Vick must decide whether to accept plea agreement - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Lex Luthor · 08-14-2007, 11:23 AM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2972161

With two more co-defendants distancing themselves from Michael Vick, the embattled Falcons quarterback was considering on Monday whether to accept a plea agreement for his alleged role in a dogfighting operation.

Sources told ESPN's Kelly Naqi that Vick attorneys Larry Woodward and Billy Martin met with federal prosecutor Michael Gill and the investigators on Monday afternoon. The attorneys planned to speak with the quarterback in the evening to see what direction he wants to go in.

That comes on the heels of news that co-defendants Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips are scheduled to appear in federal court in Richmond at the end of the week and are expected to accept their own plea agreements. Peace's hearing is at 9 a.m. (ET) on Thursday, while Phillips will appear on Friday at the same time. Plea agreements would clear them to testify against Vick.

Collins R. Spencer III, a spokesman for Vick's defense team, said the lawyers were surprised by the plea deals.

"They didn't see it coming," Spencer said.

Harrington on The Herd

Anointed the Falcons' No. 1 quarterback in the wake of Michael Vick's legal issues, Joey Harrington, right, says he's preparing like the Falcons are his team and that he's a good fit for coach Bobby Petrino's offense. Listen

But he said it wouldn't affect the way he proceeds with the case.

In a Richmond, Va., court in late July, Vick pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. He said in a written statement that he looked forward to "clearing my good name." He also pleaded with the public to resist a rush to judgment.

Another of Vick's co-defendants, 34-year-old Tony Taylor, pleaded guilty to the same charges and has pledged to fully cooperate with the government in its prosecution of Vick and the two others. The plea deal requires Taylor to testify against Vick and his two remaining co-defendants if called upon to do so.

A source close to the investigation told Naqi that Vick has until Friday to make up his mind whether to accept a plea agreement. Otherwise a superseding indictment will be filed and Vick will face at least two more federal dogfighting charges.

Meanwhile, the NFL dismissed a report Sunday that said commissioner Roger Goodell was close to announcing a season-long suspension of Vick.

Citing two sources within the league, Yahoo.com reported late Sunday night that Goodell will announce "this week or next" that Vick will be suspended for the 2007 season.

"That's the direction it's going and has been from the time this started," one of the sources said this week, according to Yahoo. "The plan was to make sure it was announced before the season. Given what everybody has seen from what [league] security found and what the feds are telling us, there's really no choice."

Eric Holder, a former deputy attorney general retained by the league, is still gathering facts on Vick's alleged involvement in dogfighting, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Monday.

"The commissioner has not made any decision," Aiello said.

The gruesome details outlined in the July 17 indictment have fueled public protests against Vick and prompted the suspension of some of his lucrative endorsement deals. The summary of facts signed by Taylor supports the indictment's claims that the dogfighting ring on Vick's property in Surry County, Va., executed underperforming dogs by drowning, hanging and other brutal means. Taylor admitted shooting one dog and electrocuting another when they did not perform well in test fights in the summer of 2002.

Vick has been barred from Falcons training camp by Goodell while the league conducts its investigation.

"While it is for the criminal justice system to determine your guilt or innocence, it is my responsibility as commissioner of the National Football League to determine whether your conduct, even if not criminal, nonetheless violated league policies, including the Personal Conduct Policy," Goodell said in a letter to the quarterback on July 24.

Falcons coach Bobby Petrino said he has not spoken with his players about Vick's troubles since camp opened.

"I'm not ready to respond to anything regarding Michael because I know nothing new," Petrino said.

Falcons running back Warrick Dunn, Vick's teammate since 2002, said he recently spoke with the 27-year-old quarterback to offer support. Dunn added, however, that the players have no choice but to move ahead and prepare for the Sept. 9 season opener at Minnesota.

