Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Vick gets ratted out

One of Michael Vick's co-defendants, Tony Taylor, has pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges. And there are reports that he entered into a plea agreement with federal prosecutors by signing a document alleging the charges against Vick and two others are true.
As part of the plea arrangement, Taylor signed a 13-page statement of facts outlining the charges against him, Vick and the two others, stating they are "true and accurate" and that had Taylor's case gone to trial prosecutors could have proven "these facts beyond a reasonable doubt."

Vick and the other two have pleaded not guilty and their trial date has been set for November 26.

Among the key facts Taylor agreed to in his plea deal are the following:

- Taylor, Vick, Peace and Phillips set up a business called "Bad Newz Kennels" in rural Surry County, Virginia to raise and train pit bulls for dogfights;

- The men gambled on the fights in Virginia and several other states. Vick, an ex-Virginia Tech football star who now has a $130 million contract with the Falcons, sponsored dogs in fights with purses as low as $3,000;

- Vick almost exclusively funded the dogfighting operation and gambling monies. And the proceeds from the gambling wins were split by Taylor, Phillips and Peace;

- At various times, Taylor, Peace and Phillips executed dogs they didn't think would fight well by shooting them. Taylor electrocuted one dog in 2002.

This is exactly the opposite from what I was expecting to read. The baller’s posse is supposed to take the rap, the team goes back to the playoffs, and everyone except Roger Goodell is happy. There must be some serious shit going on. Spending time in the slammer for a misdemeanor weapon’s charge is one thing, but Uncle Sam is some serious shit.

There’s no excuse given the amount of money Vick makes. You can be damn sure that this would never happen to Pacman. He’s got enough street smarts to pay his posse decent enough bank.

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