| Vick, who was once, one of the highest paid | | | | merchant company will touch him ever to |
| and best profile players in the N.F.L., will | | | | promote their product. |
| lose out the best years of his career after | | | | |
| being sentenced to 23 months in prison due to | | | | Vick apologized to the court and his family |
| a dog fighting felony. The 27-years-old | | | | members, who along with other supporters - |
| Falcons' quarterback who had a $130 million | | | | most of them fans - who were present in the |
| contract and a quite lucrative endorsement | | | | courtroom. But for the judge about to decide |
| deal has now been suspended indefinitely from | | | | Vick's fate, those words were not enough. |
| professional football. | | | | |
| | | | In regards to the incident, U.S. Attorney |
| Despite the early admission of the guilt, a | | | | Chuck Rosenberg added "This was an efficient, |
| public regret and the participation in an | | | | professional who thorough investigation |
| animal sensitivity training course; Vick was | | | | exposed a seamy side of our society…I |
| denied an "acceptance of responsibility" | | | | trust Mr. Vick learned important lessons and |
| credit which will reduce his sentence. | | | | that his admission of guilt will speed his |
| Apparently, Michael was more directly | | | | rehabilitation." |
| involved than he admitted and also tested | | | | |
| positive for marijuana use violation of the | | | | On the other hand, animal rights groups' |
| terms set for his release. | | | | representatives attending the sentencing |
| | | | applauded the judge's decision. According to |
| However, due to federal procedures for good | | | | them "The 23 month prison sentence imposed on |
| behavior, Vick's sentence could end as early | | | | Monday was harsh yet appropriate for the |
| as the 2009 summer meaning he could | | | | case". |
| eventually play that season. Even though, he | | | | |
| is expected to lose millions he would have | | | | Vick's future in football is now in doubt. |
| earned in salary as well as endorsements in | | | | The NFL declined comments after the |
| 2008; the Atlanta Journal Constitution | | | | sentencing, saying that Vick's case would be |
| estimated that Vick has in fact incurred | | | | "reviewed at the appropriate time." The |
| financial losses of $142 million, including | | | | verdict definitely comes in dismay of his |
| $71 million in salary earnings from the | | | | family, teammates and also the fans who have |
| Falcons, $50 million in endorsement income | | | | been emotionally stroke by Michael's career |
| and nearly $20 million in previously paid | | | | over the years. |
| bonuses. Moreover, is probably that no | | | | |