Let's get real about Michael Vick

September 27, 2007

I think it should be clear to everyone by now that Michael Vick is a sociopath. Therefore, he is not rehabilitatable. The dialogue and questioning about whether Vick is getting a fair shake or not is just what the sociopath counts, as this enables him to continue to prey on society. He knows he may rely on his ability to deceive us. He regards our tendency toward mercy and pity as weakness, while he is not similarly encumbered. Please write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper today and express yourself. Let's keep this miscreants "mistakes" in the public light lest people forget. Vick needs to be stopped now. Vick has not given up on dog fighting any more than he has given up on drugs. Thank you. Margaret Vegetarian

Network of Dallas Michael Vick tests positive for marijuana; judge imposes tighter restrictions 13 hours ago RICHMOND, Va. - Michael Vick is now likely one misstep from jail. The disgraced Atlanta Falcons quarterback tested positive for marijuana earlier this month, a violation of the conditions of his release as he awaits sentencing in federal court on a dogfighting charge that already jeopardizes his freedom and career. Now, he's incurred the ire of the judge who could sentence him to up to five years in prison in the dogfighting case. On the day of Vick's guilty plea, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson warned that he wouldn't be amused by any additional trouble. Hudson, who will sentence Vick on Dec. 10, on Wednesday

ordered him confined to his Virginia home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. with electronic monitoring. He also must submit to random drug testing. If Vick fails another drug test, he likely will wind up like co-defendant Quanis Phillips - incarcerated since his Aug. 17 plea hearing. Phillips failed a drug test when he had the electronic monitoring and random drug testing requirements. Vick's positive urine sample was submitted Sept. 13, according to a document by a federal probation officer that was filed in U.S. District Court on Wednesday. Because Vick violated the conditions of his release, Hudson could take that into consideration during sentencing, said Linda Malone, a criminal procedure expert and Marshall-Wythe Foundation professor of law at the College of William and Mary. "Every judge considers pretty seriously if they feel that the defendant has flaunted the conditions for release," she said. "It's certainly not a smart thing to do." Especially not when his behaviour is being watched so closely, not only by the court that allowed him to remain free, but by the public whose forgiveness he's seeking. In Atlanta, Vick's one-time teammates tried to distances themselves from his latest troubles. "That's the last thing I'm worried about," linebacker Keith Brooking said at the Falcons' suburban practice facility. "We're 0-3. We're trying to get a win." Safety Lawyer Milloy agreed. "I just want to play ball," he said. "I'm so tired of talking about everything else, stuff we can't control that has nothing to do with us." The failed drug test is just the latest legal trouble for the 27-year-old Vick. On Tuesday, Vick was indicted on state charges of beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting. Each felony is punishable by up to five years

in prison. His arraignment on that is set for Oct. 3. The former Virginia Tech star was placed under pre-trial release supervision by U.S. Magistrate Dennis Dohnal in July. The restrictions included refraining from use or unlawful possession of narcotic drugs or other controlled substances. The random drug testing ordered Wednesday could include urine testing, the wearing of a sweat patch, a remote alcohol testing system or any form of prohibited substance screening or testing. Hudson's order also requires Vick to participate in inpatient or outpatient substance therapy and mental health counselling if the

pre-trial services officer or supervising officer deem it appropriate. Vick must pay for the treatment. Vick's lead lawyer, Billy Martin, also is representing Idaho Sen. Larry Craig, who pleaded guilty in an airport sex sting. During a press conference about Craig, Martin was asked to comment on Vick. He deflected the question, saying only, "I'm sure that in the future we'll have something to say regarding Mr. Vick, but not now." In January, Vick was cleared by police of any wrongdoing after his water bottle was seized by security at Miami International Airport. Police said it smelled of marijuana and had a hidden compartment that contained a "small amount of dark particulate." Lab tests found no evidence of drugs, and Vick explained that he used the secret compartment to carry jewelry. The federal dogfighting case began in late April when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided the property Vick owns in Surry County and seized dozens of dogs, most of them pit

