The Michael Vick Project: Embattled Athletes
Docu-series that follows the journey of this NFL great.
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Michael Vick - Vick spent 19 months in prison for his association with an interstate dogfighting ring. With his NFL salary and endorsement deals gone, Vick filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Released in May 2009, the talented quarterback was reinstated to the NFL and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Barry Bonds - Bonds set numerous Major League Baseball records, but in 2007 his already controversial career was halted after DNA evidence linked him to steroids. The San Francisco Giants didn’t re-sign him and he filed for free agency, but has yet to return to the MLB.
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Adam Jones - Adam “Pacman” Jones was suspended from the NFL for “off-the-field conduct,” stemming from several night club incidents and other altercations. During his time off, he joined TNA wrestling, won the Tag Team Championship title, and dropped his nickname, hoping to shed his bad image.
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Caster Semenya - Semenya won gold in the 2009 World Championships in Athens, but her significant improvement from her last major race prompted a drug investigation from the IAAF. This led to one of the highest profile cases of sex-identification in sports.
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Jaqueline Frazier Lyde - Joe Frazier’s daughter Jackie wanted to avenge her father’s losses to Muhammad Ali by fighting Ali’s daughter, Laila. Although new to boxing, at 38, she quickly won consecutive bouts until her only loss came from Ali. The loss was followed by a lawsuit from Joe over product endorsements, which he later dropped.
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Mike Tyson - Known for his exploits in and out of the ring, boxer Tyson served three years in prison for sexual assault. After his release, he won several comeback fights, but lost to Evander Holyfield in 1996. Their rematch a year later ended in shock as Tyson bit off a portion of Holyfield’s ear, further damaging his reputation.
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Plaxico Burress - Footballer Burress accidentally shot himself when he tried to reach for his unregistered pistol tucked in the waist of his jeans. Authorities found out when the media reported his hospital treatment, and he turned himself in. He is currently serving a two-year prison sentence for unlawful possession of a handgun.
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Marion Jones - After winning five gold medals at the 2000 Summer Olympics, Jones agreed to forfeit all medals and prizes in 2007 when she admitted taking steroids and lying about it when investigated. She was suspended from track and field for two years, but ultimately decided to retire.
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Ray Lewis - A fight involving Lewis’ entourage following a Super Bowl XXXIV party left two people dead from stab wounds. Lewis and his companions were charged with murder, but the Pro Bowl linebacker accepted a plea bargain and one year of probation. One year later he became the MVP at Super Bowl XXXV, but did not receive any of the usual championship endorsements due to the controversy.
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Sean Merriman - On September 6, 2009, the San Diego Charger was charged with battery and false imprisonment when TV reality star Tila Tequila accused him of choking and restraining her when she tried to leave his home. All charges have since been dropped.
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