Two petitions circulating online have garnered more than 630,000 signatures from animal advocates calling on the NFL to bar former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick of his inclusion in the 2020 Pro Bowl Legends due to his dogfighting past.
On Nov. 26, the league announced that Vick would serve as captain, which is a mentor role, for the 2020 Pro Bowl Legends game, which includes NFL greats including Terrell Davis, Darrell Green and Bruce Smith, according to SI.com.
Since the announcement, multiple petitions have started on the Change.org site denouncing the league for its decision to honor Vick, who nearly 12 years ago to the date was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for dogfighting. One petition initiated by a Change.org user named Joanna Lind has more than 420,000 signatures. Lind writes she was "disgusted" to learn that Vick would be included in next year's bowl.
Credit: Change.org
Credit: Change.org
“When is the NFL going to take any responsibility for the behavior of it's current and former players?,” the petition reads. “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.”
Another Change.org petition titled "NFL: Stop Michael Vick from being Pro Bowl Captain" has more than 215,000 signatures. User Aladdin Nation wrote Vick does not deserve the honor of captain for the bowl. The petition specifically calls out Disney, the parent company of ABC, which will air the bowl.
"He is a convicted felon and a known animal abuser, is this who we want our children to look up to? Disney, how could you condone this?? There are so many players that have made amazing contribution to society, however Michael Vick is not one of them." — Aladdin Nation wrote
Vick most recently served as Atlanta Legends offensive coordinator, but he left the team earlier this year.
Vick was the Falcons’ No. 1 pick in the 2001 draft. He spent 13 seasons in the NFL with the Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. He also served as a commentator for FOX network.
The 2020 NFL Pro Bowl is scheduled Jan. 26 in Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET.
