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MICHAEL VICK TO PLEAD GUILTY ON AUG. 27: Falcons QB accepts deal; possible prison term looms.
*Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has made the decision to plead guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges following a weekend of weighing options that would have the least affect on his football career.
"After consulting with his family over the weekend, Michael Vick asked that I announce today that he has reached an agreement with federal prosecutors regarding the charges pending against him," lead defense attorney Billy Martin said Monday in a statement.
"Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made. Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter."
Vick is charged with conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. He had pleaded not guilty last month and vowed to clear his name at a November trial.
Three of his co-defendants have accepted deals to plead guilty and had agreed to help prosecutors with their case against Vick. Quanis Phillips of Atlanta and Purnell Peace of Virginia Beach signed statements saying the 27-year-old Atlanta Falcons star participated in executing at least eight underperforming dogs by various means, including drowning and hanging.
Phillips, Peace and Tony Taylor, who pleaded guilty last month, also said Vick provided virtually all of the gambling and operating funds for his "Bad Newz Kennels" operation in rural Virginia.
Martin's announcement came as a grand jury that could add new charges met in private. Prosecutors had said that a superseding indictment was in the works, but Vick's plea most likely means he will not face additional charges.
Vick's plea hearing is Aug. 27. The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
For MORE on this issue/story, see THE MO'KELLY REPORT: Michael Vick - See You in 3-5
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