As his football world crashes down around him, you have to wonder why Falcons QB Michael Vick didn't seek a plea bargain when the first of his three co-defendants made a deal with the federal prosecutor. Now, with all three of them agreeing to seek a deal, Vick is now isolated with the dog-fighting indictment and may not have any information that can satisfy the government, thus avoiding some prison time.
The Falcons were always worried that Vick wouldn't seek a deal in order to save himself. Hey, in cases like these, a man may be innocent, but if others admit guilt and testify against you -- like these three men will do -- it is extremely difficult to beat the charges.
And who knows what other charges federal prosecutors may be holding over Vick. There is talk of another grand jury against him, plus talk about a RICO indictment, and those charges often start with a 20-year sentence.
Vick may decide to fight the charges in a Richmond courtroom if he can't strike a favorable deal -- little or no jail time -- with prosecutors. A jury may believe Vick and find his co-defendants untrustworthy. Hey, anything is possible with a jury. Vick only needs one juror to believe him.
Insiders always worried about the reckless, criminal-fringe side of Vick's entourage and friends. Now, all three of these so-called friends flipped on him in order to save themselves. Vick needed a friend like Greg Anderson, the personal trainer for Barry Bonds who chose prison over making statements that might have linked the home run king to illegal substances.
What Vick and his attorneys, Larry Woodward and Billy Martin, should be focusing on now is how to guarantee Vick is available for the 2008 season.
This season is lost because there is apparently enough ammunition available that Vick probably will be suspended for the season. Heck, Commissioner Roger Goodell could act as soon as Vick admits guilt in this case, which could happen by this weekend.
By admitting guilt, Vick is basically saying he gambled on dog fights and that he also lied to the commissioner about his involvement in the dog-fighting ring. Even if Vick was simply the money man supporting the ring and never tortured any animals, he is no less guilty.
But this is also America, where society is forever willing to give someone a second and even a third chance. The Falcons may never want him back as their quarterback if Vick admits guilt, but that doesn't mean another team won't sign him. Vick is a physical talent — he was the first visiting quarterback to ever win a playoff game in Lambeau Field.
After a season on the sidelines, Vick might even appeal to several teams as a running back. He did set the NFL rushing record for quarterbacks last season.
Granted, Vick would have to satisfy dog lovers everywhere. Those PETA pickets won't rest unless he's remorseful and helps build a dog shelter or two. What Vick won't see, though, is a team willing to give him $37.85 million over the last three years like the Falcons did when they renegotiated his original contract.
Atlanta's owner may have a difficult time getting his money back, too, if Vick doesn't play again for him. The bulk of Vick's money was paid in roster bonuses in 2005 and 2006 seasons. They might be able to get $3.75 million from his signing bonus and could argue that the $29 million in roster bonuses should be pro-rated, too, but that's going to be awfully tough to prove.
Holcomb available?
The Eagles have other issues after being whipped by Baltimore last night in a preseason game, but there have been rumblings that the Vikings, and others, have an interest in Philly quarterback Kelly Holcomb, who may end up a third stringer on Philadelphia's depth chart behind Donovan McNabb and A.J. Feeley.
But the Eagles won't give Holcomb away and are telling teams they plan to keep him on their final 53-man roster. The Eagles want decent compensation for Holcomb, who is definitely better than some teams' current backups.
"Now, all three of these so-called friends flipped on him in order to save themselves."
By "flipped" do you mean agreed to tell the truth? Why all the expectation that Vick's co-defendants act like the Soprano's? Are you suggesting there be honor among thieves?
Great article czar..People don't want to believe that this man is innocent..All he did was help friends who he grew up with start a business and live out a home he gave them and they in turn,start an illegal dogfighting business!!
Vick needs to fire Billy Martin and Woodward if they are telling him to cop a plea and not fight for his freedom..And Vick needs another publicist!!
The one he had when all of this mess started is still with him,and she needs to go!!
This whole matter with Vick, is ridiculous. When did animals have dominion over man. We kill animals for sport, we eat them for nourishment and we are entertained by them (Barbaro). Heck, how many horses were put down for a broken leg. So what is the big deal. I too, as a kid had dogs and cats as pets, but I would'nt take a mans lively hood away from him for one of them.
