Michael Vick - Sentencing Dec. 10

[TobyTiger]

VICK TO LEARN SENTENCE MONDAY MORNING (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7544302)

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - How much, if any, will Michael Vick's role as financier of a brutal dogfighting ring hurt him? What about his use of drugs while awaiting sentencing?

Or will he benefit from his public apology? His cooperation? His voluntary early start on his prison term?
Answers to these questions, among others, will determine how much time the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback will serve in prison for his role in a federal dogfighting conspiracy.

And the only man who knows the answers is U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, who will sentence Vick in a packed courtroom Monday while the disgraced NFL star's supporters and animal-rights activists rally outside.

Vick faces a maximum of five years in prison. Hudson is not bound by sentencing guidelines that suggest a year to 18 months, or prosecutors' recommendation.

Hudson already has sentenced two of Vick's co-defendants to 18 months and 21 months - slightly more than prosecutors recommended, but still within the guidelines.

Legal experts said Hudson's willingness to stick to the guidelines in those cases is a positive sign for Vick, but by no means a guarantee he will get similar treatment because so many factors could work against him.

For example, Vick admitted he bankrolled the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting enterprise on a 15-acre property he owned in rural southeastern Virginia. He also gave his associates money to bet on the fights but said he did not share in any winnings.

"The judge could say that but for the money, this might not have happened - or might not have happened on the scale that it did," said Linda Malone, a law professor at the College of William & Mary.

Richmond attorney Steve Benjamin, secretary of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, noted the plea agreement Vick negotiated with prosecutors did not include any sentencing enhancement for a leadership role in the conspiracy. But that does not preclude Hudson from considering that role, Benjamin said.

Perhaps a bigger concern for Vick, according to Malone, is the extent of his involvement in executing dogs. Vick admitted helping kill six to eight pit bulls. Any details the judge learns about exactly what Vick did could weigh heavily in his decision, Malone said.

She said Hudson also likely will take a dim view of Vick's positive test for marijuana in September - a violation of the conditions set for Vick's release after he pleaded guilty. The infraction prompted Hudson to impose a curfew and electronic monitoring.

Vick voluntarily began serving his prison term Nov. 19, a move his lawyer said demonstrated Vick's willingness to take responsibility for his actions.

"It was beneficial that he went in to serve his sentence before Thanksgiving, but that wasn't completely altruistic because he couldn't play football anyway," Malone said.

Defendants typically get credit for acceptance of responsibility and contrition. Vick apologized at a news conference after entering his guilty plea, and he will have an opportunity to speak directly to the court before he is sentenced.

Hudson also could hear from witnesses. According to the court, the sentencing hearing is expected to last two to four hours. The sentencings of co-defendants Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips combined took only a half hour. No witnesses testified at those hearings.

Vick's lead attorney, Billy Martin, did not respond to an e-mail inquiry about possible character witnesses and whether Vick would directly address the court.

more at the link

[Roamer]

No amount of apologies can change what he did to those dogs. I hope he gets the maximum sentence.

[LiveLaughLuv]

No amount of apologies can change what he did to those dogs. I hope he gets the maximum sentence.


And shouldn't be allowed to play professional football again. :000:

He's not even sorry, he's just sorry he got caught!

[sciencegirl]

They said he can get up to five years. Why is the prosecution only asking for 12-18 months? Send him away for the max.:mad:

[SavannahStar]

They said he can get up to five years. Why is the prosecution only asking for 12-18 months? Send him away for the max.:mad:


I think it is highly likely that the Judge will impose a sentence which is more than is recommended by the pros. I HOPE!

He will NEVER play pro ball again. I am thankful for that.

And the pits did not suffer and die in vain: Vick's despicable actions have shed light on the terrible world of dog fighting. The raising of awareness is a very good thing.

For the pits:

:1222423:

[Roamer]

I just read recently that most of them have gone to good shelters who will try and place them in loving homes.

I grew up with pits and love the breed. Don't have any right now, just a Chow and two mixed breeds that are all rescues.

They say animal rights activists will be outside the courthouse today.

[awakening2lite]

They said he can get up to five years. Why is the prosecution only asking for 12-18 months? Send him away for the max.:mad:


Hi sciencegirl!


IIRC Vick agreed to testify against other dog fighters. Maybe that is why the sentence wasn't so strong.

Just heard on HN. Vick 23-28 months. Plus 3 yrs probation. He's already served 3 wks.



Way too little!

[SavannahStar]

Hi sciencegirl!


IIRC Vick agreed to testify against other dog fighters. Maybe that is why the sentence wasn't so strong.

Just heard on HN. Vick 23-28 months. Plus 3 yrs probation. He's already served 3 wks.



Way too little!

TY for the update. Yes, too little, but it's something.

I tend to see the glass half-full rather than half-empty.

A lot of good is happening because of this case.

And.....Vick's life is ruined. For that I am grateful.

[awakening2lite]

TY for the update. Yes, too little, but it's something.

