PHOTO BY MARTIN SCHOELLER FOR CORBIS OUTLINE // PUBLISHED IN GQ MAGAZINE (2006)
MICHAEL VICK IS TRYING HIS DAMNDEST TO GET A SHORT JAIL SENTENCE » Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty and publicly apologised yesterday for his role in a dogfighting case that will land him in jail and already has prompted his suspension from the team. Vick said “guilty” when asked by US District Judge Henry Hudson how he would plead to the charge of conspiracy in connection with an illegal, interstate dogfighting enterprise. Speaking briefly later to reporters, Mike said:
“I want to apologise for all the things I’ve done and all the things I’ve allowed to happen. Dogfighting is a terrible thing and I do reject it,” added Vick, 27. “I will redeem myself. I have to.”
Judge Hudson said he would sentence Vick on December 10 of this year. Vick faces a maximum of five years in prison but under terms of the plea deal, prosecutors have requested a 12 to 18 month sentence. Hudson told Vick that he was not bound by the deal. “I place a lot of importance on the government recommendation but I want it understood that I am not bound by that part of the plea agreement,” Hudson said in court. “The decision is mine in regard to sentencing. If I decide you deserve five years, you’ll get five years and you can’t appeal that. Do you understand that?” he asked. “Yes, Sir,” Vick responded.
Vick, who has been suspended without pay indefinitely by the NFL, left the courthouse to boos and cheers from dozens of demonstrators standing across the street. Some were carrying signs with pictures of a battered pit bull while others had placards supporting Vick.
DMX FACES CHARGES OF ANIMAL CRUELTY // DEAD DOGS FOUND IN HOME
APPARENTLY CELEBRITIES AND DOGS … DO NOT MIX! » Further details have emerged in the DMX case as authorities who raided the rapper’s Arizona home last week have also found three dog carcasses and suspected illegal narcotics. Sheriff Joe Arpaio told The Arizona Republic that the illegal narcotics were found inside a locked master bedroom and preliminary tests indicate that it’s either cocaine or methamphetamine. The three dog carcasses were unearthed from the backyard; two were in bags and another appeared to have been burned. DMX’s attorney, Murray Richman, claims he had no knowledge of any narcotics at his client’s home and continued on to say that the dogs were looked after by a caretaker and various people who had been staying at the home.
“Why doesn’t the sheriff call me?” Richman said. “I spoke to him yesterday – and rather than make these allegations in the press, why doesn’t he call me?” Richman claims that DMX has not been at the house for two months but Sheriff Arpaio says neighbors placed the rapper at the home in the past two weeks. DMX has neither been charged nor arrested, but he could be facing misdemeanor charges for animal cruelty. “No one is going to get any passes regardless of occupation,” said Arpaio. This year is NOT shaping up to be a good one for dogs!
PHOTO BY “LEGO” // PUBLISHED IN BLENDER MAGAZINE (2006)
ANOTHER RAPPER, ANOTHER FASHION VENTURE » If another rapper comes out with another line I am going to shoot myself! Juelz Santana is on the verge of breaking out with his own fashion line. Modeled after Santana’s own personal style and rock star look, RoyElz will be designed by Mr. Slim Mils and will make its debut at the famed Magic’s Fall Marketplace convention in Las Vegas in Februar 2008. The line was slated to be unveiled next week at Magic’s Spring Marketplace but was pushed back due to a family member’s terminal illness. The line, which the Harlem-born rapper has been preparing for some time, will be a family affair with his mother, Deborah James, and aunt, Laura Tyler, helping with the business.
“My Sister, Juelz, and I are extremely excited about the line,” says James, president of the company. “We are looking forward to the launching of RoyElz and seeing it in stores soon.” The Dipset emcee is also putting the finishing touches on his third solo album, “Born To Lose, Built To Win.” Though known for his flashy lyrics, Santana says that this disc, which has a pending release date, will be more mature and the subject matter will be expanded. “This upcoming album will show my growth as an artist,” Santana said. “This time around, I’m talking about survival, maintaining my lifestyle and overcoming the obstacles and challenges life brings. The beats will be harder and the lyrics are tighter.”
PHOTO BY BRIAN SMITH FOR CORBIS OUTLINE // PUBLISHED IN PEOPLE MAGAZINE (2005)
NICK’S FRIEND STILL IN CRITICAL CONDITION » Nick Bollea, known us as Nick Hogan, was released on Monday from a hospital in Clearwater, Florida, and is now recovering at home, one day after a car wreck left the 17-year-old seriously injured and another male passenger clinging to his life.
“My son Nick and a friend were involved in a car accident last night. Nick suffered minor injuries and has been treated and released from the hospital. At this time, his friend, John Graziano remains hospitalized,” Linda Hogan, Nick’s mom, said in a statement released Monday.
Wayne Shelor, a spokesman for the Clearwater Police Department, said Bollea was behind the wheel of a yellow Toyota Supra and speeding at approximately 7:30 P.M. Sunday evening when he lost control on a four-lane highway in downtown Clearwater. The car’s rear tires jumped a raised median, sending the vehicle spinning into a palm tree. Firefighters on the scene removed the men from the tangle of metal, and they were treated on the scene by paramedics before being taken by helicopter to Bayfront Medical Center in nearby St. Petersburg.
Bollea’s injuries were described as non-life threatening, while his friend, 22-year-old John Graziano, was listed in critical condition. Local station Tampa Bay News 10 interviewed witnesses who claimed the Hogan Knows Best star was racing a silver Dodge Viper at the time of the crash. However, Shelor declined to speculate on the cause of the horrific accident, pending the outcome of an investigation. Authorities have also ruled out alcohol as a possible factor. No charges have been filed In a message on Nick’s MYSPACE PAGE, he said:
I want to thank everyone who has sent their support to me. Right now I would like to ask all of you to focus your prayers on my friend John.
