For now, Michael Vick is a former NFL star.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback admitted in court papers filed Friday that he financed an illegal dogfighting operation, participated in the killing of poorly performing pit bulls, and funded gambling on the fights.
And within hours, he was suspended indefinitely from the league without pay.
In a letter to Vick released to the media, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, "Your admitted conduct was not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible. Your team, the NFL and NFL fans have all been hurt by your actions."
Vick, 27, filed a plea agreement in federal court in Richmond, Va. He is expected to formally enter his plea Monday before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
In the agreement, the government committed to recommending a prison term on the low end of the federal sentencing guideline of 12 to 18 months. The judge is not bound by any recommendation or by the sentencing guidelines.
The issue of whether Vick participated in illegal gambling was especially relevant to his future in the NFL.
In his plea, Vick admitted to conspiracy in financing Bad Newz Kennels -- run out of a property he owns in Surry County, Va. -- and to providing money that was gambled. His statement said that when the kennel's dogs won, the gambling proceeds were generally shared by co-defendants Tony Taylor, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, each of whom had agreed to testify against Vick as part of their own plea agreements.
"Vick did not gamble by placing side bets on any of the fights," the summary said. "Vick did not receive any of the proceeds of the purses that were won by Bad Newz Kennels."
But the NFL didn't provide one of its marquee players any wiggle room when it came to its definition of gambling. That Vick provided the money being illegally wagered was a violation of his Falcons contract, Goodell said.
"Your plea agreement and the plea agreements of your co- defendants also demonstrate your significant involvement in illegal gambling," the commissioner wrote. "Even if you personally did not place bets, as you contend, your actions in funding the betting and your association with illegal gambling both violate the terms of your NFL player contract and expose you to corrupting influences in derogation of one of the most fundamental responsibilities of an NFL player."