I tend to see the glass half-full rather than half-empty.

A lot of good is happening because of this case.

And.....Vick's life is ruined. For that I am grateful.

YW.

The state charges are coming in April. So maybe the sentence will be longer.

I am glad, as you are, that this brought light on the subject and hopefully more dogs will be spared.

[Roamer]

Too little, but more than they expected him to get.

Thanks for the update. I haven't had time to turn on the news today.

[LiveLaughLuv]

Hi sciencegirl!


IIRC Vick agreed to testify against other dog fighters. Maybe that is why the sentence wasn't so strong.

Just heard on HN. Vick 23-28 months. Plus 3 yrs probation. He's already served 3 wks.



Way too little!



(CBS/AP) 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 player 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.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/10/sports/main3597108.shtml


I was hoping for the maximum sentence for Vick. I think he's really just sorry he got caught. :boredom:

[Tracian]

And shouldn't be allowed to play professional football again. :000:

He's not even sorry, he's just sorry he got caught!


I agree, I don't know how anyone could 'cheer' for him.

As far as his sentance, it is more than I thought he would get, but not enough by a long shot.

[Ross]

I agree, I don't know how anyone could 'cheer' for him.

As far as his sentance, it is more than I thought he would get, but not enough by a long shot.

I would be shocked( to say the least) if he does the 23.More like out in 8,yes 8 months, the balance of time served reporting to a parole officer .

[gibbrishclown]

I do hope VA can get him some more time, but I'm glad to see -if nothing else- that this public figure still got brought down for hurting, maiming, and killing "just some dogs" and that his career is over.

[Tracian]

I would be shocked( to say the least) if he does the 23.More like out in 8,yes 8 months, the balance of time served reporting to a parole officer .


I agree. He is not going to do the whole sentance, his lawyer on CTV today said with 'good time' he is hoping to be out in 18 months.

[Tracian]

I do hope VA can get him some more time, but I'm glad to see -if nothing else- that this public figure still got brought down for hurting, maiming, and killing "just some dogs" and that his career is over.



Love your avitar; so sad but so true!!!!

[LiveLaughLuv]

I agree. He is not going to do the whole sentance, his lawyer on CTV today said with 'good time' he is hoping to be out in 18 months.



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.

He will to do all of his sentence, he will get that 3 weeks credited to him for turning himself in early.

I still feel that judge should have made an example out of Vick and given him the full 5 years.

[awakening2lite]

He will to do all of his sentence, he will get that 3 weeks credited to him for turning himself in early.

I still feel that judge should have made an example out of Vick and given him the full 5 years.

ITA, it would have been fitting for him to serve 5 years.

He also has 3 years probation after he is released.

State charges are coming in April, and hopfully he will do time for the cruelty charges he faces there.

[Tracian]

ITA, it would have been fitting for him to serve 5 years.

He also has 3 years probation after he is released.

State charges are coming in April, and hopfully he will do time for the cruelty charges he faces there.
I hope you're right. His actions are just disgusting, those poor innocent animals deserved much better and kinder.

[gibbrishclown]

Love your avitar; so sad but so true!!!!
Thank you... I can not take credit for it being original, but it is awesomely accurate :yes2:

[awakening2lite]

I hope you're right. His actions are just disgusting, those poor innocent animals deserved much better and kinder.


The animal rights groups and others, who are concerned about this case, need to continue to apply pressure until sentencing in the State cruelty case.

This isn't over, yet.

[SavannahStar]

The animal rights groups and others, who are concerned about this case, need to continue to apply pressure until sentencing in the State cruelty case.

This isn't over, yet.

Damn straight it ain't over!!! :mad:

[Roamer]

Thank you... I can not take credit for it being original, but it is awesomely accurate :yes2:


Love your avatar, gibby, wherever it came from!

[sunstar]

And shouldn't be allowed to play professional football again. :000:

He's not even sorry, he's just sorry he got caught!

I just heard the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Arthur Blank, talking on MNF and Vick will not be returning to the team. They can't hold his "job" open for him & need to replace his position. He was being very professional when he spoke and said he hopes Vick seeks redemption.

[Tracian]

I just heard the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Arthur Blank, talking on MNF and Vick will not be returning to the team. They can't hold his "job" open for him & need to replace his position. He was being very professional when he spoke and said he hopes Vick seeks redemption.
Good for him!

I wonder what is really going on in Vick's mind, the world was his oyster, and he 'chucked' it...

[sunstar]

Good for him!

I wonder what is really going on in Vick's mind, the world was his oyster, and he 'chucked' it...

Right now, the earliest Vick can get out is the summer of 2009 according to the commentators on ESPN (the Falcons are playing tonight on MNF). They also said there will be more interviews with the owner throughout the game. I know too that the Falcons want to get back their $20 million signing bonus they gave to Vick. :)

[TobyTiger]

FOOTBALL FUTURE CLOUDY FOR POST-PRISON VICK (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-12-10-vick-future_N.htm)

RICHMOND, Va. — Michael Vick wore the black-and-white striped convict garb Monday when he was sentenced to 23 months in prison. Multiple uncertainties cloud the question of whether the fallen star ever will wear an NFL uniform again.

