Michael Vick to plead on state dogfighting charges

SURRY, Virginia -- Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick plans to enter a plea next week on state dogfighting charges in Virginia, a court official said on Tuesday.

Surry County Circuit Court administrator Sally Neblett said a hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 30 on a motion to hear a plea from Vick by video conference.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reported that Vick plans to plead guilty to the state charges in hopes of winning an early release from federal prison in Kansas.

Citing court papers, the newspaper said Vick would then enter a halfway house.

Vick, who admitted bankrolling a dogfighting operation and helping execute dogs, has been serving a two-year term in a minimum-security federal prison since January.

The NFL also has the former superstar on indefinite suspension.