Fresh off a 23-month federal prison stint for financing and participating in a dog-fighting operation dubbed Bad Newz Kennels, Michael Vick, former quarterback for the Falcons, is expected to begin prepping soon for a possible return to the NFL but some say he should be barred for life.

The crime and the time

Vick was identified in April 2007 as "the key figure" of an extensive illegal interstate dogfighting ring that operated for over five years. The scandal led to massive negative publicity and separate federal and state felony charges and convictions for which Vick pled guilty. Under the deal, Vic had to pay approximately $1 million for care and rehabilitation of some of the dogs. The NFL suspended him in August of 2007, and in December of the same year he was sentenced to serve to 23 months in federal prison.

With the loss of his substantial NFL and product endorsement income, Vick filed for bankruptcy protection in July 2008, with liabilities of $20.5 million and assets of $16 million. His bankruptcy case has yet to be resolved.

The debate

Prevailing opinion among national voices in the sports industry is that Vick should be back in the league this upcoming season. They argue that after serving a prison sentence, losing all of his money and being publicly humiliated, Vick has paid for his crimes and deserves the chance to rebuild his life via the NFL.

The dissenting side argues that Vick didn’t commit one heinous act as some have emphasized, saying that since he financed and participated in an illegal operation for years, he is a repeat offender just by the nature of his crimes. In addition to the harm Vick brought upon animals, gambling also occurred at the fights run by Bad Newz Kennels and Vick when first questioned about his involvement. This makes Vick guilty of violence to animals, gambling and deception; three compelling reasons to banish Vick forever, they say.

One good thing has certainly come of this: the Vick case has brought some needed attention to the issue of animal fighting. The Humane Society says 21 new laws have been passed against animal fighting since his arrest in 2007, and increased funding generated by the publicity from the case led to more education and enforcement.

Still, some think Vick should be punished even further. What do you think? Should Vick be reinstated or should he be banned?