Dogfight Case Bares Vick's Profound 'Flaws'

Disgraced QB admits sponsoring dogfighting, promoting gambling

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick admits sponsoring a dogfighting operation and denies killing dogs but acknowledges that dogs were killed through his and two co-defendants' "collective efforts," according to the plea agreement the disgraced Falcons QB signed yesterday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. He also acknowledges promoting gambling but denies being a party to side bets at dogfights. More»

Co-defendant pleads guilty, spills to prosecutors

(NEWSER) - Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick financed the dogfighting ring busted on his Virginia property, his co-defendant told prosecutors yesterday. Tony Taylor entered a guilty plea for his role in Bad Newz Kennels, the organization Vick allegedly used to train and fight dogs, Bloomberg reports. Taylor's cooperation wasn't based on a specific sentencing deal, he told the AP. More»

Redemption is there in spades, but little talk of horrid crime

(NEWSER) - Critics agree BET's The Michael Vick Project is conveniently focused more on the NFL star's comeback than on the horrid crime that laid him low in the first place. Still, some find the 8-episode "quasi-documentary" appealing:

• Vick presents himself as reformed, Robert Lloyd writes in the Los Angeles Times , but in visiting his old dogfighting compound, he " seems more nostalgic than contrite." No matter. "For many, his redemption will be strictly a matter of his playing football well. And if he doesn't, well, at least he won't be shot, drowned or hanged for it."

QB: 'I'm glad to have a second chance'

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick says he “won’t disappoint” as a player for of the Eagles, the Philadelphia Daily News reports. “I’m glad to have an opportunity at a second chance,” said the convicted felon and newly signed quarterback. He said at a press conference today he had “ done some terrible things, made a horrible mistake,” but “now I want to be part of the solution and not the problem,” the AP reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick’s 23-month federal dogfighting sentence ended today, paving the way for the disgraced football player to finagle a return to the NFL, the AP reports. Two prison officials appeared at Vick’s house today, likely to remove the electronic ankle monitor he’s sported for the past two months. The NFL commissioner would like to meet with Vick, but no formal plans have been made. More»