RICHMOND, Va. -- Michael Vick was sentenced to prison Monday

for running a dogfighting operation and will stay there longer than

two co-defendants, up to 23 months, because he lied about his

involvement when he was supposed to be coming clean to the judge

who would decide his fate.

The disgraced NFL star received a harsher sentence than the

others in the federal conspiracy case because of "less than

truthful" statements about killing pit bulls.

Vick said he accepted responsibility for his actions, but U.S.

District Judge Henry E. Hudson said he wasn't so sure.

"I'm not convinced you've fully accepted responsibility,"

Hudson told Vick, who arrived in court wearing the black-and-white

striped prison uniform he was issued when he voluntarily

surrendered Nov. 19 to begin serving his sentence early.

Despite the early surrender, a public apology and participation

in an animal sensitivity training course, Vick was denied an

"acceptance of responsibility" credit that would have reduced his

sentence. Federal prosecutors opposed awarding Vick the credit.

Dogs that did not perform up to expectations were killed by

electrocution, hanging, drowning and other violent means by the

dogfighting ring. Hudson said evidence, including statements by the

co-defendants, showed Vick was more directly involved than he

admitted. Hudson also mentioned that Vick had been deceptive on a

polygraph test. Though that evidence was not admissible in court,

the results were discussed.

"He did more than fund it," prosecutor Michael Gill said,

referring to the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting operation. "He

was in this thing up to his neck with the other defendants."

Some did not waver in their support for Michael Vick on Monday. At sentencing, the judge told Vick "you need to apologize to the millions of young people who looked up to you." AP Photo/Steve Helber

The judge agreed.

"You were instrumental in promoting, funding and facilitating

this cruel and inhumane sporting activity," he said.

Flanked by two defense attorneys, Vick spoke softly as he

acknowledged using "poor judgment" and added, "I'm willing to

deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my

actions."

Vick apologized to the court and his family members, who along

with other supporters occupied most of two rows in the packed

courtroom. Before the hearing started, Michael Vick's brother,

Marcus Vick, draped his right arm around their mother and comforted

her as she wept.

"You need to apologize to the millions of young people who

looked up to you," Hudson said sternly, reminding Vick of the fans

he singled out when he pleaded guilty in August.

"Yes, sir," Vick answered.

Although there is no parole in the federal system, with time off

for good behavior Vick could be released in the summer of 2009.

"This was an efficient, professional, and thorough

investigation that well exposed a seamy side of our society," U.S.

Attorney Chuck Rosenberg said in a statement. "I trust Mr. Vick

learned important lessons and that his admission of guilt will

speed his rehabilitation."