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NFL suspends Vick indefinitely
By Larry O'Dell
Associated Press
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RICHMOND, Va. -- The NFL indefinitely suspended Michael Vick without pay Friday just hours after he acknowledged in court papers that he did, indeed, bankroll gambling on dogfighting and helped kill some dogs not worthy of the pit.

Vick, however, insisted he placed no bets of his own nor took any winnings.

In disciplining Vick, commissioner Roger Goodell said Vick's admitted conduct was "not only illegal but also cruel and reprehensible" and regardless whether he personally placed bets, "your actions in funding the betting and your association with illegal gambling both violate the terms of your NFL player contract and expose you to corrupting influences in derogation of one of the most fundamental responsibilities of an NFL player."

A "summary of facts" signed by Vick was filed along with his written plea agreement on a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge. He will appear before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson to formally plead guilty Monday and then await sentencing at a later date.

The court documents and a statement by Vick's legal team seek to portray him as less involved in the dogfighting ring than three co-defendants who previously pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against the Atlanta Falcons quarterback.

"While Mr. Vick is not personally charged with or responsible for committing all of the acts alleged in the indictment, as with any conspiracy charge, he is taking full responsibility for his actions and the actions of the others involved," the defense team said in a written statement after the plea agreement was filed.

"Mr. Vick apologizes for his poor judgment in associating himself with those involved in dog fighting and realizes he should never have been involved in this conduct," the statement said.

Vick signed the plea agreement late Thursday.

"Most of the Bad Newz Kennels operation and gambling monies were provided by Vick," the summary of facts said, echoing language in plea agreements by the three co-defendants.

The statement said that when the kennel's dogs won, the gambling proceeds were generally shared by Vick's three co-defendants - Tony Taylor, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips.

"Vick did not gamble by placing side bets on any of the fights. Vick did not receive any of the proceeds of the purses that were won by Bad Newz Kennels," the summary said.

According to the statement, Vick also was involved with the others in killing six to eight dogs that did not perform well in testing sessions last April. The dogs were executed by drowning or hanging.

"Vick agrees and stipulates that these dogs all died as a result of the collective efforts" of Vick, Phillips and Peace, the statement said.

In the plea agreement, the government committed to recommending a sentence on the low end of the federal sentencing guideline range of a year to 18 months. However, the conspiracy charge is punishable by up to five years in prison, and the judge is not bound by any recommendation or by the guidelines.

Hudson has a reputation for imposing stiff sentences, according to lawyers who have appeared in his court. The judge will set a sentencing date at Monday's hearing.

"Our position has been that we are going to try to help Judge Hudson understand all the facts and Michael's role," Vick's defense attorney, Billy Martin, said in telephone interview. "Michael's role was different than others associated with this incident."

Martin said Vick will "speak to the public and explain his actions." Though he declined to say when and where, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, a syndicated program based in Dallas, said it will have a live interview with Vick on Tuesday.

The U.S. attorney's office, which has declined to comment on the case, said it would issue a statement after the hearing.

The case began in April when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided a Surry County property owned by Vick and found dozens of dogs, some injured, and equipment commonly used in dogfighting.

A federal indictment issued in July charged Vick, Peace, Phillips and Taylor 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, saying Vick financed the dogfighting ring's gambling and operations. Peace and Phillips soon followed, alleging that Vick joined them in killing dogs that did not measure up in test fights.

The sickening details outlined in the indictment and other court papers prompted a public backlash against Vick, who had been one of the NFL's most popular players.

As animal-rights groups mobilized against Vick and sponsors dropped him, Vick was barred from the Falcons training camp, but neither the NFL nor the team have taken further action.

Take a look
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick reacts on the sidelines in the final seconds of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, in this Oct. 10, 2004 file photo. The Lions won, 17-10. (AP Photo/Ric Feld)
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Reader comments on this story - 39 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

to to too fighting chance wrote on Aug 25, 2007 11:19 PM:

" in finality...I often favor animals over a great deal of humans. They are loyal, loving unconditionally, and they don't poop where they eat. Michael Vick, and you probably, have. "

to: fighting chance wrote on Aug 25, 2007 9:25 PM:

" ...the reason they are going to be euthanized is because they were tortured and treated so badly, that they can never be fully rehabilitated. I'd like for you to volunteer at the Humane Society, even for one day, just to see first-hand what humans will do to defenseless animals. The same offer goes to WOW! as well... "

WOW to Life is good wrote on Aug 25, 2007 8:53 PM:

" I am seeing the situation as it is. Everyone is worried about dogs and their treatment, when murders and drug dealers get less treatment and abuse for the terrible thing s they do. Vick made choices that has hurt him, if he loses everything over the treatment of dogs, then every abuse case, drug situation or law broke by a person in the NFL should call for them to kicked out of the league and hung and mistreated as vick. "

Dan from LeRoy wrote on Aug 25, 2007 6:38 PM:

