Michael Vick To Plead Guilty

Star NFL Quarterback Faces Possible Prison Time And End Of Playing Career

(CBS/AP)  Michael Vick's lawyer said Monday the NFL star will plead guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges, putting the Atlanta Falcons quarterback's career in jeopardy and leaving him subject to a possible prison term.

The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although federal sentencing guidelines most likely would call for less. Vick's plea hearing is Aug. 27.

Lead defense attorney Billy Martin said Vick reached an agreement with federal prosecutors after consulting with his family over the weekend.

"Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made," Martin said in a statement. "Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter."

Martin later told The Associated Press he could not divulge any specifics of the plea agreement or how much time Vick can expect to serve in prison.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has barred Vick from the Falcons' training camp but has withheld further action while the league conducts its own investigation.

"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 league said in a statement. The NFL added that it has asked the Falcons "to continue to refrain from taking action pending a decision by the commissioner."

Martin said salvaging Vick's NFL career was never part of the discussions.

"Football is not the most important thing in Michael Vick's life," he said. "He wants to get his life back on track."

Vick is charged with conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. He had pleaded not guilty last month and vowed to clear his name at a November trial.

Martin's announcement came as a grand jury that could add new charges met in private. Prosecutors had said that a superseding indictment was in the works, but Vick's plea most likely means he will not face additional charges.

"I don't blame prosecutors for taking the deal," said CBS News legal analyst Andrew Cohen. "They get to avoid the cost of a long-trial, they get swift sentences for Vick and all the other defendants and they get to focus their energies on other investigations. For the feds, it's a win-win—they held all the cards and played their hand well and this is complete surrender by Vick and the others."

U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson said Vick is not scheduled to visit the courthouse before his hearing next week.

Three of Vick's original co-defendants already have pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against him if the case went to trial. Quanis Phillips of Atlanta and Purnell Peace of Virginia Beach signed statements saying the 27-year-old quarterback participated in executing at least eight underperforming dogs by various means, including drowning and hanging.

In a telephone interview with the AP, Martin said Vick is paying a high price for allowing old friends to influence his behavior, but he emphasized that his client takes full responsibility.

"There were some judgment issues in terms of people he was associating with," Martin said. "He realized this is very serious, and he decided to plead so he can begin the healing process."

Phillips, Peace and Tony Taylor, who pleaded guilty last month, also said Vick provided virtually all of the gambling and operating funds for his "Bad Newz Kennels" operation in rural Virginia, not far from Vick's hometown of Newport News.

Gambling is taboo for NFL players, reports CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann. Players caught betting potentially face a lifetime ban.

"Vick almost certainly will spend some time in prison—a year or so is my guess—and I would not be surprised if there also are stringent probation requirements, including even some sort of home detention like Martha Stewart had," Cohen said. "And of course all the while Vick's career on and off the field is pretty much on hold."

Vick's Atlanta attorney, Daniel Meachum, told the AP that Vick is taking a chance with his guilty plea as far as his career is concerned because there have been no discussions with the league in recent days.

"There's no promise or even a request of the league to make a promise," Meachum said.

Meachum said the plea deal involves only the federal case. He said he doesn't know if there have been any discussions about resolving Virginia state charges that may be brought against Vick.

The case began April 25 when investigators conducting a drug search at a massive home Vick built in Surry County found 66 dogs, some of them injured, and items typically used in dogfighting. They included a "rape stand" that holds aggressive dogs in place for mating and a "breakstick" used to pry open a dog's mouth.

Vick contended he knew nothing about a dogfighting operation at the home, where one of his cousins lived, and said he rarely visited. The former Virginia Tech star also blamed friends and family members for taking advantage of his generosity and pledged to be more scrupulous.

The July 17 indictment said dogs that lost fights or fared poorly in test fights were sometimes executed by hanging, electrocution or other brutal means. The grisly details fueled public protests against Vick and cost him some of his lucrative endorsement deals.

