FILE: AMERICAN FOOTBALL - NFL quarterback Michael Vick to face dogfighting trial in April

Jailed Atlanta Falcons' quarterback Michael Vick will face trial on two state felony dogfighting charges in April. Jailed Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is scheduled to appear in front of court on April 2 on two state felony dogfighting charges, a judge ruled on Tuesday (November 27). Vick, one of the brightest stars in U.S. football, admitted to conspiracy in a dogfighting ring on August 24, but denied betting on the fights themselves, only bankrolling them. The NFL in response banned Vick indefinitely without pay. 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. He began serving time for a federal dogfighting conspiracy conviction on November 19 and faces a maximum of five years in prison when he is sentenced on December 10 in the federal case. 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 documents, signed by Vick, his lawyers and U.S. prosecutors, said 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 added 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 victimised in dogfights each year. Vick signed a 10-year, $130 million contract with the Falcons in 2004. 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.

ITN Source | November 28, 2007

Tags:. .staging. .won. .serving. .serve. .federal