ATLANTA – Michael Vick finished a dismal chapter of his life as a convict and is expecting to pursue donning an NFL  jersey again.

Vick’s attorney Lawrence Woodward said outside Vick’s suburban Virginia home that the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback had been released from federal custody after completing his 23-month sentence for his dog-fighting conviction.

Now that Vick has formally paid his debt to society and traded in his home-confinement electronic monitor, he is expected to step up his efforts to resume his pro football career but it will not be in Atlanta.

With Associated Press 2008 NFC Offensive Rookie-of-the-Year Matt Ryan taking snaps for the Falcons, the team released Vick in June, making the former Pro-Bowler available to speak to other teams once he is cleared to play.

Vick is expected to request a meeting soon with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell who earlier had promised to review Vick’s status after Vick completed his sentence.

A statement from the NFL did not include any timeline on when that meeting would take place. “The review of his status is ongoing, but we are providing no other details at this time,” said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello.

Back in April Goodell commented on Vick. “Michael did an egregious thing,” said Goodell. “He has paid a very significant price for that.”

To the displeasure of some of our fans and readers, Sports Climax took the stand that Vick should be compensated by the wine company who used his name as a marketing ploy to sell their product.

It’s hard not to agree with Goddell when he says the man has paid a huge price. It’s time to welcome Vick back into society and into the NFL in time for this upcoming season.

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