MICHAEL Vick, the star quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons gridiron football team, has been sentenced to 23 months in prison for being part of a dog-fighting ring and for killing the animals who under-performed.
A judge in Richmond, Virginia, also ordered Vick, 27, to pay a $5000 fine (R33518) and put him on three years' probation.
Vick reported to prison on November 19 in anticipation of receiving jail time. He faced a maximum sentence of five years on the federal charges.
He reached a plea agreement with government prosecutors in August, admitting to financing and participating in the ring, but denying that he gambled on the outcome of the brutal matches.
The charges against Vick prompted national outrage and were another black eye for the National Football League, which has been plagued by poor player behaviour off the field.
"I was ashamed and totally disappointed in myself, to say the least," Vick said after entering his guilty plea in August.
"What I did was immature and that means I need to grow up."
The NFL has indefinitely suspended Vick, one of the league's most celebrated players.
His career is now in jeopardy.
The Falcons showed how much they miss Vick by going down 34-14 to the New Orleans Saints on Monday. - Sapa-AP
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