PETA comments on Michael Vick hiring by Norfolk State football team: ‘Charming, charismatic psychopath’

Michael Vick’s reported hiring as the head football coach at Norfolk State University has stirred up controversy due to his criminal past involving illegal dog fighting. The animal rights group PETA has responded to the news, expressing their concerns about Vick’s character and past actions.

President Ingrid Newkirk of PETA recalled her experience with Vick during his sentencing in 2007, where she found him to be charming yet deceitful. She described him as a “charismatic psychopath” and expressed doubts about his sincerity in reforming his ways. Despite this, she acknowledged that Vick may not engage in dog fighting again and stated that PETA is now focused on working with law enforcement to combat such activities.

Vick’s involvement in dog fighting first came to light in 2007 when his father revealed that he was staging fights in the family’s home in Virginia. A search warrant for a drug investigation led to the discovery of evidence of unlawful dog fighting at one of Vick’s properties, resulting in his indictment for running an interstate dog fighting venture. Vick ultimately pleaded guilty to several charges related to the illegal activities and served 21 months in federal prison.

Although Vick returned to the NFL after his release from prison, his reputation was forever tarnished by his involvement in dog fighting. Animal rights groups like PETA were particularly vocal in their condemnation of his actions, questioning his motives and commitment to change. Despite Vick’s attempts to rehabilitate his image and resume his NFL career, the backlash from animal rights advocates continued to overshadow his accomplishments on the field.

Norfolk State University has not officially confirmed Vick’s hiring as head football coach, but the reported news has sparked a renewed discussion about his past and the implications of his involvement in illegal activities. As the controversy surrounding Vick’s hiring continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the university and the public will respond to his troubled history and efforts at redemption.