Tue Jan 8 02:30:01 2008

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Vick transferred, could face less jail time

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Richmond, VA (Sports Network) - Disgraced Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick transferred prisons on Monday, with the hopes that he would participate in a drug treatment program that could reduce his 23-month sentence.

Vick had been serving his sentence at Northern Neck Regional Jail for his participation in an illegal dogfighting ring.

But according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he was transferred to a minimum security prison in Leavenworth, Kansas, where he could take part in the Residential Drug Abuse Program.

The program requires 500 hours of treatment, and lasts six months to a year. Vick, who failed a drug test prior to his sentencing, has not officially entered into the program.

Should Vick enter the program, and complete it, his eligibility for early release would be based on previous convictions. Aside from his current case, Vick has none.

The Journal-Constitution said that qualified offenders who complete the program the will be eligible for an early release of 12 months -- though the Bureau of Prisons average is 8.5 months, when combined with home confinement.

Vick was originally was given 23 months of jail time and three years probation by U.S. District Judge Henry E.Hudson, on December 10. But Vick had already begun serving jail time, surrendering on November 19.