Marcus Vick, dismissed from Virginia Tech Hokies football team for behavior on and off the field, announced recently that he will enter the NFL Draft, according to AP and Reuters reports.
Some believed Vick would not enter the draft in the first round because of his recent trouble with the law. According to Suffolk, VA police reports, Vick allegedly pulled a gun on three teenagers during an altercation in a Suffolk McDonald’s parking lot on Jan. 8.
At the Gator Bowl on Jan. 2 Vick was seen stomping on the leg of defensive lineman Elvis Dumervil while he was on the ground during Virginia’s 35-24 win over Louisville. The Tulsa World reported on Jan. 4 that Virginia Tech officials said they would review and deal with Vick’s stomp on Dumervil.
"It’s not a big deal. … I’ll just move to the next level, baby," Vick said after being kicked off the team.
Vick, younger brother to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, has also had previous encounters with the law. He had returned this season from a suspension in 2004 for multiple arrests.
Vick’s recent trouble with the law somewhat mirrors that of Maurice Clarett, the former Ohio State running back, who as a freshman, led his team to the 2002 national title. Clarett, after leading his team to the national title, got caught up in some legal trouble.
ESPN.com reported that Clarett was suspended for breaking NCAA rules and falsely reporting the contents of a theft from a car. Clarett then tried to jump to the NFL, mounting a legal challenge to allow him to enter the draft early. He lost that case; and then, when he became eligible in 2005 he entered the NFL Draft.
Clarett was selected in the third round by the Broncos despite 40-yard-dash slow times of 4.72 and 4.82 at the scouting combine. The Broncos cut the underperformer in camp. On Jan. 1, he was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, accused of robbing two people at gunpoint in an alley.
Howard students spoke out on Vick’s recent troubles and his decision to enter the NFL Draft.
“Yes [his legal troubles will affect him] because he’s a quarterback and they are supposed to be the leader of team,” said Antonio Moore, a sophomore majoring in psychology. “If you can’t get the respect from your coaches and your teammates in college then you can’t get it in the NFL.”
Hari Williams, senior acting major, offered a different perspective on the issue.
“I think there is definitely a place for him, although some [teams] might pass on him. There definitely are some teams that are in need of a talented quarterback."
