Ewacisso
This is ewacisso
Ahh it's that time of year. The smell of popcorn and beer is in the air. It's Super Bowl time!!! The undeafeated Patriots will square off against the New York Giants in the 42nd Super Bowl. I'm mad because I the packers deserve the chance to snap the pats streak. Huge upset or huge blow-out? Tune in at 6:30 to find out. It's america's game, america's sport, and america's time to sit back and watch the Pats beat up on a poor unsuspecting team. Hmm, that''s never happened before
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signed,
spud
Browns QB
Kevin Everett
A couple of days ago it looked hopeless for Kevin Everett. After a devastating blow to the neck on kick return, Doctor Andrew Cappuccino thought Everett would be paralyzed, or might even die. But in the last couple of days he has had a miracolous recovery. "He's like a miracle." said Everett's mother, Patricia Dugas. When she asked him if he could feel her hand in the hospital bed, he nodded yes. His mother said he could even throw his head back in laughter. His doctor said he may walk again. After the Ankiel HGH story broke, the sports world needed another miracle.
Sean P. O'Brien Spud!
RICHMOND, Va. -- Michael Vick filed his plea agreement in federal court Friday admitting to conspiracy in a dogfighting ring and agreeing that the enterprise included killing pit bulls and gambling. He denied making side bets on the fights, but admitted to bankrolling them.
As part of the plea deal, Vick agreed, if asked, to provide "full, complete and truthful cooperation" with federal prosecutors "regarding any criminal activity as requested by the government." That raises the strong possibility that prosecutors will ask Vick to tell them what he knows about dogfighting operations or other criminal activity.
Federal prosecutors are still recommending 12 to 18 months in prison for Vick, a source told ESPN.com's Kelly Naqi.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback is scheduled to formally enter his plea Monday in U.S. District Court.
The plea agreement also stipulates that if Vick violates its terms, either by failing to cooperate or by violating any law while cooperating, prosecutors are no longer bound by the deal to seek a lower sentence. In that case, Vick would also be liable to prosecution for perjury and obstruction of justice, according to the plea agreement.
Key points
From the summary of facts:
Gambling
• Vick agrees "that the 'Bad Newz Kennels' business enterprise involved gambling activities in violation of the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia as set forth in the indictment."
• "Most of the Bad Newz Kennels operation and gambling monies were provided by Vick."
• When the kennel's dogs won a fight, the gambling proceeds were generally shared by Vick's three co-defendants -- Tony Taylor, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips.
• "Vick did not gamble by placing side bets on any of the fights. Vick did not receive any of the proceeds of the purses that were won by Bad Newz Kennels."
Killing of dogs
• "Vick agrees and stipulates that these dogs all died as a result of the collective efforts of Peace, Phillips and Vick."
• "Peace, Phillips, and Vick agreed to the killing of approximately 6-8 dogs that did not perform well in 'testing' sessions ... and all of those dogs were killed by various methods, including hanging and drowning."
-- ESPN
In the agreement, Vick agreed to plead guilty to the first count of the original two-count indictment against him -- that he was part of a conspiracy to operate a dogfighting ring across state lines. In return for the guilty plea and Vick's cooperation, the government agreed to seek a departure from the federal sentencing guidelines, though U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson is not bound by any recommendation or by the sentencing guidelines.
Later Friday, Vick was suspended indefinitely by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who wrote to Vick: "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.""Most of the Bad Newz Kennels operation and gambling monies were provided by Vick," a summary of facts in the case stated, echoing language in plea agreements by three co-defendants who previously pleaded guilty.
The statement said that when the kennel's dogs won, the gambling proceeds were generally shared by Vick's three co-defendants: Tony Taylor, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips.
"Vick did not gamble by placing side bets on any of the fights. Vick did not receive any of the proceeds of the purses that were won by Bad Newz Kennels," the summary stated.
According to the statement, Vick also was involved with the others in killing six to eight dogs that did not perform well in testing sessions in April. The dogs were executed by drowning or hanging.
"Vick agrees and stipulates that these dogs all died as a result of the collective efforts" of Vick and two of the co-defendants, Phillips and Peace, the statement said.
Both sides agreed that due to aggravating circumstances from the facts of the case -- namely, "the victimization and killing of pit bulls" -- prosecutors would go above the federal sentencing guidelines for the charge, but would recommend a sentence at the low end of the scale following that adjustment. That comes out to a range of a year to 18 months.
That language in the plea agreement for Vick is identical to language in the plea agreements that were signed by Phillips and Peace, but not by Taylor.
Roger Cossack on plea
ESPN legal analyst Roger Cossack breaks down Michael Vick's plea deal and explains just what Vick is admitting to. Listen 
• Mort on Goodell's decision 
Hudson, who will accept Vick's plea, has a reputation for imposing stiff sentences, according to lawyers who have appeared in his court. Vick will not be sentenced for several months.
