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From: In Defense of Animals - takeaction [at] idausa.org
Date: Aug 27, 2007 6:12 PM
Subject: Urge Atlanta Falcons to Kick Vick Off of the Team

Urge Atlanta Falcons to Kick Vick Off of the Team; NFL star pleads guilty to dogfighting charges but remains on Falcons’ roster

Photo via macwagen

Standing before a U.S. District Court Judge in a Richmond courthouse today, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick pled guilty to federal charges of conspiring to run an illegal dogfighting operation over the last six years out of his Virginia home. In hearing his plea, the judge emphasized that he is not legally obligated to follow the prosecutors’ reduced sentencing recommendations, and that he could send Vick to prison for up to five years. Vick’s sentencing is scheduled for December 10th.

Even though the NFL has suspended Vick indefinitely from play and may eventually ban him from the league for good, the Atlanta Falcons have chosen not to sever their ties with the disgraced athlete. The reason, according to team owner Arthur Blank, is that cutting Vick from the team is “not in the long-term best interests of (the) franchise.”

Yet the fact remains that Michael Vick has finally admitted to a serious criminal offense after weeks of denial during which he essentially lied to Blank, his teammates, football fans, and the public. Considerations about what is best for Atlanta Falcons, Inc. pale before Vick’s ongoing abuse and murder of innocent dogs. Regardless of how much money is at stake in ending his lucrative contract, Blank needs to do the right thing, which in this case is cutting Vick from the team now.

1) Please “Take Action” to urge Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons franchise, to do the responsible thing and end the team’s relationship with Vick. To have the most impact, edit the sample letter to express your personal views, then print it out for mailing. Also feel free to follow up with a polite phone call or personal email to the franchise.

Atlanta Falcons
c/o Arthur Blank, Owner
4400 Falcon Parkway
Flowery Branch, GA 30542

Tel: (770) 965-3115
Email: fans [at] falcons.nfl.com

2) While Vick faces federal conspiracy charges, the state of Virginia has yet to indict him under their dogfighting laws. Please therefore ask Surry County Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerald Poindexter, via postal mail, fax, or phone, to seek state charges against the football star and to pursue the maximum sentence allowed under the law.

Virginia Commonwealth Attorney Gerald Poindexter
Surry County
Post Office Box 358
Surry, Virginia 23883

Tel: (757) 294-3118
Fax: (757) 294-3560

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In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. IDA’s efforts include educational events, cruelty investigations, boycotts, grassroots activism, and hands-on rescue through our sanctuaries in Mississippi and Cameroon, Africa.

In Defense of Animals 3010 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, California 94901 - P: (415) 388-9641 F: (415) 388-0388

email: idainfo [at] idausa.org

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