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Sentence Endangers Vick's Career

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By JULIET MACUR, The New York Times

Published: December 11, 2007

RICHMOND, Va. - Michael Vick, the Atlanta Falcons star who has traded his No. 7 jersey for a black-and-white-striped jail uniform, stood expressionless in a federal courtroom on Monday and apologized to the court and his family for his involvement in a dogfighting ring. But for the judge about to decide Vick's fate, those words were not enough.

"I think you need to apologize once again to the millions of people who look up to you," U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson said.

"Yes, sir," Vick answered.

Hudson then sentenced Vick to 23 months in prison, more than Vick's co-defendants in the case - and also more than the 12 to 18 months prosecutors had originally suggested, as part of Vick's plea agreement.

Hudson said Vick had lied about the extent of his role in the dogfighting operation, which had lasted six years. The judge and prosecutors said Vick had an active role in the killing of pit bulls housed on his 15-acre property in rural southeastern Virginia.

"You were instrumental in facilitating, putting together, organizing and funding this cruel and inhumane sporting activity," Hudson told Vick in a courtroom packed with animal-rights activists and Vick's family and fans. "While you have acknowledged guilt and apologized, I'm convinced it was not a momentary lapse of judgment on your part. You were a full partner."

He Could Be Free By Summer '09

Vick, 27, pleaded guilty in August to bankrolling a dogfighting operation out of his Bad Newz Kennels, and to helping kill six to eight dogs. He voluntarily entered prison three weeks ago, in Warsaw, Va.

Based on federal guidelines for good behavior, Vick's sentence could end as early as the summer of 2009, meaning he may be able to play that season. What complicates, and perhaps would prevent, a possible comeback, are state dogfighting charges Vick faces in Virginia, for which he could serve additional jail time. That trial begins in April.

Representatives from animal-rights groups attending the sentencing applauded the judge's decision. While some were disappointed that Vick did not apologize specifically for killing the dogs, they said his case helped expose the brutality of dogfighting and the consequences of engaging in it.

Monday's proceedings provided the next chapter in the dramatic and dizzying fall of Vick, who was once the highest-paid and one of the highest-profile players in the NFL. As the Falcons' franchise quarterback, he had a 10-year, $130 million contract and lucrative endorsement deals.

But the NFL has suspended him indefinitely. His major endorsements have vanished. Financial institutions also have started legal proceedings against him for defaulted loans. The Falcons are seeking to recover $20 million in bonuses from him. Prosecutors forced Vick to pay more than $928,000 for the evaluation and care of the 47 dogs that were taken from his property. Six other dogs that were seized have died or were euthanized.

The Falcons' owner, Arthur Blank, said the sentencing was only one step in Vick's legal journey.

"This is a difficult day for Michael's family and for a lot of us, including many of our players and fans who have been emotionally invested in Michael over the years," Blank said in a statement. "We sincerely hope that Michael will use this time to continue to focus his efforts on making positive changes in his life, and we wish him well in that regard."

Vick Family, Backers Gather

As Vick spoke, his mother, Brenda Boddie, sat in the courtroom and wiped tears with a wad of wet, crumpled tissues. Her other son, Marcus, wrapped his arm around her. Other family members wept for the entire 45 minutes of the proceedings.

Outside, Vick's fans stood on the sidewalk opposite the courthouse, some wearing his No. 7 Falcons jersey and chanting, "We love Mike!" Next to them were about two dozen animal-rights activists who silently held up posters that said: "Report Dogfighting" and "Dogs Deserve Justice." The posters showed photographs of dogs injured in fights.

Football Future Uncertain

When Vick is released, his football career is not guaranteed to resume where it left off, even if another team signs him. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he would not make a decision on Vick's NFL future until all the legal proceedings are concluded.

Gil Brandt, a former Dallas Cowboys personnel executive, said he was positive a team would take a chance on Vick once he was available, but probably as a receiver, returner or runner, noting that a quarterback's skills diminish quickly.

"I think you can liken it to an individual that drops out of school," Brandt said. "What do you have to do to come back to school? You have to reacquire your study habits. When you have to reacquire habits for football, it's really hard."

Annemarie Lucas, supervisory special investigator for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said any team that would sign Vick would be taking a public-relations risk.

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