Michael Vick, who went from the wealthiest star in the NFL to bankrupt convict, has paid some serious dues and could be reinstated into the league, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday. “Michael did an egregious thing. He has paid a very significant price for that. If he’s learned from that and is prepared to live a different life, I think the general public is forgiving on that when people are genuine and they show remorse and are prepared to live a different life,” he said. “That’s something he has to prove to myself and the general public.” Follow his comments during a panel discussion about leadership in sports at Washington & Lee University, Goodell said he has not paid attention to Vick’s legal issues since suspending him from the league after his conviction in a federal dogfighting case. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback is in the home stretch of a 23-month prison term for his conviction in a high-profile dogfighting case. “At that point in time, I will want to meet with Michael, I will want to meet with his people, I will want to meet with other professionals to understand: does he understand the mistakes he made and is he genuine and have remorse for those actions and is he prepared to handle himself differently going forward. That will ultimately be my decision,” he said. “Our issue is trying to do the right thing and represent the NFL in the best possible way.” At the time he was sent to prison, Vick, 28, was under a seven-year contract for $130 million. He is scheduled to be released from the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., on July 20, but could be transferred to home confinement in Hampton as early as May 21.

 After he completes his 23-month jail term, lawyers for Michael Vick says ex-Atlanta Falcons player wants back in the NFL.  Vick’s attorneys, who laid out a plan to pay creditors based in part on his expected earnings and possible signing bonuses, said that Vick “has every reason to believe that upon his release, he will be reinstated into the NFL, resume his career and be able to earn a substantial living.”  The disclosure statement was filed before a hearing Thursday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Norfolk, Va.

Lil Wayne will return to New York tomorrow. Having missed an earlier court date on a weapons charge, due to a dental issue, Lil Wayne returns to court tomorrow on a continuance. The rapper took a red-eye flight from Hollywood to New York after his Video Music Awards performance and win for Best Hip-Hop Video, in order to appear Monday. Weezy was arrested last summer after cops stopped his tour bus and searched the vehicle, allegedly finding a .40-caliber pistol. He’s charged with criminal possession of a weapon.

Actor is confirmed to play ancient Egyptian ruler.
Will Smith will portray Last Pharaoh. Will Smith is set to take on one of his most challenging roles in the film The Last Pharaoh. After earlier reports surfaced of his interest in the role about the ancient Egyptian ruler Taharqa, Variety.com confirms that Braveheart writer Randall Wallace is taking on the screenplay at Smith’s behest. Taharqa ruled Egypt from 690 B.C. to 664 B.C. and became known for his fierce battles with Assyrian king Esarhaddon.

Shhhh! Not while he’s trying to sing!
Actor hushes fans at performance. Terrence Howard takes his newfound music career seriously, according to Web reports. The Oscar-nominated actor whose new CD, Shine It Through, was recently released reportedly shushed a couple of fans at his New York performance last week. The star appeared at “The Beat of Chic,” an event for special invited guests at Bloomingdale’s department store, and was reportedly annoyed by the constant chatter of two women in the front row. “Obviously you two are talking about something that’s more important than my music,” Howard is said to have announced. “Why don’t you share it?” After the man who rapped the words “whoop dat trick” in the film Hustle & Flow stuck the mic in their faces, the ladies apparently decided to shut it up. But it’s not only the two front-row spectators who’ve been underwhelmed with Howard’s musical debut: Fan feedback on the CD has been less than favorable.

Golfer could defend Dubai Desert Classic title

Tiger Woods says he could be back in action in time for late January’s Dubai Desert Classic title, following knee surgery. Woods is still recovering, but told media at a recent appearance in Dubai that he could be ready. “I don’t know my schedule for next year… I will be hitting golf balls at the beginning of the year,” Woods said. The star spoke at the launch of a billion-dollar golf project that he designed in Dubai this week. The Desert Classic begins Jan. 27, 2009.

“Boundary calls” will be up for review. The debate among baseball purists and those arguing that the sport use technology to its advantage has ended. Major League stadiums that recently installed video monitoring equipment have officially enacted the use of instant replay. Partly inspired by questionable homerun calls from on the field, the review will be used selectively, officials say. “Boundary calls,” not balls and strikes, will be the plays that are subject to determination by replay, in addition to umpires, says Commissioner Bud Selig.