Michael Vick's involvement in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls has earned him a 23-month sentence in prison.

Vick, appearing this morning in a Richmond, Virginia, courtroom dressed in a black-and-white striped prison suit, could have been sentenced to up to five years. In court today, Vick acknowledged he used "poor judgment" and added that he was willing to "deal with the consequences."

The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback pleaded guilty in August, admitting that he bankrolled the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting operation and that he helped kill six to eight dogs. In a plea agreement, Vick admitted providing money for bets on the fights but said he never shared in any winnings.

Judge tells Michael Vick he let down millions of fans

Federal judge Henry Hudson has told football star Michael Vick that he needs "to apologize to the millions young people who looked up to you."

During today's sentencing hearing in a Richmond, Virginia court room, Hudson chastised the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback for running a "cruel and inhumane" dogfighting ring and then lying about it.

One of Vick's lawyers, Lawrence Woodward, told reporters outside the courthouse that Vick doesn't want anyone feeling sorry for him. Woodward added, "He just wants a chance to prove himself when all this is over."

Falcons owner Arthur Blank says, "This is a difficult day for Michael's family and for a lot of us." Blank also noted that Vick could use the prison time to make "positive changes in his life."

Under federal good behavior rules, Vick could be eligible for release in the summer of 2009.