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WASHINGTON - Attorneys for Atlanta Falcons' quarterback Michael Vick handed over documents in which the National Football League star pleaded guilty in a dog-fighting case that threatens his career.
Vick, a strong-armed quarterback and breakaway runner who made millions in salary and endorsements, admitted in a plea agreement that he took part in an interstate dog-fighting enterprise known as "Bad Newz Kennels" from 2001 through April 2007.
"The defendant will plead guilty because the defendant is in fact guilty," a plea agreement filed in US District Court. in Richmond, Va. Vick also said in the documents that the dogfighting conspiracy involved gambling activities.
Vick will formally plead guilty in court on Monday morning.
He faces a maximum of five years in prison, a fine of US$250,000 ($317,299) and three years of supervised release. If he co-operates he will likely be given a much shorter prison sentence that could be just a few months long.
Prosecutors charged that dogs sometimes fought to the death and some losing or underperforming animals had been shot, drowned, hanged, electrocuted or killed by being slammed to the ground.
A federal grand jury indicted Vick on July 17. His attorneys said on August 20 that the quarterback had agreed to plead guilty and accept full responsibility for his actions. He accepted a plea agreement after associates agreed to co-operate with prosecutors under their own deals.
- REUTERS
