Vick trial delayed to June

The AP reports that Michael Vick's trial for charges brought by the state of Virginia has been rescheduled for June 27. Originally the trial was set for April 2, but due to bureaucratic issues such as transportation it was delayed. Vick is currently serving time in federal prison in Leavenworth, Kansas.

NFL challenges Vick ruling

The AP reports that the National Football League is asking a federal court to vacate the ruling of U.S. District Court Judge David Doty's ruling in regards to the Falcons attempts to recoup bonus money paid to jailed and currently suspended quarterback Michael Vick. The league also seeks to end Doty's jurisdiction in the league's labor matters.

Doty reversed a previous ruling by NFL special master Stephen Burbank that indicated the Falcons could recoup $19.97 million in bonus money from Vick. Doty's ruling indicated that more than $16 million of that figure was not eligible for the team to regain. Doty first presided over the 1992 antitrust suit, which granted him jurisdiction in these labor matters over than a decade. The league indicated that Doty's comments from earlier this month about the ruling indicates that he is biased towards them. The league released a statement:

"Michael Vick breached his contract and cannot play because he was convicted of a felony and is sitting in jail. Despite those facts, the judge held that Vick is entitled to keep nearly $20 million in bonus money paid to him for playing football through the 2014 season. No other industry has its labor relations supervised by a federal judge in the way we do, and at this point, after 15 years of labor peace, it is hard to understand why such oversight is necessary or (why it is) an appropriate use of judicial resources."

Vick can keep money

The AJC reports that U.S. District Judge David Doty has overturned an earlier ruling that indicated that Michael Vick was liable to repay nearly $20 million in bonus money. In October, NFL Special Master Stephen Burbank ruled that Falcons could recoup $19.97 million in bonus money paid to Vick due to his league-imposed suspension. Burbank's ruling went against previous rulings that indicated option and roster bonuses could not be recouped by teams.

The Falcons were counting on the repaid bonus money in order to gain cap relief in the near future. It is unknown as of yet, if Vick will have to repay any portion of the bonuses. In Burbank's ruling, slightly more than $16 million of the $19.97 million was from roster bonuses. Doty's ruling may only mean that the Falcons will be able to recoup about $3.75 million in bonuses, which is initially what some experts projected.

Vick is currently serving his 23-month jail sentence in Kansas.

Currently the Falcons are projected by SI.com to have about $5.79 million in cap space in 2008.

Vick sentenced to 2 years in prison

Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison today. Afterwards he will serve three years probation and forced to pay a $5,000 fine. He may be eligible for an early release in May 2009 but otherwise is slated to serve until October of that year.

Two of Vick's co-defendants were senteced last month with Purnell Peace set to serve 18 months and Quanis Phillips 21 months. Tony Taylor is slated to be sentenced this upcoming Friday.

Vick may face further punishment stemming from state charges. His trial in Surry County is slated to begin on April 2, 2008.

Vick was indicted on federal conspiracy charges in July, and plead guilty to those charges the following month. He was levied with an indefinite suspension by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the ensuing week. Vick currently is still a member of the Atlanta Falcons, however it may be only a matter of time before he is released. It is believed that once the Falcons reclaim a sizable portion of bonus money in Vick's contract, they will release him. Falcons owner Arthur Blank released the following statement today:

"Michael Vick’s federal prison sentencing today is another step in his legal journey. This is a difficult day for Michael’s family and for a lot of us, including many of our players and fans who have been emotionally invested in Michael over the years.

"We sincerely hope that Michael will use this time to continue to focus his efforts on making positive changes in his life, and we wish him well in that regard."

Falcons can reclaim $20 million from Vick

NFL Special Master Stephen Burbank ruled in favor of the Falcons after hearing last week their arguments in their attempts to recoup millions in signing bonus money from suspended quarterback Michael Vick. Burbank's ruling says that the Falcons are entitled to $19.97 million in bonus money that has been paid to Vick over the past three years since he signed his landmark $130 million deal in December 2004.

