If it's true, lock Vick away

Gopher Lawyer is a big NFL fan. (I have particular love for a certain team that wears purple jerseys and sports white horns on its helmet.)

The League has long been subject to the criticism that its players act as though the rules don't apply to them. Usually this attitude manifests itself on Saturday nights around 2am. Pacman Jones gets involved in a shootout at a strip club. Vikings players gang bang prostitutes on a lake cruise. Countless other players drive home drunk or get into bar fights. Usually, however, the bad behavior is limited to recklessness or basic stupidity.

Not so for Mike Vick. Vick has been accused of participating in a ring that brutally tortured dogs for entertainment and financial gain. The allegations are so atrocious and vile, it's hard to even read the indictment. (As a lawyer, I have to add the necessary disclaimers that he is innocent until proven guilty, and simply being charged does not indicate guilt.)

If they are true, Vick should be locked away in prison and suspended from the NFL for life. Such a level of cruelty to innocent animals is hard to contemplate for most people, yet the multi-millionaire Vick had no qualms involving himself in this racket. And all in the name of entertainment and making a few more bucks. No words are strong enough to condemn this evil, sadistic violence.

This is not some sports star making a few bad alcohol-induced decisions. This is calculating, ruthless, cold-hearted cruelty, and if these allegations are true, I cannot imagine a punishment too severe.