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NFL Bans Vick Indefinitely

Last straw for league: Admission in plea deal of gambling involvement

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 24, 2007 5:15 PM CDT

(Newser) – Michael Vick was suspended from the NFL indefinitely without pay this afternoon, hours after he admitted in a federal plea agreement to financing a dogfighting operation that involved gambling, the AP reports. Vick maintains that he didn't bet himself or receive any winnings, but commissioner Roger Goodell called his actions "not only illegal but also cruel and reprehensible."

The plea agreement meticulously avoids acknowledging that Vick did anything that violates the NFL's player agreement, but Goodell blasted the Atlanta QB for "significant involvement in illegal gambling." The Falcons are now free to attempt to recover $22 million of the signing bonus they paid when Vick agreed to a 10-year, $130 million contract in 2004, the AP reports.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talks with reporters as he visits the Titans football training camp Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talks with reporters as he visits the Titans football training camp Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)   (Associated Press)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick (7) watches the defense against the Washington Redskins during an NFL football game in this Dec. 3, 2006 file photo, in Landover, Md. Vick has been told by commissioner Roger Goodell to stay out of training camp while the NFL reviews dogfighting charges against him....
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick (7) watches the defense against the Washington Redskins during an NFL football game in this Dec. 3, 2006 file photo, in Landover, Md. Vick has been told by commissioner...   (Associated Press)
Atlanta Falcons Michael Vick, left,  is shown in a 2006 file photo. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, right, is shown in a 2007 file photo. Before Roger Goodell started dealing with Michael Vick, Pacman Jones, Tank Johnson and the like, NFL discipline was a lot more lenient. Now, Goodell must decide...
Atlanta Falcons Michael Vick, left, is shown in a 2006 file photo. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, right, is shown in a 2007 file photo. Before Roger Goodell started dealing with Michael Vick, Pacman...   (Associated Press)
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media after meeting with the Detroit Lions organization at their football training facility in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007.  Goodell has barred Michael Vick from taking part in training camp. Vick  is charged with running a dogfighting ring on his Virginia property....
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media after meeting with the Detroit Lions organization at their football training facility in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007. Goodell has barred...   (Associated Press)
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media after meeting with the Detroit Lions organization at their football training facility in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007. Goodell has barred Michael Vick from taking part in training camp while the league investigates. Vick is charged with running a dogfighting ring...
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media after meeting with the Detroit Lions organization at their football training facility in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007. Goodell has barred...   (Associated Press)
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