About a dozen bright red Vick jerseys have been donated — often accompanied by financial contributions — to the Atlanta Humane Society since he was indicted last month. The shelter uses them for dog blankets, and to clean up after the animals.

"Kind of appropriate," said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States.

[sgtrds]

Burn baby, burn! If it''s proven that he was into dog fighting as much as it would seem, then he deserves the max penalty for it. At least 5 years in prison and most of his money to the ASPCA or the Humane Society. People who fight dogs are sociopaths. They have no conscious or feelings for other living things and are a danger to society.

[stevex47]

Maximum penalty?

He figure''s since george bush can do it, so can he.

[trumpthumper]

Uh-ohhh, this is almost the perfect justice. Mr. Vick may end up spending some time in the pen...and will probably end up in a fight or two when they allow him to go out to the yard. Kinda ironic, huh?? ARF-ARF Mikey!!!

[pretko]

Whatever you think of George Bush, there''s no evidence he ever had anything to do with dog fighting. If Vick is guilty, he should get the maximum sentence AND fine AND be banned from the NFL for life.

[leslieriddle114]

Vick should go to jail, just as any other ordinary U.S. citizen would. If this was Joe Blow down the road, this would be a sealed and shut case...this is what happens what you have too much money, and people know you. This is just a primse example that the famous are not angels...they still screw up and have sick twisted minds like the rest of the US. The evidence and the cohorts speak loudly. Vick needs to get over it, and quit whining about jail time....he deserves jail time, and a huge fine...what he did was wrong, and I thought we lived in a country where you got punished when you did something wrong?!?!?! He is NOTHING special....throw him in the hole!

[lindu813]

This, and I question the term "human being" hanged, electrocuted and drowned dogs which have no ability to fight back. They were murdered by this pathethic creature name Vick. I will never watch him play sports of any type and Atlanta.......ARE U THAT DESPERATE FOR A FOOTBALL PLAYER? No one in the world should be that desperate. You call him talented...............I call him someone that needs help DESPERATELY. And his "friends" really bailed him out. LOL

[macusweil]

Bad Newz Michael~ your NFL career is over and you''re doing time in the pen. Hope they treat you better than you treated those poor dog in prison!!

[jdubs63]

If he is negotiating, then he is guilty...

[ehshome]

Yep, when he gets to the pen, I hope they do him doggie style -- a lot.

[provocative1]

It seems as though most of you Vick haters have lost your collective minds. You are talking about the most severe punishment for a human being, for the death of animals. It wasn''t that long ago when everyone wanted to rid the world of Pit Bulls, now they are receiving more compassion than humans. I have not heared of one of you animal lovers reaching out to adopt the dogs that were saved. Where is the outrage for the preachers wife that spent less than 6 Months (not years) in jail for "murdering" her sleeping husband (a human being). Please don''t tell me that the Vick issue in not a racial one because you would be kidding yourself.

[susanhelit]

The preachers wife case was a travesty of justice, where a defense of spousal abuse managed to fool a jury, and there''s plenty of outrage about it. And, yes, I''d like to rid the world of pit bulls. That doesn''t mean I''d like to see them tortured to death! There''s no way anyone doesn''t see that, unless they''re blind! All the difference in the world between sterilizing pit bulls so there are no more, painlessly putting them down if they are vicious, and raising pit bulls trained to fight, slash each other to pieces, and torturing and killing the losers!


Were Vick white - somehow I think you''d see that - but you just want to be provacative.

[candy-apple]

Please don''''t tell me that the Vick issue in not a racial one because you would be kidding yourself.
Posted by provocative1 at 01:58 PM : Aug 20, 2007

It''s not about race, it''s about equality in the justice system. If this were Joe Blow off the streets no one would be questioning his innonence or guilt. Everyone would be ready to see him hung in the streets. It''s time for the "Justice System" to quit treating celebs different from the rest of society. Just because you have money and name recognition doesn''t mean that you should be allowed to get away with crimes. The common folk of this country are getting tired of the bull****. It''s time for us to stand up and say enough is enough, and if Vick is the example so be it. I could care less what color he is. This type of behavior is reprehensible, as is the preacher''s wife (6 months is not long enough for "Murdering" someone as they slept), that''s another story. When I checked, this comment page was about Michael Vick.

