DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe

Isn't one of the witnesses an informant, though? IIRC, one of the informers has already testified against others that were convicted.

I believe one witness sold dog's to him.

CoachB,
From reading the indictment, those witnesses were guys who were into dogfighting. Also, they had to have been cut deals to talk because they were betting/fighting/attending fights themselves so depending on how credible those 4 are, and how they play in court will be interesting!!

Yes, this guy was involved in the dogfighting, but (again IIRC), he was part of a sting and was an informant. He has already testified and gotten convictions based (in part) on his testimony. I'll look around and see if I can find it.

Vick Pleads Not Guilty, Just like O.J. is Not Guilty.
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Michael Vick pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal dogfighting charges and was released without bond until a Nov. 26 trial. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback then apologized to his mother and asked that judgment be withheld.

Vick was jeered by a crowd as he went into court. He and three others entered their pleas in U.S. District Court to conspiracy charges involving competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting, and conducting the enterprise across state lines. Federal prosecutors say the operation known as Bad Newz Kennels was run on Vick's property in Surry County.

"I take these charges very seriously and look forward to clearing my good name," Vick said in a statement read outside court by Billy Martin, his lawyer.

"I respectfully ask all of you to hold your judgment until all of the facts are shown. Above all, I would like to say to my mom I'm sorry for what she has had to go through in this most trying of times. It has caused pain to my family and I apologize to my family."

Among the conditions set for all the defendants is that they surrender their passports, that they not travel outside their immediate area without court approval, and that they do not sell or possess any dog. In addition, Vick was ordered to surrender any animal breeder or kennel license.

The co-defendants made their pleas before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.

"He asserted in a loud and clear voice that he is not guilty of these allegations," Martin said.

"This is going to be a hard-fought trial."

Vick arrived at the courthouse at 3 p.m. in a black sport utility vehicle and was booed by a crowd of hundreds as he emerged. Wearing a dark suit and blue shirt, the quarterback looked straight ahead as he walked up the ramp to the courthouse. He did not respond to reporters.

The allegations detailed in a graphic, 18-page indictment sparked protests by animal rights groups at the headquarters of the NFL and the Falcons. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has barred Vick from training camp while the league investigates.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said the team wanted to suspend Vick for four games, the maximum penalty a team can assess a player, but the NFL asked him to wait. Instead, Blank has told the player to concentrate on his legal problems, not football.


Thursday, the Falcons opened their first camp under coach Bobby Petrino.

The case began April 25 when investigators conducting a drug search at the home found 66 dogs, including 55 pit bulls, and equipment typically used in dogfighting. They included a "rape stand" that holds aggressive dogs in place for mating and a "breakstick" used to pry open a dog's mouth.

Vick contended he knew nothing about a dogfighting operation at the home, where one of his cousins lived, and said he rarely visited. He has since declined comment, citing his lawyer's advice.

Attorney Lawrence Woodward, who has also represented Allen Iverson and Vick's younger brother, Marcus, has not returned several phone messages.

Charged along with Vick are Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach; Quanis L. Phillips, 28, of Atlanta; and Tony Taylor, 34, of Hampton. They all face up to six years in prison, $350,000 in fines and restitution if convicted.

Animal rights organizations have seized on the case as an opportunity to raise awareness of the largely underground and always gruesome world of dogfighting, where two dogs are trained to fight to the death sometimes for hours until the end.

Early Thursday, activists, supporters of the athlete and the media gathered outside the federal courthouse. Some members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals dressed in dog costumes and carried signs, including one with the image of a battered pit bull and the words "Dogfighting Victim." Some people brought their dogs.

According to the indictment filed July 17, dogs not killed in the fighting pit were often shot, hanged, drowned or, in one case, slammed to the ground. The document says Vick was consulted before one losing dog was wet down and electrocuted.
It alleges that the dogfighting operation began in 2001, not long after Vick parlayed a dazzling two-year run as the quarterback at Virginia Tech into being the first overall selection in the NFL draft. His first contract was for $62 million. In 2004, he signed a 10-year, $130 million deal, then the richest in league history.

The indictment says the fights offered purses as high as $26,000, and that Vick once paid $23,000 to the owner of two pit bulls that had beaten Bad Newz Kennels dogs. That owner is one of four cooperating witnesses cited in the document.