bulls, and equipment associated with dogfighting. Vick initially denied any knowledge of the enterprise, then pledged after he was charged that he would fight to clear his name. After Phillips and two other co-defendants pleaded guilty, Vick followed suit and admitted in a written plea to bankrolling the enterprise and helping to kill eight dogs that performed poorly. Vick was the only defendant not placed on electronic monitoring at the arraignments because he was the only one with no criminal record, the U.S. Attorney's office said. Associated Press Writer Kristen Gelineau in Richmond contributed to this report. Hosted by 2007 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved. http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-vick26sep26,1,6566151.story?ctrack=1 & cset=true From the Los Angeles Times Vick is indicted in Virginia The development could mean extra jail time for the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback, who is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 10 after pleading guilty last month in federal court to a dogfightingBy Sam FarmerLos Angeles Times Staff WriterSeptember 26, 2007Michael Vick's legal problems are far from resolved.The suspended Atlanta Falcons star and three co-defendants were indicted Tuesday by a Virginia grand jury on state charges related to a dogfighting ring operated on a property the quarterback owned in rural Surry County.The development could mean extra jail time for the player, who was scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 10

after pleading guilty last month in federal court to a dogfighting conspiracy charge.Once among the NFL's most marketable and popular players, Vick has been suspended indefinitely by the league.The latest indictment involves one count of beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs, and one count of engaging or promoting dogfighting. Each count is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.Vick defense attorney Billy Martin indicated in a statement he would fight the state charges on the grounds that his client couldn't twice be convicted of the same crime.However, legal experts said the state would argue that its case hinged on the actual dogfighting, whereas the federal case was for conspiracy.Carl Tobias, a University of Richmond law professor, said it was unusual to be simultaneously prosecuted in both the federal and state systems."But," he added, "it's not unprecedented, and it's not terribly

surprising to see this happening."The grand jury did not indict Vick or his co-defendants for killing animals even though in the federal case they admitted to killing poor-performing dogs by means such as drowning, hanging or electrocution.Vick's co-defendants are Purnell Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach; Quanis Phillips, 28, of Atlanta; and Tony Taylor, 34, of Hampton, Va. Each of them also pleaded guilty last month to federal charges.County Atty. Gerald G. Poindexter asked that each be arraigned Oct. 3, and requested that each be released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. Although he earlier said he would present more than 10 state bills of indictment against Vick, Poindexter told reporters Tuesday he was "satisfied" with the two counts."I'm just glad to get this into the position it is now," said Poindexter, clearly agitated while surrounded by reporters. "And one day in the not-too-distant future, we'll be rid of these

cases."Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, says there has been positive fallout from the Vick case. He said dogfighting arrests have tripled; a federal anti-dogfighting bill has been introduced in Congress; and representatives from the three states with the weakest anti-dogfighting laws -- Idaho, Wyoming and Georgia -- are pushing for harsher penalties."This shows that if you get involved in this criminal conduct, then you're going to face some terrible consequences," Pacelle said in a telephone interview. "Michael Vick has lost his contracts, and he's had federal and state charges brought against him. That's a clear message right there."The Associated Press contributed to this report.sam.farmer Vick Indicted on Va. Dogfighting Charges Tuesday, September 25, 2007 12:36:33 PM By HANK KURZ Jr. SUSSEX, Va. (AP) - Michael Vick and three co-defendants were indicted by a grand jury Tuesday on state charges related to a dogfighting ring operated on Vick's Virginia property. Vick, who already pleaded guilty in federal court to a dogfighting conspiracy charge and is awaiting

sentencing on Dec. 10, was indicted for beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting. The grand jury passed on indicting the Atlanta Falcons quarterback and two co-defendants on eight counts of animal cruelty, which would have exposed them to as many as 40 years in prison if convicted. Any animal cruelty charge in Virginia is punishable by up

to five years in prison. And in a written plea for the federal case, Vick admitted helping kill six to eight dogs at the Surry County property. Similarly, the three co-defendants in the case have admitted their involvement and detailed what they claim was Vick's role. For county law enforcement officials who started the investigation with a raid on Vick's property in late April, those signed statements provided ample evidence to support further prosecution. Surry County Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald G. Poindexter asked that the four be arraigned Oct. 3 and requested that each be released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. None of the defendants nor their lawyers were in court. The charges are the

