BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

[url=http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=130673&ran=8837]ARTICLE: Vick takes plea deal, avoids additional dogfighting charges (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com)[/url]

[QUOTE]Vick is going to enter a guilty plea to the felony conspiracy charge next Monday at 10:30 a.m., said Lawrence Woodward, one of Vick's defense attorneys.[/QUOTE]

(From BrudLee): Alternate Link: [url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,293826,00.html]FOXNews.com - Vick Attorney Says Star Quarterback Will Plead Guilty in Dogfighting Case - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News[/url]

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

Smart move on his part. The quicker he gets this over with the better.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

I wonder how Goodell will deal with Vick once he can come back, you would think he'll be forced to sit out another season at the very least.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

This is going to be one juicy thread. He's definitely done for the year now. You figure he'll do a minimum of 1 year, so that probably scratches 2008.

So the earliest he'll be back is '09....that's if he does a straight 12 month sentence.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

Rumor: From everything I've read and heard, he may be done until 2010. BuhBye Michael...

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

Curiously, the site is overwhelmed.

For those who have read the report, are potential State charges affected? The Surry County DA apparently has a bit of a mad-on right now.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

I don't care if I ever see vick in an NFL uni again this guys deserves whatever he gets. Just think he will be great in the Arena league

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FOR SUCH A DUMBASS.....smart move. Now the COMMISH gets his turn...? HAMMER TIME, ROUND II

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick accepted a plea deal Monday and [B]lengthy prison sentence [/B]to avoid additional federal charges in a dogfighting case that has driven his NFL career to a halt.

How long is lengthy?

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

I have a question. Does the NFL suspension begin when he gets out of jail?
I would assume so. Any info there guys?

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

[quote=artmonkforhallofamein07;341879]I have a question. Does the NFL suspension begin when he gets out of jail?
I would assume so. Any info there guys?[/quote]

Damn good question!

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

[quote=Dlyne8r;341864]Rumor: From everything I've read and heard, he may be done until 2010. BuhBye Michael...[/quote]


Where did you read that? Would like to look into that. Haven't heard squat up here, other than folks saying the year minimum and maybe earlier for good behavior type stuff. I think they are talking out of there butt though.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

[quote=Michael Vick's Attorney]Michael wishes to apologizes again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter. [/quote]

He can't apologize to those dogs he murdered. I want to see him do a lot of time, and I don't want to see him play in the NFL again. I don't care if he goes to the Arena League, CFL, w/e, as long as he doesn't get the privilege of wearing an NFL uniform.

I do think he made the right move by accepting the plea deal though, there was no way he was gonna get out of this one. I could definitely see Goodell banning him from the league because he essentially pleaded guilty to betting on his dogs as well.

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And the fat lady has sang! As for his suspension, I don't think it should be concurrent with his time in jail. I mean, his ass is in jail...that's not exactly a suspension is it? He should be suspended for a year after he is done with his jail time. See you in 2010 I say.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

[QUOTE=artmonkforhallofamein07;341879]I have a question. Does the NFL suspension begin when he gets out of jail?
I would assume so. Any info there guys?[/QUOTE]

The commisioner hasn't suspended Vick yet. Presumably, he can do so at any time. The Falcons will be able to cut Vick and seek repayment of unearned bonus money (around $22.5 million) as soon as he is in default of his contract - first unexcused miss of practice, meeting, etc. Once arraigned, Vick will be in default, and he can be cut. The commissioner is in no hurry to suspend or ban Vick - he will face a jail sentence, and then any suspension will make it unlikely he will be signed.

Think about Tank Johnson. He is a talented DT, who broke the law served his time, faces an eight game suspension, and has no team - therefore his suspension doesn't start until he is signed. He hasn't been signed not because no one wants to hire a felon, but because no one wants to pay him and waste a roster spot for half the year. If Vick faces a one year suspension after his incarceration, no team will waste time or money waiting for him to (a) get into shape, (b) learn an offense, (c) serve a suspension, and (d) make a roster in the face of withering criticism from the general public.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

[quote=BrudLee;341886]The commisioner hasn't suspended Vick yet. Presumably, he can do so at any time. The Falcons will be able to cut Vick and seek repayment of unearned bonus money (around $22.5 million) as soon as he is in default of his contract - first unexcused miss of practice, meeting, etc. Once arraigned, Vick will be in default, and he can be cut. The commissioner is in no hurry to suspend or ban Vick - he will face a jail sentence, and then any suspension will make it unlikely he will be signed.

