It looks like the case of Tank Johnson vs. the state of Illinois is nearing a conclusion.  After pleading guilty to possession of a firearm without a license, the Tank had his sentenced reduced.  If all goes well, Mr. Johnson will be a free man on May 13^th and he has vowed that he will be a kinder, gentler Tank in the future.

Now that Tank’s problems with the state are in the past, it is time for the Bears tackle to take on the NFL and it’s new muscle-flexing commissioner Roger Goodell.  Goodell has already made harsh examples of Pacman Jones, Chris Henry, and Brian Urlacher’s head, and odds are, he’s going to crack the whip in Johnson’s direction as soon as he gets the chance. 

If you think that the contrite Tank Johnson may get leniency because of his professed change of heart, don’t count on it… the Bengals’ Chris Henry sang the same song and will miss the first half of the 2007 season.