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 pleaded not guilty today to federal dogfighting charges and was released without bond until a November 26 trial. Michael then apologized to his mother and asked that judgment be withheld.
“Today in court I pleaded innocent to the allegations made against me. I take these charges very seriously and look forward to clearing my good name. 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 …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
It’s good to see that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is taking charge of a delicate situation. The Commissioner has ordered Michael Vick not to report to his team’s training camp pending the completion of an NFL review of his recent indictment by a federal grand jury in Richmond, VA, for allegedly participating in an interstate dog-fighting enterprise. Commissioner Goodell informed Michael that the review would be completed as soon as possible and that his full cooperation is expected.
In a letter to Michael Vick today, Commissioner Goodell said:
“While it is for the …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

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Despite allegations that Michael Vick was involved in some ill-conceived dogfighting operation, Nike plans to continue working with him despite a letter they received from Humane Society president and CEO Wayne Pacelle who said:
“We trust that Nike does not want to be associated with any celebrity who is linked to this odious form of animal cruelty. We recognize that Mr. Vick has not been charged with a crime. But we know that Nike has high standards for its spokespersons.”
Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer said the company planned to honor its lucrative deal with Michael, …read more