Mike Vick Update, July 20 & July 27, 2009

Just want to post a quick link to a story at the New York Times, titled Vick is Released, but His Future in N.F.L. Remains Cloudy.

Vick has just finished serving a 20-month sentence on federal charges related to dogfighting.

(For previous posts about Vick -- opinions, links, etc. -- click on the Vick label in this blog's sidebar.)

UPDATE: July 27, 2009

Click here for the link to the NY Times story N.F.L. Grants Vick an Opening.

2009 Mike Vick Update

I can't believe he's compared to Martha Stewart....

Here's a news story from USA Today, titled Goodell: Vick must show 'remorse' to play in NFL again


UPDATE April 2, 2009:

Here's a link to a CNN story: Michael Vick taking construction job after prison, lawyer says

Mike Vick Update: Vick Moving to Halfway House?

According to an article in today's NY Times Sports section, imprisoned NFL star and convicted dogfighting bankroller Michael Vick's lawyers say that he may be headed from Leavenworth to a halfway house in Virginia in late January. Vick's federal sentence expires in July 2009.

For more information about Vick's move and his finances, read the story Lawyer: Vick May Be Moved to Halfway House in Jan.


To read/find back info about Vick, click on the label Vick in this blog's sidebar.

Animal Planet Examines Mike Vick and Dogfighting

The following are excerpts lifted from an ASPCA newsletter:

Don’t Miss It: “Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case” Premieres This Sunday!

Last year’s federal case against Vick dominated the media for months, generating public concern for the dogs seized from Bad Newz Kennels—and for animal victims across the country still involved in this brutal “sport.” The sentence may have been handed down, but the concern and questions still remain. What happened to the dogs seized in the case? How did Vick get involved in this underworld?

Many of these questions will be answered this Sunday night during “Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case," the premiere episode of Animal Planet’s new series on animal forensics. The one-hour show offers an in-depth look at Vick and exposes the hidden world of dog fighting—and for the first time on national television, lead investigator Bill Brinkman talks about the inner workings of the case.

The episode is scheduled to air at 10:00 P.M. EST this Sunday evening, August 24. Please visit Animal Planet online to learn more. Please note, the episode does feature footage from underground dog fighting videos—viewer discretion is advised.

Mike Vick's Dogs

Today's New York Times Sports: Pro Football section features a follow up story about what's become of former NFL pro Mike Vick's dogs. The story Given Reprieve, NFL Star's Dogs Find Kindness features an audio slide show and let's us know what kind of shape the dogs are in and where they're at.

Though it was suggested by PETA and the Humane Society that all of Vick's dogs be put down, only one was euthanized because of its aggression towards people. As reported in the Times story, the other dogs were given to a variety of rescue groups and sanctuaries; featured in this story are Vick's dogs that are currently at Best Friends Animal Society, a 3,700 acre animal sanctuary in Utah.

The most 'dangerous' or 'damaged' of the dogs were sent to Best Friends. One female dog has no teeth; it was used for breeding and had its teeth removed so it couldn't bite the male dogs. Others are scarred or have facial nerve damage, among other problems. The dogs have a variety of physical and emotional problems, including obsessive/compulsive behaviors. Visit the sanctuary's site to read The Vicktory Dogs, meet the dogs, follow their progress, and see a video.

Vick is currently serving a 23 month sentence in Leavenworth Prison for his federal conviction on charges related to dog fighting.

To read all blog posts mentioning Mike Vick, click on the Vick label in the sidebar.

Michael Vick Jail Prison Sentence Update

According to an Atlanta news story on WSBTV.com, suspended NFL Falcons pro Michael Vick has transferred prisons; on January 7, Vick was transferred from a Warsaw, Virginia, regional jail to a prison in Leavenworth, Kansas.

It is suggested that Vick will participate in drug treatment and other programs offered at the Leavenworth prison, which might then lead to a year's early release - in which case he might be available for the 2009 football season. (In September, pre federal sentencing, Vick failed a test for marijuana use.)

Michael Vick Prison Sentence

(For updated info since this post, click on Vick label in the sidebar.)


