Collegiate Times

MARCUS VICK SUIT SETTLED OUT OF COURT

After two years of intermittent negotiation, lawyers involved in a $6.35 million lawsuit against former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick have reached a settlement out of court.

The Christiansburg teenager, identified only as Jane Doe, was a 15-year-old student at Christiansburg High School in 2006 when the charges were first filed.

The teen claimed that she suffered psychological trauma from a near two-year sexual relationship with Vick, beginning in January 2004 and continuing until December 2005.

Though the details of the agreement have not yet been released and are confidential, Steve Smith, one of the teen's attorneys, told the Virginian-Pilot that there will no longer be a trial, as there is an agreement in place that will, in principle,  end the suit.

Smith, a Christiansburg attorney, did not return calls to the Collegiate Times.

Before the settlement was reached, a trial over one count of sexual battery upon a minor and one count of willful and wanton conduct was scheduled to begin next week in Montgomery County Circuit Court.

The lawsuit has also identified Doe as the minor involved in a January 2004 incident that led to Vick's conviction of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Vick and two teammates, Mike Imoh and Brenden Hill, were convicted of giving alcohol to three 14- to 15-year-old girls.

All three were suspended for the first three games of the 2004 season, and Vick was fined and sentenced to 30 days in jail. Vick was later removed from the team permanently after future incidents.

Vick also faces charges in Norfolk where he was arrested for driving under the influence while eluding police and reckless driving in June.

Vick's attorney, Lawrence Woodward, did not return calls to the Collegiate Times. Woodward also represents Marcus Vick's brother, Michael Vick. Michael Vick is now serving a two-year federal prison sentence for dog fighting charges.