Some people never learn. Or should I say they just don’t get it. I am referring to the alleged incident involving Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick at the Miami International Airport Wednesday night. A 20 ounce water bottle was discovered in his carry-on bag by airport screeners who ordered Vick to remove the bottle. After showing some reluctance the 26 year old Vick gave up the bottle and was then allowed to board his flight. The screener turned the bottle over to police who discovered a secret compartment that according to a police report contained a residue that had an aroma and residue, “closely associated to marijuana.” The bottle was taken by police for testing.
Federal rules prohibit passengers from taking liquid, gel and aerosol containers larger than three ounces past security checkpoints.
According to the Associated Press, Miami police said yesterday it could be weeks before a decision is made on whether to file charges against the three-time Pro Bowl player, who this season became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards.
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Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank, general manager Rich McKay and new coach Bobby Petrino met with Vick, who left team headquarters without speaking to reporters. McKay described Blank as being "upset" with the quarterback, whose $137-million contract was the richest in the NFL when Vick signed it three years ago.
"We are an organization that prides itself on not having off-the-field issues," McKay said. "I think we have done a pretty good job of bringing the right people in here so we don't have to face these types of issues. We don't like it. We don't accept it. It is not what we want."
Under Florida law, possession of less than 0.7 ounces of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by as much as a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. First offenders rarely do any jail time.
Vick has not been immune to controversy in the last couple of years. In March, 2005, a woman named Sonya Elliot filed a civil lawsuit against Vick alleging she contracted Herpes simplex virus from Vick and that he failed to inform her that he had the sexually transmitted disease. Elliot further alleged that Vick had visited clinics under the alias "Ron Mexico" to get treatments and thus knew of his condition. This led to a number of fans ordering customized #7 Atlanta Falcons jerseys with the name "Mexico" or "Herpes" on the back. Due to the media interest surrounding the case, the National Football League disallowed the use of the jersey/name combination two days after the lawsuit.
After a Falcons loss to the New Orleans Saints in the Georgia done on Nov. 26, Vick made an obscene gesture at Atlanta fans holding up two middle fingers. Vick has said, “I’m sorry and I apologize to all the young kids and to whoever saw me make that gesture. I just let my emotions get the best of me in that situation and it won’t happen again.” He was later fined $10,000 by the NFL for his obscene gesture and agreed to donate another $10,000 to charity.
