NFL To Aid In Vick Investigation

Who let the dogs out?

That's the question Virginia investigators and now the NFL want to know. NFL Security has offered its help in the probe of illegal dogfighting at a property owned by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, an unidentified source close to the situation told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Investigators have spoken to, or are in the process of contacting, persons who purport to have information regarding dogfighting at the property, the person told the AJC.

NFL Security personnel said they can't comment on the specifics of their involvement in the case. Greg Aiello, an NFL spokesman, told the AJC that it is routine protocol for NFL security to get involved in legal matters with players and other league personnel.

Investigators have not interviewed Vick, according to Gerald Poindexter, the Surry County Commonwealth's attorney, the prosecutor in the investigation.

"Not to my knowledge," Poindexter told the newspaper.

Vick flew to Virginia after completing an offseason team practice on Thursday at the Falcons training camp at Flowery Branch, Ga.

Poindexter still doesn't have solid evidence linking Vick to dogfighting. He said there are no eyewitnesses who say they saw dogfighting at the home where 66 dogs were seized along with equipment that could be associated with dog fighting. The discoveries were made during a drug raid at the home on April 25.

Police also found items associated with dog fighting, including treadmills and a "pry bar'' used to pry apart a dog's jaws. Poindexter has said they also found a bloodied carpet and blood splatters on the floor in a room over the garage.

Vick, a native of Newport News who starred at Virginia Tech, is a registered dog breeder. He said he let a cousin, Davon Boddie, live at the house, and that he didn't know a large kennel on the property could be involved in criminal activity.

It's good that the National Football League is getting involved and taking an interest. While I'm not a PETA supporter, cruelty to animals is sick and if Vick is involved, the NFL should come down hard, despite the irresponsible comments of one Clinton Portis.

Did Vick let the dogs out? The NFL may find out very, very soon.