Jailed American football star Michael Vick has pleaded guilty to further dogfighting charges, in a bid to hasten his return to the sport.

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, 28, is currently serving a 23-month sentence following his 2007 conviction for criminal conspiracy, stemming from allegations he bankrolled a dogfighting operation from a home he owned in Virginia. the sport.

He has remained under indictment for two further dogfighting and animal cruelty charges. But at a court hearing on Tuesday (25Nov08), Vick entered a guilty plea in exchange for a three-year suspended sentence. He is scheduled for release on 20 July (09) and will serve three years probation. the sport.

The plea deal could potentially speed up his return to the NFL, as Federal law prohibits prisoners from being released to a halfway house if there are unresolved charges pending. Addressing the court, Vick said, "I want to apologize to the court, my family, and to all the kids who looked up to me as a role model." the sport.

His lawyer, Billy Martin, adds, "Any time in prison is hell. Michael's been punished. He knows what he did was wrong." the sport.

Since the conviction, Vick has fought another legal battle in bankruptcy court, after losing nearly all of the $130 million he earned as part of a 10-year deal signed with the Atlanta Falcons in December 2004. (JMA/WNWCZM/IG) the sport.

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