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Michael Vick to Spend Two Years in Federal Prison

December 10, 2007 : 6:36 PM
Despite supportive phone calls for Vick from Hank Aaron and George Foreman, judge still hands down harsh sentence

By Jon Dunn, Best Friends Animal Society Staff

The now $100 million dollars poorer Michael Vick could probably hear his football career slipping into oblivion Monday morning in a Virginia courtroom. Vick already knows what prison feels like, having voluntarily started his sentence early, and he will get to know the four walls of his cell very well over the next 23 months.

Judge Henry E. Hudson lived up to his reputation for being tough, when he verbally admonished Vick in the courtroom despite Vick's admission of guilt and the calls and letters from famous supporters who asked the judge to show leniency. Hudson told Vick that he was unsure as to whether the former football star had indeed accepted responsibility. He cited Vick’s drug use even after he was charged, and how he lied about it once he was caught on a drug test.

Among those who spoke positively about the character of Vick were the mayor of Atlanta, former baseball slugger Hank Aaron, and boxer turned infomercial king, George Foreman.

Under Federal law, Vick will have to serve no less than 80-percent of those 23 months, even if he lives the life of a choir boy while in prison. And it may not be the only time he serves. He will face a jury of his peers in April over the state charges filed in Virginia.

Once he does finally see daylight again, Michael Vick will have a long road back. Two homes, one in Atlanta and the other in Virginia are both on the market. The proceeds from both houses will go to pay off the massive amount of debt he finds himself in. The Atlanta Falcons football team want to see some bonus money back, and he owes about five million dollars total to two different banks for loans.


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December 19, 2007 at 1:47 PM
posted by: southerndogmom
It would not suprise me in the least to learn that Vick's NFL buddies who were fined for their visible displays of support for him had previously attended or bet on some of his dog fights. For shame. Bad Newz Kennels didn't have dog fights just to entertain themselves. These functions normally involve an "audience" as sick as that may be.
  
December 19, 2007 at 1:43 PM
posted by: CCorbin
Count me in as one of those who will never buy another George Foreman grill. I agree with Kendra - it's about brutality, torture, and yes, even murdering dogs.
  
December 18, 2007 at 1:35 PM
posted by: phurrballe
"Free Michael Vick" ???? Too bad they did not wear T Shirts that said "Free The Vick Dogs From Torture, Suffering and Death". Idiots.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071218/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_falcons_fines
  
December 17, 2007 at 1:14 AM
posted by: kathy_g
Very good point, Kendra.
A few months back- a football player, who I think is in Ireland was arrested for dog fighting...and believe me, he is not a man of color. But yet his supporters tried to say he was persecuted due to being "famous".
Someone will always find an excuse to not take responsibility.
  
December 17, 2007 at 12:47 AM
posted by: kendra
"What really bugs me is the race card thing. No, it isn't about race, it is about BRUTALITY and TORTURE. "

I didn't know who Michael Vick was before this, much less that he was famous or black. I could care less. He's always just been a guy who's up for animal abuse to me. I can't stand when people play the race card. I hate to admit my own ignorance, but that's the truth of it. I wish people realize that at least I (I can't vouch for everyone else) signed the BF petition because I wanted the police and the NFL to take the findings at Vick's house seriously. Not because I wanted to bring down a famous black football player. I could really care less about his day job...
  
December 16, 2007 at 11:43 PM
posted by: kathy_g
http://www.kval.com/news/national/12533331.html

This would have made a great little sanctuary or rescue which would give the Earth back it's good juju.

I think the dogs they tortured and killed in actual fighting or because they weren't "game enough" would agree.
  
December 16, 2007 at 8:17 PM
posted by: bordercolliemom
Michael Vick's sentence was not enough. He is not sorry, only sorry he got caught. What a piece of xxxx he is. I will enjoy watching his life fall apart. I will enjoy it as much as he enjoyed killing and torturing those poor defenseless dogs. You bet I will!! I hope he never plays again. It would be a small piece of justice served.
  
December 16, 2007 at 7:08 PM
posted by: Tammy_CT
Marla - she is really doing well, thank you for asking. Her heartworm treatment had to be put off for several months due to her poor condition, but she's done with it now and heartworm negative. She is a strong, beautiful healthy, thriving girl and I feel so lucky to have her.
  
