Vick starts federal dog fighting sentence early

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick today began serving his federal dog fighting sentence in Virginia.

Vick turned himself in 22 days before his sentencing date.

After reaching an agreement between his lawyers and Federal Judge Henry Hudson, US Marshals escorted Vick to the Northern Neck Regional Jail in Northwest Virginia.

The move officially begins Vick's sentence even though he doesn't know what his sentence will be.

Jim Daly is the supervisory deputy with the US Marshals Service in Richmond, Virginia.

DALY: He kind of decided it's best to start his time now and get ahead of the game I guess you know by getting some of his time out of the way.

Actually, Daly says is fairly common for defendants to turn themselves in early. In September, Vick did test positive for marijuana use after Judge Hudson scheduled his sentencing date. However, Judge Hudson wrote today Vick is surrendering early not because of a violation of any condition of his bond.

Judge Hudson will still sentence Vick on December 10th. Vick will get credit for his time behind bars prior to the 10th.