Judge Signals Vick Can Expect a Long Prison Stay

Vick. (Haraz N. Ghanbari / AP)

Michael Vick can't say he wasn't warned. The man with the little white dog did just that a few months ago when Vick stood before him and admitted that not only did he sponsor dog fights, but also killed some of the losers.

"You're taking your chances here," Judge Henry Hudson told him. "You'll have to live with whatever decision I make."

Vick won't have to wait long to find out what decision that is. A week from Monday he'll go before Hudson again and find out the price he will pay for crimes that horrified dog lovers everywhere.

Unfortunately for the disgraced quarterback, Hudson seems to be one of them.

"You may have thought this was sporting, but it was very callous and cruel," Hudson told one of Vick's co-defendants before sentencing him to 21 months in prison Friday.

Vick wasn't in the courtroom to see two friends sent away to prison. He's already in jail himself, nearing the end of his second week at the Northern Neck Regional Jail, where he enrolled just in time to catch the special Thanksgiving Day feast.

Vick was never going to get the maximum five-year sentence, because first-time offenders never do no matter how famous. But Hudson, a bichon frise owner, signaled he won't err on the side of leniency, sentencing Quanis Phillips and Purnell Peace to the upper end of federal sentencing recommendations.

Vick's attorneys did well in negotiating a proposed sentence of 12 to 18 months, with federal prosecutors agreeing to recommend the lower end. But the judge is not bound to accept that deal. With Vick already the poster child for animal abuse, you can expect he will be treated even harsher by the judge.

It's not just the prison time that will hurt Vick. The clock is also ticking on whatever chance he has of playing in the NFL again.

A few months could make a big difference for the 27-year-old's hopes. If he gets 18 months he could conceivably be out in time for the 2009 season, but a 24-month sentence would push a possible return date back another year.

Vick, meanwhile, has even more things to worry about as he ponders the reality of prison life. He faces a possible April 2 trial on similar charges brought in state court against he and his co-defendants, and his financial future is in the hands of another federal judge as he tries to hold onto nearly $20 million in bonuses that the Atlanta Falcons are trying to get back.

The good news is the dogs who once fought for him will now be enjoying the good life. Vick agreed earlier this week to demands from prosecutors to set aside $928,000 to care for the pit bulls seized from the dogfighting operation.

(Click here for more GPB coverage about Michael Vick)

Micheal Vick signs plea deal

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has signed a federal plea agreement on charges of illegal dog fighting and helping to kill dogs. On Monday, Michael Vick will enter a guilty plea in a federal court in Virginia on allegations that could land him in prison for up to five years.

The ten page plea agreement details charges dating back to 2001, when Vick and his former co-defendants, operated the Bad Newz Kennels. Authorities say Vick purchased the Virginia property for the sole purpose of raising and training pit bulls to fight.

News of how losing dogs were put to death prompted animal rights activists to call for Vick’s ouster from the NFL. However, a spokesperson for the NFL says it will wait till Monday to decide Vick’s future.

On the federal charges, Michael Vick will have to pay a fine of 250-thousand dollars, and is subject to three years supervised release following his jail term. Vick could still face state dog fighting charges in Virginia.

Vick surrenders early in dog fighting case

Suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has begun serving his sentence in a Virginia prison on federal dog fighting charges. Vick was scheduled to be sentenced on December 10th. However, an assistant to U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson of Richmond Virginia confirms Vick voluntarily surrendered himself to officials with the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Hudson signed the order allowing Vick to turn himself in earlier today. Four people have pleaded guilty in the case. Earlier this year, Vick acknowledged he was part of a dogfighting operation known as Bad Newz Kennels at his former property in Surry County, Va. In a plea agreement, Vick admitted the operation involved the "victimization and killing of pit bull dogs." Under federal sentencing guidelines, Michael Vick faces up to five months in prison, although Judge Hudson could impose a sentence below or above that range if he sees fit.

Former coach Dan Reeves on Vick case

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will make his first court appearance next week to answer to federal dog fighting charges. His first coach in the NFL spoke-out on the situation Vick is dealing with.

Dan Reeves in his storied career was a player and longtime head coach in the NFL. He was the Falcons' head coach when Vick entered the league as a rookie in 2001.

Reeves says the current problems Vick is facing, is another example of what he's seen through his coaching years.

"I've seen an awful lot of talented players that never really reach their potential or play the way they could, because they had issues they did, making poor decisions..that's the thing that Mike's done a very bad job of...he's made some poor decisions about the people he's associated with".