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/WireStory?id=3418557&page=3

Yeah, I didn't read the indictment....I actually have things to do during the day.

I figured it was a few witnesses but it all depends on if the court/jury can believe them. I mean, they're the ones at a dog fight too. How credible can they be in the first place?

I feel bad for the dogs who were killed, who were tortured, and for the 66 dogs found at the home. What will happen to them ? I doubt it's possible to rehabilitate dogs who have been trained to fight. They will never be safe around people.

You are probably right. They led a horrible life and now will have to be put down.

Nike suspends Vick contract without pay
web page
By SARAH SKIDMORE, Associated Press Writer
20 minutes ago

Nike Inc. said Friday it suspended its contract with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and will pull goods with his name off the shelves at stores the company owns.

In a statement Friday, the company said it had not terminated the contract, as animal-rights activists had urged the company to do after Vick was accused of federal dogfighting charges.

"Nike has suspended Michael Vick's contract without pay, and will not sell any more Michael Vick product at Nike owned retail at this time," the company said.

Vick pleaded not guilty Thursday to participating in a dogfighting ring that allegedly executed underperforming pit bulls by hanging, electrocution or other brutal means.

Nike had previously told retailers it will not release a fifth signature shoe, the Air Zoom Vick V, this summer and that the four shoe products and three shirts that currently bear Vick's name will remain in stores.

One of Vick's co-defendants just pleaded guilty.

Yea, they are afraid he's going to roll on Vick and start spewing everything he knows about everybody involved... It's not looking good for Ol' Mike...

Don’t be too quick to judge
By Deion Sanders
Originally published on July 22, 2007




ALSO FROM NEWS-PRESS.COM
Forum: Deion Sanders on Michael Vick
More Deion columns

Deion answers back
Deion's take on Vick hits ESPN
Mailbag: Vick's 'street culture'
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• Editor's Note: Deion Sanders, a North Fort Myers High School graduate, played in the NFL and Major League Baseball. He works as an analyst for the NFL Network and is part-owner of the Austin Wranglers of the Arena Football League. HIs column is published every Sunday in The News-Press and online at news-press.com.

Here's his column

I would’ve never thought Mike Vick, one of the NFL’s most exciting players — the man who makes the network execs smile every time he plays — would ever be indicted for crimes against man’s best friend.

The potential impact could be devastating.

He could lose millions worth of endorsements. Nike has already suspended the release of his new shoe. He could lose millions he was supposed to get from the Atlanta Falcons, if the club decides to cut him. That’s unlikely, but it could happen if he’s convicted or makes a plea arrangement.

Or his reputation might wind up so stained that he’s never forgiven in the court of public opinion. That would be too bad for the 27-year-old superstar.

This is all the result of perspective.

What a dog means to Vick might be a lot different than what he means to you or I. Hold on, don’t start shaking your head just yet. Listen to me.

Some people kiss their dogs on the mouth. Some people let their dogs eat from their plate. Some people dress their dogs in suits more expensive than mine, if you can believe that.

And some people enjoy proving they have the biggest, toughest dog on the street. You’re probably not going to believe this, but I bet Vick loves the dogs that were the biggest and the baddest. Maybe, he identified with them in some way.

You can still choose to condemn him, but I’m trying to take you inside his mind so you can understand where he might be coming from.

I’m sure all of the animal activists and Humane Society folks have a dart board with Vick’s picture in the center of it. And if he plays this season, PETA is going to picket every stadium where he plays.

Still, I must ask the question: Where is all of this going?

By now you’ve read all of the accusations about the cruelty involving the dogs — and I’m not just talking about their duels to the death. All of that is enough to make me cringe because I have three highly-trained protection German shepherds, just in case someone wants to rob my family.

Believe me, you don’t want to deal with them. With one German command, our dog Yascho turns into Cujo. And for the record, I live around the corner from the police station, so it won’t take them long to show up and save you from the dogs.

Now back to Vick.

Why are we indicting him? Was he the ringleader? Is he the big fish? Or is there someone else? The fights allegedly occurred at a property that he purchased for a family member. They apparently found carcasses on the property, but I must ask you again, is he the ringleader?

This situation reminds me of a scene in the movie “New Jack City,” when drug dealer Nino Brown is on the witness stand and eloquently says, “This thing is bigger than me.”

Are we using Vick to get to the ringleader? Are we using him to bring an end to dogfighting in the United States?

