Agent: Vick could play in ‘09

Newport News, Va. —- Michael Vick’s agent testified in bankruptcy court Thursday that he expects the NFL to reinstate the imprisoned and suspended Falcons quarterback, hopefully by September in time for the 2009 season.

Joel Segal also confirmed that he has had several discussions with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about the matter. Segal added Vick is capable of delivering on what Goodell wants to see before considering his reinstatement: true contrition for the actions he took that landed him in prison on felony charges related to dogfighting.

“Sometimes back then Mike didn’t listen to the right people,” Segal testified. But Segal added Vick is now “absolutely, completely different” and shows “true remorse” for his actions.

Segal said Vick has been staying in shape in prison in Leavenworth, Kan. He predicted Vick could get a multimillion-dollar contract with incentives if he is reinstated by the NFL. Segal said Vick wants to join a team with “strong management” and “veteran leaders.”

Additionally, Segal testified that Vick has agreed to participate in a television documentary about himself for $600,000. The offer came from a company in Atlanta called Red Bird Entertainment, Segal said.

Vick’s attorneys put Segal on the stand because Vick’s plan to climb out of bankruptcy partly depends on him rejoining the league. Vick, who is nearing the end of a 23-month federal prison sentence, is hoping to earn as much as $10 million a year or more, according to court filings.

Under the plan he submitted to the court, Vick would keep the first $750,000 of his annual income over the next five years. After that, a percentage would go to his creditors based on a sliding scale.

The NFL suspended Vick indefinitely in 2007 after the details of his plea deal in the dogfighting case became public. Vick remains on the Falcons’ suspended roster. The team announced earlier this year that it was trying to trade him.

Vick is expected to testify in court today for several hours. His attorney, Michael Blumenthal, said Vick has been offered a job at a construction company for 40 hours a week once he leaves prison. The Associated Press reported that Newport News-based W.M. Jordan Co. is offering to pay him $10 an hour.

“He is going to turn a new leaf,” Blumenthal said. “He has learned from what occurred in his life.”

Vick was led into the courtroom wearing a gray suit. He has slight sideburns, a mustache and a goatee. He turned around several times, smiling and waving at his mother, Brenda Boddie, and fiancee, Kijafa Frink. Boddie responded by smiling and quietly saying, “My baby” and “We love you.”

Attorneys for one of Vick’s creditors, Joel Enterprises, plan to call Boddie and Frink as witnesses today. Those attorneys wheeled 11 boxes of documents into the courtroom as dozens of journalists and more than 10 Newport News police officers looked on.

Moments later, Vick’s attorneys made substantial progress in settling objections filed by key creditors. Blumenthal outlined proposed settlements with the Internal Revenue Service and the Virginia Department of Taxation. The two taxing agencies, which filed objections to Vick’s bankruptcy plan, have said Vick owes $696,930 combined in federal and state taxes, penalties and interest.

Blumenthal also highlighted a proposed agreement with the U.S. Labor Department, which has accused Vick of illegally spending about $1.3 million in pension plan funds for his own benefit, including paying his bankruptcy attorney and restitution ordered as part of his conviction on federal dogfighting charges.

But one of Vick’s biggest hurdles remains —- an objection from Joel Enterprises, which says Vick owes about $4.5 million. Andrew Joel, a Richmond sports agent, filed a lawsuit against Vick in 2006 claiming he reneged on an endorsement deal.

The company filed another complaint last month, alleging Vick transferred property and cash to relatives and friends in the year before he filed for bankruptcy to defraud his creditors. The complaint also alleges Vick misrepresented his assets.

Federal authorities transported Vick to Virginia from Kansas last week. He is expected to return to Leavenworth after the trial but is due to be released to home confinement at his house in Hampton, Va., on May 21.