Local Attorney to represent Michael Vick

ESPN first broke the story, but this reporter has confirmed that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has hired prominent DC attorney Billy Martin to represent him as rumors persist that Vick will take a paid leave of absence from the team to deal with a federal indictment that charges him with owning and operating a dog fighting kennel. Martin joined the D.C.-based firm Sutherland Asbill &Brennan earlier this year. His lists of clients include the City of Cincinnati which reportedly paid him one million dollars for representing the Queen city in its legal battles over the police shootings and riots there. Martin also represented Atlanta's former Mayor Bill Campbell in his corruption trial. Campbell is now in prison on tax evasion charges. Billy Martin, considered one of the country's best criminal lawyers also represented the family of Chandra Levy, the missing Capitol Hill intern who had been linked romantically with former Congressman Gary Condit.

ESPN reports that "Vick and his advisors, a group that includes his personal attorney, Lawrence Woodward, spent the last several days interviewing potential counsel. The Vick camp felt it was key to retain a veteran attorney with considerable experience in federal cases."

Martin's Other high-profile professional athlete clients have included former NBA players Jayson Williams and Rod Strickland, current NBA stars Allen Iverson and Juwan Howard and boxer Riddick Bowe.