Michael Vick indicted by federal grand jury in dogfighting probe
Morgoth
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Maybe they can even do their own rap video to make their case to the public about how they have been mistreated by an evil, corrupt society.
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Hope he gets gang raped a few times while he is in there.
Then see how much they enjoy dog fighting.
<< <i>He, along with his entourage, should be thrown into a pit with their abused, starving dogs.
Then see how much they enjoy dog fighting. >>
That is an excellent idea!
My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2 (2003). My son was diagnosed with Type 1 when he was 17 on December 31, 2009. We were stunned that another child of ours had been diagnosed. Please, if you don't have a favorite charity, consider giving to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
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Then see how much they enjoy dog fighting. >>
That is an excellent idea!
I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
<< <i>He is toast. Look for the Falcons to pick up Culpepper. >>
I heard they were looking at Bledsoe.
Story Highlights
Indictment: Dogs not performing well were shot, hanged, electrocuted
Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick set for bond hearing, arraignment next week
Falcons sorry that Vick was "presented to the public in a negative way"
Vick, aka "Ookie," took part in killing numerous dogs, according to indictment
(CNN) -- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will go before a federal court in Richmond, Virginia, next week on charges that he participated in a dogfighting ring spanning at least nine states, the court said Wednesday.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick could face six years in prison if convicted.
1 of 2 Vick will attend a bond hearing before U.S. District Judge Dennis W. Dohnal on July 26 before heading to an arraignment in front of U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, according to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The Falcons are slated to kick off training camp on the same day.
Vick, 27, and three others were indicted Tuesday on charges of conspiracy in a dogfighting operation that included transporting pit bulls across state lines for illegal prize fights.
If convicted on the federal charges, Vick could find himself behind bars for up to six years, in addition to being fined $350,000, according to the federal court.
According to the 19-page indictment, Vick and his co-defendants are accused of training pit bulls and organizing prize fights in which dogs that weren't up to snuff were executed, sometimes by hanging or electrocution. Watch how the charges could affect Vick's career »
The Falcons star went by the code name "Ookie" and participated in or OK'd the killing of numerous dogs, the indictment states. Vick and his co-defendants killed eight dogs as recently as April, the indictment states.
Some dogs were killed after being "rolled," a process by which dogs are tested to determine if they are ferocious fighters. However, in one case, a female pit bull was injured in a fight that cost Vick and his co-defendants $13,000, according to the indictment.
After Vick was consulted about the canine's condition, one of his co-defendants "executed the losing dog by wetting the dog down with water and electrocuting the animal," the indictment states.
Various other methods were used to kill dogs that fought or tested poorly, including hanging, drowning, shooting, and in at least one case, slamming the dog to the ground, the indictment says.
The indictment alleges that the Falcons phenom and his cohorts engaged in other disturbing practices and that a raid on a home in Virginia uncovered items like "breaking sticks" -- used for prying fighting dogs' jaws apart -- and a "rape stand" used to tie down aggressive female dogs for breeding.
Fifty-four American pit bull terriers also were found on the property during the April 25 raid on the Smithfield, Virginia, home formerly owned by Vick, according to the indictment. Smithfield is about 30 miles west of the Norfolk area where Vick grew up.
Vick allegedly paid $34,000 for the home in June 2001, several weeks after the Falcons drafted him. Soon after, he and his cohorts began buying and training pit bulls for a fighting and breeding outfit called "Bad Newz Kennels," according to the indictment.
Details of several fights are included in the indictment, which states that pit bulls with names like "Maniac," "Trouble" and "Junior Mafia" were pitted against each other for pots ranging from $1,000 to $26,000, the indictment states.
The indictment further states that about $112,000 was exchanged over the outcomes of 16 fights featuring dogs owned or handled by "Bad Newz Kennels."
Twice, the indictment states, Vick personally delivered the kitty to the winning dogs' owners. On one occasion around March 2003, Vick handed over a book bag filled with $23,000 to a dog owner who had won two fights that day.
