Black Falcon's Quaterback Claws His Way Toward Redemption
"Guilty," Michael Vick responded to U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson in a low, almost inaudible voice, his hands clasped behind his back. His only sign of emotion came afterward, when he hugged a woman in the front row, later identified by his attorneys as his fiancee. Vick quietly wiped away a tear.
Yes, Michael Vick is a convicted felon now folks, formally pleading to heinous federal dogfighting charges Monday morning. Clocking in at exactly 18 minutes, the pro-baller admitted that he supplied most of the gambling money for fights on his southeastern Virginia property and endorsed the killing of poorly performing dogs.
Not that PETA won't still go for the jugular, but Vick must live out this dramatic fall for one of the NFL's marquee players.
And it sounds like he's found religion in the process. "Dog fighting is a terrible thing, but I found Jesus and have asked for forgiveness. I am turning my life over to God," the athlete stated at a news conference that was chalked full of contrition and humility. "I will redeem myself, I have to."
Judge Hudson set Vick's sentencing for Dec. 10 on the single federal conspiracy charge but repeatedly reminded him that he is not bound by the prison sentence of 12 to 18 months that prosecutors and Vick's attorneys are recommending. "The bottom line is that if I decide you deserve five years and give you five years, you can't appeal it," the judge said. "Do you understand? You're taking your chances here. . . . You have to live with whatever decision I make."
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U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg said in a statement this morning that federal sentencing guidelines had appeared to call for a prison term of up to six months and that a first-time offender like Vick normally might not have received any jail time. Prosecutors insisted that the sentencing range be adjusted upward to 12-18 months, and Vick's attorneys agreed. "It is highly unusual for a defendant to agree to recommend a sentence above the advisory guideline range,'' Rosenberg said.
An attorney for Vick, William R. (Billy) Martin, said afterward the hearing that "we hope Judge Hudson will see the real Mike Vick. What you've seen is something . . . an aberration. We think Judge Hudson will get [the sentence] right.''
Vick said he blamed no one else for his situation and apologized to the public, his football teammates and to "all the kids out there for my immature acts." "I made a mistake in using bad judgment and making bad decisions," he said.
His court appearance was again greeted by deranged animal rights protesters, but the atmosphere outside the courthouse was nothing like the circus it was at his first court appearance. One sign read "Prosecute all dog fighters, justice for all victims." Another represented a different take: "Hang in there Mike," it read.
On Friday, Vick was suspended indefinitely by the league, he has lost endorsement deals from athletic equipment companies, and he will face efforts by the Falcons to recoup upwards of 40 million dollars in signing bonuses. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank accepted Vick's apology and indicated that it was "sincere and heartfelt."