Judge: Vick can keep most of his bonus

By STAFF and WIRE REPORTS

Last update: February 5, 2008 - 12:50 AM

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 U.S. District Judge David Doty of Minneapolis.

The Falcons sought to recover the bonuses after Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges in a dogfighting operation. The bonuses were paid from 2004-07.

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 Doty 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.

The NFL criticized Doty's ruling. The league has suspended Vick indefinitely without pay.

Vick's personal attorney, Lawrence Woodward Jr., said Vick was happy with the ruling but understands there could be appeals. "He's grateful for some good news," Woodward said.

Super Bowl TV a record

The Giants' 17-14 victory over the Patriots on Sunday was seen by 97.5 million viewers on Fox, making it the most watched Super Bowl of all time and the second-largest audience of all time for a television show behind the average audience of 106 million viewers who saw the final episode of "M*A*S*H" in February 1983.

The previous high for a Super Bowl was the 94.1 million viewers who tuned into NBC for the Cowboys' victory over the Steelers in January 1996.

Minneapolis-St. Paul ranked 18th out of the 56 metered markets in the United States. Boston was the top-rated market.

Pro Bowl changes

A day after their Super Bowl defeat, New England stars Tom Brady and Randy Moss pulled out of this weekend's Pro Bowl.

Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (big toe) and defensive tackle Jamal Williams (ankle) also pulled out because of injuries.

Two Cleveland Browns were added to the AFC roster: tight end Kellen Winslow and quarterback Derek Anderson. Also added were Pittsburgh defensive tackle Casey Hampton and Cincinnati receiver Chad Johnson.