December 16, 2007 at 6:49 PM
posted by: rmlamasney25
Well said, Kendra.
What really bugs me is the race card thing. No, it isn't about race, it is about BRUTALITY and TORTURE. It is criminal, it is evil, it is morally rephrehensible and anyone who engages in it has forfeited their right to move freely in society. One would think that after what Black americans suffered, this kind of thing would be the LAST they ever engaged in. Those who do it may as well hide their faces in white hoods and robes, they are the same monster.
  
December 16, 2007 at 12:50 AM
posted by: roselady
I hope he never is allowed to play football again...and as to heidilove...whom I can only suppose slipped and sustained a hard blow to her rather empty head....or perhaps played football without her helmet once too often

From beginning to end....her comment were void of any sign of rational reasoning.

I suppose we should find this not surprising as trolls are sadly lacking in either emotional or intellectual ability.

And in closing...they expose their lack of matter between their ears by trying to make an argument for hunting by claiming it feeds impoverished families. Yes...it may indeed feed a family...but certainly not the impoverished who can not afford the "sport" of hunting.
  
December 15, 2007 at 8:14 PM
posted by: marla
Tammy Ct
What a wonderful story of Rosie (her rescue I mean)

How is she doing now? Thank you for saving her
  
December 14, 2007 at 10:06 PM
posted by: Feral1
Tammy CT:

I just saw and read about your Rosie she is beautiful! How lucky of her to have found you and you to have found her.

I understand what you are saying, he did get off easy if you ask me, I would like to see the punishment fit the crime (but we all know that will never happen) he should be put in a pit and made to fight to the death and if he loses take you pick on his punishment!

Does he deserve a second chance; well I will give him a second chance the day the dogs he murdered get a second chance at life. And if, they let him play football again (which I truly believe and hope that will not happen), every time he would come to Florida, I would be there with my sign protesting.

As for me being a sucker and fool for feeling sorry for the A@@hole, I cannot help it. but make no mistakle, if I were the Judge he would have to serve every single day and no getting out early for good behavior. NO WAY!! And I would have given him the MAX.

And Tammy I am not a bigger person than you NO WAY you are awesome all I have to do is look at Rosie's picture and I know that. .
  
December 14, 2007 at 8:57 PM
posted by: bogiedew
I dont feel sorry for Vick at all..everything that comes out of his mouth is a LIE..he just wants people to feel sorry for him..and heidilove..yes..I do enjoy every minute of watching this mans life fall into shambles..just like he enjoyed watching those dogs lives end.
  
December 14, 2007 at 8:39 PM
posted by: Tammy_CT
Feral1...you feel bad for him? Well, I must say, you are a much bigger person than I could ever hope to be. And you're right, it's not just the fighting dogs that are hurt, but it's the bait dogs as well. I know their issues first hand. I have one. A hunk of her muscle in her rear leg is missing and she has scars everywhere. Take a look at her early pictures and then tell me you can feel sorry for him. He and others like him cause these dogs to suffer like this. He deserved a lot worse than he got in my book.
  
December 14, 2007 at 8:16 PM
posted by: Feral1
I just thought of the special I saw on HBO Sports about this issue, I am not sure if anyone else saw it but it was great.

Most people do not realize that these dogs are trained with bait, they steal family pets, I saw a video of how these dogs are trained I started to cry. To see the poor dog that they had stolen and what was done to that poor puppy was more than I could endure and it made me cry. He was lucky, he dragged himself back to his house and when his owner saw him all he could do was cry. He will have permanent damage but at least he survived the attack.

You have to be a sick, demented, deprive kind of person to do such a thing.

THIS IS NOT NORMAL!!!
  
December 14, 2007 at 7:56 PM
posted by: Feral1
Tammy CT

Call me a sucker but I do feel bad for him, HE STILL NEEDS TO PAY FOR WHAT HE DID!
But I cannot help but feel bad for the guy, I believe they should make him volunteer at a shelter and see what people like us go through every time a dogs or cats that has been abused comes through the door. But I agree with his sentence.

It does SCARE me that he can say he loves animals! What the f—k! That is really scary.

I am so looking forward to seeing pictures of the dogs once they arrive.
  
