GUILTY VA - NFL QB Michael Vick, 3 others indicted for dog fighting, Surry County, 2007

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While the whole issue of Pit Bulls isn't the focus here, I have definite opinions on them. However, they aren't the issue...so I won't go there.

I heard someone say that the "Reputation" of the NFL and the Falcons will trump the reputation of any player (and is allowed by contract) for such a charge being brought leads me to believe they will suspend Vick before a trial or before any other charges are brought forward. They will need to "distance" themselves from this unsavory situation in order to protect the integrity of their organization on the upper levels.

For a Grand Jury indictment to be handed down, it would mean they have adequate proof Vick IS involved. They said there were 4 witnesses to his activity. They spilled their guts and can place him at the fights, etc. Evidently, the Grand Jury believed them and feel the evidence is very strong. This wasn't done without LOTS of careful consideration, I am certain. To charge such a high profile player with a horrific crime of this nature was huge and they have dotted their i's plus crossed their t's already. (This wasn't just some lousy DA like Nifong going after making a name for himself at all cost, IMO.)

I bet Vick is REALLY upset with his drug dealing cousin who was stupid enough to list his residence as that particular house which led police straight to the operation! He will probably turn up in a river somewhere in the future!
 
SeriouslySearching said:
While the whole issue of Pit Bulls isn't the focus here, I have definite opinions on them. However, they aren't the issue...so I won't go there.

I heard someone say that the "Reputation" of the NFL and the Falcons will trump the reputation of a any player (and is allowed by contract) for such a charge being brought leads me to believe they will suspend Vick before a trial or before any other charges are brought forward. They will need to "distance" themselves from this unsavory situation in order to protect the integrity of their organization on the upper levels.

For a Grand Jury indictment to be handed down, it would mean they have adequate proof Vick IS involved. They said there were 4 witnesses to his activity. They spilled their guts and can place him at the fights, etc. Evidently, the Grand Jury believed them and feel the evidence is very strong. This wasn't done without LOTS of careful consideration, I am certain. To charge such a high profile player with a horrific crime of this nature was huge and they have dotted their i's plus crossed their t's already. (This wasn't just some lousy DA like Nifong going after making a name for himself at all cost, IMO.)

I bet Vick is REALLY upset with his drug dealing cousin who was stupid enough to list his residence as that particular house which led police straight to the operation! He will probably turn up in a river somewhere in the future!
Click to expand...

It sounds like the Falcons organization is trying to turn the other cheek right now but once the protests from PETA and HSUS heat up, I think they'll do the right thing to avoid the negative publicity.
I think the same will happen with Nike.
 
CarpeDiem said:
I think the Falcon's are also dealing with the player's union, whose response is almost as laughable as the other's. Perhaps they need some letters too.

http://www.nflpa.org/main/default.aspx
Click to expand...

For Immediate Release Contact: Carl Francis - NFL Player's Association
July 18, 2007 (202) 756-9169

Carl.Francis@nflplayers.com

NFLPA Statement on the Michael Vick Case

“It’s unfortunate that Michael Vick is in this position, as these allegations are extremely disturbing and offensive. This case is now in the hands of the judicial system and we have to allow the legal process to run its course. However, we recognize Michael still has the right to prove his innocence. Hopefully, these allegations are untrue and Michael will be able to continue his NFL career. We will continue to monitor this case very closely.”
# # #
 
Please Do Not Hesitate To Let The Following Know How You Feel

For Immediate Release Contact: Carl Francis - NFL Player's Association
July 18, 2007 (202) 756-9169

Carl.Francis@nflplayers.com

NFLPA Statement on the Michael Vick Case

“It’s unfortunate that Michael Vick is in this position, as these allegations are extremely disturbing and offensive. This case is now in the hands of the judicial system and we have to allow the legal process to run its course. However, we recognize Michael still has the right to prove his innocence. Hopefully, these allegations are untrue and Michael will be able to continue his NFL career. We will continue to monitor this case very closely.”
# # #[/QUOTE]


Here's a Humane Society related email to the NFL regarding Vick--please send one in:
https://community.hsus.org/campaign/US_2007_dogfighting_nfl2?rk=u12Uqo51Nbs8E

The Smoking Gun
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0717072vick1.html


