Falcons Formally Request Vick Return $20M Of Bonus Money

Falcons Looking To Recoup $20M In Bonus Money From Vick

The Falcons sent a formal letter to QB Michael Vick on Monday, “asking to recover $20[M] of the $37[M] in total bonuses paid to Vick" under his ten-year contract extension signed in ’04, according to ESPN.com’s Len Pasquarelli. The amount the Falcons were seeking to recover has previously been reported at $22-29M.  But “most experts agree that the Falcons probably will recoup eventually only a fraction of what they are seeking, perhaps as little as" $3.5M.  The matter “is almost certain to be resolved by an arbitrator.”  In a case last November involving former Broncos WR Ashley Lelie, an arbitrator “stipulated that teams cannot recover option bonuses or prorated shares of option bonuses, and appeared to severely limit the money that teams could recoup if a player defaulted on his contract."  Additionally, the decision "was sealed by U.S. District Judge David Doty, who has jurisdiction" over the CBA between the NFL and NFLPA. That could mean the Falcons “would only be able to pursue a prorated share" of Vicks's initial $7.5M singing bonus.  But the team “might argue that, since the roster bonuses were converted to signing bonuses, they have the right to seek repayment.” NFLPA President Troy Vincent on Tuesday sent a letter to players stating in part, “We will represent Mike in any efforts by the Falcons to recoup monies previously paid to him, and we will make sure that his rights under his player contract and the CBA are fully enforced” (ESPN.com, 8/29).

RUNNING THE OPTION: In a sidebar, Pasquarelli cites sources saying that Vick’s legal team is “exploring its options in attempting to have his sentencing” moved up from December 10. Vick “has yet to hear directly from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about a face-to-face meeting,” and NFLPA Exec Dir Gene Upshaw “may play some role in arranging such a meeting” (ESPN.com, 8/29). In a Gallup Poll released yesterday, 58% of respondents said that Vick should not be allowed to play in the NFL again, and 86% said he should serve prison time (Mult., 8/30).