December 14, 2007 at 7:39 PM
posted by: Tammy_CT
Aside from the fact he committed a crime, very little has been said about his blatant cruelty. Dog fighting was acceptable where he grew up? Well, alright maybe that's true, but was torturing an animal for fun? If people think it's so horrible that he lost everything and went to jail "just" for dogfighting...how about the part where he apparently got enjoyment from torturing these animals to death? Why don't his supporters talk about that???
  
December 14, 2007 at 7:31 PM
posted by: kathy_g
Sadly; while I truly feel very sorry for his mom..I don't comprehend how either she nor Michael could say he loves dogs. When you love something-whether or not you don't know if it's illegal....you do not cause harm.
  
December 14, 2007 at 7:08 PM
posted by: Tammy_CT
Read the letters written to the Judge (including Vick's) asking for leniency.
  
December 14, 2007 at 5:43 PM
posted by: babs1171
I agree that we were lucky to get a Judge with a backbone.....2 years should give Mr. Vick a little time to ponder on his actions. Whoever this "heidilove" is needs to understand that we post these comments not because of Mr. Vick's "color" or his "status" as a QB for a "professional" team but because he committed a horrible crime.....in the old days of the law when the punishment fit the crime, wonder how MV would have liked being electrocuted or drowned or beaten....you know the way he treated those poor defenseless dogs which he kept imprisoned in small cages and which he (and his co-felons) trained to be mean and thirst for blood. Guess he'll now feel how it is be be imprisoned in a small cage....maybe his fellow inmates will teach him a thing about cruelty.....then maybe the punishment MIGHT come close to fitting the crime. I'm glad he's losing everything.....obviously he didn't appreciate the opportunities he was given if he was willing to throw them all away on a horrible blood sport! Glad the Judge had the foresight to order MV to put some money in a trust acct. for the care of the animals who were rescued from his "prison". It appears he won't have a pot to pee in when he gets out and that punishment makes me smile!!!!! Can't wait til the dogs arrive at BF and we can see some photos. They will think they have died and gone to doggie heaven! YEAH FOR BEST FRIENDS AND ALL OF MY ANIMAL LOVING FRIENDS!
  
December 14, 2007 at 5:42 PM
posted by: kendra
"if if helps you at all, pretend in your brain that HeidiLove is George Foreman..and then wonder to yourself why he'd use that screen name."
HAHAHA!! For some reason that put an image of George Foreman with a blond wig on in my head...

Sorry for my rant. I just get so offended when people accuse me of only caring about animals. I can't stand those types of snide comments like "Some people care more about dogs than they do children!" People like HeidiLove have absolutely no idea how I feel about cruelty to any living creature, and it upsets me so much when they just assume that I don't care just as much about people as I do about animals. I've seen a lot of that attitude coming out with the whole Vick thing going on. *sigh*
  
December 14, 2007 at 5:41 PM
posted by: furminator
Buttonpusher=troll.
Point taken.
  
December 14, 2007 at 5:24 PM
posted by: southerndogmom
My BF cyberfriends: HeidiLove is a troll. Please just ignore him/her. I'd hate for any of you to raise your blood pressure for no reason.

if if helps you at all, pretend in your brain that HeidiLove is George Foreman..and then wonder to yourself why he'd use that screen name.

Anyone can post here. First Amendment and all that. But don't wear yourself out trying to have a rational discussion with someone who's just here to push your buttons.

I apologize if that sounds condescending but I had a similar problem with some people a few months back and learned to just skip the posts from the Troll People for the sake of my own sanity and health.
  
December 14, 2007 at 4:43 PM
posted by: kathy_g
Way to go Kendra!
Any and ALL beings are sentient, and deserving to not be tortured.
  