"I don't think anybody on this team right now is hoping that Mike comes back," Dunn said. "If he comes back, that's great, but I just think right now we're at point where the guys that are here are trying to get better and move on down the road. Mike is going to be missed and has been missed, but at the same time you have to go on."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Lex Luthor · 08-14-2007, 11:28 AM

I understand the reasoning for a plea in order to save costs in a long drawn out court case. However I hope with the overwhelming evidence against Vick that he doesn't plea right down to a fine and community service, that would just be criminal.

freshprinceofLA · 08-14-2007, 10:10 PM

Mike vick has really put himself in a bad situation now he's surrounded but you do the crime you gotta do the time.

Ireneparalegal · 08-14-2007, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lex Luthor

I understand the reasoning for a plea in order to save costs in a long drawn out court case. However I hope with the overwhelming evidence against Vick that he doesn't plea right down to a fine and community service, that would just be criminal.

You are so correct. You read my mind. I was going to post that myself. I really feel the system needs to be changed. I believe that VICTIMS OF CRIMES should be ASKED ABT PLEA AGREEMENTS TOO. Not just the criminal. In this case you can't ask dogs what they want, but someone representing the ASPCA could be.

I have seen too many rape cases where a rapist copped a plea bargain but no one asked the victim what she/he wanted. That needs to change.

Janice · 08-15-2007, 12:55 AM

From the few discussions I heard on tv today, it sounds like he'll get some time. I just hope it's not one year, with three months served for good behavior or something stupid like that.

Mikado · 08-15-2007, 07:56 AM

On ESPN sports radio this morning, its was reported that he was illegally selling pit bulls to help finance weapons for Alkaida ( or however thats spelled )......I took that with a grain of salt; sounded more than a little far-fetched to me!

*far-FETCHED....I made a pun, totally by accident

*

Janice · 08-15-2007, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

On ESPN sports radio this morning, its was reported that he was illegally selling pit bulls to help finance weapons for Alkaida ( or however thats spelled )......I took that with a grain of salt; sounded more than a little far-fetched to me!

*far-FETCHED....I made a pun, totally by accident

*

It's a DOGGONE good pun.

Mikado · 08-15-2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

It's a DOGGONE good pun.

Mikado · 08-15-2007, 03:39 PM

and i wasnt kidding....
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,293268,00.html

Although, I still dont think this is true....at least I doubt it @_@...maybe???

