Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has apologised for his role in a dogfighting operation after pleading guilty to federal charges on Monday.

Vick held a brief press conference after appearing in US District Court where he pleaded guilty to the same single charge as his three co-defendants did in recent weeks - conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.

"I want to apologise for all the things I've done and the things I've allowed to happen," Vick said.

"I want to personally apologise to Commissioner Goodell, (Falcons owner) Arthur Blank and coach Bobby Petrino and all of my Atlanta Falcons team-mates.

"In previous discussions I was not honest with them. I was ashamed and totally disappointed in myself."

"I take full responsibility for my actions," he said.

"I'm not going to sit right here and point fingers. I was totally responsible. These things didn't have to happen.

"We all make mistakes. I made a mistake, a bad judgment, a bad decision."

Vick also apologised to the team's supporters, particularly the younger fans.

"I want to apologise to all the kids for my immature acts," he said.

"What I did was very immature, and it shows that I need to grow up totally. I ask for forgiveness and understanding as I move forward to make Michael Vick a better person, not a football player.

"I'm disappointed with myself. More than anything for all the young people I've let down, kids who see me as a role model. I hope very young kids watching this interview now will use me as a example on using bad judgment.

Vick acknowledged he has a lot of time to think about his actions.

"I have a lot of downtime to think about what I've done, and how to make myself a better person," he said.

"I will redeem myself. I have to."

The federal dogfighting conspiracy offense carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 (£124,000) fine.

Judge Henry Hudson announced Vick's sentencing hearing will take place on December 10.

Blank held a separate press conference later on Monday, in which the Falcons owner admitted he was "profoundly disappointed" by what has happened.

"We recognise that this situation has tarnished our team, our brand," he said.

"We have fans who are embarrassed to wear the No. 7 jersey. We cannot undo what is done. But we can, we will recover from this.

"We will not allow this situation to compromise what we stand for."

Unlike his co-defendants, Vick, in a statement of facts submitted to the court on Friday, did not admit to actually gambling on dogfights or taking part in the killing of dogs.

Vick admitted only that the "collective efforts" by him and two others caused the death of dogs.

"We hope that Judge (Henry) Hudson will see the real Michael Vick. What we have seen is an aberration," Vick's lawyer, Billy Martin said.

In a summary of facts accompanying the plea agreement filed last Friday, Vick admitted that six to eight dogs killed in April of this year died as a result of the "collective efforts" of himself and two of his three co-defendants, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips.

"Peace, Phillips and Vick agreed to the killing of approximately 6-8 dogs that did not perform well in "testing" sessions at 1915 Moonlight Road and all of those dogs were killed by various methods, including hanging and drowning," the summary stated.

"Vick agrees and stipulates that these dogs all died as a result of the collective efforts of Peace, Phillips and Vick."

The summary also stated that Vick, Phillips, Peace and the fourth defendant Tony Taylor, 'tested' several dogs in 2002 to determine which were good fighters.

"Vick was aware that Phillips, Peace and Taylor killed a number of dogs that did not perform well in testing sessions around this time," the summary said.

"Vick did not kill any dogs at this time."

The summary outlined the story of how the operation - known as the "Bad Newz Kennels" - began in 2001 and continued until April of this year.

The operation was largely funded by Vick, including money bet on the outcome of fights.

Vick has denied he personally gambled on fights.

"Most of the 'Bad Newz Kennels' operation and gambling monies were provided by Vick," the statement said.

"When 'Bad Newz Kennels' won a particular fight, the gambling proceeds were generally split by Taylor, Phillips and, sometimes, Peace.

"Vick did not gamble by placing side bets on any of the fights. Vick did not receive any of the proceeds from the purses that were won by 'Bad Newz Kennels'."

The summary stated that Vick paid for the house, in Surry County, Virginia, where the dogs were kennelled and where numerous fights were staged.

Vick, 27, was on Friday suspended indefinitely without pay by the NFL in response to his decision to plead guilty and admit to a role in the dogfighting operation.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote to Vick on Friday to inform him of his suspension, which may yet become a lifetime ban.

Goodell's letter was damning in its tone.

"Your admitted conduct was not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible," Goodell wrote. "Your team, the NFL, and NFL fans have all been hurt by your actions."

The NFL in particular frowned upon Vick's admission that he funded gambling on dogfights as it violates the league's strict anti-gambling code.

"Your plea agreement and the plea agreements of your co-defendants also demonstrate your significant involvement in illegal gambling," Goodell continued.

"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 also told Vick that he had violated the league's personal conduct policy.

The commissioner will now wait for the legal process to run its course before deciding how long Vick's suspension should run.

A lifetime ban is possible under the NFL's rules.

In 2005, Vick signed a 10-year $130 million (£64million) contract with the Falcons, the richest contract in NFL history at the time.

The deal guaranteed Vick at least $44 million (£22million), but the Falcons are seeking to recover up to $22 million (£11million) of that money.

"I have advised the Falcons that, with my decision today, they are no longer prohibited from acting and are now free to assert any claims or remedies available to them under the Collective Bargaining Agreement or your NFL player contract," Goodell wrote last Friday.

One possible option for Vick to resume his playing career was taken away when the Canadian Football League released a statement that he would not be eligible to compete north of the border.

"In response to media inquiries regarding the possibility of Michael Vick playing in the CFL, I would like to clarify that any NFL players, who are currently under contract or serving a suspension, are prohibited from signing a CFL player contract as outlined by the League's governing documents," CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said.