The indictment says the unnamed dog owner is now one of at least three cooperating witnesses in the case against Vick and his co-defendants.
Vick did not immediately comment on the indictment, but he has previously said that he had a kennel operation on the property, but had no involvement in or knowledge of a dogfighting ring.
No arrest warrants have been issued, and Vick and the other defendants -- Purnell Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Quanis Phillips, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia; and Tony Taylor, 34, of Hampton, Virginia -- have not been taken into custody, said Jim Rybicki, a spokesman for U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg.
Vick, a dazzling prospect from Virginia Tech, was taken at the No. 1 spot in the National Football League's 2001 draft. In December 2004, he signed a 10-year contract extension with the Falcons worth a potential $130 million. The deal included a $37 million signing bonus.
Falcons officials said Tuesday they were troubled by the charges against Vick.
"Our club and team will continue to be tested as Michael works through the legal process toward a conclusion," the Falcons said in a statement. "We are prepared to deal with it, and we will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out."
The statement added, "We are disappointed that one of our players -- and therefore the Falcons -- is being presented to the public in a negative way, and we apologize to our fans and the community for that."
This is not the first time the highest-paid player in the NFL has been presented in a negative light.
He has been accused of transmitting genital herpes to a woman and using the alias Ron Mexico so he could get treated secretly for the ailment. He earned the ire of his hometown fans after flipping them the bird after a Falcons loss.
He was criticized for missing a chance to speak on Capitol Hill about after-school programs. And earlier this year, authorities investigated Vick after confiscating a water bottle with a secret compartment containing a substance that Miami airport authorities said looked and smelled like marijuana.
A National Football League spokesman said the latest allegations against Vick would be reviewed under the NFL's personal conduct policy.
"We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him," said spokesman Brian McCarthy. "We will continue to closely monitor developments in this case and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities." E-mail to a friend
Not.
<< <i>Whats up with the spammy link in your post? Real classy.
Not. >>
Yea OK like you should be talking HUH?
<< <i>
Yea OK like you should be talking HUH? >>
This coming from the guy who's advocating 'lynching' people, before the man's been tried in a court of law? Look, your means of justice may have been deemed acceptable 100 years ago, but it has no place in civilized society. And please, don't say you were 'joking', nobody's buying it.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
randy
rubesmilitariaandsportcards.com
<< <i>
<< <i>
Yea OK like you should be talking HUH? >>
This coming from the guy who's advocating 'lynching' people, before the man's been tried in a court of law? Look, your means of justice may have been deemed acceptable 100 years ago, but it has no place in civilized society. And please, don't say you were 'joking', nobody's buying it. >>
Doing what you do best huh Ax.. Spinning? You obviously are doing that with your above statement
Read the indictment and if you still think he's innocent, well.. More power to you.
Link
<< <i>I read the other day that since 2000, 99% of the people indicted by a Federal grand jury were found to be guilty. In my humble opinion, he's guilty and should be permanently banned from the NFL.
Read the indictment and if you still think he's innocent, well.. More power to you.
Link >>
well said
Link
Updated: July 23, 2007, 8:07 PM ET
NEW YORK -- Michael Vick was ordered by commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday to stay away from the Atlanta Falcons' training camp until the league reviews the dogfighting charges against him.
"While it is for the criminal justice system to determine your guilt or innocence, it is my responsibility as commissioner of the National Football League to determine whether your conduct, even if not criminal, nonetheless violated league policies, including the Personal Conduct Policy," Goodell said in a letter to the quarterback.
The NFL said Vick would still get his preseason pay and Goodell told the Falcons to withhold any disciplinary action of their own until the league's review was completed.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
It also amazes me how there was such a firestorm over Don Imus and his comments on a radio show, yet there doesn't seem to be the same media outrage over this, at least in comparison with that frenzy, outside of PETA and animal rights activists.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Imus' radio comments were his own conviction, therefore the media coverage was much more condemning.
