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RICHMOND, Virginia - National Football League all-star quarterback Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison today for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls.
The suspended Atlanta Falcons star could have been sentenced up to five years by US District Judge Henry E Hudson. Vick, who turned himself in November 19 in anticipation of his sentence, was wearing a black-and-white striped prison suit.
After Vick apologised to the court and his family, Hudson told him: "You need to apologise to the millions of young people who looked up to you."
"Yes, sir," Vick answered.
Vick acknowledged he used "poor judgment" and added, "I'm willing to deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my actions."
Rules governing time off for good behavior could reduce Vick's prison stay by about three months, resulting in a mid-2009 release.
Vick pleaded guilty in August, admitting he bankrolled the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting operation and helped kill six to eight dogs. He has been held at a jail in Warsaw, Virginia, since he voluntarily began serving his sentence.
In a plea agreement, he admitted bankrolling the dogfighting ring on his six-hectare property in rural southeastern Virginia and helping kill pit bulls that did not perform well in test fights. He also admitted providing money for bets on the fights but said he never shared in any winnings.
Vick had signed a 10-year, US$130 million ($166 million) contract with the Falcons.
His indictment shocked sports fans because it was a spectacular fall from grace and because dog fighting is widely reviled for cruelty.
The Falcons and several financial institutions have launched legal proceedings against Vick to recover money related to his signing bonus and loans.
- AP, REUTERS
