Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick Indicted in Dog Fighting Case … Ookie is in Big Dookie

Atlanta Falcon QB Michael Vick has gone to the dogs. Or as we like to say, “Ookie is in big dookie”. If we are talking sports these days, we must be discussing a police blotter, indictment or arrest. Michael Vick has been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on charges related to illegal dog fighting.

(Remember this bit of class from Michael Vick?)

How will NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell deal with this situation with Michael Vick, one of his leagues highest profile players? Think the Atlanta Falcon’s front office is not kicking themselves tonight for trading Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans?

Vick and three others are charged with competitive dog fighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines. The dog fighting operation was named “Bad Newz Kennels,” according to the indictment, and the dogs were housed, trained and fought at a Surry County, Va., property owned by Vick. The indictment alleges that the 27-year-old Vick and his co-defendants began a grisly dogfighting operation in early 2001 in which dogs fought to the death — or close. Losing dogs were sometimes killed by electrocution, drowning, hanging or gunshots. (Fox News)

Read the full indictment: United States of America v. Purnell A. Peace a/k/a “P-Funk” and “Funk”, Quanis L. Phillips a/k/a “Q”, Tony Taylor a/k/a “T”, and Michael Vick a/k/a “Ookie”.

The NFL has released a statement:

“We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him. We will continue to closely monitor developments in this case, and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities. 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 matter will be reviewed under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy”. (AOL Sports)

The Atlanta Falcons have issued a statement:

“This situation has been troubling to many people, including our fans, during the last few months,” read the statement issued by the team. “With today’s news, our club and team will continue to be tested as Michael works through the legal process toward a conclusion”.

“We are disappointed that one of our players – and therefore the Falcons – is being presented to the public in a negative way, and we apologize to our fans and the community for that,” the statement continued.

“Obviously, we are disturbed by today’s news from Virginia. However, we are prepared to deal with it, and we will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out. We have a season to prepare for and training camp opens next week. Our plan is to continue to do everything we can to support our players and coaches.” (AJC)

More at The Smoking Gun, The Captains Quarters, and The Daily Whim with “Deep in Dog Business”.

UPDATE I: Falcons’ Vick Indicted In Dogfighting Case

Vick, one of the NFL’s most exciting players, was charged with competitive dogfighting and conducting the venture across state lines. The 19-page indictment alleged Vick was highly involved in the operation, alleging that he attended fights and paid off bets when his dogs lost. It said he also was involved in the executions of dogs that did not perform well.

If convicted, Vick could face a total of up to six years in prison and $350,000 in fines. He could face additional discipline by the NFL, even if he is not convicted. (Washington Post)

Other bloggers voicing their outrage:

• Taylor Marsh: Michael Vick is a Disgrace
• Pure Garlic: Top 10 Ways You Know Your Neighbor May be Conducting Illegal Dog Fights, Notice his dogs don’t fetch the newspaper, they fetch the newsboy
• Urban Grounds: Michael Vick — A Sick PoS

UPDATE II: An Ugly World … This is Beyond Inhumane.

Michael Vick’s indictment on dogfighting charges has brought the cruel activity into the headlines this week. But animal-rights activists say the practice is nothing new, and is, in fact, growing in popularity. (MSNBC)