To read about Josh Brent's case, click here.

I just got off the phone with Tony Novak, the attorney for Illinois defensive tackle Josh Brent. Novak had nice things to say about his client:

"As huge and fierce looking as Josh is, you couldn't imagine a more soft-spoken, respectful, reasonable person," Novak said. "It was a pleasure dealing with him."

Brent is serving jail time for a DUI conviction. Novak said Brent "accepted the responsibility, accepted the consequences without any hesitation. He understood what he had to do and he's doing it."

What will happen to Brent's football career? That will be left in the hands of the university, athletic department and coach Ron Zook. Novak doesn't have a vote, but it's clear what he wants to see in Brent's future.

"He's my client, but I can also say he's a great guy," Novak said. "I expect he's going to be an asset to the UI. There's no question in my mind that he deserves a second chance there."

Brent's jail time ought to be enough of a penalty. He should be reinstated to the program at the end of the jail time and be allowed to return to workouts with his teammates. Novak's right, Brent can be an asset to the program. And he can also serve as a reminder to the rest of the team that it's important to obey the law.