The Financial Impact on Professional Athletes After Breaking the Law

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lu5ecegcHk&feature=related

Michael Vick and Plaxico Burress are two NFL stars of the 21^st century that gained attention for crimes that would land them behind bars.  Former Atlanta Falcon’s Quarter Back Michael Vick was indicted on several crimes in association with the abuse of animals.  If convicted on the animal fighting venture portion of the conspiracy charge, he would face up to three years in prison, and a $2500 fine.  On July 7, 2008, Vick sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.  He served 23 months in prison, three years probation following release in November; the fine and prison time suspended upon condition of good behavior for 4 years after sentence. 

Much of what was supposed to be a crime-free night back on November 29, 2008 at Latin Quarter nightclub in New York became life changing for former wide receiver of the New York Giants, Plaxico Burress. 

 Three days after accidentally shooting himself in the leg at a New York City nightclub, Plaxico Burress surrendered himself to the NYC 17^th precinct authorities.  He faced two counts of gun possession charges, which in the state of New York could result to him serving a 3-7 year prison sentencing; he would later enter a “not guilty” plea. 

At his first arraignment, judge Felicia Mennin gave Burress 30 days to report back to the courts and released him on a $100,00 bond.  At the time of the incident, Burress was under a 5 year, $35 million contract with New York Giants Franchise; if indicted, he faced losing out on $7 million a year for the next 5 years.

Burress was sentenced to 2 years in the Oneida Correctional Facility in central New York.  This is a sentence that most spectators feel was far too harsh but others feel as though professional athletes have to live up to a standard of good conduct because they are viewed by the public as roll models.  Released on Monday June 6, 2011, 3 months early for good behavior, Burress faces a long road ahead, in order to get back to the league and back to financial stability.

Micheal Vick is currently in the NFL playing for the Philledephia Eagles and managed to sign a two-year endorsement deal with Unequal Technologies, a football pad company.  He also has his own reality series on the BET Network. 

References:

Farrar, Doug. (2011, June 6).  Burress Out of Prison, but What’s Next?  Retrieved June 10, 2011, from http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Burress-out-of-prison-but-what-8217-s-next-?urn=nfl-wp2379

Keikis, Jack.  (2011, June 6).  Burress Leaves NYC Prison for Uncertain NFL Career.  Retrieved June 10, 2011, from http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110606/ARTICLE/110609714/-1/sports?Title=Burress-leaves-NY-prison-for-uncertain-NFL-career&tc=ar

Mihoces, Gary.  (2007, August, 8).  After the plea, What’s Next for Vick, Falcons?  Retrieved June 10, 2011, from http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/falcons/2007-08-27-vick-hearing_N.htm

WSBTV.  (2007, July, 17).  Press Release on Vick’s Arrest.  Retrieved June 10, 2011, from http://www.wsbtv.com/news/13700336/detail.html