Randy
What's so ironic is that he has never won anything - he lost to FSU in the National Championship game, he lost to the Eagles in the NFC championship game a few years ago and has gotten worse every year. So why does his "possey" not put down this loser?
What's the deal with this guy, he (and people in Atlanta) think he's such a winner but what has he won? Never won in High School, NCAA or NFL - what's the big deal with this guy.
<< <i>what's the big deal with this guy. >>
Marketing 101
As a side note, if it were Payton, Brady, or some other white player, we all know dog fighting would become the next national past time.
<< <i>Vick is expected to enter his plea today.
As a side note, if it were Payton, Brady, or some other white player, we all know dog fighting would become the next national past time.
Nah, although Jessie Jackson and Sharpton have probably already began that defense for Michael conVick
Link
Deion column: Don't be too quick to judge Vick
Originally posted on July 26, 2007
Editor's Note
Deion Sanders column from Sunday's editions of The News-Press has touched a nerve in the Southwest Florida community and around the country. This morning the column was read word-for-word on ESPN Radio.
Here's his column
I would've never thought Mike Vick, one of the NFL's most exciting players — the man who makes the network execs smile every time he plays — would ever be indicted for crimes against man's best friend.
The potential impact could be devastating.
He could lose millions worth of endorsements. Nike has already suspended the release of his new shoe. He could lose millions he was supposed to get from the Atlanta Falcons, if the club decides to cut him. That's unlikely, but it could happen if he's convicted or makes a plea arrangement.
Or his reputation might wind up so stained that he's never forgiven in the court of public opinion. That would be too bad for the 27-year-old superstar.
This is all the result of perspective.
What a dog means to Vick might be a lot different than what he means to you or I. Hold on, don't start shaking your head just yet. Listen to me.
Some people kiss their dogs on the mouth. Some people let their dogs eat from their plate. Some people dress their dogs in suits more expensive than mine, if you can believe that.
And some people enjoy proving they have the biggest, toughest dog on the street. You're probably not going to believe this, but I bet Vick loves the dogs that were the biggest and the baddest. Maybe, he identified with them in some way.
You can still choose to condemn him, but I'm trying to take you inside his mind so you can understand where he might be coming from.
I'm sure all of the animal activists and Humane Society folks have a dart board with Vick's picture in the center of it. And if he plays this season, PETA is going to picket every stadium where he plays.
Still, I must ask the question: Where is all of this going?
By now you've read all of the accusations about the cruelty involving the dogs — and I'm not just talking about their duels to the death. All of that is enough to make me cringe because I have three highly-trained protection German shepherds, just in case someone wants to rob my family.
Believe me, you don't want to deal with them. With one German command, our dog Yascho turns into Cujo. And for the record, I live around the corner from the police station, so it won't take them long to show up and save you from the dogs.
Now back to Vick.
Why are we indicting him? Was he the ringleader? Is he the big fish? Or is there someone else? The fights allegedly occurred at a property that he purchased for a family member. They apparently found carcasses on the property, but I must ask you again, is he the ringleader?
This situation reminds me of a scene in the movie "New Jack City," when drug dealer Nino Brown is on the witness stand and eloquently says, "This thing is bigger than me."
Are we using Vick to get to the ringleader? Are we using him to bring an end to dogfighting in the United States?
The only thing I can gather from this situation is that we're using Vick.
Was he wrong? Absolutely. Was he stupid? Can't argue with that. Was he immature? No doubt. But is he the ringleader? I just can't see it.
I believe Vick had a passion for dogfighting. I know many athletes who share his passion. The allure is the intensity and the challenge of a dog fighting to the death. It's like ultimate fighting, but the dog doesn't tap out when he knows he can't win.
It reminds me of when I wore a lot of jewelry back in the day because I always wanted to have the biggest chain or the biggest, baddest car. It gives you status.
Can I pause for a moment to ask you a question?
Who shot Darrant Williams? Remember the Denver Bronco cornerback? I'm just more concerned about bringing to justice someone who killed a human. Or finding out who broke into Miami Heat forward Antoine Walker's home, tied him up and robbed him at gunpoint.
