Feds will probably move quickly on Vick indictment

	Michael Vick Pleads Guilty • Vick formally enters guilty plea to dogfighting • Text of Vick's post-hearing apology • McCANN: What sentence will Vick get? • Monumental day in store for Falcons • NFL suspends Vick after he files plea • DOHRMANN: What exactly did Vick admit? • McCann: Judge still plays key role in Vick case • CNN: Grim future for most fighting dogs • NAACP thinks Vick should be able to return • KING: Hard to imagine upcoming season • BANKS: NFL personnel gurus on Vick's future • Athletes prosecuted by federal government

Sports Illustrated investigative reporter George Dohrmann has been following the Michael Vick case for several months. His first story on the investigation appeared in the June 4 issue. SI.com sat down with him for a Q&A on the latest developments.

SI.com: Is it possible Michael Vick will face more charges?

Dohrmann: Prosecutors have the option of filing additional charges. Just because an indictment is handed down doesn't mean federal investigators stop probing. If they uncover new information or crimes different from those that have already been alleged, they could charge him with more.

SI.com: What's a realistic sentence in this type of case?

Dohrmann: Sentences for animal fighting cases vary; every judge views the severity of that crime differently. It is hard to imagine him getting the maximum of six years. Still, federal offenders serve about 85 percent of their sentence, a percentage more than double of some states. So, if Vick is convicted and sentenced, he would likely do considerably more time than someone given the same sentence at the local level.

SI.com: What's the likely timetable of events, and how might the legal proceedings affect Vick's ability to play this season?

Dohrmann: Vick will make his first court appearance on July 26, where he will have a bond hearing and then be arraigned. That is the same day as the Falcons' opening practice. The federal district court in Richmond is known as the fastest moving court in the federal system; it's realistic Vick's trial could begin in about six months or even less. Most likely, the case begins at or near the end of the season, and Vick will be able to complete the season with only the occasional interruption because of his legal troubles.

SI.com: Is it possible Vick faces separate discipline from the NFL because of his association with gambling?

Dohrmann: The NFL could view the gambling as a separate violation of the league's code of conduct and penalize him above and beyond anything he gets if he is found guilty of the federal charges. It could be a creative way for the league to suspend him longer than the typical first-time offender. However, this would certainly be challenged by Vick and his attorney and, one can assume, the union.

SI.com: What was the sentence for other former NFL players convicted in connection with dogfighting?

Dohrmann: LeShon Johnson, a former running back for the Arizona Cardinals and other teams, was twice arrested for dogfighting and in both cases admitted involvement. After the first offense, in 2001, he simply agreed to no longer attend fights or own fighting dogs. He was arrested again three years later and in 2005 he pled to a deferred sentence of five years. Former Dallas Cowboy Nate Newton was arrested at a fight in Texas in 1991 but charges were later dropped. It is important to note that neither Johnson nor Newton faced federal charges.