CNN and the Associated press have reported that embattled NFL star, Michael Vick will plead guilty federal charges related to illegal dogfighting, closing one of the chapters in a top sports scandal story.
Vick will plead guilty to felony conspiracy next Monday, defense attorney Lawrence Woodward told the Virginian-Pilot, of Norfolk, Virginia.
Vick could spend up to five years in prison and face thousands in fines.
“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 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.”
Further federal charges with additional penalties were expected, and it is believed that this plea deal will belay these additional sanctions.
Three co-defendants had previously come forward to accept plea deals in exchange for their testimony against Vick at trial. It seems that no such trial will take place now.
The Associated Press reported that Vick faces the additional issue of a possible lifetime ban from the National Football League.
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