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Jeered Vick pleads innocent in dogfighting case
Wait for evidence, says QB
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Published: Friday, July 27, 2007

RICHMOND, Va. -- NFL star Michael Vick and three other men pleaded innocent to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges here Thursday with a jury trial start date set for Nov. 26.

While Vick's Atlanta Falcons teammates were starting preseason training camp, the 27-year-old quarterback began a legal fight to avoid a possible five-year prison term and $350,000 in fines.

"I take the charges very seriously and look forward to clearing my good name," Vick said in a prepared statement read by his attorney, Billy Martin.

Vick, who has been ordered to stay away from Falcons camp by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, apologized to his teammates and his mom in his statement and asked people not to judge him until the evidence is revealed.

The indictment includes claims Vick killed dogs who would not fight to the death by drowning, hanging and electrocution.

A carnival sideshow atmosphere outside the courthouse featured about 250 protesters, some wearing dog costumes and many waving signs. They booed Vick, who had no visible reaction as he walked into the building.