Monday, August 20, 2007

Michael Vick to plead guilty to dog fighting charges


Michael Vick, the quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons NFL football team, is being prosecuted for federal dogfighting conspiracy charges that can lead to a possible prison term. Vick's lawyer said today that Vick will plead guilty to the charges.


A prison term will place the Atlanta Falcons quarterback's career in jeopardy, if it already isn't. The offense he is being accused of is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.


Lead defense attorney Billy Martin said Vick has reached an agreement with federal prosecutors after consulting with his family over the weekend and 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 also said in a statement, "Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter."


NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has disallowed Vick from participating in the Falcons' training camp. Further action by the NFL is currently being withheld while the league conducts its own investigation.


The charges against Vick became federal conspiracy charges when Vick decided to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.


The plea bargain came while a grand jury met in private regarding his case. A grand jury could bring up additional charges and the timing of Vick's plea may have been designed so that he would not have to face the new charges in addition to the current charges.


Three of Michael Vick's original co-defendants already have pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against him if the case went to trial.


The gambling allegations alone could trigger a lifetime ban under the NFL's personal conduct policy.

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