Jul 17, 2007, 21:40 GMT
Richmond, VA - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges stemming from a dogfighting ring that allegedly was conducted at his house in Virginia.
Vick and three others have been indicted with travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.
If convicted of the travel part of the conspiracy charge, it carries with it a statutory maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and full restitution. If convicted on the dog fighting charge, the defendants could face either one-year in prison, a $100,000 fine or both.
The indictment was brought about in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District in Richmond, VA.
According to the indictment, the defendants were involved in an ongoing animal fighting business based out of Vick's property located in Smithfield, VA from early 2001 through sometime in April of this year. Since Vick purchased the property in June 2001, the defendants formed a dog fighting enterprise known as 'Bad Newz Kennels' and used the property for housing and training pit bulls used in dog fights. From at least 2002, the defendants and others sponsored dog fights on the property and bringing dogs from several states to participate in the events. During the fights, the participants would place bets ranging from the hundreds to thousands of dollars. The fights would last until either the death or surrender of the losing dog, which would then sometimes be put to death by drowning, hanging, gunshot, electrocution or other methods.
Also, the indictment said the defendants participated in dog fights in North and South Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey and elsewhere in Virginia.
The dogfighting affair was first brought to light when Vick's home was raided on April 26 when authorities seized 54 dogs, along with several other pieces of equipment associated in dogfighting.
The property was again searched on June 7 by federal officials, who uncovered the graves of several pit bulls on the property.
Vick denied any involvement in dogfighting conducted on his property when the case first broke, and has blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity.
'We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him,' NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. 'The activities alleged are cruel, degrading and illegal. Michael Vick's guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts.'
The indictment could affect Vick's playing status for the upcoming season under the guidelines of the NFL's new player conduct policy.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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