Michael Vick has told a bankruptcy court that his time in prison has made him see he needs to change his ways in the future.
Disgraced quarterback knows change is needed as plans are made for release
Michael Vick has told a bankruptcy court that his time in prison has made him see he needs to change his ways in the future.
Vick is still serving a 23-month sentence for being behind a dog fighting operation, and is now testifying at a hearing to discuss his plan to emerge from financial ruin.
The former Atlanta Falcons star filed for bankruptcy in July claiming assets of $16 million and debts of more than $20 million, as despite being one of the best paid NFL stars some bad investments and the fall-out from his conviction have lost him his earnings.
In court, Vick admitted he committed a "heinous" act that was very irresponsible, and now says it is time for him to change, as he looks to get back into the NFL.
"I can't live like the old Mike Vick," he told a courtroom. "I was very immature. I did a lot of things I wasn't supposed to do being a role model."
Release
Vick is expected to be released from custody in July and could be moved to home confinement in Virginia at the end of May, and is hoping to be back in the NFL in September.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Vick indefinitely after his conviction, and will not review his position until he has served out his sentence.
Vick plans to use the money from returning to the NFL to pay off his creditors, with his agent Joel Segal telling the court he would try to negotiate a short-term contract filled with incentives for playing time and starts that could bring in millions.
Vick has also agreed to a television documentary that will pay him $600,000, while he previously said this week that he would repay $6.5 million of his Atlanta contract, to help smooth the waters for his release from his Falcons contract.
Although his could hardly have been more tarnished, Vick's abilities at quarterback would make him a very valuable commodity in the NFL and, if reinstated, he would surely be given a chance by one of the 32 teams in the league.
