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Despite the fact that Michael Vick is a convicted felon who spent 21 months in federal prison due to his role in a dogfighting ring, Virginia Tech University has plans to induct the former NFL quarterback into their ring of honor.
Vick was one of, if not the, most electric player in the history of Virginia Tech Hokies football, as his play lead him to be the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft.
Now, 16 years after he was drafted into the NFL, the school that got him there wants to induct him into their ring of honor.
However, given his troubled past, this decision has been met with predictable backlash, as two separate petitions have formed in order to get the university to reverse the decision.
One petition, created by Virgina Tech alumni Jennifer Breeden, had about 70,000 signatures as of this writing.
‘By inducting Michael Vick, a nongraduate, into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame, the University has decided to honor a man for his athletic ability rather than honor a person for being a decent and honorable human being,’ Breeden’s petition read.
‘I would hope a top leading University, especially one who has an excellent Veterinary Program, would take a second look at themselves and evaluate what they want to be known for. Michael Vick should be anything but honored at Virginia Tech, and absolutely not inducted into the VT Sports Hall of Fame.’
A second petition, created by VA Tech alum Rachel Beasly, has about 30,000 signatures.
‘Michael Vick was an outstanding football player, but his character is far from outstanding. The disappointment I feel for my beloved university is crushing. Virginia Tech is a much respected, upstanding school that has persevered after horrible tragedies,’ wrote Beasley.
‘Please help me in expressing my disagreement with this decision and persuade President Sands and the Hall of Fame selection committee to repeal Michael Vick’s induction.’
Virginia Tech is standing by their decision at this time.
