Tony Taylor, a co-defendant in Michael Vick’s federal dogfighting conspiracy case, pleaded guilty Monday as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. “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.

 

Bad Newz is perhaps the perfect nickname for the kennel because the announcement of the plea deal could only mean “bad newz” for Vick and Quanis L. Phillips his co-defendant who both could be encaged by a kennel of their own very soon. As part of his plea deal, Taylor is required to testify against Vick and the two other co-defendants if necessary.

The Atlanta chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is taking a stand for its local quarterback however saying he shouldn’t be tried in the court of public opinion and deserves his day in court before everyone, namely the NFL passes judgment.

R.L. White, president of NAACP’s Atlanta chapter, says Vick has been unfairly criticized by animal rights groups, talk radio and the news media, and has been blackballed by the NFL, the Falcons and sponsors before a shred of testimony is ever heard in court.

Vick has been told by the league not to report to training camp and Vick related merchandise has been pulled by Nike and Reebok. 

“If Mr. Vick is guilty, he should pay for his crime, but to treat him as he is being treated now is also a crime,” white said in a news conference. “Be restrained in your premature judgment until the legal process is completed.”