Michael Vick Gets 23-Month Sentence for Dogfighting Conspiracy
Updated: NFL superstar Michael Vick has been sentenced to 23 months in prison for his federal guilty plea to conspiracy in connection with a dogfighting operation.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback had faced a maximum of five years in prison, CNN.com reports in an article on today’s sentence. Vick and three co-defendants still face trial on state dogfighting charges in Virginia.
Vick, who had already begun serving the sentence, was dressed in a black-and-white striped prison suit, the Associated Press reports. When he apologized to the court and his family, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson said that wasn’t enough.
“You need to apologize to the millions of young people who looked up to you,” Hudson said.
“Yes, sir,” Vick replied.
Vick was sentenced for bankrolling a dogfighting operation called “Bad Newz Kennels” and helping kill six to eight dogs that did not perform well.
Vick has also agreed pay more than $928,000 for the care of 48 pit bulls seized from his property.
Updated at 10:25 AM to include information from the Associated Press story.