7thborn's comments border on idiocy..killing animals for sport is wrong..no justifiable reason for killing defenseless animals exists IMO...killing for food is totally different..putting down horses after breaking their legs is necessary..they need 4 legs to stand on...period..Vicks livelihood doesn't give him a right to torture..maim..kill anyone or any creature..he deserves to be destroyed like he destroyed those poor dogs..
As Arlie Rufus writes this he is hearing that there could be a plea deal in the dogfighting case involving Michael Vick, among others. Arlie Rufus has one thing to say -- no plea bargains! Arlie Rufus adovcated Michael Vick and others getting their day in court -- and Arlie Rufus still wants that day. That day is not just for Mr. Vick -- it is for the dogs who are made to fight and then killed. Make your voice heard along with Arlie Rufus -- be vocal. No plea bargains! The dogs deserve real justice!!
I'm w/Arlie. The dogs deserve it. Vick should never get a plea bargain. If there is that much evidence then put him where he belongs. If they don't then every person that is cruel to animals and participates in dog fighting will think that it is okay to do so. There have to be tough laws against this and they have to make convictions, otherwise what is the point of having the laws in the first place? No plea bargain.
I too am very disappointed that the Feds are encouraging him to plea bargain. The news said they are haggling over 1 year in prison (Vick wants less). That is not nearly enough.
7thborn so you don't think torturing and killing your own pets for fun warrants "losing ones livelihood" when they are a public figure huh?
Well I can assure you that plenty of others think losing his life would be a more fitting punishment.
Are dogs more important than sadistic human monsters? Uhhh...yeah!
I don't have a comment but a question I would like to know when was another person convicted for dog fighting in Virginia Federal Court like they are trying to do to Vick
Last edited by nbarnesjr on August 15th at 7:43 AM.
nbarnesir I do not have an answer for you, but I will say this. Perhaps if the local prosecutor office and the sheriff had actually executed the search warrant instead of protecting "a brotha" perhaps the feds would NOT have become involved.
The feds filed charges the DAY the local warrants expired. When local authorities are corrupt and will not do their jobs sometimes the feds feel obligated to step in.
Wow...I'm surpised this blog is actually not proceeding like the others in the past few days regarding Vick with the exception of 7THBORN'S brainless comments. We've heard that type of argument before that say "Well, why are animals being favored over people", but RAIDERSTEVE rightfully put him in his place. The only thing I'll add is that when animals are put down it is an act of mercy and kindness because their future will be riddled with tremendous pain and suffering. The comparison is so assinine that any person who doesn't hear a rattling sound when they shake their head can come to the same conclusion. What I am wondering is....Where are all the anti-white racists that will start playing the race card? Or have they finally been silenced because it's been proven their arguments carry no weight or merit? Dare I dream for this to be true? Just keep in mind folks if they do show up to spread their lies and mind-numbing propaganda, you understand their lies and instigations are only intended to do 1 thing- to aggravate those of you who do not agree with them. Here's an idea...ignore them and they'll move on. When you give them attention you give them legitimacy and acceptance. Don't let them have this power since their only intention is to spew racist bile and venom.
Last edited by tallmansvt on August 15th at 8:05 AM.
These dogs don't sign multi-million dollar contracts to enter these fights to the death. They are abused and then put into a fight to the death. If they lose and the dog they're fighting doesn't kill them, the dog fighting owner does. What part of this doesn't sound cruel and inhuman? And apparently these dog fighting owners go into normal people's yards and steal their family pets to be used as a training fight to the death for the fighting dog.If someone came into my yard to steal my dog, that I have raised, fed, taken to the Vet and basically loved as a family member, for this purpose, and I had the opportunity, that dog fighting owner would not have to worry about being prosecuted. He would not make it out of my yard.
I would like to hope that he isn't guilty, but if he is then he and his partners should be punished to the point that others doing this activity will stop out of fear of the punishment. But that should also be the approach for pedophiles, BLEEPs and other such deBLEEPable criminals on similar levels.
And kittens, I guess ferrets too.....oh heck anything fuzzy with a face. By the way, if there is a federal law against something then the government has the right to prosecute.