first leveled against Vick in the county where he built a home on 15 acres that was the base of the dogfighting operation. A defense attorney who was at the courthouse Tuesday said he was "befuddled" when he learned the grand jury had passed on indicting Vick and the others on animal cruelty charges. "There's something going on here that I don't understand," said Joe Pennington, a Norfolk defense

attorney who was at the courthouse. "The grand jury is generally regarded by defense attorneys as a rubber stamp." Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts said the team had no comments on the new charges. The

case began when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided the former Virginia Tech star's property in April and seized dozens of dogs, most of them pit bulls, and equipment commonly associated with dogfighting. Six weeks later, with the local investigation perceived to be dragging and a search warrant allowed to expire, federal agents arrived with their own search warrants and started digging up dog carcasses buried days before the first raid. Poindexter, widely criticized for the pace of the investigation, reacted angrily when the feds moved in, suggesting that Vick's celebrity was a draw, or that their pursuit of the case could have racial overtones. He later eased off those comments, saying the sides would simply be pursuing parallel investigations. Vick, who faces up to five years in federal prison, has been indefinitely suspended without pay by the NFL and been dropped by all his major sponsors, including Nike. Press Release - The HSUS Reacts to

Indictment of Michael Vick on Virginia Cruelty ChargesTue, 25 Sep 2007 13:46:29 -0400"Leslie Porter" <lporter"Everyone List" <everyonelist FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Humane Society of the United States Reacts to Indictment of Michael Vick on Va. Cruelty Charges September 25, 2007 – Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO, issues the following statement in response to the news that Michael Vick and

three co-defendants have been indicted by a Virginia grand jury on charges of animal cruelty and dogfighting: Participation in illegal dogfighting activities is a dead end street for anyone following that path. The consequences can be devastating, as Michael Vick has learned the hard way. Every young person should take note of the cascade of "Bad Newz" facing Michael Vick and realize that involvement in dogfighting is radioactive. Being kind to animals is a social virtue, but perpetrating acts of cruelty can ruin your life. Forty-eight states and the District of Columbia have felony level laws against dogfighting. The HSUS has ranked states on the severity of their dogfighting laws and is working to strengthen laws against animal fighting in more than a dozen states. Virginia’s dogfighting law ranked 39th. Individuals charged with participating in dogfights or possessing dogs with the intention to

fight them face a maximum five year prison sentence and a fine of up to $2,500 for each charge. The maximum penalties for attending a dogfight in Virginia are one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. -30- Media Contact: Martin Montorfano: 240-888-1910, mmontorfano or Heather Sullivan:

301-548-7778, hsullivan

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Vick Indicted on Va.

Dogfighting Charges

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 12:36:33 PM

By HANK KURZ Jr.

SUSSEX, Va. (AP) -

Michael Vick and three co-defendants were indicted by a grand jury Tuesday on

state charges related to a dogfighting ring operated on Vick's Virginia property.

Vick, who already pleaded guilty in federal court to a

dogfighting conspiracy charge and is awaiting sentencing on Dec. 10, was

indicted for beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and

engaging in or promoting dogfighting.

The grand jury passed on indicting the Atlanta Falcons

quarterback and two co-defendants on eight counts of animal cruelty, which

would have exposed them to as many as 40 years in prison if convicted.

Any animal cruelty charge in Virginia is punishable by up to five years

in prison. And in a written plea for the federal case, Vick admitted helping

kill six to eight dogs at the Surry

County property.

Similarly, the three co-defendants in the case have admitted their involvement

and detailed what they claim was Vick's role.

For county law enforcement officials who started the

investigation with a raid on Vick's property in late April, those signed

statements provided ample evidence to support further prosecution.

Surry County Commonwealth's Attorney

Gerald G. Poindexter asked that the four be arraigned Oct. 3 and requested that

each be released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. None of the

defendants nor their lawyers were in court.

The charges are the first leveled against Vick in the county

where he built a home on 15 acres that was the base of the dogfighting

operation.

A defense attorney who was at the courthouse Tuesday said he

was " befuddled " when he learned the grand jury had passed on

indicting Vick and the others on animal cruelty charges.