NFL Pro Michael Vick today was sentenced by Judge Henry E. Hudson to 23 months in prison and 3 year's probation, and received a $5,000 fine, on federal charges related to dogfighting. Vick has admitted bankrolling the Bad Newz Kennel dogfighting ring, that operated from his 15-acre Surry County, Virginia, property.

Vick faced a 5-year prison sentence; however, he - like his co-defendants - received a sentence stronger than recommended by federal prosecutors. Interestingly enough, Vick received a sentence months longer than did his cohorts. Fourth defendant Tony Taylor still awaits sentencing. Vick surrendered himself November 19, getting a jump start on serving time. All four still face similar Virginia state charges and sentencing prospects.

I must say, though, that it's curious that Vick received a sentence harsher than his dogfighting pals. Is it because he bankrolled the operation and ran it on his property? Is it because he first denied everything and fought to "clear...(his) good name"?

Additionally, I'd thought that Vick would receive a sentence that would be timed such that he would be able to attend pro football spring training. That, obviously, will be a challenge for Vick; time off for "good behavior" is currently an unknown. Michael Vick should see the light of day again sometime in October 2009, in time for the holidays.

It's very sad - and I truly am sorry for Vick - that a man who had essentially everything - opportunity, public support and adoration, money, a great career, respect - has fallen this hard due to his own hand. In addition to putting his football career in grave danger, Vick owes almost $1 million for the care of the animals seized from his property, banks have filed suit claiming default on loans, his home is up for sale, and he has been instructed to reimburse the Atlanta Falcons approximately $20 million in signing bonus money. And, Vick has lost all product endorsements and monies.

Will Vick's fate send a message about dogfighting? About animal cruelty? I honestly do not believe Vick's story will stop whatever is being done now, at least on a large scale. Perhaps it will make similarly involved American celebrities and politicians - and other "authorities" - think twice about their involvement, if for no other reason than possible financial ruin. Perhaps Vick's sentence will act as moral or ethic preventive factor among youth, or those starting out.

We can only hope.


To read a CNN article on Vick's sentencing today, click on this link. To read the NY Times story about Vick's sentencing, click on this link.


To read a copy of Vick's guilty plea agreement on federal dogfighting charges, click on this link at Find Law.

Judge Henry Hudson Goes Easy on Dogfighting

Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, dogfighting co-defendants of NFL Falcons pro Michael Vick, were sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson to 18 & 21 months' (respectively) prison time, in addition to a small fine (less than $300) and 3 years' probation. Third co-defendant Tony Taylor is awaiting Dec. 14 sentencing; Vick will be sentenced formally on Dec. 10, though he surrendered himself to the authorities on Nov. 19 to get an early start on serving time. (Click on the label Vick in the sidebar for related posts.)

Peace and Phillips both received longer jail sentences than suggested by federal prosecutors for their cooperation in the dogfighting case, leading some to believe that Judge Hudson won't go so easy on Vick. However, Judge Hudson has the option of sentencing according to federal guidelines that allow up to 5 years imprisonment; he can impose harsher sentences at his discretion in this case.

It appears to me that Judge Hudson was easy on Peace and Phillips. How much worse can dogfighting be to draw the maximum sentence? Does it have to be worse than hanging, drowning, and electrocuting dogs? What is worse? Phillips goes into this with about 10 prior misdemeanor convictions. Seems to me he doesn't "get" anything about the law; I can't imagine that 21 months in a cell will help. Oh, and here's a kicker: Peace gets to celebrate the holidays; he reports to jail January 3, 2008.

I predict that Judge Henry Hudson will go easy on Vick. If Vick garners the same 18 months sentence, he should be out of prison just in time for pre-season football practice, if anyone will have him. And, I'm sure they will.

Hudson is a disappointment, to put it mildly. Actually, I think he doesn't have any balls; he didn't send any kind of worthwhile message. Indeed, Hudson's federal sentencing can easily influence in favor of lesser sentences for like crimes on the local level. The ripple effect could prove disturbing.

Just when you hope the federal government can be there for you in times of need.... Well, that's a joke.

Lucky Vick. Not so lucky dogs.

To read the story on CNN, click on this link. To read the story on ESPN, click on this link.

