Michael Vick Indicted on Federal Dogfighting charges

[Neil D]

From Joy Johnston,

Your Guide to Atlanta, GA.

Why Has Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick Been Indicted?:

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has been indicted by a federal grand jury on "conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and "to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture," according to the copy of the indictment.

How will Michael Vick's Indictment Impact his NFL Career?:

After the federal indictment was handed down, the NFL released an official statement about the Vick case: "We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him. The activities alleged are cruel, degrading and illegal. Michael Vick's guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts."

However, an indictment on a serious federal offense such as dogfighting could be a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy and could lead to Vick's suspension.

Could Michael Vick Face Jail Time?:

Of course, Vick has more to worry about right now than his NFL career. He could be spending several "seasons" behind bars if convicted of the charges he now faces. If convicted of the "conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities" charge, Vick faces up to five years in prison. For the "sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture" charge, Vick faces up to one year in prison.

What is the Reaction of Atlanta Falcons Fans?:

Disappointment is definitely at the top of the list of most Atlanta Falcons fans. According to the indictment, Vick had been involved in the illegal dog fighting business since 2001, virtually the beginning of his NFL career. In 2003, while Falcons fans mourned his foot injury that put him on the sidelines for most of the season, more dogfighting incidents were taking place, according to the indictment. Vick's lack of real success on the field had fans grumbling, but after assuring fans that he had matured and changed his ways, these dogfighting charges really ruin any credibility he might have repaired with fans.

What About Michael Vick's Fans that Continue to Support Him?:

Those that continue to defend Vick will rightly point to the fact that no one is guilty until proven so in a court of law. Also, there is a very real, albeit minority group that believe dogfighting is just a cultural activity, that dogs are property and that dogfighting shouldn't be a crime. While dog and [censored] fighting have been stereotypically associated with Caucasian "rednecks" and Hispanics in the past, a new, elite group have gained interest in the illegal "sport", including professional athletes and rap music stars.

Learn More About Animal Rights:

To read the About.com Guide to Animal Rights take on the Vick dogfighting case, read her informative blog entry. Also, check out the Dogfighting Fact Sheet posted on The Humane Society of the United State's Web site.

Atlanta Falcons Official Statement About the Vick Dogfighting Case:

"This situation has been troubling to many people, including our fans, during the last few months. With today’s news, our club and team will continue to be tested as Michael works through the legal process toward a conclusion.

We are disappointed that one of our players – and therefore the Falcons – is being presented to the public in a negative way, and we apologize to our fans and the community for that.

Atlanta Falcons Official Statement About the Vick Dogfighting Case, Continued:

"...Obviously, we are disturbed by today’s news from Virginia. However, we are prepared to deal with it, and we will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out. We have a season to prepare for and training camp opens next week. Our plan is to continue to do everything we can to support our players and coaches."

[Amelia]

Animal protests held in front of Nike, NFL over Vick

Friday, July 20, 2007

By SARAH SKIDMORE

Associated Press Writer

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Animal rights activists rallied in front of Nike headquarters Friday, urging the shoe giant to end its association with Michael Vick.

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was indicted Tuesday and is expected to be arraigned next week in a dogfighting case. Animal rights groups are asking the NFL, Atlanta Falcons and Nike to ditch ties to the football superstar now.

About two dozen activists showed up at Nike's Beaverton campus waving signs that said "Nike Sack Vick" and chanting "Dogfighting makes us sick, Nike needs to drop Vick" and received numerous honks and waves of support by passing drivers. One protester held a handmade sign that said "Buy Reebok."

"It's disgusting," said Shoshana Petrushkin, 62, who came to the protest with her pit bull Bluma. "They should be ashamed of themselves. They should be humiliated to be associated with someone like (Vick)."

The Humane Society of the United States said its e-mail system temporarily stalled after it was overwhelmed with mail about Vick this week. The organization created a web site dedicated to providing information on how people can contact Nike to express their concern.

And the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent a letter to Nike urging them to drop all Vick merchandise.

"I was really sad that they were doing this to dogs and I wanted to come out," said Julia Emery, 10, who came to the rally with her mother and younger sister.

Nike said Thursday that it is concerned about the allegations and said the company considered any cruelty to animals as "inhumane and abhorrent." However, the company said Vick should be afforded due process and would not be terminating its relationship.

The company also said it would suspend the release of an upcoming Vick shoe. But the four existing shoes and three shirts that bear Vick's name will remain in stores.

Animal rights groups say this is not enough and are urging all those with professional ties to Vick to step up.

A protest was also held at the National Football League's headquarters in New York on Thursday. And PETA sent a letter to the Atlanta Falcons urging that Vick be fired.