Former quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison for his role in the dogfighting operations and killing pit bulls.  Vick seemed apologetic at the sentencing and his future status in the National Football League remains as an unknown.

The obvious question going to be asked is whether Vick deserves a second chance in the NFL.

Some people shared their thoughts on the matter.

"Now that Michael Vick has gone from icon to inmate, I'm hoping he makes it back to the NFL," Clifton Brown of SportingNews said. "Not as the same player or the same person, but as a changed man."

Others believed that he could not return in the same physical and mental form necessary for the NFL.

"Vick's days are over in the NFL, Screen name tical00111 commented on John Clayton's column regarding Vick's status. "Yes he may be training but unless you've been in prison, we don't know what his mental and physical state would be like in 2009-2010 when he is released. Too many factors outside of his control are in play. Too bad. What a complete waste."

After reading Clayton's column myself, I am convinced that Vick can never return as a quarterback for many obvious reasons.  There is no football in prison, but there is basketball, Clayton said, and Vick’s athleticism can help him stay in good shape over the next two years.

If Vick behaves himself in prison, and league Commissioner Roger Goodell feels this way as well, there will be a second chance to redeem himself.

Based on Vick’s reputation of dishonesty and untruthfulness, we will have to wait and see.

I have a good feeling that he may rejoin the league as a third wide receiver or backup running back, positions not as intricate as the quarterback slot.  Teams may not want a rusty Vick even if with his athletic talent and capabilities so everything is up in the air for now.

Clayton also mentioned the challenges of returning to the NFL after a significant rest period.

“To play in the NFL, a player must train year-round to be ready for the league's physical and mental rigors,” Clayton said.  “Offseason programs for teams begin in March and are intense. Vick will be outside that system for too long. Prison doesn't offer the resources teams can provide to maintain what it takes to compete in the NFL. Jamal Lewis spent an offseason in jail when he had an injured ankle. He wasn't able to rehabilitate the ankle in jail and struggled the following season.”

Can Vick remain in proper condition necessary for the physical and demanding responsibility of the NFL?

The answer is most likely not.  But, we, PETA, Goodell, and the media won’t have to make that assessment for a while.  Only time will tell.

For Vick, he got what he deserved, he’s going to jail, and there were no surprises either.

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