Michael Vick Co-Defendant Pleads Guilty

Makes Deal With Federal Prosecutors; Atlanta QB Loses Another Endorsement Deal

(CBS/AP)  One of Michael Vick's co-defendants pleaded guilty Monday to federal dog-fighting conspiracy charges in a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Tony Taylor, 34, who will be sentenced Dec. 14, said he was not promised any specific sentence in return for his cooperation with the government.

Taylor, of Hampton, Va., entered his plea in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.

Vick, the star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, and two other co-defendants pleaded not guilty last week to similar charges.

The offenses carry a maximum punishment of five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.

Prosecutors claimed in a July 17 indictment that Taylor found the Surry County property that Vick purchased and used as the site of "Bad Newz Kennels," a dog-fighting enterprise. Taylor also allegedly helped purchase pit bulls and killed at least two dogs that fared poorly in test fights.

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Atlanta radio station V-103's exclusive interview with Vick

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According to the 18-page indictment, the dog-fighting ring executed underperforming dogs by drowning, hanging and other brutal means. It alleges that the fights offered purses as high as $26,000.

The grisly details outlined in the indictment have fueled protests and public outrage against Vick. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has banned Vick from the Falcons' training camp while the league investigates.

Vick and Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach, Va., and Quanis L. Phillips, 28, of Atlanta, are scheduled for trial Nov. 26. They remain free without bond.

Vick, meanwhile, lost another endorsement deal over the weekend. Upper Deck has removed all Michael Vick autographed memorabilia from its online store and will remove the indicted quarterback's trading card from NFL sets that are scheduled to be released in October.

The announcement by the San Diego County company came a day after Nike suspended its lucrative contract with Vick and Reebok took the unprecedented step of stopping sales of his No. 7 jersey. Another trading card company, Donruss, announced it was pulling Vick's likeness from any new packs.

"Of course we appreciate the fact that Mr. Vick is innocent until proven guilty, but the allegations alone have resulted in an outpouring of very strong emotion within our organization and among the collecting community," Kerri Stockholm, Upper Deck's director of marketing, said in a statement. "We believe collectors will agree and support this decision as being the best course of action for our football business."

Items pulled from the online store include autographed footballs, helmets, jerseys and the company's line of "Breaking Through" pieces. His card will be pulled beginning with the Ultimate Collection Football set.

A large crowd gathered outside the Georgia Dome Sunday afternoon to show their support for Vick, reports CBS Atlanta affiliate WGCL.

"The American Judicial system is innocent until proven guilty," said Selena Adkins.

"If he's not given a fair shot, I won't be a season ticket holder," said Roderick Green.

"I say give Michael a fair chance. They act like he's already been convicted," added Dewanna McGruder.

[robjk1-2009]

At least wait til the verdict before crucifying man. Haven't we learn anything from the Duke case??

[weisisobese]

ROBJK1 - Vick isn't being Nifong'd here ... you don't face federal charges without there being a *** good reason and/or plenty of evidence. These 2 cases aren't even remotely close ..

[carolrhill]

I feel that Vick should come forward and say what he knew or did not know but if he wants to hide behind not guilty let him do so.
I am not saying that he is guilty what I am saying he has to come forward about what he knew.
The other men came to their sences and said they were guilty now he has to come to his sences.
I know that his brother has a lot to anger inside of him is the way he got rid of his anger watching these animals kill each other or what?

[yory-2009]

I agree that we should reserve judgement until the trial is over.

On the other hand, if he is guilty and he doesn't stand up and admit it before a trial begins, and they find him guilty, he should be given the maximum penalty and never be able to play professional sports again. (Professional sports is a privilege).

Too bad he's even associated with this kind of act.

[robjk1-2009]

weisisobese


All charges are brought for what someone feels are good reasons. Point being, innocent til proven guilty, regardless if federal or state.

[beverly710]

Duke case and the Vick case is comparing apples to oranges. Duke case was a he said/she said..and Nifong took her side. This case has
hard evidence and is a federal case. Major difference. I love football, but some of the comments coming from some of the players makes me wonder what some of these hip hop mentality
players are doing representing the NFL.

[firebirdguns]

why dont we just make this stinking guy a hero or something his friend already pleaded guilty they found countless dead bodies on the property,and all fighting paraphneilia maybe he talked to O.J.simpson for a few tips on how to lie without really being caught.Everybody knows he did it but with enough money nothing ever really happened at all it was just all made up to make the poor guy look bad yah right.

