awwww yeah... can i get some justice in da house!!!!

[Connecticut Stud]

NFL Suspends Michael Vick Indefinitely, Without Pay
No matter how nuanced his confession for involvement in dogfighting, Michael Vick got no leniency Friday from the NFL.

Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended the Atlanta Falcons quarterback indefinitely without pay, just hours after Vick filed a plea agreement that portrayed him as less involved than three co-defendants and guilty mainly of poor judgment for associating with them.

Vick acknowledged bankrolling gambling on the dogfights, but denied placing bets himself or taking any of the winnings. He admitted that dogs not worthy of the pit were killed "as a result of the collective efforts" of himself and two co-defendants.

Click here to read Vick's plea agreement.

Goodell wasn't moved and didn't bother to wait until Monday, when U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson will formally accept the plea and set a sentencing date likely to land Vick in prison for one to five years.

The commissioner said Vick's admitted conduct was "not only illegal but also cruel and reprehensible." Even if he didn't personally place bets, Goodell said, "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."

RelatedStories
Michael Vick Signs Plea Deal, Admits to Conspiracy in Dogfighting Ring Missouri Woman Sells Chewed-Up Michael Vick Football Cards NAACP President Says Vick 'Must Account for What He Has Done' Vick's Pit Bulls Face Deadline NAACP: Michael Vick Should Return to the NFL Goodell freed the Falcons to "assert any claims or remedies" to recover $22 million of Vick's signing bonus from the 10-year, $130 million contract he signed in 2004.

The commissioner didn't speak to Vick but based his decision on the court filings. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Goodell may meet with Vick in the future, and Goodell said he would review the suspension after all the legal proceedings.

"You have engaged in conduct detrimental to the welfare of the NFL and have violated the league's personal conduct policy," Goodell told Vick in a letter after meeting in New York with Falcons president and general manager Rich McKay.

"You are now justifiably facing consequences for the decisions you made and the conduct in which you engaged. Your career, freedom and public standing are now in the most serious jeopardy," Goodell wrote. "I hope that you will be able to learn from this difficult experience and emerge from it better prepared to act responsibly and to make the kinds of choices that are expected of a conscientious and law abiding citizen."

Falcons owner Arthur Blank supported Goodell's decision and said:

"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."

Nike, meantime, said it terminated its contract with Vick.

Earlier Friday in Richmond, Va., a "summary of facts" signed by Vick was filed along with his written plea agreement on a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge.

"While Mr. Vick is not personally charged with or responsible for committing all of the acts alleged in the indictment, as with any conspiracy charge, he is taking full responsibility for his actions and the actions of the others involved," the defense team said in a written statement after the plea agreement was filed.

"Mr. Vick apologizes for his poor judgment in associating himself with those involved in dog fighting and realizes he should never have been involved in this conduct," the statement said.

Vick and his lawyers said his involvement was limited when it came to the enterprise known as the Bad Newz Kennels.

"Our position has been that we are going to try to help Judge Hudson understand all the facts and Michael's role," Vick's defense attorney, Billy Martin, said in telephone interview. "Michael's role was different than others associated with this incident."

Vick's summary of facts said he provided most of the Bad Newz Kennels operation and gambling monies, echoing language in plea agreements by the three co-defendants — Tony Taylor, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips.

When the dogs won, the statement said, gambling proceeds were generally shared by Taylor, Peace and Phillips.

"Vick did not gamble by placing side bets on any of the fights. Vick did not receive any of the proceeds of the purses that were won by Bad Newz Kennels," the court document said.

According to the statement, Vick also was involved with the others in killing six to eight dogs that did not perform well in testing sessions last April. The dogs were executed by drowning or hanging.

"Vick agrees and stipulates that these dogs all died as a result of the collective efforts" of Vick, Phillips and Peace, the statement said.

In the plea agreement, the government committed to recommending a sentence on the low end of the federal sentencing guideline range of a year to 18 months. However, the conspiracy charge is punishable by up to five years in prison, and the judge is not bound by any recommendation or by the guidelines.

Hudson has a reputation for imposing stiff sentences, according to lawyers who have appeared in his court. The judge will set a sentencing date at Monday's hearing.

Martin said Vick will "speak to the public and explain his actions." Though he declined to say when and where, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, a syndicated program based in Dallas, said it will have a live interview with Vick on Tuesday.

The case began in April when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided a Surry County property owned by Vick and found dozens of dogs, some injured, and equipment commonly used in dogfighting.

