Vick's guilty plea accepted by U.S. judge

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick formally pleaded guilty Monday in a U.S. court in Virginia to a conspiracy charge related to a dogfighting ring.

Vick's attorney and federal prosecutors filed a statement of facts regarding the case and a plea agreement last week. U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson on Monday accepted the deal and set sentencing for Dec. 10, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

The quarterback pleaded guilty to a conspiracy regarding illegal gambling sponsoring a dog in animal fighting and buying, transporting and receiving dogs for the venture. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

The plea agreement called for a 12-18 month prison sentence but Hudson isn't bound by the agreement when he passes sentence.

Vick is among four men who have pleaded guilty in the case. Federal investigators claim that property Vick owns in Virginia was used in a dogfighting scheme that included betting the fights. It also was alleged that some dogs were killed -- by hanging, drowning or being shot -- for not performing well.

In last week's filing, Vick said the arrangement called Bad Newz Kennels included "the victimization and killing of pit bull dogs."

The NFL has suspended Vick without pay from the Falcons.