Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick pleaded not guilty Thursday July 26th to conspiracy charges related to dogfighting.
- Jul 28, 2007
AceShowbiz - Michael Vick can now all smile. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was pleaded not guilty Thursday July 26th to conspiracy charges related to dogfighting.
Vick and three other men; Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips, and Tony Taylor, were indicted Tuesday July 17th on charges related to illegal dogfighting. The foursome was all charged with competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines.
Vick, who requested a trial by jury as he entered the not guilty plea, apologized to his mother, Brenda Boddie, for "what she has had to go through" and to the Atlanta Falcons for "not being with them" at the start of training camp Thursday.
Despite being pleaded not guilty, Vick and the three other men were ordered to surrender their passport, forbidden to sell or own any dogs, and were requested not to travel within the continental U.S. without prior court approval. That's not all, Vick was also ordered to surrender any animal-breeding or kennel licenses, and not to reapply for them for the duration of the court proceedings.
Vick and three co-defendants scheduled to attend a November 26th trial. If convicted, they could face up to six years in prison and $350,000 in fines and restitution. To make matter worse, he will also face additional discipline by the NFL, even if he is not convicted.