December 14, 2007 at 4:37 PM
posted by: kendra
HeidiLove, I am so sick of people like you assuming that we care more about animals than we do about people. First off, people ARE animals, so such a claim does not even hold any logical grounds. Second, the whole point of caring for the sanctity of life is just that; we tend to care about ALL living creatures. If you took the time to ask the people here what else they do BESIDES work for animal welfare, I'm sure you would be surprised. Plus, much of the work and the lifestyle changes that we undertake for the GOOD OF MANKIND are so deeply intertwined with other issues such as human rights. You want to preach about respect, but you're so disrespectful that you can't even give us the benefit of the doubt that maybe, just maybe our compassion extends to more than just one issue.
And furthermore, this is not a racist issue. Get off your high horse, because you're making Martin Luther King Jr roll in his grave! We can't help it that Michael Vick is black. It's not my fault that he committed a felony. Perhaps you're the one being racist by assuming that we only care about this issue because he's black. I could care less what color the man is; I don't agree with what he did. And bad news for you, the federal government doesn't agree with it either. That's why it's a felony. Get over it!
Finally, I don't give a cr@p about any kind of money Vick has donated or anything else. If he can't be a good person in his private life, his public life doesn't make up for it. There's this little thing called being a hypocrite. Did you ever think that maybe Vick is one?
And I'm sorry if there are some people who are getting pleasure from watching Vick fall from fame. But if you were at all involved in this kind of a fight against cruelty you would understand. You obviously don't know what it's like to look into the eyes of a rescued fight dog and feel just rage towards the person who did it to them. But please do not insult those feelings by trying to turn them into pleasure at watching this "entertainment" of Vick suffer. I'd rather he not tortured those dogs in the first place! Don't you think that if any single one of us could undo what he did, so those dogs would have never felt pain and people like you could have your stupid precious football player back we would do it? I don't enjoy watching him suffer! I'd rather not see anyone suffer and that's the WHOLE POINT!!
  
December 14, 2007 at 4:26 PM
posted by: thetooncinator
Vick SUFFER?
Because he's required to pay his debt to society JUST LIKE ANY OTHER CRIMINAL? Vick got off scott free compared to most. A Judge in AL recently handed down 120 years to a dogfighter-Vick is damn lucky. Being a celebrity does not give him entitlement. And don't play the racial card, there are many white people convicted of this horrific crime as well, who receive longer sentences. Or, are you insinuating this is a racially preferred type of crime? I didn't think so. It is EVERYWHERE.
Being in Federal Prison, he won't be subjected to the likes of Sheriff Joe in Az who takes no crap from any prisonor; Vick should feel lucky.
It's the dogs he forced to fight that suffered-not Vick.
  
December 14, 2007 at 4:09 PM
posted by: cattees
You're right, I am a fool - for engaging you in conversation. Perhaps you should look up the meaning of respect. You have to give it before you get it.

And for the record, we all bleed red - even the dogs.
  
December 14, 2007 at 3:57 PM
posted by: HeidiLove
ooooh, I'm scared now Cattees.

Now try respectfully addressing me, and maturely respond to something I actually said vs. something you imagined I said.

The question about Vick's philanthropic activities was actually a good one. For your answer, start here - I can find plenty of other press releases:
1. http://www.unitedwayatlanta.org/docs/news/2007/UWMA_release-2007_04_18.pdf
2. http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/press_archives/Challenge_NR_042307.doc

Also, your other respectable comment suggested that the Judge was the philanthropist. Sadly, this comment ONLY serves to reinforce my presupposition that you are nothing but a cold and heartless FOOL, possibly mixed with a little sub-conscious and deeply ingrained racism too.

*** Herein, your comment suggests that the judge gave you the GIFT of what I call 'free entertainment': the gift from this 'judge' of watching Vick suffer. Again, you ONLY serve to reinforce my precise sentiments.
  
December 14, 2007 at 3:34 PM
posted by: cattees
HeidiLove,

How dare YOU get such enjoyment from hurting a dog or any other creature? And what gives anyone thre right to harm another life form let alone for enjoyment or sport? And finally (or maybe not finally), where do you get off thinking you are better than any other living creature on this planet?

And who is this "great philantropist and leader" you are referring to? Certainly no one mentioned in this article, unless you mean the Judge.

And changing your post for fear of comments like mine will serve no purpose.

Do humanity a favor and crawl back under your rock.
  
December 14, 2007 at 3:19 PM
posted by: HeidiLove
The President of the NRA will tell you that the reason why hunting [for deer, chickens, turkeys, fish etc] is still legal, is because it feeds impoverished families in need of food to eat.

Of course, since the recent invention of the grocery store, most people have only used hunting for entertainment.

Good try Pres~! You would have done lots better with just admitting that many of your constituents are racist "rednecks" who would give anything to see the crucifixion of a man of color who prominently and effectively leads a 'professional' team as QB. Even if that weren't the truth, at least of the two lies, the 2nd would have been more believable.