The ruling is interesting because it breaks with a previous ruling made by Burbank last year in this case of Ashley Lelie. Burbank ruled that the Denver Broncos could not recoup option bonuses paid to Lelie because they were payments for time already earned. Some experts believed that because that most of the payments made to Vick were in the form of roster bonuses, they would be treated the same as option bonuses.

According to Burbank's ruling, per the Associated Press, the Falcons are entitled to half of the $7.5 million bonus paid to Vick in December 2004, $13.5 million of the $22.5 million roster bonus paid to Vick the following year, and $2.72 million of the $7 million bonus paid to Vick this past year, totalling to $19.97 million.

In his ruling on the Vick case, Burbank indicated that because Vick's bonuses were payments for future services, which won't be earned because of his league-imposed suspension.

The Falcons released a statement today:
“We are certainly pleased with today’s ruling by NFL Special Master Stephen Burbank. It is the first step in a process that our club has undertaken in an attempt to recoup significant salary cap space that will allow us to continue to build our football team today and in future years.”

The NFL Players Association has indicated that they plan to appeal the ruling. Now it will be up to U.S. District Court Judge David Doty in Minneapolis to either overturn or uphold Burbank's ruling. The that there is no timetable for when a decision will be made by Doty, but it could take months, per the AJC.

If it is upheld and when payments are actually received from Vick, the Falcons would receive credit towards the following year's salary cap in that amount.

Falcons trying to recoup $16M from Vick

ESPN's Sal Paolantonio reports that the Falcons have are seeking to have Michael Vick return about $16 million in bonus money due to him pleading guilty to federal dogfighting charges. A previous report by ESPN had that figure reported at $20 million.

University of Pennsylvania Law School professor Stephen Burbank will oversee a hearing that is scheduled for tomorrow. The NFL Players Association will argue against the Falcons claim indicating that because most of the Vick's bonus money was paid as roster bonuses which cannot be recouped by teams. Vick signed a ten-year $130 million contract in December 2004, which included $37 million in bonuses. About $29.5 million of that was due as roster bonuses.

Last season, prior to his acquisition by the Falcons, wide receiver Ashley Lelie was involved in a dispute with the Denver Broncos involving his absence from training camp. It was resolved in that case that because Lelie's bonuses were option bonuses and thus deemed already earned, the Broncos could not recoup that money. Based on the NFLPA's interpretation of the rule and, roster bonuses are treated as option bonuses. Because of this rule, some experts have contended that the Falcons may receive as little as $3.75 million or up to $6 million instead of the $16-20 million they seek.

According to Paolantonio, the Falcons will argue that because of his involvement in dogfighting that according to federal charges began in 2001, Vick was already in defraud of the contract he signed in 2004 and that the current Collective Bargaining Agreement in which the "Lelie rule" applies was not signed until 2006 and thus is not applicable to Vick's contract.

Also the Falcons plan to file another separate grievance against Vick that will seek over $22 million from him in damages. That grievance is not expected to be heard until after the case that will be heard Thursday is resolved.

Virginia trial date set for Vick

Today, Michael Vick was arraigned in Surry County on two felony charges and a trial date of November 27 was set.

Vick is set to be sentenced on December 10 involving his guilty plea to federal conspiracy charges.

Vick indicted again

Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was indicted once more, this time by a grand jury in Surry County on Tuesday. He and his three co-defendants, all of whom plead guilty to federal conspiracy charges on running dogfighting operations, have now been indicted on two state charges of killing a dog and engaging in and promoting dogfighting. They will be arraigned on October 3.

The AJC reports that these two additional felony charges can carry the maximum penalty of ten years in prison, which could be served either consecutively or concurrently with his federal term. He is set to be sentenced in the federal case in December.

The AJC also reports that an arbitrator is set to meet the day after Vick's arraignment to hear arguments on the Falcons attempts to recoup roughly $20 million in paid bonus money from Vick.

Vick suspended indefinitely

The NFL has levied an indefinite suspension against Michael Vick within hours of the summary of facts being released in his guilty plea on Friday. Vick will officially enter this plea agreement on Monday.