First of all, most of you who have what you quantify as a valid opinion rely totally on what you read on the internet or in a newspaper, or what you see on television and--most of all—-your hatred for a man you have never met. I can almost guarantee that you hated Vick for his prowess or lack thereof on the field; he was never a legitimate quarterback like Tom Brady or the Manning boys anyway so he’s a friggin’ fraud all the way around, right?? Before any of you proceed with your Vick-nixing, think: 1) If the prosecution's case was so watertight and they had Vick right where they wanted him, why release so much information to the media in order to sway public opinion about a matter that so many folks have NOT reviewed the bonafide legal documents about??!?! Their attempt to discredit Vick even before he attempted to enter a 'not guilty' plea worked just as they expected it would. They want to put the heat on Vick to plead guilty because the prosecution knows that THEY CANNOT WIN THE CASE WITH CHARGES THEY PINNED ON VICK. Against his ‘friends', of course because they were there living in the house. But the assertions against Vick are not as strong. The evidence they claim to have against him is circumstantial at best. 2) I can assure you that none of the legal documents or evidence can or will attempt to place Vick at the scene of the Virginia home that's registered in his name or at any of the dog fights. They don't contain any such details because HE NEVER LIVED THERE.
Last edited by newzchik on August 15th at 10:13 AM.
(...CONT'D)No clothes belonging to him, no vehicles registered in his name, were ever present at the house because VICK WAS NEVER THERE. As to whether he knew dog fighting was taking place, I can almost guarantee he had to have known at some point in time, but his so-called friends (BTW, NFL_Czar got it right the first time) decided to turn a dime on Vick after they realized their butts were on the line and they are guilty of creating this awful dog fighting establishment. 3) Vick is indeed the owner of the property, no question. What you don't understand is that he purchased the property on their behalf because they didn't have jobs, no verifiable income, and he was trying to help out his "buddies". Was he foolish for doing that? I should say so. But his responsibility in all this is not for killing dogs, making them fight, torturing them...his responsibility is as land owner and for keeping such pathetic company in the name of friendship.
Last edited by newzchik on August 15th at 10:25 AM.
Gimme a break newzchik- if they didn't have anything on him they wouldnt have proceeded with the charges. Do you honestly believe they would proceed with the case when he has superstar lawyers at his disposal ready to shoot holes in their case? Cmon! And this has nothing to do with personal feelings of him or his play (I could give a rats BLEEP either way). Your argument about the property doesn't hold water either- homeowners are WHOLELY responsible for EVERYTHING that goes on in their home. Just ask any ambulance chaser who see dollar signs when visitors slip on people's driveways or burglars break their legs when they slip on a victim's throw rug. If he is as naive, stupid, and complacent as you say then he'll probably make a plea deal for a slap on the wrist which is an injustice onto itself. ALSO..they did prove that he at least stayed there because they found Bobby Petrino's personal phone number. Only he would have that...yet he claims he never was there!
Last edited by tallmansvt on August 15th at 10:28 AM.
newzchik wrote: What you don't understand is that he purchased the property on their behalf because they didn't have jobs, no verifiable income, and he was trying to help out his "buddies".
newzchik if you purchased a home for a bunch of your lowlife friends and THEN funded their illegal businesses ventures at that home (for instance if they wanted to open a crack house and you provided the money for the drugs and cell phones etc...) in all likelihood you TOO would end up indicted.
Secondly, Vick is not innocent. Those were HIS DOGS that were found buried in mass in teh yard. Not one WORD from Vick about how he was disturbed by that, not one PENNY from Vick towards the canine survivors of his house of horrors. He has made it very very clear he could care less about the dogs that were tortured and killed on is property simply by virtue of the fact he has not said ONE WORD about those poor dogs.
First I would like to lead my comments with this, no matter how u put it Vick is wrong! He has attained the knowledge and status to know this!
