Fri.Nov.30,2007
ATLANTA --Two of Michael Vick's co-defendants have received longer than expected sentences for their role in a dogfighting operation, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on its Web site Friday.

According to the newspaper, Purnell Peace was sentenced to 18 months while Quanis Phillips was sentenced to 21 months on Friday morning in a Richmond, Va., courtroom.

Peace's sentence represents the higher end of his recommended sentence range, while Phillips is in the middle of the guideline.

The longer sentences could be an indication of what Vick will receive when he is sentenced on December 10.

In handing down the sentences, United States District Judge Henry E. Hudson told the men what happened to the dogs involved was "a tragedy," according to the Journal-Constitution.

"You may have thought this was sporting, but it was very callous and cruel," Hudson told Phillips.

Vick, who has been suspended by the Atlanta Falcons, has already reported to prison to begin serving time towards his sentence. A fourth co-defendant, Tony Taylor, is due to be sentenced on December 14.

All four men pleaded guilty in August on charges relating to the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting operation, based at a property belonging to Vick in Surry County, Va.

The four also face felony state dogfighting charges that carry a maximum sentence of five years.