RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Michael Vick has pleaded guilty to a federal dogfighting charge.

The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback entered his guilty plea in Richmond, Virginia, before U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson. The judge asked Vick whether he knew what evidence the government had against him and whether he had gone over the facts of the case with his legal team.

The plea agreement calls for a sentencing range of 12 to 18 months. But Hudson is not bound by any recommendation or federal sentencing guidelines and could sentence Vick to as much as five years in prison.

In his written plea, Vick 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.