Vick admits to role in killing dogs
August 24, 2007
By Ian Parker Special to PA SportsTicker
RICHMOND, Virginia (Ticker) -- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was suspended by the NFL on Friday after signing a plea agreement in which he admits to playing a role in the killing of dogs as part of a larger dogfighting operation.
Vick filed the plea earlier Friday ahead of an appearance in federal court Monday, when he will plead guilty to charges of organizing dogfighting and conducting an enterprise including gambling and the sponsoring and transporting of dogs in dogfighting operations.
Later on Friday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Vick has been suspended indefinitely without pay.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank's reaction was terse and predictable.
"Today, Michael Vick admitted his guilt to very serious charges related to his earlier indictment," Blank said in a statement. "His admissions describe actions that are incomprehensible and unacceptable for a member of the National Football League and the Atlanta Falcons."
In a summary of facts accompanying the plea agreement, Vick admitted that six to eight dogs killed in April of this year died as a result of the "collective efforts" of himself and two of his three co-defendants, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips.
"Peace, Phillips and Vick agreed to the killing of approximately 6-8 dogs that did not perform well in "testing" sessions at 1915 Moonlight Road and all of those dogs were killed by various methods, including hanging and drowning," the summary states.
"Vick agrees and stipulates that these dogs all died as a result of the collective efforts of Peace, Phillips and Vick."
The summary also states that Vick, Phillips, Peace and the fourth defendant Tony Taylor, 'tested' several dogs in 2002 to determine which were good fighters.
"Vick was aware that Phillips, Peace and Taylor killed a number of dogs that did not perform well in testing sessions around this time," the summary says. "Vick did not kill any dogs at this time."
The summary outlines the story of how the operation - known as the "Bad Newz Kennels" - began in 2001 and continued until April of this year. The operation was largely funded by Vick, including money bet on the outcome of fights. Vick has denied he personally gambled on fights.
"Most of the 'Bad Newz Kennels' operation and gambling monies were provided by Vick," the statement says. "When 'Bad Newz Kennels' won a particular fight, the gambling proceeds were generally split by Taylor, Phillips and, sometimes, Peace.
"Vick did not gamble by placing side bets on any of the fights. Vick did not receive any of the proceeds from the purses that were won by 'Bad Newz Kennels'."
The summary states that Vick paid for the house, in Surry County, Virginia, where the dogs were kenneled and where numerous fights were staged.
Peace, Phillips and Taylor have all pleaded guilty to the allegations of killing dogs and gambling.
Vick, 27, could face up to five years in prison.
The charges against Vick, one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the NFL, have left his career in serious jeopardy.
Goodell wrote to Vick on Friday to inform him of his suspension, which may yet become a lifetime ban.
Goodell's letter was damning in its tone.
"Your admitted conduct was not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible," Goodell wrote. "Your team, the NFL, and NFL fans have all been hurt by your actions."
However gruesome admissions regarding the deaths of several dogs are, it is Vick's admission that he funded gambling on dogfights - even though he says he did not profit from the bets - that is the more serious offense in the NFL's eyes, as it violates the league's strict anti-gambling code.
"Your plea agreement and the plea agreements of your co-defendants also demonstrate your significant involvement in illegal gambling," Goodell continued.
"Even if you personally did not place bets, as you contend, your actions in funding the betting and your association with illegal gambling both violate the terms of your NFL player contract and expose you to corrupting influences in derogation of one of the most fundamental responsibilities of an NFL player."
Goodell also told Vick that he had violated the league's personal conduct policy.
The commissioner will now wait for the legal process to run its course before deciding how long Vick's suspension should run. A life ban is possible under the NFL's rules.
In 2005, Vick signed a 10-year $130 million contract with the Falcons, the richest contract in NFL history to that date. The deal guaranteed Vick at least $44 million, but the Falcons may now seek to recover some of that money.
"I have advised the Falcons that, with my decision today, they are no longer prohibited from acting and are now free to assert any claims or remedies available to them under the Collective Bargaining Agreement or your NFL player contract," Goodell wrote.
In his statement, Blank backed the move by Goodell.
"We respect and support the Commissioner's decision today to place Michael Vick on an indefinite suspension," the statement said. "As with other actions he has taken this year, the Commissioner is making a strong statement that conduct which tarnishes the good reputation of the NFL will not be tolerated.
"We hope that Michael will use this time, not only to further address his legal matters, but to take positive steps to improve his personal life."
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