Before Vick’s legal problems began, he signed a ten-year $130 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2006, the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history, the deal also included a $30 million signing bonus. In addition Vick had endorsement deals worth millions more. By one estimate during the 2006 season he earned a yearly salary of $37.5 million. However, he stands to forfeit a large percentage of this contract with the Atlanta Falcons and other sponsors have also “suspended” their deal with Vick after he pleaded guilty. Ali never had the kind of endorsements that Vic has received because of the racial politics of the period and societies views as black athletes as inferior to whites. But what is most interesting is that since retiring from professional boxing in 1981 Ali’s brand worth continues to climb along with the popularity of black culture in American society. In short, today black culture is popular and profitable and black athletes can demand large contracts and endorsement so long as they continue to be associated with success and stay out of trouble, just ask O. J. Simpson and Pac Man Jones. Just recently Ali, who has remained the picture of principle despite several divorces, sold the rights to his name and image to a licensing company for $50 million. What I am arguing is that Ali made a lot less money at the height of his skills because although he was a winner he was black and less valuable to business tycoons during his career. Moreover he was convicted by the feds for following his moral conviction that War in Vietnam was wrong. Today Ali the brand is internationally celebrated. Vic was paid very well although he is black because he could fill stadiums and sell merchandise. However in contrast to Ali Vic was convicted for following is personal narcissistic desires. I wonder what American society will be like and what the Vick brand will be worth twenty years after he retires from whatever profession he practices after he gets out of federal prison. The most recent update is that Vic filed for bankruptcy owing an estimated $10 to $50 million dollars.
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