Richmond, VA--Michael Vick's guilty plea in the involvement of dog fighting could be one of the most startling falls from grace ever in U.S. sports history.
Vick will face Judge Henry E. Hudson in a sentence hearing in late November. Hudson has discretion to impose a maximum sentence of five years in prison but sources indicate that prosecuters are recommending twelve to eighteen months of volunteer work in an animal shelter. In addition to animal cruelty charges Vick is also faced with minor gambling and racketeering charges that might have a small impact on his sentence.
Due to the recent negative buzz around Vick, his sponsors have ended their relationship with him. Nike spokesperson Collie Border had this to say at a recent press conference,
"As I have said in previous statements we at Nike consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and horribly wrong...unless of course it deals with food, like chicken, because lets face it, chicken is delicious. I've never had dog I'm not a big fan of Chinese food."
Other sponsors included Purina Dog Chow and the Sterling Rope Company.
Vicks trouble doesn't stop with jail. What will be left of his career as an NFL quarterback? When asked if any teams would consider putting Vick on their roster , NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated,
"I'm not sure of Michael's future as a football player, but if I were to guess I'd count out any teams with a furry mascot."
Vick's attorney Billy Martin has stated that Vick will explain his actions to the public at a later date. He will also do a radio show and take questions from callers.