RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick, shortly after pleading guilty in Virginia to a dogfighting conspiracy, apologized Monday and said he would redeem himself.
Vick made a brief statement about an hour after he formally entered him guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson.
The judge set sentencing for Dec. 10. The agreement between Vick and federal prosecutors suggested a prison sentence of 12-18 months. Hudson isn't bound by the agreement and warned Vick that the guilty plea erases any opportunity to appeal.
"I apologize to all the kids out there for my immature acts," Vick said. "I have to grow up. I ask for forgiveness and understanding going forward.
"We all make mistakes. I made a mistake for using bad judgment and making bad decisions. Dogfighting is a terrible thing and I didn't reject it."
He concluded, "I will redeem myself."
Prosecutors also put out a statement saying that sentencing guidelines for a first-time offender suggest a prison sentence of "zero to six months." But, "we thought the conduct in his conspiracy was heinous, cruel and inhumane …"
