Public opposition is growing against the planned induction of former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.
The Roanoke Times reported Tuesday that two online petitions at change.org had received more than 90,000 combined signatures against the September induction. The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine has also announced its opposition.
The university in Blacksburg, Va., has continued to defend its recent decision, noting that some believe Vick is the greatest athlete in school history.
Vick served 19 months in federal prison on 2007 dogfighting convictions.
He was a top contender for the 1999 Heisman Trophy after leading the Hokies through an undefeated regular season and to a spot in the national championship game.
The Falcons honored Vick and receiver Roddy White in a ceremony in June
and team owner Arthur Blank said the team will consider retiring their jerseys.
"We have a process that we have to go through with that, and certainly, given their records as Falcons players and their careers, they would certainly be considered for that," Blank said.
Vick played 13 seasons in the NFL, six with the Falcons.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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