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| Michael Vick |
By Tim McGlone and Dave Forster
The Virginian-Pilot
Atlanta Falcons quarterback and Hampton Roads native Michael Vick will accept a plea deal and a likely prison sentence, avoiding additional federal charges related to a professional dogfighting operation.
Vick is scheduled to enter a guilty plea to the felony conspiracy charge at 10:30 a.m. Monday in U.S. District Court in Richmond.
“Mike’s accepting full responsibility,” longtime Vick attorney Lawrence Woodward said Monday, announcing the decision. “He’s going to do everything he can personally and professionally to make this situation right.”
Thomas B. Shuttleworth , another of Vick’s lawyers, said Vick finalized his plea agreement Friday, the same day two of his co-defendants entered guilty pleas in Richmond as part of deals that would have required them to testify against Vick at trial. Shuttleworth said Vick spent the weekend deciding whether to make an announcement, then let his attorneys release a statement Monday.
Video: Local residents react to Vick plea deal.
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Vick’s co-defendants signed statements that say Vick financ ed a pit-bull fighting operation for several years, provided money to bet on the group’s sponsored matches, and once joined in the execution of about eight dogs by way of drowning and hanging.
“Mike is truly remorseful for what happened,” Shuttleworth said. “He believes in the power of redemption.”
Added Billy Martin, another of Vick’s five attorneys: “Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter.”
With his plea deal, Vick, 27, is expected to avoid more serious charges related to a large dogfighting venture called Bad Newz Kennels that he is accused of almost entirely financ ing from 2001 to 2007 in Surry County. The deal, in its form last week, was expected to include a recommendation from prosecutors that Vick serve at least a year in prison, according to two sources familiar with the discussions .
The sentencing guidelines will likely call for 12 to 18 months of prison time, if he receives the same base offense level that prosecutors promised two of his co-defendants, said Barry Boss, a criminal defense attorney and former co-chairman of the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s Practitioners’ Advisory Group.
Sentencing guidelines are only advisory, however, and U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson will have the final say in Vick’s punishment.
In an unusual move Monday, Hudson announced Vick’s scheduled plea hearing from the bench, speaking to a courtroom of about 20 people, most of whom appeared to be reporters. Federal judges typically do not announce plea agreements. In most cases, including those of Vick’s co-defendants, prosecutors and defense attorneys reach an agreement, notify the court clerk and set a date for the defendant to enter a plea.
It is unclear how the plea deal will affect Vick’s football career. The NFL released a statement Monday that said the conduct outlined in the federal charge against Vick is “inconsistent” with what Vick had told league officials and his team.
“We totally condemn the conduct outlined in the charges, which is inconsistent with what Michael Vick previously told both our office and the Falcons,” the statement said. “We will conclude our own review under the league’s personal conduct policy as soon as possible. In the meantime, we have asked the Falcons to continue to refrain from taking action pending a decision by the commissioner.”
League Commissioner Roger Goodell said last week that the NFL was still working on its review of the case and was closely monitoring talks between Vick’s lawyers and prosecutors. He banned Vick from the Falcons’ training camp after the quarterback was indicted in July with his three co-defendants.
“We’re going to do what we always said we were going to do, which is rely on the facts,” Goodell said. “If there is some type of a plea agreement, then we will obviously take the time to understand what that plea is, and we’ll see how it fits into our personal conduct (policy).”
Players and coaches began reacting to a potential plea deal by Vick when the possibility surfaced last week.
“I, like all people who know and care about Michael Vick, was very disappointed and saddened by the news,” Frank Beamer, Vick’s coach at Virginia Tech, said Monday. “Although all the details are not known at this time, I am greatly concerned that Michael has put himself in this position.”
Other former coaches said the news was hard to believe.
“I think about him playing pitch and catch with my 6-year-old son at that time before practice,” said Tech offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring last week. “That stuff is the highlight of my son’s life. Now his heart is breaking.”
Redskins coach and team President Joe Gibbs, a friend of Falcons owner Arthur Blank, said last week that the case has been tough “for everybody in the NFL.”
“Michael Vick’s one of the premier players in the league, and no one wanted this to happen,” said Gibbs, who owned a small piece of the Falcons before he returned to the Redskins in 2004.
Redskins defensive back David Macklin, a close friend of Vick’s who played against him growing up in Newport News, said last week that the case has been hard on Vick.