[freckster]

Vick is no more going to come clean than Ray Lewis did regarding the murders of two people a few years back. Deny, deny, deny. There is no accept responsibility, take your punishment, feel and express remorse and move on to be a better person. In their minds the whole world is against them and they won't give in to an admission of guilt; they have this small victory to cling to. This is an observation of not only professional athletes and celebrities but our decaying society as a whole. Unfortunately, this feeds the decay of our youth by these "role models" and pseudo "heroes".

More tragically, this particular event characterized by this enterprise and behavior reflects badly on all black people. It reinforces extreme stereotypes that put black men on the level with animals. It instills greater fear in those who are already fearful. It is so bad it embraces the n-word. That is what is truly sad about all of this. It's not just the dogs that suffer but a whole race will pay a price for their exploitation of these animals.

[waynabq]

Bush and Cheney have legalized torture against human beings and yet there's no outrage because it's being done in secret. It's a pretty sick society we live in.

[BarrioRunr]

I say take him in the street and do to him what he did to the dogs he kiled or helped kill. Fair is fair.

[geezzerr11]

Let us give the man the benefit of the doubt until after the trial. Trial by media is not justice. If he is convicted then hit him where it really hurts, in the bank account. Disgraced and rich is a lot nicer than disgraced and poor. As to sending him to prison what is the point unless he pays for his own incarceration? .

[mkelza]

YAH, He's innocent thats why he used his Surry County property as the site of "Bad Newz Kennels.BUT the only dogs found were pits. Image that! but he didn't know that? because he is innOcent. He is a disgrace to man kind. Any one that can raise,train ,hurt or watch an innocent aminal for this kind of sport is a very sick person. He and all of his buddies should have to spend the rest of their lives taking care of aminal that have beeen abused

[aus10mag]

The dog is supposed to be mans best friend. Michael Vick owned the property the dog fight was on and if he is a celebrity worth millions he should have had a responsible house manager taking care of his property. He is guilty of that.

[swwils]

One of the roughest sports on the planet and everyone expects these guys that play it to be snot nose little preppies.They get to play in the NFL because of the talent that they have.I think that they do have a fan base that they should think about,and many are role models getting major bucks.The choice should be made,football jersey or prison jersey.

[tireslinger]

Innocent, until proven guilty...it's not looking good for this Vick idiot...I believe that someone used the word: punk? I couldn't agree more! After reading of all the endorsements/money, he's lost, I wonder if he's thinking that the few bucks he made doing something as scummy as dogfighting, was worth it. I hope that he gets all that is coming to him!!

[ko8522]

Why wasn't there this same level of outrage expressed when Kobe was charged with the violent crime of rape? Why are crimes against an animal more agreggeous than crimes against a human? I am not saying that what happened to the animals is acceptable, because it is not. But how many sponsorships and contracts did Kobe lose because of his reprehensable actions against a young impressionable girl who was smitten by his status, wealth and charm? She asked for it......right???

[ko8522]

Why wasn't there this same level of outrage expressed when Kobe was charged with the violent crime of rape? Why are crimes against an animal more agreggeous than crimes against a human? I am not saying that what happened to the animals is acceptable, because it is not. But how many sponsorships and contracts did Kobe lose because of his reprehensable actions against a young impressionable girl who was smitten by his status, wealth and charm? She asked for it......right???

[ko8522]

Why wasn't there this same level of outrage expressed when Kobe was charged with the violent crime of rape? Why are crimes against an animal more agreggeous than crimes against a human? I am not saying that what happened to the animals is acceptable, because it is not. But how many sponsorships did Kobe lose because of his reprehensable actions against a young girl who was smitten by his status, wealth and charm? She asked for it......right???

[ko8522]

Why wasn't there this same level of outrage when Kobe was charged with the violent crime of rape? Why are crimes against dogs more agreggeous than crimes against a human? I am not saying that what happened to the dogs is acceptable, because it is not. But how many sponsorships did Kobe lose because of his reprehensable actions against a young girl who was smitten by his status, wealth and charm? She asked for it......right???

[kcole219]

Michael Vick along with anyone else who participates in these cruel,horrific acts deserve nothing short of the death penalty.
Like the saying goes, "You can take the thug out of the hood but you can't take the hood out of the thug".
Burn in hell Vick and take your scumbag friends with you.

[macusweil]

If Vick is convicted / kicked out of the NFL, no worries, he's sure to find a job right away at the DOJ working for Gonzo.

[ko8522]

Why is this so much worse than Kobe's charges? Dogs or humans? Which has the most value? How many sponsors dropped Kobe as soon as the charges were filed? Was his jersey still on the shelves? Was he still allowed to play? Eveyone knows the answers to these questions. Kobe went on with his life without suffering so much as a small bump in the road.

[dgshiner]

I think cruelty to animals is very bad but also since when has an animal been equivalent to a Man?
Yes Mr. Vick should be punished for his participation in this but to strip him down like he is a murderer that is WRONG! Also dog is man's best friend but who started this? And the animal rights people are stepping way tooo far on this one.

