Vick's Fighters Now Cuddlers

California couple uses Michael Vick's dogs to prove their point

(NEWSER) - The pit bull has long been considered a breed prone to violence—a generalization the Michael Vick case did nothing to help. But a California couple is working to show people that the dogs have become victims of stereotype and, more importantly, widespread abuse. And they're using some of the dogs rescued from Vick's home to prove the point. The Los Angeles Times profiles the couple and their mission. More»

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»

Deadline today for 53 dogs to be claimed

(NEWSER) - The 53 pit bulls seized from Michael Vick's property must be claimed today—otherwise they could be euthanized. A spokeswoman for PETA claims rehabilitation isn't an option for ex-fighting dogs. "It's widely accepted that euthanasia is the most humane thing for them," she said. More»

Decision remains secret after 9 AM plea deadline passes

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick helped hang, drown and otherwise execute around eight dogs in connection with his dog-fighting enterprise—and supplied most of the money for the infamous Bad Newz Kennelz, say his two co-defendants. The three men killed the dogs that "did not perform well in 'testing' sessions'," according to court papers filed as Vick's co-defendants pleaded guilty today. 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."