Vick surrenders to begin serving sentence before Dec. 10

[djeffectz]

Michael Vick made arrangements Monday with the U.S. Marshall Service to voluntarily self-surrender to begin serving his sentence before his sentencing hearing on Dec. 10, sources told ESPN.

Vick began serving his sentence Monday not because of a violation of any condition of his bond, the sources said.

Vick turned himself in so that he can begin serving his sentence earlier, meaning whatever sentence he receives on Dec. 10 potentially will end earlier.

Vick's sentencing hearing before Judge Henry Hudson will take place on Dec. 10 in Richmond, Va., which is when he will find out the extent of his sentences for chargers he pleaded guilty to in his dogfighting case.


Smart move, so he can resume hes football career in few years early

[manny24]

guess i can let my dog out now!

[Illusion]

guess i can let my dog out now!

That's too funny.

He must not have been invited to Thanksgiving dinner, so he figured what the hell.

[justdoingit]

im happy he is going to be all over my TV tonight and ill get to hear about it at half time of the game. Its like he has killed half of a small country just let this guy go and get this done so he can get back on the field because he couldnt win a game if he was ever down in points to save his life but he sure was a fun guy to watch.

FREE MIKE VICK!

[bigboydan]

Vick gets 23-months


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RICHMOND, Va. -- Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison Monday for running a "cruel and inhumane" dogfighting ring and lying about it.

The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback could have been sentenced up to five years by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Vick, who turned himself in Nov. 19 in anticipation of his sentence, was wearing a black-and-white striped prison suit.

After Vick apologized to the court and his family, Hudson told him: "You need to apologize to the millions of young people who looked up to you."

"Yes, sir,' Vick answered.

The 27-year-old acknowledged using "poor judgment" and added, "I'm willing to deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my actions."

Although there is no parole in the federal system, rules governing time off for good behavior could reduce Vick's prison stay by about three months, resulting in a summer 2009 release.

"You were instrumental in promoting, funding and facilitating this cruel and inhumane sporting activity," Hudson told Vick.

Before the hearing, Michael Vick's brother, Marcus Vick, sat with his right arm around their mother, comforting her as she buried her head in her hands and wept.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank called the sentencing "another step in his legal journey"

"This is a difficult day for Michael's family and for a lot of us, including many of our players and fans who have been emotionally invested in Michael over the years," Blank said.

"We sincerely hope that Michael will use this time to continue to focus his efforts on making positive changes in his life, and we wish him well in that regard."

Vick was suspended without pay by the NFL and lost all his lucrative endorsement deals -- an estimated $50 million, plus $71 million in Falcons salary. The league had no comment Monday on the judge's ruling.

One of Vick's attorneys, Lawrence Woodward, asked for leniency. He said Vick "grew up on some of probably the meanest and roughest streets in this commonwealth," but had never been in trouble with the law and had done much for charities.

Vick was denied any credit for taking responsibility for his crime. Hudson agreed with a federal probation officer's finding that Vick had lied about his hands-on killing of dogs and about his drug use. Vick tested positive for marijuana Sept. 13, violating conditions of his release while he awaited sentencing.

Hudson recalled that Vick at one point said he only handed over two dogs to co-defendant Quanis Phillips, who killed them. On another occasion, Vick said he dropped a dog after Phillips tied a rope around the animal's neck, the judge added.

"I'm not convinced you've fully accepted responsibility," Hudson told Vick.

Federal sentencing guidelines called for a term of 18 months to two years. Federal prosecutor Michael Gill asked for a sentence at the high end, meaning Vick would get more time than either of the two co-defendants sentenced last month.

"He did more than fund it," Gill said, referring to the "Bad Newz Kennels'' dogfighting operation. "He was in this thing up to his neck with the other defendants."

Outside court, Woodward said Vick didn't want anyone feeling sorry for him.

"He just wants a chance to prove himself when all this is over," he said. "But the other thing he said to me, which I also think is important for everyone to know, is that he understood that some of the things he was doing in life and off the field were dangerous, and he told me he feels lucky that he's alive and not hurt and now it's all about the future."

U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg sounded a similar theme.

"This was an efficient, professional, and thorough investigation that well exposed a seamy side of our society," he said in a statement. "I trust Mr. Vick learned important lessons and that his admission of guilt will speed his rehabilitation."

Vick pleaded guilty in August, admitting he bankrolled the dogfighting operation and helped kill six to eight dogs. He has been held at a jail in Warsaw, Va., since he voluntarily began serving his sentence.

In a plea agreement, he admitted bankrolling the dogfighting ring on his 15-acre property in rural Virginia and helping kill pit bulls that did not perform well in test fights. He also admitted providing money for bets on the fights but said he never shared in any winnings.

At a news conference after pleading guilty last summer, Vick apologized to the NFL, the Falcons and youngsters who viewed him as a role model and vowed: "I will redeem myself."

Court papers revealed gruesome details about Vick's dogfighting operation, including the execution of underperforming dogs by electrocution, drowning, hanging and other means. Those details prompted a public backlash against the once-popular NFL star and outraged animal-rights groups, which used the case to call attention to the brutality of dogfighting.

