Michael Vick

Michael Vick
Born:	June 26, 1980 Newport News, Virginia
Charges:	Conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, Sponsoring a dog in an animal fighting venture
Sentence:	23 months
Facility:	USP Leavenworth
Status:	Released

Michael Dwayne Vick (born June 26, 1980) is an American former professional football quarterback who served 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to federal charges related to his involvement in an illegal dog fighting operation. Vick, who was the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft and a three-time Pro Bowl selection with the Atlanta Falcons, was convicted for operating "Bad Newz Kennels," a dog fighting ring on property he owned in Virginia. After serving his sentence, Vick returned to the NFL and rebuilt his career, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets before retiring in 2017.

Summary

Michael Vick's case became one of the most notorious athlete criminal prosecutions in American history, generating intense public outrage over the treatment of dogs involved in fighting operations. Federal investigators discovered that Vick had financed and participated in dog fighting activities for approximately six years, during which numerous dogs were killed by electrocution, drowning, and other methods when they did not perform well in fights.

The case cost Vick his NFL career (temporarily), millions of dollars in salary and endorsements, and his reputation. However, his post-prison redemption story—returning to the NFL and becoming an advocate against animal cruelty—became one of the most discussed second-chance narratives in professional sports.

Background

Vick was born on June 26, 1980, in Newport News, Virginia, where he grew up in public housing in a crime-ridden neighborhood. He became a standout quarterback at Warwick High School before attending Virginia Tech, where he led the Hokies to an undefeated regular season in 1999 and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting as a freshman.

The Atlanta Falcons selected Vick with the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. He became one of the most exciting players in football, known for his speed and improvisation ability. He signed a 10-year, $130 million contract extension in 2004, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time. However, his involvement in dog fighting would soon derail his career.

Indictment, Prosecution, and Sentencing

Bad Newz Kennels

Beginning around 2001, Vick purchased property in Smithfield, Virginia, where he and associates established "Bad Newz Kennels," a dog fighting operation. The operation involved breeding, training, and fighting pit bulls, as well as gambling on the outcomes of fights. Dogs that performed poorly were killed by methods including electrocution, drowning, hanging, and slamming them against the ground.

Federal investigators discovered the operation during an April 2007 drug investigation at the property. They found evidence of extensive dog fighting activities, including 66 dogs, training equipment, and the remains of dogs that had been killed on the property.

Federal Charges and Guilty Plea

In July 2007, Vick and three co-defendants were indicted on federal charges related to the dog fighting operation. Vick initially denied involvement but pleaded guilty in August 2007 to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and sponsoring a dog in an animal fighting venture. He admitted to providing most of the funding for the operation and to participating in the killing of dogs.

Sentencing

On December 10, 2007, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson sentenced Vick to 23 months in federal prison—longer than the 12 to 18 months recommended under sentencing guidelines. Judge Hudson cited Vick's lies during the investigation and his failure to accept full responsibility. Vick was also ordered to pay nearly $1 million in restitution for the care of dogs seized from the property.

Prison Experience

Vick began serving his sentence at USP Leavenworth in Kansas before being transferred to a minimum-security facility. He was released to home confinement in May 2009 after serving 21 months and completed his sentence in July 2009. During his incarceration, Vick filed for bankruptcy, citing debts of over $20 million, and the Atlanta Falcons recovered $20 million of his signing bonus.

Post-Release Career

NFL Return

After his release, Vick was conditionally reinstated by the NFL and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in August 2009. He initially served as a backup before becoming the starting quarterback in 2010, leading the Eagles to the playoffs and earning Comeback Player of the Year honors. He later played for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2017.

Animal Advocacy

Vick partnered with the Humane Society of the United States to speak against dog fighting and animal cruelty. He appeared at schools and community events to warn young people about the consequences of animal fighting. While some animal rights activists criticized his involvement as superficial, others praised his willingness to address his past crimes publicly.

Public Statements and Positions

Vick has acknowledged his crimes and expressed remorse for his actions. At sentencing, he stated: "Dogfighting is a terrible thing... I reject it." He has consistently described his incarceration as a period of personal growth and reflection. In subsequent interviews, Vick has stated: "I did some terrible things, made some terrible mistakes, and now I'm paying the consequences."

On his rehabilitation, Vick has said: "I've grown up. I've learned from my mistakes. I take full responsibility for my actions."

Terminology

• Dog Fighting: The organized fighting of dogs for entertainment or gambling, which is a federal felony when conducted across state lines.

• Interstate Commerce: Economic activity crossing state lines, which provides the basis for federal jurisdiction over certain crimes.

See also

• Prison Consultants
• Federal Good Time Credit Policies