Vick Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 08-27-2007, 02:40 PM

http://sports.aol.com/nfl/story/_a/vick-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charge/20070827094209990001

Vick Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge

Michael Vick arrives at court Monday morning flanked by his attorneys. The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback pleaded guilty to a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge.

RICHMOND, Va. (Aug. 27) - Standing erect and answering questions with soft, short responses, NFL star Michael Vick pleaded guilty Monday to a federal dogfighting charge and awaited a Dec. 10 sentencing date that could send him to prison.

"First I want to apologize for all the things that I've done and that I have allowed to happen," Vick said at a news conference following his appearance in U.S. District Court.

"I made a mistake in using bad judgment and making bad decisions," he said. "Dog fighting is a terrible thing."

"I offer my deepest apologies to everyone. And i will redeem myself. I have to.

Vick also said he was sorry "to all the young kids out there for my immature acts. What I did was very immature so that means I need to grow up," he said.

The plea by the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback was accepted by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, who asked: "Are you entering the plea of guilty to a conspiracy charge because you are in fact guilty?"

Vick replied, "Yes, sir."

Hudson emphasized during the 15-minute hearing he is not bound by sentencing guidelines or the recommendations of prosecutors and can impose the maximum sentence of up to five years in prison. Prosecutors proposed a 12- to 18-month prison term.

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

Vick's lead attorney, Billy Martin, said his client would discuss his plea at a news conference.

"A first-time offender might well receive no jail time for this offense," U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg said in a statement. "We thought, however, that the conduct in this conspiracy was heinous, cruel and inhumane" so three of the four defendants, including Vick, should receive harsher sentences.

The first defendant to plead guilty left the conspiracy in 2004 and is not as culpable, he said.

In his written plea filed in federal court Friday, Vick admitted helping kill six to eight pit bulls and supplying money for gambling on the fights. He said he did not personally place any bets or share in any winnings.

The NFL suspended him indefinitely and without pay Friday after his plea agreement was filed. Merely associating with gamblers can trigger a lifetime ban under the league's personal conduct policy.

The case began in late April when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided the former Virginia Tech star's rural Surry County property and seized dozens of dogs, some injured, and equipment commonly used in dogfighting.

A federal indictment issued in July charged Vick, Purnell Peace of Virginia Beach, Quanis Phillips of Atlanta and Tony Taylor of Hampton with an interstate dogfighting conspiracy. Vick initially denied any involvement, and all four men pleaded innocent. Taylor was the first to change his plea to guilty; Phillips and Peace soon followed.

The details outlined in the indictment and other court papers fueled a public backlash against Vick and cost him several lucrative endorsement deals, even before he agreed to plead guilty.

In announcing the suspension, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell opened the way for the Falcons to attempt to recover $22 million of Vick's signing bonus from the 10-year, $130 million contract he signed in 2004.

Vick's plea Monday came hours before the Falcons play an exhibition game at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. This will be the first chance for the team to see what effect Vick's case has on attendance at the Georgia Dome. Vick wears the biggest-selling jersey in team history and is given much credit for the team's 51 consecutive sellouts.

After initially denying his involvement, Vick has said little publicly about the case. Privately, he met with Goodell and Falcons owner Arthur Blank when the investigation was just beginning, and almost certainly lied to both.

TVFactFan · 08-27-2007, 04:09 PM

another talented athlete who damaged his career like mike tyson did and really never recovered from it.

Chelsea · 08-27-2007, 04:46 PM

From what one person was telling me about the goings on today, Vick claimed to have "found Jesus" and everything here recently.

Now, personally, I'm sick and tired of hearing convicts play that card. Is some of it legitimate? Without a doubt. But I get the feeling that Finding Jesus is fast becoming the Where's Waldo of the prison system.

Dutabi84 · 08-27-2007, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seth

From what one person was telling me about the goings on today, Vick claimed to have "found Jesus" and everything here recently.

Now, personally, I'm sick and tired of hearing convicts play that card. Is some of it legitimate? Without a doubt. But I get the feeling that Finding Jesus is fast becoming the Where's Waldo of the prison system.

What a moron. I hate it when people pull that crap..as if "finding Jesus" makes you a better person. Unfortunately, many people will likely fall for that and give him their praises.