"Our position has been that we are going to try to help Judge Hudson understand all the facts and Michael's role," Vick's lead defense attorney, Billy Martin, said in a telephone interview. "Michael's role was different than others associated with this incident."
Martin said Vick will "speak to the public and explain his actions," but he declined to say whether that will occur in court or in a news conference after Monday's hearing.
The U.S. attorney's office, which has declined to comment on the case, said it would issue a statement after the hearing.
Our position has been that we are going to try to help Judge Hudson understand all the facts and Michael's role. ... Michael's role was different than others associated with this incident. 
Vick attorney Billy Martin
The case began in April, when authorities conducting a drug investigation of Vick's cousin raided the former Virginia Tech star's Surry County property and found dozens of dogs, some injured, and equipment commonly used in dogfighting.
A federal indictment issued in July charged Vick, Peace, Phillips and Taylor with an interstate dogfighting conspiracy. Vick initially denied any involvement, and all four men pleaded innocent.
Taylor was the first to change his plea to guilty, saying Vick financed the dogfighting ring's gambling and operations. Peace and Phillips soon followed, disclosing that Vick joined them in killing dogs that did not perform well in test fights.
The sickening details outlined in the indictment and other court papers prompted a public backlash against Vick, who had been one of the NFL's most popular players.
Vick was barred from the Falcons' training camp, but neither the NFL nor the team have taken further action.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.Epsn.com
From the A.P
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- When a Bad Newz Kennels dog was wounded in a losing fight, NFL star Michael Vick was consulted before the animal was doused with water and electrocuted.
That's just one of the gruesome details that emerged Tuesday when the Atlanta Falcons quarterback and three others were indicted by a federal grand jury.
The four were charged with competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines.
The 18-page indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alleged the 27-year-old Vick and his co-defendants began the dogfighting operation in early 2001, the former Virginia Tech star's rookie year as the No. 1 pick.
The operation was centered at a property Vick owned in Surry County, where a fence shielded prying eyes from the back, and the two-story brick home was surrounded by fencing in the front, with several black buildings further back.
If convicted of all the charges, Vick and the others -- Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach; Quanis L. Phillips, 28, of Atlanta; and Tony Taylor, 34, of Hampton -- could face up to six years in prison, $350,000 in fines and restitution.
A woman who answered the phone at the home of Vick's mother, Brenda Boddie, said "no comment" and quickly hung up.
Telephone messages left at the offices and home of Vick's attorney, Larry Woodward, and an e-mail sent to his office were not returned.
While the Falcons and the NFL said little Tuesday, John Goodwin of the Humane Society of the United States said the details were especially troubling.
About eight young dogs were put to death at the Surry County home after they were found not ready to fight in April 2007, the indictment said. They were killed "by hanging, drowning and/or slamming at least one dog's body to the ground."
"Some of the grisly details in these filings shocked even me, and I'm a person who faces this stuff every day," Goodwin said. "I was surprised to see that they were killing dogs by hanging them, and one dog was killed by slamming it to the ground. Those are extremely violent methods of execution -- they're unnecessary and just sick."
Purses for the fights ranged from hundreds of dollars to the thousands, and participants and spectators often placed side bets on the outcome, according to the indictment.
After two Bad Newz Kennels dogs lost fights in March 2003, the indictment alleged Vick gave a bag containing $23,000 to the owner of the winning dogs.
After an April police raid on the property, Vick said he was rarely at the house, however, and had no idea that it might have been used in a criminal enterprise. He blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity and pledged to be more careful.
He has since said very little, citing the advice of his attorneys.
But Tuesday the NFL was quick to decry the alleged animal abuse.
"The activities alleged are cruel, degrading and illegal. Michael Vick's guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
Vick and the Falcons are due to report to training camp July 25.
"Obviously, we are disturbed by today's news," the team said in a statement posted on its Web site, apologizing to fans for the negative publicity. "We will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out. We have a season to prepare for."
Vick and the others are accused of "knowingly sponsoring and exhibiting an animal fighting venture" and conducting a business enterprise involving gambling, as well as buying, transporting and receiving dogs for the purposes of an animal fighting venture.
The indictment said dogfights were held at the Virginia property and dog owners brought animals from six states, including New York and Texas.
Local authorities have been investigating since an April 25 drug raid at the property. On June 7, officials with the Department of Agriculture with help from state police executed their own search warrant and found the remains of seven dogs.
Surry County prosecutor Gerald G. Poindexter said he didn't know of the indictment before it was filed, and said he's not sure how the county will continue its separate case.