[richnj1]

The issue isn''t animals vs. humans, it''s the idea that he would commit such vicious acts of cruelty against ANY sentient creature. Dog or human, it can feel pain, it can feel terror, and someone who would inflict such pain and torture is deranged and deserves the harshest punishment allowed by law.

[infidel_us]

Mr. "I''m innocent" will cop a plea! He''s in WAY over his head. He''s a liar and a disgrace to humanity.

[ekucrew]

Vick just copped to a plea deal.

What a idiot! Great talent with a career ahead of him...and he blows it!

No team will want him now..... he will be a PR pariah for years.

[lolobutler64]

I lovve when I see Americans in their rare, but true form: Judge and Jury. Everyone is talking about ordinary blow Joe. Well, we are aware that anywhere Smalltown, USA dogfights go on. So, why aren''t these people being targeted as well. I remember not too long ago when the media accused Jordan of gambling and having something perhaps to do with his father''s death. Wrong. Pete Rose did he ever go to jail? Don''t know. Well, Vick guilty or innocent is still by constitutional law guarnateed a fair trial. Until then, he is innocent until proven guilty. To all you Christians, church goers, and all moral Americans: "Let you without sin, cat the first stone."

[provocative1]

I just love how everyone is sidestepping the preachers wife issue. Candy Apple, did you post a comment discussing your outrage for the murder of a human being and subsequent short sentence? If this were about Joe Blow, we would not be discussing this issue at all. I too think that what Mr. Vick did is reprehensible, but I think the reaction has been blown way out of proportion. ESPN denounces Mr. Vick and then has the audacity to broadcast a hunting show where "innocent" animals are slaughtered with bows and arrows and high powered weapons. All I ask is that people that are "outraged" by animal cruelty, stop being hypocrites.

[candy-apple]

He has agreed to a guilty plea! He "Sincerely" apologizes, after swearing that he had no involvement at all, for any harm he may have caused in this matter. This is all that Goodell needs to ban him from football for life, and if he don''t he has no ***** and should resing as commissioner.

[mo005]

Please don''''t tell me that the Vick issue in not a racial one because you would be kidding yourself.
Posted by provocative1 at 01:58 PM : Aug 20, 2007:

I was waiting to here this one. I just love the way you people work you poor little race card on every thing that happins when a black person blows it. I my self don''t give a s-ht if it was Joe Montana, he was tortureing animals. This idiot had a great job that he was great at, but decided to spend all that money on something he new was illeagal. That to me makes him stupid, dumb, criminal, and a looser. Doesn''t matter what color he is HE F--KED UP. Then to top it off when caught he says" who me" Bull. They don''t need to fine or fire him he took care of his career, all by him self. Had nothing to do with race!!

[candy-apple]

provocative1,
Personally, I think the justice system in this country has gone to S***. When a person can use an excuse to get away with committing a crime it really pi**es me off. I was molested as a child but I don''t go around molesting children and use that as an excuse for my behavior. No, I don''t think that the preacher''s wife should have gotten away with doing only six months. The B**** should rot in jail. I believe that I stated my feelings on that matter last week when the story broke here on CBS. I spent two years working with battered spouses (men and women). You can only help people so much when they refuse to help themselves. If you can''t get out of that relationship for yourself, then at least think of your children. Oh wait, her children didn''t recall seeing their father abuse her! I don''t believe her story anymore than I believe Vick''s.

[mo005]

candy-apple: I agree with you on that. I saw last week were the kid I think it was shot the dad while he was beating the wife or the other way around. Anyways, I can see that as being justified. This chic that shot the preacher even if he did abuse her, she should have told someone, or went to the cops. Shooting the guy in the back while he sleeps is cold blooded murder, or so we thought.

