Vick Arrives in Virginia Court

Amid boos from spectators, NFL star Michael Vick arrived at a federal courthouse Thursday to answer accusations that he was involved in a brutal dogfighting operation.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was to appear at a bond hearing and enter a plea on dogfighting conspiracy charges. He said nothing as he walked into the courthouse, which was lined by spectators who began gathering at dawn.
Vick arrived at 3 p.m. in a black sport utility vehicle and was booed by a crowd of hundreds.
Wearing a dark suit and blue shirt, Vick looked straight ahead as he walked up the ramp to the courthouse.
Vick is accused with three others of conspiracy involving competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting, and conducting the enterprise across state lines. Federal prosecutors allege the operation known as Bad Newz Kennels operated on Vick's property in Surry County.
The allegations detailed in a graphic, 18-page indictment sparked protests by animal rights groups at the headquarters of the NFL and the Falcons, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has barred Vick from training camp while the league investigates.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank said the team wanted to suspend Vick for four games, the maximum penalty a team can assess a player, but the NFL asked the Falcons to wait. Instead, Blank has told Vick to focus on his legal problems, not football.
Thursday, the Falcons opened their first camp under coach Bobby Petrino.
The case began April 25 when investigators conducting a drug search at the property found 66 dogs, including 55 pit bulls, and equipment typically used in dogfighting. They included a "rape stand" that holds aggressive dogs in place for mating and a "breakstick" used to pry open a dog's mouth.
Vick contended he knew nothing about a dogfighting operation at the home, where one of his cousins lived, and said he rarely visited. He has since declined comment, citing his attorney's advice.
Attorney Lawrence Woodward of Virginia Beach, who has also represented Allen Iverson and Vick's younger brother, Marcus, has not returned several phone messages.