Inside the federal courthouse, Michael Vick’s mother wept and had to be consoled by her younger son, Marcus.

Outside, animal-rights activists praised the 23-month prison sentence Vick received Monday for his role in an illegal dogfighting venture that was based on land he owned in Surry County.

“This shows that dogfighting is a dead-end activity and is a career-killer,” said John Goodwin, an animal-fighting expert with the Humane Society of the United States.

About 50 people, many with signs showing dogs wounded in fights, demonstrated outside the federal courthouse Monday morning and cheered the punishment. A handful of Vick supporters stood outside as well, showing support for their fallen hero.

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“I know he’s sorry what he did,” said Robert Eanes, who sported a No. 7 Vick jersey and arrived at the courthouse at 4:30 a.m. to make sure he would see the sentencing in person. The Richmond resident, who was 16th in line, hoped the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback would receive less than 21 months in prison.

“The media and everyone else is making a big deal about this because he’s famous,” Eanes said. “If it were you or me, no one would care. I hope he will come back and play football again.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Vick indefinitely without pay in the summer, and did not speculate Monday when he might reinstate the quarterback once the prison sentence ends.

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, however, would not rule out the possibility that Vick could return to the team.

“We sincerely hope that Michael will use this time to continue to focus his efforts on making positive changes in his life, and we wish him well in that regard,” Blank said.

jrogalsky@dcexaminer.com