The Washington Post
By: Mark Maske
There were growing indications today that Michael Vick's attorneys could complete a plea agreement with federal prosecutors and perhaps announce as soon as this afternoon that the Atlanta Falcons quarterback has accepted the deal.
A source familiar with the case, speaking on the condition of anonymity because nothing had been announced publicly, said a resolution to the plea negotiations was possible by the end of the day, barring a last-minute breakdown in talks or a rejection of the proposed plea deal by Vick.
Any plea agreement would have to be approved by the judge in the case and could collapse at any point until then.
Under the proposed deal, Vick would agree to plead guilty to the federal dogfighting charges against him. Vick's lawyers and prosecutors reportedly have been discussing an arrangement by which Vick would spend about a year in jail.
Vick's three co-defendants in the case previously agreed to plead guilty and cooperate with the prosecution.
Vick is charged with helping to operate a dogfighting ring based at a property owned by him in southeastern Virginia. He's scheduled to go on trial Nov. 26.
NFL discipline against Vick remains pending. Last month, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ordered Vick not to report to the Falcons' training camp and announced that Vick's playing status would be determined by a review being conducted by Washington attorney Eric Holder.
The federal indictment of Vick portrayed him as an active member of the dogfighting operation who attended and even traveled to dogfights, paid bets for losing fights and participated in the killing of dogs that didn't perform well.
By: Mark Maske
There were growing indications today that Michael Vick's attorneys could complete a plea agreement with federal prosecutors and perhaps announce as soon as this afternoon that the Atlanta Falcons quarterback has accepted the deal.
A source familiar with the case, speaking on the condition of anonymity because nothing had been announced publicly, said a resolution to the plea negotiations was possible by the end of the day, barring a last-minute breakdown in talks or a rejection of the proposed plea deal by Vick.
Any plea agreement would have to be approved by the judge in the case and could collapse at any point until then.
Under the proposed deal, Vick would agree to plead guilty to the federal dogfighting charges against him. Vick's lawyers and prosecutors reportedly have been discussing an arrangement by which Vick would spend about a year in jail.
Vick's three co-defendants in the case previously agreed to plead guilty and cooperate with the prosecution.
Vick is charged with helping to operate a dogfighting ring based at a property owned by him in southeastern Virginia. He's scheduled to go on trial Nov. 26.
NFL discipline against Vick remains pending. Last month, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ordered Vick not to report to the Falcons' training camp and announced that Vick's playing status would be determined by a review being conducted by Washington attorney Eric Holder.
The federal indictment of Vick portrayed him as an active member of the dogfighting operation who attended and even traveled to dogfights, paid bets for losing fights and participated in the killing of dogs that didn't perform well.