Think about Tank Johnson. He is a talented DT, who broke the law served his time, faces an eight game suspension, and has no team - therefore his suspension doesn't start until he is signed. He hasn't been signed not because no one wants to hire a felon, but because no one wants to pay him and waste a roster spot for half the year. If Vick faces a one year suspension after his incarceration, no team will waste time or money waiting for him to (a) get into shape, (b) learn an offense, (c) serve a suspension, and (d) make a roster in the face of withering criticism from the general public.[/quote]


Brudlee, as we used to say in the hood, you just broke it down! Makes sense!

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

I would think that the suspension will start once he gets out.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

[QUOTE=GusFrerotte;341882]Where did you read that? Would like to look into that. Haven't heard squat up here, other than folks saying the year minimum and maybe earlier for good behavior type stuff. I think they are talking out of there butt though.[/QUOTE]

Simple math.

If one year (the bare minimum he could serve, and there would be outrage at that) started on August 28th - the day after his plea - then Vick would get out after training camp next year. IF he was signed walking out of Fulsom County Jail and faced a one year suspension (which, again, may be light considering the gambling aspect of the charges), he would be unable to train or practice with his team for a full year thereafter, leaving him out of game shape and without basic knowledge of his new team's playbook at the beginning of 2009 - which seems a waste for a franchise.

It is more likely that the CNN report of the government seeking 18-36 months is accurate, with Oookie serving 18 months, which definitely takes him out of the 2009 picture.

Regardless of his intentions with this deal, Vick is radioactive in the league now.

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That is interesting answer Brud Lee. It does make sense though.

I really think he is done in the NFL. Who will want this guy and all the baggage that will go along with him now? The public outrage over the henouis acts he has been involved with will most certainly deter any NFL team from singing him, and then having to deal with his suspension. Like I said a couple of posts ago Have fun in the arena league.

Also on Tank Johnson I heard that on Sirius 2 minute drill that the Skins and Clts we very interested in his services. I don't know how you all feel about this one.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

[quote=artmonkforhallofamein07;341894]That is interesting answer Brud Lee. It does make sense though.

I really think he is done in the NFL. Who will want this guy and all the baggage that will go along with him now? The public outrage over the henouis acts he has been involved with will most certainly deter any NFL team from singing him, and then having to deal with his suspension. Like I said a couple of posts ago Have fun in the arena league.

Also on Tank Johnson I heard that on Sirius 2 minute drill that the Skins and Clts we very interested in his services. I don't know how you all feel about this one.[/quote]

You know what, I wouldn't even say the Arena league or the CFL. Just because the NFL is perhaps through with him, doesn't automatically make Vick "signable" elsewhere.

Look, he's a PR nightmare no matter where he goes or what he does. I don't think any professional sports orginazation will be willing to jeopardize their image at the risk of having dozens of protesters in front of their arena.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

[QUOTE=artmonkforhallofamein07;341894]That is interesting answer Brud Lee. It does make sense though.

I really think he is done in the NFL. Who will want this guy and all the baggage that will go along with him now? The public outrage over the henouis acts he has been involved with will most certainly deter any NFL team from singing him, and then having to deal with his suspension. Like I said a couple of posts ago Have fun in the arena league.