We're attacking this dogfighting ring the same way a teenager attacks his MySpace page after school (by the way parents, make sure you monitor your kids). We should have the same passion for man that we have for man's best friend.
The reason this is turning into a three-ring circus is that baseball is boring, basketball is months away, football is around the corner and we in the media don't have a thing interesting to write about.
How will this end up? I have no idea. All I know is Falcons fans better pray because Vick's backup is Joey Harrington. Enough said.
God bless and God willing I'll hollah at you next week.
— Deion Sanders, a North Fort Myers High School graduate, played in the NFL and Major League Baseball. He works as an analyst for the NFL Network and is part-owner of the Austin Wranglers of the Arena Football League.
Link
Vick a 'person of interest' regarding pit bull fighting in Ariz.
PHOENIX (AP) - The sheriff in Phoenix says his office is investigating to see if Michael Vick may have any involvement in dog fighting operations in Arizona.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio told a Phoenix radio station (KTAR) that the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is a "person of interest regarding pit bull fighting," but adds that he's not "talking about a case."
Arpaio says Vick's name has been "very familiar" to his office since "a while back."
Vick is due in federal court later today in Richmond, Virginia. The NFL star is to appear at a bond hearing and enter a plea on federal dog fighting charges. Prosecutors allege he and three others ran a dog fighting operation on Vick's property in rural Virginia.
(Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
<< <i>Deion Sanders is defending his "Bro" Im sorry but the bottom line is this- if it were in fact Peyton Manning, Tom Brady in this situation.. Neon Deion might have a little bit more negative things to say. >>
As mentioned in the article Sanders writes a weekly column for my (and his) hometown paper. Many of his columns have been surprisingly insightful, however he remains a major a-hole. His take on Vick is not surprising.
Many people who went to school with Sanders in his hometown do not hold him in high regard. His local antics as a high schooler and during college were not appreciated. He was arrested a couple of times for minor things. The locals tired of the Neon crap pretty fast.
At present he is involved in a failing effort to build low income housing in the area. His company made excessive demands on local government and the deal will most likely fall through if it hasn't yet.
Last year he tried to mentor a local HS football phenom, Noel Devine. The kid has little or no family, is already a father and needed some direction. Sanders moved the kid to his home in Texas to help guide him. The kid moved back a few weeks later.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
FYI - although S. Florida is not the typical "deep South," the Ft. Myers area is one that remains largely conservative. While many who live there were not born in the area those who relocated to Southwest FL are from the Midwest (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois). The East coast of FL draws those from the NE US. If you factor in the age of most residents (much of the population is over 55) you can easily guess the view of our "average Joe" in this part of the State. Of course the FL Crackers also tend to be conservative. Heck the County only satisfied the Federal requirement for proper desegregation of schools 8 years ago after 25 years of monitoring.
This issue is beginning to split along racial lines, which is a shame. It's much more than that and deflects the true nature of the problem when we form opinions based on race.
NFL Network puts hold on Deion column
By Ed Reed
Originally posted on July 29, 2007
I’m sure you came to this space today looking for Deion Sanders’ column.
And he wrote one for you.
But we can’t publish it.
Due to contractual obligations, his full-time employer —the NFL Network — has the exclusive right to Deion’s image and opinions. They invoked that right this week.
The national backlash Deion received for his perceived defense of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and dismissal of dogfighting started on Thursday after ESPN Radio dissected his column. It just happened to be the same day Vick was in a Richmond, Va., court pleading not guilty to federal dogfighting charges.
Understandably, the NFL did not like that one of the faces of its network was being portrayed as a Vick apologist. Deion sent a column responding to the criticism to The News-Press and the NFL Network on Friday morning.
That night, I received an e-mail from Thomas George, the NFL Network managing editor, which read: “This column and subsequent variations of it (are) not approved by NFL Network. It cannot run.”
It’s unfortunate because Deion really wanted you to see it. It was his best work since he started writing his column in January.
