Marcus Vick, the younger brother of NFL star Michael Vick, was arrested by police who allege the former American college football star pulled a gun on three teenagers during an altercation in a restaurant parking lot.

Vick, 21, was charged with three misdemeanour counts of brandishing a firearm and released on $10,000 US bail.

Police said the parents of a 17-year-old boy reported a man pointed a weapon at their son and two others during an altercation Sunday night at a McDonald's in Suffolk, a southeastern Virginia city where Vick's mother lives.

Marcus Vick was charged Monday with three misdemeanour counts of brandishing a firearm. (AP Photo)

Vick surrendered to authorities Monday and, if convicted of all three counts, could be sentenced to up to three years in jail and a $7,500 US fine.

Earlier this month, the standout quarterback's turbulent and, at times, spectacular, four-year career at Virginia Tech came to an end when he was dismissed from the program for the "cumulative effect" of his legal woes and "unsportsmanlike conduct."

Replays showing Vick stomping on the left calf of Louisville All-American Elvis Dumervil during last week's Gator Bowl was the straw that broke the camel's back.

A Virginia Tech spokesman said university officials had no comment on Vick's arrest.

"At this point, I think the actions speak for themselves," Virginia Tech spokesman Larry Hincker told the Associated Press.

Vick was expelled the same day it was reported he had been ticketed for speeding and driving with a suspended license near his hometown of Newport News, Va.

In 2004, Vick was suspended from the team for the entire football season following a pair of brushes with the law.

Vick pleaded no contest to a misdemeanour count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor following a party at his apartment in January 2004 in which underage girls were provided alcohol.

Vick was later charged with reckless driving and possession of marijuana in a separate incident.

He was re-instated to the Hokies this past spring and put together a strong 2005 season as starting quarteback, throwing for 2.393 yards and 17 touchdowns. He added 380 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

He earned first-team All-ACC honours and led Virginia Tech to an 11-2 record and a victory in the Gator Bowl.

with files from Canadian Press