Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Michael Vick

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Michael Vick.

Michael Vick is a former NFL quarterback and current college football coach. He played college football at Virginia Tech, winning the Archie Griffin Award, before being drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001. During his six seasons with the Falcons, Vick earned three Pro Bowl selections and led the team to two playoff appearances, one division title, and an NFC Championship Game appearance. He was known for his exceptional rushing ability and at the time of his retirement, he was the all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2004: Falcons seek to recover signing bonus

In 2004, an arbitrator ruled that Michael Vick had to reimburse the Atlanta Falcons for $19.97 million of his signing bonus. The arbitrator agreed with the Falcons' argument that Vick knew he was engaging in illegal activity when he signed his new contract in 2004, and that he had used the bonus money to pay for the dog fighting operation.

2006: Middle finger gesture incident

In 2006, Michael Vick made a middle finger gesture to Atlanta football fans, negatively impacting his corporate status.

April 25, 2007: Search warrant leads to dog fighting evidence

On April 25, 2007, a search warrant executed as part of a drug investigation of Vick's cousin, Davon Boddie, led to the discovery of evidence of unlawful dog fighting activities at a property owned by Vick in Surry County, Virginia.

July 2007: Vick Indicted on Federal Felony Charges

In July 2007, Michael Vick and three other men were indicted on federal felony charges for operating an unlawful interstate dog fighting venture known as "Bad Newz Kennels". Vick was accused of financing the operation, participating in dog fights and executions, and handling gambling activities. Federal prosecutors intended to proceed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

August 2007: NFL suspends Vick indefinitely

In August 2007, following Michael Vick's guilty plea to federal charges in the Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation, the NFL suspended him indefinitely without pay for violating its player conduct policy. Commissioner Roger Goodell cited Vick's admission to illegal and cruel conduct, emphasizing his role in funding the gambling aspect of the dog fighting operation. While technically a first-time offender, Goodell handed down a harsher suspension. Vick was barred from training camp, and the terms of his bail effectively ended any chance of him playing in 2007.

September 13, 2007: Vick Tests Positive for Marijuana

On September 13, 2007, while free on bail, Michael Vick tested positive for marijuana in a random drug test, violating the conditions of his release. As a result, he was confined to his home in Hampton, Virginia, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. with electronic monitoring.

September 25, 2007: Vick Indicted on Virginia State Charges

On September 25, 2007, following indictments by the Surry County grand jury, separate Virginia charges were brought against Michael Vick and his co-defendants in the dog-fighting case. Vick was charged with two class-6 felonies.

2007: Dog Fighting Scandal and Prison Sentence

In 2007, Michael Vick's NFL career was halted after he pleaded guilty for his involvement in a dog fighting ring and subsequently spent 21 months in federal prison. This arrest and conviction garnered him notoriety with the general public.