Report: Vick, legal team may be considering deal

By Times wire services
Published August 15, 2007

Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is expected to decide by the end of this week whether to make a plea deal with federal prosecutors or face more charges related to an alleged dogfighting operation, the Virginian-Pilot reported Tuesday.

"That's what's been thrown out there, allegedly, by the prosecution," said Collins Spencer III, a spokesman for Vick's lawyers, on media reports that prosecutors and the defense were negotiating a possible plea agreement and that Vick faced a Friday deadline to decide whether to make a deal.

On Monday, it was reported that two of Vick's co-defendants had set hearings to accept plea deals. The other co-defendant pleaded guilty two weeks ago and agreed to testify for the government.

The conspiracy charge Vick has been indicted on carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, but judges rely largely on sentencing guidelines imposed by Congress to set specific punishments. If Vick pleads guilty to the conspiracy charge, the guidelines call for a term of no more than six months in jail for someone with no previous criminal record.

Vick, 27, and the other three pleaded not guilty last month to running an interstate dogfighting enterprise known as "Bad Newz Kennels" on Vick's property in rural Surry County.

For now, Vick's trial remains scheduled for Nov. 26.

CONCUSSION HOTLINE: The NFL's new guidelines on concussion management, formalized Tuesday, include a telephone hotline that will make it easier to report to the league when a player with a head injury is being forced to practice or play against medical advice.

DUNGY APPOINTMENT: President Bush announced his intention to appoint the Colts coach Tony Dungy to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The term runs for two years. "It's a great honor, and it's something we always talk about with our team - how to serve your community and make your community better," said Dungy, the former Bucs coach who worked with several organizations in the Tampa Bay area.

FALCONS: Based on his erratic play in the preseason opener, D.J. Shockley has dropped to third on the quarterback depth chart behind Chris Redman in the battle to back up starter Joey Harrington.

JAGUARS: Offensive lineman Stockar McDougle tore his left Achilles' tendon and will be out for the season.

JETS: The team and first-round pick Darrelle Revis (cornerback, Pitt) were closing in on a deal. New York is looking to sign him for six years, while the cornerback wants a five-year deal.

TITANS: Rookie defensive end Jacob Ford could have surgery as soon as today to repair a torn left Achilles' tendon.

VIKINGS: Linebacker Jason Glenn, who turns 28 next week, announced his retirement after six seasons, citing aching knees after last year's ACL surgery.

[Last modified August 15, 2007, 03:20:25]