In the Doghouse: Will Michael Vick Ever Play Again?
Contrition, experts say, is the only way for Michael Vick to revive his career.
Aug. 22, 2007 — -- If Michael Vick ever wants to play pro football again, experts say he only has one option: apologize.
When he's done apologizing, agents, lawyers and public relations experts told ABC News, he should apologize some more.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback's decision to plea guilty Monday to federal dogfighting charges was an important first step, they say, toward acknowledging what he did was wrong and — if he's lucky — salvaging his career. He is expected to formally enter his plea agreement Monday.
Another potential roadblock for Vick emerged Tuesday when prosecutors in Virginia said they will consider pursuing state charges against Vick.
In the world of professional sports where allegations of illegal drug use, domestic violence and even murder often go ignored, allegations that Vick ran a kennel from his Virginia home at which dogs were forced to fight to their deaths and poor-performing animals were strangled or drowned have infuriated the public.
Many fans have been left to wonder why he would gamble away a 10-year, $130 million contract to engage in an obviously illegal activity.
"He needs to apologize every time he has cameras and mics in front of him," said Steven Jefferson, a professor of sports management at the University of Massachusetts.
"He needs to say, 'I made a big mistake. I thought it was OK and obviously I didn't know what I was talking about.' Anytime he can add himself to campaigns about preventing cruelty to animals he needs to," Jefferson said.
Organized dogfighting is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although federal sentencing guidelines most likely would call for less. Experts believe he will probably be sentenced to 12 months to 18 months.
The NFL has yet to announce what punitive action it will take against the 27-year-old Virginia native, but in a recent statement it condemned the conduct outlined in the charges, calling it "inconsistent with what Michael Vick previously told both our office and the Falcons."
The length of Vick's prison term and the backing of his corporate sponsors, who have pulled Vick-endorsed products off the shelves at least for now, will play key roles in whether he'll have a second chance at reviving his career.
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