July 5, 2008
NFL Notes
Vick offered plea deal, report says
Federal prosecutors have offered Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick a plea deal that would recommend he serve at least one year in prison on a felony dogfighting conspiracy charge, two sources familiar with the discussions told The Virginian-Pilot.
Vick has until 9 a.m. tomorrow to accept the offer or could face additional charges when a grand jury convenes next week in U.S. District Court in Richmond, one of the sources said. At least two of Vick's attorneys have been discussing the offer with prosecutors since early this week, the source said.
Two co-defendants are scheduled to appear in court tomorrow morning, where they are expected to accept deals and enter guilty pleas.
Quanis L. Phillips, a friend of Vick's since middle school and a high school football teammate of his in Newport News, Va., has a plea agreement hearing set to begin at 9 a.m. tomorrow. That is to be followed by a plea agreement hearing for a second co-defendant, Purnell A. Peace.
The third co-defendant in the case, Tony Taylor, pleaded guilty and accepted a deal last month. His sentencing is set for Dec. 14.
Taylor signed an agreement in which he promised to cooperate fully with prosecutors. A similar requirement would be expected of Vick if he accepts a deal, one of the sources said.
"He's got to tell us everything," the source said.
Both sources requested anonymity because they were not authorized to talk about the case.
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office would not comment.
• Jets // New York signed first-round pick Darrelle Revis, ending the cornerback's holdout. Revis, selected 14th overall, is expected to compete for a starting job.
• Raiders // Coach Lane Kiffin returned to practice after missing the previous two days while being hospitalized with a viral infection. Kiffin, 32, said the doctors are "95 percent" sure he has mononucleosis and are treating him that way.
• Eagles // Jerome McDougle's star-crossed career suffered another blow when the former first-round pick got hurt - again. The fifth-year defensive end injured his right triceps in Philadelphia's preseason opener against the Ravens and likely will miss the rest of the season. Running back Ryan Moats also could be done for the year with an ankle injury.
• Dolphins // Receiver Chris Chambers will plead not guilty to driving while impaired, his lawyer said.
• Titans // Suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones is not expected to play this season, so he keeps looking for new ways to stay busy. First there was pro wrestling, now it's hip-hop. His National Street League Records, based in Atlanta, announced that Jones will team with producer Spoaty in a duo called Posterboyz with their first single being released Aug. 27. NFL officials are looking into whether the record label's name infringes on the league's trademark.
• Cardinals // Outside linebacker Chike Okeafor will probably miss the season after undergoing surgery Tuesday to reattach a torn biceps tendon.
• Lions // Detroit placed backup fullback Alan Ricard, a former Raven, on injured reserve.
Copyright © 2008, The Baltimore Sun
Day in pictures
Photos across the nation, around the world
WTKR News
 |
