Vick to plead quilty to dogfighting charges!

[skcin]

Originally Posted by buckymcnix

so let me start by saying -
I am a HUGE animal person. Huge.
i have a variety of animals.
I am by NO MEANS advocating this 'curltural' argument but i would care to discuss it more.

Cock fighting in Mexico. Cultural?
Beta fish fighting? Cultural?
Do you shoo a bug that lands on you or smash it ?

I have never known anyone who has been to or participated in dog fighting.
I think what vick did to those dogs is horrific at best and my knee jerk reaction resembles many of those expressed here, Sarah winning 'most colorful vengence' by far .
But honestly, if someone is exposed to that kind of behaviour, be it fish, roosters or dogs, then of course they don't feel it's wrong. How do we reach the people who this appeals to? How do you show someone who has already been desensitized to such violent behaviour how vile and wrong it is? I don't even have a suggestion on how to do it.

I was asked to go to cock fights in mexico and i wouldn't. I ate bugs but i wouldn't take part in the cock fights.
But i also couldn't get into an argument in a language i could barely speak about why i felt it was wrong.

anyone have thoughts on that?

My thoughts on your devil's advocate post are that if it's illegal here, you don't do it, even if it's "part of your culture." Forget the fact that I think it's sick, and cruel, and horrific. It's illegal, so too bad. He may be one of the stupidest people ever to blow everything for this.

[gldstwmn]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/08/27...ick/index.html

Vick: 'I need to grow up'RICHMOND, Virginia (CNN) -- Shortly after entering a guilty plea Monday to a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge, suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick apologized "for all the things that I've done and that I've allowed to happen."

After his guilty plea, Michael Vick tells reporters Monday he takes responsibility for his actions.

1 of 2 In addition to making apologies to Atlanta Falcons teammates, his coach and the National Football League, Vick also said he was sorry "to all the young kids out there for my immature acts."

"What I did was very immature so that means I need to grow up," he said.

He said that he was "disappointed in myself" and that "dogfighting is a terrible thing and I ... reject it."

"I take full responsibility for my actions," Vick said. "Not for one second will I sit right here and point the finger and try to blame anybody else for my actions or what I've done.

"I'm totally responsible and those things just didn't have to happen."

He said, "Through this situation I've found Jesus."

Vick vowed to redeem himself, saying, "I have to."

"I got a lot of downtime ... to think about my actions."

On Friday, the NFL suspended Vick, 27, indefinitely without pay.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a letter to Vick that he would review the status of the suspension after the legal proceedings are over.

Team owner Arthur Blank on Monday said that Vick "betrayed the trust of many people."

"We cannot tell you today that Michael is cut from the team. Cutting him may feel better emotionally for us and for many of our fans, but it's not in the long-term best interests of our franchise," Blank said.

Blank said there were many legal and contractual issues that must be addressed.

Rich McKay, the Falcons' general manager, said the team sent out a "demand letter" Monday for the suspended quarterback's $22 million bonus.

Vick pleaded guilty to one count of "Conspiracy to Travel in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Unlawful Activities and to Sponsor a Dog in an Animal Fighting Venture" in a plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court in Richmond.

During a hearing Monday, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson asked Vick if he understood the charge. Vick responded, "Yes sir."

Hudson is considering whether to accept a plea deal that calls for a sentence of 12 to 18 months.

The judge set a December 10 sentencing hearing. That's the same day the Falcons are scheduled to take on the New Orleans Saints on ESPN's "Monday Night Football."

Vick was met by cheering supporters as his attorneys and federal marshals escorted him into federal court in Richmond. A group of protesters holding signs with pictures of injured fighting dogs also was on hand.

In legal papers filed last week, Vick admitted financing a dogfighting operation and participating in the killing of dogs that did not fight well.

The former NFL No. 1 draft pick from Virginia Tech could face up to five years in a federal prison, but prosecutors have agreed to seek a lesser punishment.

In an additional summary of facts, signed by Vick and filed with the agreement, Vick admitted buying pit bulls and the property used for training and fighting the dogs, but the statement said he did not bet on the fights or receive any of the money won.

"Most of the 'Bad Newz Kennels' operations and gambling monies were provided by Vick," the official summary of facts said. Gambling wins were generally split among co-conspirators Tony Taylor, Quanis Phillips and sometimes Purnell Peace, it continued.

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

Vick also agreed that "collective efforts" by him and two others caused the deaths of at least six dogs.

Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Phillips, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia; and Taylor, 34, of Hampton, Virginia, have accepted agreements to plead guilty in exchange for reduced sentences. See a timeline of the case against Vick »

The federal case against Vick focused on the interstate conspiracy, but Vick's admission that he was involved in the killing of dogs could lead to local charges, Toobin said.

"It sometimes happens -- not often -- that the state will follow a federal prosecution by charging its own crimes for exactly the same behavior," Toobin said.

"The risk for Vick is, if he makes admissions in his federal guilty plea, the state of Virginia could say, 'Hey, look, you admitted violating Virginia state law as well. We're going to introduce that against you and charge you in our court.' "

In the plea deal, Vick agreed to cooperate with investigators and provide all information he may have on any criminal activity and to testify if necessary. Vick also agreed to turn over any documents he has and to submit to polygraph tests.

Vick agreed to "make restitution for the full amount of the costs associated" with the dogs that are being held by the government.

"Such costs may include, but are not limited to, all costs associated with the care of the dogs involved in that case, including if necessary, the long-term care and/or the humane euthanasia of some or all of those animals."

Prosecutors, with the support of animal rights activists, have asked for permission to euthanize the dogs. But the dogs could serve as important evidence in the cases against Vick and his admitted co-conspirators.

[skcin]

I don't think Jesus wants him.





kidding

[Sarah]

That's right, pull the Jesus card, you sorry sack of crap.


Watching this news conference today, I said I was disappointed that they wouldn't cut him from the team. My father - who knows a lot about all the different aspects of the football "business" - says that it will probably happen, but not until the Falcons finish their pursuit over the salary cap money, etc. They don't want to cut him until those actions are done. But, like some other people have said here, if the NFL doesn't suspend him permanently, it's likely that he'll get picked up and play for someone else. Sickening. I hope he gets boo-ed everywhere he goes. If he ever gets back out on the field, I hope it's a THUNDEROUS boo.

He's a thug.. his brother is a thug.. and I don't believe for one damn minute that he's sorry or has "found Jesus" or wtf-ever else. He's just been taught that it's important to begin saving your reputation STAT so that he can get back out there with a cleaner image in a few years.

Even then, I'll still think he's a dirty SOB who deserves to be beaten within a half inch of his life then thrown to a pack of hungry wolves.

[Raeven Skye]

Save face by owning up to everything and "finding Jesus"...give me a freaking break! He doesn't deserve another chance at being a millionaire....put the trash on the curb, and let someone else have a shot.

[gldstwmn]

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sp...onus_0826.html

Falcons want $22 million back from Vick

The Falcons will try to recoup $22 million already paid to suspended quarterback Michael Vick, a person with knowledge of the team's plans told the Journal-Constitution on Saturday.

Vick was suspended indefinitely by the NFL on Friday after he pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges in Virginia. That cleared the way for the Falcons to pursue money paid to Vick in signing bonus money.

Vick has received roughly $40 million in guaranteed bonuses — and even more in base salary — but teams are only allowed to try to recoup money paid in signing bonuses, per the collective bargaining agreement with the players' union.

To collect the money, Vick must remain on the Falcons' roster. Therefore the team will not release Vick until the matter is resolved, the person familiar with the situation said.

The Falcons are expected to cut ties with Vick, once their most popular player, once the signing bonus matter is finalized.

If Atlanta receives payment from Vick, the money would be applied to the salary cap of the upcoming season. For example, should Atlanta receive all of the $22 million it seeks before the 2008 NFL calendar year, it would be credited toward the 2008 salary cap.

That would provide a huge windfall of cap space for the Falcons to use in pursuing free agent players.

As for this season, the Falcons will not have to pay Vick his $6 million base salary. However, he will count roughly $8.5 million against their salary cap. Though Vick will remain on the roster, he will be placed on a suspended list, which will allow the Falcons to add a player in Vick's place.

This could be the latest financial hit for Vick. On Friday, Nike official severed its ties with the quarterback, saying in a statement, "We consider any cruelty to animals inhumane, abhorrent and unacceptable."

The shoe giant earlier had suspended Vick's endorsement contract.

