Monday, December 10, 2007
Source: CNN-CNN.com
RICHMOND, Virginia (CNN) — Michael Vick, once one of the highest paid players in the National Football League, was sentenced to 23 months in prison for financing a dogfighting ring and helping to kill pit bulls that did not fight aggressively. Vick’s stunning downfall from NFL superstar to disgraced dogfighting defendant culminated Monday in a 90-minute sentencing hearing in federal court in Richmond, Virginia.Vick was dressed in a black-and-white striped prison suit and apologized to the his family and to the judge.“You need to apologize to the millions of young people who looked up to you,” responded U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.Vick also acknowledged he used “poor judgment” and added he was ready to accept responsibility.Vick, 27, had faced a maximum of five years in prison. Federal sentencing guidelines recommended a sentence of 12 to 18 months. U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg said after the hearing that the investigation “exposed a seamy side of our society.” He added, “I hope Mr. Vick learned important lessons and that his admission of guilt will speed his rehabilitation.”
Vick and three co-defendants still face trial on state dogfighting charges in Virginia. [For full story]