In the summary of facts, Vick admits guilt to most of the facts listed in the initial indictment. Including bankrolling the property in Smithfield and also the purses won or lost at ensuing dogfights, although it does indicate that the purses won off the fights were split mainly between his other co-defendants. It also admits that Vick was involved in the deaths of six to eight dogs this past April, in which he and two others dispatched these dogs by various means.

According to an AJC report the Falcons will begin to attempt to recoup bonus money remaining on Vick's $130 million contract he signed in 2004. Previous reports suggest the amount of money the Falcons could receive is up to $28 million.

Vick's suspension will be reviewed upon the completion of legal proceedings. As a result of his guilty plea to federal charges, it is now expected that Vick will be indicted next month on state charges in Virginia.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has provided a copy of Vick's plea agreement in PDF format.

Vick pleads guilty

Michael Vick has decided to plead guilty to federal conspiracy charges. On August 27, Vick will enter his guilty plea, after initially pleading not guilty back on July 26. On August 27, Vick is expected to sign a statement of facts similar to those signed by codefendants Quanis Phillips and Purnell Peace this past Friday. At a later date, Vick will be sentenced. Phillips and Peace will be sentenced on November 30. According to federal sentencing guidelines, Vick is expected to face between 12 and 18 months in prison.

The NFL released a statement following news of Vick's change in plea:

We are aware of Michael Vick's decision to enter a guilty plea to the federal charges against him and accept responsibility for his conduct. We totally condemn the conduct outlined in the charges, which is inconsistent with what Michael Vick previously told both our office and the Falcons. We will conclude our own review under the league’s personal conduct policy as soon as possible. In the meantime, we have asked the Falcons to continue to refrain from taking action pending a decision by the commissioner.

As did the Falcons:

We are certainly troubled with the news today concerning Michael Vick’s guilty plea to federal charges. It is our understanding that the terms of Michael's plea will not be available until next Monday, August 27. Additionally, Commissioner Goodell has asked us not to take any action until he has completed his own review of Michael's situation. Accordingly, we will have no further comment until that time.

Vick was indicted on July 17 by federal authorities, but has yet to face an indictment on local Virginia charges. Evidence about Vick's involvement with dogfighting is expected to go to grand jury in Surry County at the end of September. He can face up to 40 years in prison based on state charges.

Any suspension of Vick seems likely upon his admission of guilt, although there has been no timetable set for when such a suspension will be meted out.

Vick suspension not imminent

Contrary to previous reports, the AJC reports that a suspension of Michael Vick is not imminent due to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's plan to remain patient. Goodell's patience is based upon the findings of special investigator Eric Holder. Holder was appointed by the league to gather information and evidence whether or not Vick violated the league's personal conduct policy. There has been no formal timetable on when Holder's report will be issued, but per SI.com's Peter King, that is at least a week away.

In other Vick-related news, the remaining co-defendants in the federal conspiracy case against Vick have opted to plead guilty. Of the four people named in the federal indictment, Vick now remains the only one who has plead not guilty. ESPN is reporting that Vick and his attorneys are currently weighing their options on whether to change to a guilty plea, and that there is a Friday deadline for such a change to occur. ESPN indicates that the federal government will soon file their superseding indictment after which Vick will face two more federal dogfighting charges along with his current conspiracy charge.

Vick to be suspended soon

Yahoo! Sports Jason Cole reports that a suspension of Michael Vick is nearing. Cole reports that two league sources indicate that either this week or next week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will announce that Vick will be suspended for the entire 2007 NFL season. Cole indicates that the suspension of Vick may be due to a violation of the league's gambling policies.

According to Cole's sources, the league seems intent on announcing Vick's fate prior to the start of the regular season. Currently, Vick is under an indefinite leave of absence imposed by Goodell. Vick's trial is due to begin on November 26, 2007.

Vick trial date set for November

Michael Vick plead not guilty at his arraignment today in Richmond, Virginia. Vick will receive a jury trial which is set to begin on November 26, which will coincide with the end of Week 12 of the NFL schedule.

Vick may face up to six years in federal prison and pay around $350,000 in fines if convicted.