A federal indictment issued in July charged Vick, Peace, Phillips and Taylor with an interstate dogfighting conspiracy. Vick initially denied any involvement, and all four men pleaded innocent. The three co-defendants later pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Vick.

Taylor was the first to change his plea, saying Vick financed the dogfighting ring's gambling and operations. Peace and Phillips soon followed, alleging that Vick joined them in killing dogs that did not measure up in test fights.

The sickening details outlined in the indictment and other court papers prompted a public backlash against Vick, who had been one of the NFL's most popular players.

Animal-rights groups mobilized against Vick — even protesting at NFL headquarters in New York — and sponsors dropped him.

"It is fitting that the NFL has suspended him," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "He's now a role model for something terrible, and it's not appropriate that he suit up in an NFL uniform."

[doniston]

NFL Suspends Michael Vick Indefinitely, Without Pay
No matter how nuanced his confession for involvement in dogfighting, Michael Vick got no leniency Friday from the NFL.

Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended the Atlanta Falcons quarterback indefinitely without pay, just hours after Vick filed a plea agreement that portrayed him as less involved than three co-defendants and guilty mainly of poor judgment for associating with them.

Vick acknowledged bankrolling gambling on the dogfights, but denied placing bets himself or taking any of the winnings. He admitted that dogs not worthy of the pit were killed "as a result of the collective efforts" of himself and two co-defendants.

Click here to read Vick's plea agreement.

Goodell wasn't moved and didn't bother to wait until Monday, when U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson will formally accept the plea and set a sentencing date likely to land Vick in prison for one to five years.

The commissioner said Vick's admitted conduct was "not only illegal but also cruel and reprehensible." Even if he didn't personally place bets, Goodell said, "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."

RelatedStories
Michael Vick Signs Plea Deal, Admits to Conspiracy in Dogfighting Ring Missouri Woman Sells Chewed-Up Michael Vick Football Cards NAACP President Says Vick 'Must Account for What He Has Done' Vick's Pit Bulls Face Deadline NAACP: Michael Vick Should Return to the NFL Goodell freed the Falcons to "assert any claims or remedies" to recover $22 million of Vick's signing bonus from the 10-year, $130 million contract he signed in 2004.

The commissioner didn't speak to Vick but based his decision on the court filings. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Goodell may meet with Vick in the future, and Goodell said he would review the suspension after all the legal proceedings.

"You have engaged in conduct detrimental to the welfare of the NFL and have violated the league's personal conduct policy," Goodell told Vick in a letter after meeting in New York with Falcons president and general manager Rich McKay.

"You are now justifiably facing consequences for the decisions you made and the conduct in which you engaged. Your career, freedom and public standing are now in the most serious jeopardy," Goodell wrote. "I hope that you will be able to learn from this difficult experience and emerge from it better prepared to act responsibly and to make the kinds of choices that are expected of a conscientious and law abiding citizen."

Falcons owner Arthur Blank supported Goodell's decision and said:

"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."

Nike, meantime, said it terminated its contract with Vick.

Earlier Friday in Richmond, Va., a "summary of facts" signed by Vick was filed along with his written plea agreement on a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge.

"While Mr. Vick is not personally charged with or responsible for committing all of the acts alleged in the indictment, as with any conspiracy charge, he is taking full responsibility for his actions and the actions of the others involved," the defense team said in a written statement after the plea agreement was filed.

"Mr. Vick apologizes for his poor judgment in associating himself with those involved in dog fighting and realizes he should never have been involved in this conduct," the statement said.

Vick and his lawyers said his involvement was limited when it came to the enterprise known as the Bad Newz Kennels.

"Our position has been that we are going to try to help Judge Hudson understand all the facts and Michael's role," Vick's defense attorney, Billy Martin, said in telephone interview. "Michael's role was different than others associated with this incident."

Vick's summary of facts said he provided most of the Bad Newz Kennels operation and gambling monies, echoing language in plea agreements by the three co-defendants — Tony Taylor, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips.

When the dogs won, the statement said, gambling proceeds were generally shared by Taylor, Peace and Phillips.

"Vick did not gamble by placing side bets on any of the fights. Vick did not receive any of the proceeds of the purses that were won by Bad Newz Kennels," the court document said.

According to the statement, Vick also was involved with the others in killing six to eight dogs that did not perform well in testing sessions last April. The dogs were executed by drowning or hanging.

"Vick agrees and stipulates that these dogs all died as a result of the collective efforts" of Vick, Phillips and Peace, the statement said.