More info

Philip H. Knight, Chairman of the Board
Mark Parker, Chief Executive Officer
Charlie Denson, President, Nike Brand
Nike World Headquarters
One Bowman Drive
Beaverton, OR 97005-6453
800-344-6453
6am - 4pm PST

Nike Statement Regarding Michael Vick
Beaverton, OR (19 July, 2007) - Nike is concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations made against Michael Vick and we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent. We do believe that Michael Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen, therefore, we have not terminated our relationship. We have however made the decision to suspend the release of the Zoom Vick V and related marketing communications. Nike will continue to monitor the situation closely and have no further comment at this time.

http://www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=37

For other Nike questions and assistance, please contact Nike USA Consumer Services at:
- 1-800-344-6453 - (6 a.m. - 4 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday)
http://swoosh.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/swoosh.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php


Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank
general manager Rich McKay
commissioner Roger Goodell
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7007951758

Here's another Falcon's feedback site:
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/About/Contact_Us.aspx

My email said:

SUSPEND MICHAEL VICK

HE'S A BLIGHT ON ALL HUMANITY


Email your Congressperson's entire office staff and request that Michael Vick be suspended immediately.
http://www.outsourcecongress.org/out...hstaffers.html

From: buzzm1
To: Andrew_Billing@Isakson.senate.gov; Nancy_Bobbitt@Isakson.senate.gov; Nancy_Brooks@Isakson.senate.gov; Chris_Carr@Isakson.senate.gov; Loula_Davenport@Isakson.senate.gov; Jared_Downs@Isakson.senate.gov; Houston_Ernst@Isakson.senate.gov; Marie_Gordon@Isakson.senate.gov; Monica_Heil@Isakson.senate.gov; Catherine_Henson@Isakson.senate.gov; Jeremy_Johnson@Isakson.senate.gov; Joan_Kirchner@Isakson.senate.gov; Margaret_Krueger@Isakson.senate.gov; Caroline_McLean@Isakson.senate.gov; Mike_Quiello@Isakson.senate.gov; Jody_Redding@Isakson.senate.gov; Jason_Skipper@Isakson.senate.gov; Glee_Smith@Isakson.senate.gov; Bradford_Swann@Isakson.senate.gov; Tyler_Thompson@Isakson.senate.gov; Sheridan_Watson@Isakson.senate.gov; Sarah_Adams@Chambliss.senate.gov; Justin_Clay@Chambliss.senate.gov; Teresa_Ervin@Chambliss.senate.gov; Catherine_Fore@Chambliss.senate.gov; Leslie_Gavin@Chambliss.senate.gov; Jennifer_Hayes@Chambliss.senate.gov; Rich_Horne@Chambliss.senate.gov; Camila_Knowles@Chambliss.senate.gov; Lindsay_Mabry@Chambliss.senate.gov; Theresa_Milligan@Chambliss.senate.gov; Ashley_Nelson@Chambliss.senate.gov; Monty_Philpot@Chambliss.senate.gov; Anne_Russell@Chambliss.senate.gov; Marisa_Simpson@Chambliss.senate.gov; Nancy_Staves@Chambliss.senate.gov; Clyde_Taylor@Chambliss.senate.gov; Michael_Venet@Chambliss.senate.gov; Kate_Vickers@Chambliss.senate.gov
Subject: Suspend Michael Vick
Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2007 9:25 am

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michael Vick is an ugly blemish on the great State Of Georgia, as well as our United States.

SUSPEND HIM NOW!!
 
CarpeDiem said:
I think the Falcon's are also dealing with the player's union, whose response is almost as laughable as the other's. Perhaps they need some letters too.

http://www.nflpa.org/main/default.aspx
Click to expand...

Excellent point, and as someone who has witnessed how much of a roadblock players' unions can be, I highly recommend sending them letters too. Lots of times leagues will avoid taking strong stances on certain issues just to avoid dealing with the union.
 
I LOVE Senator Byrd!!!

"Barbaric!," he yelled. "Let that word resounding from hill to hill, and from mountain to mountain, and valley to valley across the broad land. Barbaric! Barbaric! May God help those poor souls who'd be so cruel. Barbaric! Hear me! Barbaric!"

Byrd, 89, said he would not prejudge the men's guilt or innocence, but he left no doubts about his sentiments.
"I am confident that the hottest places in hell are reserved for the souls of sick and brutal people who hold God's creatures in such brutal and cruel contempt," he said.
"One is left wondering," he said. "Who are the real animals: the creatures inside or outside the ring?"