According to Lester Munson of ESPN Vick could face further charges down the road due to a "superceding indictment" that will be filed by prosecutors by the end of the month. Charges could be added or eliminated, but per Munson, it is likely they will be added.

Falcons to sign another QB

Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino indicated in yesterday's press conference that the Falcons would be in the market to sign another quarterback in the coming days due to the absence of Michael Vick, who has been ordered by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to stay away from camp.

Petrino said that a fourth passer is necessary in order for the team to go through all its camp drills. Who they would sign is unknown at this time, but there have been rumors per Pro Football Talk.com, that recently released quarterback Daunte Culpepper might show up on the Falcons radar.

Also, the Falcons had James Kilian earlier this off-season, but he was released in April in order to make room for Joey Harrington on the roster.

Vick to take leave of absence

Fox 5 Atlanta reports that according to the NFL, Michael Vick is expected to take a leave of absence, stemming from his federal indictment.

Various reports earlier today have indicated that a decision by either Comissioner Roger Goodell or Falcons owner Arthur Blank was expected to occur soon. It has not yet been confirmed if this leave of absence is the decision reached by either party.

UPDATE: Jay Glazer of FOX Sports confirms the FOX 5 report indicated that the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has decided to order Michael Vick to not attend the Falcons upcoming training camp when practices begin this Thursday on July 26. All Falcons players are supposed to report by midnight the previous evening. Vick is scheduled to be at an arraignment on Thursday at 3:30 when the Falcons first practices begin at 3:00 pm Eastern.

Glazer's report indicates that this may be the first of many actions the league decides to take against Vick. This current move is designed to buy more time for more information to be either revealed or processed by the NFL.

It seems that due to this mandate from the league office, Vick will not be found in default of his contract, and the Falcons will not seek to pursue the return of bonus money from Vick in the immediate future.

Falcons could recover more than $28 million from Vick

ProFootballTalk.com reports that the Falcons have the ability to recover a large sum of the guaranteed money they paid Michael Vick when he received a ten-year contract extension in 2004 worth a total of $130 million. Due to his federal indicment Vick is set to be arraigned on July 26, the first day of the Falcons 2007 training camp. Missing that day of practice could leave Vick in default of his contract, and thus allow the Falcons to recover a sizeable portion of money.

According to ProFootballTalk, the Falcons could recover $28.7 million of the $37.5 million guaranteed paid in his 2004 extension. That figure is based on how many potential games are left remaining through the extent of Vick's contract, which is du to expire after the 2013 season. The Falcons may not choose to find Vick in default of his contract, by given him written permission to miss practices on July 26 and/or later dates. But the Falcons still hold the option to recover bonus money at a later date, but as time goes on, the potential money recovered will decrease.

Earlier reports suggested that because the majority of Vick's guaranteed money was paid in roster bonuses, it would be less likely the Falcons would be able to recover that money due to arbitration on a grievance filed against former Falcon and Denver Bronco receiver Ashley Lelie last summer. The Broncos sought to recover bonus money from Lelie for holding out of off-season activities, but because it was option bonus money, Lelie was not deemed liable to repay that money. Previous reports suggested that roster bonuses would be treated similarly as option bonus, although the report at ProFootballTalk suggests otherwise.

Blank issues letter to fans

In their second overall, yet arguably first official statement following the indictment of Michael Vick, Falcons owner Arthur Blank issued a letter to the fan base on Thursday evening:

A Message to our Fans:

We know you're anxious to her more from us regarding the indictment of Michael Vick and its implications to the Falcons. Please be assured that we are working diligently on exploring our options and getting the right people involved in this situation.

This is an emotionally charged and complicated matter. There are a wide range of interests and legal issues that need to be carefully considered as we move ahead, including our need to respect the due process that Michael is entitled to. Also, this situation affects everyone -- our club, our players and associates, our sponsors, our fans and the Atlanta community among them -- so we must consider all of our customers in making any decisions.

Given the differing perspctives and strong feelings around this issue, we probably won't make everyone happy, but we are committed to doing the right thing. As the owner of this club that's, ultimately, my responsibility.

