Vick Files Plea Agreement

On Friday, as reported by numerous sources, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick filed his plea agreement in federal court, which included an admission of guilt to conspiring to operate an illegal dogfighting operation. And though Vick claims he didn't place bets himself, he admits to bankrolling wagers in which his co-defendants, Purnell Peace, Tony Taylor, and Quanis Phillips, shared the proceeds. The embattled NFL superstar also admitted to being involved in the killings of six-to-eight dogs in April.

The plea agreement, which can be seen at thesmokinggun.com, is a far cry from the "I never go there" routine he pulled after first being confronted with the scandal.

A summary of facts signed by Vick was filed along with his plea agreement, and below are the details he admitted in the document:

• He is guilty of conspiracy to engage in an interstate gambling enterprise and conspiracy to operate an interstate dog fighting ring.
• His Surry County property was the main staging area for housing and training pit bulls for fighting.
• Vick actively participated in dog fights at his property as well as in dog fights in other states.
• The operation had an involvement in gambling, but Vick claims he only funded the gambling of his co-defendants.
• Vick began acquiring dogs for the operation in 2001-2002, and the Bad Newz Kennels were established in 2002.
• He was aware that his co-defendants killed a number of dogs that did not perform well in testing in 2002, but denies being directly involved himself at the time.
• In April 2007, six-to-eight dogs that did not perform well in testing sessions were killed by various methods, including hanging and drowning as a result of the collective efforts of Peace, Phillips, and Vick.

As cruel as dogfighting is in general, that last point is going to be Vick's biggest hurdle in someday getting back into the NFL. Nobody likes a dog killer, and Vick is now an admitted dog killer. Any association with him by any franchise would become an instant public relations nightmare. Why would any team want to deal with that headache?

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