" There's something going on here that I don't

understand, " said Joe Pennington, a Norfolk

defense attorney who was at the courthouse.

" The grand jury is generally regarded by defense

attorneys as a rubber stamp. "

Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts said the team had no

comments on the new charges.

The case began when authorities conducting a drug

investigation of Vick's cousin raided the former Virginia Tech star's property

in April and seized dozens of dogs, most of them pit bulls, and equipment

commonly associated with dogfighting.

Six weeks later, with the local investigation perceived to

be dragging and a search warrant allowed to expire, federal agents arrived with

their own search warrants and started digging up dog carcasses buried days

before the first raid.

Poindexter, widely criticized for the pace of the

investigation, reacted angrily when the feds moved in, suggesting that Vick's

celebrity was a draw, or that their pursuit of the case could have racial

overtones. He later eased off those comments, saying the sides would simply be

pursuing parallel investigations.

Vick, who faces up to five years in federal prison, has been

indefinitely suspended without pay by the NFL and been dropped by all his major

sponsors, including Nike.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The

Humane Society of the United States

Reacts to Indictment of Michael Vick on Va.

Cruelty Charges

September 25, 2007 – Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO,

issues the following statement in response to the news that Michael Vick and

three co-defendants have been indicted by a Virginia grand jury on charges of animal cruelty

and dogfighting:

Participation in illegal dogfighting activities is

a dead end street for anyone following that path. The

consequences can be devastating, as Michael Vick has learned the hard

way. Every young person should take note of the cascade of " Bad

Newz " facing Michael Vick and realize that involvement in dogfighting

is radioactive. Being kind to animals is a social virtue, but

perpetrating acts of cruelty can ruin your life.

Forty-eight states and the District

of Columbia have felony level laws against

dogfighting. The HSUS has ranked states on the severity of their dogfighting

laws and is working to strengthen laws against animal fighting in more than a

dozen states.

Virginia’s

dogfighting law ranked 39th. Individuals charged with participating

in dogfights or possessing dogs with the intention to fight them face a maximum

five year prison sentence and a fine of up to $2,500 for each charge. The

maximum penalties for attending a dogfight in Virginia are one year in jail and a $2,500

fine.

-30-

Media Contact: Martin Montorfano: 240-888-1910, mmontorfano

or Heather Sullivan: 301-548-7778, hsullivan

The Humane Society of the United States is the

nation’s largest animal protection organization – backed by 10

million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS

has been fighting for the protection of all animals through

advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting

cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.

The Humane Society

of the United States

2100 L Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20037

humanesociety.org

Celebrating Animals, Confronting

Cruelty

September 27, 2007

Agreed! I just said that today - a sociopath is NOT rehabilitatable. What really, really angers me (understatement) is that anyone else would be in jail by now. Just another example of how celebrity buys you adoration, even if you're a merciless killer. I hope he rots. Margaret Morin <dogs_good wrote: VNOD ,North Texas Animal Rights Network <ntar_network >,In Solidarity With Animals/Houston <ISWA >,Society of Peace Network/ <societyofpeacenetwork >,Voice For Animals -San Antonio AR Group <voiceMargaret Morin <dogs_goodThu, 27 Sep

2007 12:06:19 -0700 (PDT) Let's get real about Michael Vick I think it should be clear to everyone by now that Michael Vick is a sociopath. Therefore, he is not rehabilitatable. The dialogue and questioning about whether Vick is getting a fair shake or not is just what the sociopath counts, as this enables him to continue to prey on society. He knows he may rely on his ability to deceive us. He regards our tendency toward mercy and pity as weakness, while he is not similarly encumbered. Please write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper today and express yourself. Let's keep this miscreants "mistakes" in the public light lest people forget. Vick needs to be stopped now. Vick has not given up on dog fighting any more than he has given up on drugs.

