After months of denying involvement, yesterday the Atlanta quarterback admitted criminal wrongdoing.
Vick held a brief press conference after appearing in US District Court where he pleaded guilty to the same single charge as his three co-defendants did in recent weeks – conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.
Vick then went to say:
Unlike his co-defendants, Vick, in a statement of facts submitted to the court on Friday, did not admit to actually gambling on dogfights or taking part in the killing of dogs.
Most of the ‘Bad Newz Kennels’ operation and gambling monies were provided by Vick,” the statement said.
“When ‘Bad Newz Kennels’ won a particular fight, the gambling proceeds were generally split by Taylor, Phillips and, sometimes, Peace.
“Vick did not gamble by placing side bets on any of the fights. Vick did not receive any of the proceeds from the purses that were won by ‘Bad Newz Kennels’.”
The summary stated that Vick paid for the house, in Surry County, Virginia, where the dogs were kennelled and where numerous fights were staged.
So, he didn’t actually kill any of the dogs himself nor did he profit from the gambling.
I have to say I am both disappointed and offended as both a hater of dogs and a gambler.