RICHMOND, Va. — Michael Vick pleaded guilty Monday to a federal dogfighting charge and awaited a Dec. 10 sentencing date that could send the NFL star to prison.
The plea by the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback was accepted by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, who asked: “Are you entering the plea of guilty to a conspiracy charge because you are in fact guilty?”
Vick replied, “Yes, sir.”
Hudson emphasized he is not bound by sentencing guidelines and can impose the maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.
“You’re taking your chances here. You’ll have to live with whatever decision I make,” Hudson said.
Vick will make a statement at 11:30 a.m. ET, his attorney, Billy Martin, said Monday.
“He will tell the world his thoughts and his feelings with regard to this charge,” Martin said.
“Michael, when he makes this statement, will be brief.”
In his written plea filed in federal court Friday, Vick admitted helping kill six to eight pit bulls and supplying money for gambling on the fights. He said he did not personally place any bets or share in any winnings.
The NFL suspended him indefinitely and without pay Friday after his plea agreement was filed. Merely associating with gamblers can trigger a lifetime ban under the league’s personal conduct policy.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Vick stands to lose approximately $100 million because of his conviction.
go to www.espn.com for ongoing updates on the Michael Vick dogfighting case…………………
@@@@@Vick speaks out in the comment box below@@@@@
Michael Vick’s comments:
First, I want to apologize, you know, for all the things that — that I’ve done and that I have allowed to happen. I want to personally apologize to commissioner Goodell, Arthur Blank, coach Bobby Petrino, my Atlanta Falcons teammates,
you know, for our — for our previous discussions that we had. And I was not honest and forthright in our discussions, and, you know, I was ashamed and totally disappointed in myself to say the least,” Vick said.
“I want to apologize to all the young kids out there for my immature acts and, you know, what I did was, what I did was very immature so that means I need
to grow up.”
Vick said he now has renounced dogfighting and has found religion as a result
of the federal charges. “Dogfighting is a terrible thing. I reject it,” he said.
“I totally ask for forgiveness and understanding as I move forward to bettering Michael Vick the person, not the football player,” Vick said.
“I take full responsibility for my actions … I am totally responsible.”
from http://www.espn.com
They need to hang Vick up by his testicles and electorcute him.
If you read the above story you will see Michael Vick is a changed man and he will one day be a benefit to our society. Vick is a Christian now, he is a new man and going in the right direction.
I do not see how he should get more time in prison than Tolly Carr—TC killed a person—Why should Vick get more time for killing a dog?
This reminds me of the time Demetrius Cherry and I were walking down Spring Garden after he had broken his leg. I mean, Demetrius was on the level, he just liked dogs and who could really blame him? Then we stopped at the Phi Mu house to mingle with the ladies.
Is this a trick, Mr. Vick is slick. Electrocution? OUCH…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
I look at Vick and realize that he never really had a father figure in his life. I mean, without daddy around, who was helping this guy out. How did he get a car, or a job, or money to pay his fraternity dues. What would happen if he needed a ride home from the zoo bar late at night? My family is a proud one. We stick together through thick and thin. I beleive that is why our financial ventures have always been so successful. I respect the Black community for sticking up for Michael Vick. He needs support now more than ever. I would also like to holla out to all my brothers out there.
I think Mike Vick is sincere and he is telling the truth. Vick has always been a stand-up guy. For all of those who have the chance to meet him, they would tell you that Michael is an OK person. At least he’s not talking drunk, out of head, like many of the people that have been posting on this site.
Please sober up Greg and get back with us.
The next person that talks junk about Michael Vick, I’m going to kick your teeth down your throat for you. Shut up and go on about your business.