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Vick Begins His Prison Sentence 3 Weeks Early

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The Associated Press

Published: November 20, 2007

RICHMOND, Va. - Michael Vick got a head start on a possible long prison stretch Monday, surrendering three weeks before he was to be sentenced for his involvement in a bloody dogfighting ring.

The disgraced Atlanta Falcons quarterback surrendered to U.S. marshals in what his lawyer said was another step in his public repentance.

"From the beginning, Mr. Vick has accepted responsibility for his actions, and his self-surrender further demonstrates that acceptance," attorney Billy Martin said in a statement. "Michael wants to again apologize to everyone who has been hurt in this matter, and he thanks all of the people who have offered him and his family prayers and support during this time."

Vick pleaded guilty in August to a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge after his three co-defendants pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with authorities.

He's scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 10 on a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge but worked out a deal "to voluntarily enter custody prior to his sentencing hearing," according to a court document.

The federal sentencing guideline range is projected at a year to 18 months, but Vick, who has admitted bankrolling the Bad Newz Kennels, could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

In an e-mail sent to The Associated Press, the U.S. attorney's office confirmed Vick's surrender but declined further comment.

Merriman Backs Off Comments, Lauds Hit

SAN DIEGO - A day later, Shawne Merriman called off the dogs.

The All-Pro linebacker caused a stir Sunday when he questioned his teammates' commitment and said they needed a change of attitude after the Chargers lost 24-17 at Jacksonville.

Merriman's outburst gave the impression of a fractured locker room in Norv Turner's first season as coach, when the Chargers have dipped to a surprising 5-5 a year after going an NFL-best 14-2.

Merriman, who had just one tackle and was knocked on his backside by 5-foot-7 Jags running back Maurice Jones-Drew, said he popped off while still steamed about the loss.

"I was more angry after the game because of the fact we lost and thinking that it was a lot worse than we thought it was," Merriman said. "But after looking at the tape just now I feel a little bit better. Not about the losing part, but that it actually wasn't as bad of a game."

Just as surprising as the Chargers' record was the sight of Merriman getting knocked down by Jones-Drew, who was blocking during one of David Garrard's two touchdown passes.

"Jeez, you would think a team never went 5-5 before. You would think that I could never be blocked," Merriman said. "That was a good little pop 32 gave me."

OBITUARY: Jim Ringo, a Hall of Fame center who played 15 seasons for the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles, died after a short illness. He was two days shy of his 76th birthday.

The Packers drafted Ringo out of Syracuse in the seventh round in 1953. He played for Green Bay until 1963, then was traded to Philadelphia by Packers coach Vince Lombardi after he brought an agent with him to Lombardi's office to negotiate a new contract.

EAGLES: Donovan McNabb's knee is getting better. His ankle and thumb are the problems now.

The five-time Pro Bowl quarterback is uncertain to play for the Eagles at New England next Sunday because of a sprained right ankle and swollen thumb.

49ERS: Quarterback Alex Smith plans to get a second opinion on his injured throwing arm from James Andrews.

SEAHAWKS: Coach Mike Holmgren said quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is unlikely to practice this week before Seattle takes its NFC West lead to St. Louis on Sunday, but he will start against the Rams.

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