The only thing I can gather from this situation is that we’re using Vick.

Was he wrong? Absolutely. Was he stupid? Can’t argue with that. Was he immature? No doubt. But is he the ringleader? I just can’t see it.

I believe Vick had a passion for dogfighting. I know many athletes who share his passion. The allure is the intensity and the challenge of a dog fighting to the death. It’s like ultimate fighting, but the dog doesn’t tap out when he knows he can’t win.

It reminds me of when I wore a lot of jewelry back in the day because I always wanted to have the biggest chain or the biggest, baddest car. It gives you status.

Can I pause for a moment to ask you a question?

Who shot Darrant Williams? Remember the Denver Bronco cornerback? I’m just more concerned about bringing to justice someone who killed a human. Or finding out who broke into Miami Heat forward Antoine Walker’s home, tied him up and robbed him at gunpoint.

We’re attacking this dogfighting ring the same way a teenager attacks his MySpace page after school (by the way parents, make sure you monitor your kids). We should have the same passion for man that we have for man’s best friend.

The reason this is turning into a three-ring circus is that baseball is boring, basketball is months away, football is around the corner and we in the media don’t have a thing interesting to write about.

How will this end up? I have no idea. All I know is Falcons fans better pray because Vick’s backup is Joey Harrington. Enough said.

God bless and God willing I’ll hollah at you next week.

— Deion Sanders, a North Fort Myers High School graduate, played in the NFL and Major League Baseball. He works as an analyst for the NFL Network and is part-owner of the Austin Wranglers of the Arena Football League.



Deion is just as big of an idiot if he believes the crap he's saying.

I hope hes being sarcastic.

Just because you have an opinion, it doesn't mean you should write it for a column. Deion, you are an idiot and there is no reason or justification for dogfighting. It is just plain wrong and it doesn't matter what anyone says, that's just how it is.

Whats the point of dog fighting. It doesnt make you tough or richer.

Mr. Sanders giving his perspective. His opinion is definitely interesting. At least its a little different than the usual responses of flat out rage and disgust, instead it looks at the case somewhat objectively. Something that should be done.

Somehow this nation has been turned into guilty until proven innocent.

You know, alot of people throw that around. The only place that REALLY applies is in a court of law. Vick IS innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the court. That isn't something guaranteed by the public, an employer, etc....only in a court of law. The last time I checked, Vick wasn't being sentenced in criminal court without being proven guilty.

The plots thickens... Link

Vick co-defendant pleads guilty to federal dogfighting charges
July 30, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

RICHMOND, Va. -- One of Michael Vick's co-defendants pleaded guilty Monday to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges and agreed to fully cooperate with the government in its prosecution of the Atlanta Falcons star and two other men.

Tony Taylor, 34, who will be sentenced Dec. 14, said he was not promised any specific sentence in return for his cooperation.

Taylor faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, but federal sentencing guidelines likely will call for less. The guideline range will be determined by the court's probation office, and U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson can depart from that range if he finds aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

"You're pleading guilty and taking your chances, right?" Hudson asked Taylor.

He responded, "Yes."

Taylor had the same answer when Hudson asked: "You have agreed to cooperate fully with the United States, is that right?"

Taylor entered his plea to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.

Vick and two other co-defendants pleaded not guilty last week to the same charges.

The written plea agreement requires Taylor to "testify truthfully and completely at any grand juries, trials or other proceedings." It says any truthful information provided by Taylor cannot form the basis of a stiffer sentence or additional charges.

Prosecutors already have said a superseding indictment will be issued next month, which could mean more charges against Vick and the remaining co-defendants.

Taylor and his attorney, Stephen A. Hudgins, refused to answer reporters' questions as they left the federal courthouse after the 15-minute hearing.

Prosecutors claimed in a July 17 indictment that Taylor found the Surry County property that Vick purchased and used as the site of "Bad Newz Kennels," a dogfighting enterprise.

"The 'Bad Newz Kennels' operation and gambling moneys were almost exclusively funded by Vick," a statement of facts supporting the plea agreement and signed by Taylor says.

The statement also lists several dogfights that Taylor claims Vick attended in Virginia and other states. The principals in the dogfighting ring split any winnings, and Taylor -- who spent most of his time raising and training the pit bulls -- used his share for living expenses, according to the statement.

