Michael+Vick+-+Period+8

• Matt Louis • Brendan Rahl • Kevin Switzer
 * Group Members:**


 * Celebrity:** Michael Vick


 * Sin:** Dog fighting


 * Background:**

-Born June 26, 1980 -Born in Newport News, Virginia -Product of teenage pregnancy (mom was 16). -He went to High school with former NBA star, Allen Iverson. -He went to college at Virginia Tech. -He started playing football and learning the fundamentals with his father since he was three years old. -He is an NFL QB with great versatility, a combination of outstanding speed, arm strength, and elusiveness. -Vick had great leadership abilities and was well-liked by his teammates. -First overall draft pick in 2001 by the Atlanta Falcons. -In 2006 his career took a backseat due to dog fighting.


 * Backlash:**

-In 2006, his role in dog fighting surfaced. -A group called the "Bad Newz Kennels" was operated on his property. This group included the involvement of his friends and family members. -Wagers were made on the matches. The dog still alive at the end of each match determines who gets the money.


 * Repercussions:**

-The NFL responded by suspending Vick. -Later in July, he was indicted in court for animal cruelty and he was sentenced 23 months in federal prison. -He was sued $4 million by several banks as well. -4 years later, 2/3s of every dollar Vick makes goes to taxes and creditors. -His money is tightly controlled, he can only spend about ~$5,000 a month, with over $4,000 going to utilities, somewhat of an "allowance". -In the next 5 years Vick must give over $12 million to creditors. -In 2008 Vick filed for bankruptcy. -If he signs for a contract in the NFL that is over $10 million, 40% of his salary will automatically be given to creditors. -He is still to this day involved in lawsuits regarding recovering some of Vick's personal assets.


 * Public Perception:**

-The Atlanta Falcon front office was bombarded with animal rights protesters. -Although he issued a public apology, his reputation was still tarnished. -He earned himself some sympathy, but other people view him as a spoiled, ungrateful professional athlete. -After serving his term, many people felt that his term was too harsh and others felt it was completely deserved.


 * Aftermath:**

-In August of 2009, he signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. -His role, the first year back after being released from prison was minimal. He served as a fill-in for Donovan McNabb. -He stayed out of trouble and earned himself the team's Courage Award. -This year he earned himself the starting QB job and once again is playing like a premier quarterback. -He's revitalized his career and has done a good job of staying out of trouble so far. -Although some people despise him for his actions, his reputation is gradually coming back.


 * Letter Assigned for Conclusion:**


 * Group Notes:**

-Found a good amount of sources.

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 * Sources:**


 * Questions for Ms. Lewis:**