SUSSEX, Va.—With a steady gaze and another apology, Michael Vick took an important step toward returning to pro football.

The former star quarterback pleaded guilty to a state dogfighting charge Tuesday, and the prosecutor dropped an animal cruelty count. Surry Circuit Judge Samuel Campbell accepted the deal and gave Vick a suspended three-year sentence—far less than the maximum 10-year term he could have faced.

The move clears the way for Vick’s possible transition to a halfway house, and brings his aim of another chance at professional football closer.

“I ...

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