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NFL star admits dog fight charge NFL star admits dog fight charges
(about 1 hour later)
National Football League star Michael Vick is facing jail after pleading guilty to organising dog fights. National Football League star Michael Vick has pleaded guilty to plotting to take part in dog fighting.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was accused of helping to run an interstate dog-fighting operation, known as "Bad Newz Kennels", from 2001 to April 2007.The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was accused of helping to run an interstate dog-fighting operation, known as "Bad Newz Kennels", from 2001 to April 2007.
His lawyers accepted a plea agreement after co-defendants agreed to cooperate with prosecutors under their own deals. His lawyers accepted a plea agreement after his co-defendants agreed to co-operate with prosecutors.
Barred from pre-season training, Vick, 27, could now face a $250,000 fine and up to five years in jail. Vick, 27, faces a maximum $250,000 fine and five years in jail, although his plea is likely to mean a shorter term.
His guilty plea is also likely to result in a lengthy ban from the NFL, under its personal conduct policy for players. His guilty plea is also likely to result in a lengthy ban from the NFL.
Prosecutors said the dogs sometimes fought to the death and underperforming animals had been shot, drowned, hanged, electrocuted or killed by being slammed to the ground.Prosecutors said the dogs sometimes fought to the death and underperforming animals had been shot, drowned, hanged, electrocuted or killed by being slammed to the ground.
Dog-fight paraphernalia
Vick, who is expected to formally enter his plea on Monday, reportedly admitted bankrolling the fights but denied gambling on them.
Two of Vick's co-accused, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, both pleaded guilty earlier this month.
The Associated Press news agency quoted a summary of facts in the case as recording: "Vick agrees and stipulates that these dogs all died as a result of the collective efforts of Peace, Phillips and Vick."
Police who searched Vick's property in April found pit bull dogs and dog-fighting paraphernalia.
The football star, who signed a 10-year, $130mn (£65mn) contract with the Falcons in 2004, last season became the first quarterback ever to rush for more than 1,000 yards.