Saying that he “needs to be a better Michael Vick,” the embattled Michael Vick apologized to the NFL and his Atlanta Falcons teammates Monday for “using bad judgment and making bad decisions” and vowed to redeem himself.
Good luck with that.
Shortly before making his first public statements, the star quarterback officially pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges and awaits a December 10 sentencing date.
“First I want to apologize for all the things that I’ve done and that I have allowed to happen,” Michael Vick said at a news conference following his appearance in U.S. District Court.
“What I did was very immature. That means I need to grow up. I totally ask for forgiveness… I made a mistake in using bad judgment and making bad decisions,” he said.
We think a stronger word than immature might apply here. Lindsay Lohan is immature… and you don’t see Firecrotch killing pit bulls, now do you. Getting drunk and sleeping around is one thing, but can a person really outgrow strapping a dog to a rape stand? Anyway.
The plea by the suspended Atlanta quarterback was accepted by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, who asked: “Are you entering the plea of guilty to a conspiracy charge because you are in fact guilty?”
Vick replied, “Yes, sir.”
Hudson emphasized he is not bound by sentencing guidelines and can impose the maximum sentence of up to five years in prison for Michael Vick.
“You’re taking your chances. You’ll have to live with the decision I make,” Hudson said.
In his plea filed in federal court Friday, Michael Vick admitted he helped kill pit bulls and supply money for gambling on the fights.
He said he did not personally place any bets or share in any winnings.
The NFL suspended him indefinitely without pay Friday after his plea was filed. Merely associating with gamblers can trigger a lifetime ban under league policy.
Vick concluded by saying, “I offer my deepest apologies to everyone. And I will redeem myself. I have to.”