More Michael Vick vs. Martha Stewart

In this week's posts, questions have been raised - and answered - as to whether Michael Vick, like Martha Stewart, perhaps - is being used as an 'example' and therefore enduring more public humiliation than others with like criminal convictions.

Well, the husband has reminded me of the bottom line: Vick and Stewart both broke the law.

As the saying goes: que sera, sera.

Comment: Michael Vick vs. Martha Stewart?

Blogger-pal Oswegan has left the following comment on the post below (Nov. 27): It's an interesting case. Sometimes it seems as though they are using him as an example similar to what they did to Martha Stewart.

Interesting comparison between Mike Vick and Martha Stewart. My sister has also mentioned this to me.

I believe Martha Stewart's jailing - not conviction - truly was used as an example by Big Business (not the government or the public). With Vick, I believe his arrest and resulting charges were happenstance, but justly deserved. I do hope he pays dearly for his actions; in my mind, they are more severe than Martha's. Martha's crime was about money; Vick's crime was about life.

That said, I would agree that members of "the public" - specifically animal rights groups, etc. - are holding Vick up as an example. He set himself up as a perfect target, a perfect example: he is a known face, a liked and familiar person, someone "like us" and probably better - certainly more successful. If it were the guy down the street, no one outside of his neighbors and the local SPCA would care to raise a stink. Unfortunately for Vick, and fortunately for the rest of us, the timing in this country is such that animal cruelty can now be addressed on a national scale, and the opportunity to use a nationally recognized persona as an example is not to be missed. Vick is the perfect example of the guy you would least expect and representative of how even beautiful people can do the ugliest of things. He was the best of us, and we let ourselves down. I am not at all sorry for him.

Will Vick's arrest, conviction, and jailing stop others? On a grand scale, I doubt it. But if it stops people from believing they can get away with heinous crimes simply because they have money, success, or connections - and it stops one of them or gives them pause to reconsider their actions - then I'm all for it. And if it educates the public to further put an end to this ugliness, then I'm all for that, too. At least it's a first step in the right direction.

Michael Vick: Virginia State Trial Date and Financial Woes

According to an article in today's Washington Post, an April 2, 2008, trial date has been set for NFL Falcons QB Michael Vick on Virginia state felony charges related to dogfighting. Vick's lawyer requested a jury trial. On state charges, Vick faces of up to 5 years' imprisonment for each of two charges: beating/killing dogs and/or causing them to fight, and participating in or promoting dogfighting.

Michael Vick admitted both to bankrolling dogfights through his 'Bad Newz Kennels', and to participating in the very cruel deaths of at least six dogs. He surrendered himself to a Virginia jail November 19 to begin serving time for a forthcoming federal sentence. (Judge Henry Hudson is scheduled to formally sentence Vick on federal charges Dec. 10, 2007.) In my opinion, Vick's early reporting to jail is clearly a strategic move on his part, perhaps in hopes of a release date timed to allow him to join in pre-season football practice - one of these years.

The personal financial consequences of Vick's actions and federal conviction are rather staggering. In October, an NFL and NFL Player's Association arbitration ruling requires that Vick return to the Falcons almost $20,000,000 of his signing bonus. Yikes! (Don't worry, he gets to keep the other $9 million.) Click on this link to read an excellent story by ESPN staffer Lester Munson explaining the contract legalese that felled Vick. (Munson is both a lawyer and a journalist.) To read an Associated Press story that discusses the financial specifics of the arbitration ruling, click on this link.

Additionally, Vick is facing lawsuits from 3 banks alleging his default on almost $6 million in loans, and the federal government is billing him almost $1 million for care of the dogs rescued from his Virginia property. To read a Reuters story outlining Vick's financial woes, click on this link.

To read the Washington Post story Vick Trial Date Set on State Charges, click on this link. To read the CNN story Vick faces April dogfighting trial, click on this link.

In just 7 months, Mike Vick has gone from denying knowledge of a dogfighting enterprise on the grounds of his Virginia home, to denying involvement in the Bad Newz Kennels dogfighting ring, to admitting his bankrolling of dogfighting through the kennel that he owns, to admitting his participation in the transporting and gruesome killing of dogs, and now serving time for these offenses. Whew! That's a hell of a lot of change for someone that "From the beginning...has accepted responsibility for his actions...," as his lawyers would have us believe.

