Suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick stands to lose $22 million in bonus money from the Atlanta Falcons, who sent reps to Philadelphia Thursday to plead their case before an arbitrator.
The Falcons, represented by team president and general manager Rich McKay and three more team officials, argued that Vick knew he was in violation of the contract when he signed the $130 million deal in December of 2004, and that he used proceeds from the deal to fund his dogfighting operation, reports the Associated Press.
New York-based attorney Jeffrey Kessler, who represented Vick and the NFL Players Association, countered that the collective bargaining extension agreed to last year prevents forfeiture of bonus money even if the player contract says otherwise, union spokesman Carl Francis said.
A decision on the matter is expected sometime before Oct. 12, according to Stephen B. Burbank, the University of Pennsylvania law professor and special master who led the arbitration hearing.
Vick has pleaded guilty to helping to kill six to eight dogs and bankrolling the dogfighting operation that was based in Virginia and extended into other states.
Vick also faces new state felony charges in Virginia on two counts — beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting. An attorney for the suspended player appeared in Surry County Circuit Court Wednesday and was asked to return Nov. 27 to set a trial date.
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