Taylor also confirmed the indictment's claim that he helped purchase pit bulls and killed at least two dogs that fared poorly in test fights.

According to the 18-page indictment, the dogfighting ring executed underperforming dogs by drowning, hanging and other brutal means. It alleges that the fights offered purses as high as $26,000.

Taylor left the enterprise after a falling out with co-defendant Quanis L. Phillips and others in September 2004, according to the statement of facts.

The grisly details outlined in the indictment have fueled protests and public outrage against Vick. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has banned Vick from the Falcons' training camp while the league investigates.

Vick and Purnell A. Peace, 35, and Phillips, 28, are scheduled for trial Nov. 26. They remain free without bond.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2006-2007, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

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We'll have to see how this guys credibility stands up in court but it's a big blow to Vick for sure.

Quote:

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Somehow this nation has been turned into guilty until proven innocent.

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It's not so much about guilt or innocence.. it's about showing "outrage"... Chalk it up to our new PCness... when something bad happens, it's incumbent on everybody to show outrage. If a political leader is suspected of doing something wrong, we have to show outrage... it's become part of our response to everything... it doesn't matter what facts you have (or don't have).. dammit, you have to show OUTRAGE... something bad happened, then somebody has to pay... and I'm OUTRAGED.... It has gotten so bad that it really does take away from real things which require outrage...

What if this guy just takes it.

Says it was all him, and Vick was an unknowing participant.

You might want to read the statement of facts that this guy signed already. He has said Vick funded the dogfighting and attended several in different states.

Would you accept the full charges of a prison sentence to protect some football player (friend or not)?

I wouldn't.

I want to see Vick have to drag a large wooden cross to court with him. Since we're crucifying him and all.

You saw him kill all those dogs?

Probably with his bare hands too.

Sounds like somebody is getting ready to sing....

Quote:

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Would you accept the full charges of a prison sentence to protect some football player (friend or not)?

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The max, according to the article, is 5 years and $250,000 (it's not like we're talking 25 to life here)... and it states he will likely not get the max.. so he gets 3 years and $100,000... to protect his free ride? Sure, I could see somebody doing that... sit in jail for 3 years and then live off Vicks fortune forever...

Look at it this way, if he fights it and loses, he gets 3 years and $100,000 fine... and if Vick goes down with him, when he gets out, he's got nothing... so he does the same amount of time, and has the never ending gratitude of his very rich friend when he gets out.... not a bad deal really.

Personally, I believe this case its trying to portay him as the ringleader of this, and I don't thats the case. I think that if anything he got a little too close to something he shouldn't have. And he's probably sick that he has put himself in this position.

I just don't think the guy would have the time to orchestrate a multistate dog fighting circuit. I think that his co-defendant were a lot more involved than Vick. And reading the indictment, it seems that at the beginning Vicks name was mentioned very sparingly, but towards the end he is alleged to be a lot more involved.

What this means, I don't know. But I see Vick as a guy who got too involved without really realizing it--and now the government is trying to make him the biggest fish just because of who he is---Mike Vick, lots of money, lots of facetime, lots of public reaction.

What better way to make an example of a dogfighter, than a higher up in the subculture being prosecuted, AND that higher up is a superstar NFL QB.

Yea, IMO, Vick is not what he is being made out to be.

I guess I kind of see Sanders point.

Yeah, good point DC.

The City of Cleveland is not making their dogs fight to the death. The City of Cleveland is not torturing and killing the loser of the fight. The City of Cleveland is not gambling money on which dog dies or lives. The City of Cleveland is not breeding dogs to torture. The City of Cleveland is not breaking federal laws.

Duh.

No, but they do kill a dog for no other reason than it hasn't been found a home after 'x' number of days in the shelter.

In both cases, the economics rule the decisions to kill a dog.

just a little devil's advocate.




Of course, the reason for the illegality of one and not the other is the rest of the story.... one is killed for sport, the other is killed because it cannot be supported, but only after it's been given shelter and people have had a chance to adopt it.

Having an animal shelter is quite moral. They are giving the dogs a second chance at life when they would otherwise have none. The dogs are only put down because it is not economically feasible to house every stray dog in the world.

This is vastly different than dog fighting. If you can't understand that then I question your sanity.

I can't even comprehend the arguement you're trying to make.

He's either trying to justify Vick's actions or he's playing Devil's advocate... I'm hoping for the latter.