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,290061,00.html
 
Also from the article on Fox News. Now we know why the Falcons won't suspend Vick. Money, it's always about money.

"Teams can amortize the salary cap implications of signing bonuses, but if a player is cut, all bonuses paid but not yet factored into the salary cap must be accounted for within two years.
The Falcons face an estimated salary cap hit of about $6 million this year and $15 million in 2008 if they release Vick — devastating hits to any team's budget."

I wonder if suspending him would affect the team the same as cutting him.
 
Sorry if this has been posted

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServe...072007&JServSessionIdr011=uvjresw1l1.app27b#1

ASPCA RESPONDS TO FEDERAL INDICTMENT OF MICHAEL VICK
As reported by the Associated Press earlier this week, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has been indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with competitive dog fighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines. The 18-page indictment further alleges that the dogfighting operation was started in Vick’s Surry County, Virginia, home in 2001, where multiple dogs were found dead earlier this year.

Most of you know I work in the pet field, I have told everyone I come in contact with about the petetion?
 
Lurker said:
Also from the article on Fox News. Now we know why the Falcons won't suspend Vick. Money, it's always about money.

"Teams can amortize the salary cap implications of signing bonuses, but if a player is cut, all bonuses paid but not yet factored into the salary cap must be accounted for within two years.
The Falcons face an estimated salary cap hit of about $6 million this year and $15 million in 2008 if they release Vick — devastating hits to any team's budget."

I wonder if suspending him would affect the team the same as cutting him.
Click to expand...
I'm sure there are clauses in these contracts that protect a team in situations similiar to this....He isn't the first NFL player to get in trouble. And if there isn't, someone needs to rewrite these contracts to include one!
 
Even if I think they go a little too far sometimes, I wrote in to them. I am sure many of you did too, GREAT JOB guys!!

Buzzm1 said:
PETA ready to protest following Vick indictment

The NFL may soon get its first face-to-face backlash following the federal indictment of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick on multiple dogfighting charges. The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has scheduled a protest in front of the league offices in New York on Friday morning. "This is to show our frustration over the NFL's failure to take a strong stance against Michael Vick," PETA spokesman Dan Shannon said. The call for protest comes as the NFL has yet to punish Vick, who was charged by federal authorities on Tuesday with competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting, and conducting the enterprise across state lines. "Aside from Michael Vick and the celebrity status, the details of this case are some of the most shocking we've ever seen," Shannon said. "The cruelty and the size of this dog-fighting organization are staggering."

Falcons owner Arthur Blank addressed the public outcry in a statement Thursday. "This is an emotionally charged and complicated matter," he said. "There are a wide range of interests and legal issues that need to be carefully considered as we move ahead, including our need to respect the due process that Michael is entitled to. Also, this situation affects everyone – our club, our players and associates, our sponsors, our fans and the Atlanta community among them – so we must consider all of our customers in making any decisions. "Given the differing perspectives and strong feelings around this issue, we probably won't make everyone happy, but we are committed to doing the right thing. As the owner of this club that's, ultimately, my responsibility."

The league has received numerous calls and emails requesting that Vick be barred from playing for the foreseeable future, according to two league sources. Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, said that more than 100,000 emails had been sent through his organization's web site alone to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Members of both organizations have discussed boycotting not only the Falcons and the NFL, but also companies that do business with Vick, the league and the team. Nike, which uses Vick as a pitchman, and Home Depot, where Blank was once a co-chairman, were among the targets of possible boycotts.

Pacelle said the Humane Society had yet to decide how it would protest, but he was quite clear about the goal for the organization, which has approximately 10 million members. "If the NFL punts its responsibility and allows Vick to play, there will be significant public pressure brought to bear," Pacelle said. "And this is not some top-down decry. It's something the people in the organization will demand we do. The public is clamoring for action. "We're still in the wake of dealing with the media and public reaction to the news of the indictment on Tuesday. Now, we started to pivot to start applying pressure if the NFL and the Falcons dig in and think it's OK for him to be on the field."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-vickprotest021907&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Click to expand...
 