One thing working in Vick's favor is time. The public has had time to settle down a bit emotionally, and time to rethink Vick as a fellow human being. Vick is young enough that his talent may hold and he might still have time to pursue a successful football career - given that the NFL believes time has healed the wounds of both the general public and football fans.

What does detroit dog think?

I'm still not sure that Vick "gets it". His gambling with his career and 'good name' indicate that he's never understood that it 'takes a village' to raise a professional athlete. Certainly his positive drug test in September indicates that he's still willing to flip a finger at the law. I don't see any indication that Vick has any remorse for his actions, other than that they adversely affected his career and personal life; morals and decency have nothing to do with it. The only thing that gives an inkling that Vick is considering the reality of animal cruelty are reports of his conversational engagement with 'instructors' during an 8-hour educational course by PETA that he attended in mid-September. Good for him.

What's next? Time will tell.

Vick Goes to Jail Early: Pre-Season Practice for Upcoming Sentence?

NFL Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, awaiting December sentencing on federal criminal charges related to illegal dogfighting, today voluntarily reported to commence his jail sentence early.

I have several thoughts/suspicions about Mr. Vick's motivations for early surrender:

1. He is seeking a more lenient sentence from Judge Henry Hudson in December; though it's been suggested Vick receive a minimum a 12-18 month sentence, Judge Hudson need not abide by those recommendations - sentencing can be more or less.
   
2. Considering that Vick violated terms of his release by testing positive for marijuana in a September random drug test, it's very possible Vick suspects he may be on the outs with the Judge and is trying to make amends in hopes of a shorter sentence.
   
3. Vick's surprise actions today might also have been a way of averting revived and intensified public outrage nearer the December sentencing date, possibly leading to stiffer sentencing. Smart play by Vick and his attorney Billy Martin.
4. If Vick did receive an 18-month sentence (or is eligible for release at 18 months), his release would allow him to participate in pro pre-season training. Vick's career might be back on track.

While Vick is certainly taking appropriate and smart actions seemingly in hopes of salvaging his pro football career, I can't say that I believe that he is remorseful for his actions except for how they have affected him. Vick's attorney has stated "From the beginning, Mr. Vick has accepted responsibility for his actions...." I find that a huge lie. In "the beginning" Vick denied his participation in and responsibility for dogfighting, and vowed to clear his "good name."

I guess we'll find out in December to what degree good Judge Hudson (U.S. District Court) believes truly heinous behavior should be punished, and who is worthy of being punished.

To read The Washington Post story, click on this link. To read the story on CNN, click on this link.

Mike Vick: PETA, Virginia, & the NFL

Mike Vick's having a very busy week.

In early September, Vick met privately with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) president Ingrid Newkirk, and accepted an offer to attend an 8-hour "Developing Empathy for Animals" course. He was the only 'student' at the Sept. 18 class, and an interested one according to reports. The class was followed by an exam, which he passed.

Earlier today, a November 27 trial date was set for Vick to face dogfighting-related charges in Surry County (Virginia) Circuit Court. Vick's lawyers say they will fight the charges as, they insist, he has already plead guilty to federal charges and should not be tried twice. However, technically, both federal and state laws allow for dual trials.

Additionally, on Thursday Vick and NFL Falcons' reps will meet for arbitration regarding his signing bonus. The Falcons want up to $22 million refunded. It's said that Vick's reps will probably assert that it was a signing bonus, which he has earned in full.

To read the PETA article, click on this link. To read the Washington Post article about Vick and PETA, click on this link; to read about Vick and the state charges and contract arbitration, click on this link.

Mike Vick: Rules and regulations, who needs 'em....

Ahhhh...The Weekly Vick. Throw the guy a bone; throw away the key.

As if he didn't have enough problems already, self-confessed dogfighting ringleader Michael Vick more recently tested positive for marijuana use. As a result, Judge Henry Hudson has ordered that Vick abide a curfew and be electronically monitored until his December sentencing date. One of the conditions of Vick's federal release was that he "refrain" from possession and use of illegal drugs. You need a judge to tell you this?