Thank you. Margaret Vegetarian Network of Dallas Michael Vick tests positive for marijuana; judge imposes tighter restrictions 13 hours ago RICHMOND, Va. - Michael Vick is now likely one misstep from jail. The disgraced Atlanta Falcons quarterback tested positive for marijuana earlier this month, a violation of the conditions of his release as he awaits sentencing in federal court on a dogfighting charge that already jeopardizes his freedom and career. Now, he's incurred the ire of the judge who could sentence him to up to five years in prison in the dogfighting case. On the day of Vick's guilty plea, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson warned that he wouldn't be amused by any additional trouble. Hudson, who will sentence Vick on Dec. 10, on Wednesday ordered him confined to his Virginia home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. with electronic monitoring. He also must submit to random drug testing. If Vick fails another drug test, he likely will wind up like co-defendant Quanis Phillips - incarcerated since his Aug. 17 plea hearing. Phillips failed a drug test when he had the electronic monitoring and random drug testing requirements. Vick's positive urine sample was submitted Sept. 13, according to a document by a federal probation officer that was filed in U.S. District Court on

Wednesday. Because Vick violated the conditions of his release, Hudson could take that into consideration during sentencing, said Linda Malone, a criminal procedure expert and Marshall-Wythe Foundation professor of law at the College of William and Mary. "Every judge considers pretty seriously if they feel that the defendant has flaunted the conditions for release," she said. "It's certainly not a smart thing to do." Especially not when his behaviour is being watched so closely, not only by the court that allowed him to remain free, but by the public whose forgiveness he's seeking. In Atlanta, Vick's one-time teammates tried to distances themselves from his latest troubles. "That's the last thing I'm worried about," linebacker Keith Brooking

said at the Falcons' suburban practice facility. "We're 0-3. We're trying to get a win." Safety Lawyer Milloy agreed. "I just want to play ball," he said. "I'm so tired of talking about everything else, stuff we can't control that has nothing to do with us." The failed drug test is just the latest legal trouble for the 27-year-old Vick. On Tuesday, Vick was indicted on state

charges of beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting. Each felony is punishable by up to five years in prison. His arraignment on that is set for Oct. 3. The former Virginia Tech star was placed under pre-trial release supervision by U.S. Magistrate Dennis Dohnal in July. The restrictions included refraining from use or unlawful possession of narcotic drugs or other controlled substances. The random drug testing ordered Wednesday could include urine testing, the wearing of a sweat patch, a remote alcohol testing system or any form of prohibited substance screening or testing. Hudson's order also requires Vick to participate in inpatient or outpatient substance therapy and mental health counselling if the pre-trial services officer or supervising officer deem it appropriate. Vick must pay for the treatment. Vick's lead lawyer, Billy Martin, also is representing Idaho Sen. Larry Craig, who pleaded guilty in an airport sex sting. During a press conference about Craig, Martin was asked to comment on Vick. He deflected the question, saying only, "I'm sure that in the future we'll have something to say regarding Mr. Vick, but not now." In January, Vick was cleared by police of any wrongdoing after his water bottle was seized by security at Miami International Airport. Police said it smelled of marijuana and had a hidden compartment that contained a "small amount of dark particulate." Lab tests found no evidence of drugs, and Vick explained that he used the secret compartment to carry jewelry. The federal dogfighting case began in

late April when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided the property Vick owns in Surry County and seized dozens of dogs, most of them pit bulls, and equipment associated with dogfighting. Vick initially denied any knowledge of the enterprise, then pledged after he was charged that he would fight to clear his name. After Phillips and two other co-defendants pleaded guilty, Vick followed suit and admitted in a written plea to bankrolling the enterprise and helping to kill eight dogs that performed poorly. Vick was the only defendant not placed on electronic monitoring at the arraignments because he was the only one with no criminal record, the

U.S. Attorney's office said. Associated Press Writer Kristen Gelineau in Richmond contributed to this report. Hosted by 2007 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved. http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-vick26sep26,1,6566151.story?ctrack=1 & cset=true From the Los Angeles Times Vick is indicted in Virginia The development could mean extra jail time for the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback, who is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 10 after pleading guilty last month in federal court to a dogfightingBy Sam FarmerLos Angeles Times Staff WriterSeptember 26, 2007Michael Vick's legal problems are far from resolved.The suspended Atlanta Falcons star and three co-defendants were indicted Tuesday by a Virginia grand jury on state charges related to a dogfighting ring operated on a property the quarterback owned in rural Surry County.The development could mean extra jail time for the player, who was scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 10