In the plea agreement, the government committed to recommending a sentence on the low end of the federal sentencing guideline range of a year to 18 months. However, the conspiracy charge is punishable by up to five years in prison, and the judge is not bound by any recommendation or by the guidelines.

Hudson has a reputation for imposing stiff sentences, according to lawyers who have appeared in his court. The judge will set a sentencing date at Monday's hearing.

Martin said Vick will "speak to the public and explain his actions." Though he declined to say when and where, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, a syndicated program based in Dallas, said it will have a live interview with Vick on Tuesday.

The case began in April when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided a Surry County property owned by Vick and found dozens of dogs, some injured, and equipment commonly used in dogfighting.

A federal indictment issued in July charged Vick, Peace, Phillips and Taylor with an interstate dogfighting conspiracy. Vick initially denied any involvement, and all four men pleaded innocent. The three co-defendants later pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Vick.

Taylor was the first to change his plea, saying Vick financed the dogfighting ring's gambling and operations. Peace and Phillips soon followed, alleging that Vick joined them in killing dogs that did not measure up in test fights.

The sickening details outlined in the indictment and other court papers prompted a public backlash against Vick, who had been one of the NFL's most popular players.

Animal-rights groups mobilized against Vick — even protesting at NFL headquarters in New York — and sponsors dropped him.

"It is fitting that the NFL has suspended him," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "He's now a role model for something terrible, and it's not appropriate that he suit up in an NFL uniform."

"POINT OF ORDER" at least the way I see it. The NFL were justified. He is pleeding guilty to a serious charge wherein he will, at the very least be sentenced to some time in prison. there is nothing wrong with the NFL stoppig his pay, and suspending hin indfinitely. --Do you know what indefinitely means? It does not mean permanently. so he could be suspended until he gets out of jail. That is reasonable.

[Connecticut Stud]

people think im about race, and im really not im first and foremost


1. about assuming responsibility for your actions
2 well mostly its just about that...


I know lady t is ripped at me, but she's ignoring an important message... she should look at a book written by someone i can't remember, but in anyevent, he was on msnbc talking about the NAACP which is a very good organization for helping minorities, however their focus is misguided, i mean as the man said they are defending a man who has millions and millions of dollars not representative of the majority of blacks and has in essance los thier way


Lady t knows i love her, she's just being mad, or is a pit killer or watched dog fights with vick is all.

[uscitizen]

Umm not sure how many millions he will have, they are off his pay and recovering some of the signing bonus.

[blackascoal]

Umm not sure how many millions he will have, they are off his pay and recovering some of the signing bonus.

He will still have more money than 95% of planet earth.

Sorry, I know you hope to see him homeless on the streets, but it ain't gonna happen.

Additionally, I expect that I'll get the pleasure of seeing him play in the NFL again.

And as I've said, these were dogs, not humans, so the Goldman's aren't hanging around waiting to suck him dry.

[Connecticut Stud]

whether its dogs or people or whatever, your defending inexcusable actions.... and the fact that you can't wait to see him play again either means your defending him b/c he is black, or you have serious issues w/ your moral compass

[uscitizen]

So In your opinion Vuck should be put to death or something Rob ?

[blackascoal]

whether its dogs or people or whatever, your defending inexcusable actions.... and the fact that you can't wait to see him play again either means your defending him b/c he is black, or you have serious issues w/ your moral compass

Reading posts that come from you makes it quite laughable hearing you talk about a "moral compass" .. quite laughable indeed.

It may surprise you to know that there are many whites who take the exact same position I do and they aren't defending him because he's black EITHER. People are getting rid of Falcons season tickets with the quickness and they are going for below value. That isn't just black holders of season tickets.

If the same offenses had been done by Joe Blow you wouldn't even know of this .. quick, without looking it up .. who was the biggest dogfighter in US history who was recently prosecuted?

This is Paris Hilton/Lindsey Lohan hype and sensationalism. Vick should pay for his involvement, but not a single one of you know what that involvement was. AND just as everyone else has been able to continue the careers after paying for their offenses, so should Vick.

[Damocles]

Reading posts that come from you makes it quite laughable hearing you talk about a "moral compass" .. quite laughable indeed.

It may surprise you to know that there are many whites who take the exact same position I do and they aren't defending him because he's black EITHER. People are getting rid of Falcons season tickets with the quickness and they are going for below value. That isn't just black holders of season tickets.

If the same offenses had been done by Joe Blow you wouldn't even know of this .. quick, without looking it up .. who was the biggest dogfighter in US history who was recently prosecuted?