Also on Tank Johnson I heard that on Sirius 2 minute drill that the Skins and Clts we very interested in his services. I don't know how you all feel about this one.[/QUOTE]

amfhofi07, according to Sirius, we are interested in [U]everyone[/U]. I have heard that about the Colts as well - they are thin at DT, are awash in Super Bowl glow and could take a little "bad press" from signing a suspendee, and play the same defensive scheme. Much more likely.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

[QUOTE=GusFrerotte;341882]Where did you read that? Would like to look into that. Haven't heard squat up here, other than folks saying the year minimum and maybe earlier for good behavior type stuff. I think they are talking out of there butt though.[/QUOTE]

My comment was based on a number of different media outlets (web, radio, tv, etc.). That's why I started my post with "Rumor." However, there is so much speculation right now, who the hell knows. If Vick begins with even the most lenient of possible sentences, one year, that takes him to almost the end of 2008. Potentially he may get 18-24 months and if he gets nailed with the suspension from the NFL after his prison term, well, 2010 may be the earliest he would be eleigible to be reinstated.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

[quote=BrudLee;341898]amfhofi07, according to Sirius, we are interested in [U]everyone[/U]. I have heard that about the Colts as well - they are thin at DT, are awash in Super Bowl glow and could take a little "bad press" from signing a suspendee, and play the same defensive scheme. Much more likely.[/quote]

Very True... Very True..

We are always interested in everyone according to them. LOL

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

I guess we also need to see how the plea plays out and what he actually admits to. If he makes a statement that connects him to the killing of the dogs and the drownings and hangings then you are right in the fact that it would be very unlikely to see him in any kind of uniform in the future.

But you always have to remember that we live in a society that DOES give people 2nd, 3rd and sometimes 4th chances. Considering that most of us have done things and made mistakes that we aren't proud of. I'm fine with that.

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Vick's going to probably get 18 months which in terms of federal time will likely mean he will serve 12 months in jail (most get out after 75% of their sentence for good behavior) before he is released.

The position the NFL is in now is if he doesn't get sentenced until December (likely) what is his status until then? Do you suspend him indefinitely and deal with it when he is out of prison? Do you reinstate him knowing that nobody will touch him now and then suspend him for a year once he is out? I think it's shortsighted to think he will never play in the NFL again. Yes it's outrageous now but after he serves his debt to soceity, pays a fine, a healthy donation to the ASPCA and films some public service announcements he will be less radioactive.

I'm a dog owner/lover myself and hate these charges, but Leonard Little KILLED SOMEONE. He not only killed someone, but got a subsequent DUI after getting out of jail and is still paying in the NFL. Despite what you may think of Vick as a person, he's still one of the 3 most uniquely talented players in the league. Some team will take a chance on him in '09.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

[quote=artmonkforhallofamein07;341903]I guess we also need to see how the plea plays out and what he actually admits to. If he makes a statement that connects him to the killing of the dogs and the drownings and hangings then you are right in the fact that it would be very unlikely to see him in any kind of uniform in the future.

But you always have to remember that we live in a society that DOES give people 2nd, 3rd and sometimes 4th chances. Considering that most of us have done things and made mistakes that we aren't proud of. I'm fine with that.[/quote]

True but Vick doesn't have any support at all, the only people supporting him are the ones saying racism is playing a role in this. And those people are the very small minority, everybody else is still most likely sickened by what he did to those dogs and they probably won't forgive him anytime soon. I for one won't be forgiving him for a very long time, if at all.

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Honestly, I think the only way he could begin the healing is to donate a couple years of his salary directly to some form of animal charity.

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peter king said last night at halftime of the ravens/giants game that vick would'nt be back in the NFL until 2010 at the earliest.i do'nt know if that's a penalty for the gambling or dog fighting together or not.anybody else here think he may go to canada if the falcons cut him?maybe not this season,but he still draws a lot of people so i would'nt be surprised if he did.as bad is this is,it's nothing compared to the mess the NBA has on its hands because of the drty ref and the potential for a lot more worse than the 1st guy.from what i have read,organized crime may be involved big time with the dirty refs.

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I think he will play in the NFL again. Even with all this baggage some team will be desperate enough to take a chance on him. And I don't see Goodell banning him for life. I think he'll do close to a year of prison time, and he'll face a year suspension from the NFL once he gets out.

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[quote=mooby;341916]True but Vick doesn't have any support at all[/quote]

I guess you haven't heard what cats have been saying.