08-14-2007, 11:23 AM	#1
Lex Luthor I'm bringing Lexy back Senior Member Join Date: Jun 07, 2005 Location: The Great White North Posts: 2,374	Vick must decide whether to accept plea agreement http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2972161 With two more co-defendants distancing themselves from Michael Vick, the embattled Falcons quarterback was considering on Monday whether to accept a plea agreement for his alleged role in a dogfighting operation. Sources told ESPN's Kelly Naqi that Vick attorneys Larry Woodward and Billy Martin met with federal prosecutor Michael Gill and the investigators on Monday afternoon. The attorneys planned to speak with the quarterback in the evening to see what direction he wants to go in. That comes on the heels of news that co-defendants Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips are scheduled to appear in federal court in Richmond at the end of the week and are expected to accept their own plea agreements. Peace's hearing is at 9 a.m. (ET) on Thursday, while Phillips will appear on Friday at the same time. Plea agreements would clear them to testify against Vick. Collins R. Spencer III, a spokesman for Vick's defense team, said the lawyers were surprised by the plea deals. "They didn't see it coming," Spencer said. Harrington on The Herd Anointed the Falcons' No. 1 quarterback in the wake of Michael Vick's legal issues, Joey Harrington, right, says he's preparing like the Falcons are his team and that he's a good fit for coach Bobby Petrino's offense. Listen But he said it wouldn't affect the way he proceeds with the case. In a Richmond, Va., court in late July, Vick pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. He said in a written statement that he looked forward to "clearing my good name." He also pleaded with the public to resist a rush to judgment. Another of Vick's co-defendants, 34-year-old Tony Taylor, pleaded guilty to the same charges and has pledged to fully cooperate with the government in its prosecution of Vick and the two others. The plea deal requires Taylor to testify against Vick and his two remaining co-defendants if called upon to do so. A source close to the investigation told Naqi that Vick has until Friday to make up his mind whether to accept a plea agreement. Otherwise a superseding indictment will be filed and Vick will face at least two more federal dogfighting charges. Meanwhile, the NFL dismissed a report Sunday that said commissioner Roger Goodell was close to announcing a season-long suspension of Vick. Citing two sources within the league, Yahoo.com reported late Sunday night that Goodell will announce "this week or next" that Vick will be suspended for the 2007 season. "That's the direction it's going and has been from the time this started," one of the sources said this week, according to Yahoo. "The plan was to make sure it was announced before the season. Given what everybody has seen from what [league] security found and what the feds are telling us, there's really no choice." Eric Holder, a former deputy attorney general retained by the league, is still gathering facts on Vick's alleged involvement in dogfighting, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Monday. "The commissioner has not made any decision," Aiello said. The gruesome details outlined in the July 17 indictment have fueled public protests against Vick and prompted the suspension of some of his lucrative endorsement deals. The summary of facts signed by Taylor supports the indictment's claims that the dogfighting ring on Vick's property in Surry County, Va., executed underperforming dogs by drowning, hanging and other brutal means. Taylor admitted shooting one dog and electrocuting another when they did not perform well in test fights in the summer of 2002. Vick has been barred from Falcons training camp by Goodell while the league conducts its investigation. "While it is for the criminal justice system to determine your guilt or innocence, it is my responsibility as commissioner of the National Football League to determine whether your conduct, even if not criminal, nonetheless violated league policies, including the Personal Conduct Policy," Goodell said in a letter to the quarterback on July 24. Falcons coach Bobby Petrino said he has not spoken with his players about Vick's troubles since camp opened. "I'm not ready to respond to anything regarding Michael because I know nothing new," Petrino said. Falcons running back Warrick Dunn, Vick's teammate since 2002, said he recently spoke with the 27-year-old quarterback to offer support. Dunn added, however, that the players have no choice but to move ahead and prepare for the Sept. 9 season opener at Minnesota. "I don't think anybody on this team right now is hoping that Mike comes back," Dunn said. "If he comes back, that's great, but I just think right now we're at point where the guys that are here are trying to get better and move on down the road. Mike is going to be missed and has been missed, but at the same time you have to go on." Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
	__________________ I look forward to resuming our verbal judo - Lex Luthor It's a complicated world, Clark. Only the naïve view it in black and white - Lex Luthor Genevieve: "I underestimated you, Lex." Lex: "Well, that’s a common mistake." Lionel Luthor: "We don't need to play games, son." Lex Luthor: "Dad, games are all we got."

08-14-2007, 10:10 PM	#3
freshprinceofLA The Bosses Senior Member Join Date: Aug 09, 2005 Location: A small town in: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,810	Mike vick has really put himself in a bad situation now he's surrounded but you do the crime you gotta do the time.
	__________________ My favorite show is... Who's the boss? #2 Three's Company #3 Moonlighting RELEASE ALL SEASONS OF WHO'S THE BOSS? ON DVD Watch ION at 9:00 to 10:00 I <3 SAMANTHA! RAIDERS SUCK R.I.P. PAC & BIG we miss yall

08-14-2007, 11:28 AM	#2
Lex Luthor I'm bringing Lexy back Senior Member Join Date: Jun 07, 2005 Location: The Great White North Posts: 2,374	I understand the reasoning for a plea in order to save costs in a long drawn out court case. However I hope with the overwhelming evidence against Vick that he doesn't plea right down to a fine and community service, that would just be criminal.

08-15-2007, 12:55 AM	#5
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	From the few discussions I heard on tv today, it sounds like he'll get some time. I just hope it's not one year, with three months served for good behavior or something stupid like that.

08-15-2007, 07:56 AM	#6
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,892	On ESPN sports radio this morning, its was reported that he was illegally selling pit bulls to help finance weapons for Alkaida ( or however thats spelled )......I took that with a grain of salt; sounded more than a little far-fetched to me! far-FETCHED....I made a pun, totally by accident

08-15-2007, 03:39 PM	#9
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,892	and i wasnt kidding.... http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,293268,00.html Although, I still dont think this is true....at least I doubt it @_@...maybe???