In the meantime, know that I'm sadden and distressed about this -- not for myself, but for our fans and community who have been so loyal to us. We will do our very best to continue to earn your support.

Arthur M. Blank
Owner & CEO

No Vick suspension forthcoming

Adam Schefter of NFL.com reports that the league will exercise patience when it comes to dealing with any punishment on Michael Vick, and has no immediate plans to suspend Vick.

Schefter reports that the league would like to gather more information, particularly about the strength of evidence against Vick and a timetable of the case, before making any real decisions about a potential suspension. Schefter compares the incident to Duke lacrosse rape case, in which Duke University immediately made a decision by cancelling the lacrosse season. Eventually, all charges against the Duke players were dropped.

Any upcoming disciplinary action will likely be meted out by Falcons owner Arthur Blank instead of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Schefter reports that it is possible the Falcons give Vick a leave of absence, allowing him to concentrate on legal matters instead of football. This action was originally suggested by Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News on Wednesday. This would keep Vick out of training camp where a probable media circus would occur and create far less of a distraction to the rest of the team.

Schefter also reports that it will be difficult for the Falcons to recoup the $37 million in bonus money paid to Vick, because most of it was roster bonuses instead of strictly signing bonuses.

Vick to face local charges

Tim McGlone of the Virginian-Pilot reports that it is "more than likely" that Vick will also face local prosecution from Surry County officials in tandem with his federal conspiracy charges.

Originally, when federal officials "intervened" per Surry County Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald Poindexter in early June, it was believed that any case local officials may have had against Vick was unlikely to come to fruition.

Poindexter indicates that any local case will focus on crimes committed in Surry County, instead of the interstate commerce which is where a significant amount of the federal case lies.

There has been much controversy during the local investigation, most of centering around race. Poindexter, who is black, has been criticized for leading a weak and intentionally stalled investigation due the fact that Vick is a high-profile black celebrity. Poindexter has denied these claims, and recently has indicated the speed at which their investigation has progressed has been hindered because local officials are waiting for federal officials to share crucial information.

Evidence is expected to go before a grand jury in Surry County on September 25. Another grand jury is set to convene at the end of this month, but it is considered doubtful that they will hear evidence in the Vick case then.

Vick already faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 on federal conspiracy charges. Cruelty to animals and participating in dogfight are both felonies in the state of Virginia.

Vick to be arraigned at start of camp

Per an AJC report, Michael Vick is set to be arraigned at 4 pm in a federal court in Richmond, Virginia on July 26, the same day that practices for training camp kick off for the Falcons. The first Falcons practice is scheduled for 3:00 in the afternoon, with Vick set to appear for a bond hearing at 3:30. It seems as a result, that it is nearly impossible that Vick will report on time to training camp.

The Falcons already issued a preliminary statement Tuesday evening, but may release a second statement later today.

Vick may be suspended

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reports that Vick is expected to be suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league's new player conduct policy due to his federal indictment.

Cole reports that Vick's suspension will likely be as a result of lying to the commissioner in April when the two met face-to-face during the first day of the NFL Draft, only days after the allegations of dogfighting first broke. Vick denied having any involvement and knowledge about the issue to Goodell.

The NFL released a statement yesterday when news broke of the indictment:

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.

The league's statement implies that the commissioner will give Vick due process before meting out any punishment. Various sources have also reported that the goal of the new stricter player conduct policy is to deal with repeat offenders. All players that have suspended up to now, including Pacman Jones, Chris Henry, Tank Johnson, Jared Allen, among others have had more than one offense. Despite some precarious incidents, Vick has had no previous formal legal issues to qualify him as a repeat offender.

Vick indicted

An 18-page document details the federal indictment of Falcons quarterback Michael Vick by Grand Jury on charges of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce to aid in unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.

Vick is named along with three others: Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips, and Tony Taylor for purchasing and developing property to serve as the main staging area for housing and training pit bulls for dogfights and for also hosting such fights. This property of course is the 1915 Moonlight Road address in Smithfield, VA that has been searched by both local and federal authorities beginning on April 25, 2007.