Vick's indifference to laws and rules (forget about morals or ethics) is both reckless and defiant. His behavior begs the question: Does he care? He's essentially blown his career and its financial perks. He's a poster boy for wasted opportunities. (He's a poster boy for lots of stuff lately.) He's involved in drugs, gambling, intentionally malicious animal cruelty. It appears he doesn't care for his own life, much less any other life. Perhaps his December sentencing should include weekly therapy sessions.

bleah.

Additionally, reports are surfacing that Vick's Bad Newz Kennels might be linked to the April murder of a North Carolina pit bull breeder. Over 30 pit bulls were found at the victim's residence; the dogs were put down as it was evident they were bred and trained for fighting. Records found in the home list some dogs with the same names as those found in federally seized records from Vick's kennel.

And, last but not least, Vick has just been indicted on state (Virginia) charges related to dogfighting.

To read a CNN story about Vick's failure of a drug test, click on this link. To read the Sports Illustrated version, click on this link.

To read a Washington Post story about Bad Newz Kennels' possible connection to a NC murder, click on this link.

Vick Indicted in Virginia

According to an Associated Press story, NFL pro Michael Vick and three co-defendants have been indicted by a Virginia grand jury on a variety of dogfighting charges.

Interestingly, and suspiciously, there were no indictments on charges of animal cruelty. If the grand jury had indicted Vick (and others) on the animal cruelty charges, he could have faced up to 40 years in prison. I suspect that Surry County Commonwealth Attorney Gerald Poindexter played a large part in being sure those charges evaporated. From the start, Poindexter has been reluctant to investigate. In my opinion, he's been minimally cooperative - if not downright obstructive. I suspect he knew from the start about the dogfighting operation on Vick's property, and that possibly he was either a direct participant or otherwise reimbursed for keeping his mouth shut.

Poindexter is asking for an October 3 arraignment date with $50k personal recognizance bond.

To read the story at USA today, click on this link.

Roland Martin: Media, Animals, and The Hierarchies of Abuse

In looking at a back link tonight, I found that a reader came upon The Dog House via a CNN Commentary by journalist Roland S. Martin. In this particular article, Mr. Martin appears to be one of many people that equivocates outrage towards Michael Vick and dogfighting to outrage regarding a variety of other abuses by and towards humans. According to the story caption, "Martin suggests the Vick case revealed the public and media care more about celebrity and animals than people." In fact, this concern couldn't be further from the truth.

Day in and day out CNN and other media outlets, and writers such as Mr. Martin, report the variety of abuses perpetually perpetrated by humans upon other humans. In fact, one human abuse case is as important as the next case and we do talk about them all and make our opinions known. We've even created a great deal of laws to ensure as best we can that these abuses do not continue. Doctors, lawyers, judges, social workers, and police are just a sampling of the professions that exist to combat such abuses. Mr. Martin is evidence that the media does pay very good attention to issues other than celebrity and animals. In fact, the general public is outraged and has been for a very, very long time.

Many people have long and vocally opposed dogfighting, but the issue was little more than acknowledged publicly until the media picked up on a celebrity involvement - that much is true. Unfortunately, it took a celebrity to give a face to an important issue otherwise traditionally ignored by the media, an issue that many people would otherwise not know exists. If the education of masses of people exists thanks to one person, one celebrity, and one event, so be it.

In fact, no one is being outraged about dogfighting or animal cruelty at the expense of outrage about human abuses. What has happened is that animal cruelty finally has been admitted to the until now segregated club of abuses worth being outraged by.

We all do what we can, when we can. After at least hundreds of years of unstoppable human abuse, some of us hope that perhaps we can effect positive change in our behaviors towards other life forms.

Why might dogfighting and animal abuse warrant media play and public outrage? Perhaps because they are issues that bring necessary attention to the hierarchies of criminal social networking and the history of reporting such abuse. Because covert abuse cannot be stopped unless we speak out about it. Because abuse in any form will never end as long as it is segregated into degrees of acceptability dependent upon the perpetrator and the victim.

