There was plenty of reaction in the sports
world to Michael Vick's 23-month federal prison sentence for his
dogfighting conspiracy conviction.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was sentenced today by Richmond
judge, who called Vick's dogfighting operation at his Surry County
property "cruel and inhumane."
Vick was suspended without pay by the NFL and lost all his
lucrative endorsement deals. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was
asked after the ruling if Vick should play again.
Goodell told The Associated Press from a legislative hearing in
Austin, Texas that he would decide "later on."
Falcons owner Arthur Blank called the sentencing another step in
Vick's "legal journey." He said it was ... quote ... "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."
Vick's coach at Virginia Tech, Frank Beamer, called Vick ...
quote ... "a good person with a good heart who used bad judgment
and made mistakes."
Beamer said he believes Vick will "continue working to get his
life back in order."