We mentioned earlier today the fact that the Eagles have voted quarterback Mike Vick the team’s Ed Block Courage Award recipient, and to the chagrin of some of you (and the delight of others) we shared our opinions in this regard.
Now, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have issued a response.
“The Philadelphia Eagles fumbled when they gave Michael Vick the Ed Block Courage Award, which was named after a man who advocated in behalf of abused children,” PETA Senior Communications Coordinator David W. Perle said in a release. “Michael Vick should not be the person anyone points to as a model of sportsmanship, even though he has now exchanged dogs for touchdowns after serving time for extreme cruelty to animals. We wish him well in educating others, but this is not appropriate and does not mark a joyous moment in NFL history.”
Nearly a year ago, PETA and Vick discussed the production of a Public Service Announcement regarding dog fighting, but PETA declined to proceed after Vick’s lawyers reportedly asked PETA to support Vick’s reinstatement to the NFL in exchange for his involvement. PETA also asked the NFL to require Vick to psychological testing, including an MRI brain scan, before allowing him to return to the NFL.