"Michael Vick committed a reckless and unconscionable crime, and the sentence meted out today is fitting and appropriate," Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society, said in a statement. "We hope that anyone participating in the sordid activity realizes that dogfighting is a dead end and no good can come from it.

"The Vick case has had a transformative effect on the issue of dogfighting in America. Not only has Bad Newz Kennels been shut down, but there is a newfound awareness and resolve. There has been a tripling in arrests of dogfighters since the Vick case came to light. The Humane Society of the United States expects to work on upgrades of dogfighting statutes in as many as 25 states in 2008."

Two of Vick's co-defendants were sentenced Nov. 30. Purnell Peace of Virginia Beach got 18 months, Quanis Phillips of Atlanta 21 months. Another co-defendant, Tony Taylor, will be sentenced Friday.

The case began in April when a drug investigation of Vick's cousin led authorities to the former Virginia Tech star's Surry County property, where they found dozens of pit bulls -- some of them injured -- and equipment associated with dogfighting.

Vick initially denied any knowledge about dogfighting on the property. He changed his story after the three co-defendants pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government.

By 8 a.m. Monday, about 50 people were in line outside the courthouse waiting for the doors to open. About two dozen animal rights activists stood across the street holding posters showing injured pit bulls and the messages, "Report Dogfighters" and "Dogs Deserve Justice."

"We want to make sure the focus on the animals in this case isn't lost," said Dan Shannon, spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Julia Novak arrived with her small beagle, Frankie, who wore a sandwich board with the message on one side: "Dogfighters use dogs like me for bait."

Ryan Eanes, 27, of Richmond, wore his No. 7 Vick jersey as he waited in line.

"We all make mistakes," Eanes said. "I don't support the situation with the animals, but I support him. I believe his apology is sincere."

[jon13009]

Wow they threw the book at Vick. That will be 3 years before he can play again.

Wonder if the Falcons will recoup that Bonus money?

[Sportsgirl]

I hope they do recoup - Falcons shouldn't suffer nor their fans just because they employed a lying murderous sack of shit.

[RageWizard]

Doesn't he have State charges too? If convicted, how do they combine the Federal and State prison terms? ( I've never done time in either so I wouldn't know) and Finally did he ever admit to being associated with a dog gambling ring or did he kill dogs for fun?

[NEP Dynasty]

Athletes rape and physically abuse females all of the time, and end up playing in the next game. Yet Michael Vick finances a dogfighting operation and gets two years in jail. Unbelievable.

Are Dogs are more important that humans?

[Sportsgirl]

Athletes rape and physically abuse females all of the time, and end up playing in the next game. Yet Michael Vick finances a dogfighting operation and gets two years in jail. Unbelievable.

Are Dogs are more important that humans?

Nope. They should ALL be sentenced to prison.

[Sportsgirl]

Doesn't he have State charges too? If convicted, how do they combine the Federal and State prison terms? ( I've never done time in either so I wouldn't know) and Finally did he ever admit to being associated with a dog gambling ring or did he kill dogs for fun?

Yes, he has state charges pending. not sure how that will work.
He has admitting the killing of dogs, but not the gambling. It was part of the plea deal that he wouldn't have to admit to the gambling because I believe that is an automatic exit from the NFL with no chance of being invited back ala Pete Rose.

[Dark Horse]

One stiff sentence. Only question I have: was the judge a dog or a cat person?

[pavyracer]

Wow they threw the book at Vick. That will be 3 years before he can play again.

Wonder if the Falcons will recoup that Bonus money?

How can they recoup it? Last I heard they only pay 10 cents an hour in prison. If he works their fulltime he will make about $400 in 23 months.

He still has to pay a million bucks for the 50 pitbulls they confiscated from the property. He is being chased by banks for loans defaulted.

Unless he organizes dogfights in prison to raise money I don't see how he can pay back the Falcons.

[The Seer]

Bring on the Riots!!!!

[B1GER1C828]

]

Unless he organizes dogfights in prison to raise money I don't see how he can pay back the Falcons.

hahah yes!

[Sportsgirl]

Interesting, and reasonable:

American Humane: Vick's Dogfighting Sentence Incomplete Without Counseling, Community Service

“We believe this sentence shows that the legal system and, hopefully, society at large, now recognizes just how unacceptable and barbaric dogfighting is,” said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. “It also sends a clear and strong message that dogfighting will no longer be tolerated in a humane world. We are extremely disappointed, however, that the judge did not require Mr. Vick to undergo psychological counseling or treatment, or even meaningful community service or humane education, which is what American Humane specifically asked the judge to consider.”

[pavyracer]

Interesting, and reasonable:

American Humane: Vick's Dogfighting Sentence Incomplete Without Counseling, Community Service

“We believe this sentence shows that the legal system and, hopefully, society at large, now recognizes just how unacceptable and barbaric dogfighting is,” said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. “It also sends a clear and strong message that dogfighting will no longer be tolerated in a humane world. We are extremely disappointed, however, that the judge did not require Mr. Vick to undergo psychological counseling or treatment, or even meaningful community service or humane education, which is what American Humane specifically asked the judge to consider.”

