Fast Break

NFL

Vick makes plea, apologizes to all

First, Michael Vick apologized to all the people he lied to. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank. Coach Bobby Petrino. His teammates.

“I was not honest and forthright in our discussions,” the star quarterback said Monday, somber and deliberate and not speaking from notes.

Then he apologized to “all the young kids out there for my immature acts.

“I need to grow up,” he added.

And so began a public act of contrition from Vick, who pleaded guilty to a federal dogfighting charge and then stood behind a podium to say his job now was “bettering Michael Vick the person, not the football player.”

Saying he was speaking “from the heart,” Vick said he took full responsibility for his actions.

Acceptance of responsibility is one of the factors U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson will consider in handing down Vick’s sentence Dec. 10. The federal sentencing guideline range is projected at a year to 18 months, but Hudson can impose up to the five-year maximum.

The plea was accepted by Hudson, who asked: “Are you entering the plea of guilty to a conspiracy charge because you are in fact guilty?”

Vick answered yes, and Hudson emphasized his broad latitude in sentencing.

“You’re taking your chances here. You’ll have to live with whatever decision I make,” he said.

College football

Meyer lets it slip: Moody to Florida

Florida coach Urban Meyer accidentally confirmed Monday former USC running back Emmanuel Moody is transferring to the defending national champions.

“He’s not here yet,” Meyer said during his weekly news conference.

Meyer quickly realized his error and said, “He’s not here.” Then, he paused and said, “Oops.”

Thus ends a week of speculation about where Moody would end up.

A 6-foot-1, 205-pound sophomore from Texas, Moody decided to transfer after getting caught in a glut of highly touted tailbacks. He has to sit out the 2007 season under the NCAA’s transfer rules and will have three years of eligibility remaining.

College athletics

Eastern hires compliance officer

Donald Ross has been named director of athletic compliance for Eastern Washington University.

In his new position at Eastern, Ross will be accountable for all compliance operations within the department, including initial and continuing eligibility, financial aid and rule interpretations and education for coaches and staff.

Ross has worked at Seattle University for four years, two of those as the assistant athletic director for compliance and operations and two as the assistant athletic director of recreational sports.