Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

Associated Press, Updated 29 minutes ago

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Michael Vick pleaded guilty Monday to a federal dogfighting charge and awaited a Dec. 10 sentencing date that could send the NFL star to prison.

The quarterback arrived at the federal courthouse in a sport utility vehicle Monday and walked into court flanked by his attorneys. His supporters erupted in a roaring cheer drowning out his opponents, silently holding signs.
The plea by the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback was accepted by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, who asked: "Are you entering the plea of guilty to a conspiracy charge because you are in fact guilty?"

Vick replied, "Yes, sir."

Hudson emphasized he is not bound by sentencing guidelines and can impose the maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.

"You're taking your chances here. You'll have to live with whatever decision I make," Hudson.

In his written plea filed in federal court Friday, Vick admitted helping kill six to eight pit bulls and supplying money for gambling on the fights. He said he did not personally place any bets or share in any winnings.

The NFL suspended him indefinitely and without pay Friday after his plea agreement was filed. Merely associating with gamblers can trigger a lifetime ban under the league's personal conduct policy.

The case began in late April when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided the former Virginia Tech star's rural Surry County property and seized dozens of dogs, some injured, and equipment commonly used in dogfighting.

A federal indictment issued in July charged Vick, Purnell Peace of Virginia Beach, Quanis Phillips of Atlanta and Tony Taylor of Hampton with an interstate dogfighting conspiracy. Vick initially denied any involvement, and all four men pleaded innocent. Taylor was the first to change his plea to guilty; Phillips and Peace soon followed.

The details outlined in the indictment and other court papers fueled a public backlash against Vick and cost him several lucrative endorsement deals, even before he agreed to plead guilty.

In announcing the suspension, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell opened the way for the Falcons to attempt to recover $22 million of Vick's signing bonus from the 10-year, $130 million contract he signed in 2004.

Vick's plea came just hours before the Falcons play an exhibition game at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. This will be the first chance for the team to see what effect Vick's case has on attendance at the Georgia Dome. Vick wears the biggest-selling jersey in team history and is given much credit for the team's 51 consecutive sellouts.

After initially denying his involvement, Vick has said little publicly about the case. Privately, he met with Goodell and Falcons owner Arthur Blank when the investigation was just beginning, and almost certainly lied to both.

Vick's defense attorney, Billy Martin, has said Vick will "explain his actions" publicly, but did not say when. The "Tom Joyner Morning Show," a syndicated program based in Dallas, said it will have a live interview with Vick on Tuesday, and he will take questions from callers.

Re: Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

He has supporters

Re: Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

Scary isn't it?!

Re: Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

Re: Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

Re: Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

Posted by june262004

He has supporters

Re: Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

Posted by Gertyrae

Posted by june262004

He has supporters

Stephan Marbury came out last week and said there is nothing wrong with dogfighting and that it is a sport.

Re: Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

Posted by Gertyrae

Posted by june262004

He has supporters

Stephan Marbury came out last week and said there is nothing wrong with dogfighting and that it is a sport.

Re: Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

After seeing my dog get mauled last night I have nothing but contempt for people that condone and promote such behavior. Dogs that are properly trained can be loving and wonderful animals and it's a shame that people can train them to be vicious and horrible creatures and then murder them for not "performing". I hope he rots.

Message edited 8/27/2007 10:45:23 PM.

Re: Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

Posted by JennZ

Posted by Gertyrae

Posted by june262004

He has supporters

Stephan Marbury came out last week and said there is nothing wrong with dogfighting and that it is a sport.

Yes and then took it back saying that we (the public) misunderstood his comments. Yeah ok. I saw this thing on underground dogfights on real sports and OMG. I had to keep covering my eyes. I have no pets and like them enough to hope that this POS Vick gets the full term sentence.

Re: Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

Re: Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

I could never see a doggie get hurt! He deserves to be punished for being involved in this!

Re: Michael Vick makes guilty plea official

Posted by june262004

Posted by Carolyn

After seeing my dog get mauled last night I have nothing but contempt for people that condone and promote such behavior. Dogs that are properly trained can be loving and wonderful animals and it's a shame that people can train them to be vicious and horrible creatures and then murder them for not "performing". I hope he rots.

Oh god im sorry to hear about your dog