It looks like things are going from bad to worse for Atlanta Falcons quarterback and alleged dog fighting czar Michael Vick. Two of Vick's three co-defendants are set to have plea hearings later this week which could leave the NFL star as the only defendant the dog fighting case.
All four co-defendants pleaded not guilty at the original arraignment, but four days later, Tony Taylor of Hampton Virginia changed his plea to guilty on one count of conspiracy to traffic interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities. Taylor sponsored one of the animals in the dog fighting operation and apparently cut a deal in order to reduce his sentence even though he has stated publicly that no deal was made with authorities. Online betting website BetUS.com has posted +500 odds that Michael Vick will be convicted of all counts.
Michael Vick’s two other co-defendants Quanis Phillips and Purnell Peace are set to appear at a plea hearing before Judge Henry E. Hudson later this week in the United States District Court in Richmond. The three remaining defendants (Vick, Phillips & Peace) were set to face charges on November 26th, 2007 for conspiracy to run an interstate dog fighting operation from Vick’s home in Virginia. With this latest information, it looks as though the two remaining co-defendants plan to testify against Vick.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that the Vick legal team, headed by Billy Martin, is rushing to secure a plea deal before an additional indictment is handed down in the case later this month. If a deal can be finalized between federal prosecutors quickly, Vick could avoid the additional charges expected in the new indictment.
Point-Spreads.com attempted to contact Michael Vick’s attorney for comment but calls were not returned at the time this story went to press. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback could face a $350,000 dollar fine and up to 6 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
It was reported on internet websites that the NFL was considering suspending Vick for the entire 2007 season, however National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell denied that report. Goodell ordered Michael Vick not to report to Falcons training camp after the news of the indictment was announced.
First year head coach Bobby Petrino did not expect all this controversy when he left his post at Louisville to become take over the Falcons. The biggest beneficiary from Vick’s bad luck is Joey Harrington. The former Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins quarterback signed a contract with Atlanta in the off-season to become the back up. Now the former Oregon Ducks star has a chance to shine in Atlanta.
BetUS.com has posted odds on what the outcome of the Michael Vick dog fighting trial will be?
He will be convicted of all counts: +500
He will be convicted of some counts: -400
He will found not guilty on all counts: +300
A mistrial will be declared: +2000
Trial will still be pending: +3000
Other outcome: +1500
