"Vick agrees to plead guilty in dogfighting case"
Michael Vick's lawyer said Monday the NFL star will plead guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges, putting the Atlanta Falcons quarterback's career in jeopardy and leaving him subject to a prison term.
The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although federal sentencing guidelines most likely would call for less.
Prosecutors, who were seeking a prison term of 12 to 18 months, have yet to formally agree to the plea, a source told ESPN's Kelly Naqi.
"After consulting with his family over the weekend, Michael Vick asked that I announce today that he has reached an agreement with federal prosecutors regarding the charges pending against him," lead defense attorney Billy Martin said in a statement.
"Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made. Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter."
Vick is charged with conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.
The career of one of the most physically gifted players in NFL history is done because of his sick mind. Michael Vick is officially untouchable now. No team or company will ever want to be associated with him again. And rightfully so. Because come next Monday when he stands before a judge, he will officially admit the he is unfit to live in a civilized world. He had it all, but he couldn't control his sick impulse to murder and torture dogs.
Next up: Jonathan Babineaux.
--WKW
