July 26, 2007

Michael Vick pleaded not guilty in Richmond Thursday to federal dogfighting charges. He was released without bond until his trial in November.

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback and three others their pleas in U-S District Court to charges involving competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting, and conducting the enterprise across state lines.

Federal prosecutors say the dogfighting operation occured on Vick's property in Surry County. The defendants were ordered to surrender their passports, were told not to travel outside their immediate area without court approval, and cannot sell or possess any dogs. Vick also was ordered to surrender any animal breeder or kennel license.

After the hearings, Vick's defense attorney Billy Martin read a
statement from Vick that said "I take the charges seriously and I look forward to clearing my good name.

The trial date is set for November 26th.