Vick surrenders early in dog fighting case

Suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has begun serving his sentence in a Virginia prison on federal dog fighting charges. Vick was scheduled to be sentenced on December 10th. However, an assistant to U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson of Richmond Virginia confirms Vick voluntarily surrendered himself to officials with the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Hudson signed the order allowing Vick to turn himself in earlier today. Four people have pleaded guilty in the case. Earlier this year, Vick acknowledged he was part of a dogfighting operation known as Bad Newz Kennels at his former property in Surry County, Va. In a plea agreement, Vick admitted the operation involved the "victimization and killing of pit bull dogs." Under federal sentencing guidelines, Michael Vick faces up to five months in prison, although Judge Hudson could impose a sentence below or above that range if he sees fit.

Vick gets state trial date, dog care lessons

The state dog fighting trial against Michael Vick is scheduled to start November 27th in Virginia. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was charged last week in rural Surry County, where police say Vick has run a dog fighting enterprise since 2001. Vick has already pleaded guilty to federal charges. He has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL without pay.

Michael Vick also recently spent eight hours learning how to care for animals. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals spokesman Dan Shannon said Vick was attentive and inquisitive during a September 18 class on animal protection and empathy in Norfolk, Virginia. Vick was the only student. PETA wants the NFL to require the course, or one like it, for all players.