August 3, 200421 yr Tuesday, August 3, 2004 ESPN.com news services BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick was suspended from the university for the 2004 season because of his run-ins with the law. Virginia Tech officials said Tuesday they took the action because of Vick's convictions in May on three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor after he and two teammates gave alcohol to 14- and 15-year-old girls at the players' apartment. Vick, the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons quarterback and former Hokies star Michael Vick, was acquitted of a charge of having sex with one of the girls and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined $2,250. The suspension also was based on reckless driving and marijuana possession charges filed against Vick last month after an early morning traffic stop. The 20-year-old player faced trial on those charges Tuesday. He was clocked on radar at 86 mph, 21 mph above the speed limit, state police said. The traffic stop led to the marijuana possession charge. Re-admittance to the university after the fall semester is contingent on Vick's successful completion of a drug education and counseling program. Athletic director Jim Weaver said he told Vick any further criminal, athletic or university violations will result in Vick's permanent dismissal from Virginia Tech sports. The suspension "is a stiff penalty," Virginia Tech president Charles Steger said. "Vick won't play this year and loses that year of eligibility. If there is any more trouble, his Virginia Tech career is effectively ended. "But just as important, this offers a compassionate, last chance opportunity for Vick to get his personal life in order." Weaver added: "This action also gives Marcus a chance to right himself. Fundamentally, he's a good person and we want to see him succeed." Vick, a redshirt sophomore, was expected to challenge senior Bryan Randall for the quarterback's job this season after the two essentially shared the job last season. In the case dating back to May, tailback Mike Imoh, 19, was sentenced to 10 days in jail and fined $750. Wide receiver Brenden Hill, 19, was sentenced to 20 days in jail and fined $1,500. Imoh and Hill were suspended for three games. Vick and his teammates are appealing their convictions. According to The Washington Post, Vick's is scheduled for Jan. 10 and 11, Imoh's for Sept. 16 and 17 and Hill's for Oct. 20 and 21. Vick also was suspended for one game last season for a violation of team policy. He had been placed on indefinite suspension one month ago.
August 3, 200421 yr Hopefully he gets it back together for next year at VA Tech. Regardless, he's still a NFL QB someday, but he desperately needs to get his act together.
August 3, 200421 yr And wasnt Marcus sposed to be the next Michael? He's got to actually play some college games before he comes up to the pros
August 3, 200421 yr He wasn't able to play too much last year, other then at wideout and I don't think he was expected to start at qb this year. He's gotta get on the field first, like someone else said.
August 3, 200421 yr He doesn't have his brothers talent, but then again who does? He wouldn't have played alot with Brian Randall there anyways. There's another reason why I think its a mistake to follow a family member that was a star to their school. Way too much to live up to.
August 3, 200421 yr bad call by VA TECH, for once i agree with stephen s*** smith, but to KICK THE GUY OUT OF SCHOOL for a semester for FRICKIN' WEED is ridiculous. LP and thousands of other Nebraska "grads" didn't get booted for slapping women around, and compared to that, you have to be kidding. suspend him from the team for all i care, but booting him from school does him no good. and there are FAR worse things he could have done.
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