NFL star Vick admits dogfighting

Michael Vick apologised to his family and fans

Jailed US football star Michael Vick has pleaded guilty to a state dogfighting charge, making him eligible for early release from prison.

The plea led to the dropping of a charge of animal cruelty, possibly clearing the way for a return to sport.

The footballer apologised to his family and fans as he was handed a three-year suspended sentence.

Vick, who played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, is already serving 23 months for a federal conviction.

He was convicted in August 2007 of bankrolling a dogfighting outfit which operated from his home in rural Virginia.

"I want to apologise to the court, my family, and to all the kids who looked up to me as a role model," he told the court.

Bad Newz Kennels ran from 2001 to April 2007.

The former National Football League (NFL) star also admitted to taking part in the killing of at least eight under-performing dogs.

I want to apologise to the court, my family, and to all the kids who looked up to me as a role model Michael Vick

The court heard that weak dogs were shot, drowned, hanged, electrocuted or killed by being slammed to the ground.

Vick maintained that although he provided money for the wagers on fights, he never shared any of the winnings.

Since the conviction he has filed for bankruptcy, losing nearly all the record-breaking $130 million (£85m) he signed in a 10-year deal with the Falcons in 2004.

Vick may find his return to top level football hampered by a loss of fitness, speed and skill after such a long time away from the game.

He needed to resolve all charges against him before he could released from federal prison to a halfway house ahead of his scheduled release in July 2009, the AFP news agency reported.

However, he would still need explicit permission from the NFL's commissioner, Roger Goodell, before returning to the game, the agency said.