In a move to clear more space under the NFL salary cap, the Atlanta Falcons scored a "victory" over their beaten down QB, Michael Vick. The Falcons asked arbitrator and law professor Stephen Burbank to order that Vick return to them over $20 million in signing bonuses received. Burbank obliged. The NFLPA, which represents Vick, is now appealing the case.
Two things here. First, the Falcons' argument
And here is Burbank's ruling:The Falcons argued that Vick, who pleaded guilty to federal charges for his role in a long-running dogfighting operation, knew he was in violation of the contract when he signed a $130 million deal in December 2004.
The team said he used proceeds from the contract to fund his illicit activities and sought the repayment of $19,970,000 in bonuses he was paid over the last three years.
In a highly technical, nine-page ruling, Burbank said the Falcons were entitled to $3.75 million of the $7.5 million bonus that Vick was paid after signing the deal in 2004, $13.5 million of the $22.5 million in roster, reporting and playing bonuses he was paid in 2005 and 2006, and $2.72 million of the $7 million roster, reporting and playing bonus that he received this year.
So he pretty much gave them exactly what they asked for. I don't have the time to really analyze this like I would like, but I'd also like to track down the opinion if I can before I give my full comment. Suffice it to say that I think the arbitrator made the wrong decision based on what I've seen so far, particularly the part about the bonus applying to future services vs. money already earned. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts in the meantime.
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