Ten pressing questions surrounding Vick's case

Source: USA Today
By: Gary Mihoces

RICHMOND, Va. — Court confirmation that Michael Vick will enter a guilty plea in a federal dogfighting case slipped out almost quietly Monday, in contrast to the packed courtroom, media blitz and throng of picketers likely next week when the fallen star quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons arrives in court to make his plea.

"I can tell you … Mr. Vick will be making a plea of guilty next Monday morning at 10:30," federal judge Henry Hudson said.

In contrast to the crowd of hundreds when Vick and three others entered initial not-guilty pleas on July 26, there were nine picketers Monday from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

As Vick awaits his next day in court, here are 10 questions that surround a case that began with a drug raid on property formerly owned by Vick in Smithfield, Va.:

Can Vick ever find public forgiveness? Robert Tuchman, founder of TSE Sports & Entertainment in New York, says the first step would be to hold a televised news conference. "He should go out and admit his guilt — whether he means it or not. Americans will give people a second chance. As long as he admits he was wrong and asks forgiveness," Tuchman said. After his initial arraignment in July, Vick did not speak publicly in Richmond. Instead, he relied on a prepared statement read by an attorney. Tuchman said statements read by lawyers won't cut it.