Vick accepts plea agreement

[webmistress]

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has accepted a plea deal that could send him to prison, ending a federal dogfighting prosecution that jeopardizes his pro football career, a Virginia newspaper is reporting.

Vick will plead guilty to felony conspiracy next Monday, defense attorney Lawrence Woodward told the Virginian-Pilot, of Norfolk, Virginia.

The newspaper reports that the plea will help Vick avoid additional federal charges.

"Mike's accepting full responsibility," Woodward told the newspaper. "He's going to do everything he can personally and professionally to make this situation right."

Federal prosecutors had offered a deal recommending an 18- to 36-month prison sentence. Vick's attorneys were trying to reduce that to less than a year, two sources told CNN on Monday.

It was not immediately clear whether Vick's attorneys have heard back Monday from National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell's office. They wanted to clarify Vick's career options before entering into any deal with federal prosecutors, the sources said.

Vick's three codefendants in the dogfighting case have accepted agreements to plead guilty in exchange for reduced sentences.

If Vick doesn't accept a deal, he could face additional charges in the case on Monday, when a grand jury convenes in Richmond, Virginia.

The NFL is considering what, if any, sanctions they should impose on the 27-year-old suspended Atlanta Falcons player.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/08/20/vick/index.html

[Caitriona]

I think we should put him in a ring and let the dogs tear him apart..

In all honesty, I hope the NFL bans him and he loses everything he's worked so hard for and after his prison sentence I would love to see him have to do thousands of hours of community service working in a rescue.

[Buxom Wench]

.....I would love to see him have to do thousands of hours of community service working in a rescue.

From your lips to the Goddess' ears.

[webmistress]

I for one don't support shelter-based community service in most animal abuse cases. Its like having a convicted child rapist do community service in a daycare facility to me. There are a few exceptions, where it really can help them rehabilitate themselves and help out at the shelter as well, but I wouldn't let Vick within 100 miles of my shelter.

[Lady Sarah]

My brother and I were talking about this this weekend and he made noises about the Falcon's letting go of his contract pending the details of the plea agreement.

I'd put him under the jail, myself.

[Buxom Wench]

I for one don't support shelter-based community service in most animal abuse cases. Its like having a convicted child rapist do community service in a daycare facility to me. There are a few exceptions, where it really can help them rehabilitate themselves and help out at the shelter as well, but I wouldn't let Vick within 100 miles of my shelter.

I wouldn't let him near the animals, they're too precious for that.
I would however, have him doing the job of cleaning up after the animals.
After all, he'd be with his own kind. A big pile of ::poop::

[Ysobelle]

One thing I do appreciate is that if he DOES go to prison, it's one less year he can play ball. Like all athletes, he has a limited shelf life. While that really pisses me off in the case of, say, Floyd Landis, I think it's entirely fitting for Vick.

He wants to make the situation right? How the fuck could he possibly do THAT?

[surlywench]

I think we should put him in a ring and let the dogs tear him apart..

In all honesty, I hope the NFL bans him and he loses everything he's worked so hard for and after his prison sentence I would love to see him have to do thousands of hours of community service working in a rescue.



He hasnt worked hard for any of it...unless you count whomever does his contract negotiation. Vick is a crappy qb, certainly not as great as he would claim to be, but the numbers speak for themselves on this one. There are *plenty* of qb's out there that are much much better than him.

[Caitriona]

He hasnt worked hard for any of it...unless you count whomever does his contract negotiation. Vick is a crappy qb, certainly not as great as he would claim to be, but the numbers speak for themselves on this one. There are *plenty* of qb's out there that are much much better than him.

When I say worked hard for - getting into the NFL isn't a cake walk, he's had to play some serious hard ball. It was meant more in the physical aspect of worked hard.

and snipe - you're right. I wouldn't have let him around my fuzzies either. However, cleaning out empty cages and just letting him see how the abuse effects the animals in the end would be enough. But then he probably wouldn't even care..

[Laurensa]

My brother and I were talking about this this weekend and he made noises about the Falcon's letting go of his contract pending the details of the plea agreement.

I'd put him under the jail, myself.

I'd heard that the NFL was considering a lifetime ban.

I'm for that. If Pete Rose is banned from the Hall of Fame for gambling, how much worse is this? I'm no fan of gambling, but the idea of "executing" a dog that didn't live up to their standards of viciousness is just sick.

And can you imagine the carnage those dogs could have caused if they had ever gotten loose, after being trained this way? He's lucky he isn't being charged with murder.

[Mylilpinkpig]

I think any plea bargain should include some serious psychiatric care because it takes a sick individual to do what he did. I also think it should include a life time ban of owning a dog. He should also be banned from being near a dog. He shouldn't even be allowed to watch snoopy on TV!

[Adriana Rose]

I for one hope he gets his ass banned from the NFL. It is sad that this shmuck has a snow balls chance in hell of getting back in to play, if this happens I will never watch or support any team again. If they let him back its just as bad as letting someone who has been arrested for drug and gun charges!

*off the soap box now*

I would never let him so much as a breath near a squirrel!

[M&S Wench]

Exactly! :-D
per Ysobelle,
He wants to make the situation right? How the fuck could he possibly do THAT?[/quote]

He cannot kiss enough asses to make that situation right!

Psychologist say that is someone who treats innocent animals badly, will also treat children the same!

