Cuir síoda ar ghabhar agus is gabhar i
gcónaí é.
Put silk on a goat and it is still a goat.
Michael Vick Pleads Guilty to Animal Abuse
NFL Suspends Falcons
Quarterback Vick Indefinitely
By Aaron Kuriloff and Dan Bollerman
Aug. 24 (Bloomberg) -- The National Football League suspended
Michael Vick indefinitely without pay today, hours after he admitted
conspiring to run a dogfighting operation that Commissioner Roger
Goodell called "cruel and reprehensible.''
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback filed a plea agreement in federal
court in Richmond, Virginia, admitting conspiracy in a ring that
bought, trained and fought dogs in Virginia and other states. He
also admitted that he funded gambling associated with the operation
and agreed to the killing of poor-performing dogs.
Goodell said in a letter to Vick that the actions of the 27-year-old
former No. 1 draft selection had hurt the league, its fans and his
team. Vick's plea agreement and those of his three co-defendants, he
said, also "demonstrate your significant involvement in illegal
gambling.''
"Even if you personally did not place bets, as you contend, your
actions in funding the betting and your association with illegal
gambling both violate the terms of your NFL Player Contract and
expose you to corrupting influences in derogation of one of the most
fundamental responsibilities of an NFL player.''
Goodell said he would review the status of Vick's suspension after
legal proceedings concluded and said the Falcons were "now free to
assert any claims or remedies available to them,'' under Vick's
contract or the league's collective bargaining agreement with its
players.
Bonus Money
The Falcons could seek to recoup some of Vick's bonus money he
received in 2004 when he signed a 10-year, $130 million deal.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement that Vick's
"admissions describe actions that are incomprehensible and
unacceptable for a member of the National Football League and the
Atlanta Falcons.''
Vick was charged with conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in
aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an
animal-fighting venture. The summary of facts he signed today said
he never bet on the dogfights or received any winnings.
"Vick did not gamble by placing side bets on any of the fights,''
the summary said. "Vick did not receive any of the proceeds from the
purses that were won'' by Bad Newz Kennels, which he operated.
Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of
Law, said in a telephone interview that reports suggested Vick might
serve between one and two years in jail, though Judge Henry Hudson
has discretion to impose up to the maximum five-year sentence. Vick
is expected to formally enter a guilty plea before Hudson on Aug.
27.
Vick's Property
Vick began the operation by purchasing a property in Smithfield,
Virginia for about $34,000 in 2001, about two months after he signed
a six-year, $62 million contract with a $3 million signing bonus,
according to a summary of facts accompanying Vick's plea.
"Bad Newz Kennels'' bought and raised pit bulls and engaged in
fights both on the property and in other states, according to a
summary of facts accompanying Vick's plea agreement. Opponents would
establish a purse ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars and
participants representing various kennels often made side bets. Dogs
fought until one killed the other, or forced the other to submit.
"It is fitting that the NFL has suspended him,'' said Wayne Pacelle,
president and chief executive of the Humane Society of the United
States. "He's now a role model for something terrible, and it's not
appropriate that he suit up in an NFL uniform.''
NFL Career
David Cornwell, former assistant general counsel for the NFL, said
in a telephone interview this week that a guilty plea doesn't
necessarily mean the end of Vick's NFL career.
"He has to prove he's worthy of a second chance,'' Cornwell said.
Vick's public image has suffered from the case as well. Companies
including Nike Inc. and Adidas AG unit Reebok International Ltd. had
suspended sales of his signature apparel such as jersey and shoes
after his indictment.
Nike today terminated its contract with Vick, the Beaverton,
Oregon-based company said in a statement on its Web site.
"As we have said in previous statements, we consider any cruelty to
animals inhumane, abhorrent and unacceptable,'' the world's largest
athletic-shoe maker said.
Sports memorabilia maker Upper Deck Co. and Rawlings Sporting Goods
also ended relationships with the quarterback.
