RICHMOND, Va. — Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison Monday for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls that did not perform up to expectations.

U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson could have sentenced the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback to up to five years. Vick pleaded guilty in August, admitting that he bankrolled the “Bad Newz Kennels” dogfighting operation and that he helped kill six to eight dogs.

Vick was dressed in black-and-white striped prison suit and apologized to the court and his family.

Vick pleaded guilty in August. In a plea agreement, he admitted bankrolling the “Bad Newz Kennels” dogfighting operation on his 15-acre property in rural southeastern Virginia and helping kill six to eight pit bulls that did not perform well in test fights.

He also admitted providing money for bets on the fights but said he never shared in any winnings.