“We’re keeping him in our prayers,” Macklin said. “It’s a situation he’s going to be able to get through. He’s going to overcome. We’re behind him 100 percent. I’ve been able to speak with him, and he’s realizing a lot of things right now. We’ll just see how it goes.”
The NFL’s recently toughened player conduct policy empowers Goodell to fine, suspend or impose a lifetime ban on players for criminal behavior. He’s levied harsh penalties on players for being arrested.
Goodell suspended Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones for the 2007 season after he was arrested five times since being drafted in 2005.
Goodell suspended Chris Henry of the Cincinnati Bengals for eight games this year after a 14-month span in which Henry was arrested four times and served a previous two-game suspension for his behavior.
Tank Johnson , who served time for violating probation related to a gun charge, was suspended for eight games this year. T he Chicago Bears released him in June after he was pulled over on suspicion of drunken driving.
Animal rights activists said Vick’s case drew enormous attention to the underground world of dogfighting.
“This case has opened America’s eyes and jolted its conscience,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. “The resolution of this federal case is no cause for celebration – many dogs suffered terribly, and a gifted athlete and his bright career have been perhaps irreparably damaged. The only good that can come from this case is that the American people dedicate themselves to the task of rooting out dogfighting in every infected area where it thrives.”
Vick may still face charges in state court in dogfighting or animal cruelty, though Shuttleworth said he hoped Vick’s guilty plea on the federal charge would negate the need for such action.
Surry County Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerald Poindexter said Monday that he plans to pursue local charges. The next Surry County grand jury, which must review charges on new defendants, meets Sept. 25.
“I intend to prosecute to the fullest extent anything I can prosecute him on in Surry County,” Poindexter said.
Vick’s sentencing date will be set at his plea hearing. His co-defendants are scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 30 and Dec. 14.
Vick; Quanis L. Phillips, 28; Purnell Peace, 35; and Tony Taylor, 34, are accused of starting a pit-bull fighting venture in early 2001, the spring Vick became the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft after his final season at Virginia Tech.
In May of that year, Taylor found a location in rural Surry County that looked suitable for housing and training dogs, and Vick bought the property, at 1915 Moonlight Road, in June, according to a summary of facts that Taylor signed for his plea deal, indicating that he agreed the information was accurate.
Peace joined the dogfighting operation later in 2001, and the men began buying dogs and puppies, Taylor’s summary said.
In 2002, according to the indictment, the group put a name to the outfit: Bad Newz Kennels. A source close to the case said prosecutors have a photograph of Vick and his co-defendants sporting the name on headbands and shirts.
The dog “testing” sessions began in summer 2002, followed by the first executions, Taylor’s summary said. All four defendants, Vick included, put some of their dogs through fights to determine which ones were good fighters, the summary said.
According to Taylor’s summary, Peace and Phillips, a childhood friend of Vick’s, each shot at least one dog after th e testing sessions. Taylor shot one and electrocuted another, according to his summary.
When the men fought their dogs in real matches, they placed bets with the competing dog’s owner, and the purses rose through the years, according to the indictment and the signed summaries from Peace, Phillips and Taylor. One of the earliest fights, in spring 2002, involved wagers of $500 with a dog owner from North Carolina. In March 2003, Peace and Vick sponsored a fight with bets of $13,000 per side, according to the indictment.
In April 2007, Vick, Peace and Phillips executed about eight dogs that performed poorly in another testing session, according to the fact summaries of Peace and Phillips. The summaries say Vick took part in the executions, done by hanging and drowning.
According to his co-defendants, Vick almost exclusively financ ed the operation and the gambling money. Peace, in his fact summary, said Vick paid him about $3,000 a month to be the dogs’ primary caretaker.
Staff writers Jim Ducibella, Linda McNatt, Kyle Tucker and Warren Fiske and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Tim McGlone, (757) 446-2343,
Dave Forster, (757) 222-5563,
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Liberals? Pit Bulls vs. Pets
This is not a liberal or conservative issue. The actions taken by Vick would be equally repugnant & reprehensible regardless of his social/political affiliation. What he did was wrong. Since he and his thug buddies take pleasure from the suffering of others, I say throw them all into a cage with the pit bulls and let them bet on which of their miserable lot will live to tell about it. It should be noted that in addition to the pit bulls trained to fight, dogs and cats - strays-and possibly those obtained "free to good home" were used to train them to fight and kill. So while some might argue that the pit bulls weren't "pets", the corpses of dogs & cats on the property are are proof that "Fluffy" and "Kitty" were also victims.
