Vick accepts plea deal (1 Viewer)

[Colin Dowling]

www.cnn.com

 

[Doug B]

That is fresh news -- CNN hasn't even had time to post a proper article yet. Giving it a little more time.

 

[AnonymousBob]

(CNN) -- Federal prosecutors have offered a plea deal recommending an 18- to 36-month prison sentence for suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick for his alleged role in a dogfighting operation, but Vick's attorneys are trying to reduce that to less than a year, two sources told CNN on Monday.NFL star Michael Vick leaves a recent court appearance. Vick's attorneys hope to hear back from National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell's office sometime Monday about 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. See a timeline of the case against Vick »The NFL is considering what, if any, sanctions they should impose on the 27-year-old suspended Atlanta Falcons player. Court documents released last week showed that two of Vick's alleged partners said he helped kill dogs that didn't fight well, and that all three men "executed approximately eight dogs" in ways that included hanging and drowning. The dogs were killed because they fared poorly in "testing" sessions in April at Vick's property in Virginia where the dogfighting venture was based, according to documents released following plea agreement hearings Friday for Purnell Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach, and Quanis Phillips, 28, of Atlanta. See what Vick's former co-defendants admitted »A third man, Tony Taylor, 34, of Hampton, Virginia, already had his plea deal approved.In the court documents, Peace and Phillips said that the money behind the Bad Newz Kennels dogfighting operation came "almost exclusively" from Vick, and they told prosecutors that other accusations in the 18-page indictment are true. E-mail to a friend

 

[Colin Dowling]

That is fresh news -- CNN hasn't even had time to post a proper article yet. Giving it a little more time.

We're quick around here. Thanks to the FFA for keeping us in the know.

 

[Ozymandias]

So it's not CNN reporting it. It's merely CNN reporting that the Virginian Pilot said it.

 

[Doug B]

Here's a link to the source article from the Virginian-Pilot ... the site is getting hammered now and the article is virtually unopenable.

 

[paul0]

www.cnn.com

Did he accept it or is he considering accepting it?

 

[JaxBill]

So it's not CNN reporting it. It's CNN reporting that the Virginia Pilot said it.

Vick will plead guilty in dogfighting case

Breaking: Michael Vick has accepted a plea deal – and a likely prison sentence – to avoid additional federal charges related to a professional dogfighting operation, according to one of his attorneys

http://hamptonroads.com/pilotonline/

 

[Doug B]

AnonymousBob ... that's a different article.

 

[AIKENS BACON]

Vick will plead guilty in dogfighting case

Breaking: Michael Vick has accepted a plea deal – and a likely prison sentence – to avoid additional federal charges related to a professional dogfighting operation, according to one of his attorneys.

 

[There it is]

ESPN radio just reported it too.

 

[Doug B]

www.cnn.com

Did he accept it or is he considering accepting it?

See below -- it's the V-P article I linked to above, but couldn't open. Finally got it:

Vick takes plea deal, avoids additional dogfighting charges

By DAVE FORSTER AND TIM MCGLONE, The Virginian-Pilot

© August 20, 2007 | Last updated 2:13 PM Aug. 20

Atlanta Falcons quarterback and Hampton Roads native Michael Vick has accepted a plea deal – and a likely prison sentence – to avoid additional federal charges related to a professional dogfighting operation, according to one of Vick's attorneys.

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.

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

Vick's decision came after his last two co-defendants pleaded guilty Friday and agreed in deals with prosecutors to testify against Vick if they were called to do so at trial. A third co-defendant pleaded guilty in July under similar conditions.

With his plea deal, Vick is expected to avoid more serious charges related to a large dogfighting venture called "Bad Newz Kennels" that he is accused of almost entirely funding from 2001 to 2007.

The deal, in its form last week, was expected to include a recommendation from prosecutors that Vick serve at least a year in prison, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. The judge will have the final say in sentencing.

It is unclear how the plea deal will affect Vick's NFL career. League Commissioner Roger Goodell said last week that the NFL was still working on its own review of the case and is closely monitoring talks between Vick's lawyers and prosecutors.

"We're going to do what we always said we were going to do, which is rely on the facts," Goodell said. "If there is some type of a plea agreement, then we will obviously take the time to understand what that plea is and we'll see how it fits into our personal conduct (policy)."

 

[nygiants56]

That is fresh news -- CNN hasn't even had time to post a proper article yet. Giving it a little more time.

