Public opinion polls could end up aiding defense

	Public opinion about Michael Vick's fate could eventually affect the legal process. Bob Rosato/SI
	Michael Vick Pleads Guilty • Vick formally enters guilty plea to dogfighting • Text of Vick's post-hearing apology • McCANN: What sentence will Vick get? • Monumental day in store for Falcons • NFL suspends Vick after he files plea • DOHRMANN: What exactly did Vick admit? • McCann: Judge still plays key role in Vick case • CNN: Grim future for most fighting dogs • NAACP thinks Vick should be able to return • KING: Hard to imagine upcoming season • BANKS: NFL personnel gurus on Vick's future • Athletes prosecuted by federal government
	MAILBAG Dr. Z will answer select user questions each week in his NFL mailbag. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

Let's get right to the Michael Vick questions. Marshall of Westville, Maine, wonders what the correct punishment would be, should Vick be found guilty of the animal cruelty charges. Jason of Ithaca, N.Y., (and thank you) is upset about the Falcons' soft reaction, featuring phrases such as "troubling," and "disappointing." "I use that terminology when I screw up making a pot of coffee or when my fantasy football team loses," he adds.

Sean of Schenectady, N.Y. (once again, thanks for your sentiments), finds a larger issue than the legal one, namely the "devaluation of player character and integrity," should Vick be convicted. Michael of Giessen, Germany, by way of Hereford, Texas (sounds like the way they announce a team drafting a player ... Giessen, from Hereford, through Eagles, etc.), wonders if the Falcons should take a look at Daunte Culpepper.

To Marshall -- I'm not going to jump the gun and assume his guilt, therefore assigning punishment would be premature. I'm sure you think this is a namby, pamby response. So does The Flaming Redhead. This morning she asked me at breakfast, "What will happen to him if he's found guilty?" I was in a typically cynical, bitter mood, so I said, "Five-year suspended sentence by the court. One year suspension by the league. Welcomed back to the Falcons with open arms, the quote being, 'He's learned his lesson. He deserves another chance.'"

She leveled a cold gaze at me and said, "How about the dogs? Didn't they deserve a chance?"

To Jason -- The Falcons' soft reaction represented a very poor choice of words, but these teams take care of their own, as you know.

To Michael -- As Weeb Ewbank once said, "You don't get healthy taking on other peoples' problems."

To Sean -- Yes, you're right, of course, but the Duke lacrosse case should have given us a valuable lesson. Don't be first in line at the necktie party. Don't assign guilt until it's proven. Wednesday's USA Today had a little box accompanying the Vick story: "Read the complete indictment and vote for what you think should happen to Vick." And they provided a site to punch in.

Well, I hit it, thereby adding one hit to their total, which was the purpose of the thing in the first place. I read the entire 84 counts of the indictment, and did not vote. This is the kind of idiot thing that really bothers me. I'm sure the prosecutors of this case smacked their foreheads when they read this call to arms and groaned, "Oh, God!" The guy has not, repeat not been found guilty yet, and already the king of the hit parade, USA Today ("Vote on the NFL's 10 best trash talkers." "Send in your votes for the NFL's 10 flashiest dressers," ad nauseam) is organizing a hanging. This only helps the defense attorneys. I would guess they would claim prejudicial treatment.

But USA Today is in the business of drumming up business for its Web site, not seeking fairness. That's another reason why it's so tough to get a conviction -- for anything -- in this country.