Great idea to rehab the dogs
I think it's a great idea to have Vick pay to house, feed, provide vet care and training for the 51 dogs that were seized at his house. They should have a second chance at a real life. Vick chose to get involved in this mess; the dogs didn't (and don't) have a say in their fate. Let his millions go toward supporting these animals.
Liberals?!
What is wrong with you? It's bad enough there are people stupid enough to say we're only against dogfighting because the people caught were black. Now you have to try to blame liberal? People upset with Vick and his pals come from all backgrounds and political views. He abused, tortured, and brutally murdered dogs. There is a reason we call them man's best friend and it doesn't entitle men to do horrible things to them! He thinks watching dogs kill each other is fun and he made money doing it. He is capable of heartless behavior most of us could never even dream of stooping to. I am not a liberal, and this has absolutely nothing to do with political views! It's a moral issue regarding crimes of evil men.
liberals
All of the liberals here getting upset with Vick killing dogs. What about partial birth abortions??
Vick should get a 5 year sentence, serve 1 year. He will return to the NFL as probably a backup quarterback in 2009. Play a couple of years, never be the same, then will never be heard of again.
What does Vick deserve?
His punishment should be the same that he inflicted on his
dogs, death by hanging, drowning, or electricution.
A Typical Story..
..of a young, talented black man, with the "thug" mentality carried with him to the NFL. Talent , money, power, adored by fans and especially the kids. Well..."ya can't fix stupid". He'll do a few years, find religion, preach about his "sinful ways", pay off a few more people and he'll be back in the NFL. I hope not! I'd rather see him turn into the "OJ" of his time. Lots of talent, money and no brains. Look at OJ-He can't do nothing can he? Going to be the same with Vick! What an idiot! Take the boy out of HR but you can't take the HR out of the man. See ya on down the line Thug Boy!!
VT is not to blame
To the person who says VT is to blame and uses Saban and Rodriguez as examples of coaches that teach character... a quick google search shows that LSU has had several players arrested during Saban's time there, and WVU just suspended two players for stealing laptops. What we have to remember is that many athletes come from far different backgrounds than any of you will ever understand. I am not justifying their actions, but merely stating that how someone is raised affects their character far more than a coach that they have for 3-4 seasons.
All these comments over dogs?
http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=128790&ran=37205
Where were your comments, public outcry, support or criticism when the killer of this little girl's rapist and murderer was set free? Everyone cares what Mike does and what happens to a gang of dogs but who cares when our children are raped and murdered? Where was PETA when this child's killer was given a plea deal? Let Mike and his lawyers deal with this crap and watch how America sits around and get the entertainment they crave. I'm amazed!
The Judge, Henry Hudson
I think that the Honorable Henry Hudson should be urged to give Michael Vick the stiffest penalty allowed by law. Michael Vick has no regard for life. In my opinion, if you can kill an animal, you can kill a person. And obviously, Michael Vick killed dogs in a most vicious way, with no humanity shown for the dogs in his care. If I can find a way to address the judge, in writing, I will do so. I also urge those of you who believe that dogfighting is cruel and vicious, to also write the judge, asking him to dispense the maximum sentence to Michael Vick. We need to, once and for all, stop dogfighting, and making Michael Vick the poster child for this cruel activity. Mankind is the cruelest animal on earth.
I like Charlie Weaver's idea!
This would be a great opportunity to study the effects of efforts to rehabilitate fighting dogs. Those of us who know Pit Bulls (not those who give in to negative media, but those who have actually raised and been around Pit Bulls) know what good dogs they can be. We also know that a dog that's been fought is not necessarily a danger to people. Human aggression and animal aggression are completely different. Since these dogs had such a wealthy abuser... I mean "owner", they should be receiving shelter and care (paid for by Mike Vick) for the rest of their natural lives. This could give trainers plenty of time working with them to see if fighting dogs can ever be safe around other animals again. Taxpayers off the hook and the dogs could live
Pray tell who are the experts?