We're quick around here. Thanks to the FFA for keeping us in the know.

permanently blacklisted because he lied to Goodell.he's finished as an NFL player!good riddance. likely 1.5 year sentence, lifetime ban from NFL.buh bye..

 

[AnonymousBob]

AnonymousBob ... that's a different article.

Ooops, wrong one. No matter, I see the correct one has since been posted.

 

[ceo3west]

scumbag

 

[Jason Wood]

Apparently Vick's lawyers are trying to understand whether Goodell would be willing to institute the suspension concurrent with Vick's prison term (according to SI's Peter King on SNF) and the league has been completely mum on whether it would consider that.

Personally I think he's grasping at straws...I'm sure Goodell will do an open ended suspension and leave it that way until Vick is done his time, at which point he will have to appear before the commish and make a case for reinstatement. The idea that the NFL will somehow give in to Vick after this whole debacle and say, "OK, you can return to the NFL on such and such a date regardless of what happens from here" is delusional.

 

[Doug B]

Ooops, wrong one. No matter, I see the correct one has since been posted.

Actually, it's good you posted yours, because the new article doesn't give the specs of the deal. Hoping that 18-36 months holds up.

 

[suchislife]

Currently on ESPN news...."Vick Agrees to Plead Guilty".

 

[burd]

let me be the first to call him "Convicted Felon Michael Vick" instead of that whole "Alleged" BS that the media has been going by.

So what's next, some half-###ed public service announcement starring Vick mumbling something about treating your dogs w/ respect and love?

 

[BigRed]

permanently blacklisted because he lied to Goodell.he's finished as an NFL player!good riddance. likely 1.5 year sentence, lifetime ban from NFL.buh bye..

likely lol. I'll be shocked if he spends even a year in jail (if that) when all is said and done, and guaranteed sooner or later he's back in the NFL making millions. I suspect the alleged tough guy Goodell will ban him 1 year max and less also would not surprise me.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Apparently Vick's lawyers are trying to understand whether Goodell would be willing to institute the suspension concurrent with Vick's prison term (according to SI's Peter King on SNF) and the league has been completely mum on whether it would consider that. Personally I think he's grasping at straws...I'm sure Goodell will do an open ended suspension and leave it that way until Vick is done his time, at which point he will have to appear before the commish and make a case for reinstatement. The idea that the NFL will somehow give in to Vick after this whole debacle and say, "OK, you can return to the NFL on such and such a date regardless of what happens from here" is delusional.

I think his career is over.

 

[kensat30]

And everybody thought Vick's younger brother was the bad apple. Vick must not have paid his henchmen very well if he has so many people ratting on him. Stupid.

 

[BigRed]

let me be the first to call him "Convicted Felon Michael Vick" instead of that whole "Alleged" BS that the media has been going by.So what's next, some half-###ed public service announcement starring Vick mumbling something about treating your dogs w/ respect and love?

oh yeah, the spin doctors will be all over how he's sorry, he hung w/a bad crowd, have him donate some time/money to animal shelters, boo hoo blah etc. And much of the public will be stupid enough to buy it (or not even care, long as he's helping their team win games and being "mr excitement")

 

[Jason Wood]

Apparently Vick's lawyers are trying to understand whether Goodell would be willing to institute the suspension concurrent with Vick's prison term (according to SI's Peter King on SNF) and the league has been completely mum on whether it would consider that. Personally I think he's grasping at straws...I'm sure Goodell will do an open ended suspension and leave it that way until Vick is done his time, at which point he will have to appear before the commish and make a case for reinstatement. The idea that the NFL will somehow give in to Vick after this whole debacle and say, "OK, you can return to the NFL on such and such a date regardless of what happens from here" is delusional.

I think his career is over.

I agree with you, I think the most likely scenario is Goodell suspends him indefinitely...with the 2nd most likely scenario being an outright lifetime ban.

 

[Ozymandias]

Apparently Vick's lawyers are trying to understand whether Goodell would be willing to institute the suspension concurrent with Vick's prison term (according to SI's Peter King on SNF) and the league has been completely mum on whether it would consider that. Personally I think he's grasping at straws...I'm sure Goodell will do an open ended suspension and leave it that way until Vick is done his time, at which point he will have to appear before the commish and make a case for reinstatement. The idea that the NFL will somehow give in to Vick after this whole debacle and say, "OK, you can return to the NFL on such and such a date regardless of what happens from here" is delusional.

