Of course Commissioner Goodell holds the key to golden gates of the NFL and while he’s been tough on many offenders since taking control of the leagues conduct policy, he’s shown some compassion for players on first offenses. First offense or not however, this will prove to be the biggest test of Goodell and his judgment so far. A worldwide audience will be watching this and PETA, always on the prowl, will of course be set to pounce on the first opportunity to trash Vick and any team that dares host talks with the villain.

We don’t expect that to stop someone like Al Davis, who fires coaches at will and clearly only gives a shit about winning. In fact, we’re willing to bet that Davis or one of his representatives will be among the first to send Vick a gift basket once he gets out of the klink. They shoot each other all the time in Oakland anyway, so it’s doubtful too many fans there will care about Vick shooting a dog or two.

Now who’s taking the over/under on when Vick returns to the NFL?