NFL’s Vick in doghouse with sports memorabilia business

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick promised to give J.O. Sports the shirt off his back, but now he’s being accused of making an incomplete pass.

The controversial NFL star breached his agreement to provide J.O. Sports "Game Used Equipment" after he received more than $100,000 in compensation from the memorabilia business, according to a lawsuit filed May 24 in district court on behalf of the business by attorney Spencer Judd.

Vick received $101,500 from the company on Aug. 6, 2011, after signing a contract, according to the lawsuit.

Vick is also accused of failing to attend private signings and public appearances arranged by the memorabilia business. He also agreed to allow J.O. Sports "to set up social media sites for Vick’s use," the lawsuit alleges.

In April 2007, Vick was implicated in an illegal interstate dog-fighting ring. He eventually pleaded guilty to felony charges and served 21 months in prison. He filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July 2008.

For its part, J.O. Sports has made its share of negative headlines. In October 2011, the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s office in the Northern District of Illinois announced the indictment of six men charged in separate similar frauds involving the sale of sports memorabilia.

On the list: Jarrod Oldridge, "a resident of Nevada, involved in business operations of JO Sports, Inc., a Nevada business." From the FBI news release: "According to court documents, each case involved the sale, consignment, or auction of jerseys, in which each defendant falsely and fraudulently represented to buyers that the jerseys were 'game used,' when they were not. Jerseys worn by professional and collegiate athletes during a game are usually known as 'game used' or 'game worn,' and are commonly bought and sold by collectors and others. The value of game used jerseys varies based on the popularity of the player that used the jersey and how long it had been since the player had actively played the sport. The value of a jersey was greater if it was game used.

"The fraud charges also involved the use of game used jerseys by sports trading card companies. As stated in the charges, to increase the value and price of packages of sports trading cards, manufacturers frequently purchase game used jerseys, cut the jerseys into small pieces, and insert the pieces into card packages. When game used jerseys were purchased for this purpose, the manufacturers often required that the seller provide a 'certificate of authenticity' that the jerseys were authentic game used jerseys."