As part of his plea deal, Vick will be debriefed by federal and state investigators. The level of his cooperation could take time off his prison term, the experts say.
Pray tell who are the experts?
PETA alreadyget's millions
PeTA already get's millions upon millions of dollars in donations from Hollywood actors and movie stars who want to pat themselves on the back-while PeTA continues their nutty path-harming the cause of animal welfare than they help. If you want to donate money to help, give it to your local, non-profit animal shelter or animal rescue group-they need your help. If Vick want's to show contrition and open his checkbook, there are certainly shelters in this area as well as Atlanta that need help.
In Hampton Roads, over 20,000 animals die each year and in Atlanta, that number os over 70,000. Vick could do a lot to lower those numbers-but will he?
Vick's admitted he did it!
What he has admitted to is despicable. I agree with those who say there are bigger and more pressing problems in the world. But that is irrelevant. If a serial killer kills 25 people, do we let everyone who killed only 1 person go? No we don't. Have we freed everyone who is incarcerated for drug possession because there's a war in Iraq and people are starving? No we haven't.
Vick will serve less time than if he had been caught distributing cocaine. I think everyone involved in dog fighting should get 5-10 years. Anyone wantonly killing a dog or other animal should get 10 minimum--if he lived in Washington he would get 10 years. He should consider himself fortunate. Most people who do time have their careers ruined, that's life!
Don't donate to HSUS!!
The HSUS does not operate any actual shelters that care for animals. If you feel compelled to make a donation, give to a local SPCA shelter or animal rescue organization instead. Charity Navigator can let you know who really uses donated funds for saving animals. And I am quite frankly disappointed at how many people are actually defending a so-called man who was capable of deriving pleasure from the abuse and killing of innocent animals. Just because he can play a sport or is of a certain ethnic background is no reason to defend the actions of someone who has such an utter lack of decency and humanity. Not a hero - not by a LONG shot!!
Where is the apology?
If Vick wants to take full responsiblilty then he sould be making a public apology, and not hiding behind the coat tails of his attorney. The only thing he's sorry about is getting caught. As for the dogs......for the rest of their natural lives they should live the life of luxury with complete care at the total expence of Micharel Vick. They should enjoy a fine home, a trainer, a chef, a personal Vet., cemetary plots and a chauffeur. A momument built by Vick in memory of all dogs that have died in such a sick way, naming Michael Vick as one of the killers would be a constant reminder of such a sad/sick man. Monthly trips to Disneyland isn't a bad idea either. I'm not trying to be funny, I just need to stop crying. It breaks my heart!
Bad All Around...
This whole story is very sad on various levels......its sad that he put himself in this position, its sad that his family/friends snitched on him, its sad that he lied to his fans about being involved and its even more sad to see alot of these critics(mainly white) throwing him under the bus.....Im black, 23, and i have friends that are in the streets.....not because they want to be, but because they have no choice or no voice.......with me saying that, i now say Michael Vick, you are a moron....you deserve to be punished by large fines, community service and a normal jail sentence.....however, all u bigots who are saying he needs to die, what about the dogs, blah blah blah......quit fooling yourself that isn't what ur rant is about....
Save Vick's Dogs
can't believe we're even thinking about euthanizing the 51 pit bulls taken from Michael Vick's home. Why can't he pay for their upkeep? They should be kept in luxury and used for reaserch on how to untrain fighting dogs with kindness and love. Save Vick's Dogs!
Send money to the Humane Society
Not PETA. They are a fringe organization who will take your donations and use them to harrass LoneStar, McDonalds, leather manufacturers, timber workers, and the Navy Sonar operators. I believe they are so vocal on the right side ( for once) of this discussion because it could possibly be profitable. If Vick donates millions to them to help his image, they win.
How Do you like Mike Now?
How does Michelal like him- self now? He's not the big shot that he thought he was! Well I am in hopes that the he get the max+ state charges. I know that he will probably get a slap on the wrist and face a max of 1 to 1 and a half years. I feel that he should get the max plus state charges as well. I hope that he faces alot of years in prison. I have no respect for the guy who was my favorite quarterback. Go Joey!!!
VT has nothing to do with it.
