Vick to go on trial April 2 in Virginia

Michael Vick’s lead attorney left open the possibility of a plea agreement after the suspended NFL star was scheduled for an April 2 jury trial on state dogfighting charges in Virginia.

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback pleaded guilty to a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge in August and voluntarily reported to jail last week, even though he will not be formally sentenced until Dec. 10.

As he left the courthouse, defense attorney Billy Martin was asked why Vick is fighting the state charges after pleading guilty in federal court.

“I can’t tell you we’re fighting them, I can’t tell you we’re taking a plea deal,” Martin said. “We’re going to look at this matter and give him some legal advice, and that has not been decided yet.”

Vick faces up to five years in prison for his federal conviction. The two state charges -- beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs, and engaging in or promoting dogfighting -- also are punishable by up to five years in prison each.

With the kickoff already delayed 25 minutes by terrible weather and a stadium filled with rain-drenched fans growing impatient for the opening kickoff, the NFL skipped the national anthem before Monday night’s Miami Dolphins-Pittsburgh Steelers game. Every game in the four major American pro sports leagues traditionally starts with the anthem. But the NFL rushed to start the game because of the deteriorating weather and field conditions.

“Due to the severe inclement weather conditions that caused a delay in last night’s game in Pittsburgh, a decision was made by NFL representatives at the game to shorten pregame warm-ups and other activities and kick off as quickly as possible for the benefit of the in-stadium fans and the teams,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. “This resulted in the teams not being introduced and the national anthem not being performed on the field. This action was taken solely due to the severe weather and the condition of the field.”

Running back Ricky Williams of the Dolphins will sit out the rest of the season because of a torn chest muscle, according to his agent, Leigh Steinberg. . . . Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Fred Evans received a two-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy during two off-season problems. Evans was arrested twice this summer while he was on Miami’s roster, for marijuana possession in Texas and for fighting with police in Florida. . . . The Kansas City Chiefs signed free-agent kicker John Carney. . . . Carolina Panthers guard Jeremy Bridges was found guilty of pointing a gun at a woman in a parking lot and was given a 60-day suspended jail sentence.

The Chicago Bears put running back Cedric Benson on injured reserve after announcing the running back injured his left ankle and needed season-ending surgery. . . . The New England Patriots activated receiver Troy Brown from the physically unable to perform list. Linebacker Rosevelt Colvin was put on injured reserve, ending his season. The team also waived defensive lineman Kareem Brown and signed linebacker Chad Brown. . . . Defensive end Simeon Rice, signed two weeks ago to fill in for injured Pro Bowler Dwight Freeney, was released by the Indianapolis Colts.