It’s been over 12 years since former NFL star Michael Vick served 18 months in prison for his participation in the operation of a dogfighting ring. He has since moved on with his life—but apparently, there are some people who won’t let him forget his past. Michael is set to be honored at the upcoming 2020 Pro Bowl as a Captain and one woman has started a petition to have him officially removed…and it has already collected almost 400,000 signatures.
@Blavity reports that several animal rights activists are doing everything in their power to ensure that Michael Vick is not honored at the upcoming 2020 Pro Bowl ceremony taking place in January in Orlando, Florida. Joanna Lind, the woman who created the petition, had a lot to say about why she feels that despite him serving time in prison, she still believes that he should not be honored.
Lind had this to say:
“When is the NFL going to take any responsibility for the behavior of it’s current and former players? To honor a man who had zero regard for animals is unacceptable and I would like your help to make sure he is not honored at the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.”
The petition was created mere hours after the announcement was made that Michael would be one of the athletes honored, and the signatures are at 400k and counting. However, not everyone agrees with Lind or those who have signed the petition.
Michael’s former teammate, David Akers, defended him on Twitter, writing:
“Mike has paid for all he has done and more. He has done much behind the scenes as well to give back without wanting any public acknowledgement.”
Vick played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers after his prison sentence, but he started his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons. He retired in 2017 and worked as an analyst for Fox Sports.
Roommates, what are your thoughts on this?