According to the documents, Vick purchased this property in late June 2001 for $34,000, after the four collectively decided early that year to start this venture. Vick was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL Draft in April of 2001. Between 2002 and 2005, the group under the name of "Bad Newz Kennels" developed the property at Moonlight Road, by building a house, fence, sheds, and kennels for housing and training the dogs.

The documents also detail several incidents where dogs were executed, most of which as result of faring poorly in" testing" exercises. As recently as April of this past year, Peace, Phillips, and Vick are named in executing 8 dogs by various methods including hanging, drowning, and slamming one dog's body into the ground. It is the only time in which Vick is directly named in the execution of any dogs. Although in March 2003, after consulting with Vick, Peace electrocuted a dog. According to the documents, Peace also executed 3 other dogs by shooting, with Phillips doing the same for one dog, and Taylor killing two dogs by shooting and electrocution.

Fights were detailed as well in the documents, beginning in 2002 and running through 2005, in which purses ranged from $1,000 up to $26,000 for the sponsors of the victorious dog.

A PDF version of the file is viewable and downloadable via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's website.

Vick unlikely to be indicted

ESPN reports that Vick is unlikely to be indicted according to sources cited by Chris Mortensen. According to the report, authorities have indicated a lack of evidence that can tie Vick to the dogfighting ring.

Earlier today, federal investigators executed their second search of the property, which coincided with the released of papers they had filed earlier in the week indicated that dogfighting did occur on the property. However, Vick was not named in these documents and no charges have yet to be filed.

According to the ESPN report, at least three people are expected to be indicted, none of whom have been identified, but none are expected to be Vick.

Feds: Dog fighting occurred on Vick's property

According to an Associated Press report federal investigators filed papers earlier this week indicating that the former property owned by Michael Vick in Surry County, Virginia was an area where dogfighting occurred.

The documents filed on Monday say that the property was a "main staging area for housing and training the pit bulls involved." However, Vick nor any other individuals were listed in the documents and no charges have been filed. However, Bad Newz Kennels is listed as the entity that was sponsoring dogfights at the property since at least 2002. The documents list that dog fights linked to this property and that group were staged in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Texas.

The documents list collected evidence from the property from the initial April search, in which fifty three pit bulls were recovered, a rape stand, an electric treadmill modified for dogs, and a bloody carpet. Federal investigators became involved in this case when they executed a search of the property in early June. During that search, they recovered the bodies of seven dead pit bulls.

State investigators have been accused of stalling the investigation, and according to a spokesperson for the Virginia State Police are serving in an assistance role with the federal investigation.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has linked to the documents (PDF file).

Vick investigation has stalled

It had been reported that Surry County officials had planned to meet two weeks ago to review collected evidence in order to figure out where the Michael Vick investigation would progress. Now the AJC reports that meeting has not yet taken place, and there has been no word if or when such a meeting may take place at a later date.

On June 7, federal investigators executed a search warrant of Vick's former property. And with this latest development, it seems that the federal government has become the forerunner in this investigation. WVEC reported that federal investigators were looking for the remains of dog carcasses, dogfighting equipment, and blood stains.

Vick case could move to grand jury in July

Steve Wyche of the AJC reports that Surry County Commonwealth Attorney Gerald Poindexter has indicated that enough evidence has come forward to progress the case to the extent that a specially called grand jury could take place at some point this summer, possibly as early as July.

Poindexter is in charge of the investigation of allegations of Vick's involvement in dogfighting at a former property of his in Virginia. According to the AJC, two people have come forward potentially offering their testimony. Currently, Poindexter and investigators are looking into the backgrounds of both persons.

A search warrant was issued last week around the notion of searching Vick's former property for the remains of several dead dogs and also instruments including weapons, ropes, and shovels that could have brought about the demise of those dogs. However, due to language in the search warrant, it has not yet been executed.

VA Attorney General could take over Vick case

WAVY TV reports that Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell may take over the decision making process from Surry County prosecutor Gerald Poindexter on whether to charge Michael Vick on his involvement to suspected dogfighting and animal abuse that occurred on his property.

