Michael Vick loses endorsement deals; co-defendant cops plea, could testify against quarterback

Jet, August 20, 2007 by Melody K. Hoffman

Since Michael Vick's arraignment July 26, where he pleaded not guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback has suffered several commercial setbacks.

Rawlings Sports Goods Company recently said that it was ending its relationship with Vick because of the allegations. The NFL star was also told by Nike that the shoe company was suspending his lucrative contract, and Reebok stopped sales of his

No. 7 jersey. Upper Deck removed all Vick autographed memorabilia from its online store and said it was removing Vick trading cards from NFL sets to be released in October.

However, the endorsement losses pale to the fact that Vick, who is barred from the Falcons training camp by the NFL, could face additional charges.

One of Vick's three co-defendants changed his plea shortly after pleading not guilty to dogfighting charges (JET, Aug. 13). Tony Taylor, 34, of Hampton, VA, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.

As part of a plea agreement, Taylor pledged to fully cooperate with the government in its prosecution of Vick and two other men accused of running an interstate dogfighting enterprise known as Bad Newz Kennels on Vick's property in rural Surry County.

"The Bad Newz Kennels' operation and gambling monies were almost exclusively funded by Vick," a summary of facts supporting the plea agreement and signed by Taylor states.

Vick, 27, who said in a written statement that he looked forward to "clearing my good name," and Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach, and Quanis Phillips, 28, of Atlanta, are scheduled for trial Nov. 26. They remain free without bond.

--Melody K. Hoffman with AP reports