Over the last seven months, I’ve heard a lot of feedback from readers on Deion.
No, he’s not the most polished writer. And he hasn’t always been an angel. And he does live in Texas.
What I can say is what he’s been like to deal with since I’ve met him.
He’s easy to talk to. He always has his column in on time. He never cusses, and he cares about his hometown.
That’s why the responses from Fort Myers bothered him so much. He had hoped his previous writings on race relations, children and family had shown his character and values. He was surprised that people, after reading the full column, saw him excusing Vick and condoning dogfighting or that he was sticking up for a rich athlete.
“The NFL is like a fraternity,” Sanders said when I interviewed him Friday. “The real issue to me is, I think anybody, if someone in their family has done wrong or is doing wrong or made a bad, terrible decision, do we stone them or do we pray for them? I definitely, absoluetly do not condone anything, but I am praying for him.”
But he can express none of that to you in his column.
Per his contract, the NFL Network could require him to stop writing his column.
But aside from this week’s column, they will permit Deion to continue writing for The News-Press. Deion writes on a freelance basis for us and we have no contract with him. He could have just walked away and focused on his TV career, but he does not want to.
I asked him why. His answer was simple: “It’s my hometown. I want to stay connected to my hometown.”
And we’re glad to have him.
Mailbag: Vick's 'street culture'
Originally posted on July 26, 2007
I was furious when I read Deion Sanders' absurd (and poorly written) column about the Mike Vick dogfighting indictment. Therefore, I would like to address this directly to "Neon Deion."
To callously empathize with Mike Vick's actions by stating "what a dog means to Vick might be a lot different than you and I" is the same kind of twisted "logic" that a few blacks have used to defend O.J. Simpson. In other words, it appears that if you are a famous black athlete, you can literally get away with murder in your "street culture!"
Your judgment is as poor as your writing ability. If you are the "Christian" you claim yourself to be, how in the world could you defend his behavior as acceptable because "he may not be a ring-leader?" The evidence suggests that Vick (a registered pit bull breeder) has been engaged in these activities for years.
Dogfighting is illegal.
May I remind you that many psychologists cite the sadistic treatment and killing of animals as a dominant trait present in most serial killers?
The News-Press and Deion Sanders owe readers a full apology. Nothing short of that should allow Sanders to continue his column in this newspaper. As for myself, I've read my last column (unless it is a retraction) authored by this self-absorbed jerk!
TONY RUSSELL
Cape Coral
Dehumanization of culture
I have read of criticism of Muslims for not speaking out about the brutal actions of so-called Muslim terrorists.
Where is the outrage of the African-American community about the image portrayed by Michael Vick pitting helpless animals in fighting and betting arenas?
He is reported to have tortured and brutally killed the dogs, acting like a rock star smashing his guitar after a performance — in his case the unfortunate losing dog.
Is it any wonder Americans find themselves horrified by the actions of their military and CIA being spotlighted for torture and mistreatment of human beings?
We are providing the desensitization training by slap-on-the-wrist penalties for barbaric acts such as pitting dogs against each other, or pigs, or cats for entertainment or for any reason.
Come on, people, this kind of behavior is a predictor on the road to becoming such deviants as serial murderers or rapists.
MICHAEL BARTLEY
Fort Myers Beach
Good man cares for animals
"Don't be too quick to judge," from Deion Sanders, is sickening to me. Deion seems to care more about the money Mike Vick will lose instead of all the dogs he murdered.
Deion says, "Don't start shaking your head." Too late.
When I read Deion's article, I was beyond shaking my head, I was screaming at him for defending a so-called man.
Deion says, "I believe Vick had a passion for dogfighting. I know many athletes who share this passion." Where is the supposed Christian Deion in this? God disapproves of any and all abuse. Yes, this is animal abuse. Proverbs 12-10: "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel."
Was he the ringleader? Maybe, maybe not. That is not the point. He owned the home and owned many of the fighting dogs. Did he actually participate? I do not know, but ignorance is not the answer according to the Bible. Proverbs 27-23: "Be sure to know the condition of your flocks. Give careful attention to your herds."
