http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i4QoE0BZvO8ruoETnG4lONKF4f1AD94M2ECO0

SUSSEX, Va. (AP) — Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty Tuesday to a state dogfighting charge, a move that could make him eligible to leave prison early and potentially speed up a return to pro football.

Vick, 28, arrived wearing wrist and ankle shackles, but they were removed by the time he entered the courtroom. The former Atlanta Falcons star also pleaded not guilty to a count of cruelty to animals, but that count was dropped under his plea deal.

Vick's mother, Brenda Boddie, brother Marcus Vick and fiancee Kijafa Frink walked in together and sat together in the front row of the gallery with other family and friends. Vick's mother declined to comment to reporters but Marcus Vick acknowledged the family was glad the ordeal was nearly over.

After the hearing, Surry County Commonwealth Attorney Gerald Poindexter approached Vick's mother and hugged her, saying, "At least some of this is over."

Vick already is serving a 23-month sentence in Leavenworth, Kan. for bankrolling a dogfighting operation at a home he owned in eastern Virginia's rural Surry County, southeast of Richmond. He also admitted to participating in the killing of several underperforming dogs.

He's scheduled for release on July 20, 2009, and will serve three years of probation. The latest plea is important because it resolves the remaining charges against him, which is required under federal law if he is to move into a halfway house. He received a three-year suspended sentence Tuesday.

Vick was expressionless for most of the hearing, but did offer an apology.

"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.

Since the conviction, he has landed in bankruptcy court after losing nearly all of his record-breaking $130 million from a 10-year deal he signed with Atlanta in December 2004.

Surry County Circuit Judge Samuel Campbell did not allow Vick to make his plea by videoconference, saying intense public interest made his appearance necessary.

Under the plea deal, Vick agreed to plead guilty to one count of promoting dogfighting and not guilty to a count that involved cruelty to animals. Each state felony count was punishable by up to five years in prison.

"Any time in prison is hell. Michael's been punished. He knows what he did was wrong," Vick's lawyer Billy Martin said.

11/25/2008 2:16:17 PM

You think he will be back in the NFL when it is all done?

11/25/2008 2:18:08 PM

Yep

11/25/2008 2:21:08 PM

Quote :

"fiancee Kijafa Frink"

lawl

11/25/2008 2:22:40 PM

will def be back in the NFL

the position he plays is the question

11/25/2008 2:23:30 PM

He'll be back, but not as a QB

11/25/2008 2:23:33 PM

How much $$$ will he make?

11/25/2008 2:24:43 PM

I don't know if any team will take the risk of the ensuing storm of publicity surrounding this guy. He's like Ricky Williams times ten. However, if 44 year-old qbs can be signed as free agents to start on an NFL squad, this guy can probably step in and still play.

11/25/2008 2:26:35 PM

My guess is Al Davis takes a shot on him. Should only pay him the league minimum but will pay him some ridiculous amount. If he doesnt work out at QB, Davis will like his speed and elusiveness and stick him in as a receiver.

11/25/2008 2:28:23 PM

where is jh51085 I need his all knowing wisdom on this subject

11/25/2008 2:31:11 PM

Quote :

"He's like Ricky Williams times ten."

that's bullshit. all ricky williams wants to do is smoke weed and teach yoga. michael vick electrocutes dogs.

11/25/2008 3:04:39 PM

i wonder what Marcus is up to these days

11/25/2008 3:33:48 PM

^^hence why he said TIMES TEN

11/25/2008 3:35:33 PM

^^Maybe 15 yr. olds by now

11/25/2008 3:44:35 PM

Def will be back, but like someone said..what position is the question.


III

11/25/2008 5:25:10 PM

you can only lock down a golden god for so long

11/25/2008 5:26:07 PM