Chris Brown has now been saddled with five years of probation for beating his ex-girlfriend, Rihanna.  The sentence also includes a six-month community service requirement, and an order not to visit Rihanna at any point during the probationary period.  During the proceedings, reports ofprevious violence emerged, though none as serious as the February, pre-Grammy attack.

Actually, Brown is restricted from appearing within 100 yards of Rihanna, except at music industry events like the Grammy Awards.  If any of those terms are violated, Brown faces time in prison.  The sentence was delivered by Los Angeles Superior Court judge Patricia Schnegg on Tuesday, and Brown was represented by Mark Geragos.

The sentence offers the chance for rehabilitation, and Brown has already expressed remorse.  Still, the sentence is nothing compared to the career damage that Brown has suffered.  Still, a wildcard could come into play – fans often rally around their flawed heroes, and everyone loves a comeback.

Indeed, some of the biggest musical superstars in history have been deeply troubled individuals – Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Johnny Cash, Britney Spears, the list goes on.  Whether Brown can thread that delicate path towards fan affection remains to be seen, though legal restrictions could cramp the effort over the next few years.