Agreed. He lied to his team owner and he lied to Goodell. I think after he serves time, he gets a 2 year suspension by the NFL. By that time, his skills eroding, and age over 30, his window of oportunity will have vanished. I don't think he gets a lifetime suspension, but it amounts to the same thing.

 

[GrandGouda]

Posting here as it may affect your team in keeper leagues, etc.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2983121

Vick agrees to plead guilty in dogfighting case

ESPN.com news services

Updated: August 20, 2007, 2:31 PM ET

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RICHMOND, Va. -- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick accepted a plea deal Monday and lengthy prison sentence to avoid additional federal charges in a dogfighting case that has driven his NFL career to a halt.

"After consulting with his family over the weekend, Michael Vick has asked that I announce today that he has reached an agreement with federal prosecutors regarding charges pending against him," Vick attorney Billy Martin said in a statement.

"Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made. Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter.

All three of Vick's co-defendants have reached plea deals in the case. Vick had been facing a Nov. 26 trial date.

 

[letter_j]

Perhaps an american lawyer can respond to a question from a Canadian defense lawyer:

even if Vick gets 24 months, in Canada that is federal time; however, the system paroles you after 1/6 (for first offenders, with good behaviour), so if Vick committed the offense in Canada and the punishment doled out was 24 months, Vick could be out on the street in 4 months.

Does a similar parole system exist in the U.S.?

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Yeah, I just got the news on my cellpone, while driving around in my Honda.

 

[suchislife]

permanently blacklisted because he lied to Goodell.he's finished as an NFL player!good riddance. likely 1.5 year sentence, lifetime ban from NFL.buh bye..

likely lol. I'll be shocked if he spends even a year in jail (if that) when all is said and done, and guaranteed sooner or later he's back in the NFL making millions. I suspect the alleged tough guy Goodell will ban him 1 year max and less also would not surprise me.

The "recommended" sentence is 18 to 36 months. The hard-### judge could impose his own sentence, but 18 months will be the min. According to Lester Munson on ESPNews, this FEDERAL so he will serve most of the 18 months.

 

[Jason Wood]

Perhaps an american lawyer can respond to a question from a Canadian defense lawyer:even if Vick gets 24 months, in Canada that is federal time; however, the system paroles you after 1/6 (for first offenders, with good behaviour), so if Vick committed the offense in Canada and the punishment doled out was 24 months, Vick could be out on the street in 4 months.Does a similar parole system exist in the U.S.?

I was just pinging a few lawyer friends of mine asking the same thing I know we definitely have "time off for good behavior" here in the U.S. but I'm not sure it's as regimented as 1/6th of your total sentencing, but I'm no lawyer. Would love to hear from a criminal defense attorney with the goods on this one.

 

[GreenNGold]

let me be the first to call him "Convicted Felon Michael Vick" instead of that whole "Alleged" BS that the media has been going by.So what's next, some half-###ed public service announcement starring Vick mumbling something about treating your dogs w/ respect and love?

The plea bargain says recommended sentence of 18 - 36 months, so 18 is the minimum he will be gone, my guess is it will be closer to the 36 month range. He is done in the NFL. Perhaps the league Mark Cuban is forming will take a chance with him?

 

[burd]

Apparently Vick's lawyers are trying to understand whether Goodell would be willing to institute the suspension concurrent with Vick's prison term (according to SI's Peter King on SNF) and the league has been completely mum on whether it would consider that. Personally I think he's grasping at straws...I'm sure Goodell will do an open ended suspension and leave it that way until Vick is done his time, at which point he will have to appear before the commish and make a case for reinstatement. The idea that the NFL will somehow give in to Vick after this whole debacle and say, "OK, you can return to the NFL on such and such a date regardless of what happens from here" is delusional.

I think his career is over.

if Vick has any sense (ok, we already know he doesn't), he'd do his time and disappear into obscurity. There's no recovering from this to the level where he'll ever be able to show his face on television again. The public doesn't want anything to do with him. I dunno though ... I hear Vince McMahon dialing Vick's phone number as we speak

 

[Colin Dowling]

Apparently Vick's lawyers are trying to understand whether Goodell would be willing to institute the suspension concurrent with Vick's prison term (according to SI's Peter King on SNF) and the league has been completely mum on whether it would consider that. Personally I think he's grasping at straws...I'm sure Goodell will do an open ended suspension and leave it that way until Vick is done his time, at which point he will have to appear before the commish and make a case for reinstatement. The idea that the NFL will somehow give in to Vick after this whole debacle and say, "OK, you can return to the NFL on such and such a date regardless of what happens from here" is delusional.

