Vick Tests Positive for Marijuana, Faces Restrictions

By Larry DiTore

Sept. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Michael Vick tested positive for marijuana and will face additional restrictions on his freedom as he awaits sentencing on a federal charge related to dogfighting.

A urine sample submitted by Vick tested positive on Sept. 13, prompting the probation officer for the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback to seek new conditions of his release, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Richmond, Virginia.

Vick pleaded guilty last month to federal charges of bankrolling a dogfighting operation at a home he owned in Virginia. He was indicted yesterday by a Virginia grand jury on state dogfighting charges.

As a result of the positive drug test, probation officer Patricia Locket-Ross asked for Vick to be barred from using or possessing narcotics or other controlled substances. He must also submit to any method of testing at random and continue a substance-therapy program.

Vick also will be restricted to his home from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time and must submit to electronic monitoring.

In January 2007, police investigated Vick after finding what were initially described as signs of marijuana in a water bottle he carried at an airport security checkpoint in Miami. Subsequent tests failed to turn up traces of drugs, police said, and no charges were filed.

NFL Suspension

The National Football League suspended Vick indefinitely without pay when he admitted conspiring to run a dogfighting operation that Commissioner Roger Goodell called ``cruel and reprehensible.''

The quarterback pleaded guilty in federal court, admitting conspiracy in a ring that bought, trained and fought dogs in Virginia and other states. He also admitted that he funded gambling associated with the operation and agreed to the killing of poor-performing dogs.

Companies including Nike Inc. and Adidas AG unit Reebok International Ltd. suspended sales of Vick's signature apparel and shoes after his indictment.