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It’s 2020 and Michael Vick still remains a controversial figure.
Earlier this year the NFL invited Vick, who spent 18 months in federal prison for his role in the Bad Newz Kennels dogfighting ring that led authorities to seize over 70 dogs, to the Pro Bowl to be one the four captains which lead to immediate backlash from a certain segment of fans who have still not been able to get over his crimes.
At the time 800k people signed a petition to have Vick removed from the Pro Bowl due to his past history of animal abuse.
Via Change.org
Just saw this on Facebook and was absolutely disgusted. 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.
Before Thursday night’s Seahawks-Cardinals, Vick made an appearance on the FOX pregame show and he started trending on Twitter because certain people were angry he was on TV.
Of course #Fox employs a #felon Gag. Michael Vick. pic.twitter.com/7G0pMSeKzW
— Will of Terrell (@whterrell) November 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/14perception/status/1329594210127933441
https://twitter.com/lowercaseklr/status/1329593754697699335
Michael Vick on Fox brings back visions tortured animals . I prefer not to have those images in my head Fox. I applaud his redemption but but maybe a job in the background would have been better.
— cgallant (@mktfinds) November 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/LisaNobles1/status/1329606800124108800
Others immediately fired back at the backlash and argued Vick had done his time for his crimes.
#michaelvick what many of you don’t understand is that you cannot rehabilitate someone who’s capable of doing what he did to those innocent dogs. They are sick,disgusting,psychotic assholes who should be In jail for life. Just like murders,serial killers, rapists,child molesters.
— JenniferDeansBitch🇺🇸🥃😈🥗🧁🥤 (@Jenny108) November 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/TheTweetinChris/status/1329601117517443074
Seeing the comments about Michael Vick on twitter is a reminder that a large section of america either doesn't believe in rehabilitation and the criminal justice system or it's "something" about him… 🤔
— Keith Kikta (@newbish) November 20, 2020
Michael Vick has paid his debt to society and been a positive role model for kids. He has earned redemption and frankly can do whatever he wants.
— Luca Gattoni-Celli (lucagattonicelli.substack.com) (@TheGattoniCelli) November 20, 2020
Michael Vick is a changed man who has spent the past decade fighting for animal rights organizations. The hatred of him by judgmental people will never be justified. He served his time. Let him live his life.
— Quintonio Brown (@QuintonioBrown) November 20, 2020