So..on the radio yesterday morning, the DJs were saying he was still receiving endorsements! That is a boycot in the making! What are they thinking about? :unamused:

As someone said earlier, he should be put in a pen and let his "pets" take care of him as he took care of the earlier ones (that might just make it up). ::yay:: What do ya'll think?

[Buxom Wench]

As someone said earlier, he should be put in a pen and let his "pets" take care of him as he took care of the earlier ones (that might just make it up). ::yay:: What do ya'll think?

Personally, I'd be afraid the poor furbabies might catch something foul from this piece of organic waste.

[WenchLadyKate]

www.cuteoverload.com (http://www.cuteoverload.com) has a picture of two dogs and a Vick jersey. It's great, if someone could post it, I think we'd all like it, I know I did...

Oh, and here's an article about how his jerseys are being used in kennels an shelters. http://www.wsbtv.com/news/13918614/detail.html

[Buxom Wench]

www.cuteoverload.com (http://www.cuteoverload.com) has a picture of two dogs and a Vick jersey. It's great, if someone could post it, I think we'd all like it, I know I did...

Oh, and here's an article about how his jerseys are being used in kennels an shelters. http://www.wsbtv.com/news/13918614/detail.html

Here ya go Kate!

http://i12.tinypic.com/66es6f6.jpg

[WenchLadyKate]

Thanks! I just can't do it from work and I got a nice little smile out of it, I thought it fitting for this thread.

[Lady Sarah]

*snicker*

I just got this from my mom.

[WenchLadyKate]

Funny, Snoopy's face is the scariest to me in that cartoon, I love it BTW, it's printing now to go up at my desk.

[Ysobelle]

I'd like to think he's now at least finished as far as professional ball goes. People are just too angry and disgusted.

[Isabelle Warwicke]

I'd heard that the NFL was considering a lifetime ban.

::yay:: I'd vote for that. If he NEVER plays again, it will be too soon.

[lavender r dragon]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-vick-naacp&prov=ap&type=lgns

ATLANTA (AP) -- An NAACP leader said Michael Vick should be allowed to return to the NFL, preferably the Atlanta Falcons, after serving his sentence for his role in a dogfighting operation.

"As a society, we should aid in his rehabilitation and welcome a new Michael Vick back into the community without a permanent loss of his career in football," said R.L. White, president of the NAACP's Atlanta chapter. "We further ask the NFL, Falcons, and the sponsors not to permanently ban Mr. Vick from his ability to bring hours of enjoyment to fans all over this country."

White said the Falcons quarterback made a mistake and should be allowed to prove he has learned from that mistake.

On Monday, Vick said through a lawyer that he will plead guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.

Three Vick associates have pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge and say Vick provided nearly all the gambling and operating funds for the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting enterprise. Two of them also said Vick participated in executing at least eight underperforming dogs, raising the possibility of the animal cruelty charges.

Last month, state and local leaders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People urged the public not to rush to judgment in the Vick case. The civil rights organization said animal rights groups, talk radio and the news media were vilifying the embattled athlete, and that his team and corporate sponsors were prematurely punishing Vick.

White said the Atlanta chapter supports Vick's decision to accept a plea bargain if it's in his best interest, but he questioned the credibility of Vick's co-defendants, saying an admission of guilt might be more about cutting losses than the truth.

"At this point, you're not looking at guilt or innocence," White said, referring to the possible harsher sentence Vick could have received had he taken his case to trial and been found guilty. "You're thinking, 'What I better do is cut my losses and take a plea.' But if he saw this as the best thing to do at this point for his future, then I think he made the correct choice."

White said he regretted that the plea deal will mean all the facts of the case might never be known.

"Some have said things to save their own necks," White said. "Michael Vick has received more negative press than if he had killed a human being."

White said he does not support dogfighting and that he considers it as bad as hunting.

"His crime is, it was a dog," White said.

[Lady Sarah]

Wow.... someone ate a bowl of ignorant with a side of stupid for breakfast. :unamused:

[Bean]

Well, the state of Virginia is lining up charges against him as well (since the current ones are Federal) so he might as well kiss his butt goodbye.

[Ysobelle]

I usually support the NAACP, but this is quite beyond their purview. This isn't a "mistake." This is a long-term, fully premeditated lifestyle from which he made a great deal of money.

[Capt. Stamina]

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8R695D01&show_article=1

New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury defended Michael Vick, calling dogfighting a sport and comparing it to hunting.
Marbury spoke Monday about the federal dogfighting conspiracy charges against Vick while promoting his basketball shoe in Albany, N.Y.

"I think it's tough," Marbury said, according to Albany TV station Capital News 9. "I think, you know, we don't say anything about people who shoot deer or shoot other animals. You know, from what I hear, dogfighting is a sport. It's just behind closed doors."

<snip>

Hey Jerk! Don't equate your disgusting activity with hunting. There's a lot of hunters that go out to put food on their table.

[Buxom Wench]

...Hey Jerk! Don't equate your disgusting activity with hunting. There's a lot of hunters that go out to put food on their table.

EXACTLY!

I wonder how long it will take before people start looking into Stephon Marbury's activities after making these statements?

[Isabelle Warwicke]

"leaders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People urged the public not to rush to judgment in the Vick case"

*snort* I think they are behind the ball on this one. Judgement in the public arena has.been.made.

They are probably going to have to eat crow for lunch.

[Winifred Baskerville]

Hey Jerk! Don't equate your disgusting activity with hunting. There's a lot of hunters that go out to put food on their table.

