Now the rehabilitation of Michael Vick's image has started. Just moments ago, Vick made a public apology to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Falcon owner Arthur Blank and his Falcon teammates. He made it a point to emphasize his apology to the kids who look up to him.
Michael Vick began his remarks by taking full responsibilty for his involvment in dogfighting. He said he doesn't blame any one else for his guilt. Vick asked kids to look at him and his situation as an example of how important it is to make the right decisions. He admitted to lieing to everybody about his involvement in the dogfighting ring.
Vick also said he's going to have time to think about his mistakes and work to make himself a better person. The former Falcons quarterback said he's turned his life over to God and accepted Jesus into his life. The apology lasted several minutes and was done without notes. The fact that his apology wasn't a speech written by his lawyers will probably go a long way in winning the forgiveness of the American public.
I think he made a foolish asumption of saying that he's going to be away for a year. The judge he's in front of is considered a tough sentencer and could take the assumption as an afront against his authority.
U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson will sentence Vick on December 10th.