RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison Monday for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls.
The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback could have been sentenced up to five years by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Vick, who turned himself in Nov. 19 in anticipation of his sentence, was wearing a black-and-white striped prison suit.
After Vick apologized to the court and his family, Hudson told him: "You need to apologize 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."
Federal rules governing time off for good behavior could reduce Vick's prison stay by about three months, resulting in a summer 2009 release.
***
In a plea agreement, he admitted bankrolling the dogfighting ring on his 15-acre 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's 23 month sentence is far short of the maximum sentence he could have received of 5 years. However, it is more than the 12-18 months that the Federal Guidlines recomends. Vick also faces State charges in Virginia for promoting dog fighting and for killing and torturing animals.
I have to say how disgusted I am over Michael Vick's behavior and activities. His only remorse is that he got caught, not for what he did. He is remorseful that he ruined his career, not for the dogs he mutilated and killed.
In my opinion, we should all give at least $23 ($1 for every moonth of Vick's sentence) to the ASPCA today. Ms. Legalbgl and I give every year to the ASPCA and I always donate to the animal rescues when I see them in front of Petsmart.
No comments:
Post a Comment