Standing before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson in a black-and-white prison suit today, Michael Vick heard the verdict on charges he ran a “cruel and inhumane” dogfighting ring and lying about it:
Guilty.
The AP reports:
After Vick apologized to the court and his family, Hudson told him: “You need to apologize to the millions of young people who looked up to you.” “Yes, sir,” Vick answered.The 27-year-old player acknowledged using “poor judgment” and added, “I’m willing to deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my actions.” Although there is no parole in the federal system, rules governing time off for good behavior could reduce Vick’s prison stay by about three months, resulting in a summer 2009 release.
Comments (4)
IMHO - it should have been longer!!
Vick is still facing charges in VA for animal cruelty in April. Pile it on, VA!
At least he did not walk away from this.
AMEN PAM AND MILA - He got off much too light. Hope VA hits him harder!
On a brighter note, here is an e-mail my friend Ann just shared with me from Best Friends. They will be receiving some of these babies to give them the life they so richy deserve after the hell with Michael Vick they have had. Yipppeeee, Best Friends!
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They deserve the very best that we can give them
December 6, 2007 : 10:30 AM ET
Judge Henry Hudson of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has approved a recommendation by a guardian/special master appointed by the court that 22 of the 48 American pit bull terriers connected with the Michael Vick civil forfeiture action be placed with Best Friends Animal Society.
Valparaiso University School of Law Professor Rebecca J. Huss, in a Summary Report to the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, recommended that 47 dogs (one has been euthanized for medical reasons) be placed with eight organizations, with Best Friends receiving the most dogs (22). The next largest group would be placed with Bay Area Dog Lovers Responsible About Pit Bulls (BAD RAP) of Oakland, Calif. (10). Other organizations that would receive dogs are Richmond Animal League of Richmond, Va. (4); Georgia SPCA of Suwanee, Ga. (3); SPCA of Monterey County, Calif. (3); Recycled Love Inc. of Baltimore, Md. (3); Animal Rescue of Tidewater, Chesapeake, Va. (1); and PACK (Pit Bull Advocates for Compassion and Kindness), San Francisco, Calif. (1).
“The court has granted Best Friends the opportunity to do what it does best – provide a caring, rehabilitative home for these abused, homeless animals,” said Paul Berry, chief executive officer of Best Friends. “They deserve the very best that we can give them, and we are prepared to provide a safe place for them to stay for the rest of their lives.
“The pit bull is easily the most misunderstood breed of dog in the U.S. Unfortunately, it is the very loving and loyal nature of these dogs that makes them prone to exploitation.”
Huss expressed confidence in Best Friends and the other rescue organizations recommended for placement. “For the dogs that may need to remain in a sanctuary environment, although there will certainly be a period of adjustment, I believe that these dogs will not just survive, but thrive in that environment.”
The report was prepared during multiple visits by Huss to Virginia, where she interacted with the dogs and their caretakers, and spoke with animal control officers and numerous rescue organizations, including Best Friends.
In July, the United States filed a civil forfeiture action relating to approximately 53 American pit bull terriers located on the property of Michael Vick. The court appointed Huss as guardian/special master of the 48 surviving dogs.
Thank you Daddy God for saving these precious babies. Hold the ones who didn't survive in your loving presence and beautiful, perfect Kingdom of love and light. We thank you for shining your light on the evil darkness that Michael Vick was living in and for bringing his ruthlessness to a stop. We praise you for that Lord. Hold us and keep us and strengthen us as we continue to battle to save your creation from the ruthlessness of those who have chosen to follow evil. We choose to follow you Lord with willing hearts. As for me and my house, WE SHALL SERVE THE LORD. Amen