RICHMOND, Va. -- Michael Vick pleaded guilty Monday to a federal dogfighting charge and awaited a Dec. 10 sentencing date that could send the NFL star to prison.

Moments later he spoke publicly about his case for the first time.

"I take full responsibility for my actions," Vick said during a news conference. "I'm totally responsible. Those things just didn't need to happen."

Saying that he was speaking "from the heart," the suspended quarterback apologized for being dishonest about his role in the dogfighting case with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Falcons owner Arthur Blank and his Falcons teammates.

He also apologized to his young fans around the world, saying that he hopes all of the children who viewed him as a role model will use him as an example of how to use better judgement and make better decisions.

The suspended quarterback admitted he needed "to grow up" and is ready to use his time off from football to better himself.

"In a sense it will help me as a person," Vick said. "I've got a lot to think about over the next year or so."

In the court room earlier, Vick's plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, who asked: "Are you entering the plea of guilty to a conspiracy charge because you are in fact guilty?"

Vick replied, "Yes, sir."

Hudson emphasized he is not bound by sentencing guidelines and can impose the maximum sentence of up to five years in prison. The judge told the suspended passer that he was taking his chances and that he'll have to live with whatever decision he makes.

In Vick's written plea agreement filed in federal court Friday, he admitted helping kill six to eight pit bulls and supplying money for gambling on the fights. He said he did not personally place any bets or share in any winnings.

The plea agreement calls for a sentencing range of 12 to 18 months. But Hudson could sentence Vick to as much as five years in prison.

With Vick's sentencing date pending, the Atlanta Falcons commented on their team's situation Monday.

Blank said the team will not yet cut Vick from its roster, that it wasn't in the best interest of the franchise. But the team will discuss its options, and it will pursue getting repaid for bonuses that were given to Vick.

The owner's main focus was moving forward.

"I recognize this situation has tarnished our team," Blank said. "We cannot undo what is done. But we can recover from this."

The NFL on Friday suspended him indefinitely.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Vick's behavior was illegal, cruel and reprehensible, and violated his contract.

"Even if you personally did not place bets, as you contend, your actions in funding the betting and your association with illegal gambling both violate the terms of your NFL Player Contract and expose you to corrupting influences in derogation of one of the most fundamental responsibilities of an NFL player," Goodell said in a statement.