ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons honored former quarterback Michael Vick on Monday with a special retirement ceremony.
However, some fans believe his past cruelty toward dogs should preclude him from such recognition.
“While he was here, he was torturing dogs, while we was rooting for him. I feel bad about that,” said Bill Ingram.
Ingram said he is one of the nearly 40,000 people who have signed an online petition opposing Vick's retirement with the Falcons.
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Ingram said he believes Roddy White deserves the praise he received at the ceremony. But he disagrees with Vick.
“I’m so disgusted. I’m so disheartened by this,” he said.
Other fans believe Vick paid his debt and earned the honor he received on Monday.
“Everybody makes mistakes. That’s a mistake he had to live his life for,” Shakel Morrison said.
“He’s already done his time, so I don’t see why anyone would have any issue with it at all,” Tom Narraton said.
BACKGROUND
After pleading guilty to federal felony charges, a judge sentenced Vick to 23 months in prison.
He ended up serving 20 months of that sentence, followed by 2 months in home confinement.
Vick later worked with the Humane Society by speaking out against dog fighting.
Cox Media Group
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