Two sides argue over Vick's bonus money

MINNEAPOLIS -- A lawyer for the NFL Players Association argued today that Michael Vick should be allowed to keep nearly 20 million dollars in bonus money even though his pro football career is on hold because of his role in a dogfighting operation.

The union is asking a federal judge to overturn a special master's decision that the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback should forfeit the bonus money because of his guilty plea. Vick is facing up to five years in prison when he is sentenced December 10.

Union attorney Jeffrey Kessler argued that Vick's ``roster bonus'' should be treated the same as a ``performance bonus,'' which can't be forfeited under the collective bargaining agreement.

But Gregg Levy, who is representing the NFL, said the roster bonus should be treated like a ``signing bonus allocation,'' which could be forfeited.

Judge David Doty, who has handled cases involving the collective bargaining agreement for nearly 20 years, gave no indication as to how or when he might rule.

Any money recovered would be credited to Atlanta's future salary cap.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/11/204481