However, coming from one of the most dangerous and burtal neigborhoods in america and then making it out, I can tell you this. Dog fighting (right or wrong) is as common, as the next NFL season. I love how in our society we like to catogerize things...Death for those of you, who havent been around it is VERY real. We argue on one hand that Vick is above animals and his livly hood shouldn't be taking away, yet on the other hand we want blood becasue fighting dogs is so in humane, immoral and the senseless loss of life. Ahh...Loss of Life...I propose this, We live in a society that likes to try to explain eveything from GOD to whats out in the deep Galaxy. What about the MILLIONS of gray hounds put to sleep ever year because they can no longer run or compete in a sport? Heck there was even a huge story ran on the National News a couple of years ago about it. WHERE WERE THE FEDS THEN? Is it any less humane because they are put to sleep? Horses for years, have been put to sleep for breaking a leg for our Entertainment, but only after its determine that they can't be kept as a STUD! Sounds like studs are funtioning to me! Ahh there's a thought MONEY!! Is it too expensive to keep this Horse alive or can he provide us with promising offsprings? That decides the poor Horses Faith people, and dont forget it! People DEATH is DEATH...Vick is wrong, but if it wasn't VICK, this wouldn't be an issue. To me thats whats so sad. Who wil
PIGSTAUB- They make the same argument for illegal aliens. I guess when one feels that a law is not moral then they are not bound to follow it. What a crock if I ever heard it. Gee, I don't like income taxes, maybe I won't pay any next year- PLEASE!
VOODOOPIMP- another baseless argument over racehorses and greyghounds- CMON! They are put to sleep in the name of humanity and decency...to even draw a parallel to this barbaric and unspeakable enterprise is insane and immaterial. Try again....
Who will it take to get involved for BLEEP fighting to be a FED issue? Depending on your faith, taking an animal and feeding it, providing shelter for it, protecting it, insuring proper health care, and then slaughtering it just to eat, is just as bad. So you guys have you fill of this stuff while our jobs are getting contracted oversees for cheaper labor, gas prices soar, Drugs contine to be IMPORTED in our country and our soldiers contiue to die oversees!!! If the FEDS put the time, money & effort into someother things maybe we all would be better off. But hey, Its a DOG EAT DOG world we live in right ;)
CAN ANY BODY TELL ME WHATS DECENT ABOUT RASING HUNDREDS OFF GREYHOUNDS TO RACE FOR OUR ENTERTAINMENT AND THEN KILL THEM, oh im srry put them to sleep, BECAUSE they can no longer make the cut?
I reiterate PIMP- Can you honestly draw the parallel between raising greyhounds for sport to the senseless raping, torturing, fighting, electrocution, and hanging of these poor animals. I agree that racing is certainly not animal friendly at all, but for Chris-tssake you actually seem them on par?
Last edited by tallmansvt on August 15th at 10:58 AM.
VoodooPimp, greyhounds and horses don't fight to the death like Gladiators did way back when. They're only racing around man-made tracks to make man's pockets fatter through legalized gambling, dear. However you slice it, dog fighting is illegal, that goes without dispute. But I'll bet the Feds'll find a way to make it more humane and thus legalize it soon enough so that the gov't can make money off of licensing and taxing its participants all the way around. I wonder though: will this make PETA less volatile and more friendly towards man?
So now this is the government's fault? A bunch of thugs getting their kicks from the cruelty of animals? I give you both credit NEWZ and PIMP- you're the ultimate spin-doctors!!! You should write for the AP.
If you notice I did say VICK is wrong...I just love how the FEDS always go after these high profile clients ignoring the little guys, unless its taxes. If putting dogs and Horses to sleep is so humane, then why do we use that same method on MUDERERS on death row? I love how we try to catorgorize death...DEATH is DEATH! I bet if half of you had the details surrounding how the greyhounds are treated you would be shocked!
Ya know, im sure the thousands of deers that are shot and then make a instinctive attempt to preserve their life, only to fall to their death a hundred or so yards later, never felt a thing! RIGHT? Oh by the way, dont forget to get young bobby in the picture. PLEASE
You still didn't answer my question and you won't because it doesn't support your position:
Can you honestly draw the parallel between raising greyhounds for sport to the senseless raping, torturing, fighting, electrocution, and hanging of these poor animals?
And they DID go after the little guy here, but the "little guy" was funded and given quarter by the "big guy". Again, it's the fed's fault that Vick was the ring-leader? As I said my friend- a spin-doctor with your talent should be writing for the AP...
