Collegiate Times

Vick indicted on dog-fighting charges

After months of speculation over Michael Vick’s alleged involvement with dog-fighting, an indictment was handed down Tuesday claiming that Vick and three of his associates have actively participated in the illegal sport for at least six years. A federal grand jury claimed in an 18 page indictment that Vick was involved in creating an inter-state dog-fighting operation, named “Bad Newz Kennels”, that procured, trained, fought and ultimately executed pit bulls. The charges carry a maximum penalty of up to $350,000 in fines and six years in prison. The indictment claims that Vick’s associates executed eight dogs for performing poorly in the month of April, utilizing methods such as hanging, electrocution, shooting, and physical beatings. According to the indictment, Vick trained and fought dogs on his 15 acre property at 1915 Moonlight Rd. in Smithfield, Va. While Vick was not directly accused of executing any of the animals, the indictment claims that he was consulted before dogs were electrocuted. “Bad Newz Kennels” was accused of being involved gambling as much as $13,000 on fights between their Virginia operation and other kennels from Texas, Washington D.C., and New York. In April, Vick’s Smithfield property was raided by police who discovered 54 pit bulls as well as assorted paraphernalia associated with training and fighting dogs. Vick claimed in April to have no connection to the criminal organization.


Hokies land key recruits

Head football coach Frank Beamer commented Wednesday that he will know soon about the eligibility of one of the team’s top recruits, William Alvarez out of Hlyton High. Alvarez is a 6’4, 315 pound offensive lineman whose availability had been questionable due to academic problems with the NCAA. Alvarez would be a big boost for Tech’s undersized offensive line. In other recruiting news, wide receiver Ervin Garner out of Oakton High was signed over the summer. The 5’10 receiver should provide depth for the Hokie’s talented receiving core. Tech coaches have also said that quarterback Tyrod Taylor, Tech’s highest ranked recruit, will most likely redshirt his freshman year. Taylor, who was a standout scrambling quarterback from Hampton, Va., was expected by many to challenge Sean Glennon for the starting position in 2007.


Town Hall meetings shape Spirit Fund

Kenneth Feinberg will hold two town hall meetings later this week regarding the distribution of Hokie Spirit Memorial funds. Feinburg was asked by University President Charles Steger on July 6 to administer the distribution of funds collected by the fund after the April 16th shootings. The meetings are set for Wednesday at 2:30pm at the Law Offices of the Feinburg Group in Washington D.C., and Friday at 2pm at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center. The meetings are open to anyone interested in discussing the protocol of the Virginia Tech Victim’s Assistance Program. Feinberg helped with the distribution of funds after the September 11th tragedies and is currently working pro bono for Virginia Tech. The Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund will be closed on August 1, and any further donations will be directed towards the Hokie Spirit Scholarship Fund.

Feinberg has proposed a budget for the Spirit Fund.

[ Feinberg Proposal ]



Tech athletes to wear commemorative patch

All Virginia Tech athletic teams will wear a black patch throughout the 2007/2008 seasons to honor the victims of the April 16th tragedy. The patch features an orange ribbon overlapped by a maroon VT logo.  According to a university news release the patch was inspired by a Tech student’s design. Other tributes have not been announced yet, with the exception of one during the home-opening football game on September 1.


Kainee plans campus security conference

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has set an August 13th date for a conference in Richmond that will address campus security at Virginia’s colleges and universities. The conference will be held on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University and will address sweeping changes to school’s approaches to campus security after the tragedy at Virginia Tech. Representatives from the state’s various two and four year universities will gather to discuss changes to previously existing security plans.  State schools that have already announced plans to improve security include University of Virginia, Mary Washington University, and the College of William and Mary.