[GRPDiver]

On his Sirrus radio show, Jamie Foxx said they are just dogs and that Vick is being targeted because he is black. Thank Sirrus for broadcasting that.

[vancouverboo]

Innocent until proven guilty doesn't make sense if the accused is SuperRich because they often get off even when they're guilty.

If you can afford the best liars in the business, oops, I mean lawyers, you will probably get off.

So you have to look at the evidence, look at the pocketbook of the accused, look at the legal staff and then decide whether guilty or innocent regardless of the court decision.

[brianp55]

What the hell does this have to do with Kobe? Vick was obviously involved in torturing and killing animals. It is a stand-alone crime and should be treated as such. Stop trying to diminish the magnitude of this crime by rationalizing it.....it won't work.

[bobnjersey]

[On his Sirrus radio show, Jamie Foxx said they are just dogs and that Vick is being targeted because he is black. ]
[Posted by grpdiver at 12:13 PM : Jul 30, 2007]

has anyone checked jamie's backyard?

[arnoldje]

Ok people- Kobe Bryant was not attacked right away because people make claims like rape, violence, etc all the time to famous people who have money. The difference with Vick is that they had evidence- bodies of dead dogs in his back yard, video, they pulled dogs off his property... and someone who can watch animals kill each other for entertainment and train them as inhumanely as he did deserve the same treatment as it if were a person or a child that they did that too. Animals do not have a voice- we have to step up and protect them from psychos like Vick as best we can.

[kailumego1]

Although I felt no sympathy for these Duke defendants or Kobe Bryant, neither were "angels", I didn't believe the alleged victims stories, and I think it's cases like these that take away from legitimate ones.


But, what does this have to do with someone viciously, savagely abusing animals and murdering them???


You mentioned a case, which is not indicative of a typical rape case, where women are unknowingly attacked, drugged, kidnapped, etc., then violated or brutally raped.


You have date rape, women being drugged then individually [ganged] rape, snatched from the streets held at gun point, in their homes, etc., why mention this case there's no comparison.


Don%u2019t further violate rape victims with this sniveling nonsense, this young woman certainly was no angel and stop portraying her as a starry eyed neophyte , being hypnotized by the %u201Cbig-bad-wolf%u201D--she knew exactly what she was doing, it should infuriate %u201Creal%u201D victims of rape who unknowingly were attacked, or drugged, kidnapped, violently brutalized, date rapped etc.


And this certainly has absolutely nothing to do with someone viciously brutalizing animals, which should repulse any rational, humane, and sane human being.

[eaglejbw]

Too bad, Mike, it was great while it lasted. Everybody knows that once a co-defendent rolls on the other guys on Federal charges, it's all over but the crying. You're still young and pretty, so be careful when you bend over to pick up the soap in prison.

[kailumego1]

ko8522,Re: Kobe Bryant

The Kobe Bryant case was similar to the Duke Scandal, he said she said, this young lady was not brutally raped and it was also brought out in court that Kobe Bryant was not the only man she had se[x] with during this time period, as a matter of fact according to DNA evidence she had relations with several men.


Jamie Foxx, is an AS[S] HOLE, and he should shut his trap before he is "boycotted".

[aldewitt-2009]

Come on now. Michael Vick was targeted because he was black? I bet you beleive that Michael Jackson and OJ Simpson were innocent too.

Every time some jackass with a heavy tan gets busted, the first cry is always racism. Hey, raciscm exists, it's ugly, and it should be dealt with. But it doesn't explain how someone with Vick's money could fund and find pleasure in the torture and death of dogs. Vick, if he is guilty, should go to jail and be stripped from the league. Not because he is black. Pete Rose was white, but Pete Rose brought disrepute on baseball and deserved everything he got. If Vick is found guilty, he should receive the same punishment.

[kailumego1]

dgshiner, I am one of those animal rights persons who's tired of "DOG FIGHTING RINGS", I've personally heard of dogs being stolen and used as bait for this crime.

I'm a dog owner, and if my dog had been stolen and used as bait, I would have wanted the individual[s] brought to justice and prosecuted, as a matter of fact I think more of my dog's
life than theirs.

To some people their dogs,cats, birds, etc. are like children, so don't undersimplify the issue.

What this type of behavior does it further degrade vunderable youth who look up to these individuals as role models.

I don't care what Jamie Foxx says, if he thinks this is O.K. then he is also part of the problem.