I don't think it can be considered a sport if it's behind closed doors...

And in hunting, you don't put two deer in a cage and make them fight. The deer (and other aminals) have a chance to run away. Those dogs don't. Asshat.

*grumble*

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

I wonder how long it will take before people start looking into Stephon Marbury's activities after making these statements?

His statements were certainly ludicrous, but in this country we don't just start launching investigations of people solely because they make moronic statements.

[Buxom Wench]

His statements were certainly ludicrous, but in this country we don't just start launching investigations of people solely because they make moronic statements.

I didn't mean a criminal investigation, just question his activities in general.

[Pathos]

Editorial in the paper today about how Vick is going to jail and probably won't ever play football again and yet all the wife beaters got a slap on the wrist and are still playing.

Interesting point.

[Isabelle Warwicke]

Interesting point.

Read this: http://nflcrimes.blogspot.com/

This blogger is keeping track of the LOOOOOONG list of thuggery that is running rampant in the NFL.

And this (http://alltalksports.wordpress.com/2007/08/14/the-national-felony-league/) article rings quite true:

All Talk Sports Blog
August 14, 2007

Lets face it, the NFL has a serious problem with its players and it’s only going to get worse. Players just can’t seem to stay out of trouble these days. Whether it be the usual D.U.I., assualt charges, or dog fighting allegations, the NFL finds itself handing out more fines and suspensions than ever before.
Lately, NFL players are in the news for all the wrong reasons. Obviously, players such as Michael Vick (http://alltalksports.wordpress.com/2007/07/19/is-michael-vick-worth-the-trouble/)and Pacman Jones are the two most talked about players dealing with legal troubles. However, there are countless others that have been fined or handed suspensions. Chris Henry, Tank Johnson, Chris Chambers, and Joey Porter are just a few of the other names. And lets not forget that nearly half of the Cincinnati Bengals team have had their issues as well.
Many blame the NFL for their players misconduct, but the NFL is not the sole cause of why so many players get into trouble. It’s not as if once the players get drafted, they run wild and think they are above the law. They’ve been running wild and thinking they’re above the law since college, and for some since high school.
It’s no secret that star players for universities are sometimes favored. They may not get the punishment they deserve when they get into serious trouble. Some coaches are strict disciplinarians, but others favor the team record, while their players are building records of their own.

By the time NFL scouts are thinking about drafting a player, it may be hard for a scout to judge if the player is a headcase or if he just made a few mistakes in the past. It makes the decision even more difficult when meeting with the player, because the player is on his best behavior, and the coach has nothing but great things to say about him. It’s a hard decision for a scout to make, and sometimes they make the wrong call. Players are then drafted, and it may only get worse from there.
The saying more money, more problems best decribes the current situation in the NFL. Money doesn’t make problems go away, and it certainly doesn’t make an athlete change his behavior. Having more money only supports a players’ bad habits. If they were using drugs before, then they are only going to use more drugs once they get more money. If they were headcases before, then they are only going to be bigger headcases once they get more money. The large salaries of the NFL only adds fuel to the fire.
Now the NFL is forced to correct the problem, with their only answer being heavy fines and suspensions. The problem with the fines is that it really doesn’t put a dent in the athletes bank account. A ten thousand dollar fine is nothing when you’re making millions. The suspension is the best possible method when trying to get through to a player. By taking away what they love, and showing how they let their team down, it forces an athlete to change his behavior. However, players such as Pacman Jones, may not quite get the message, and continue to make bad decisions.
Beside better judgement, the only other thing the NFL can do to correct this growing problem is increase the fines and lengthen the suspensions. Becoming more strict with players is a must and is the best solution. It is up to the NFL to show players that they will no longer tolerate bad behavior off the field. Otherwise, we might very well be seeing a new logo in the future.

[webmistress]

His statements were certainly ludicrous, but in this country we don't just start launching investigations of people solely because they make moronic statements.

That's true, but this problem goes way beyond Vick. There are other NFL /NBA players that are in it up to their necks as well, so he should really think before he says things like that. 'Course... that's sort of a given anyway...

This article was nicely written:

How many more Vicks are there?

Defenders of disgraced QB leave impression that NFL might have bigger problem


August 23, 2007
BY GREG COUCH (gcouch@suntimes.com) Sun-Times Columnist
When one person says something stupid, it's easy enough to laugh it off. But when two people say the same stupid thing, in separate public settings at roughly the same time, it starts to smell funny.

New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury said at an appearance this week: ''We don't say anything about people shooting deers [sic] and shooting other animals, you know what I mean? From what I hear, dogfighting is a sport. It's just behind closed doors, and I think it's tough that we build Michael Vick up and then we break him down.''


And R.L. White, president of the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP, condemned Vick by saying that dogfighting is as bad as hunting.


Huh?


''His crime,'' White said, ''is it was a dog.''


Let's get something straight: Hunting deer and training dogs to tear each other to shreds are not the same thing.


I am not aware of deer hunters wetting down the deer and then electrocuting them. Or hanging them. Or body-slamming them to death. Or setting up a ''rape stand'' to force them to breed.


That's what Vick is pleading guilty to next week, part of the agreement that could land him in jail for a few years.



They doth protest too much


The thing that's starting to bother me is this: Exactly how many athletes are into dogfighting?

