Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino called it quits today. Thirteen games into his first year as leader of the Falcons, coach Petrino resigned. He just walked out on his team. I can’t tell you how much I think that stinks. I could understand if he had some sort of health problem or urgent family matter that simply couldn’t allow the rigors of an NFL season anymore. But he left the ATL to return to coaching at the collegiate level with Arkansas. Right away. If I were hiring in Fayetteville, I wouldn’t want …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Since being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars a couple weeks ago, Byron Leftwich has been job hunting. His search is over as the Atlanta Falcons signed him to a two-year, $7 million deal today. While Byron didn’t impress the Jags enough during their training camp and preseason to help him keep a roster spot, he passed a physical and his workout was good for the Falcons to grab him from the open market.
There are two reasons why this is a good move for Atlanta. First of all, the Falcons are desperate for …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
I’m tired of posting news on Michael Vick’s legal troubles. It’s time to start talking about the Atlanta Falcons and what they are going to do this season. ATL fans, do not worry. Preseason indications from QB Joey Harrington are pretty good, but I think everyone is wondering if he can keep it going? After all, his history has not been an All-Pro one. The best passer rating Joey earned was a 77.5 in 2004. Then again, he played on some pretty bad teams (Lions and Dolphins). Joey’s had a nice preseason so …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Just hours after Michael Vick filed a plea agreement, admitting to conspiracy in a dogfighting ring and helping to kill pit bulls, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him indefinitely without pay. The Commissioner said he would review the suspension after all the legal proceedings had run their course.
Michael acknowledged bankrolling gambling on the dogfights, but denied placing bets himself or taking any of the winnings. He also admitted that dogs who were not worthy of the pit were killed “as a result of the collective efforts” of himself and two co-defendants. But Michael …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Michael Vick filed his plea agreement in federal court today, admitting to conspiracy in a dogfighting ring and helping to kill pit bulls. He denied ever betting on the fights, though. He says he only bankrolled them. Then again, who knows what to believe because he initially said he had no involvement whatsoever. Michael is scheduled to formally enter his plea Monday in U.S. District Court. He signed the plea agreement yesterday.
The statement said that when the kennel’s dogs won, the gambling proceeds were generally shared by Michael’s three co-defendants — Tony …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
With three co-defendents prepared to testify that he brutally executed dogs and bankrolled gambling, Michael Vick has accepted a plea deal on federal charges relating to allegations of his involvement in a professional dogfighting operation. Michael will now formally enter the guilty plea next Monday, August 27. The charges carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Michael’s lawyer, Billy Martin, issued the following statement today:
“After consulting with his family over the weekend, Michael Vick asked that I announce today that he has reached an agreement with federal …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Michael Vick has a reason to be smiling — for now. A property owned by the Atlanta Falcons quarterback was used as the “main staging area for housing and training the pit bulls involved” in an alleged dogfighting operation, according to court documents filed earlier this week and obtained by the Associated Press today. But Michael Vick’s name was not found in those documents meaning he is unlikely to be indicted on any charges.
If this turns out to be true, it should come as very good news to MV and the Falcons. Michael …read more