"I am willing to say that when Michael gets a second chance, either in society or in the NFL, he will take advantage of it," Vick's lead attorney, Billy Martin, said after Vick's sentencing on a federal dogfighting charge.

"For now, he has closed this chapter of his life, and he's prepared to start another one, and I wish him well."

But questions surrounding whether Vick can one day start over as a football player run the gamut from his athletic readiness after he does prison time to the NFL's readiness to take him back.

Vick, the No. 1 pick in the 2001 NFL draft out of Virginia Tech, turned 27 in June. What toll will prison life take on the skills that made him a three-time Pro Bowler in six seasons as quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons?

Last season, Vick used his magical moves to run for 1,039 yards, most in a season by an NFL quarterback. He was still a work in progress as a passer, and his felony conviction will wipe out two potential seasons of development in the offense of new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino.

"I think it would be a difficult situation for him (coming back)," says Vinny Cerrato, vice president of football operations for the Washington Redskins. "… When he's (in prison) can he work on weight training and conditioning and throwing the ball? I don't know. I do know that's a long time away from the game."

Beyond that, Vick remains under indefinite suspension by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Vick reported to prison three weeks ago to get an early start on his anticipated sentence. He is being held at the Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw, Va.

Under federal law, he must serve at least 85% of his 23-month sentence, which is 19½ months. With time already served and the potential for "good time" early release, Vick figures to finish his federal sentence in the summer of 2009.

He and three co-defendants also face state charges in Surry County, Va. Whether any potential sentence in that case could be served at the same time as his federal sentence or whether it would be added on is another unanswered question.

more at the link

[ferretplay]

I just got on the computer & just heard the news of vick.
I am satisfied with the sentence. You see, vick has lost much more important things in his life than 2 or 5 years in prison. I believe the 2 most important things in vick's life was football & money.He threw away many millions of dollars & (hopefully) most likely his NFL football career. vick's life as he knew it is over. The only ones that lost more was the poor animals vick fought,tortured & killed. I do believe he will pay for the rest of his life. Not many will forget what a lowlife he was or still may be.
He deserves all the misery he has brought upon himself. I hope vick & any others have learn something.
:1222423:For animals

[SavannahStar]

I just got on the computer & just heard the news of vick.
I am satisfied with the sentence. You see, vick has lost much more important things in his life than 2 or 5 years in prison. I believe the 2 most important things in vick's life was football & money.He threw away many millions of dollars & (hopefully) most likely his NFL football career. vick's life as he knew it is over. The only ones that lost more was the poor animals vick fought,tortured & killed. I do believe he will pay for the rest of his life. Not many will forget what a lowlife he was or still may be.
He deserves all the misery he has brought upon himself. I hope vick & any others have learn something.
:1222423:For animals

Well said, ferretplay!

[gibbrishclown]

Love your avatar, gibby, wherever it came from!

Thank you, Roamer. :basic45:

[Febbie]

Damn straight it ain't over!!! :mad:

I have a minuture dob, and she is like my baby, Vicks is really sick to hurt these poor little animals. :mornincoffee:

[TobyTiger]

Finally, something to smile about in this tragedy...

VICK ESTATE FAILS TO SELL AT AUCTION (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7567998)

SURRY, Va. (AP) - Maybe it was the inescapable mind's-eye visions of the brutality inflicted on dogs in the rugged wooded area behind the fence. Or maybe it was the glare of the media spotlight.

Something kept Michael Vick's former dogfighting headquarters from selling at auction Saturday, disappointing a real estate developer who has about $500,000 tied up in the place.

"I didn't see the people in the crowd I thought we needed," Wilbur Ray Todd Jr. said after rejecting the only serious bid — $747,000, the property's assessed value for real estate tax purposes.

Todd said he thought the 15-acre country estate in rural southeastern Virginia was worth at least $1 million, even without "the celebrity factor." He now plans to list the house for a more conventional sale.

more at the link

[TobyTiger]

VICK TRANSFERRED TO LEAVENWORTH PRISON (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22543409/)

updated 1 hour, 23 minutes ago
RICHMOND, Va. - Michael Vick left Virginia on Monday to enter a drug treatment program at a Kansas prison, a move that could reduce the former NFL star’s 23-month sentence on a federal dogfighting conviction.

The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback is now at the U.S. Bureau of Prisons minimum security facility in Leavenworth, his attorney, Billy Martin, said.

“Mr. Vick hopes to participate in programs offered at that facility, including the Bureau of Prisons drug treatment program,” Martin said in a statement

more at the link

[Jessie50]

Did the drug use have one single thing to do with the dogfighting???

If not then why the heck should drug treatment get him off on the dogfighting conviction?

:mad: oh and :puke: