After vehemently denying for several months any involvement in dogfighting, Michael Vick pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge Monday and later said he “took full responsibility” for his actions.

The former Virginia Tech star told U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson that he admitted to the government’s claims he financed and operated a dogfighting operation in Surry County and killed underperforming canines. Shortly after his plea hearing, Vick held a news conference in which he apologized to his family, Atlanta Falcons players and officials, and the fans, especially children who consider him a role model.

“Not for one second will I try to point a finger and try to blame someone else for what I have done,” he said in a meek and humble tone, not the firm voice of a field general barking out signals on the gridiron.

Vick, who faces five years in prison when he is sentenced Dec. 10, said he lied about his involvement because he was “ashamed” and then promised to “grow up.”

This story continues below
Advertisement

“I used bad judgment to make a bad decision,” said Vick, who made his first public comments since his July indictment. “Dogfighting is a terrible thing.”

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the federal courthouse in Richmond for Monday’s proceedings. Unlike when Vick appeared last month for arraignment, the crowd was not overwhelmingly against him.

Among Vick’s supporters were about a dozen members of a church group, who declined to be identified. They sang hymns and held signs, such as “Michael, we got your backfield.” Others said they came on their own to show the quarterback he has not been forgotten.

“My kids know dogfighting is wrong, and Mike probably knows it is wrong, but we all do something stupid sometimes,” said Richmond resident Brenda Lofton, whose six children held signs defending Vick. “We can all learn from this.”

The first pick in the 2001 NFL draft did not talk about his once-promising career. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has already suspended Vick indefinitely but has not announced the penalty’s length. On Monday, Atlanta Falcons owner Roger Blank said Vick might be able to resume his career. Despite public pressure, however, Blank said contractual issues prevent him from releasing Vick.

“Cutting him might feel better for us and for many of our fans,” Blank said, “but it is not in the long-term interests of our franchise.”

jrogalsky@dcexaminer.com