NFL: Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, one of the biggest names in the NFL, was sentenced to 23 months in prison today for his role in a dogfighting ring.
Vick learned his fate before United States District Judge Henry E Hudson. As Hudson read the sentence, Vick showed little emotion.
He stood in the courtroom and said: "I would like to apologise to the court, to my family, to my kids, for what I have done."
Vick pleaded guilty in August to a charge of conspiracy in connection with a dogfighting enterprise known as "Bad Newz Kennels" from 2001 through April 2007.
Vick turned himself in to federal officials on November 19th to begin serving his prison time ahead of schedule.
It was unclear why he did so, but legal experts said he might have been trying to show goodwill before being sentenced.
He faced a maximum sentence of five years but after reaching a plea agreement, prosecutors requested a 12- to 18-month prison term.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Vick was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 draft. He had signed a 10-year, $130 million contract with the Falcons.
Vick initially pleaded not guilty. He changed his plea after his co-defendants reached plea deals and agreed to testify against him.
He has been suspended indefinitely without pay by the league. After pleading guilty, he apologised to the NFL commissioner, the Falcons owner, his teammates and fans.
The Falcons and several financial institutions have launched legal proceedings against Vick in the past weeks to recover millions of dollars related to his signing bonus and various loans.