updated 4:49 p.m. ET July 21, 2007

With the team getting set for the start of training camp next week, Falcons quarterback Michael Vick expressed to teammate Joe Horn the concern his legal troubles have caused the organization.

"Mike is saddened about the tension this is going to cause the team," Horn told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday night. "I assured him I support him, the rest of the guys support him and the team supports him. Whether he's guilty or innocent or whether you believe he is, time will tell."

Also on Thursday, Falcons owner Arthur Blank issued a statement in response to Vick's indictment.

The statement, which appears on the Falcons' website, assures fans the club is "working diligently on exploring our options and getting the right people involved in this situation." At the same time, the organization is being careful to "respect the due process that Michael is entitled to."

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Vick and three other defendants will appear in federal court July 26 to face charges of competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting, and conducting the enterprise across state lines. If convicted of the felony charges, they face up to six years in prison, fines of up to $350,000 and restitution.

"This is an emotionally charged and complicated matter," Blank said in the statement. "Given the differing perspectives and strong feelings around this issue, we probably won't make everyone happy, but we are committed to doing the right thing."

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Citing undisclosed sources, ESPN.com reported that Vick is thought to have called Blank to apologize and thank him for his support. Specific details of the conversation were not revealed.

Because of the nature of the charges in the indictment, the issue also has transcended sports. In a mostly empty Senate chamber Thursday, West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd gave a monologue decrying dogfighting. And in a blog on it's website, PETA has criticized commissioner Roger Goodell and will be holding demonstrations calling for Vick's suspension from the league.

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