FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -Michael Vick treated questions about his ties to an alleged dog-fighting operation the same way he handles opposing defenses: He scrambled away.
The first quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season refused Friday to discuss the sordid case, the latest in a series on embarrassing revelations about the Atlanta Falcons star and one that could land him in trouble with the NFL.
But he did vow to change his ways, saying he is mindful of how he’s viewed by fans. When asked for specifics, Vick replied, “You’ll have to wait and see. Just don’t plan on talking about me anymore unless it’s about football.”
Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has vowed to crack down on misbehaving players, already met with Vick and could impose a suspension if it’s shown that he knew about dozens of mistreated dogs that allegedly were used for fighting.
The animals were found at a home owned by Vick in Smithfield, Va., though he said previously that he rarely went to the house and didn’t know that a large kennel on the property could be involved in a criminal activity.
The Daily Press of Newport News, Va., reported Friday that Vick has sold the house.
Foster, told the newspaper that the two-story brick house was put up for sale on Wednesday and sold the same day. Vick was asking $350,000 for the property – less than half its assessed value of $747,000. Brooks would not reveal the sale price.
Looking as though he didn’t have a care in the world, Vick emerged from the locker room after the Falcons conducted their first practice of a mandatory three-day minicamp. He sat down on a set of metal bleachers, wearing a T-shirt that said “Pay The Price,” and was engulfed by some 30 members of the media.
“How y’all doing,” he said, breaking into a slight smile.
Before the first question was asked, Vick made it clear that he didn’t want to talk about the dog-fighting case.
“I know y’all are here to talk about the ongoing investigation back home in Virginia,” he said. “As of right now, that situation is still under investigation. My attorney has advised me not to talk about the situation right now. That’s the best thing.
“I know you guys have a job to do, but I would respect it if you respect what I have to say about just not saying anything right now until the investigation is over.”
Vick wouldn’t discuss the sale of the house or even respond to the chance to proclaim his innocence, as he did shortly after the property was raided by investigators some two weeks ago.
“Like I said, I won’t talk about the situation right now,” he said. “When the investigation is over, then I’ll be more than glad to answer any questions that you have for me.”
Vick scrambles away from dog-fighting case; notorious house sold
