FILE: AMERICAN FOOTBALL -NFL quarterback Michael Vick admits guilt in dogfighting case

NFL quarterback Michael Vick enters a plea bargain admitting to conspiracy in a dogfighting ring, but denies betting on the fights themselves, only bankrolling them. The NFL in response bans Vick indefinitely without pay. Atlanta Falcons' quarterback Michael Vick admitted guilt on Friday (August 24) in a dogfighting case that threatens the career of one of the brightest stars in U.S. football. Vick, 27, admitted in a plea agreement he took part in an illegal, interstate dogfighting enterprise known as "Bad Newz Kennels" from 2001 through April 2007. In documents filed in U.S. District Court in Richmond, Virginia, Vick said he knew that dogs that did not perform well were killed. The National Football League player said the fights involved gambling although he did not personally place bets. Illegal gambling can end an NFL player's career and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has cracked down on players in trouble with the law. Goodell and the NFL announced that Vick would be banned indefinitely without pay. The strong-armed quarterback and breakaway runner who made millions in salary and endorsements had already been barred from the upcoming season by the league. The documents, signed by Vick, his lawyers and U.S. prosecutors, say that "Vick did not gamble by placing side bets on any of the fights. Vick did not receive any of the proceeds from the purses that were won by "Bad Newz Kennels," The documents adds that of the "Bad Newz Kennels" operation and gambling money was provided by Vick. Vick said he bought property in Virginia to serve as the main staging area for housing and training pit bulls that took part in the dogfighting venture. He also travelled with his partners out of the state for dogfights. Dogfighting, in which two dogs bred to fight are placed in a pit to attack each other for spectators' entertainment and gambling, is illegal in the United States. The Humane Society of the United States estimates 250,000 dogs are victimized in dogfights each year. Vick faces a maximum of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release. If he cooperates, he will likely be given a shorter prison sentence that many expect to be between 12 and 18 months. Vick will formally plead guilty in court on Monday (August 27). U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson is not bound to accept the deal and will decide the sentence. Under the plea deal, Vick agreed to cooperate with the government and testify if necessary in future court proceedings. Prosecutors charged that dogs sometimes fought to the death and that some underperforming animals had been shot, drowned, hanged, electrocuted or killed by being slammed to the ground. Vick said he knew that underperforming dogs were killed from 2002 to 2007, including as many as eight dogs in 2007. "All of those dogs were killed by various methods, including hanging and drowning," the documents said. While Vick did not explicitly admit having killed any of the dogs himself, he did said "these dogs all died as a result of the collective efforts" of him and his partners. A federal grand jury indicted Vick on July 17. He originally pleaded not guilty, then negotiated a plea deal after associates agreed to cooperate with prosecutors under their own deals. Vick signed a 10-year, $130 million contract with the Falcons in 2004. Beyond any jail time he may serve, he is likely to face further punishment from Goodell. The NFL, which starts its season in September, banned the three-time Pro Bowl, or all-star, selection from training camp after the indictment, effectively barring him from playing this season. Vick told Goodell in a face-to-face meeting in the spring he had nothing to do with the dogfighting allegations. The top pick in the 2001 NFL draft out of Virginia Tech, Vick has made more than $61 million in his six NFL seasons. He lost major endorsements following his indictment. Nike suspended the release of a new Michael Vick shoe that had been set to hit stores this month and Reebok stopped selling his jerseys. Vick has also been heavily criticized in the media and by animal rights groups for involvement in dogfighting.

ITN Source | August 25, 2007

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