In other Vick developments, Nike has suspended the release of their latest shoe bearing Vick's name. Also, Falcons' owner Arthur Blank released a statement Thursday, saying the team is exploring its options concerning Vick.

Vick gets 23 months for dogfighting

Suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick today was sentenced to 23 months in prison for his bankroll and involvement in a dogfighting operation.

Vick could have received the maximum of five years behind bars from U.S District Court judge Henry Hudson. Federal sentencing guidelines recommended a term of 12-18 months. Last week, two of Vick’s co-defendants were sentenced to terms of 18 and 21 months respectively.

Vick appeared in Richmond-Virginia federal court dressed in a black and white prison jumpsuit. In the 90-minute hearing, he acknowledged using "poor judgement" and that he was willing to "deal with the consequences".

Vick in August admitted guilt to financing the dogfighting operation, and executing some dogs who didn’t perform up to expectations.

Vick’s legal troubles are not over. He and his three fellow co-defendants face state charges next year. Vick also is being sued by two banks for repayment of loans and lines of credit. His team, the Atlanta Falcons, is seeking repayment of bonus money from his 130-millioin dollar contract.

Petrino quits as Falcons' head coach

In a season of unprecedented adversity for the Atlanta Falcons, the team sustained another blow early Tuesday evening--its rookie head coach quit after 13 games. The team has confirmed Bobby Petrino resigned his post. Reports indicate that he will return to the college gridiron to coach the University of Arkansas.

The abrupt move by Petrino comes only a day after the team's once-star quarterback, Michael Vick, was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for his involvement in a dogfighting operation. Monday night, the Falcons lost for the 10th time in 13 games this season--a 34-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Petrino in January signed a 5-year, 24.5 million dollar contract to leave his college job at Louisville and coach the Falcons. Soon after, troubles out of his control began--mainly revolving around Vick. On January 17th airport officials in Miami seized a water bottle from Vick with a hidden compartment. Later tests revealed there was no illegal substance, with Vick cleared of wrongdoing. But in April an investigation of Vick's Virginia residence turned-up evidence of a dogfighting operation. Vick's major legal troubles grew from there, resulting in his prison sentence Monday. The absence of Vick and dark cloud over the team from off-the-field distractions has been a factor in the Falcons' dismal on-field performance.

Some Falcon players at different times this season have had vocal issues with how Petrino has handled the team.

Before Monday night's game, Petrino reportedly was asked by team owner Arthur Blank whether he intended to be with the Falcons in 2008. Petrino told Blank he definitely would return as coach. That changed late Tuesday afternoon.

The Falcons have called a 2pm Wednesday news conference to address their coaching situation.

Falcons' reaction to Vick plea deal

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said last Friday before the team’s second preseason game in Buffalo that he would act decisively once a resolution came-in concerning Michael Vick. However, he has been asked by the NFL to hold-off on any action, until the league makes its decision on their action. Blank did speak to the NFL Network yesterday after news came down that Vick would plead guilty next week:

"From a personal standpoint I think he's doing the right thing, and that's been my counsel to him quite some while ago and publicly as well to get this behind as quickly as he can and take responsibility for whatever he did".

There was reaction from a teammate of Vick's. Wide receiver Joe Horn joined the Falcons in the off-season, but has known Vick for longer. He spoke to ESPN Monday:

"Mike is a friend of mine, and he’s going through some stuff right now in his life. People make mistakes. Was it wrong to fight dogs?...I don’t agree with that at all, but I love Michael Vick as a friend, and I’m always going to be his friend. People go through things in life".

The Falcons will play their 1st home game of the year next Monday, a preseason game at the Georgia Dome. It will be the same day Vick enters his plea in Virginia federal court.

Vick court appearance set for July 26th

Falcons' quarterback Michael Vick is expected to make his first court appearance next week in Richmond-Virginia to answer to federal dogfighting charges. The day of Vick's appearance is July 26th, the same day his Falcons' teammates open training camp in Flowery Branch.

Vick along with three associates on Tuesday was indicted on federal charges of running a dog fighting ring. The 18-page indictment said Vick's property in Virginia was used as a main staging area for housing and training pit bulls, and hosting dog fights--losing dogs were often killed.

The indictment alleges that Vick and his co-defendants started the operation in 2001, which was Vick's rookie year in the NFL.

Falcons' owner Arthur Blank returned to team headquarters Wednesday morning from an out-of-country trip. The team had released a statement Tuesday night, saying it was "disturbed" by the news.

