By Matt Thacker
The Virginia Tech Hokies have announced the dismissal of quarterback Marcus Vick due in part to his actions during the Gator Bowl, reported the Associated Press.
Vick, a junior, stomped on Louisville defensive end Elvis Dumervil’s leg during the first half of the bowl game. The Hokies had already racked up several personal foul penalties, but no penalty was called on Vick for the stomp.
Vick later claimed it was an accident, but replays showed Vick stop and look down before stepping hard on Dumervil’s left calf.
The Cardinals led 17-13 entering the 4th quarter of the game, but Vick led the team to 22 points in the final quarter. The Hokies defeated the Cardinals 35-24.
Virginia Tech Athletic Director Jim Weaver said after the game that Vick’s actions were an embarrassment to the university.
Vick, the younger brother of Atlanta Falcon’s star quarterback Michael Vick, has had legal trouble in the past. In August 2004, he had his driver’s license suspended for reckless driving and marijuana possession. He was reportedly pulled over on Dec.17 for speeding and was caught driving with a suspended license. In 2003, he reportedly served alcohol to underage girls. When being taunted by West Virginia fans earlier this year, he responded by making an obscene gesture toward the crowd.
Virginia Tech President Charles Steger said he gave Vick one last warning after being caught with the suspended license.
Vick had said he planned to return to Virginia Tech for his senior year. He will now have the option of entering the National Football League draft this Spring or transferring to a Division 1-AA school to play next year. The deadline to declare for the draft is Jan. 15.
