Another brown paper wrapped package arrived via FedEx.  Enclosed was the following transcript of a telephone conversation, marked Vick  & Attorneys.

BEGIN TRANSCRIPT:

Man 1:  Michael?

Vick:  Yeah.

Man1:  We're all here.  Both Benson and Jim are with me.  They're my associates.

Vick:  Sure.

Man 1:  We need to discuss what has happened in your case.  It appears that the last two co-defendants, Purnell Peace and Quanis  Phillips have accepted the feds' offer.   Which of course means they're ratting you out to reduce their punishment.

Vick:  Purnell and Quanis are pleading?

Man 2:  Yes.  The pleas are scheduled for Friday.

Vick:  How can they do this?

Man 2:  It's quite simple

Vick:  I mean why would they rat me out.

Man 1:  Michael, we talked about the reasons your friends may find the offer made by the government attractive. 

Vick:  But we are friends.

Man 1:  Were friends.  It's every man for himself when you are dealing with prison time.

Vick:  But,

Man 1:  Michael, we discussed this the first day.  Your friends were offered deals to rat you out.  The government does that to get the big fish.  You are the big fish.  You are the one they want to do the most time.

Vick: Why me?  This is crazy.  It's a bunch of dogs.

Man 2:  But it is a federal crime to engage in dog fighting.  Your friends are going to testify that you financed the operation and encouraged them to do it.

Vick:  But I didn't do any of it myself.  It was all them.

Man 1:  The government feels that it was your money that was key.  Without it, these guys wouldn't have had as big of an operation.  Plus, you are a target.  A successful Quarterback who generates controversy on and off the field.  Your family is known here in Virginia, and not of all of it is good.

Vick:  My family has nothing to do with it.

Man 1:  Regardless, that's where you are now.  Let's discuss the deal.

Vick:  I'm not taking a deal.  I'm not going to jail.  And I'm not giving up my career.

Man 1:  If you reject this offer, the feds will indict you on more counts, and up the total amount of prison time you are looking at.  Your only shot at probation is to plead, and even then it is chancy.

Man 3:  If you push it to trial, the feds will revoke this offer and demand more and more prison time.

Vick: But if I take it, then I lose my career.

Man 1:  For the short term, yes, but the prison time is around a year. In theory, you could be back playing for the end of the 2008 season. 

Man 3:  Otherwise, you may get out in time to see the 2013 Super Bowl. Or even later.

Vick:  I thought the NFL would ban me for life if I was involved in gambling.

Man 2:  Goodell could do that.

Vick:  Then what do I lose by going to trial.  My life would be over anyway.

Man 1:  Well, the first issue is that the press only has a part of the evidence.  Do you want all the information about how the dogs were taken care of out in the general public?  How would that play at the NFL front office?  Or even at the Falcon's front office?  Secondly, you are young, but the more time you do, the less of a life you'll have when you get out.  And don't forget we get more of your money if you go to trial.  We'll need you to forward us another $50,000 to get started on the trial preparation.

Vick:  This F#$%*g sucks!

Man 1:  Welcome to plea bargaining with the feds.

Man 2:  It's like shooting fish in a barrel for them.

Vick:  (Period of Silence) Can I call  you back?

Man 1:  Sure.  We need an answer by tomorrow.

Vick:  Man, I don't know what to do.  I'll call tomorrow morning with my decision.

(Hang Up).

END TRANSCRIPT.