Vick shown the door by Hokies

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia Tech on Friday kicked embattled quarterback Marcus Vick off the football team, citing the cumulative effects of numerous legal transgressions and his unsportsmanlike conduct in the Jan. 2 Gator Bowl.

The announcement from university president Charles Steger was delivered to Vick and his mother by Hokies coach Frank Beamer at their home in Hampton Roads, the school said, ending what has been a turbulent 2 years for the 21-year-old Vick.

Vick, who already was on a short string after being suspended from school in 2004 for several legal problems, came under new and intense scrutiny this week after he was caught on tape stomping on the left calf of an opponent during the Gator Bowl.

No flag was called on the play, but Vick did not help himself by claiming it was accidental, even though the frequently shown replay betrayed that claim. He further hurt his cause by claiming to have apologized to Louisville All-American defensive end Elvis Dumervil for the incident, but Dumervil said no such apology ever was offered.

Then, on Friday, even more legal trouble for the junior surfaced when it was revealed that he had been stopped for speeding and driving on a suspended license in Hampton on Dec. 17. His license had been taken away in August 2004 when he was cited for reckless driving and marijuana possession in New Kent.

Vick made an obscene gesture in the direction of the crowd after hearing chants of "rapist" and "child molester" during a game at West Virginia. The hostility stemmed from his arrests on the drug charge and another for serving alcohol to underage girls during the 2003 school year.

The younger brother of the Falcons Michael Vick finished his Hokie career having thrown for 2,868 yards with 19 touchdowns. He also ran for another 492 yards and six touchdowns.