By 2007, after being linked to a marijuana distribution incident, carrying marijuana hidden in a water bottle through airport security, holding up both middle fingers to a home crowd in 2006 and taking on the unfortunate nickname of Ron Mexico, Michael Vick's image as the most electrifying player in football was just starting to wane. But in 2007, the former number one overall pick in the NFL draft was indicted on charges that would change his public image, possibly forever.

Vick was accused of financing dog fighting operations, being directly involved in dog fighting, carrying out executions, and handling thousands of dollars related to gambling activities. These actions were carried out on property that Vick himself owned. He's currently serving a 23-month prison sentence and could be released in late 2009 or early 2010.

When the news of Vick's indictment spread, his public image took a nosedive and he quickly found himself one of the most hated men in the country. Most of his endorsements, already wary of his deteriorating popularity, let contracts expire and Vick found himself suddenly in bankruptcy. Some have said the wildly negative public reaction far outweighed the alleged crimes, especially when considering other crimes as egregious as rape and murder receive similar media scrutiny. But Vick found out that many of his fans are as emotionally tied to their pets as they are their families, and it remains to be seen whether the public will welcome him back once his sentence is over.