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-Vick's in the Doghouse-

The year was 2001 and Michael Vick, the young quarterback with boundless potential out of Virgina Tech, was drafted as the number one pick overall by the Atlanta Falcons. Six years later, the immensely talented Vick is the face of the Falcon's franchise as well as one of the most recognized faces in sports today. However, the year of his entrance into the NFL is now being seen in a different light. He now faces charges from a federal indictment for helping start a dogfighting operation that same year. Vick, as well as three others, are charged with competitive dogfighting, training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines. The dogfighting operation, named "Bad Newz Kennels," according to the indictment, was located in Surry County, Va., on property owned by Vick. The indictment also states that dogs fought to or close to the death. Defeated dogs were sometimes killed by electrocution, drowning, hanging or gunshots. If convicted, Vick and the others could face up to six years in prison, $350,000 in fines and restitution. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy commented, "We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him,.." It remains to be seen whether or not Vick will be on the starting roster for the Falcons this season. Being an NFL quarterback is said to be the most difficult position to fill in professional sports. Balancing a playbook, the role of team leader, as well as these heavy allegations, would seem overwhelming for anyone. Innocent until proven guilty, Vick denies his charges. After a police raid on the VA property this April, Vick said he was rarely at the house and had no idea it may have been used in a criminal operation. He blames family members for taking advantage of his generosity. The football star has seen better days and his future is in question. Will he be able to dodge the ensuing allegations as he has evaded so many charging defensive lineman? Only time will tell and no amount of scrambling in the backfield will help him prevail.

Learn more about this author, Morgan Jones.
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