Re: BREAKING NEWS: Vick to Enter Guilty Plea
 

Ban him for life, Commissioner. Vick has crossed a moral line that I don't think can be rehabilitated. Once you begin killing living things, you can't go back to the way you were before. The same goes for all murderers, rapists and child molesters. It takes a very evil mind to be able to do something like this and I don't believe you can return to your life before you crossed the line.

Let's not forget, from a league standpoint, there are several issues to deal with when thinking about Vick's future with the NFL. He's guilty of an illegal gambling ring aside from the dog killing.

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[quote=Mattyk72;341921]I guess you haven't heard what cats have been saying.[/quote]

But cats have no say in this discussion. At least not until someone finds a Cat to English translator. I'm sure they're all very supportive of Vick lol.

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[quote=redskinsfanatic;341918]peter king said last night at halftime of the ravens/giants game that vick would'nt be back in the NFL until 2010 at the earliest.i do'nt know if that's a penalty for the gambling or dog fighting together or not.anybody else here think he may go to canada if the falcons cut him?maybe not this season,but he still draws a lot of people so i would'nt be surprised if he did.as bad is this is,[B]it's nothing compared to the mess the NBA has on its hands because of the drty ref [/B]and the potential for a lot more worse than the 1st guy.from what i have read,organized crime may be involved big time with the dirty refs.[/quote]

You're actually saying that fixing a basketball game is worse than forcing dogs to fight and then torturing them and killing them? Wow.

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[quote=mooby;341924]But cats have no say in this discussion. At least not until someone finds a Cat to English translator. I'm sure they're all very supportive of Vick lol.[/quote]

Cats have been saying a lot lately about Vick.

You know, things like "meow, meow". I even heard one cat say "MEOW"!

Damn I'm really bored right now. :doh:

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[QUOTE=Buster;341926]You're actually saying that fixing a basketball game is worse than forcing dogs to fight and then torturing them and killing them? Wow.[/QUOTE]

From a sports perspective, no doubt is it worse. The ref put the whole league's integrity in jeopardy. Vick's actions reflect on him, not the entire NFL.

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[quote=mooby;341916]True but Vick doesn't have any support at all, the only people supporting him are the ones saying racism is playing a role in this. And those people are the very small minority, everybody else is still most likely sickened by what he did to those dogs and they probably won't forgive him anytime soon. I for one won't be forgiving him for a very long time, if at all.[/quote]

Trust me I am a dog lover. We have 3. I would never injure or otherwise put my dogs in a position to be hurt. ( For they are part of our family) I don't agree with what he has done nor do I think it is at all acceptable behavior. But people out there will forgive him. As a christian it is one our strongest beliefs. Anyway we will all have to take a wait and see approach as to what will happen to this man, his life and career. Hopefully he will learn something from this. And also by the way I don't feel this is in any way a race issue. I live here in SC now and a coupleof years ago they busted a huge dog fighting ring and the kennel owner was white. From what I hear Micheal Vick was on some of his books and may have been one of the contributing factors to Vicks dog fighting ring downfall.

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[quote=Paintrain;341929]From a sports perspective, no doubt is it worse. The ref put the whole league's integrity in jeopardy. Vick's actions reflect on him, not the entire NFL.[/quote]

BUT...

There is so much more involved in this case. We can't ignore or separate the moral issues from the sports issues here.

From a sports perspective, steroids in baseball are worse than that pro wrestler killing his family and himself. That's not a good way to look at things. Lives are always more important than sports, even if it's "just" the lives of animals.

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[quote=Mattyk72;341927]Cats have been saying a lot lately about Vick.

You know, things like "meow, meow". I even heard one cat say "MEOW"!

Damn I'm really bored right now. :doh:[/quote]

really? I heard one cat say "hiss" but then that cat was quickly dealt with by other cats.

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[quote=mooby;341939]really? I heard one cat say "hiss" but then that cat was quickly dealt with by other cats.[/quote]

Yeah I forgot about the dreaded 'Hiss'. You know they're really pissed when they're saying that.

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His career's over. Period. Say he were to sit out a year, and Goodell lost his senses and simply imposed a fine. What team would want that PR nightmare?

What a waste.