SUSSEX, Va. — Former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty to a state dogfighting charge Tuesday, and the prosecutor dropped an animal cruelty count.
Surry Circuit Judge Samuel Campbell accepted the deal and gave Vick a suspended three-year sentence — far less than the maximum 10-year term he could have faced.
The move clears the way for Vick’s possible transition to a halfway house, and brings his aim of another chance at professional football closer.
“I want to apologize to the court, my family and to all the kids who looked up to me as a role model,” Vick told the judge.
Vick was temporarily brought back to Virginia from Leavenworth, Kan., where he is serving a 23-month sentence after pleading guilty to bankrolling a dogfighting operation. In the federal case, Vick admitted helping kill six to eight pit bulls that did not perform well in test fights, including by electrocution, drowning and hanging.
Prosecutor Gerald Poindexter defended dropping the animal cruelty charge and not asking for additional prison time for Vick.
“I feel that what I did today is approved by more than a majority of Surry County, and that’s the constituency that I’m concerned about,” he said.
Vick is scheduled for release July 20 and will serve three years of probation. He also has been suspended by the NFL and would need commissioner Roger Goodell’s approval before rejoining the league.
The trick might be finding a team ready to take a risk on the former quarterback.
Atlanta still has Vick under contract. But Falcons owner Arthur Blank made it clear late last month the three-time Pro Bowl selection won’t wear that team’s uniform again.
“I hope they’re prepared to face the dog lovers of America,” Chiefs president and general manager Carl Peterson said earlier of a team that acquires Vick. “There are going to be a lot of problems. People love their pets, and particularly dogs. There will be protests, people expressing their thoughts — even though he’s served his time.”
Vick, 28, arrived wearing wrist and ankle shackles with his gray suit, but the restraints were removed by the time he entered his plea.
