NFL star Vick faces horrific animal cruelty charges

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By Stone Martindale Jul 18, 2007, 14:57 GMT

Fans of NFL star for the Atlanta Falcons Michael Vick are reeling from the recent indictment against the footballer with a seemingly bright future. Vick cames from Virginia Tech, where he was the first pick in the 2001 NFL draft and was in the Pro Bowl three times since.Bloomberg.com reports "last year, he became the first quarterback to run for more than 1,000 yards in a season."So why did the player with fat NFL contract and lucrative endorsement deals allegedly get involved with the horrendous and cruel world of dog fighting? Parties representing Vick to date have not released any explanation or statement.Bloomberg cites that Vick bought the infamous Smithfield property back in June 2001 for $34,000, allegedly where he and his co-horts intended to stage the fights, "buying dogs and puppies from as far away as New York, according to the indictment.:"Dogfights began around a year later, with participants coming from South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, Texas, Alabama and other states."The question remains why would Vick jeopardize his NFL contract with running a dog-fighting operation, if charges in the indictment are proven, two months after Vick signed a six-year, $62 million contract with a $3 million signing bonus?The dog fights were run as a gambling event, with purses as high as $26,000, according to the indictment, reports Bloomberg.Allegations of side bets and non performing dogs who refused to fight, where the losing dogs would be disposed of by fatal maiming, drowning, hanging, gunshot or electrocution. CNN today interviewed an expert on the animal cruelty crime who claimed many dogs would lick each other, confused and scared, not wanting to fight, Bloomberg reports that in 2002, "Vick and the others performed testing sessions on the dogs at the Smithfield property, and Peace, Phillips or Taylor sometimes killed those that didn't perform well. In April 2007, all four participated in a test followed by the killing of eight dogs, one by slamming its body into the ground, according to the indictment."The name of Vick's venture was the Bad Newz Kennels according to the indictment.The possible outcome for Vick and other defendants is a potential five years in prison and fines of as much as $250,000 for the interstate commerce part of the charge, and one year in prison and $100,000 fines on the dog-fighting charge, according to a statement by the U.S. Attorney's office.But what of the penalty that would hurt Vick the most - in his wallet?Bloomberg cites Vick may face penalties and suspension from the NFL. It will be interesting to see what companies, if any, still endorse Vick after the entire story is revealed.

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Ken S Morgan Hill, Ca.Jul 18th, 2007 - 15:54:25

Mike Vick should go to prison!

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Rose ThomasJul 18th, 2007 - 15:55:14

I find the actions of Michael Vick not only criminal but heartbreaking. I love foot ball but I will not support this man in any way including watching him play football. He is a killer and should be put in prison.

Thank You

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CencalsurferJul 18th, 2007 - 15:55:16

And people worship these scumbag thugs!!!

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RickJul 18th, 2007 - 16:04:59

And you all are suprised???? It never ceases to amaze me how naive lilly white america is. If you only knew. Wake up and realize that marketing of personalities for public perception is just that, a nice spin to sell and make money. Just because a guy can play a particular sport well or a actor gets picked for the next big blockbuster does not make them good wholesome citizens.
Get a clue.

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LukeJul 18th, 2007 - 16:06:51

He is a disgusting piece of trash. How anybody could kill innocent puppies or even adult dogs is beyond me. He should be slammed on the ground, from the top of the Eiffel tower.

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oh RickJul 18th, 2007 - 16:08:16

thank you so much for illuminating us lilly white Americans to the charade of celebrity culture, what would we do without your beacon of light to 'edumacate' us all?
You tosser

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Yea RickJul 18th, 2007 - 16:09:33

You should get dropped off the tower too! JERK

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DennisJul 18th, 2007 - 16:10:34

Michael Vick lied to the head of the NFL. The proof is in hand that he did so. He made false statements to the press. Since garnering such a high slary for his athletic abilities he has shown very little self control, and less than good judgement. The last game he played in an Atlanta uniform is likely his last game in the NFL. And the fault lies solely with him, as he knew his dog fighting was suspect and continued anyway.

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Rusty's MomJul 18th, 2007 - 16:11:50

They should make him crouch in a filthy kennel for 6 years in jail and eat scraps of food off the floor - what a disgusting pig!

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TimJul 18th, 2007 - 16:16:35

He's innocent until proven guilty, folks; an indictment only means the case can move on. It's not a conviction. Yes, the story is compelling, and it certainly looks like he might be guilty, but the commentary so far in this thread sounds like, well, a bunch of snarling pit bulls. And I'm sure you are all perfect, by the way. . . you're certainly not as bad as Michael Vick has not yet been proven to be, right? So, keep feeling good about yourself while you tear down others, especially if it seems like they deserve to be torn down. What do YOU deserve?

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NFL star Vick faces horrific animal cruelty charges

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