ATLANTA -- An NAACP leader said Michael Vick should be allowed to return to the

NFL, preferably the Atlanta Falcons, after serving his sentence for

his role in a dogfighting operation.

"As a society, we should aid in his rehabilitation and welcome

a new Michael Vick back into the community without a permanent loss

of his career in football," said R.L. White, president of the

NAACP's Atlanta chapter. "We further ask the NFL, Falcons, and the

sponsors not to permanently ban Mr. Vick from his ability to bring

hours of enjoyment to fans all over this country."

White said the Falcons quarterback is a human being who has made

a mistake and should be allowed to prove that he has learned from

that mistake.

On Monday, Vick said through a lawyer that he will plead guilty

to a federal charge of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce

in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an

animal fighting venture.

Three Vick associates have pleaded guilty to the conspiracy

charge and say Vick provided nearly all the gambling and operating

funds for the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting enterprise. Two of

them also said Vick participated in executing at least eight

underperforming dogs, raising the possibility of the animal cruelty

charges.