So what further steps should the NFL take now that Michael Vick has pleaded guilty to federal dog fighting charges?

For the time being, nothing.

There's really no need. Vick won't be sentenced until December, although one would think he should push his attorneys for an earlier date so he can begin his prison time as soon as possible to better the chances of resuming a football career.

Once Vick learns his legal punishment, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell can announce whether a suspension will run concurrently with his prison sentence. But the league shouldn't place a set time on how long Vick will be barred, like a lifetime ban.

Instead, simply announce an indefinite suspension that will be revisited at a later date (the summer of 2009 seems like a reasonable time). By that time, the NFL will see know how serious Vick is in turning his life around and "growing up" like he alluded to during his Monday speech to the media.

If and when the suspension is lifted, it seems likely that Atlanta will trade or release Vick quicker than one of his trademark scrambles. But I don't believe it would take all that long before Vick found a new home.

Sure, plenty of spin doctoring and damage control will be needed on the part of both Vick and any team that acquired him. Some clubs also will have nothing to do with Vick because of the baggage he is now carrying.

But I do believe there will be a market for Vick's services as long as he continues to show the same athletic tools that helped him become the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in 2006. Vick also will probably come at a price that could make him a bargain for his level of talent.

Trust me: The NFL can forgive and forget when a troubled player is good enough.

If the NFL lifts his suspension, the worst-case scenario for Vick would be having to play in an alternative football league (Canadian or Arena?) in hopes of reinventing himself for an NFL return. But if he looked sharp and was sincerely contrite in light of what has transpired, some of the same fans who have spent this entire off-season ripping Vick would want him on their favorite team if that club was having quarterback issues.

Thoughts?