News With Commentary by TSL Staff

Tuesday, July 6, 2004
by Will Stewart, TechSideline.com

Marcus Vick Arrested for Reckless Driving, Possession of Marijuana

Marcus Vick is in trouble with the law again. The backup QB's Virginia Tech career is in jeopardy after being arrested early Sunday morning on charges of reckless driving and possession of marijuana. Vick was stopped by state police on Interstate 64 near New Kent, and the troopers found two bags containing marijuana in his possession.

The news was reported Hampton Roads Daily Press reporter Dave Johnson late this morning. According to the report, both charges are misdemeanors.

The arrest marks the third time in the last 12 months that Vick has been in trouble, either with the Virginia Tech football program or the law. Vick was suspended for one game in the 2003 football season -- against James Madison -- for an unspecified violation of team rules, and in a well-publicized case this past May, was convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was sentenced to 30 days in a jail and a fine of $2,250 for the May conviction.

The arrest places Vick's career at Virginia Tech in peril. Under the terms of Virginia Tech's Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP), an arrest for a misdemeanor comes under the review of Athletic Director Jim Weaver. Weaver has the following options at his disposal:

A. Warning.
B. Probation.
C. Restricted use of athletic services or facilities.
D. Suspension from play and/or practice for a stated period of time.

The CAP states that in the case of a misdemeanor charge, dismissal from the team is "only available for a conviction or if the student-athlete pleads guilty or no contest" to the misdemeanor.

When determining punishment, Weaver can take the following factors into account, per the CAP:

A. Nature of charge (violent or non-violent).
B. Prior behavior.
C. Self Disclosure of the violation.
D. Cooperation during the investigation.
E. Alcohol and/or drug use.
F. Consistency with regard to handling of other cases.

Given his prior history of a game suspension and the conviction in May, Vick may be facing a long suspension. As of 3:45 Tuesday, no penalty had been announced by Virginia Tech or Weaver.


          

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