Shamefully, For some, like many of you, Watching these verdicts and sentences unroll is likely better entertainment than getting skybox seats for free at the Georgia Dome to watch his team play.

I can hear it now... "Ahhh, nothing is more refreshing than watching the cheap entertainment of seeing people destroy their lives. Those 23 months will teach him to touch Fido again. Oh well, honey, I'm going to run out to StarBucks for a mocha."

*****

If you really think about it, you people are sickening. You value a dog's life, more than the life of a great philanthropist and leader. How dare you get such enjoyment and pleasure of seeing a man life's go to shambles, all b/c he may have participated in some form in hurting, of all things, a dog. How dare you.
  
December 14, 2007 at 9:45 AM
posted by: phurrballe
I totally agree, Bogiedew. What especially caught my eye was the fact that he even brings his innocent children into this - how they were affected by the ordeal as if this one of the reasons the judge should grant him some leniency. He probably should have thought about "his kids" well before he decided to open Bad Newz Kennels. I am sickened whenever a celebrity shows huge amounts of contrition only when all their options for being excused for something have been exhausted. Only then to they claim to "find God" or "I see how my actions were wrong" etc.. I usually try to be a a forgiving person but when it comes to defenseless children, babies and animals, I just have a very low threshold and see only these types of pleas as last ditch efforts.

No, I probably will never be able to forgive Michael Vick and as ungracious at it seems, he deserves anything he has coming to him and it would make me extremely happy if he is haunted and ridiculed well after he is released from prison.

He should try thinking about how those innocent dogs were tortured and killed. Even the way he killed them is beyond the realm of a normal person and someone who has such a depraved view of any living thing is someone I am not sure I want in society.
  
December 14, 2007 at 8:01 AM
posted by: bogiedew
Hmm..wonder who helped him write that one?
He commited a crime, now he has to pay..deal with it! He knew he was breaking the law..I am tired of these celebrities thinking they are above the law because they have millions.
There are a lot of people that grew up in poverty and had bad childhoods, but they are not hoodlums. He had it all, and he blew it..now he has to pay. He needs to stop trying to get people to feel sorry for him.
  
December 13, 2007 at 10:10 PM
posted by: phurrballe
Read here to see Vick's plea to the judge for leniency before his sentencing. Too bad he did not give those poor beautiful dogs of his a second chance.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7561248?MSNHPHMA
  
December 13, 2007 at 8:39 PM
posted by: Feral1
I just sent my comments too.

I recently purchased a grill for my dad for Christmas and returned it.
  
December 13, 2007 at 8:18 PM
posted by: rmlamasney25
I too wrote to the foreman site. I send prayers and healing energies for MV, because a soul as morally lost as his needs it. But those who engage in violence, especially against the helpless, must be stopped. and those who condone violence such as GF should be sanctioned.
  
December 13, 2007 at 8:00 PM
posted by: marla
LizaBear

Thanks I sent my email
  
December 13, 2007 at 6:05 PM
posted by: LizaBear
The website that I wrote to was

http://www.foreman-grill.com/

I went to the "contact us" section.
  
December 13, 2007 at 3:35 AM
posted by: QMD333
George Foreman must have cooked one too many "magic mushrooms" on that signature grill of his, and Hank Aaron, must be suffering the effects of some beanballs from his baseball career.

Those two stooges nowithstanding, I am of the opinion that every animal abuser/murderer should be imprisoned for life. I have zero tolerance for such trash hurting the most innocent of souls.

But, based on what some knucklehead judges give animal abusers/murderers, I guess this is a pretty stiff penalty.

Enjoy your new uniform, Michael Vick. I hear it has numbers on the back of it, like your old uniform used to.
Loser.
  
December 12, 2007 at 9:09 PM
posted by: kendra
Yeah, I'd like to know the website too. They're entitled to their opinion and all, but I can't stand ignorant childish behavior. Especially since I've suffered the personality-crushing horror of corporate America for two years, and there's NO WAY I'd get away with public behavior like that. Oh, they've upset me on so many levels!!
  
December 12, 2007 at 8:48 PM
posted by: marla
I would definately sign the petition.

Hope you wrote your newspaper, would also like the web site to write them.

Thanks