their football game against the Baltimore Ravens, in Baltimore. A government official says imprisoned NFL star Michael Vick has been approved for release to home confinement. Vick's lawyers have said they expected him to be moved any day into a halfway house in Newport News, Va. But the official says there's no bed space, so Vick could be released to his Hampton, Va. home as soon as May 21st. (AP Photo/Chris Gardner, File)

This assumes, of course, that a team will be interested in Vick's services when he's released in July. And while I don't think there's any way Mr. Mexico will ever get another shot at an NFL starting quarterback job, he does have a place in the league as a hybrid-type player in the mold of Devin Hester, Antwaan Randle El and Percy Harvin.

But before we start fitting him for a new jersey, it's probably worth waiting around to see what comes of the DOL complaint, and more importantly, commissioner Roger Goodell's ruling on Vick's NFL future. Worst case: Goodell bans Vick for life. On the upside, he'll have more time for writing ... and maybe even blogging!

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

3-25-2009 @ 10:37PM

kingofcomps1 said...

FICKINS SCUMBAG

3-25-2009 @ 10:52PM

buddzkmk420 said...

Lay off man, as we've all seen there have been players who have done a hell of alot worse and still got a chance to play in the NFL. I believe that Mike Vick after initially lying has handled himself very well in this case and should rightly deserve another chance in the NFL. Yes he screwed up alot for ATL, and yes he screwed up alot for himself. But we all deserve second chances. Let me just list some players, Ray Lewis, Leonard Little, I mean come on Pacman Jones is a prime example, now Donte Stallworth? Shit I'd take him.....

3-25-2009 @ 11:23PM

Ski said...

OH PLEASE, GET REAL!!! This guy commited crimes against civilized society which equate to breaking federal laws, which now make him a FELON. Felons don't deserve squat. As Barreta SAID, "DON'T DO THE CRIME IF YOU CAN'T DO THE TIME".

3-26-2009 @ 2:03AM

anyczrich said...

he did do the time

stfu

3-26-2009 @ 6:14AM

bkind7x said...

I think people who write biggoted articles like this - should go to jail for people abuse. It is not good to abuse an animal - it is even worse to abuse a human. You should also be sued or go to jail for defamation of character - Vick never messed with any puppies - he only let adult dogs do what they like to do. You act like you know about animals - I have two shepherds - They have a separate fence, and to feed them I have to give them treats to distract them while I fill there food bowls just so they won't fight overtop the fence - its a constant job, and almost impossible to tame them with one another - with people they are ok - with each other they don't listen to you. Very common with dogs.

3-26-2009 @ 6:47AM

skoolbeans said...

Lets look at facts. 1) either bought or stole animals. 2) starved animals so they were so hungry, fight each other for sport.3)Plain out lie about involement. 4) use your millions of dollors to host such fights. 5) 6'2 250lb NFL PLAYER,Body slam a defenceless animal on concrete so hard, Breaking back and neck because he lost fight. did I leave anything out.
oh I did. Last, Let him come over to my place and try to body slam me. He won't have to ever worry about playing again. JUST SIPPING SOUP THROUGH STRAW REST OF LIFE.

3-26-2009 @ 7:17AM

Why don't writer's spend this much time on Bernie Madoff, and other people who steal. If we spent this much time on crimes that are harmful to other people 100 percent of the time - we would put a fear in society for stealing - all people who actively steal for a living are the same one's who always end up murdering someone for money (as seen on Homicide Detective the first 48 Hours - real documetary TV) Vick's issues are unethical, procedure complications, and sometimes dreamt up accusations like scoolbeans wrote. Vick's issues are unethical, stupid, and have been corrected. Madoff's issues are inhumane to people (what about people??)- focus accurate criticism on predatory lender's .... and people would have back some of their money or homes by now - and a greater fear of thievery would begin to generate in this country.

3-26-2009 @ 7:28AM

libby said...

If your an evolutionist, you can't be upset with Vick and be consistent with your worldview. The evolutionists thinks there is no God; we are just bags of matter; there are no absolutes; morality has no basis; survival of the fittest. So (according to an intellectually honest evolutionist) Vick has done nothing wrong because there is no wrong. The vicious pitbull just wasn't "the fittest". Just a thought to help evolutionists logically qwell the constant fellings of guilt, love, and morality inside them that they have no idea how to explain. God explains it though when He said in the Bible. "I AM" He's the only way to make sense of life...and Michail Vick.

