The news of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick's indictment linking him to dogfighting at his Virginia home roared through ESPN Zone in Buckhead Tuesday night like a tidal wave.

Football fans — many of whom were from out-of-state — said they were surprised and disgusted as they watched the details unfold on dozens of televisions in the restaurant on Peachtree Street.

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"It's disgusting that someone could do the kinds of things that he is accused of doing," said Blake Wright, 25, from Dallas, Texas.

A federal grand jury on Tuesday indicted Vick for his alleged role in an operation where breeders fought dogs in more than one state. Some of the losing dogs were later electrocuted, drowned, hanged or shot to death.

Doug Baker, 42, of Indianapolis, said the news upset him.

"The first thing I thought about is: Would Peyton Manning and other great quarterbacks be indicted for dogfighting? I don't think so. Their demeanors are different. I don't understand why there is a violent side to Michael Vick," Baker said. "It's tough to stand in the huddle with 10 other guys and look with respect at a leader who is doing the wrong thing."

He and other fans agreed the new National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell will likely take a hard swing at Vick.

"The NFL is at a point where they are trying to make examples out of people. If he did it, then he deserves to be punished," said Keith Collier, 37, of Florence, Ala. "There's just too much negative stuff going on in professional sports."

John Spiller, 20, of Newnan predicts Vick will be suspended from a few games this fall and lose his endorsements, even if he is able to avoid jail time.

"The new commissioner is a tough guy. He likes to suspend people," said Jose Pereirra, 47, from Birmingham, Ala. "I think it's wrong to get involved with dogfighting — especially when you are a public figure. It doesn't help your career."

"The Falcons' image is tainted big time," said Brett Clavenna, 43, from Spartanburg, S.C. "You are only as good as your team."

Other diners disagreed, citing the negative spotlight being shined on other top African-American athletes.

"If he has a good year, the Falcons will forgive him and it will fade away," said Orlando King, 35, of Camp Creek. "Michael has done something without thinking to put himself in the spotlight. He just needs to sit down and think about it. I want to see the Falcons do well."

Regardless of how they think the trial will end, fans agreed that the end of Vick's career is far from near.

"He's really talented and talent always wins out," Wright said. "The fans love him and that's what sells tickets."