NFL News: Michael Vick Officially Enters Guilty Plea, Asks for Forgiveness

"I need to grow up," Michael Vick told reporters after pleading guilty to federal dogfighting charges. (AP Images)

After officially pleading guilty to federal dogfighting charges, Michael Vick made a statement to the media and apologized for his involvement in the training, gambling and at times killing of pitbulls.

"First, I want to apologize, you know, for all the things that -- that I've done and that I have allowed to happen. I want to personally apologize to commissioner Goodell, Arthur Blank, coach Bobby Petrino, my Atlanta Falcons teammates, you know, for our -- for our previous discussions that we had. And I was not honest and forthright in our discussions, and, you know, I was ashamed and totally disappointed in myself to say the least," Vick said.

"I want to apologize to all the young kids out there for my immature acts and, you know, what I did was, what I did was very immature so that means I need to grow up."

Vick went on to say he has renounced dogfighting and has found religion as a result of the federal charges. "Dogfighting is a terrible thing. I reject it."

Other NFL News

• Cornerback Asante Samuel is close to ending his holdout will return to the New England Patriots NFL.com reports.The Patriots applied the franchise tag to Samuel in February, guaranteeing him a one-year, $7.79 million contract but preventing him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
• The Arizona Cardinals placed starting right tackle Oliver Ross on injured reserved with a triceps injury on Monday, ending his season.
• The Jacksonville Jaguars cut former starting tight end Jermaine Wiggins on Monday.

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