WTF, that's a first....

Michael Vick Turns Himself in to Begin Dogfighting Sentence

By Michael Buteau and Laurence Viele Davidson

Nov. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Suspended quarterback Michael Vick turned himself in to a U.S. Marshals Service office today to begin serving a sentence stemming from his part in a dogfighting ring, according to court records.

Vick, who is due to be sentenced on Dec. 10, pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge related to dogfighting in August and was suspended indefinitely from the National Football League. Three co-defendants also pleaded guilty. They each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Vick, a Pro Bowl player with the Atlanta Falcons, was transported from the U.S. Courthouse in Richmond, Virginia, to a regional jail early this afternoon, the Richmond Times- Dispatch reported, citing people it didn't identify.

``Michael Vick has indicated his desire to voluntarily enter custody prior to his sentencing hearing,'' a U.S. court order today said.

Vick is entering prison early ``solely on his desire to begin his period of incarceration prior to his sentencing and not because of a violation of any condition of his bond,'' U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson said in the order.

Vick's attorney, Billy Martin, didn't immediately return a telephone message or respond to an e-mail seeking comment.

To contact the reporter on this story: Michael Buteau in Atlanta at [email protected] ; Laurence Viele Davidson in Atlanta at [email protected] .
Last Updated: November 19, 2007 15:43 EST