December 20th 2024.
PETA, the biggest animal rights organization, is not happy with Norfolk State University's recent announcement to hire former NFL star Michael Vick as their new head coach for the football team. However, many social media users are celebrating this decision, according to HBCU Sports. This historically black college has brought on the retired athlete to lead their team to new heights, following a disappointing 4-8 season. But PETA President Ingrid Newkirk has expressed her disappointment in the school's choice, reflecting on her personal encounter with Vick during his 2007 conviction for participating in illegal dogfighting. "After interviewing him at PETA's office in Norfolk, Virginia while his sentence was being decided, and listening to him tell blatant lies about his mistreated dogs, I came to the conclusion that he is a charming, charismatic psychopath. However, since I believe he has genuinely turned away from dogfighting, PETA's focus will be on working with law enforcement to catch those who continue to participate," Ingrid stated.
Vick's legal troubles resulted in a 21-month prison sentence before he returned to the NFL, playing for the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2017. Since then, the former quarterback has become an advocate for animal rights, collaborating with the Humane Society to speak out against dogfighting and pushing for stricter penalties for those involved in illegal animal fights. However, PETA published a blog in 2009 titled "The Day I Spent With Michael Vick," expressing doubts about his true intentions to become an ally, as reported by Fox News.
Despite PETA's disapproval, football fans on social media are showing their support for Norfolk State's decision. Many are excited about what Vick's appointment will bring to the HBCU, including his former high school coach, Tommy Reamon. Reamon shared that he has received numerous calls from coaches interested in joining Vick's staff, and some have even expressed their reluctance to play against Norfolk State. Reamon commented, "That's pretty cool because of Michael Vick." A tweet by HBCU Premier Sports & More also shared that Reamon, who coached Vick in high school, has already received 11 calls from coaches seeking to work with Vick at Norfolk State.
Dr. Sandi Hutchinson, who serves on Norfolk's Board for the Athletic Foundation, has also noticed an increase in interest for football season tickets since Vick's hiring. She wrote on X that they may even have to set up extra chairs in the aisles due to the high demand. Twitter user @Mom2SportsGirls shared a similar experience, saying she has received numerous calls requesting tickets.
Some social media users, such as @southside_gunn, believe that Vick has already paid his debt to society and has made significant efforts to make amends for his past mistakes. "Michael Vick has more than made up for his mistakes... He has gone above and beyond to make things right," @southside_gunn wrote. "There are people out there who have done far worse and yet they do not receive the same amount of hate, and we all know why." Another user, @sweetpea1636, shared similar sentiments, stating, "We all deserve a second chance."
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