Vick is Last Defendant Standing
Star NFL Quarterback Will Face Seven Witnesses in Grisly Case
NFL star quarterback Michael Vick is the last defendant standing in a grisly federal dog fighting case, and now faces seven hostile witnesses if he chooses to go to trial Nov 26.
Vick’s remaining two co-defendants pleaded guilty in a Richmond, Va., courtroom Friday, having signed statements of facts that seemingly could end the Atlanta Falcon’s playing career.
According to both Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, Vick participated in the execution of about eight dogs in April 2007, the same month Vick told National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell that he had nothing to do with dogfights or gambling. Both statements are exactly alike, declaring, “Peace, Phillips and Vick executed approximately 8 dogs that did not perform well…by various methods, including hanging and drowning. All three participated in executing the dogs.”
Peace and Phillips joined co-defendant Tony Taylor in pleading guilty in the case, and the admissions of the three men jolted Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who has distanced himself from the 27-year-old Vick. During Vick’s six years with the Falcons, Blank had taken a paternal attitude toward the younger man, welcoming Vick into his home and trying to be a mentor to Vick, who grew up in poverty.
“What’s suggested in those statements of fact don’t match up with what the league was told, even our organization and certainly not what was said to the commissioner,” Blank told The Associated Press Friday night. “It’s distressing after six years spending time with somebody, you think you know them and then there’s another side that is shocking to all of us.”
Vick is facing charges of conspiring to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiring to sponsor a dog in animal-fighting ventures. If convicted, Vick – who last season set a single season rushing record for quarterbacks – faces a maximum of six years in prison and $350,000 in fines.
According to the original federal indictment – which ran 18 pages – Vick bankrolled the purchase of property in Surry County, Va., to operate the dogfighting enterprise known as “Bad Newz Kennels.” He also allegedly funded the operation and bet thousands of dollars on his dogs.
His attorneys have reportedly been trying to convince Vick to cop a plea of his own, but the quarterback wanted to obtain assurances from the NFL concerning what measures the league would take against him if he pleaded guilty. Goodell would have none of it, however, publicly stating the league’s investigation of the matter was ongoing.
Meanwhile, a Georgia-based investigative Website reports that Vick’s career is likely finished. InsiderAdvantageGeorgia.com quoted a confidential source as saying, “Shy of a trial and a not guilty verdict, it’s unlikely you will ever see Michael Vick in the league again.”
Initially it was reported that Vick had to cut a plea deal by Friday, but now a variety of sources report he has the weekend to make a decision. A federal grand jury is set to convene Monday to consider additional charges in the case, including racketeering charges.
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles