Michael Vick is now likely one misstep from jail.
The disgraced Atlanta Falcons quarterback tested positive for marijuana this month, a violation of the conditions of his release as he awaits sentencing in federal court on a dogfighting charge that already jeopardizes his freedom and career.
Now, he’s incurred the ire of the Richmond, Va., judge who could sentence him to up to five years in prison in the dogfighting case. On the day of Vick’s guilty plea, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson warned that he wouldn’t be amused by any additional trouble.
Hudson, who will sentence Vick on Dec. 10, on Wednesday ordered him confined to his Virginia home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. with electronic monitoring. He also must submit to random drug testing.
If Vick fails another drug test, he likely will wind up like co-defendant Quanis Phillips – incarcerated since his Aug. 17 plea hearing. Phillips failed a drug test when he had the electronic monitoring and random drug testing requirements.
Vick’s positive urine sample was submitted Sept. 13, according to a document by a federal probation officer that was filed in U.S. District Court on Wednesday.
Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall said he’s been fined $100,000 by the team and may have to sit out one or two quarters of the next game for his meltdown last week against the Carolina Panthers.
Hall wasn’t pleased with the decision and plans to appeal through the NFL Players Association.
The Falcons (0-3) acted quickly after their defensive star was called for three penalties totaling 67 yards on one possession, including two personal fouls, then got into a heated sideline confrontation with coach Bobby Petrino and one of his assistants.
Giants: Plaxico Burress’ sprained right ankle has become more of a concern for New York.
The receiver, whose five touchdown catches is tied with Randy Moss of New England for most in the NFL, traveled to Charlotte, N.C., to have the ankle examined by noted orthopedist Robert Anderson.
“When he plays, it gets sore again and it has been a kind of a continuous nagging thing,” coach Tom Coughlin said of the injury that happened in training camp in August.
Colts: Linebacker Rob Morris was limited in practice but expects to return to action Sunday against Denver.
Morris missed the past two games with an abdominal strain, which he identified as an oblique muscle.
The Colts (3-0) also practiced without two starters on their offensive line, tackle Tony Ugoh (left ankle) and guard Ryan Lilja (knee).
Also sitting out were starting cornerback Marlin Jackson (quad), backup cornerback Tim Jennings (knee) and linebackers Tyjuan Hagler and Clint Session (hamstring).
Bears: Brian Griese is in. Rex Grossman is out.
Yet, despite numbers indicating Chicago needed to make a change with their starting quarterback, when it finally happened the news jarred Grossman.
He used words like “surprised” and “frustration” to describe his feelings when he learned Griese would be calling signals Sunday at Detroit.
“I’m excited for Brian,” coach Lovie Smith said. “He brings a lot of experience.”
Lions: Detroit signed linebacker Donte Curry, bringing back a player who was cut just before the season after spending five years with the team.
Buccaneers: Tampa Bay placed rookie safety Sabby Piscitelli on injured reserve and promoted receiver Chad Lucas from the practice squad to the active roster.
Bengals: Cincinnati signed free-agent cornerback Blue Adams to a two-year contract and waived cornerback Keiwan Ratliff.
