The star football quarterback Michael Vick has pleaded guilty to operating an illegal dogfighting and betting ring based in southeastern Virginia. Two of his co-defendants said Vick participated in the killing of at least eight dogs, some by hanging and drowning. On Monday, Vick publicly apologized after entering his plea.

Michael Vick: “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.”

The National Football League has suspended Vick indefinitely. He faces up to five years in prison.