Get Your Funny On With This Michael Vick Cartoon Clip

Seeking To Rebuild His Life And Career, Michael Vick Files Bankruptcy

Imprisoned NFL baller Michael Vick filed for bankruptcy protection while serving time for federal dogfighting charges, saying he owes between $10 million and $50 million to creditors.

The African American quaterback filed Chapter 11 papers in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Newport News on Monday. The seven largest creditors listed in the court papers are owed a total of about $12.8 million.

The debt includes part of a signing bonus that the Falcons are seeking to recover.

After the plea on dogfighting charges, the Falcons tried to recover about $20 million in bonuses Vick earned from 2004 to 2007. But a federal judge held that Vick is entitled to keep all but $3.75 million of the money paid to him for playing football through the 2014 season.

According to the filings, Vick's other debts include $4.5 million owed to Richmond-based Joel Enterprises Inc., and $550,0000 owed to Radtke Sports Inc. for breach of contract.

Vick is serving a 23-month prison sentence at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., after pleading guilty last year to bankrolling a dogfighting ring. The Atlanta Falcons superstar was subsequently suspended indefinitely without pay and lost all his major sponsors, including Nike. He also faces state charges related to dogfighting.

In May, a federal judge ordered Vick to repay about $2.5 million to a Canadian bank for defaulting on a loan. The Royal Bank of Canada had sued Vick in September, arguing his guilty plea to a federal dogfighting charge — and the resulting impact on his career — prevented him from repaying the loan.

A default judgment for $1.08 million also was entered in January against Vick and a business partner in a lawsuit brought by Wachovia Bank over a loan for an Atlanta-area wine shop and restaurant. (AP)

While Michael Vick Does Three Hots And A Cot, His Crib Goes On The Market

Vick's Doghouse Is Up For Sale

TMZ is reporting that for a cool $1.1 million, you could get a 15-acre compound with five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, two fireplaces, cathedral ceilings -- and no doghouses of any kind! Vick's home these days is a Virginia prison cell where he's serving a 23-month sentence for dogfighting conspiracy.

BLACK QB MICHAEL VICK GETS 23 MONTHS IN JAIL

The Atlanta falcons future just got decidedly worse for the next two years, as their multimillion dollar quarterback Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison today for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls.

U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson could have sentenced the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback to up to five years. Of the 23 months Vick will probably have to serve 80%, factoring in good behavior.

Vick pleaded guilty in August, admitting he bankrolled the “Bad Newz Kennels” dogfighting operation and helped kill six to eight dogs.

Atlanta, by now you have changed your feelings on Mr. Vick. When this story first came out, far too many of you were saying "Michael Vick, who needs him?" But now after your Falcons abysmal season the answer to that question is "you need him."

But the holidays are here so lets end on a light note and embrace the Joy. Now would probably be a good time to start assembling our royal court and float for this years Tournament of Roses Parade. Under the theme "Whatever it takes", Our float will be titled "Jail House Rock of Fame" and seen waving from the float will be Queen Marion Jones, Michael Vick (on work release), OJ and Barry Bonds.

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Michael Vick's Co-Defendants Get Their Chains Yanked

Quanis Phillips of Atlanta and Purnell Peace of Virginia Beach could have received up to five years in prison -- the same maximum former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick faces when he is sentenced Dec. 10. Instead, there sentences were much shorter on federal dogfighting conspiracy charges.

Vick's co-defendants were sentenced Friday to 18 months and 21 months in prison respectively. Peace, Phillips and Tony Taylor of Hampton pleaded guilty last summer and agreed to testify against Vick, prompting the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback to enter his own plea agreement a few days later. Taylor will be sentenced Dec. 14.

MICHAEL VICK IS IN JAIL ... EARLY!!!

Is This Brother Starting To Bark Up The Right Tree?

Former Atlanta Falcons quarter back, Michael Vick has just completed what must be considered the execution of the best "end round" or "option" play ever executed by a football player. Yesterday Michael Vick contacted the Virginia Sheriffs department and showed up three weeks prior to his sentencing by a federal judge on gambling and animal cruelty charges.

December 10th was and still is the day of his official sentencing. But in a bold move that is an obvious attempt at a lighter sentencing from the judge. Will it work? Many in the legal profession believe it will. They say it shows contrition and an apologetic stance for what he has done. The African-American superstar is expected by some to get between 12 and 18 months for his guilty plea to conspiracy charges relating to gambling and dog fighting. The maximum can be five years, and he has waived his ability to appeal the final decision of Judge Henry Hudson.

All I say is hallelujah. Vick is finally getting sound advice from those around him and he is actually taking that advice.

For Michael Vick, Things Keep Going From Bad To Worse!

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Our Online Show "OBJECTION!" Tackles The Legal Issues In The Michael Vick And Senator Larry Craig Cases

Could Things Get Any Worse For This Black Man???

Now that Michael Vick has tested positive for marijuana, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson has placed special conditions on Vick's release, including restricting him to his home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. with electronic monitoring and ordering him to submit to random drug testing.