Earlier this week, investigators met to review evidence, but no charges were filed upon conclusion of the meeting. According to reports, Poindexter seems confident charges will be brought eventually, although no firm timetable has been expressed. Although it is yet unknown if Vick himself will be charged. Up until now, McDonnell has had no involvement in the case or investigation, and has admitted that he is only informed as much as the public has been.

Buchanan denies Vick comments

Former Falcons cornerback Ray Buchanan denied reports that he had indicated Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was heavily involved in dog fighting per an AJC report. Last Friday, FOX Sports Radio host Chris Landry indicated that Buchanan had intimated to him in an off-air, off the record conversation over draft weekend about Vick's reported involvement in dog fighting.

Buchanan said that he had told Landry that Vick is passionate about his dogs, but never that it was anyway related to dog fighting. Upon hearing of Buchanan's denial, Landry indicated that he stands by his previous report.

Buchanan played with the Falcons between 1997 and 2003, including the last three years as a teammate of Vick.

Vick not causing a distraction

In an AJC article by Steve Wyche, Falcons wide receiver Joe Horn and cornerback DeAngelo Hall indicated that the off-field issues of Michael Vick are not causing distractions to the team. Horn said that Vick is focused and trying to retain his role as team leader. The Falcons began a three-day minicamp today.

Vick's most recent run-in with the law involves accusations of animal abuse and illegal dog-fighter on property he owns in Virginia. Vick has denied any direct connection to the illegal activities that go on at the property outside ownership and having family members reside there. But some reports indicate that Vick was much more involved at the illegal canine activity at the property. As of yet, no charges have been filed against him. Reportedly, the property was sold this past Wednesday.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank indicated in other reports that he is somewhat concerned about the potential for Vick to serve a suspension due to this off-field incidents. Vick met with league commissioner Roger Goodell on draft day, in which Goodell clearly indicated his expectations on Vick's behavior. Goodell has recently instituted a much tougher player conduct policy, under which Vick may face league punishment regardless of the legal outcome of the investigation.

Vick meets with Goodell

Michael Vick had an informal 20-minute meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Saturday in New York per a Steve Wyche report. Vick met with Goodell at Radio City Music Hall, the site of the 2007 NFL Draft, where Vick was attending as part of a pre-draft ceremony honoring Virginia Tech.

Vick indicated that he and the commissioner discussed the recent off-field incidents involving himself. In an interview with ESPN, Vick vowed that things would change in relationship with his behavior and those who he associated with.

Vick in legal hot water

An Associated Press report indicates that a drug probe led authorities to properties owned by Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in Smithfield, Virginia.

Vick owns the property, but does not live there. His cousin, Davon Boddie, is the house's resident and was the subject of the drug-related investigation. Boddie was arrested last week outside a nightclub in Hampton, Virginia on charges of marijuana possession and distribution. This led authorities to further investigations at the home in Smithfield.

While on the property, they found 70 dogs, mostly pitbulls, and some of them appeared malnourished, scarred, and injured, leading animal control specialists and authorities to believe they were involved with illegal dog-fighting. Roughly half the dogs were found chained to buried car axles, and also equipment used to train fighting dogs including treadmills, chains, whips, and drugs were found on the premises.

The Human Society issued a statement in which they indicated hearing previous reports of Vick's involvement in dog fighting.

In other legal matters, Vick also faces trespassing charges in the city of Suffolk, Virginia. There, Vick was charged with trespassing while fishing in a local lake in February. A hearing will not occur if Vick pays a $500 fine, and as of Wednesday, that fine is unpaid.

Vick donates $10K to VA Tech families

The Associated Press reports that Michael Vick will donate $10,000 to assist and support the families affected by the massacre at Virginia Tech. Vick is an alumnus of Virginia Tech. His charity organization, the Vick Foundation, is collecting donations from local communities in Atlanta and Virginia for the United in Caring Fund for Victims of the Virginia Tech Tragedy and also a special fund of the United Way in counties surrounding the Blacksburg, VA area. The money will be used to aid in the costs of funeral expenses, transportation, and other support services.

