Suspended Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison today (December 10) for financing a dog fighting ring and participating in the execution of dogs who were not aggressive.
Vick, 27, was once one of the highest paid players in the NFL. He appeared in court dressed in a black and white stripped prison suit during a 90-minute sentencing hearing in Richmond, Virginia.
Vick told the judge that he used poor judgment and accepted responsibility for his actions, which included bankrolling the “Bad Newz Kennels” dog fighting ring on his 15-acre estate in Surry County and killing dogs by hanging drowning and strangulation.
Vick, who unexpectedly turned himself in last month to start serving his prison sentence at Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw, Virginia, was sentenced by Judge Henry E. Hudson.
The judge told the former superstar quarterback he wasn’t convinced that he had truly acknowledged his guilt.
“You were instrumental in organizing and promoting this activity,” Hudson said. “I’m convinced it wasn’t a momentary lapse. You were at least a full partner. I’m not sure you’ve taken full responsibility for your role in this activity.”
Vick was very apologetic and asked for a second chance.
“I’ve used poor judgment and made some bad decisions along the way,” Vick said. “I’m willing to deal with the consequences.”
Vick and three other co-defendants in the case still face state charges in Virginia, where they are accused of killing and torturing dogs, all felonious offensive that carry maximum five-year sentences.
Two other men in the case were sentenced to 18 months and 21 months in prison, while a third man will be sentenced on Friday (December 14).