Paper: Virginia could seek Vick charges

Michael Vick could face additional state charges for dog fighting. Virginia’s Attorney General tells the Atlanta-Journal Constitution today he will prosecute Vick for allegedly running a dogfighting ring out of his Virginia property. Gerald Poindexter told the paper he could submit his case to a grand jury next month. Vick faces federal charges stemming from the dog fighting allegations. His lawyers are still negotiating with prosecutors on a plea deal, although it’s not certain Vick will accept it. Vick’s three co-defendants have pleaded guilty and one agreed to testify against Vick.

Endorsement fallout continues for Vick

There is another endorsement defection involving Michael Vick. 'Upper Deck' has taken all Vick-autographed memorabilia off its online store. Additionally, the Vick trading card will be taken out of NFL sets that are to be released in October. The indicted Falcons quarterback is facing federal dogfighting charges, with a trial set to start in late November.

On Sunday, about a hundred protestors gathered outside the Georgia Dome in support of Vick. They called on the public to withhold judgement, and criticized the media for convicting Vick before his trial.

This morning the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference are holding a news conference to talk about the Vick case and its racial implications.

Vick may be in plea talks

Attorneys for Falcons’ quarterback Michael Vick are reported to be in plea negotiations.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a source close to the talks indicates Vick might reach a deal with federal prosecutors before new federal dog fighting charges come down next week.

The remaining two of Vick’s three co-defendants in the case are set to enter guilty pleas later this week. 35-year-old Purnell Peace and 28-year-old Quanis Phillips have plea hearings scheduled for Thursday and Friday respectively. Another defendant, Tony Taylor, pleaded guilty to charges late last month.

The four are accused of running an interstate dog fighting operation on Vick’s property in Virginia.

Vick has been banned by the NFL from participating in preseason practice with the Falcons. The league is conducting its own investigation. It denied a report Monday saying it was ready to suspend Vick for the entire 2007 season.

Vick gets state trial date, dog care lessons

The state dog fighting trial against Michael Vick is scheduled to start November 27th in Virginia. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was charged last week in rural Surry County, where police say Vick has run a dog fighting enterprise since 2001. Vick has already pleaded guilty to federal charges. He has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL without pay.

Michael Vick also recently spent eight hours learning how to care for animals. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals spokesman Dan Shannon said Vick was attentive and inquisitive during a September 18 class on animal protection and empathy in Norfolk, Virginia. Vick was the only student. PETA wants the NFL to require the course, or one like it, for all players.

Michael Vick will plead guilty

Michael Vick's lawyer says NFL quarterback is ready to enter a guilty plea in connection with a dogfighting case. The attorney says Vick will plead guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges. It's a plea that could send him to prison, and jeopardize his football career. The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. But federal sentencing guidelines would probably call for less. All three of Vick's co-defendants had already reached plea deals. In a statement issued in Richmond, Virginia, the lawyer says the Atlanta Falcons quarterback has agreed to "accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made." He says Vick "wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter." Vick's plea hearing will be held on August 27th.

Here is a statement from the Atlanta Falcons management:

“We are certainly troubled with the news today concerning Michael Vick’s guilty plea to federal charges. It is our understanding that the terms of Michael's plea will not be available until next Monday, August 27. Additionally, Commissioner Goodell has asked us not to take any action until he has completed his own review of Michael's situation. Accordingly, we will have no further comment until that time."

Falcons Release Vick From Contract

Quarter back Michael Vick, already on suspension from the NFL, has been released from his contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Vick, just out of federal prison for running a dogfighting ring and still under house arrest, learned earlier today that his contract with the Falcons has been terminated. Vick last played for the Falcons in 2006. When he signed on in 2003, the player out of Virginia Tech received a $37 million contract. At its website, general manager Thomas Dimitroff wrote the Falcons spent "a considerable amount of time talking with other teams," however nothing materialized. Team officials informed Vick of his release by phone. No word yet from NFL officials on whether Vick will be allowed to return to the league. Now a free agent, Vick is free to sign with another team. NFL rules allow teams to sign a suspended player.

Vick speaks following guilty plea

Suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick entered his plea of guilty today in Virginia federal court. Afterward, he made his first public statement since accepting guilt in running a dogfighting operation.

Vick responded "Yes, sir" to judge Henry Hudson when asked whether he was entering a guilty plea to the charge of conspiracy against him. Hudson made clear he is not bound by sentencing guidelines, telling Vick "you're taking your chances here". The plea calls for a range of 12-18 months in prison, but Vick could get the maximum of 5 years.

