Dec. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Quarterback Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison for plotting to run an interstate dogfighting ring.

U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson today gave the suspended National Football League player less than half the maximum five-year penalty for his role in buying, training and killing dogs while funding gambling on fights held on his property in Surry County, Virginia.

Vick, 27, also received three years probation.

``You were instrumental in organizing and promoting this activity,'' Hudson said from the bench in Richmond, Virginia. ``I'm convinced it wasn't a momentary lapse. You were at least a full partner. I'm not sure you've taken full responsibility for your role in this activity.''

In imposing a sentence toward the top of the 18- to 24- month guideline for the crime and above the 12-18 months the government recommended, Hudson pointed to Vick's testing positive for marijuana use after his plea agreement, and the fact that the quarterback wasn't forthcoming with prosecutors.

Vick, a three-time Pro Bowl choice with the Atlanta Falcons and the No. 1 pick in the NFL's 2001 college draft, apologized ``to the court, to my family and to my kids.''

``I've used poor judgment and made some bad decisions along the way,'' Vick said. ``I'm willing to deal with the consequences.''

Vick said he would continue to stand against dogfighting and animal cruelty.

``I think I deserve a second chance,'' he said.

Prison Garb

Vick was dressed in a black-and-white striped prison jumpsuit. Hudson said he received thousands of letters on the case, including ones from baseball Hall of Fame member Hank Aaron, former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.

``Michael has fallen so hard, so far, so fast,'' Billy Martin, Vick's lead attorney, told reporters outside the courthouse. ``He has been punished for his mistake.''

Martin said Vick might be released from prison after 18 months for good behavior.

Animal-rights groups showed up more than 3 1/2 hours before the sentencing at the courthouse. Some demonstrators held signs reading ``Dogs Deserve Justice'' and ``Report Dogfighters.'' Other spectators wore replicas of Vick's No. 7 football jersey.

`Reckless' Crime

``Michael Vick committed a reckless and unconscionable crime, and the sentence meted out today is fitting and appropriate,'' Wayne Pacelle, the president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States, said in a statement. ``We hope that anyone participating in the sordid activity realizes that dogfighting is a dead end and no good can come from it.''

Vick pleaded guilty Aug. 27 to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal-fighting venture.

He trained and fought dogs in Virginia and other states, bankrolled gambling associated with the fights and agreed to the killing of pit bulls that performed poorly, Vick said in court filings.

Vick surrendered to federal authorities Nov. 20. He has been held at Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw, Virginia.

Vick was suspended indefinitely by the NFL, and the Falcons are seeking the return of $20 million in bonus money paid to him under an arbitrator's decision in October.

Team Statement

``This is a difficult day for Michael's family and for a lot of us, including many of our players and fans who have been emotionally invested in Michael over the years,'' Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. ``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.''

The NFL declined to comment on the sentencing.

Two of Vick's codefendants were sentenced in the case Nov. 30. Quanis Phillips received 21 months in prison, according to a statement by U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg. Purnell Peace got 18 months. Another defendant in the case, Tony Taylor, is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 14.

The case is U.S. v. Peace, 3:07-cr-00274, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond).

To contact the reporters on this story: Curtis Eichelberger in Richmond, Virginia at ceichelberge@bloomberg.net; Aaron Kuriloff in New York at akuriloff@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: December 10, 2007 13:54 EST