Atlanta Falcons Owner Accuses Michael Vick of Lying About Dogfighting Role

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – 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 Associated Press before Atlanta's preseason game against Buffalo.

Blank's response came after two co-defendants in the federal dogfighting conspiracy case pleaded guilty earlier Friday, with one saying Vick helped in killing dogs.

"It's sad that those allegations exist and now they are confirmed by others," Blank said. "It's sad that Michael has put himself into that kind of situation. It's his responsibility for putting himself into that situation."

Blank said he will speak with commissioner Roger Goodell, and wait for the NFL to complete its investigation.

Vick's career is in jeopardy and he has been barred from joining the Falcons until the NFL completes its own investigation.

Blank told ESPN earlier that he expected Vick to submit his plea deal before the end of the day.

Blank would not repeat that statement in the interview with The Associated Press, except to say, "It seems a pretty clear indication there will be some sort of plea entered. When? I'm not positive."

Blank did say he was aware that negotiations were still taking place at 5 p.m.

Vick and his representatives have been having talks this past week. The decision to cut a deal would be regarded as an attempt for Vick to hold jail time under a year. His other option would be sitting through a trial, where the details would be revealed of what took place with a Virginia dogfighting operation known as "Bad Newz Kennels," which was allegedly funded by Vick and operated on his property.

The case began in April with a search of Vick's property in Surry County, a few miles from Vick's hometown of Newport News. Investigators seized dozens of pit bulls, some of them injured, and equipment typically used in dogfighting operations.

"From a personal perspective, it's just very sad," Blank said. "It's distressing after six years spending time with somebody, you think you know them and then there's another side that is shocking to all of us."