Chris Thompson   Chris Thompson on the internet

There have been a lot of ups and downs in the NFL recently. The commissioner certainly has a lot to deal with. You might think that managing a multibillion dollar sports empire would make him strict, and in a way, uncaring. But I think that, in deciding to let Michael Vick play in week 3 of the NFL season, though, rather than week 6, he has demonstrated a compassion and sensibility that are good to see in a man with such power.

Precisely because of all this background madness, Goodell has, in the past, vowed to restore order. He hasn’t hesitated to drop down lengthy suspensions, he’s also demonstrated this air of sensibility. And I’m glad he didn’t come down more heavily on him.

We’re dealing with a player who has already spent nearly two years in federal custody. He’s lost the bulk of his money from playing with the Atlanta Falcons, and all of the endorsements and deals that contributed to making him the highest paid player in the league. And on top of that, he’s lost his job as a starting quarterback – for the moment, at least.

I think that anything more would have been slightly on the harsh side of things. I’m all for second chances, and I for one am looking forward to watching him play (in whatever capacity that is).