Why Stupidity Can Cost You 20 Million Dollars

The whole Michael Vick Dog Fighting Scandal is the NFL Story of the Year, and it's only week 5. Michael Vick has proven that no matter how good of an athlete you are, your off-the-field antics are more newsworthy. Think Pacman Jones, Travis Henry, Marion Jones, Alex Rodriguez, and many many others. Already facing prison time and suspensions, it was reported today that Vick will have to give up 20 million dollars of bonus money that he received from the Atlanta Falcons. The Arbitrator ruled that the money was used to fund his illegal dog fighting ring, and that his contract stipulates no illicit activities. In other words, because Vick used the bonus money to fight dogs, he must give the money back because it voided a line in his contract.

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ATLANTA -- Michael Vick has taken another hit -- and this one could cost him nearly $20 million.

Already facing prison time, the disgraced quarterback lost the first round in his financial battle with the Atlanta Falcons when an arbitrator ruled Tuesday that Vick should repay much of the bonus money he got while secretly bankrolling a gruesome dogfighting ring.

The case is far from over. The players' union said it will appeal the ruling by Stephen B. Burbank, a University of Pennsylvania law professor and special master who oversaw last week's arbitration hearing in Philadelphia.

The Falcons argued that Vick, who pleaded guilty to federal charges for his role in the long-running operation, knew he was in violation of the contract when he signed a 10-year, $130 million deal in December 2004.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3056317