Federal sentencing guidelines suggest he could expect to serve a
year to 18 months, but Vick, who has admitted bankrolling the Bad
Newz Kennels, faces a maximum of five years in prison.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback is scheduled to be sentenced
Dec. 10 but worked out a deal "to voluntarily enter custody prior
to his sentencing hearing," according to a court document.
Vick's lawyer, Billy Martin, explained the unexpected move as
yet another step in the disgraced star's public repentance for his
involvement in a bloody dogfighting ring.
"From the beginning, Mr. Vick has accepted responsibility for
his actions, and his self-surrender further demonstrates that
acceptance," 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."
The order filed in U.S. District Court said Vick was taken into
custody Monday "based solely on his desire to begin his period of
incarceration prior to his sentencing hearing and not because of
violation of any condition of his bond."
In an e-mail sent to the AP, the U.S. attorney's office
confirmed Vick's surrender but declined further comment.
Vick's troubles began in April when authorities conducting a
drug investigation of a cousin seized dozens of dogs, most of them
pit bulls, from a Surry County property, along with equipment
linked to dogfighting.
It's there that the dogfighting enterprise known as Bad Newz
Kennels operated since 2001 on 15 acres of land Vick owned.
Suspended indefinitely by the NFL without pay, Vick solemnly
apologized for his actions before cameras in late August _ only to
gain more negative attention when he tested positive in September
for marijuana, a violation of U.S. District Court Judge Henry
Hudson's order that Vick stay clean in exchange for being allowed
to be free.
Vick is also being sued for more than $4 million by banks
claiming he defaulted on loans and might have to repay nearly $20
million in NFL signing bonus money.
The gruesome details outlined in the federal indictment _ dogs
were hanged, drowned and electrocuted _ fueled a public backlash
against the Falcons' star player and cost him several lucrative
endorsement deals, even before he agreed to plead guilty.
In his written plea, Vick admitted helping kill six to eight pit
bulls and supplying money for gambling on the fights. He said he
did not personally place any bets or share in any winnings, but
merely associating with gambling can result in a lifetime ban under
the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Vick and his co-defendants also face state felony charges. Vick
has been charged with two state felonies _ beating or killing or
causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting
dogfighting. Each felony is punishable by up to five years in
prison.
Vick is being held at Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw
until his sentencing, U.S. marshals told The Associated Press. The
mixed-gender facility houses about 450 inmates.
Bacigal said Vick may have surrendered in an attempt to show the
judge he's taken responsibility for his mistakes _ but there are no
real direct legal benefits to the move.
"I don't think there's any benefits except getting (the
sentence) started," Bacigal said. "I would think he's purely
thinking about timing as far as when he can get back to his
football."
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