To read the CNN Commentary Where is the outrage when humans are abused? click on this link. To read more of Mr. Martin's writing, click on this link, or visit www.rolandsmartin.com

Vick Sentencing Suggestions: Judge Hudson and Animal Advocacy

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that District Court Judge Henry Hudson, who will be sentencing Michael Vick and his three co-defendants on charges of dogfighting, has allowed 11 animals rights/welfare groups to file briefs detailing "the harm to dogs" and recommending a jail sentence. The groups are prohibited from participating in the sentencing. Parties not directly involved in cases generally are allowed to file such briefs.

Judge Hudson will also receive sentencing recommendations from the Federal government, Vick's lawyers, and the Probation office, according to The New York Times. The groups are asking that Vick receive a sentence just under five years; the government has said it would recommend a sentence of not more than 18 months, if Vick continues his cooperation; Judge Hudson has made it clear that he is not obligated to follow any sentencing recommendations.

The NFL is waiting until after Vick's sentencing to make a final determination on his football career, though Vick is currently suspended from play.

While it's difficult to find information regarding the sentencing status of Vick's co-defendants, it's said that the groups are requesting a longer jail sentence for Vick due to his position as leader and founder of the dogfighting ring, as well as his funding of it.

I suggest a minimum five year sentence for Vick, if he is indeed cooperating with the Federal government to shut down major players in dogfighting. Why? Because he was more than the founder and funder of a dogfighting ring. He was a participant in the cruel death of the animals. Because his kennel sold dogs that were bred for fighting. Because he was a major player beyond just this one kennel. Because he enabled other illegal activities.

To read the AJC story, click on this link. To read the NY Times article, click on this link.

Winning Bidder of Vick Apology Notes

Comedienne and TV comedy writer/producer Carol Leifer is the winning bidder of Michael Vick's notes of apology from his post-hearing press conference. According to Forbes, the notes went for $10,200. The proceeds will assist in Humane Society efforts to combat dogfighting. To read the Forbes story, click on this link.

Mike Vick Stories Timeline: Dogfighting, Indictment, Pleas, Endorsements, Statements, Dogs, more Pleas

Since space is needed on the sidebar, this posting will offer links to Mike Vick stories; this post will be 'ongoing'. Check back for new news stories. (Titles shown are sometimes my 'take' on the story.)


Vick Tests Positive for Marijuana; Under House Arrest - CNN

Vick Indicted in Virginia - USA Today

Animal Rights Groups File Brief - Vick Sentencing Suggestions - Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Vick Submits Guilty Plea - Washington Post

Vick's Dogs Face Euthanasia - Washington Post
BOND Founder/Pres Outraged by NAACP/SCLC Vick Statements - Christian Newswire

Vick Co-Defendants Plead Guilty - Washington Post

Co-Defendants Implicate Vick - CNN

Vick: Lost Endorsements/Sales - MSNBC

Vick Pleads Not Guilty - Washington Post

Mike Vick Indicted - CNN

Dog Fights & Mike Vick - Washington Post

Michael Vick: To Forgive, To Absolve

I sit here contemplating all the public support for Michael Vick, people saying "we all make mistakes," and that he should be allowed to return to play for the NFL. And then I feel fairly terrible myself for having such strong feelings of condemnation for him. It's a terrible thing to feel this anger for someone.

On the other hand....

Mike Vick put himself in the position of being the recognizable face of dogfighting.

If Michael Vick doesn't get the full allowable sentence, if he is allowed to return to a football career, then what good is having laws prohibiting the killing of animals for entertainment? It would set a precedent. How much worse does something need to be to deserve full punishment? To receive a shortened sentence, to return to a career in which he is a public role model and is representative of American strength and mores - is just proof that laws are for naught. It would say that this type of behavior is acceptable - because it was a 'mistake', because he was 'immature', because he is 'sorry'.

I am truly sorry that someone with the benefits of great opportunity decided to risk losing it all for the sake of ugly and illegal thrills. I am sorry that he chose himself - his easily recognizable face and career - to be a representative of dogfighting, of violence, of illegal behavior.

Unfortunately, hopefully, some good has come from his behavior and admitted guilty and the media hoopla around it. Hopefully, people will understand that this behavior is deplorable as well as illegal. Hopefully it will bring needed attention both to the plight of abused animals and a society that accepts violence. Perhaps it will address societal ills that lead to this ugliness.

Should we forgive Mike Vick? Perhaps. Should we absolve him? No.