It's starting to smell like this is not just a Vick thing, but something much bigger. How can anyone possibly be trying to defend this guy, to equate what he did with something in the mainstream?
And why would they?


At one point in this whole Vick mess, Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis said: ''It's his property, it's his dog. If that's what he wants to do, do it. People should mind their own business.''


Portis also suggested dogfighting can be found almost anywhere.
Just a hunch, but maybe we're going to start hearing about other dogfighting rings involving NFL players.


At the top of the main page of PETA's Web site is a story that says: ''As these recent examples show, the high incidence of animal abuse cases in the NFL indicates a disturbing trend that needs to be addressed immediately.


''Earlier this year, Vick's teammate Jonathan Babineaux was accused of inflicting blunt force trauma on his girlfriend's dog, Kilo, following an argument. Kilo died after reaching the emergency vet clinic. In 2004, NFL running back LeShon Johnson was found guilty for his involvement in a massive dogfighting ring. In 2001, former Eagles running back Thomas Hamner was twice convicted of beating his dog and has been convicted of animal cruelty.''


Is there a big problem out there that we should know about? Is dogfighting in vogue among athletes?


Let's get back to this deer-hunting/dogfighting comparison.


I don't like hunting. The idea of it, when done for sport, disturbs me. But it seems that hunting at least has its roots in people killing animals for food. And even when it is done for sport, the idea is not to put animals through misery, not to leave them to suffer.


Dogfighting is abuse. It isn't a sport. It's psychopathic.



Five-year ban about right


In fairness, the bulk of White's point was that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell should not ban Vick from the league after he's out of prison. ''As a society, we should aid in his rehabilitation and welcome a new Michael Vick back into the community without a permanent loss of his career in football,'' White said. ''We further ask the NFL, the Falcons and the sponsors not to permanently ban Mr. Vick...''


This is about all you honestly can say on Vick's behalf.


But White said Vick's crime was that it was ''a dog.'' And it wasn't just ''a'' dog, was it? It was lots of dogs. Lots and lots. So the crime wasn't in the singular, wasn't ''a'' mistake or ''a'' dog. It was a pattern.


Also, there is no need to call on Vick's sponsors to stick by him. They've already turned out the lights and left the room. His sponsorship potential is finished. For good. Companies don't want the image of a man wetting down and electrocuting dogs to be the symbol of their business.


What about the NFL? Goodell has built his name by trying to clean up the league's image, by getting tough on NFL thugs. He doesn't want dog rape stands to be the image of his company, either.


And if Vick ever is allowed to return, he's going to bring a big mess back with him.


Goodell should ban Vick for five years and make no guarantees about what happens then, either. If Vick makes amends somehow, comes out of prison saying that he was wrong and that he'll donate half of any salary to animal-rights groups, then maybe he gets another chance if a team wants him.


And is it really hard to picture Vick in a Raiders uniform? The fans of some team in serious need of a quarterback are bound to be forgiving then.
But let's not start the Vick defense yet. It just sounds stupid.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/couch/523265,CST-SPT-greg23.article

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

I didn't mean a criminal investigation, just question his activities in general.
Question by whom?

People should be able to feel free to express personal opinions without fear of inviting scrutiny into their personal lives.

[Buxom Wench]

Question by whom?

People should be able to feel free to express personal opinions without fear of inviting scrutiny into their personal lives.

But Bob, in reality, the human race is scrutinized in every word we speak, write or sing.
Someone, somewhere is probably on these boards going over every word being said about one topic or another.
It's just that the more 'famous' you are, the more closely you are watched and disected.

[webmistress]

Editorial in the paper today about how Vick is going to jail and probably won't ever play football again and yet all the wife beaters got a slap on the wrist and are still playing.

Interesting point.

It *is* an interesting point - and very sad - but wifebeating is not a felony in most areas. And most of the men in question didn't beat dozens and dozens of wives, and electrocute them.

Obviously, I'm not saying one is worse than the other - and I think its pathetic that sports stars are able to get away with crimes because of their ability to throw, kick or hit a ball. It absolutely disgusts me that we value sports more than we care about violence in our communities.

My position has always been "don't blame them for over-reacting in this situation - blame them for *under*-reacting in the other situations." But then, I'm a no-mercy kinda gal.

[Capt. Stamina]

The NFL probably won’t ban him. This will be to cover themselves from groups like the NAACP and the other racist orgs. The only this is that no team will pick him up after he gets out. Outside of being out of the game for so long, they’d have to contend with the history he’d be bringing along.

[Buxom Wench]

Another casualty of Vick's involvement...

the 50+ dogs that were confiscated are set to be euthanized if they are not claimed.

<snip>
"There's no dispute over who owns the dogs," said Daphna Nachminovitch, a spokeswoman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "Obviously this is not going to be a process where someone steps forward and says, 'This is my dog, can I have her back, please?' "
<snip>


Here's the link to the article Pit Bulls at Vick's House Face Deadline (http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3512338http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3512338)

[Winifred Baskerville]

Another casualty of Vick's involvement...

the 50+ dogs that were confiscated are set to be euthanized if they are not claimed.

<snip>
"There's no dispute over who owns the dogs," said Daphna Nachminovitch, a spokeswoman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "Obviously this is not going to be a process where someone steps forward and says, 'This is my dog, can I have her back, please?' "
<snip>


Here's the link to the article Pit Bulls at Vick's House Face Deadline (http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3512338http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3512338)

Those unfortunate animals... I hope someone can take at least some and rehabilitate them.

