Vick house draws tourists

SURRY, Va., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- The Surry County, Va., home that played host to former NFL star Michael Vick's illegal dogfighting operation has become a local tourist attraction.

John Williams, the groundskeeper of Ferguson Grove Baptist Church, which is across the street from the infamous house, said vehicles containing sightseers are sometimes backed up half a dozen at a time to get a good look at the former site of Bad Newz Kennels, The Hampton Roads (Va.) Virginian Pilot reported Monday.

"If half of 'em that come and look at it each took a little bit," Williams told the Virginian Pilot, "there wouldn't be nothing left."

The house, which is currently without residents, has reportedly been sold but no transfer of deed has been filed with the county, the newspaper said. John Brooks, a Virginia Beach real estate agent who was helping Vick market the home, said he was told by a friend of the former Atlanta Falcons player that the house was sold in an independent deal.

Vick and three accomplices were convicted on federal charges of running an interstate dogfighting ring that was based at the property. The former quarterback is scheduled for sentencing Dec. 10.