Masterj said:
Benoit and Vick are two examples of probably more than a hundred athletes in Atlanta. I know you are exaggerating but I feel bad that people never recognize the good things that many athletes do. That said, I am curious to see how both the Falcons and NFL respond. The NFL is not known for being all that tough in terms of punishments. Unless you are Ricky Williams of course, when his offense is probably the the least harmful. ;)
Click to expand...
Not that I agree with Drugs, But come on. Rickey hasnt been allowed to play in a while for smoking weed. This guy over years killed and god knows what else to these poor dogs. HE NEEDS TO GO NOW!!!

Speaking in general BTW not directed at you:blowkiss:
 
catsmeow said:
Whatever! My dog is smarter! LOL!!!! I kid, I kid!!!! My four are ridiculous! I have no Pits but I love them too!
My Ridgeback mix is a flake and we call him the 'cartoon dog', he has great facial expressions and talks a lot! My Malamute is a screamer! He really screams his head off if you make him do something he doesn't want to do, like get shots at the vet! It's kind of embarrasing! :o
Click to expand...
My huskies when I get them groomed are more embarrasing! When they go into the kennel to dry they cry the whole 40 minutes it takes to dry them. I always tip extra for the noise! You know how loud that howl can be...LOL
 
Virginia will seek indictment against Vick too

Surry, Va. — Commonwealth attorney Gerald Poindexter will seek an indictment against Falcons quarterback Michael Vick this year, possibly as soon as September. Poindexter told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Thursday that since Vick has been federally indicted, Poindexter expects to seek indictments for dogfighting and killing dogs, both state felonies. Poindexter said he will proceed now that county and federal investigators say they have located witnesses that can link Vick and his co-defendants to dogfighting. "My concern is that dogs were fought in Surry County," Poindexter said. "I'm interested in what is alleged to be the killing of dogs and dogfighting."

His 34-year-old son John Poindexter, a Washington lawyer who just finished a tour of duty in Iraq, said his father has been unjustly attacked by those who say he has balked at prosecuting Vick. "I think my father is in a difficult position," the younger Poindexter said. "I know if he believes Michael Vick committed this felony, he is going to do everything he can to prosecute him — vigorously. He is going to handle it the right way. "It took the federal government six or seven weeks to indict, and he doesn't have anything close to their resources."

Poindexter said the pressure of the investigation, which began in April, has been tough. "I've never been in so much stress in my life," Poindexter said. "I receive hate mail. People tell me they wish I was dead. They say, 'Why did you let him fight dogs or mistreat dogs out there?' Well, we didn't have any evidence they were fighting or mistreating dogs."

Almost all the dogs on Vick's property appeared healthy and happy, not abused or vicious Poindexter said. There was little evidence that proved a crime. Poindexter noted that the physical evidence unveiled so far in the Vick case, while damming to the public, is weak when it comes to actually proving a crime. The treadmills and other equipment found of the property are associated with training fighting dogs, but not illegal themselves.

http://www.ajc.com/falcons/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/07/19/0720virginia.html
 
"Senate criticism increased Friday as Sen. John Kerry said he had sent a letter to the NFL commissioner calling for Vick's immediate suspension.

"Dogfighting is one of society's most barbaric and inhumane activities," Kerry wrote to Commissioner Roger Goodell.

"As the most popular team sport in America, professional football has a responsibility to showcase the highest levels of behavior and sportsmanship," Kerry's letter said.

The 2004 Democratic presidential nominee also said he planned to introduce anti-dogfighting legislation.

Kerry's proposal would make it illegal to transmit images of dogfighting, to run Web sites that cater to dogfighting, and to won or train dogs for the purpose of fighting, according to his office."


More at link, including info on protest by PETA outside NFL headquarters today:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/07/20/vick.dogfighting/index.html
 
Cool BOESP, Buzzy already did a lot of the leg work on email addresses for us:

Buzzm1 said:
Please Do Not Hesitate To Let The Following Know How You Feel

For Immediate Release Contact: Carl Francis - NFL Player's Association
July 18, 2007 (202) 756-9169

Carl.Francis@nflplayers.com

NFLPA Statement on the Michael Vick Case

“It’s unfortunate that Michael Vick is in this position, as these allegations are extremely disturbing and offensive. This case is now in the hands of the judicial system and we have to allow the legal process to run its course. However, we recognize Michael still has the right to prove his innocence. Hopefully, these allegations are untrue and Michael will be able to continue his NFL career. We will continue to monitor this case very closely.”
# # #
Click to expand...


