NFL Players React to Petition Against Michael Vick Pro Bowl Honor
Two weeks ago, the National Football league dubbed Michael Vick, Terrell Davis, Darrell Green and Bruce Smith the 2020 Pro Bowl “Legends Captains.”
Right now on Change.org, a petition titled “Do not allow Michael Vick to be honored in the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl” is roughly 40,000 e-signatures away from its “goal” of 500,000 signatures.
This, of course, is because Vick served nearly two years in federal prison for dogfighting.
Like the Pro Bowl, the “Legends Captain” position seems to be symbolic. They’re on the sidelines for the game, “mentor” players and attend all the Pro Bowl festivities.
Obviously, a Change.org petition is non-binding, whether or not the NFL responds to a petition nearly half-a-million people strong remains to be seen.
Some current and former NFL players are voicing their support for Vick on Twitter.
Michael Vick has paid his debt.
17 months in Leavenworth.
Over a decade ago.The names on this petition are unaware or more likely unconcerned with justice and truth. https://t.co/wo0alQLirm
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) December 8, 2019
“Michael Vick has paid his debt,” writes current New England Patriots tight end Ben Watson.
“He served his time and has been remorseful,” says former wide receiver Torrey Smith.
He served his time and has been remorseful. At some point you have to let a person that has taken full advantage of their second chance live their life. I say that as an advocate for the animals. https://t.co/iqWNR56QfD
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) December 7, 2019
Twitter is chock-full of professional athletes vouching for Vick. I couldn’t find one person related to the sports world who supports this petition.
Wow. Sad. 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. https://t.co/2yLzrTUsxT
— David Akers (@David2Akers) December 9, 2019
While the details of Vick’s dogfighting ring are horrific, he’s stayed out of any noteworthy trouble and even spent time lobbying for animal rights.
The relationship among crime, punishment, tolerance and forgiveness is an evergreen, ubiquitous conversation and Michael Vick’s situation is merely a microcosm. However, in this instance, I doubt the NFL will even address the petition, let alone backtrack.
Vick currently serves as an analyst for Fox Sports.
Photo via Ed Yourdon [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
