Day: August 18, 2007

Co-defendant: Vick executed dogsCo-defendant: Vick executed dogs

Purnell A. Peace, a defendant in the Michael Vick dogfighting case, leaves Federal court in front of protesters in Richmond, Va., Friday, Aug. 17, 2007. Purnell Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach and Quanis Phillips, 28, of Atlanta entered plea agreements and joined another defendant who previously changed his plea to guilty. The agreements require the three to cooperate in the government's case against Vick.

It’s up to Michael Vick now. His last two co-defendants pleaded guilty Friday and implicated Vick in bankrolling gambling on dogfights. One of them said the Atlanta Falcons quarterback helped drown or hang dogs that didn’t do well. With his NFL career in jeopardy and a superseding indictment adding more charges in the works, that left Vick with a hard choice: Cutting his own deal to hold jail time…

Falcons owner accuses Vick of lyingFalcons owner accuses Vick of lying

Falcons owner Arthur Blank accused Michael Vick of lying to him and the NFL after one of the NFL star’s co-defendants said Friday that the quarterback took part in drowning and hanging dogs that didn’t perform well. “What’s suggested in those statements of fact don’t match up with what the league was told, even our organization and certainly not what was said to the commissioner,” Blank told The…

River’s Prayer wins Rancho Bernardo Handicap at Del MarRiver’s Prayer wins Rancho Bernardo Handicap at Del Mar

River’s Prayer beat Strong Faith by a half-length Friday in the $200,000 Rancho Bernardo Handicap at Del Mar. Ridden by Clinton Potts, River’s Prayer covered 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.85, fastest at the distance at Del Mar’s summer meeting. River’s Prayer paid $6.20, $3.20 and $2.80. Strong Faith returned $4 and $3.20, while Lady Gamer was another 4 3/4 lengths back in third and paid $3.40 to show.

US makes best of unwanted trip to VegasUS makes best of unwanted trip to Vegas

If Amare Stoudemire wasn’t preparing for the FIBA Americas championship, he might be far from a basketball court this week. “Right now, I’d probably just be on a vacation with my family,” the All-Star center said. LeBron James said he would probably be back home “working out and playing video games all day.” But both NBA stars are in Vegas, along with the rest of Team USA, practicing for the…

Tigers designate Monroe for assignmentTigers designate Monroe for assignment

In a bold move during a tense pennant race, the Detroit Tigers called up touted prospect Cameron Maybin on Friday and cut slumping outfielder Craig Monroe, a key member of their World Series team last season. The 20-year-old Maybin, with only six games of experience at Double-A, was set to make his major league debut Friday night against the New York Yankees — weather permitting.

Packers release veteran WR FergusonPackers release veteran WR Ferguson

Green Bay released Robert Ferguson on Friday, a day after coach Mike McCarthy said the receiver’s career with the Packers was over. The Packers drafted Ferguson in the second round in 2001. He played in 60 games for Green Bay, catching 116 passes for 1,577 yards and 12 touchdowns. “We thank Robert for everything he has given to the Packers,” general manager Ted Thompson said.

Browns’ Quinn expected to debut SaturdayBrowns’ Quinn expected to debut Saturday

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn throws a pass during training camp, Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007, in Berea, Ohio. Quinn's still waiting for the Cleveland Browns to call his name on game day. The high-profile rookie, who never got off the sideline in Cleveland's exhibition opener last week, is expected to make his NFL debut, for a few plays against Detroit on Saturday for the Browns, whose quarterback competition is nearing a conclusion without him in the conversation.

Brady Quinn is still hanging around and waiting for the Cleveland Browns to call his name — on game day. The high-profile rookie, who stayed on the sideline in Cleveland’s exhibition opener last week, is expected to make his NFL debut — probably a brief one — on Saturday night for the Browns, whose quarterback competition is nearing a conclusion without him even in the conversation or debate.

Sharp Susan wins $150,000 Lake Placid Stakes at SaratogaSharp Susan wins $150,000 Lake Placid Stakes at Saratoga

Sharp Susan won the $150,000 Lake Placid Stakes for 3-year-old fillies, leading wire-to-wire at Saratoga Race Course. Off to a good start and unpressured around the Mellon turf course, the daughter of Touch Gold ran 1 1-8 miles in 1:46.69 under Kent Desormeaux. New Edition finished second, 1 1/2 lengths back, and Lady Attack was third.