Lawyer: Vick may be out of prison soon

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Quarterback Michael Vick, doing time for a federal dog-fighting conviction, may be released to a Virginia halfway house early next year, his lawyers say.

A lawyer representing Vick in his bankruptcy case told the Newport News Daily Press he has been in touch with his client's criminal lawyers. His 23-month sentence would have kept him behind bars until next November, but time off for good behavior could move that date to July and the Bureau of Prisons allows many inmates to complete their sentences at halfway houses.

"He could be permitted to be released as early as Jan. 20," Michael V. Blumenthal said Tuesday.

Vick, now suspended by the NFL, hopes to revive his football career. But that is up to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who suspended him, and to owners of the teams in the league.

Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons, has already said he has no plans to welcome Vick back to the team.