For Deion to defend this man is almost as deplorable as Mike Vick himself. While I do not necessarily agree with PETA on certain issues, in this case, I indeed hope PETA does picket his games.
Come on, Deion, wake up! Are you next going to defend referee Tim Donaghy for throwing games? After all, gambling is a "sport" and many athletes share this passion as well. Is this OK? Wrong is wrong and at the end of the day, it does not matter what I think. God is the judge, jury and executioner. I know I will not worry when my time comes, the question I have is, will you?
JODI SASLOE
Fort Myers
Time to bench Deion
The News-Press needs to permanently bench Deion Sanders. Sorry Deion, but I don't care to be taken "into the twisted mind" of accused animal torturer Michael Vick.
Deion's attempt to justify this barbarian is pathetic. Deion is looked up to by many kids. For The News-Press to print his drivel only shows kids that animals don't count — it's all about money. Poor Vick could lose millions and his job. Well, I hope so! What about the horrific suffering of those pit bulls?
With school starting in a month, thousands of students will again be reading the paper in class. To allow Deion to justify Michael Vick sends a terrible message to young readers. Deion worries that Vick's "reputation will be permanently ruined in the court of public opinion." Well, Deion, from the letters in the Mailbag, defending this dog abuser isn't doing your reputation any good.
There is never any justification for abusing an animal.
As someone whom Deion Sanders would likely characterize as an "animal activist," there is a great deal that comes to mind in response to his column of July 22. However, rather than echoing the outrage that has already been quite effectively expressed by others with whom I heartily agree, I will keep my comments succinct: not only would I consider hanging a dart board with Michael Vick's photo in the center, I would now also make room on the wall for a second dart board featuring Deion's picture as well.
ANTOINETTE THRIFT
Fort Myers
Vick deserves scrutiny
Normally, I do not read the Sports section. Why should I? Baseball is boring, basketball is months away, and football isn't here yet.
But I did read Deion Sanders' opinion on the Mike Vick's illegal dogfighting in disbelief.
First, the key word is "man's best friend." What part of that phrase is not understood? You don't fight your best friend to the death if you are sane.
Second, of course this incident has a major impact on the public. Vick is a public figure. He is a figure boys and men idolize. He is a rough and tough football player who tortures and maims and kills man's best friend.
I think Mike Vick's future endorsements should include Alpo and the Humane Society. I have four dogs in my family, three rescued. I work with local rescue groups, HSUS AKC, and any and all greyhound rescues. I dedicate my life to help save dogs from people like Mr. Vick.
"What a dog means to Vick might be a lot different than what he means to you or I," wrote Sanders.
Excuse me? That was a stupid thing to say.
Obviously they mean nothing to Mr. Vick as far as a living, breathing "thing."
God created the heaven and Earth, then the animal kingdom. After that, man, to care for the animals. Wow, that was hard to follow! As far as being the ringleader in this animal cruelty charge, if you are only an accomplice in a bank robbery, does it make you less guilty?
The "biggest and the toughest on the street." Now that is a macho statement if I ever heard one. Get help or join a gang.
Maybe Sanders can go to court as a character witness for Vick. They seem to think alike. Personally, I would love to serve on Vick's jury (please!). Too bad you cannot punish the guilty with the crime.
We need to keep our eye on Vick. Now that the public is aware of his love for animals, he may start raising roosters. Let us all arm ourselves with "darts" and try our darndest to hit a bull's eye.
Lastly, Mr. Sanders, one of my four rescues is a German shepherd. She has not been trained to attack nor does she understand German, but she will protect this family with her life if need be. Why do you need three German shepherds? Cujo? Hmm?
DIANA DILORETO
Fort Myers
Deion's spotlight gone
Whatever Sanders' accomplishments in the sports world did not ensure to any proficiency to become a featured sports columnist.