" Goodbye Mr. Vick, you were about washed up anyway. It is a shame that a high profile person such as yourself could do such sick and twisted thing. What are you celebrities and atheletes thinking anyway?? "

Who's Michael Vick? wrote on Aug 25, 2007 5:31 PM:

" I've already put him in the use'sta-be book, with Ryan Leaf on the cover. "

BILLY BOB wrote on Aug 25, 2007 3:40 PM:

" The NFL needs to clean up its act and start holding players responsible for their actions. Thank you Roger Goodell for stepping up in the pocket and throwing a touchdown. It is a breath of fresh air to see a commissioner willing to ignor the self interest groups (NAACP) and take a stand for what is right instead of giving in to pressure and condoning the bad behavior of representatives of the NFL. Now the NBA , MLB, and NHL need to find the same integrity. American fans are tird of their sports teams being represented by thugs and criminals. Support the NFL and what it stands for. "

to too fighting chance wrote on Aug 25, 2007 3:07 PM:

" You just helped me make my point. You talk about the dogs being victims, as if they have the right of a man. And if agree that they are victims, why are they in your words being executed. Do we execute victims or try to reabilitate them, or retrain them if you will. After all dead is dead. And your last sentence says it all. You hope that I will be executed and if you had your way I would be tortured in the process. That would be alright in your opinion. I think that it is a terrible thing to torture animals, being a dog lover myself, and hope Mr. Vick is punished for his crime. But I think it's worse to torture humans. Apparently you disagree. I wish you the best. "

to fighting chance wrote on Aug 25, 2007 2:11 PM:

" the dogs have to be euthanized, via painless injection, because they were beaten and tortured to be so hostile as to not be able to be in a home again. They are just more victims of Mr. Vick as well. If you had a choice as to how you were to be executed do you choose being drowned or hung and pulled by the legs until your head comes off by four thugs OR being given a painless injection that puts you to sleep. If you come up for execution I hope I get to choose. "

Life is Good Re: to WOW wrote on Aug 25, 2007 1:52 PM:

" You are as sick as Vick for that comment. "

Amazed. wrote on Aug 25, 2007 1:00 PM:

" I read some of these comments and I am being totally amazed. People crying about so what if it was a dog, dogs..whether he gambled or didn't. Some one evan had to put in there what if it was a black man. Come on people! The long and short of it is HE BROKE THE LAW. Period. Not a misdemeanor. Not a moving violation. A FELONY!!It should not matter what type, what law he broke. He KNEW what he was doing now he is going to pay for it. And if he is so stupid to blow a golden ticket like that then let that be a lesson to him and any of the kids wanting to be like him, Move on to the next thing.... "

WOW! wrote on Aug 25, 2007 11:14 AM:

" I am not a dog but I do like pets. But you are all saying give this man life, kick him out of the NFL-- for dogfighting. They are more serious crimes to be worried about than the destruction of property. Yes, dogs are property, his and those involved. He should be fined , and suspeneded for season for funding the event. you all are acting as if the man killed people not destroyed property. "

fighting chance wrote on Aug 25, 2007 10:53 AM:

" Isn't it ironic that everyone is so concerned about the dogs, elevating then to the status of human beings. I do not condone dog fighting nor would I ever attend a fight. But I do find it ironic that the dogs that were siezed are too be killed albiet in a "humane" way. What is the difference they are still going to die. I am sure if you could talk to them they would prefer to have a fighting chance to live. I am human, and I know I would. "

Here's to Vick wrote on Aug 25, 2007 10:20 AM:

" Michael Vick is an idiot. A $130 million dollar contract given up to torture dogs. The only way I would like to see this scumbag play again is; every time he throws an interception, he gets watered down, electrocuted and slammed to the ground by thugs hired by a displeased team owner. "

The Running Man wrote on Aug 25, 2007 8:20 AM:

" So how about we just take Vick, Tank, OJ, and whoever else and let them continue to entertain us on a live game snow? "

Birdlegs wrote on Aug 25, 2007 6:35 AM:

" My heart goes out to all the children that thought Vick was a role model. I just hope the NFL starts working with their players to understand what character is all about. Too many players get caught up in their on web of bad habits, not realizing kids are watching. "

Jimmy the Greek wrote on Aug 24, 2007 11:40 PM:

" Important point is that Vick denied the gambling or having received any of the profits from gambling............That is the NFL code of conduct violation. Now the state must step in and file felony charges against him. Thus the "indefinite suspension". Could he be coming back after a few years? Very Possible. The spin doctors have 2 or 3 years to change the public opinion of Vick. Maybe not vendicate him but convince the public that he has repented and remorseful for his irreprehensable actions. Whats at stake? About 200million dollars over the next 15 or 20 years. Like a ambulance chasing lawyer the NAACP and many other organizations will "Help this poor soul repent" Look for him to find God in prison. "

Re: I love dogs wrote on Aug 24, 2007 11:35 PM:

" I won't need a second chance, and neither would anyone who actually does love dogs. You obviously don't if you're even remotely showing an ounce of support for this thug. "

NO SECOND CHANCE wrote on Aug 24, 2007 11:28 PM:

" Vick wasn't involved in just ONE dog fight or the death of ONE dog! He doesn't deserve a second chance. Anyone committing these types of brutal acts against animals have given up their right to be treated humanely or with any type of respect. "

FIRE HIM wrote on Aug 24, 2007 11:26 PM:

" FIRE HIM!! I hope that Virginia prosecutes him and he rots in jail. Anyone involved in this BLOOD SPORT should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Due a search, see what these people do to their dogs that lose :( "

I watched wrote on Aug 24, 2007 9:35 PM:

" a show on dog fighting last night. Very horrible. Vick had it made and chooses this kind of thing for jokes. WOW. "

What I like best.. wrote on Aug 24, 2007 8:06 PM:

" ..is that "he is taking full responsibility for his actions" by signing a plea agreement. Please..........also, there is no "explanation for his actions" either......unless you count that he's sorry for getting caught.... "

The Only wrote on Aug 24, 2007 7:34 PM:

" "The only person who should do life is President Bush. Now that a loser!" "

I hope wrote on Aug 24, 2007 7:33 PM:

" "I hope Michael Vick pulls his act together and stop hanging with the wrong people. This is what some of these professional players must learn. I hope he can rebound from this." "

to boy wrote on Aug 24, 2007 7:30 PM:

" "Your mom should do life for having you!" "

I love dogs wrote on Aug 24, 2007 7:29 PM:

" "But some of you need to get a life. Should spend the rest of his life in prison? You guys are so stupid. When you need a second chance in life, remember what you wrote on this sight!" "

whatever! wrote on Aug 24, 2007 6:49 PM:

" Yeah, you people place more emphasis on animals than humans. I wonder if the outcry would be the same if he killed a black man! "

Marcus Vick wrote on Aug 24, 2007 6:48 PM:

" "Who would have Marcus Vick would turn out to be the good brother" "

Want to see good athletes wrote on Aug 24, 2007 6:08 PM:

" Take notice of Drew Brees (Purdue) of the New Orleans Saints. Now this is how a professional athlete should conduct himself. He gives to his community and does positive things! All I heard during one pre season NFL game was Vick,Vick,Vick for at least thirty times. They should focus on the good ones and not the trash players. "

Indefinately? wrote on Aug 24, 2007 5:38 PM:

" Life! He should be suspended for life and put in prison for life. "

Hmmmm wrote on Aug 24, 2007 5:23 PM:

" Let me get this straight, he bankrolled it but did not reap the profits? Yeah right! "

can't believe this guy! wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:38 PM:

" He emphatically states he didn't . . . well, then he admits to it! Every time he is accused, he denies, then admits. He is truly worthless! Please, allow justice to prevail! If he gets to play football again and/or is back into the "big salaries", what does this show our youth? "

Boy... wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:24 PM:

" Mrs. Vick raised a couple of good sons...are there anymore we need to watch out for? "

NFL fan wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:27 PM:

" If the NFL does not step in here SOON and drop Vick then there is something very wrong here. (which doesn't surprise me) Granted Pac man is a thug and has a bad history but they bounced him before he had his day in court. Then his charges were dropped but the NFL still made him leave. I will give them a atta boy for that we need some good rol modles for our kids. BUT when they did that they set a precident so what's fair is fair. Sorr Michael Vick but you broke the Law in a major way...There is the door. If they let him back I believe Pac Man should sue. "

Let me get this straight wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:13 PM:

" So it's OK that he funded it, but just so long as he doesn't participate in any of the dirty work, he can get off the hook. I can't believe we are even having these conversations. "

This thug wrote on Aug 24, 2007 11:18 AM:

" desrerves to spend the rest of his pathetic life in prison! Preferably fighting other inmates convicted of similar charges for the gaurds profit through gambling and pleasure. "

Justice Served! wrote on Aug 24, 2007 11:15 AM:

" You gotta love our absolutely pathetic legal system! These stupid prosecutors will pat themselves on the back for getting a conviction. Vick will barely spend time in prison and be back to making millions in the NFL. Pathetic, just pathetic! "

12-Foot Midget wrote on Aug 24, 2007 9:57 AM:

" I can't believe that the NAACP publicly supports this clown. Oh, wait -- yes, I can. "

Britney, Nichole, Vick wrote on Aug 24, 2007 8:50 AM:

" It's sad that so many sports stars' lives go the way of trashy tabloid celebrities. I've heard enough of Britney Spears, Nichole Ritchie, and now Michael Vick to last me a lifetime. "

citizen jim wrote on Aug 24, 2007 8:28 AM:

" kick him out of the NFL and let him see where his bread and butter came from. Vick is a despicable human being. He is a disgrace for the African -American culture. No-way around it. People are just beginning to see the real Michael Vick and its not pretty. "
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