[whatsup49]

vick needs to go to prison and pay the highest fine possible. and those who idolize vick and call him a star, you need to find a real hero to pay homage to - someone who has courage and class and humility, yet would give of his or her life to save the life of someone else - not some punk who gets his kicks by torturing, maiming and murdering animals.

Most of us "Vic Haters" hate the jerk because he''s a sociopath, a horribly cruel person. What makes you think that those of us that think this moron deserves huge fines, a lengthy jail term and the fullest prosecution that the law allows wouldn''t also be outraged at the "preachers wife" murder? excepting for the fact that the "Preacher" pretty much demoralized, physically and mentally abused the woman into a deranged state. That would be like condemning one of Vick''s dogs because they bit him...And as far as the race thing goes, dogfighting seems to be quite acceptable sport in Black communities as evidenced by the comments made by "Hollywood" Henderson recently....

[macusweil]

It''s time for the NFL to retire #7 .. no one wants to see this dog murdering fool back on the football field ever again.

[provocative1]

Why do you assume I am black because I said this was a racial issue? Wake up America, it still exists. Please feel free to read the thousands of blogs on the internet and then let me know if this is not racial. There is a difference between being a racist and a racialist.

[marcodele]

lolobutler64: Duh? He pled guilty. Why are you withholding judgment until the trial?

Also, there have been major dog fighting busts over the past two years due to an agressive ASPCA who is sick of dealing with the fallout.

A major bust in Louisiana last year led to the arrests and convictions of over 20 people; unfortunately over 56 pit bulls had to be euthanized.

So they aren''t just targeting black quarterbacks.
It only makes headlines when its a celebrity involved.

[nordeck52]

The justice system in this country IS completely screwed up. Just look at Hollywood, where the stars get preferential treatment, cough, Paris Hilton, cough.

I am impressed with Michael Vick though. He has done the honorable thing by admitting his guilt. That does nothing to excuse him from this awful, insidious crime, but at least it would seem that Vick has a head on his shoulders.

[dylanxxv]

I thought the piece of chit maggot looked forward to the day he cleared his good name of these false charges? Guess the maggot wasn''t so innocent huh? String his a$$ up on a tree, douse him with water and electrocute him just as he did the dogs...

[aerodog]

LOL!! A little bit of justice finally for the animal kingdom. I bet Vick was just as nervous in that courtroom as he is when he walks into a Petsmart store.

Does that mean he''s going to apologize to the dogs? I for one am upset that he was given a deal. They had him dead to rights and should have prosecuted him to the fullest extent of the law to make the most extreme example of him to the rest of the NFL, NBA and other "sports" that "Hollywood Henderson" in a recent interview stated were packed with "dogfight" enthusiasts. Now he''s going to "apologize", for what? getting caught, otherwise it would have been business as usual.....Coward, monster, torturer of innocent creatures, the worst example of a human being, sickening, pathetic jerk.

[lorinkundert]

Here we have a man with a multi-million dollar contract who would be set for life and he still couldn''t avoid breaking the law to make more by harming animals for his and his friends pleasure.

Good riddance!

[indigo137]

Apologize to those dogs.

[stargirl7-2009]

WOW. What a looser! Everyone was screaming, saying that he was innocent. I heard his lawyer''s interview on August 17th (3 days ago), he said: "I do not know about any plea deals...it''s news to us...we are not negotiating anything", only to confirm that today he accepted a plea deal, which means he is GUILTY. HAHA. How can someone kill an innocent animal.

Well, this is not the only thing he is guilty of. Apparently, just a year ago, Michale Vick reached a settlement with a woman that claimed that Vick knowingly gave her a little surprise, called HERPES....It sounds like this guy is just another loooooser!

[infidel_us]

You''re THE MAN now, DOG! LOL

[lorinkundert]

He didn''t plead guilty to do the right thing or because he felt guilty for hurting those animals, He did it to buy himself a reduced prison sentence.