The urine sample was submitted Sept. 13, according to a document by a federal probation officer that was filed in U.S. District Court on Wednesday.

Vick, who has admitted bankrolling a dogfighting operation on property he owns in Surry County in his written federal plea, is scheduled for sentencing Dec. 10. He faces up to five years in prison. Here at Three Brothers, we talk about the Vick case with legal experts Kevin Ross and Shawn Chapman Holley:

On Tuesday, Vick also was indicted on state charges of beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting. Each felony is punishable by up to five years in prison.

The 27-year-old former Virginia Tech star was placed under pretrial release supervision by U.S. Magistrate Dennis Dohnal in July. The restrictions included refraining from use or unlawful possession of narcotic drugs or other controlled substances. The current orders now require Vick to participate in inpatient or outpatient substance therapy and mental health counseling, if the pretrial services officer or supervising officer deem it appropriate. Vick must pay for the treatment.

In January, Vick was cleared by police of any wrongdoing after his water bottle was seized by security at Miami International Airport. Police said it smelled of marijuana and had a hidden compartment that contained a "small amount of dark particulate."

The federal dogfighting case began in late April when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided the property and seized dozens of dogs, most of them pit bulls, and equipment commonly associated with dogfighting. Vick has admitted helping kill six to eight dogs, among other things. His three co-defendants also have pleaded guilty. One of them, Quanis Phillips, failed a drug test and was ordered jailed after his plea.

Micheal Vick Is Not A Happy Pup: After Losing That $130 Million, He Now Faces State Charges, Loan Defaults & A Weed Possession Offense!

Just when you think you can't grow any more; just when you think you've found your flow, someone calls you up and asks you to talk and write about the very thing you hope to avoid. This is the position I find myself in today.Just like people admitted they didn't know who Juanita Bynum was, I didn't know who Michael Vick was. Nor did I care to know. Nothing personal. I just have never been a big football fan - despite having spent four years at the University of Michigan. I am sure that this is identified as a sin somewhere in the good book.

Today, I gave my take on the latest concerning Michael Vick and his recent indictment by a grand jury in Virginia on state charges relating to a dogfighting ring operated on a property owned by the quarterback in rural Surry County. Why, oh, why are we still talking about this? Now, I didn't get too much into this the first go around like the brothers on this site when Vick was originally brought up on federal charges on which he is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10th after pleading guilty last month in federal court to his involvement dogfighting.

However, unless you were dead, you couldn't help but get wind of it every 5 seconds on some news channel. I am saddened and angry by this whole emphasis and focus on Vick for a number of reasons. Among them is that this just represents another Black man who seems like he can barely stay on top of the mountain long enough before he is somehow knocked off. At 27 years old and a $130 million NFL contract in tow, Mr. Vick had it made. Now fighting dogs has put him in the dog house.

There are those who want to blame hip hop for the glorification of dogfighting as part of hip hop culture that contributed to Vick being in the situation that he's in. I would have to disagree on this one. First, it was the glorification of the exploitation of Black women in music videos and now it's dogs. It's fair to say it certainly hasn't been a good year for hip hop. However, I am not sure if I would pin this whole dogfighting thing on hip hop. My research shows that dogfighting actually goes as far back to the 18th century during the Roman empire and during Elizabethan times in England. Black folks didn't create dogfighting. In fact...

Read more from our sistah on MICHAEL VICK, HIP HOP AND JUNK YARD DOGS >>>

ON THE VIEW, WHOOPI TRIES TO BE CONTROVERSIAL LIKE ROSIE BY DEFENDING... MICHAEL VICK???

MICHAEL VICK'S QUANDARY

By A.C.

Michael Vick's arguably heartfelt apology seems to have gotten him a fair number of brownie points with sportswriters and sportscasters around the country.

But Whoopi Goldberg???

Drawing a scathing rebuke from animal rights activists on Tuesday for defending the U.S. football star's role in dogfighting during her debut on ABC's talk show "The View," the outspoken comedian and Oscar winning actress had a lot to say.

"He's from the South, from the Deep South ... This is part of his cultural upbringing," Goldberg said of the Atlanta Falcons quarterback, whose recent fall from grace has been one of the most stunning in the history of U.S. sports.

Sounding contrite certainly can buoy the guilty and Vick very well could be sincere and genuine. He apologized for his inhumane behavior to numerous pit bulls, saying he needs to grow up and, hopefully, will learn from his involvement in illegal dog-fighting on the grounds of his Virginia estate and, in a few days' time, lost millions upon millions of dollars in salary and endorsement.

Some on the Internet and in the mainstream media have criticized the 'system' of hoisting athletes on pedestals beginning in middle school and not holding them to socially acceptable behavior until they've broken the law repeatedly. Individual responsibility has rarely been mentioned.

"For a lot of people, dogs are sport," Goldberg said on the show. "Instead of just saying (Vick) is a beast and he's a monster, this is a kid who comes from a culture where this is not questioned."

Nevermind that Vick, 27, pled guilty to federal dogfighting charges, admitted he took part in an illegal, interstate enterprise known as Bad Newz Kennels and helped kill underperforming dogs.

Inevitably, Michael Vick will have months to contemplate his individual behavior while behind bars. And if he's contrite enough, he likely will find the National Football League ready to forgive and welcome him back with open arms in a few years, notwithstanding rabid dog lovers and folks who belong to groups like PETA.

He'll be contrite and we will be, as always, forgiving. Right Whoopi?

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MICHAEL VICK OFFICIALLY PLEADS GUILTY, LETS JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL

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."

UPDATES AND VIDEO

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."

Michael Vick Gets Taken To The NFL Woodshed, Lands In Doghouse With Falcons Owner Art Blank

Vick Won't Be Running With
The Big Dogs Anytime Soon!

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell notified Michael Vick today that he is indefinitely suspended without pay from the National Football League, effective immediately.

Following are excerpts from Commissioner Goodell's letter:

Your admitted conduct was not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible. Your team, the NFL, and NFL fans have all been hurt by your actions.

Your plea agreement and the plea agreements of your co-defendants also demonstrate your significant involvement in illegal gambling. Even if you personally did not place bets, as you contend, your actions in funding the betting and your association with illegal gambling both violate the terms of your NFL Player Contract and expose you to corrupting influences in derogation of one of the most fundamental responsibilities of an NFL player.

You have engaged in conduct detrimental to the welfare of the NFL and have violated the league's Personal Conduct Policy. I have advised the Falcons that, with my decision today, they are no longer prohibited from acting and are now free to assert any claims or remedies available to them under the Collective Bargaining Agreement or your NFL Player Contract.

Statement from Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank Regarding Michael Vick's Plea Agreement and Indefinite Suspension:

"Today, Michael Vick admitted his guilt to very serious charges related to his earlier indictment. His admissions describe actions that are incomprehensible and unacceptable for a member of the National Football League and the Atlanta Falcons."

"We respect and support the Commissioner's decision today to place Michael Vick on an indefinite suspension. As with other actions he has taken this year, the Commissioner is making a strong statement that conduct which tarnishes the good reputation of the NFL will not be tolerated."

"We hope that Michael will use this time, not only to further address his legal matters, but to take positive steps to improve his personal life."

TMZ

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BREAKING NEWS: FACING A RUFF SITUATION, MICHAEL VICK WILL PLEAD TO DOGFIGHTING CHARGES

Atlanta Falcons NFL Quarterback Michael Vick will admit to the charges filed in the controversial Virginia dogfighting case that has captured the nation's attention and infuriated pet activists all over the world.

Lawyers for the $100 million dollar Black superstar just released a statement saying that Vick is accepting full responsibility for his horrific criminal conduct and will do everything in his power to make the situation right!

The deal struck will include at least one year on lockdown, and triumphs logic that he actually had any other options after his co-defendants pled last week.

The inordinately talented player has obviously been leading a double life in his down time, and that may spark closer scrutiny by the NFL. The gambling allegations alone could trigger a lifetime ban under the league's personal conduct policy.

The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The sentencings for the other defendants are set for November and December.

ESPN has more.

White Judge Tells Black Defendant In The Vick Case: If I Give You Five Years, You Can't Appeal That!

Bush Appointed Judge Insists He's Unbound By Sentencing Guidelines

While Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick might be working towards resolving his twisted and disturbing dog fighting case, the judge has said that while he'll consider the agreement Vick seeks to enter into with federal prosecutors, he will not be bound by it.

U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson presided Friday over guilty pleas entered by two defendants in the case. Both received preliminary sentencing guidelines of 12 to 18 months in prison in a case that carries a maximum of five years in prison and $250,000 fine.

"I have the authority to construe the guidelines the way I think is appropriate. Do you understand that?" Hudson asked defendant Purnell Peace. "Yes sir," responded Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach

With one of Vick's attorneys seated in the spectator section of the courtroom, the judge also told Peace, "If I give you five years, you can't appeal that."

While the judge noted he will give a "lot of weight" to the guidelines, the uncertainty about his decision on sentencing remains as Vick and his attorneys weigh whether to accept a plea deal or take the case to trial on Nov. 26.

OPINION: VICK WORRYING ABOUT HIS CAREER SHOWS LACK OF MATURITY

Prosecutors also have reserved the right to file a superseding indictment by the end of this month, which could add to the charges and potential penalties. Prosecutors have to go back to the grand jury to seek the new indictment, and the grand jury convenes Monday.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is also reporting that the commonwealth's attorney in Surry County, Va., Gerald Poindexter, says he plans to file state charges against Vick and others in connection with the alleged dogfighting ring based on property formerly owned by Vick in Surry County.

By Gary Mihoces, USA TODAY

HEY MICHAEL VICK, YOUR BOYS ARE PLEADING LEFT AND RIGHT: WHO LET THE DOGS OUT??

Two Defendants Cop Pleas, Is Vick Next?

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