[mo005]

I think if this dude is convicted which it seems he already has. He should spend five years cleaning stalls in a dog pound somewhere. I kinda don't think its fair that they have( his sponsers) pulled him off the self already, that just kinda says hey your guilty to me so there. He may be guilty as sin, but they have to prove it first. I guess it all depends on his buddies rolling on him now. Bummer

[talkingham]

I agree that the Kobe case was a setup by the chick - I mean did the woman think she was showing up in his room after midnight to play video games or something?

However, this dog thng is quite different because it involves Vick's associates. It may be proven that he didn't know what was going on or he was somehow legally insulated fromt he activity, but right now it looks bad. The name of the kennels is a pretty good indicator of what wuz goin down.

[jetlizhan]

i hate it when someone says 'they're just dogs' -i could say the same about vick and foxx, oh they're just human beings, big deal. dogs are the greatest joy in the world, they ask for nothing but kindness, love and food. to H-E-L-L with anyone that abuses one.

[konabike]

This guy is sick and should spend time in prison!

[jackieb11]

I'm sorry, but when did this become a racial issue? How dare Jamie Foxx for saying this. So a black man can't take responsibily for his own actions, it's because he's black! Give me a break! How dare you make that excuse, and why is it always somebody else's fault for what they did? Sure, I guess it's easier to blame white people, because he did no wrong!

[dzfromsc]

How much more proof do you need than what was found?

He's guilty and anyone who does such cruel things to animals deserves to be in prison, not on the field.

[drummer94]

"HEY, HEY, HEY,---GOODBYE!!! NA, NA, NA, NA.....etc. Black, white, blue, purple, idiocy is just that, idiocy. Now Mike, what ya gonna do? You might still have a few bucks in your pocket, but dude, MAINTAIN!!!!!!!

[edwindark]

It's interesting the NAACP is now calling for restraint in condemning Vick claiming that everyone is innocent until proving guilty and should have his day in court; however, the same so-called civil rights group was ready to lynch three white men accused of raping a black woman and have yet to issue an apologize, along with the college's professors who lynch the three in a newspaper ad.

The media will not point out this hypocrisy. Shame, shame, shame.

[no1cares4u]

Forget jail time. If Vick is found guilty, he should be thrown into a cage of pit bulls - just like those he trained to fight, and then brutally killed if they didn't perform to his satisfaction.

[susanhelit]

We don't have to be idiots here. There's all the difference in the world between one person alleging a crime, and a federal investigation finally leading to an indictment, with tons of solid evidence. Seems pretty clear that Vick is a lousy thug who got his jollies by torturing and killing dogs. Sicko! Him and everyone who so much as attends these things (Jaime Fox...?).

They're talking like there may be other big names in entertainment involved - and I'm sure they'll all be charged to their involvement as well.


This is no white or black issue. It's simply a thug finally being caught.

[lindakhtx]

He should go to a "state/federal" (not a country club)mental hospital for evaluation, because when someone is cruel to animals most likely they are, or will be, cruel to humans. He should be instutionalize or in jail for a very long time. He should be looked at as a dangerous person, with a serious mental problem!

[susanhelit]

5 years is not enough, and I think he'll get worse - they've got him on some other crimes as well. But whatever you think of when you think of dog fights - it's probably not bad enough. They use kidnapped housepets to test if the dog is savage enough - put your nice black lab, and see if their pit will kill it. They torture the dogs to make them meaner. The fights are a vicious bit of carnage. Dogs that don't do well are killed - and apparently in this case, tortuously killed.

[MIpapaof4]

Why even play the race card? He's rich and athletic and also is black. What happened to Stearn is nothing compared to this and all the black SOB's jumped all over him. Now that the card has switched, oh help me. Black, white, hispanic, Italion,Roman, or what else, he's wrong and should just go to jail and think about all of this. Spoiled little black boy, again. Tired of hearing about how poor they all are and under privliged they are. Don't like it here, than just leave.

[trayfo34]

I only have one question the Dog Lovers of the World. Where were they when all the cases of little kids getting attacked by the same dogs. Or where were the dog lovers during the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham?

[bernieb14]

trayfo34

where were the dog lovers during the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham?

Awnser: Same place that Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton went during the Duke case.

[trayfo34]

This case proves what this country stands for. first you are definitely guilty until proven innocent. We care more about dogs than our own man kind. Now that Mike's sales are down everyone wants to pull the plug on him. That proves it all about the money. That sounds so familiar to me. Thats what this country was founded on (Money, Greed, and Dishonesty). You are the man until you can't generate the money anymore.

[susanhelit]

I'm no dog lover - and I think pit bulls should be sterilized and the breed allowed to die out naturally - they're just too dangerous - but that in no way means they should be tortured! Torturing an animal is a sign of a very sick mind, a very sick individual you have to be to enjoy watching anything suffer.