I think his career is over.

I agree with you, I think the most likely scenario is Goodell suspends him indefinitely...with the 2nd most likely scenario being an outright lifetime ban.

There are 50 reasons well documented as to why he won't be able to get a job. From his "baggage" to the cost to the fact that only a few teams would risk it to the fact that despite the excitement he brings, "what has he really done in the NFL?"I think all of those factors, combined with the death-knell of the next two NFL drafts being LOADED with QB talent will make a roster spot hard for him to come by even in the event he (1) gets permission to play from the league, (2) finds someone who will take him back and (3) gets a contract agreeable to what he feels he's worth. Even further complicating matters is that we all assume the guy will even WANT to play football in a year or two or whenever he is again given the opportunity.

 

[mad sweeney]

Perhaps an american lawyer can respond to a question from a Canadian defense lawyer:even if Vick gets 24 months, in Canada that is federal time; however, the system paroles you after 1/6 (for first offenders, with good behaviour), so if Vick committed the offense in Canada and the punishment doled out was 24 months, Vick could be out on the street in 4 months.Does a similar parole system exist in the U.S.?

I was just pinging a few lawyer friends of mine asking the same thing I know we definitely have "time off for good behavior" here in the U.S. but I'm not sure it's as regimented as 1/6th of your total sentencing, but I'm no lawyer. Would love to hear from a criminal defense attorney with the goods on this one.

Someone posted in the previous Vick thread that federal prisoners have to serve 85% of their time before early release/parole. Even if he gets the minimum of 18 months that's still over 15 months. And again remember the judge can impose whatever sentence he wants within the guidelines of the crimes, regardless of the DA's recommendations.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Perhaps an american lawyer can respond to a question from a Canadian defense lawyer:even if Vick gets 24 months, in Canada that is federal time; however, the system paroles you after 1/6 (for first offenders, with good behaviour), so if Vick committed the offense in Canada and the punishment doled out was 24 months, Vick could be out on the street in 4 months.Does a similar parole system exist in the U.S.?

I was just pinging a few lawyer friends of mine asking the same thing I know we definitely have "time off for good behavior" here in the U.S. but I'm not sure it's as regimented as 1/6th of your total sentencing, but I'm no lawyer. Would love to hear from a criminal defense attorney with the goods on this one.

ESPN's lawyer just said there is no time off for good behavior in the federal system. None.

 

[veto87]

So , c'mon now should I start him or what ?

haha

and to think I drafted him later last year and he was fantasy gold on most games !

 

[mad sweeney]

Apparently Vick's lawyers are trying to understand whether Goodell would be willing to institute the suspension concurrent with Vick's prison term (according to SI's Peter King on SNF) and the league has been completely mum on whether it would consider that. Personally I think he's grasping at straws...I'm sure Goodell will do an open ended suspension and leave it that way until Vick is done his time, at which point he will have to appear before the commish and make a case for reinstatement. The idea that the NFL will somehow give in to Vick after this whole debacle and say, "OK, you can return to the NFL on such and such a date regardless of what happens from here" is delusional.

Agreed. He lied to his team owner and he lied to Goodell. I think after he serves time, he gets a 2 year suspension by the NFL. By that time, his skills eroding, and age over 30, his window of oportunity will have vanished. I don't think he gets a lifetime suspension, but it amounts to the same thing.

I think by pleading before the RICO charges were added will save him from a lifetime ban but he won't see the field until 2010 at least.

 

[zadok]

Whatever length of sentence he serves, the NFL can/should/will ban him for life because of the gambling angle. Remember, they were always conducting their OWN investigation on the side. Before this season starts, he will be released by the Falcons, will have to repay his signing bonus, and be suspended from any further employment as an NFL player. IMHO, of course...

 

[Snotbubbles]

Apparently Vick's lawyers are trying to understand whether Goodell would be willing to institute the suspension concurrent with Vick's prison term (according to SI's Peter King on SNF) and the league has been completely mum on whether it would consider that. Personally I think he's grasping at straws...I'm sure Goodell will do an open ended suspension and leave it that way until Vick is done his time, at which point he will have to appear before the commish and make a case for reinstatement. The idea that the NFL will somehow give in to Vick after this whole debacle and say, "OK, you can return to the NFL on such and such a date regardless of what happens from here" is delusional.

