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"Got one more than Shaq!"
From todays Herald-Sun
Quarterback Michael Vick's career gone to the dogs
December 12, 2007 12:00am
US superstar quarterback Michael Vick's sensational career appears all but over after he was sentenced to 23 months' jail for running a "cruel and inhumane" underground dog fighting ring.
The Atlanta Falcons footballer pleaded guilty to dog fighting conspiracy charges and admitted personally helping to kill up to eight pit bull terriers that had under-performed in fights.
Deemed not aggressive enough, the dogs were sickeningly electrocuted, drowned, hanged or shot.
Vick faced a maximum sentence of five years but, after reaching a plea agreement, prosecutors had requested up to 18 months in jail.
US District Court Judge Henry Hudson said that while Vick had shown contrition he had not accepted responsibility for his actions.
He must serve 80 per cent of his jail term.
"You were instrumental in promoting, funding, and facilitating this cruel and inhumane sporting activity and I am convinced it was not a momentary lapse in judgment," Judge Hudson told Vick in court in Richmond, Virginia.
"You were a full partner and at least equally culpable (as your co-defendants)."
Vick will miss at least two National Football League seasons and has been suspended from the game indefinitely.
His lawyer, Billy Martin, described the case as a tragedy in the player's life.
"Michael has fallen so hard, so far, so fast," he said.
"He has been punished for his mistake."
The 27-year-old footballer's fall from grace comes at a time when fans have been shattered by the actions of several American sporting stars.
Disgraced sprint queen Marion Jones, who was stripped of the five medals -- including three gold -- she won at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, will be sentenced next month for lying about drug cheating.
And baseball star Barry Bonds, who this year entered the record books when he claimed the home run record with 762, is fighting allegations of lying about steroid abuse.
Vick's crimes have repulsed Americans because of his callous cruelty to animals.
In 2001 Vick was the NFL's number one draft pick.
The quarterback signed a 10-year $US130 million contract with the Falcons and his endorsements were worth many millions more.
He has now lost all his contracts with companies such as Nike.
Judge Hudson said: "You need to apologise to the millions of young people who looked up to you", to which Vick responded "yes, sir".
Vick said he had used "poor judgment", adding "I'm willing to deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my actions".
Vick bankrolled the Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting operation from 2001 to 2007 on his rural Virginia property.
He admitted providing money for bets on the fights but said he never shared in any winnings.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank said it was a difficult day for Vick's family, the players and fans who had emotionally invested in the player.
"We sincerely hope that Michael will use this time to continue to focus his efforts on making positive changes in his life, and we wish him well in that regard," Mr Blank said.
Vick initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea after his co-defendants reached plea deals and agreed to testify against him.
Court documents show he is now in financial strife, with the Falcons and several financial groups taking legal action against him to recoup millions of dollars related to his signings and loans.
Great Timing.