VT isn't the only program to turn out future criminals. Even Rich Rodriguez, whom you hypocritically cited, produced Adam "Pacman" Jones, who's been in at least as much trouble as Mike Vick. If you look at the percentages, you'll find that such bad apples are the exception, not the norm. The opportunities and advantages provided by college and professional sports are available to people from all walks of life, so you get all sorts, and some of them turn out bad. Sure, some programs are worse than others, but I don't think that the next state penitentiary needs to be built in Blacksburg.
PETA
People Euthanizing Tame Animals, in the back of a van then dumped in a NC trash bin.... Yeap, sounds like something I want to donate money to ;-)
Well...1 more comment can't hurt..
So I'll put my 2 pennies in. As I read some of the comments regarding this story, I thought if only this much uproar would come about every time a human's life is taken by another, maybe groups like Parents of Murdered Children etc wouldn't have to exist. Unfortunately for our society, killing other people has become almost 2nd nature these days. While I like dogs these animals were anything but the family pet and I think alot of ppl are viewing them this way, therefore the anger toward Vick. Pit Bulls are naturally aggressive animals which I'm sure can be trained to be the "family pet". These dogs never had that luxury. This time "fluffy" wasn't taken from a nice, loving home and forced to live in the seedy underworld of dog fighting.
Trying to turn bad into good...
In addition to jail time, Mr. Vick should have to witness approximately 60 of his dogs be euthanized (their inevitable fate). He should also be banned from the NFL. A multi-million dollar donation to a reputable, nationwide animal rights organization would be a nice gesture too. What a pity that such a blessed athlete had a hand in torturing defenseless animals. Why couldn't he just focus on football?
Don't Condone Dog fighting
What Mike Vick did was appalling and he will get punishment, but all the people talking about him getting killed is appalling as well, but I'm begaining to wonder is this is racially charged, we have a war oversees and we have people in our great governmemt that should go to jail for lying oh, I forgot won't make headlines
What will the NFL do now?
The NFL is running out of excuses to banish Vick forever. They continue to drag their feet by claiming that all the facts are not in. Personally, I don't believe Vick's career will suffer very much. He is a money maker for the NFL and they don't want to lose him. They will come up with some kind of rationale for keeping him. As for the fans? All you have to do is dangle a Super Bowl trophy in front of them and they will forgive anything.
Such a waste of talent
He hasn't disgraced our beloved VT, only himself; he supported thug family and friends, and it was drugs that got this ball rolling; in a few years, when all are released, Vick will still have his already-earned millions; where will the thug friends and family be? I hope he shuns them for life. I doubt another team will pick him up, as they don't want fans barking in the stands when the game is on the line.
Accept the plea, hide most of the facts.
Vick is already making the system work for himself. He finally takes the plea bargin. No brainer because he was definately going down for much more by not taking it. I believe he is not taking full responsibility for his actions because now we will never know his full implication in these crimes. Next phase after sentencing will be the lawsuits to get his job back because of any number of defense's. Bad childhood, lack of education, maybe bit by a dog sometime in the past, countless possibilies in todays legal system especially when you have the money for the best lawyers. Maybe we can get a "pool" started as to how many days will he actually serve. How's $10 a box sound? Or are office pools illegal?
Anyone would have done the same.
This guy pays millions of dollars to vulture lawyers who advise him what to do. So all the folks who are so blind and surprised that at first he said he was innocent and now says that he's guilty "Guess What" everyone thats what the high priced lawyers advised him to do. If you were facing a felony charge and had the money he does you would follow what your lawyers tell you to do thats what you pay them for. Blame them for the deception. Make sence! Hold on a minute too, I agree with the first commentor all the fuss over dogs but burn your child leave them home alone and a fire starts you may not see any time in jail. Drive druck or on a suspended licence another slap on the wrist until you kill someone. Dogs obviously rule.
PETA is not the answer !
Vick is guilty ! Let him do his time, and the punishment is fitting. He did wrong. All these people asking to make a donation to PETA... Come on !!! They are no better ! They would have euthanized every one of those dogs in the back of a dirty pick-up truck. PETA did not get Vick, Vick got Vick. Don't let these animal terrorists take the glory for bringing Vick to justice. They should be investigated as thourough as Vick was, And you will see some skeletons in their closets'.
Supporting Vick?
Yes, it is appalling that someone who abuses a child only gets a slap on the wrist, but that doesn't make Vick's actions any less despicable - or any less criminal. Support Vick if you wish, but come up with some better logic than that!