The message here is if you screw up, take your clothes off and all will be forgiven

The bosses of saucy women's magazine Playgirl have come up with a new way for disgraced sportsman Michael Vick to redeem himself for slaying fighting dogs - strip.

The embattled American footballer, who was arrested for animal abuse and promoting dogfighting in 2007, has been invited to pose for Playgirl in return for a $1 million donation to animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

A spokesman for Playgirl confirms to Life & Style magazine, "I sent the request to Michael Vick on Wednesday, but we haven’t heard back yet.

"I figured he paid back society for dog fighting, but what about the animals? This way he could donate a large sum to PETA and all he’d have to do is pose for the magazine! It's kind of a win-win situation!"

Vick is currently trying to rebuild his shattered image after spending 19 months in prison for his part in a dog-fighting ring.