At the start, authorities seized 66 dogs, including 55 pit bulls, and equipment commonly used in dogfighting. About half the dogs were tethered to car axles with heavy chains that allowed the dogs to get close to each other, but not to have contact -- an arrangement typical for fighting dogs, according to the search warrant affidavit.
Before fights, participating dogs of the same sex would be weighed and bathed, according to the filings. Opposing dogs would be washed to remove any poison or narcotic placed on the dog's coat that could affect the other dog's performance.
Sometimes, dogs weren't fed to "make it more hungry for the other dog."
Fights would end when one dog died or with the surrender of the losing dog, which was sometimes put to death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, electrocution or some other method, according to the documents.
Associated Press Writer Dionne Walker contributed to this report.
By HANK KURZ Jr., AP Sports Writer
July 18, 2007
Unlike previous documents, which did not name Vick, the indictment is littered with his name, including this tidbit -- Vick was known as "Ookie" in the dogfighting world.
Started in early 2002, according to the indictment, Bad Newz Kennels began purchasing pit bulls to train as fighters. Eventually, the defendants bought shirts and headbands "representing and promoting their affiliation."
AP - Jul 17, 5:58 pm EDT
More Photos
Taank Johnson
Tank Johnson former defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears will not face charges for the arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence
The legal limit in Arizona were he was arrested is .08 percent. Johnson's blood level was .072. Johnson was released from the Chicago bears three days after his arrest.
Johnson said he was disapointed with the Bears but said the organization wasin a difficult spot at the time.
The Bears do not regret there decision because he was not over the legal limit.
Tank belives to see himself in a couple years playing football again
-Jack Gagnon
Daunte
Daunte Culpepper bruised his non throwing in a car accident Thursday afternoon.
Daunte has told the A.P that he is fine.
Culpepper had X-rays as a precaution but were not mandatatory. 
tecmo-blog.blogspot.com
Culpepper jokingly said "the real problem is that my 1975 convertible was damaged".
Culpepper is supposed to be traded or released soon but even though this is a mild injury could this effect his next destination?
His carrer has been going severly downhill since his 39 touchdown season with the Minnesota Vikings.
Jack Gagnon
Favre hurting?
Brett Favre was held out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday because of a sore Shoulder.
Coach of the Packers Mike McCarthy says that this is a very mild injury and he is only taking precautions. Favre said " I probably could practice, but it really don't make a lot of sense to go out and make it any worse".
Favre plays in the anual Packers celebertiy softball game as shortstop but will play as Designated Hitter.
Farve is 37 entering his 12th NFL season has had his share on injuries hopes this will not progress.
Jack Gagnon
graphics.jsonline.com
Breaking News
This just in Trent Green is now a Miami Dolphin.
This deal was apparently a deal in progress but was finalized late tuesday.
Cheifs get a 5th round pick next year and the dolphins get Green.
This trade was big for the dolphins but we had Harrington and Culpepper.
Now Harrington is out and Culpepper is on a very hot seat.
And they did pick Josh Beck of BYU with their Second pick in the draft.
Even if they get Green to play well he has been playing for 13 years and had a severe concussion last year.
That fifth round pick could become a fourth if Green plays well.
Roger Goodell's latest victim is Tank Johnson.
8 games Tank Johnson will sit but this supension means alot more.
Roger Goodell is really buckling down on this conduct policy.
Johnson is the 3rd Player the get a severe supension under the policy.
Every NFL Player beware
Aeyayayeye
Linebacker for the Cincinati Bengals Odell Thurman was accused of hiting and kicking two men in georgia during the weekend.
Normally they would suspend him even though no crime has been charged yet but he is already suspended.
Fool me once shame on me fool me twice and then three and then four shame on you.
As great as an athlete you might be please take the year of but don't make it worse.
Dwayne Jarrett
When the panthers drafted Dwayne Jarrett in the second round Keyshawn Johnson was covering the draft and he said he would teach Dwayne Jarrett. Three days later he was cut by the Panthers. I think Dwyane Jarrett will be good even without Keyshawns' help. What do you think?
Michael Vick
Air Mcnair
Steve Mcnair is getting old but he can still play. Sure he's not as mobile as he used to be but look at his stats last year 16 tds an 82.5 QB rating. Sure his playoffs weren't great but neither were Peyton Mannings' untill last season. Troy Smith will never replace him. Air Mcnair is in Baltimore for another few seasons and hopefully by then the Ravens will hae found somebody to replac him other then Troy Smith because Troy can't do the job.
Donovan Mcnabb
When Kevin kolb of houston was a drafted rumours speculated the Donovan Mcnabb was on the hot seat. Now the Phlidelphia inquirer says that Lance Briggs could be shipped to Philly and Mcnabb would be a bear. Briggs might be one of the best linebackers in the NFC and could change the whole NFC