12.10.2007

Vick receives a 23 month sentence

The wait has just begun for Michael Vick as Judge Henry E. Hudson has sentenced Vick to spend the next 23 months behind bars. Vick will be released in October 2009. According to CNN, this is what happened during the 90 minute hearing:
Vick was dressed in a black-and-white striped prison suit and apologized to his family and to the judge.

"You need to apologize also to the millions of young people who look up to you," U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson retorted.

"I am willing to deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my actions," Vick continued, as about a dozen of his friends and family members looked on.

But Judge Hudson appeared to be unmoved. "I'm convinced it was not a momentary lack of judgment on your part. You were a full partner," he told Vick.

The judge added that he wasn't sure Vick had fully accepted responsibility for his actions. Supporters, including former baseball great Hank Aaron, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and the pastor of Vick's church sent letters while others called the judge's chambers.

12.01.2007

Two Co-defendants Sentenced in Vick Dogfighting Case

Yesterday, Quanis Phillips and Purnell Peace were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Henry E. Hudson. Both men were sentenced to lengthier times in prison than the government recommended. Phillips was sentenced for 21 months while Peace was sentenced for 18. This news does not bode well for Michael Vick, who has already turned himself into the federal authorities and is accumulating time. The government suggested that Vick serve a 12-18 month sentence. If Vick receives an 18 month sentence, he will be in jail until May 2009.

Courtesy of Michael S. Schmidt "Message Sent in Sentencing of Two Vick Co-Defendants" New York Times