Vick is not named in the documents. Also, federal agents searched the property yesterday. They finished their work about 4:30 p.m. and declined to answer reporters’ questions as they left.

The documents filed Monday in United States District Court in Richmond, Va., and obtained yesterday by The Associated Press contain the address of the home that has been the center of the investigation.

According to the documents, dog fights have been sponsored by Bad Newz Kennels at the property since at least 2002. For the events, participants and dogs traveled from South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, Texas and other states.

Members of the venture also knowingly transported, delivered and received dogs for animal fighting, the documents said. Bad News is a local nickname for Newport News, Va., Vick’s hometown.

Fifty-four animals were recovered from the property during searches in April, along with a “rape stand,” used to hold dogs in place for mating; an electric treadmill modified for dogs; and a bloodied piece of carpeting, the documents said.

The property was used as the “main staging area for housing and training the pit bulls involved in the dog fighting venture,” according to the filings.

During a June search of the property, investigators uncovered the graves of seven pit bulls that were suspected to have been killed by members of Bad Newz Kennels after sessions to test whether dogs would be good fighters, the documents said.

Members of Bad Newz Kennels also sponsored and exhibited fights in other parts of the country, the filings said. Vick has said he rarely visited the property. No charges have been filed.

Vick has said he had no idea the property might have been used in a criminal enterprise and blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity. He also put the house up for sale and reportedly sold it quickly, although there is no record that the sale has closed.

BRONCO SUSPENDED FOR STEROIDS Denver Broncos defensive end Kenny Peterson will miss the first four games of the season and be suspended without pay for violating the N.F.L.’s steroid policy.

The Broncos released a statement yesterday saying that Peterson would be suspended without pay starting Aug. 31. The statement said Peterson had violated the policy on anabolic steroids and related substances but did not give specifics.

Peterson can join the Broncos for training camp but will not return to the active roster until Oct. 1.

Peterson was cut by the Green Bay Packers last September and signed with the Broncos to replace Courtney Brown, who had knee surgery five weeks into the season.