Vick Sentenced to 23 Months in Prison

Suspended American footballer Michael Vick has been sentenced to 23 months in prison for his involvement in the illegal dogfighting enterprise Bad Newz Kennels. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Vick pleaded guilty to conspiracy in the dogfighting ring on August 27, admitting he helped to finance their operation and also helped kill pit bulls, but denying claims from his three co-defendants that he also bet on fights.

"I would like to apologise to the court, to my family, to my kids, for what I have done," said Vick, who began his sentence voluntarily on November 19 in an effort to show goodwill before sentencing, in court today. The eventual sentence handed down by district judge Henry Hudson was less than the five-year maximum he could have been given, but higher than the 12-18 months prosecutors had requested following his guilty plea.

Selected by Atlanta as the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft, Vick made the Pro Bowl - the NFL's all-star game - three times in six seasons, and signed a 10-year, $130m extension with the Falcons in 2004. He has been suspended indefinitely without pay by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, while sponsors such as Nike have suspended lucrative endorsement deal with him, and Reebok have stopped sales of his Atlanta shirt.

The Falcons, along with several financial institutions, have launched legal proceedings against Vick to recover millions of dollars related to his signing bonus and various loans.