[susanhelit]

5 years - if that - nowhere near enough! Come on now - you''ve got to be seriously sick to enjoy torturing and killing animals. That''s where serial killers start!

Too bad they let him plead out. He should have been tried, humiliated in public with all of his actions made public, convicted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law on all counts to run consecutively as a deterrent to the other dogfighting enthusiasts rampant in the NFL and the NBA according to "Hollywood Henderson" in a recent interview.

[cmp271]

Vick needs to be in prison. Anyone who harms a helpless animal should be in jail. This is clear evidence of an abusive man, I am surprised he hasn''t been in court for abuse against anyone. He is a disgrace to professional football. The NFL should denounce him and ban him from ever playing again.

Vick is an animal and maybe justice will be served, once he is behind bars.

[sgtrds]

He''ll probably get a year or so, which is far too little time, but what''s really galling is that his max fine will only be $250k. He should be fined at least $1 million and it should go to animal rescue.

[zuser-2009]

I agree with superchez - a year suspension from the NFL at the most......

This mistake should not ruin his career.

[pghlady3]

If just one person can prove he bet on one dog fight, (Mrs. Phollips and Peace have already stated that thousands of dollars was bet on each fight), just one, he will be banned from the NFL for LIFE. I hope they can, we were in the crowd the day he gave us the finger, there must have been 15 kids standing right there. Michael Vick, you are the worlds biggest IDIOT. What goes around comes around, and you are about to get yours pal.

[sittingout]

What is the percentage of US folks that really care about animals? 100%? 85%? 75% 50% or lower?

I willing to bet it is a low number; do we really care about this case? I don''t.

[zuser-2009]

so what pghlady ... I am giving you and the 15 kids the finger now....

His punishment was too harsh !!!

[gheemaster38]

It boils down to people then saying he is a role model for children which is the biggest pile of BS. Teach your own kids rules and morals and stop asking pro players to be role models.
Posted by superchez1 at 03:10 PM : Aug 20, 2007

Well said.. thank you for that superchez1.. I am my kids biggest roll model not some superficial, artificial person that could not give a *** about kids or morals.. From infant to adulthood my kids have looked up to my wife and myself as guidelines. Not Britney, Janet, Michael (all of them), Paris, and the list goes on.. It is up to parents to be their for the kids and be the role models and teach Morals.. Not the Michael Vicks of the World. That is why so many people are disappointed when a so called, "superstar" falls from grace...

[davegf]

superchez, I don''t give a **** about animals like you. Would love to see every animal on this planet like yourself get exactly what you give and wish on others.

As for Vick, if he doesn''t go to jail because of this stupiud plea deal, then I hope someone gets to him eventually, and also those who let him off with a slap on the wrist. If the idiots who are in charge of punishing him by legal means don''t do their *** jobs, then i hope someone punishes him the same way he hurt those dogs.

What''s wrong with "an eye for an eye"?

[navyretired2]

OH!! Where''s all the "leave the guy alone, he''s innocent until proven guilty" bandwagoneers now?

Owned.

[zuser-2009]

DaveGF, you are a hypocrite..... you are advocating violence against a human being..... you do not make any sense....

[davegf]

As for a s the role model nonsense, yea, athletes opr celebrities shouldn''t be automatically considered role models, but these people who say parents should be the true role models, well, most parents I see are morons. Just because you procreate doesn''t make you a *** role model. You''re still the idiot you were before you got drunk and pregnant/impregnated someone.

[jeffksr]

Any human being that is involved in the activities as published in the press and on the web, deserves a healthy dose of jail time. Simply because he is a high profile athlete should in no way allow him to escape his due punishment. The NFL should be put on notice by its fans that they will no longer tolerate the brutish, thug like attitude of its players

[jenniegirl-2009]

what choices did the dogs have? They are the innocent victims that are taught to be mean,kill, and fight for sick people who call this entertainment? And race is not a factor here. Just because micheal vick is black didn''t get him in trouble. Being stupid did!!! And that happens in any color!