Animal Rights Protest

Flowery Branch, GA - Animals rights advocates protested Monday outside Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Georgia, calling for the suspension of quarterback Michael Vick following his indictment on dogfighting charges.

About four dozen people took part in the protest organized by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the animal rights organization based in Norfolk. They held signs reading "Sack Vick!", "Kick Vick," and "Tackle Cruelty." Many brought their dogs.

Protesters said Vick should not get special treatment because he is a star athlete. The protesters plan to demonstrate a few hours each day ahead of training camp, which begins Thursday.

Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts said the team will have no comment about the protests.

A federal grand jury indicted Vick last week in Richmond, where he is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday. The NFL has said it would monitor legal developments in the case.

Vick and three associates face multiple charges stemming from evidence seized at property owned by Vick in Surry County, Virginia.

Surry County Grand Jury

Richmond, VA - The Surry County prosecutor says embattled NFL star Michael Vick will not be indicted when the Surry County grand jury meets on Tuesday. That's largely because the local dogfighting investigation has taken a back seat to a federal probe.

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback and Virginia native was indicted by the federal government last week and is to be arraigned in Richmond on Thursday.

Surry County Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald Poindexter says their investigation has been on hiatus since federal officials their first search. Poindexter says he spoke with the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia who is prosecuting the federal case today and they are trying to work out how to proceed.

Surry County's grand jury is scheduled to convene again in September.

NFL Tells Vick No Training Camp

New York, NY - Michael Vick is being ordered by commissioner Roger Goodell to stay away from the Atlanta Falcons' training camp until the league reviews the dogfighting charges against him.

In a letter to the quarterback, Goodell says while it's fore the legal system to determine Vick's guilt or innocence, it his responsibility as NFL commissioner to determine whether the conduct violates league policies.

The NFL says Vick would still get his pre-season pay and Goodell told the Falcons to withhold any disciplinary action of their own until the league's review was completed.

Goodell told Vick the league would complete its review as quickly as possible and that he expected full cooperation. The Falcons open camp on Thursday, the same day Vick is scheduled to be arraigned in Richmond on charges of sponsoring a dog fighting operation.

Dog Lovers Mad About Vick and Dog Fighting

Richmond, VA - Sports enthusiasts can overlook an athlete's missteps, so long as they don't cross one line, don't mess with Fido.

In a nation where dog owners number in the millions, hurting one of the furry creatures tugs even the toughest tailgater's heart strings.

It's a lesson Michael Vick is learning the hard way, as he faces animal rights activists and fans shocked by allegations that he was involved in a dog fighting enterprise.

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback and three co-defendants will appear in a Richmond federal courtroom Thursday. If convicted of both felony charges, Vick and the others face up to six years in prison and fines.

The case pits fans' devotion to Vick against their love of man's best friend. For some, there's no competition.