NFL.com wire reports
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to illegal dogfighting.
Vick and three others are charged with competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines.
The dogfighting operation was named “Bad Newz Kennels,” according to the indictment, and the dogs were housed, trained and fought at a Surry County, Virginia property owned by Vick.
If convicted, Vick and the others — Purnell A. Peace, Quanis L. Phillips and Tony Taylor — could face up to six years in prison, $350,000 ($254,000) in fines and restitution.
Telephone messages left at the offices and home of Vick’s attorney, Larry Woodward, were not immediately returned. A woman who answered the phone at the home of Vick’s mother said the family knew nothing about the charges.
“We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.”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.”
After an initial raid in April, Vick said he was rarely at the house, had no idea it may have been used in a criminal enterprise and blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity.
On Vick’s Web site, he lists his birthplace as Newport News, “a.k.a. BadNews.”
http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/ATL/10259637