[Lady Sarah]

I can't get in to read the article...

but chances are, if they were in the house, they've been exposed to some of the training. I wouldn't hold my breath for rehabilitation.

[Buxom Wench]

Pit Bulls at Vick's House Face Deadline
50 Pit Bulls Seized in Vick Investigation Face Deadline to Be Claimed or Be Euthanized
By ZINIE CHEN
The Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va.


More than 50 pit bulls seized from Michael Vick's property face a Thursday deadline to be claimed. If no one comes forward, they could be euthanized.

Federal prosecutors filed court documents last month to condemn 53 pit bulls seized in April as part of the investigation into dogfighting on the Vick's property. No one has claimed any of the dogs, which are being held at several unspecified shelters in eastern Virginia, the U.S. Attorney's office said Wednesday.

The civil complaint filed by federal prosecutors does not name the Atlanta Falcons quarterback and is separate from the criminal case against him. But it does state the pit bulls were part of the dogfighting operation known as "Bad Newz Kennels," which Vick and three cohorts are accused of operating.

Also included in the document are detailed allegations about the nature of the animals' training regimen and the dogfights occurring at Vick's property at 1915 Moonlight Road in Surry County.

The government filed three public civil forfeiture notices in a Richmond newspaper to publicize the dogs' confiscation, and the deadline for claims is 30 days after the appearance of the final notice, filed July 24.

Federal prosecutors declined to comment Wednesday on the seized dogs. Typically, when confiscated property goes unclaimed, the government asks the court to have the items declared forfeited. In this case, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson will make the final decision on the dogs' fate.

"There's no dispute over who owns the dogs," said Daphna Nachminovitch, a spokeswoman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "Obviously this is not going to be a process where someone steps forward and says, 'This is my dog, can I have her back, please?' "

Though Hudson, who also is handling Vick's criminal case, will determine what becomes of the pit bulls, Nachminovitch said that it's likely that they will be euthanized because they're not adoptable as pets.

"These dogs are a ticking time bomb," she said. "Rehabilitating fighting dogs is not in the cards. It's widely accepted that euthanasia is the most humane thing for them."

Vick, 27, said through a lawyer this week that he will plead guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. He is scheduled to enter his plea agreement Monday and could face up to five years in prison.

Three Vick associates have pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge and agreed to testify against him if the case went to trial. They said Vick provided virtually all the gambling and operating funds for the Bad Newz Kennels enterprise. Two of them also said Vick participated in executing at least eight underperforming dogs by various means, including drowning and hanging.

The locations of the shelters holding the dogs haven't been disclosed out of concern that the animals could be stolen, Nachminovitch said.

"They are a hot commodity in the world of dogfighting," she said.

[Winifred Baskerville]

*heavy sigh* Well, at least they're safe from animals like Vick.

[RaevynCait]

I would not take ANY dog that's been exposed to a fighting environment, regardless of breed. IMO, pit bulls have a bad reputation as a breed, however, the ones I've known I have had no issues with, nor have they been aggressive toward children. That's not to say that I would leave children unattended with them, however the one I know currently has never even snapped at a child in the years I've known her. Unless her family (specifically her 'kid' who has had her since he was 8, and he's 16 now) was being threatened, I doubt she would be aggressive at all. (heck, when he and I are wrestling or having a tickle fight, he's all the time trying to get her to 'sic Aunt Raenell' and she won't do it).

As horrible as it sounds, I suspect that euthanizing them would be the kindest thing to do, because I doubt they'll be able to be rehabilitated enough to be adopted out.

[Buxom Wench]

And being euthanized will be quick and painless.
They will just go to sleep and cross the rainbow bridge.

*goes to find more bloody tissues*

[Winifred Baskerville]

And being euthanized will be quick and painless.
They will just go to sleep and cross the rainbow bridge.

*goes to find more bloody tissues*

Why are your tissues bloody? ;)

[Buxom Wench]

Why are your tissues bloody? ;)

Stop picking on the watering pot.

[Winifred Baskerville]

Stop picking on the watering pot.

*hug* *passes non-bloody hanky*

My own eyes are tearing up. Luvs ya, Bux...

[grygrrl]

I'm all for letting the doggies tear up his ass! No punishment on earth can bring back those innocent dogs!

[WenchLadyKate]

I'm a big fan of Animal Cops on Animal Planet. Whenever they seize dogs from a fighting atmosphere, all the dogs are humanely euthanized. It's a sad fact, but dogs that have been trained to fight, will. Even those that seem to have a good temperment, could snap at something we might see as benign and go ape shit. Euthanization really is the best thing for them.

Those 2 black guys from Detriot are my favorites, and Detriot, apparently, has a significant dog fighting underground. They always get me choked up because they're literally sad when they're siezing the dogs because they know that they'll have to be put down. The only thing they can do is have their remaining days filled with kindness. See? Got myself all choked up.

Poor pups....

[Lady Sarah]

Pits are, IIRC, illegal to own within Detroit city limits - primarily due to the dog fighting rings. They've become a status symbol of sorts. I keep wanting to say that pits can be seized upon sight - but I'm not 100% certain about that.

Detroit has a hellaciously hard time dealing with the dog fighting rings primarily because they are indeed underground. When DPD shuts one down, four or more crop up to replace it. There is also quite an 'underground railroad' smuggling operation when it comes to the dogs. I do remember hearing one officer say that they couldn't figure out where all the dogs are coming from - they shut down rings and seize 40 dogs, euthanize them, then a week or so later the same rings are open again with 75 dogs. (I exaggerated the numbers a touch because I can't remember the specific stats.)

[WenchLadyKate]

Detroit is crazy out of control with dog fighting...

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Detroit is crazy out of control with dog fighting...

You could have just stopped at "Detroit is crazy". :wink:

[Margaret]

Ah - the D-Town gets no love.

It's funny - the dog fighting rings must be a "ho-hum" local news topic. You don't hear one teeny tiny hint of any of it going on. Not even after the Vic case broke.

[Hoyden]

Those unfortunate animals... I hope someone can take at least some and rehabilitate them.

I disagree. I feel that each of those dogs should be put to sleep humanely. A ride in the car, a romp in the field, an awesome dinner and let them go with a kind person to hold them while they pass.

Why? Because it's likely that these dogs will be over top DA (Dog Aggressive) and John Q Public, and even a good number of pit bull rescues, simply do not have enough experience to safely manage a dog with that level of DA. Dog Aggression can not be rehabilitated, it can only be managed.

While Dog Aggression does not equal Human Aggression, putting these dogs in homes is an accident waiting to happen. I know of severely DA dogs that have gone through windows to get to another dog.

The shelters are over run with pit bulls and pit mixes that have not been exposed to dog fighting and are a better choice for a family pet.

I love pit bulls, and I am very involved with the breed. I don't leave home without mine, as she is my service dog, but I feel that the kindest thing that can be done for Vick's dogs is to put them to sleep.

[Buxom Wench]

Here's the latest in this disgusting saga.

Michael Vick's Father Says He Asked Falcons Star to Give Up Dogfighting

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3518793

Reports: Vick Told to Stop Dogfighting
Reports: Michael Vick's Father Says He Asked Falcons Star to Give Up Dogfighting
The Associated Press
ATLANTA


Michael Vick's father said he asked his son to give up dogfighting, or to at least put property used in the venture in the names of others to avoid being implicated, according to a report in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Also Thursday night, a report on ESPN.com cited an unidentified ESPN source saying Vick will not admit to killing dogs or gambling on dogfights when he enters a guilty plea in a Richmond, Va., federal court Monday.

ESPN reported that Vick's defense team met with federal attorneys Thursday afternoon to determine the "summary of facts" to which Vick will plead. But ESPN's source said Vick maintains he never killed dogs and never gambled on a dog fight. The source told ESPN the Atlanta Falcons quarterback will plead guilty to the charge of interstate commerce for the purpose of dogfighting.

On Monday, Vick agreed to plead guilty Monday in the federal dogfighting case in Richmond. He faces up to five years in prison and the possible end of his football career. Three co-defendants already pleaded guilty and were expected to testify against Vick if the case went to trial. In addition, a Virginia prosecutor is considering bringing state charges against Vick.

In The Journal-Constitution report posted on the newspaper's Web site Thursday night, Michael Boddie, who is estranged from Vick and the quarterback's mother, also said some time around 2001 his son staged dogfights in the garage of the family home in Newport News, Va.

Boddie told the newspaper Vick kept fighting dogs in the family's backyard, including dogs that were "bit up, chewed up, exhausted." Boddie claimed to have nursed the dogs back to health.

The indictment against Vick does not mention the parents' former home in Newport News.

In the report, Boddie dismissed the idea that Vick's longtime friends were the main instigators of the dogfighting operation.

"I wish people would stop sugarcoating it," Boddie told The Journal-Constitution. "This is Mike's thing. And he knows it ... likes it, and he has the capital to have a set up like that."

The report said Boddie and the Atlanta Falcons quarterback have had a volatile relationship for years and that his son has refused to speak with him directly for the last 2 1/2 half months.

Boddie, 45, lives in an apartment his son has paid the rent on for the last three years. Vick, who has a $130 million contract with the Falcons, also gives him a couple of hundred dollars every week or two, the father told the newspaper.

In the report, Boddie also said he asked Vick for $1 million, spread out over 12 years, Vick declined, the father said. Recently, Boddie asked Vick, through an assistant, for $700,000 to live on.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Copyright © 2007 ABC News Internet Ventures

[WenchLadyKate]

My little cousin, who was a fan, made what he's calling a Voodoo Vick. Using barbie clothes, pipe cleaners, twigs, an old pillow and a needle and thread, he made a little Voodoo doll named Vick. Complete with barbie pooch which has been sharpied to look mad. I haven't seen it yet, but I hear it's adorable. He's 14.

[Gellis Indigo]

Michael Vick's father said he asked his son to give up dogfighting, or to at least put property used in the venture in the names of others to avoid being implicated, according to a report in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Wow. Not quite sure what to say to that.

In the report, Boddie also said he asked Vick for $1 million, spread out over 12 years, Vick declined, the father said. Recently, Boddie asked Vick, through an assistant, for $700,000 to live on.


Sounds like dad's a real peach too. Seems to me like he's trying to get his 15 minutes and some cash out of this situation. Sick.

[Bean]

Just saw that the NFL has suspended Vick indefinately...... oops, there goes your $130 million contract.

[Buxom Wench]

Just saw that the NFL has suspended Vick indefinately...... oops, there goes your $130 million contract.

I saw that too.
Some guy in the interview said that he thinks after a year in jail and a year probation, he'll be back playing.
I hope not.

[Bean]

From what I read of the letter Goodell sent to Vick, he's going to have to jump through hoops with his butt on fire before Goodell will even consider it. ESPN speculates that Vick will miss 2007-2009 before he has a chance to try to come back.

[Isabelle Warwicke]

Just clarify one thing...if he's on suspension, he doesn't get paid, right?

I know if a player goes on the DL he still gets his salary. But the rules on suspension are unclear.

[Buxom Wench]

He is suspended WITHOUT pay and from what I've heard, the NFL is also trying to get back his signing bonus of $22M.

[Gellis Indigo]

And it continues...

Sheriff raids DMX' home, seizes dogs (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070825/ap_en_mu/dmx_home_raided)

PHOENIX - Sheriff's deputies raided the home of rapper DMX on Friday, seizing several pit bulls and finding the remains of three other dogs but making no arrests....

[Bean]

I believe the raid at DMX's house was because his caretaker wasn't "caretaking" the dogs and the temperature outside was very high.

Commissioner Goodell left the door open for the Falcons organization to do whatever they wanted in regards to Vick's pay: go after the signing bonus or whatever.

[Buxom Wench]

I just heard this snippet on the news.

Vick made a statement to the press.
Addressing part of his statement towards kids,
he said he did a really immature thing and being immature,
he needs to grow up.

DUH! Ya think?!?!?! :augh:

[Winifred Baskerville]

I just heard this snippet on the news.

Vick made a statement to the press.
Addressing part of his statement towards kids,
he said he did a really immature thing and being immature,
he needs to grow up.

DUH! Ya think?!?!?! :augh:

Well, at least he's admitting it. My dad's twice his age and still doesn't understand why I won't talk to him...

[Selena]

And now he wants you to "axs for forgiveness... since he found jesus..."

http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=4915


PULLLEEZZZEEEEEE.. :roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll:

[Capt. Stamina]

From Neal's Newz this morn.

GOLLY ... I WONDER WHY HE WON'T CALL US?

Yesterday we got word from the inside of a rather bizarre "moment of silence" at the McNair High School in suburban Atlanta. During yesterday's morning of silence we're told that Principal James Jones asked the students and staff to pray for Michael Vick and to pray that the judge treats him with leniency. There is no word on whether or not Principal Jones asked the students to pray for the dogs that were savaged, brutalized and killed at the hands of Michael Vick.

We tried to get Principal Jones on the air yesterday. The first time we called he was running a drill. The second time he was "roaming the hallways." The third time he was in the cafeteria. After that they just refused to take our calls.

[Buxom Wench]

I saw more of his statement to the press this morning.

IMO, he looked VERY rehearsed and really showed no emotion when asking for forgiveness and saying he needs to redeem himself.

He said all the 'right' things to all the 'right' people but, again IMO, he just didn't seem sincere.

[Selena]

again IMO, he just didn't seem sincere.

Yup yup yup. Now he's playing the bible card. What a crock of shit... to attempt to manipulate people.

Loser.

[Buxom Wench]

It amazes me how many people find God or Jesus or whoever AFTER they get caught doing something.

[Ysobelle]

How sincere was he while saying over and over again that he couldn't recall critical meetings and conversations? How sincere was he when he said he had nothing to do with the firings? How sincere was he while he passed the buck so many times he actually lost it?

Gah. I'm happy we're finally getting some accountability, but it still makes me feel...tired.

[Buxom Wench]

Remember that EBay auction for the chewed up, drooled on Vick cards?

The auction is over and raised $7400 for the Humane Society!! ::yay::

Chewed up Vick cards sell for $7,400 (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070829/ap_on_fe_st/fbn_vick_chewed_cards;_ylt=AkALiYG5_08kHzNsCJmqixA Z.3QA)

By BRIAN CHARLTON, Associated Press Writer
42 minutes ago



The eBay auction for 22 Michael Vick football cards, chewed up and slobbered on by two Missouri dogs, ended Wednesday as the winning bidder dished out $7,400 — with the money expected to be donated to the Humane Society.

The success of that auction, with 31 different bidders, created a craze of 25 other postings this week offering torn up cards featuring the disgraced NFL superstar.

But so far, the original post from Rochelle Steffen, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., has been the only auction to attract droves of bidders.

Steffen gave Monte, her 6-year-old Weimaraner, and Roxie, her Great Dane puppy, every Vick card she owned to destroy. The result: The cards worth $1-to-$10 were crumpled, crimped, chewed, torn and generally in a sorry state. Some even had corners missing.

"When I started this, I only expected to get $100 for a local shelter," Steffen told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "But it's received so much attention. It's for such a good cause."

The gnawed cards were the most expensive Vick items on eBay, with well-preserved rookie cards, autographed jerseys and other collectibles selling for far less.

Vick pleaded guilty to a federal dogfighting charge this week. He will be sentenced Dec. 10.

[Isabelle Warwicke]

During yesterday's morning of silence we're told that Principal James Jones asked the students and staff to pray for Michael Vick and to pray that the judge treats him with leniency.

There's prayer in school? Wow.

I would have prayed for the dogs and that the judge throws the book at him. And I would have told the Principle that too.

[Isabelle Warwicke]

It amazes me how many people find God or Jesus or whoever AFTER they get caught doing something.

He must have had a chat with Paris Hilton...

[Winifred Baskerville]

During yesterday's morning of silence we're told that Principal James Jones asked the students and staff to pray for Michael Vick

Probably not a bad idea...

and to pray that the judge treats him with leniency.

Principal has probably "invested" in the team...

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

It amazes me how many people find God or Jesus or whoever AFTER they get caught doing something.
Some time after Noriega was captured and taken to prison in Florida, he claimed to have become born-again, leading to the classic Dennis Miller joke:

"Manuel Noriega claims that he found Jesus in the Dade County Correctional Facility. Hate to break it to you Manny, but half the guys in there are named Jesus."

*rotfl*

[Capt. Stamina]

Another Vick Supporter!

http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=5231

Whoopi Defends Vick: ‘Part of His Cultural Upbringing’

"It's like cockfighting in Puerto Rico," Whoopi Goldberg said on "The View" Tuesday. "There are certain things that are indicative to certain parts of the country."

[Buxom Wench]

When I watched "The View" today, she said she was not a supporter and was only trying to explain, not condone.

[Pathos]

Whoopi seems to think Virginia is part of the "deep South."

[Selena]

Whoopi seems to think Virginia is part of the "deep South."

No kidding. Yaknow, just because you are born and raised in a certain part of the country, doesn't mean you're stupid. Texas born, lived here my entire life, yet I seem to know this kind of behaviour is wrong....

No excuses.

[Buxom Wench]

UPDATE:

Michael Vick leaves prison for home confinement (http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/05/20/michael.vick/index.html?eref=rss_latest)

(CNN) -- Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick left a federal prison in Leavenworth, Kansas, early Wednesday, according to his publicist and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

He will serve the last two months of his 23-month sentence in home confinement in Virginia, his publicist Judy Smith said. He is a native of Newport News, Virginia.

Vick, 28, pleaded guilty in August 2007 to a federal charge of bankrolling a dogfighting operation at a home he owned in Virginia.

He will return to professional football as soon as September if reinstated by the NFL, according to the sports agent who negotiated Vick's 10-year, $140 million contract with the Falcons.

Meanwhile, Vick's attorneys have said he will work at a Newport News construction firm following his release, and he has also agreed to participate in a documentary for $600,000.

Last month, a federal bankruptcy judge denied a Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan presented by Vick, urging him to offer the court another plan to emerge from bankruptcy.

The plan called for Vick to come up with $750,000 to $1 million in cash to be paid to creditors, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank Santoro said, but added he saw no evidence Vick could come up with that much. Santoro suggested Vick's next plan not call for him to keep two houses and three cars, as did the rejected proposal.

In testimony, Vick acknowledged committing a "heinous" act and said he should have acted more maturely. He said he has been earning 12 cents an hour as an overnight janitor in prison. His Falcons salary, he said, was between $10 million and $12 million. He acknowledged failing to handle his money well.

Vick plans to work with the Humane Society of the United States on anti-dogfighting campaigns, Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle told CNN on Tuesday.

Vick will work on programs aimed at preventing youths from getting involved in dogfighting, and also on programs to assist young people who have already been involved in the blood sport.

Pacelle said the Humane Society was approached by Vick's representatives. He said he has traveled to Kansas twice to meet with the former quarterback, and during the second visit, the two discussed how Vick could use his sway over youths to discourage them from involvement in dogfighting, as well as help those who were apprehended in connection with it.

Details have not yet been hammered out, Pacelle said, but will be in the next couple of days.

More attention has been paid to dogfighting as a result of Vick's case, Pacelle said. The Humane Society, which offers rewards for tips involving dogfighting, has recently paid out $40,000 in five different cases, he said.

[Bronya]

Am I reading this part wrong?

"Meanwhile, Vick's attorneys have said he will work at a Newport News construction firm following his release, and he has also agreed to participate in a documentary for $600,000."

He is getting paid for the documentary? Crap take that to pay towards the bills he has. file bankruptcy...what the hell?!

[ladychristine]

It also sounds like he's doing this whole campaign against dogfighting just to make good face. I bet he doesn't care, he probably just hates that he got caught and wants to do anything he has to so he can play football again. Loser....

[MaidenFaeSnow]

He said his pay from the Falcon's was 10-12 million. Where does 140million come from then?!?!

If he is reinstated? Why wouldn't he be? Jamal Lewis is a felon and he was reinstated though he certainly should NOT be permitted back under a hideously high paying contract. NFL: National Felon League.

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

He said his pay from the Falcon's was 10-12 million. Where does 140million come from then?!?!

$10-$12 million per year. The $140 million is the total value of the 10 year contract, which he was still in the middle of when all this happened.

[daBaroness]

I'm glad he's left my neighborhood - Leavenworth is only 8 miles from where I am. I dunno - call me crazy but Leonard Peltier, a native American who was convicted of the murder of two FBI agents in 1977 under highly-questionable circumstances (many believe evidence was fabricated) and was transferred from Leavenworth when it was being converted to a medium-security facility should have been the one freed, not Michael Dick ... er Vick. Amnesty International has identified Peltier as a political prisoner of the U.S. government and continued efforts to seek a new trial, parole, pardon or other type of release are continuing to be put down by the government. Peltier has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize six times during his incarceration.

But Vick - a greedy, worthless hunk of carbon gets out early so he can, in essence, continue his football career.

Socialized medicine doesn't bother me - but this kind of crap most certainly does.