Apparently showing up three weeks early to begin serving his pending sentence had little bearing on the actual sentence handed down Monday to former NFL superstar Michael Vick for his role in operating a dogfighting ring. Amid reports alleging that Vick has not lived up to his plea agreement, which requires him to fully cooperate with investigators in connection with other dogfighting operations, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson, who presided in the case, issued a 23-month sentence with a three-year probationary period to follow.

A summary of the Michael Vick dogfighting scandal

Earlier this year, Vick pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in interstate gambling and interstate dog fighting, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. As part of his deal, he also agreed to give up the right to appeal the sentence once it was handed down. So at this point, Vick has no option but to serve out his term in jail.

Considering Vick's co-defendants, Purnell Peace and Quantis Phillips, were sentenced to 18 and 21 months respectively (both above minimum recommendations by the prosecution), it shouldn't come as a surprise that Vick's punishment was stiffer yet, especially in light of the accusations that he failed to live up to his plea agreement. He was, after all, the guy who financed the operation. And he was the last of the three to come clean with authorities.

The length of Vick's term (which could be cut to less than 20 months if he behaves himself in prison) means he will certainly miss all of the 2008 season, making 2009 the earliest possibility for a return. But even that's a longshot. At that time, he would be 29-years old, which is still young enough to make an attempted return to the NFL. But he would still have to deal with any sanctions by the NFL, which could include a ban of up to another a year or two. Don't forget he still has charges to deal with at the state level as well.

And who knows if he would ever be accepted again by the fans. I suspect there will be many more who are willing to forgive him as the memory of this embarrassing and tragic episode fades with time. But is there a team out there that would be willing to risk the PR nightmare of being the first to reach out to him? That is perhaps his biggest hurdle to overcome if he hopes to ever resume his NFL career.

Photo: Steve Helber-Pool / Getty Images