Here's a Humane Society related email to the NFL regarding Vick--please send one in:
https://community.hsus.org/campaign/US_2007_dogfighting_nfl2?rk=u12Uqo51Nbs8E

The Smoking Gun
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0717072vick1.html


More info

Philip H. Knight, Chairman of the Board
Mark Parker, Chief Executive Officer
Charlie Denson, President, Nike Brand
Nike World Headquarters
One Bowman Drive
Beaverton, OR 97005-6453
800-344-6453
6am - 4pm PST

Nike Statement Regarding Michael Vick
Beaverton, OR (19 July, 2007) - Nike is concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations made against Michael Vick and we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent. We do believe that Michael Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen, therefore, we have not terminated our relationship. We have however made the decision to suspend the release of the Zoom Vick V and related marketing communications. Nike will continue to monitor the situation closely and have no further comment at this time.

http://www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=37

For other Nike questions and assistance, please contact Nike USA Consumer Services at:
- 1-800-344-6453 - (6 a.m. - 4 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday)
http://swoosh.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/swoosh.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php


Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank
general manager Rich McKay
commissioner Roger Goodell
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7007951758

Here's another Falcon's feedback site:
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/About/Contact_Us.aspx

My email said:

SUSPEND MICHAEL VICK

HE'S A BLIGHT ON ALL HUMANITY


Email your Congressperson's entire office staff and request that Michael Vick be suspended immediately.
http://www.outsourcecongress.org/out...hstaffers.html

From: buzzm1
To: Andrew_Billing@Isakson.senate.gov; Nancy_Bobbitt@Isakson.senate.gov; Nancy_Brooks@Isakson.senate.gov; Chris_Carr@Isakson.senate.gov; Loula_Davenport@Isakson.senate.gov; Jared_Downs@Isakson.senate.gov; Houston_Ernst@Isakson.senate.gov; Marie_Gordon@Isakson.senate.gov; Monica_Heil@Isakson.senate.gov; Catherine_Henson@Isakson.senate.gov; Jeremy_Johnson@Isakson.senate.gov; Joan_Kirchner@Isakson.senate.gov; Margaret_Krueger@Isakson.senate.gov; Caroline_McLean@Isakson.senate.gov; Mike_Quiello@Isakson.senate.gov; Jody_Redding@Isakson.senate.gov; Jason_Skipper@Isakson.senate.gov; Glee_Smith@Isakson.senate.gov; Bradford_Swann@Isakson.senate.gov; Tyler_Thompson@Isakson.senate.gov; Sheridan_Watson@Isakson.senate.gov; Sarah_Adams@Chambliss.senate.gov; Justin_Clay@Chambliss.senate.gov; Teresa_Ervin@Chambliss.senate.gov; Catherine_Fore@Chambliss.senate.gov; Leslie_Gavin@Chambliss.senate.gov; Jennifer_Hayes@Chambliss.senate.gov; Rich_Horne@Chambliss.senate.gov; Camila_Knowles@Chambliss.senate.gov; Lindsay_Mabry@Chambliss.senate.gov; Theresa_Milligan@Chambliss.senate.gov; Ashley_Nelson@Chambliss.senate.gov; Monty_Philpot@Chambliss.senate.gov; Anne_Russell@Chambliss.senate.gov; Marisa_Simpson@Chambliss.senate.gov; Nancy_Staves@Chambliss.senate.gov; Clyde_Taylor@Chambliss.senate.gov; Michael_Venet@Chambliss.senate.gov; Kate_Vickers@Chambliss.senate.gov
Subject: Suspend Michael Vick
Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2007 9:25 am

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michael Vick is an ugly blemish on the great State Of Georgia, as well as our United States.

SUSPEND HIM NOW!![/quote]
 
Indy Gal said:
Not that I agree with Drugs, But come on. Rickey hasnt been allowed to play in a while for smoking weed. This guy over years killed and god knows what else to these poor dogs. HE NEEDS TO GO NOW!!!

Speaking in general BTW not directed at you:blowkiss:
Click to expand...

I think you misunderstood me - I was poking fun at how strict the NFL is with Ricky for smoking pot, yet they don't consistently take strong stands against others who get into MUCH more serious trouble.
 
Hooray for Senator Kerry for calling for Vick's suspension--The disgust over this case is growing every day--Just Now on Nancy Grace, its been reported that the NFL Commissioner will decide next week whether to suspend Vick indefinitely or not
 
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