Michael Vick

Ex-NFL star Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison Monday for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls.

The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback could have been sentenced up to five years by District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Vick was dressed in a black-and-white striped prison suit and apologized to the court and his family.

Vick pleaded guilty in August, admitting he bankrolled the “Bad Newz Kennels” dogfighting operation and helped kill six to eight dogs.

In a plea agreement, he admitted bankrolling the dogfighting ring on his 15-acre property in rural southeastern Virginia and helping kill pit bulls that did not perform well in test fights. He also admitted providing money for bets on the fights but said he never shared in any winnings.

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Michael Vick has reportedly agreed to pay almost $1 million for the care of 54 pit bull dogs found on his property during investigations into dogfighting.

CNN.com reported on Wednesday that Vick’s lawyer, William R. Martin, has filed court documents which state that Vick will pay $928,073.04 into an escrow fund by Friday.

The money is “to be used to pay whatever restitution money is ultimately ordered in this case,” the document, a consent order, states.

Vick had been ordered by federal prosecutors to prepare money for the care of the dogs. When Vick pleaded guilty to dogfighting charges earlier this year, he agreed to pay “restitution for the full amount of the costs associated with the disposition of all dogs” in the case.

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback, 27, is due to be sentenced next month.

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