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Judge: Vick Can Keep $16.25M In Bonuses

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The Associated Press

Published: February 5, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS - Jailed quarterback Michael Vick can keep all but $3.75 million of the nearly $20 million in bonus money he received from the Atlanta Falcons following a ruling Monday by a federal judge.

The Falcons sought to recover the bonuses after Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges in a dogfighting operation. The bonuses were paid from 2004 to 2007.

A special master ruled in October the Falcons were entitled to recover the bonuses. The Falcons argued Vick used proceeds from a contract he signed in 2004 to finance his illicit activities.

But U.S. District Judge David Doty of Minneapolis ruled that recovery of most of the bonus money by the Falcons would violate the NFL collective bargaining agreement. The agreement does not allow roster bonus money to be forfeited once it's been earned, the judge wrote.

Vick received a 23-month jail sentence and entered a minimum-security prison in Leavenworth, Kan., last month. The league has suspended Vick indefinitely without pay.

Brady, Moss Decide To Pull Out Of Pro Bowl

Tom Brady and Randy Moss pulled out of the Pro Bowl on Monday, a day after the New England Patriots were beaten in the Super Bowl.

After throwing a league-record 50 touchdown passes during the season, Brady was battered by the New York Giants during their 17-14 win Sunday. He has been bothered by a tender ankle and was photographed in New York wearing a protective boot two weeks prior to the Super Bowl.

Brad was sacked five times by the Giants. He will be replaced by Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson.

Moss, who caught a record 23 TD passes from Brady during the season, had five receptions for 62 yards and a TD in the Super Bowl. He will be replaced by Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson.

The Patriots said Brady and Moss each opted out because of ankle injuries.

San Diego tight end Antonio Gates and defensive tackle Jamal Williams also decided to skip Sunday's game in Honolulu.

Browns tight end Kellen Winslow will go in place of Gates, bringing the number of Browns players in the Pro Bowl to six, the club's most since sending six in 1994. Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Casey Hampton takes Williams' spot on the AFC roster, his third-consecutive trip to Hawaii and fourth overall.

The Patriots have not said why either of the Patriots stars opted out.

DOLPHINS: Named Dan Henning, a former NFL head coach who also previously served as Miami's quarterbacks and receivers coach, as the team's new offensive coordinator.

Meanwhile, at Iowa City Iowa, defensive end Matt Roth was arrested late Friday on a public intoxication charge.

49ERS: Named former Dolphins running back Tony Nathan as the team's running backs coach.

PANTHERS: After spending more than a month contemplating his future, defensive end Mike Rucker said he has decided against retirement and hopes the Panthers want him back.

Rucker, who turns 33 on Feb. 28, ranks second in team history with 553 tackles and 55 1/2 sacks.

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