[amber]

I guess Jesus hangs out in Courts, Jails/Prisons, and Rehab facilities. At least that is where everyone seems to find him. So, there you have it everyone, the next time you want to get in touch with Jesus there is a short list of his likely whereabouts. He is also sometimes found at the Grammys and other music awards shows. At least I assume he is there, since he gets thanked so much. It's nice he can take time out of his busy schedule with the more unfortunate people in jail and rehab to kick up his heels a little and blow off some steam at an awards show every now and then. Good ol' Jebus.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by amber

I guess Jesus hangs out in Courts, Jails/Prisons, and Rehab facilities. At least that is where everyone seems to find him. So, there you have it everyone, the next time you want to get in touch with Jesus there is a short list of his likely whereabouts. He is also sometimes found at the Grammys and other music awards shows. At least I assume he is there, since he gets thanked so much. It's nice he can take time out of his busy schedule with the more unfortunate people in jail and rehab to kick up his heels a little and blow off some steam at an awards show every now and then. Good ol' Jebus.

the other day while looking for loose change in my couch, He was sitting next to a 3 month old Cheetos...Didnt seem to be phased at my discovery of the said Cheetos, a crucifix shaped 'dust-bunny' and about $.21 in pennies.

[JWS]

On MNF tonight, ironically coming from Atlanta, it was said Michael Vick's tragic fall from grace is the biggest and quickest in sports history. In Vick's apology today he said he made a mistake...I disagree. A mistake is making a turn down a one way street going the wrong direction. A mistake is a DUI. Running and financing a criminal activity for more than six years and killing countless dogs is not a mistake...it's criminal racketeering and that's what Vick was facing if he went to trial.

It's so typical, these player apologies. They're only sorry that they were caught. And, now he finds religion...

There were black supporters at today's hearing singing "We Shall Overcome" and other civil rights march hymns. Poor Michael Vick...a victim....forced to plead guilty to avoid more serious charges and years in prison.

[Sarah]

Originally Posted by JWS

It's so typical, these player apologies. They're only sorry that they were caught. And, now he finds religion...

There were black supporters at today's hearing singing "We Shall Overcome" and other civil rights march hymns. Poor Michael Vick...a victim....forced to plead guilty to avoid more serious charges and years in prison.

Yes. My mother said this earlier.. about only being sorry he was caught. (She said that many times to me when I was little as well. )

And also.. this We Shall Overcome ****? That makes me angry. Let's sic the dogs that were trained to be mean on them and give them something to TRULY overcome. That's obvious abuse of the race card. He didn't get busted and isn't facing punishment because he's black. They're ONLY standing behind him because he's black. That crap only encourages racism by forcing the issue and blanketing an entire group of people. Lamesauce.

But please, don't get me started on the people in Atlanta. I hate going to that city, and I'm not the kind of person who gives a crap if you're white, black, polkadotted, or an alien with 17 arms complete with bloodsuckers.

[JWS]

Originally Posted by Sarah

Yes. My mother said this earlier.. about only being sorry he was caught. (She said that many times to me when I was little as well. )

And also.. this We Shall Overcome ****? That makes me angry. Let's sic the dogs that were trained to be mean on them and give them something to TRULY overcome. That's obvious abuse of the race card. He didn't get busted and isn't facing punishment because he's black. They're ONLY standing behind him because he's black. That crap only encourages racism by forcing the issue and blanketing an entire group of people. Lamesauce.

But please, don't get me started on the people in Atlanta. I hate going to that city, and I'm not the kind of person who gives a crap if you're white, black, polkadotted, or an alien with 17 arms complete with bloodsuckers.

To be fair to people of Atlanta, the protesters/supporters were at the courthouse in Richmond, Virginia. Some could have been from Atlanta....but I guess most were from the Virginia/North Carolina area.

[Steviefan49]

Originally Posted by Sarah

He should be slathered in blood and meat and thrown into a dark den of wolves.

I actually legitimately have hate in my heart for the filthy-ass son of a bitch, and I hope that when he dies, his version of hell is being torn apart by dogs - limb by limb, over and over all day, every day - for all eternity.

Amen Sarah! I couldn't have said that one better if I tried!

[Steviefan49]

Originally Posted by skcin

I don't think Jesus wants him.





kidding

Me either.. LOL

[skcin]

Originally Posted by JWS

To be fair to people of Atlanta, the protesters/supporters were at the courthouse in Richmond, Virginia. Some could have been from Atlanta....but I guess most were from the Virginia/North Carolina area.

Richmond is not much different than Atlanta in that respect.

[Sarah]

Originally Posted by JWS

To be fair to people of Atlanta, the protesters/supporters were at the courthouse in Richmond, Virginia. Some could have been from Atlanta....but I guess most were from the Virginia/North Carolina area.

That's right, I forgot about court being in Richmond.

Truth be told, the people of Atlanta probably called the people of Richmond and told them to represent for them.

God was probably laughing at their little hymns.