Home » Atlanta Falcons' Quarterback Michael Vick Indicted in Dogfighting Case
Atlanta Falcons' Quarterback Michael Vick Indicted in Dogfighting Case
Posted: Wednesday, July 18, 2007
by Avis Ward
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Falcons' Michael Vick - QB #7
Bad Newz Kennels has proven to be really bad news for the 27-year old quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons,
Michael Vick. A Federal grand jury indicted Vick and three others today in a dogfighting case.
The news report alleges “when a Bad Newz Kennels dog was wounded in a losing fight, the NFL star was consulted before the animal was doused with water and electrocuted." The 18-page indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alleged Michael Vick and his co-defendants began the dogfighting operation in early 2001. If you recall, the former Virginia Tech star’s rookie year as the No. 1 pick was also in 2001.
The indictment came out of Virginia as this is where the operation was centered at property Vick owns in Surry County. The property is reported to have a fence shielding prying eyes from the back, and a two-story brick home surrounded by fencing in the front, and several black buildings further back on the property.
Ironically, the quarterback is scheduled to appear in federal court in Richmond on the same day the Falcons begin training camp, July 26. The four cited in the indictment will have a bond hearing before a magistrate judge at 3:30 p.m., and an arraignment will follow at 4 p.m., the court said today.
If convicted of all charges, Vick and the others — Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach; Quanis L. Phillips, 28, of Atlanta; and Tony Taylor, 34, of Hampton — could face up to six years in prison, $350,000 in fines and restitution, according to the news report.
After an April police raid on the property, Vick was reported as saying he was rarely at the house, however, and had no idea that it might have been used in a criminal enterprise. He blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity and pledged to be more careful. Local authorities had been investigating since the April 25th raid at the property.
He has since said very little, citing the advice of his attorneys. But Tuesday the NFL was quick to decry the alleged animal abuse. “The activities alleged are cruel, degrading and illegal. Michal Vick’s guilt has not yet been proven and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
On their website, the Atlanta Falcons issued the following statement regarding the U.S. District Court indictment of Michael Vick:
"This situation has been troubling to many people, including our fans, during the last few months. With today’s news, our club and team will continue to be tested as Michael works through the legal process toward a conclusion.
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.
Obviously, we are disturbed by today’s news from Virginia. However, we are prepared to deal with it, and we will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out. We have a season to prepare for and training camp opens next week. Our plan is to continue to do everything we can to support our players and coaches."
Some of the details of the indictment are disturbing. The allegations of the abuse suffered by the dogs are gruesome. John Goodwin of the Humane Society of the United States said the details were especially troubling.
The purses for the fights are reported to have ranged from hundreds of dollars to the thousands and participants and spectators often placed side bets on the outcome, according to the indictment. Previous documents did not name Vick; the indictment is “littered with his name, including this tidbit— Vick was known as the “Ookie" in the dogfighting world."
Vick and the Falcons are due to report to training camp next week. Whether Vick is guilty or not, Bad Newz Kennel has been bad news for the Falcons’ quarterback. Perhaps the charges will be dropped against him. If not, he will have his day in court.
Sources: Associated Press and Atlanta Falcons Website
Avis is founder of El Elyon Outpouring Center, an Empowerment Outreach Ministry emphasizing God’s Unconditional Love and Grace and GeoVi’s Home for New Life, a nonprofit providing faith, hope, and love to teens, pregnant teens and their babies. She's CEO of Providential Coaching, a Christian Life coaching practice teaching young women how-to turn within for divine direction to learn and follow the plan God has for their lives. She's the host and creator of Devoted Housewives in the House of God, an Internet Radio Talk Show. Speaker, Seminar Leader and an Ambassador of Love. Avis respectfully acknowledges her deceased parents as her role models, and the hero and heroine in her life.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by robert T melaccio
4 years 285 days ago.
Avis, good article. I wonder as we look back at this mans past and his family what shaped his actions? Do we blame race or poverty and is that even a consideration? I happen to think it is environment. This young black man with everything that the world could offer andyet he wasn't satisfied. An outstanding lesson for some minister. I don't know his religious beliefs but I would venture to say he calls himself a Christian, or perhaps he was raised in a Christian home, or was once a Christian? Should we ask that all anyone saw in this young man was money? Did we see where he was going? Did it matter? Did it matter to him? Did people try and give up? Is it a question of anger deep inside? Working with youth I know this, you can't save them all and that is the deepest hurt of people who care. I as we pray for him God will work it out. I suspect God is the only one who can? G0d bless.
» left by 4 years 285 days ago.
Sir Robert, thank you kindly. You asked some pertinent questions. Like you, I wonder what happened to sidetrack this young man who had an opportunity many who dream of but carry that dream to the grave. The spiritual and psychological maturity you and I possess doesn't benefit our youth if they do not heed to it. This is a sad occurrence that happens. Many of which, we never hear about because the lack of visibility of the victims, but it happens. I'm saddened by it and will pray it will work out too. If guilty, he must be punished. If not, cleared. God bless you as well, thank you, sir. :)
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