Shamed NFL star Michael Vick has turned himself in to begin serving his prison sentence early after he pleaded guilty to taking part in an illegal dogfighting enterprise. It is also reported that he has been asked to pay $1 million for the care of the rescued pit bulls.Vick, one of the most famous players in the National Football League, pleaded guilty in August to charges that he and three other men took part in an illegal dogfighting enterprise known as "Bad Newz Kennels" at Vick's home in Surry County, Virginia. Vick, 27, was not due for sentencing until December 10th after initially pleading not guilty. He faces a maximum of five years in prison on the federal charges, although prosecutors have requested a 12- to 18-month sentence under terms of the plea deal he reached in August. In September, a grand jury in Surry County indicted him on new charges for beating, killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in and promoting dogfighting. These additional charges carry a potential 10 year jail sentence on top of the federal charge.
It has also been widely reported that Vick, who had signed a 10-year, $130 million contract, has also been told to pay $1 million towards the care of the pit bull terriers taken into care from the dog fighting enterprise he was involved with. Since prosecutors have cited a rash of claims by Vick's creditors and former employer that threaten his ability to pay such an amount, US District Judge Henry Hudson is due to issue a restraining order that essentially would freeze about $928,000 of funds for this purpose.
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