I'm not here to defend him but Vick was not training other people's pets for dogfignting. He didn't adopt pets or bought other people's pets to train them to dogfight.

He was breeding his own animals for dogfighting. Does the American Humane go after farmers that raise cattle for steaks? If you don't already know it they kill the bulls for your steak by shooting them in the head with a pistol. Isn't that inhumane?

At least he killed only his own bread dogs, not your dogs or my dogs.

[Sportsgirl]

He was breeding his one animals for dogfighting. Does the American Humane go after farmers that raise cattle for steaks? If you don't already know it they kill the bulls for your steak by shooting them in the head with a pistol. Isn't that inhumane?

It is much more humane to shoot something in the head, thus ending its life and possibly its misery, than to torture any animal for the duration of its life.

[pavyracer]

It is much more humane to shoot something in the head, thus ending its life and possibly its misery, than to torture any animal for the duration of its life.

You probably never been at a slaughterhouse. It's not easy to kill a 2000 lb bull with a single shot. Many times accidents happen and the animals suffer incredibly before they die.

[The Seer]

Pavy, been there. Family owns a livestock business. But what's worse is how they kill chickens. They scald them to death.

[jackpot269]

Yes, he has state charges pending. not sure how that will work.
He has admitting the killing of dogs, but not the gambling. It was part of the plea deal that he wouldn't have to admit to the gambling because I believe that is an automatic exit from the NFL with no chance of being invited back ala Pete Rose.

Saw that he admitted to giving money to be gambled on the dogs, but never got any of the winnings.

[pavyracer]

Pavy, been there. Family owns a livestock business. But what's worse is how they kill chickens. They scald them to death.

Exactly! I don't see Humane society going after these people. They only care about dogs. The other animals are fair game for them. They are the biggest publicity whores I've ever seen.

And yes Vick should be in jail and what he did was wrong.

[SPECULATOR 13]

Only question I have: was the judge a dog

and PAC Man Jones "WALKS"!!!........

[Sportsgirl]

You probably never been at a slaughterhouse. It's not easy to kill a 2000 lb bull with a single shot. Many times accidents happen and the animals suffer incredibly before they die.

Not that I'm minimizing the bad aspects of the livestock industry in anyway, but even if it took an hour for that bull to die, it couldn't compare to years of "training" and subsequent fighting for these dogs.

[louis]

It's simply illegal to kill dogs like this. Maybe it should be illegal to kill cows, but it isn't. These dogs were killed for sport. If cows were killed for sport it would most likely be illegal. I actually think he sentence is kind of harsh. The judge wants to make a lesson out of him.

[Sportsgirl]

It's simply illegal to kill dogs like this. Maybe it should be illegal to kill cows, but it isn't. These dogs were killed for sport. If cows were killed for sport it would most likely be illegal. I actually think he sentence is kind of harsh. The judge wants to make a lesson out of him.

Exactly. TO kill and torture animals which we as humans have purposefully domesticated and to do it for fun and entertainment is sick. I'm surprised the judge did not add to his sentencing a counceling requirement.

[Furt]

i think it takes an immoral human being to kill dogs, especially in the fashion that vick did. At the very least it shows a misguided individual and one that doesn't know right from wrong. at the same time, I think the punishment was a bit stiff. When the prosecutor recommends 12-18 months and you get 23 thats pretty shitty.

What incentive do people have to tell the truth and to plead out to crimes if the judge isn't going to follow the sentencing recommendation?

[The Seer]

Maybe he will organize "cock" fights in prison with big Bubba.

[BAMABETTER]

im happy he is going to be all over my TV tonight and ill get to hear about it at half time of the game. Its like he has killed half of a small country just let this guy go and get this done so he can get back on the field because he couldnt win a game if he was ever down in points to save his life but he sure was a fun guy to watch.

FREE MIKE VICK!

if it were up to me ,vick would be hung from the goal post
during half time this week end. it would make a dandy half
time show...

[Sportsgirl]

if it were up to me ,vick would be hung from the goal post
during half time this week end. it would make a dandy half
time show...

Can he be hung by his toes? That way they could let a bunch of male dogs loose and they could pee on his face.

[Sportsgirl]

Michael Vick asked judge for "second chance'


RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Michael Vick declared "I am not the bad person or beast I've been made out to be" and asked for leniency in a letter to the federal judge who sentenced him to 23 months in prison for a dogfighting conspiracy.
Vick made his plea in a handwritten five-page letter to Judge Henry E. Hudson before Monday's sentencing. That letter, as well as several others from Vick supporters, including baseball great Hank Aaron and former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, were released by the U.S. District Court in Richmond on Thursday.
"I take full responsibility for my actions and am ashamed that my actions hurt animals and allowed animals to be hurt and killed," Vick wrote.

[sweethook]

should have been 23 YEARS FIRM