Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will plead guilty to federal charges, including dog fighting. The prosecution is seeking an 18-36 month sentence. Most of the public has turned against him, including his former fans. Even Al Sharpton and hip hop mogul Russell Simmons have condemned Vick, and are supporting the charges against him. Vick’s own co-defendants say he electrocuted and killed 8 innocent dogs, plus those who died in the fights.

But all of that hasn’t stopped the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from defending the sleeze bucket, and saying he should be welcomed back with open arms.

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 group’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.”

Sure, why not? I mean he’s only pleading guilty to federal conspiracy and dogfighting charges. That’s pretty much a parking ticket! We need our entertainment!

A reminder from the AP of exactly what charges he’s admitting guilt to:

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.

This should do wonders for the NAACP’s image. Or, maybe, it won’t affect it at all. They’ve weathered stupidity before.