Vick in his statement said because he was ashamed of himself, he was not honest with many people, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Falcons owner Arthur Blank

"I take full responsibility for my actions, not for one second would I sit right here and point the finger and try to blame anybody else for my actions or what I've done--dogfighting is a terrible thing and I do reject it"

Vick is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10th.

Falcons QB Vick a victim?

Officials with the NAACP say a deal between prosecutors and Michael Vick's co-defendants, points to a campaign to sack the Falcons quarterback.

Earlier this week, Vick's co-defendants pled guilty on federal dog fighting charges. That's because prosecutors offered them no other choice, says Rev. R.L. White of the Atlanta branch of the NAACP.

"You see, Michael Vick was a big fish. And, the game was, if we can get him, let's get him. If it takes us giving all these guys, almost a free ride, let's do it and then let that be what prompts them to turn state's evidence. That's the game that being played."

White acknowledges that it may have been Vick's behavior off the field that brought the $130 million dollar man to his knees. "His demeanor … his image with the doo rag on, and not being that particularly articulate, rubs some people wrong. And because of that … you don't fit our mold of [a] first class citizen, with American qualities, and that turns people off."

Vick is set to enter his plea in a Virginia courtroom early next week.

The NAACP called on the NFL and the public to give Vick a second chance.

5 Falcons Fined for Vick Messages

White. (NFLplayers.com)

Roddy White and four other Atlanta Falcons were fined by the NFL for violating uniform regulations with tributes to Michael Vick during last week's Monday night game.

Vick, Atlanta's suspended Pro Bowl quarterback, was sentenced to 23 months in prison on federal dogfighting charges the morning of Dec. 10. The Falcons played at home against New Orleans that night.

After scoring a touchdown, White displayed a "Free Mike Vick" T-shirt under his jersey.

He, along with tight end Alge Crumpler and cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall and Chris Houston, were fined $10,000 each. Crumpler, Hall and Houston all wore black eye strips with written tributes to Vick, which the league called "displaying an unauthorized personal message."

Wide receiver Joe Horn was fined $7,500 for pulling up White's jersey to show the black T-shirt with handwritten white lettering. The fines were confirmed Tuesday by NFL spokesman Randall Liu.

Hall also had a poster of Vick on the field during pre-game introductions.

The Falcons lost the game 34-14.

(The Associated Press)

Click here for more GPB News coverage about Vick and dogfighting.

Falcons' QB Vick indicted on dogfighting charges

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick faces up to six years behind bars for allegedly running a dogfighting ring.

A federal grand jury in Virginia indicted the 27-year-old Vick and three associates for fighting dogs for money and traveling over state lines to participate in dog fighting.

Authorities say starting in 2001, Vick's rookie year in the NFL, he and his co-defendants ran "Bad Newz Kennels" out of a Virginia property Vick owns.

They say people from Texas to New York came there for dog fights sometimes worth thousands of dollars.

According to the indictment, the fights would end with either one dog killing another, or the losing dog being electrocuted or shot to death.

The indictment also accuses Vick and the three other men of hanging, drowning or fatally beating dogs that they decided were not good fighters.

Vick, who lives in Atlanta, had said previously he had no idea the Virginia property was used in a criminal enterprise.

Vicks stands alone as co-defs plead guilty

Two of Michael Vick's co-defendants entered guilty pleas in Virginia federal court this morning. Vick now faces a decision in the dog fighting charges against him.

Twenty-eight year-old Quanis Phillips and 35-year-old Purnell Peace entered their pleas in U-S District Court. They pleaded guilty to their involvement in a dog fighting operation, and illegal gambling across state lines.

The two join a third co-defendant who entered a guilty plea in late July.

For Vick, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback now stands alone in facing charges. According to sources, federal prosecutors have told Vick that more serious charges are set to come down as part of a superseding indictment. Vick's lawyers have reportedly been working on a plea agreement for their client.

Michael Vick's trial is scheduled for November 26th. He's been banned by the NFL from participating with his Falcons' teammates in preparation for their season.

SCLC skirts Vick honor

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference won't recognize embattled Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick after all. Last week SCLC President Charles Steele said the group was discussing how Vick would be acknowledged at the annual meeting in Atlanta. However, Vick can’t travel outside of Virginia where he faces federal dog fighting charges. Today an SCLC spokesman said the group won’t honor Vick and that earlier remarks meant only that the SCLC supports Vick because everyone is innocent until proven guilty.