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Former NFL star Michael Vick pleaded guilty to state dogfighting charges on Wednesday in a plea deal that nets him no additional jail time and resolves his remaining criminal charges.
The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, who is currently serving a 23-month prison sentence on federal dogfighting charges, was given a three-year suspended sentence from a Virginia state court.
He pleaded not guilty to a second count of animal cruelty, which was dropped in a plea deal. He was also given four years of probation.
The fallen sports star, wearing a gray suit, apologised to his family and "to all the kids out there who looked up to me as a role model." His agent and many members of his family sat in the front row of the courtroom.
Several animal-rights activists protested outside the court house.
Vick is currently serving time for conspiracy charges in connection with an interstate dogfighting enterprise on his property in rural Virginia.
He is scheduled to be released from the US penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas in July, ahead of the NFL's 2009 season.
Vick's lawyers have said he hopes to play again professionally, though he still faces an indefinite ban from the league.
"If you ask Michael what he wants, he wants to come home," defence attorney Billy Martin said. "Any time in prison is hell."
Vick, 28, was the No.1 pick in the 2001 NFL draft and a three-time All-Pro quarterback with the Falcons.
Vick has also filed for bankruptcy protection in July. He has lost an estimated $US100 million in salary and endorsements.