Vick says water bottle concealed jewelry

Michael Vick, speaking on the subject of the incident that occurred at Miami International Airport in January for the first time, indicated that the confiscated water bottle he carried was used to conceal jewelry.

Vick indicated that it was used to protect jewelry, after having previous incidents in which jewelry had been stolen out of hotels.

Vick indicated that upon meeting new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino for the first time after departing Miami, Petrino simply brushed off the incident.

An AJC article by Steve Wyche disputes the notion that on that particular day whether or not the bottle was concealing jewelry.

Vick will be allowed to audible

A change that will come in the installation of his offense, new Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino insists that Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will be allowed to audible. He told this to reporters while in Miami this week for Super Bowl festivities, at the urging of Falcons owner Arthur Blank as a good opportunity for networking.

This represents a marked change in philosophy from the previous coaching staff helmed by head coach Jim Mora and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp. Knapp admittedly was not a "fan" of audibles, and limited Vick's ability to do so. Under Knapp, Vick was only allowed to modify protection schemes and determine which side of the field a play was to be run on. Under Petrino, he will be given significant latitude to change the play further.

Although Petrino hired former Bengals receivers coach Hue Jackson to serve as the Falcons new offensive coordinator, Petrino himself will be the team's play-caller.

Petrino stated that Vick was excited about the new challenge and that he's confident that Vick can handle his new workload. Petrino also told reporters that the Falcons would focus on adding strength and size to their offensive line.

Falcons deny trade rumors

Not surprisingly, the Falcons released a statement on Tuesday denying any possible rumors of trading starting quarterback Michael Vick.

In the report by WXIA-TV, a spokeswoman for the Falcons said, "There are no plans to cut or trade Vick. Michael is our quarterback. He has a new head coach who is anxious to start working with him this season. Everyone has high expectations for Michael, including Michael."

The statement was released likely in contrast to recent internet rumors that the Oakland Raiders are preparing to make the Falcons an offer for their recently maligned quarterback. No such press releases or statements have been heard from the Raiders, whose recent attention has been centered on their new coaching hire, Lane Kiffin.

The Falcons own new coach, Bobby Petrino, gave Vick a vote of confidence during his introductory press conference, declaring that Michael Vick was currently the team's starter.

Vick's first meeting with Petrino occurred this weekend, following his infamous incident in Miami International Airport.

Vick traded to Raiders?

Foxsports.com's Ben Maller first reported in the NFL Rumors section of the website on Monday that the Oakland Raiders are interested in trading for Michael Vick. According to that report, the Raiders would part ways with receivers Randy Moss and Jerry Porter along with the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft in order to acquire Vick.

The timing of this rumor is interested in the sense that it comes shortly after it was first reported that Vick would be exonerated of any wrongdoing in his infamous incident at Miami International Airport, in which he was accused of carrying a concealment device in a water bottle. And it also comes shortly before the Raiders announced that USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin would take over the team as the NFL's youngest head coach at age 31. Any such move, would likely involve the Raiders new coach being on board.

Trading Vick would invoke an approximate cap hit of over $20 million in dead money for the Falcons if such a deal would be made.

Also, the Falcons had an opportunity to acquire Moss back in 2005 when he first landed in Oakland. Falcons owner Arthur Blank indicated personally to Moss that his proclivity for negative attention from the media would cause the Falcons to not pursue him.

Vick water bottle did not contain marijuana

MIAMI - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick wasn't carrying marijuana when stopped by security last week at Miami International Airport, ESPN reported Sunday.

Citing anonymous NFL sources, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Vick wasn't carrying marijuana or any other illegal substance. The ESPN report also cited an anonymous Falcons source, who said the team expects to hear something formal by Monday.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wouldn't comment on the report. He told The Associated Press the league had received no information on the issue.

Last Wednesday, Vick reluctantly surrendered a water bottle to security at the Miami airport. He was not arrested and was allowed to board an AirTran flight to Atlanta.

The bottle was found to have a compartment that contained ``a small amount of dark particulate and a pungent aroma closely associated with marijuana,'' the police report said.

Miami police have said it could take weeks to decide whether to file charges.

-- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS