Michael Vick decided to start his prison term early. Vick surrendered to US Marshals today (11/19/2007) and he is now in a Virginia prison.
November 19, 2007
(Philadelphia, Pa) --- As I suspected when Michael Vick first pleaded guilty in August, the star quarterback decided to enter prison prior to his sentencing date of December 10th for his guilty plea in his federal dogfighting case. Vick surrendered to U.S. marshals on Monday 11/19/2007 and will remain in jail until his sentencing in three weeks. The mercurial Falcons quarterback could be sentenced to up to five years in prison, but I believe that he will face around 18 months and he is hoping that the judge seeing that he cares will knock some time off. I still believe Vick has an eye on returning to the NFL, which is a “million miles” away, but this is another step in that direction. Vick’s attorney Bill Martin said in a statement, "From the beginning, Mr. Vick has accepted responsibility for his actions, and his self-surrender further demonstrates that acceptance”. Martin added "Michael wants to again apologize to everyone who has been hurt in this matter, and he thanks all of the people who have offered him and his family prayers and support during this time."
Vick is being held at Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw until his sentencing. The order filed in U.S. District Court said: "Vick has indicated his desire to voluntarily enter custody prior to his sentencing hearing. It appearing appropriate to do so, the U.S. Marshal is ordered to take custody of the Defendant immediately upon his surrender."
Though it is difficult to see a man that once had it all cut down by his own doing, it is good that Vick has continued the healing process. I don’t know if the public will ever fully forgive him for his dastardly actions, but maybe Vick in making the right choices can find a place back in the public's hearts. Suspended indefinitely by the NFL without pay, Vick knows that the NFL season has moved on without him and now he is concentrating on rehabilitating himself. During his time in prison before his sentencing, he will have a laundry list of to-do’s including: impressing the sentencing judge, fighting state charges in Virginia, and figuring out how to pay back the Falcons signing bonus judgment ($22 Million).
--- Submitted by Lloyd Vance
