First, let me just say two things: I am a Michael Vick fan and the proud owner of a new bulldog puppy.

Now that that’s out of the way, if Vick and any of his cousins, brothers or friends had anything to do with the dog fighting taking place at his home, they should all be locked up in the big house.

It is unimaginable how someone could treat a dog that way and expect no repercussions when the law finally catches up with them. Personally, I don’t agree with fighting dogs, but more importantly, it’s against the law.

To call dog fighting a sport is ridiculous. It’s like saying cock fighting or praying mantis fighting is a sport.

They’re not.

It’s cruelty to animals, carried out not just for entertainment but for money and bragging rights. And the problem is, many athletes are into it.

The NFL has the most players in jail or who have been arrested for participating or attending dog fights.

Former Dallas Cowboys lineman Nate Newton, former Oakland Raiders running back Tyrone Wheatley and former Arizona Cardinals running back LeShon Johnson are among some of those arrested in recent years. Qyntel Woods of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers was also released from the team after his involvement in dog fighting.

The problem has become so large that reports are out saying that more than 100,000 people have been involved in dog fighting this year alone. The puzzling part is wondering how so many people could enjoy seeing animals mutilated and tortured for sport.

Dog fighting is a felony in 48 states, and the media hype will probably make it a felony in all 50. So Vick and Falcons fans, don’t be surprised when they throw the book at Vick.

As a fan of Vick and the Falcons, it hurts to say this, but the team may be better served to count him out for the time being. A lot of people want him to be the poster boy for dog fighting, and not in a good way.

The government and humane society, which I am a fan of because I got my dog from them, will both do everything they can to seek punishment in this case.

Fans just need to remember the whole “innocent before proven guilty thing.” As of now, all four men are innocent, but the odds are very stacked against them.

The feds found so much evidence that it’s hard to think this case is going to go well for the men. A large number of violent and beaten up dogs, check. A dog fighting cage — complete with blood splatters — check. Guns used for dog killing, check.

Good luck getting out of that.