I have accused him in previous letters to the editor of being an apologist for such lowlife multi-million dollar athletes like "Pacman" Jones and Michael Vick. I did this before either one of them was indicted. Now, I should say, "I told you so." No, I won't. You should have known better even if Sanders did not.
In his July 15 column he defended a Hispanic New York Yankee ballplayer who was given an outlandish $250 million contract by one ill-advised owner from Texas. And I'm being kind when I refer to him as "ill-advised."
Sanders criticized fans in general for booing him and making excuses for his extramarital meanderings. I am sure there are many sports fans who read this inane and senseless column will join me in saying, "I could not care less."
Mr. Editor, I know Deion Sanders is a local hero, but his time in the spotlight is long gone. He lives in Texas so let him write for a Texas newspaper.
Whatever credibility he may have had is dissipated by his profession of friendship for these two future convicts. And please, don't give me the "presumed innocent" rhetoric.
Mr. Editor, do what's right as the commissioner of the NFL is doing. Give the money you're paying Sanders to Deron Snyder, a professional writer.
EDWARD A. SOWINSKI JR.
Fort Myers
But, but, but... I thought it was a racial issue?
Looks like someone is wrong again and as usual
Link
Co-defendant: Vick bankrolled dogfighting
Print this | E-mail this | Comments on this article: 0
Posted: July 30, 2007
Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. -- One of Michael Vick's co-defendants pleaded guilty Monday to his role in a dogfighting conspiracy he says was financed almost entirely by the Atlanta Falcons quarterback.
As part of a plea agreement, Tony Taylor pledged to fully cooperate with the government in its prosecution of Vick and two other men accused of running an interstate dogfighting enterprise known as "Bad Newz Kennels" on Vick's property in rural Surry County.
"The 'Bad Newz Kennels' operation and gambling monies were almost exclusively funded by Vick," a summary of facts supporting the plea agreement and signed by Taylor states.
The plea deal requires Taylor to testify against Vick and his two remaining co-defendants if called upon to do so. Taylor cannot get a stiffer sentence or face any new charges based on any new information he provides, according to terms of the agreement.
Additional charges are possible, however, against Vick and the other two. Federal prosecutors have said a superseding indictment will be issued in August.
Vick's lead attorney, Billy Martin, did not immediately return a phone message.
Taylor, 34, of Hampton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.
Vick pleaded not guilty to the same charges last week and said in a written statement that he looked forward to "clearing my good name." He also pleaded with the public to resist a rush to judgment.
The gruesome details outlined in the July 17 indictment have fueled public protests against Vick and prompted the suspension of some of his lucrative endorsement deals. Also, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has barred Vick from the Falcons' training camp.
The summary of facts signed by Taylor supports the indictment's claims that the dogfighting ring executed underperforming dogs by drowning, hanging and other brutal means. Taylor admitted shooting one dog and electrocuting another when they did not perform well in test fights in the summer of 2002.
Vick, 27, attended several dogfights in Virginia and other states with his partners, according to the statement. Prosecutors claim the fights offered purses as high as $26,000.
Taylor, who will be sentenced Dec. 14, said he was not promised any specific sentence in return for his cooperation with the government.
He faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000, although federal sentencing guidelines likely will call for less. The range will be determined by the court's probation office, but the judge can depart from that range if he finds aggravating or mitigating circumstances.
Taylor and his attorney, Stephen A. Hudgins of Newport News, declined to answer reporters' questions as they left the federal courthouse. Prosecutors also would not comment.
During the hearing, Taylor spoke only in response to routine yes-or-no questions from U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. He answered "Yes" when the judge asked if he had agreed to cooperate with the government.
Taylor acknowledged in the summary of facts that he found the property that Vick purchased in 2001 for $30,000 for development into a dogfighting compound. Taylor says he maintained and trained the dogs for about three years, using his share of winnings -- which were split among the partners -- for living expenses.
He left the operation after a falling out with co-defendant Quanis L. Phillips and others in September 2004, according to the statement of facts.
Vick and Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach, and Phillips, 28, of Atlanta, are scheduled for trial Nov. 26. They remain free without bond.
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