Mr. Television · 08-27-2007, 09:01 PM

Well according to Kornheiser Vick is rehabilitaed. How many times is he going to say that tonight? I never liked Jim Rome but I agree with what he said. Maybe if Vick didn't lie all year more people would believe him. It's strange how he became rehabilitated virtually overnight. Even if he does eventually change....and that's a big if...it doesn't mean he should be let back in the NFL.

catlover79 · 08-27-2007, 10:34 PM

Well, Vick said he did it - and he deserves jail time. He did the crime - now it's time to pay the piper, as my mom would say.

Ireneparalegal · 08-27-2007, 10:51 PM

I heard Jamie Foxx (again) on the radio today say that Vick was only doing what he saw as a youngster growing up "in da hood". Dogs fighting and so forth was "the norm" growing up (it sounded like Jamie was saying this was also the case for him). Anyhoo, he went on and on like that and all I can say is this:

So f**** what?!!!!! In your "hood" there were pimps and ho's but you know that was wrong. In your "hood" there were dope dealers, but you know that was wrong. In your "hood" there were gangs, but you know that is wrong...BUT YOU HAD DOG FIGHTS IN DA HOOD AND THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR?????? Jamie Foxx and all those black supporters make themselves looks stupid. Why would you defend someone simply because HE IS BLACK?? I would be ashamed and appalled if it was a famous hispanic person who committed this crime or any other crime.

freshprinceofLA · 08-28-2007, 01:18 AM

Still shocked MIKE VICK ruined his career. He had everything and just threw it away. He's gonna have to really win a lot of fans back. His rep is tainted forever.

Brian Damage · 09-01-2007, 10:10 AM

The Jury selection for the Michael Vick Trial

Mr. Television · 09-01-2007, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

The Jury selection for the Michael Vick Trial

eltonfan80 · 09-01-2007, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

The Jury selection for the Michael Vick Trial

that's funny

catlover79 · 09-01-2007, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

The Jury selection for the Michael Vick Trial

AWESOME!!

Ireneparalegal · 09-01-2007, 11:43 AM

They forgot Brian from Family Guy.

catlover79 · 09-02-2007, 11:45 PM

They also forgot Odie!

I showed this picture to my dad and sister. They both said it was awesome!

I told my sister I'd send her the link - I think I'll do that now!

08-27-2007, 02:40 PM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Vick Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge http://sports.aol.com/nfl/story/_a/vick-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charge/20070827094209990001 Vick Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge Michael Vick arrives at court Monday morning flanked by his attorneys. The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback pleaded guilty to a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge. RICHMOND, Va. (Aug. 27) - Standing erect and answering questions with soft, short responses, NFL star Michael Vick pleaded guilty Monday to a federal dogfighting charge and awaited a Dec. 10 sentencing date that could send him to prison. "First I want to apologize for all the things that I've done and that I have allowed to happen," Vick said at a news conference following his appearance in U.S. District Court. "I made a mistake in using bad judgment and making bad decisions," he said. "Dog fighting is a terrible thing." "I offer my deepest apologies to everyone. And i will redeem myself. I have to. Vick also said he was sorry "to all the young kids out there for my immature acts. What I did was very immature so that means I need to grow up," he said. The plea by the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback was accepted by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, who asked: "Are you entering the plea of guilty to a conspiracy charge because you are in fact guilty?" Vick replied, "Yes, sir." Hudson emphasized during the 15-minute hearing he is not bound by sentencing guidelines or the recommendations of prosecutors and can impose the maximum sentence of up to five years in prison. Prosecutors proposed a 12- to 18-month prison term. "You're taking your chances here. You'll have to live with whatever decision I make," Hudson. Vick's lead attorney, Billy Martin, said his client would discuss his plea at a news conference. "A first-time offender might well receive no jail time for this offense," U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg said in a statement. "We thought, however, that the conduct in this conspiracy was heinous, cruel and inhumane" so three of the four defendants, including Vick, should receive harsher sentences. The first defendant to plead guilty left the conspiracy in 2004 and is not as culpable, he said. In his written plea filed in federal court Friday, Vick admitted helping kill six to eight pit bulls and supplying money for gambling on the fights. He said he did not personally place any bets or share in any winnings. The NFL suspended him indefinitely and without pay Friday after his plea agreement was filed. Merely associating with gamblers can trigger a lifetime ban under the league's personal conduct policy. The case began in late April when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided the former Virginia Tech star's rural Surry County property and seized dozens of dogs, some injured, and equipment commonly used in dogfighting. A federal indictment issued in July charged Vick, Purnell Peace of Virginia Beach, Quanis Phillips of Atlanta and Tony Taylor of Hampton with an interstate dogfighting conspiracy. Vick initially denied any involvement, and all four men pleaded innocent. Taylor was the first to change his plea to guilty; Phillips and Peace soon followed. The details outlined in the indictment and other court papers fueled a public backlash against Vick and cost him several lucrative endorsement deals, even before he agreed to plead guilty. In announcing the suspension, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell opened the way for the Falcons to attempt to recover $22 million of Vick's signing bonus from the 10-year, $130 million contract he signed in 2004. Vick's plea Monday came hours before the Falcons play an exhibition game at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. This will be the first chance for the team to see what effect Vick's case has on attendance at the Georgia Dome. Vick wears the biggest-selling jersey in team history and is given much credit for the team's 51 consecutive sellouts. After initially denying his involvement, Vick has said little publicly about the case. Privately, he met with Goodell and Falcons owner Arthur Blank when the investigation was just beginning, and almost certainly lied to both.

