Most everyone that knows anything about sports is aware of the Michael Vick story. Vick was sentenced to nearly two years in federal prison for conspiracy dog fighting charges. He has now come home to Virginia for a two month stint on house arrest. Once he completes that, then he will be under probation for a period as well. Still, the NFL and several teams are already expressing interest in Vick quarterbacking their teams. Should Vick get that chance?

There was a time when I would have said no. I truly was blown away by all the horrible things that this man had participated in, and did not think that he would ever deserve to play NFL football again. I am still sickened by the things he and his fellow dogfighting conspirators did, but my stance has softened a bit on his second chances.

Vick did in fact accept his punishment and was a model prisoner. He is now planning to do some work with the humane society, in spite of their constant railing before he was sentenced. Also, Vick has been punished already. Two years in the penitentiary is no joke for anyone. Why should a man not be allowed the chance to redeem himself after serving the punishment for his crime?

It is for this reason that I say let Vick play in the NFL. Do not get me wrong, he should have some very serious requirements. Zero tolerance policy fits him to a tee. Vick should be watched and monitored closely, both for the good of the NFL, and for Vick himself. Old buddies could easily steer him back down a dangerous path if he is not careful. If Vick knows what is at stake, then maybe he will resist those urges.

With the Adam Pacman Jones of the NFL world, Michael Vick seems a bit of a choir boy by comparison. Still, he is a convicted felon that has served time in prison. Regardless, if Jones deserved eighty five chances, then Vick certainly deserves a second.

Of all the teams that are expressing interest in Michael Vick, the absolute best fit in my mind is New England. With a strong coach like Belichik, and a good role model in Tom Brady, Vick could work his way back slowly. The fact that he would be a back up to Brady seems like a bad thing at first, but the truth is it could help Vick.

By backing up Tom Brady, the pressure would be off in Vick’s first season back. He could get back into football shape while not having the constant pressure of a starting quarterback’s position lingering over his head. Then after he serves a year in that position he could move on to a team that needs a starter with less pressure.

The most likely place I see Vick going, however, is in San Francisco. He fits their system fairly well, and they are desperate for a good quarterback. Coach Mike Singletary is not exactly known for being soft on his players either so he might be a good one for Vick. Only time will tell.

Though Michael Vick has had his share of problems, he should be allowed to pursue a living just like any other criminal that pays their debts to society. He served his time, and now he has the chance to make something good out of it. Give the man a chance and he might do just that.