3-26-2009 @ 9:06AM

Socko said...

Lets face some facts. He served his time. Let him earn a living and pay off whatever he still owes. He can't do that if he is not working and he did his time! I thought that he should do jail time and he did now that he is out he has the right to start his life over with a clear slate!

3-28-2009 @ 7:44PM

simplyredd83 said...

totally agree!

3-26-2009 @ 11:11AM

marc said...

Dog fighting has been going on for centuries and is considered to be a sport in some areas. I personally cannot stand the idea of dog fighting because of how cruel it is but he served his time and is making attempts to redeem himself. The guy was stripped of all of his money even though he played for 4 years and led the team to the nfc championship in his 2nd season. We hear about murder all the time on the news and about rape, that is so much worse than mere dogfighting and you people have the nerve to act like he is the darn devil. Grow up tree-huggers and learn a little something the good lord preached. FORGIVENESS!!

3-26-2009 @ 12:39PM

paul a jorgensen said...

Hes a scumbag that doesnt deserve another shot. Just another typical ego who thinks hes above the law. By the way genius, he didnt do all the time

3-26-2009 @ 1:47PM

I think its obvious who has an unreasonable and irrational ego on this page paul a jorgensen. By the way people are above the law - people made the laws - some laws were influenced by manipulation and in this country we are aloud to challenge improvements. Vick has taken the corrections the authorities have designated - we have I right to beg for more mercy for the man - a man who came from a part of society that you have helped to create with your bigotry. I mean boxing and wrestling are acceptible in our society - dogs who love to fight - it seems under the same standard - should be aloud to fight as well with regualation - and a referee who breaks it up before it gets too bad. Fighting is not my preferred sport to promote - but we have a double standard here.

3-26-2009 @ 6:26PM

I was under the impression he pulled his own pension - not his employees pension; can't judge that until you know the facts. Also, it may be a small marketing company - I would first assume in his predicament - that he communicated whatever he decided to do with his employees. You have no facts - your only making things up - not only should you stick with the subject - but get a reality check - and be sure you are not hallucinating when you create these imaginary facts.

3-26-2009 @ 7:01PM

t said...

Some of these comments are ridiculous. NO felon gets to just carry on with his life; they are always haunted by their conviction. Vick has no RIGHT to expect to earn millions of dollars again. None.

To say Vick has made up for all the horror he inflicted on those animals by spending a few months in jail is sick and delusional. If you people who defend him had *ever* SEEN the results of these dogfights you'd be sickened- unless you're just as sociopathic and damaged as Vick and his associates.

Professional athletes have certain responsibilities which go hand-in-hand with those huge paychecks. One of those responsibilities is portraying a positive image to reflect well on the sport, the players AND the fans. Anyone associated with Vick now will be viewed as condoning dogfighting.

When he is released he will have paid his debt to the law, but he'll NEVER be able to repair his image. While i think he has every right to be able to earn a living, he has NO right to earn millions of dollars and be a celebrity anymore. He threw that all away.

People need to understand that with wealth and fame comes responsibility and vulnerability. Vick would never have been in this position if he had been wise enough to distance himself from the people who destroyed him: his "friends".

I feel bad for him. It has to be hard to lose so much so completely. But he has no right to expect to get it all back. If he works hard to try to repair some of the damage he's done to himself, he can still be successful. It won't be easy though. Nor should it be.

3-26-2009 @ 7:31PM

Havok said...

bkind7x I guess you don't have a clue about all the pets that have been stolen and used as baits? Vick has been lying over and over again. He hasn't paid his debts to society, he added to them. Every day I pray that Vick will not be allowed to play football ever. He doesn't deserve it.

3-26-2009 @ 9:11PM

I am no supporter in any way of dog fighting but the dogs used in dog fights are the kind you hear about attacking a young child on the street. Naturally aggresive dogs. You people only feel so sympathetic because they are pets. They are still animals and I am sure had they been some other animals you wouldnt give a rats ass. Ray Lewis killed a couple guys, way worse than what Vick took part in, and nobody bashes him. Pacman Jones had a bouncer killed because he threw him out for mistreating a dancer. nobody gives him shit. Now a guy makes a mistake by killing a couple of DOGS and all this. You people are f**king stupid.