Sources Indicate Vick Knew of Dog Fighting

Despite denials from Atlanta Falcon's quarterback Michael Vick, a recent report quoting two friends claims he knew about the illegal dog fighting that was taking place at a home he owns in Virginia.

SI.com first reported the allegations today and, if they are true, the quarterback will likely face a suspension.

Police found more than 60 dogs at the property in April while executing a drug warrant. Some of the dogs were reportedly malnourished and showed injuries and scars that are normally associated with dog fighting. Police also found veterinary supplies, blood-soaked carpeting, treadmills used for training and tools used to pry apart a dog's jaws.

Vick does not live at the property and, shortly after the arrest of one of his relatives, denied knowing anything about the dogs.

A little over a week after the incident, it was revealed that Vick has ties to a Web site that sells dogs, including pit bull terriers. A statement on the site, www.vicksk9kennels.com, says the owners screen prospective buyers and would not knowingly give or sell a dog to someone who would use it for fighting.

The former 1^st overall draft pick has met with both Atlanta Falcons officials and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. So far, both the team and the NFL are waiting for the outcome of an ongoing investigation before making a decision regarding Vick.

According to the sources quoted in the SI.com article (all of them anonymously), Vick has questionable judgment when it comes to the people he associates with and has a long-standing belief that the rules don't apply to him.

Two of the sources also claimed they were convinced Vick was aware of the dog fighting going on at the property. One of them claimed he had an "affinity" for dog-fighting.

During his conversation with Goodell, the commissioner made it clear he would be punished if he was guilty. The punishment will likely include a suspension ranging from 4 games to a year depending on how Goodell views the offense and past incidents that include a woman suing Vick for allegedly giving her the Herpes virus and being taken into custody at Miami International Airport in January for carrying a water bottle with a secret compartment.

If Vick is suspended, the Falcons will have to rely on free agent quarterback Joey Harrington. Harrington was signed this year after the team traded Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans. In five seasons as a starter with the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins, Harrington has a career passer rating of 68.1 and has yet to have a winning season. The team also has quarterbacks Chris Redman and D. J. Shockley on their roster.