I think his career is over.

I agree with you, I think the most likely scenario is Goodell suspends him indefinitely...with the 2nd most likely scenario being an outright lifetime ban.

There are 50 reasons well documented as to why he won't be able to get a job. From his "baggage" to the cost to the fact that only a few teams would risk it to the fact that despite the excitement he brings, "what has he really done in the NFL?"I think all of those factors, combined with the death-knell of the next two NFL drafts being LOADED with QB talent will make a roster spot hard for him to come by even in the event he (1) gets permission to play from the league, (2) finds someone who will take him back and (3) gets a contract agreeable to what he feels he's worth. Even further complicating matters is that we all assume the guy will even WANT to play football in a year or two or whenever he is again given the opportunity.

Got two words for ya...Vinny Testaverde. If that guy can find a job in the NFL at the age of 40+, so can Vick.

 

[John Black]

In other news water is wet.

 

[jamil]

stop snitchin.

 

[Norwood...Wide Right!]

Just wondering why people think his career is over.

Does the NFL have a policy or is there historical data to indicate its stance towards players who are convicted of a felony offense? Are there specific examples of lifetime bans from the NFL in this context (just can't think of anything off the top of my head)?

 

[zadok]

Just wondering why people think his career is over.Does the NFL have a policy or is there historical data to indicate its stance towards players who are convicted of a felony offense? Are there specific examples of lifetime bans from the NFL in this context (just can't think of anything off the top of my head)?

Illegal gambling = lifetime ban. The end.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Apparently Vick's lawyers are trying to understand whether Goodell would be willing to institute the suspension concurrent with Vick's prison term (according to SI's Peter King on SNF) and the league has been completely mum on whether it would consider that. Personally I think he's grasping at straws...I'm sure Goodell will do an open ended suspension and leave it that way until Vick is done his time, at which point he will have to appear before the commish and make a case for reinstatement. The idea that the NFL will somehow give in to Vick after this whole debacle and say, "OK, you can return to the NFL on such and such a date regardless of what happens from here" is delusional.

I think his career is over.

I agree with you, I think the most likely scenario is Goodell suspends him indefinitely...with the 2nd most likely scenario being an outright lifetime ban.

There are 50 reasons well documented as to why he won't be able to get a job. From his "baggage" to the cost to the fact that only a few teams would risk it to the fact that despite the excitement he brings, "what has he really done in the NFL?"I think all of those factors, combined with the death-knell of the next two NFL drafts being LOADED with QB talent will make a roster spot hard for him to come by even in the event he (1) gets permission to play from the league, (2) finds someone who will take him back and (3) gets a contract agreeable to what he feels he's worth. Even further complicating matters is that we all assume the guy will even WANT to play football in a year or two or whenever he is again given the opportunity.

Got two words for ya...Vinny Testaverde. If that guy can find a job in the NFL at the age of 40+, so can Vick.

Vinny has a job because he has a veteran brain and knows how to "help" with the other players on the team. I'm not sure either can be said of Vick now, much less after 18 months at Leavenworth.

 

[Doug B]

Got two words for ya...Vinny Testaverde. If that guy can find a job in the NFL at the age of 40+, so can Vick.

Testaverde's rap sheet is just a little cleaner.

 

[maccabees]

Sirius is reporting 10 to 16 months in jail for Vick.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Just wondering why people think his career is over.Does the NFL have a policy or is there historical data to indicate its stance towards players who are convicted of a felony offense? Are there specific examples of lifetime bans from the NFL in this context (just can't think of anything off the top of my head)?

1. Gambling2. PR nightmareThose are the two biggies. I'm not sure the "going to prison" portion is nearly as big a deal as the other two.

 

[dgreen]

Just wondering why people think his career is over.Does the NFL have a policy or is there historical data to indicate its stance towards players who are convicted of a felony offense? Are there specific examples of lifetime bans from the NFL in this context (just can't think of anything off the top of my head)?

Illegal gambling = lifetime ban. The end.

Is that what he's pleading guilty to?

 

[letter_j]

ESPN Radio is saying that he has agreed to 18 to 36 months. All I can say is WOW!

My guess on this: Vick is going to prison becuase he has already made a boatload of money and the government was threatening to take alot of this money as a result of the RICO/money laundering charges. He's thinking long-term as far as his life goes, never mind playing the NFL.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Sirius is reporting 10 to 16 months in jail for Vick.

That's bad reporting; the judge decides what the sentence is.