I love your commentary, tallmansvt. You really make my day. No one said the government is at fault at all, I'm just saying that where there is an opportunity to generate revenue, there are officials willing to explore that possibility, e.g., legalizing dog fighting in the future. But just like Nifong tried to get those Duke lacrosse players canned for the rise of his own career on a trumped up rape charge, don't be duped into believing that the same thing isn't happening here in some form or fashion. Vick isn't as culpable as prosecutors would like you to believe. They have careers to spin and families to feed too. And Vick definitely is a big fish to fry if they can swing it, even if they can only get a plea bargain and not an ironclad guilty verdict in a court of law.
Honestly, you believe hunters hunt for food and not for the hunt itself, Sonya? I wasn't aware that so many people with rifles were starving + so separated from civilization in America that they need to hunt.
Why do we constantly have to reiterate that people kill people which is why murderers go free with insanity pleas? Also, why are child murderers and BLEEPs given ridiculous sentences in the name of "civil rights"?
Wish I could say the same for you NEWZCHIK, but comments that are spin-doctoring and actually defend the vile creatures that are the reasons for this blog in the first place- while trying to place the blame where it doesn't belong is sickening.
I did answer your question! Its funny, you are qouating to me the horrible acts that these dogs incurred from a FEDERAL INDICTMENT! Had it not been for that you wouldn't have know it. Thats my whole point! After Vick, they will hand out promotions and stop. AGAIN, I know for a fact that greyhounds face SOME of the same horrible treatments. I assure you if ever a federal indictment came down against these horrible hustlers and pimps, you would concurr. DEATH IS DEATH...and we really dont know what its like so who are we to say its hummane? Have you ever died enough to make a comparison?
SO if I am to read between the lines (as you are not being very succint) you do believe it's on par- VERY SAD! Who cares how the details got out? WHat matters is these scum are guilty and will get what's coming to them. Why do you insist on going off on these tangents.
WOW...after reading all these comments I guess the whole objective to leaking a Federal Indictiment to the media has been achevied. Guilty...WOW I hope if it goes to trail, your not on the jury. GUILTY until proven Innocent huh..I guess you truly belive that our government would never use the media as a tool of leverage against a high profile client huh...IF he did it, he will get what he deserves! Just know that there are alot more things and games being played by both sides behind closed doors. I assure u Vick probaly has never slammed a dog on the concret.
APATHY, VOODOO, and NEWZCHIK- One last thing..Unless you're a Vegan who has no pets and wear only clothes that are polyester or plastic- you have no right to criticize anyone because you benefit from the exploitation of animals just like the rest of us and your belief that you're an animal lover is a farce. I admit that I do benefit, but at least I'm not a hypocrite.
Are you dense? I guess you don't read the papers or are too wrapped up in your conspiracy theories to do so....The other 2 PLEADED GUILTY!!!!! I'm not concerning myself with being judge or jury. Think before you post Mr. VoodooPimp!
Last edited by tallmansvt on August 15th at 11:48 AM.
In closing.. Id like to say this...Dog fighting is wrong! VICK is wrong for his involvement, and his choice of friends! I guess I have a new respect for BONDS buddy! I just hope one day we all learn to get the whole story before we pass judement on people! Vick Lawyers need to negioate with the NFL & Atlanta Falcons first, to insure he can continue his career then move to the FEDS. This is an unfortunate thing and no one wins here. Im sad because I liked VICK, and I know he knows any involment (no matter how small) is wrong & silly with his status. I hope we understand that any issue can be made into a mountain when you shine light on it and there are many other issues that cry out and derserve this type of attention. That's my pt.
John Czarnecki, a former sportswriter with over 20 years experience covering the NFL, has been the editorial consultant for the Emmy Award-winning FOX NFL Sunday since its 1994 inception. Prior, he provided exclusive information to CBS Sports' The NFL Today program from 1991 to 1993, holding a similar position.
Prior to joining CBS Sports, Czarnecki was a pro football writer for The National Sports Daily (1989-91), The Dallas Morning News (1989), and The Los Angeles Herald-Examin er. An archive of work can be found here.