This is Paris Hilton/Lindsey Lohan hype and sensationalism. Vick should pay for his involvement, but not a single one of you know what that involvement was. AND just as everyone else has been able to continue the careers after paying for their offenses, so should Vick.

The problem is the involvement with gambling. Crap, look at Pete Rose. (I know a different sport, but they have the same type of universal policy in regard to gambling). It wouldn't even matter that it had nothing to do with the NFL, they don't want them to be beholden to those who run illegal gambling as they can be "encouraged" to "help" them during games.

[uscitizen]

According to what I read we will find out what Vicks involvement was tomorrow.
In any case word is that he admitted to the illegal gambling aspect and that violates his contract.

[Battleborne]

The problem is the involvement with gambling. Crap, look at Pete Rose. (I know a different sport, but they have the same type of universal policy in regard to gambling). It wouldn't even matter that it had nothing to do with the NFL, they don't want them to be beholden to those who run illegal gambling as they can be "encouraged" to "help" them during games.

I do believe this was the point the NFL was making...thats why they suspended him indefinetly..after all the NFL tortures players on a regular basis..they make them play with debilitating injuries...loaded on pain killers...all for the sake of the bottom line...Money!
So I don't believe they suspended him because of his torturing animals...they do the same thing....

[doniston]

whether its dogs or people or whatever, your defending inexcusable actions.... and the fact that you can't wait to see him play again either means your defending him b/c he is black, or you have serious issues w/ your moral compass

Or perhaps sinply that you are an idiot. He has pled guilty to financially supporting the dog fights, (which I also abhor) and for killing some of the dogs the ways and means not determined by the plea. (dubious at best- perhaps it was in their best interests over all. you don't know.- I have put down three dogs myself. ) I didn't want to but it was necessary

Have you never done somthing wrong that to others were inexcusable actions? I know I have. so I'm not judging.

[doniston]

The problem is the involvement with gambling. Crap, look at Pete Rose. (I know a different sport, but they have the same type of universal policy in regard to gambling). It wouldn't even matter that it had nothing to do with the NFL, they don't want them to be beholden to those who run illegal gambling as they can be "encouraged" to "help" them during games.

OH BS.
If he isn't gambling on his own actions, it shouldn't be banned. so cops shouldn't gamble either because it is against the law? Give me a break virtually everyone gambles in one way or another. and expecially when it comes to sports, the only ones they should be banned from gambling upon is their own activity. (whether participating, or judging)

[Cancel7]

people think im about race, and im really not im first and foremost


1. about assuming responsibility for your actions
2 well mostly its just about that...


I know lady t is ripped at me, but she's ignoring an important message... she should look at a book written by someone i can't remember, but in anyevent, he was on msnbc talking about the NAACP which is a very good organization for helping minorities, however their focus is misguided, i mean as the man said they are defending a man who has millions and millions of dollars not representative of the majority of blacks and has in essance los thier way


Lady t knows i love her, she's just being mad, or is a pit killer or watched dog fights with vick is all.

Yeah there was a man who wrote a book whose name you can't remember on MSNBC, who was saying that "The NAACP is defending a man ....blah blah blah".

Wow, so a man who wrote a book whose name you can't remember but who was on MSNBC is as stupid, ill-informed, and prone to sweeping statements as you are. Well, he's not the first they've had on.

"The NAACP" hasn't done anything Rob, and don't make that fucking statement again, because I have had it with your stereotyping bullshit.

National NAACP withholds judgment
NBC’s Kevin Corke reported that White’s comments created a rift within the NAACP, whose national office has taken no position on Vick’s potential reinstatement to the National Football League.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20411561/

The head of the virginia chapter made statements which you are attributing to "The NAACP" and no doubt to every black person in this country, because hey, if one of them feels that way that must be how they all feel. Just like gay people right Rob?

[Damocles]

OH BS.
If he isn't gambling on his own actions, it shouldn't be banned. so cops shouldn't gamble either because it is against the law? Give me a break virtually everyone gambles in one way or another. and expecially when it comes to sports, the only ones they should be banned from gambling upon is their own activity. (whether participating, or judging)

Right. Except that is the rule, and I simply mentioned it. Anyway, those who illegally gamble often run bets on the games that Vick would be participating in. If he owed money, he could be "encouraged" to "help" them set the odds more in their favor. This is why those who judge or play in the games at that level are simply disallowed gambling per their contracts.

Whether or not you think it is right or even logical, it is in fact the truth.

It isn't that Vick hurt the dogs that may get him a lifetime ban, it is his involvement in gambling.