08-27-2007, 04:46 PM	#3
Chelsea Semi-retired Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 07, 2001 Location: Washington Posts: 5,727	From what one person was telling me about the goings on today, Vick claimed to have "found Jesus" and everything here recently. Now, personally, I'm sick and tired of hearing convicts play that card. Is some of it legitimate? Without a doubt. But I get the feeling that Finding Jesus is fast becoming the Where's Waldo of the prison system.
	__________________ Chelsea Former Administrator, 2005-2012 Former Member, DVD Review Team, 2004-2010.

08-27-2007, 09:01 PM	#5
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	Well according to Kornheiser Vick is rehabilitaed. How many times is he going to say that tonight? I never liked Jim Rome but I agree with what he said. Maybe if Vick didn't lie all year more people would believe him. It's strange how he became rehabilitated virtually overnight. Even if he does eventually change....and that's a big if...it doesn't mean he should be let back in the NFL.
	__________________ Sonny

08-27-2007, 10:34 PM	#6
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Well, Vick said he did it - and he deserves jail time. He did the crime - now it's time to pay the piper, as my mom would say.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

08-27-2007, 10:51 PM	#7
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	I heard Jamie Foxx (again) on the radio today say that Vick was only doing what he saw as a youngster growing up "in da hood". Dogs fighting and so forth was "the norm" growing up (it sounded like Jamie was saying this was also the case for him). Anyhoo, he went on and on like that and all I can say is this: So f**** what?!!!!! In your "hood" there were pimps and ho's but you know that was wrong. In your "hood" there were dope dealers, but you know that was wrong. In your "hood" there were gangs, but you know that is wrong...BUT YOU HAD DOG FIGHTS IN DA HOOD AND THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR?????? Jamie Foxx and all those black supporters make themselves looks stupid. Why would you defend someone simply because HE IS BLACK?? I would be ashamed and appalled if it was a famous hispanic person who committed this crime or any other crime.
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

08-27-2007, 04:09 PM	#2
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,135	another talented athlete who damaged his career like mike tyson did and really never recovered from it.

08-28-2007, 01:18 AM	#8
freshprinceofLA The Bosses Senior Member Join Date: Aug 09, 2005 Location: A small town in: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,810	Still shocked MIKE VICK ruined his career. He had everything and just threw it away. He's gonna have to really win a lot of fans back. His rep is tainted forever.
	__________________ 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

09-01-2007, 10:10 AM	#9
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	The Jury selection for the Michael Vick Trial Attached Images
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

09-01-2007, 11:43 AM	#13
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	They forgot Brian from Family Guy.

09-02-2007, 11:45 PM	#14
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	They also forgot Odie! I showed this picture to my dad and sister. They both said it was awesome! I told my sister I'd send her the link - I think I'll do that now!