Michael Vick: Dog Fighting Debate Resurfaces Over Virginia Tech Hall Of Fame (ICYMI)

BLACKSBURG, VA — Michael Vick dazzled fans both in college at Virginia Tech, where he led the Hokies to the 1999 national championship game, and in the NFL, where the quarterback was named to four Pro Bowls. Vick also spent 21 months in federal prison for bankrolling a vicious dog fighting ring in rural southeastern Virginia in which the dogs were beaten, tortured and even killed when not fighting each other.

Saturday at Lane Stadium, Vick will be honored along with four other inductees into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame during halftime of the Hokies' game against Old Dominion. Suffice to say, and as evidenced by assorted online petitions protesting the decision, a lot of folks aren't real happy about that.

Here's what three of Virginia's newspaper sports columnists wrote, in part, after Tech announced the induction a couple of months ago. The pieces basically represented their bottom-line takes on whether Vick should be in the Hall or not. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts. Also, like us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

David Teel, Daily Press (Newport News):

"Michael Vick was released from federal custody eight years ago this (summer). He subsequently played seven NFL seasons, led the Philadelphia Eagles to the playoffs and won 2010 Comeback Player of the Year honors.
More admirable is Vick's personal comeback. He has owned the inhumane and mendacious behavior that sent him away. He has advocated for the groups he once horrified and, from all accounts, has led an exemplary life.

"That extended atonement, plus unsurpassed performance on the field, validate Vick's recent election to the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame."

Paul Woody, Richmond Times-Dispatch:

"How can Vick be considered when one of the standards is, “Must be of good character and reputation/not have been a source of embarrassment to the university in any way,” according Tech’s athletic website? That can easily be rationalized as not being a source of embarrassment while at Tech. But some things transcend time spent in Blacksburg.

"For goodness sake, there is a veterinary school at Virginia Tech. And the university is well-known for its college of animal and life sciences. The study and humane treatment of animals goes back to the establishment of the university. You have to wonder what the selection committee was thinking. You have to wonder if the committee members were thinking at all."

Harry Minium, Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk):

"I understand why (Woody) feels this way. But I submit that it’s time for people to forgive Vick. And although I wish Tech had waited a few more years, the decision to honor the greatest football player ever to don Hokies maroon and orange was the right one.

". . .Vick has partnered with the Humane Society in a campaign against dog fighting. The society’s website says Vick 'served his time in prison, admitted his wrongdoing, and his regret, and is determined to make amends.' That's good enough for me."

Meanwhile, the school released a statement regarding Vick earlier this summer:

"Mr. Vick’s induction into the university’s sports Hall of Fame acknowledges his tremendous achievements as a student athlete — who some will say was the greatest in the history of the university," it said. "We understand that there are those who do not and will never agree with this decision.

"In considering Mr. Vick’s nomination to our sports Hall of Fame, the criminal activities in which he engaged, his subsequent conviction and time he served for his crime were also considered, and it was informed by the remorse he has shown since that conviction, the work he is currently engaged in to advance animal welfare issues, as well as his efforts to help our current student athletes, based on lessons he’s learned in his own life, make positive choices as they begin their adult lives. This in no way condones the actions for which he was convicted. The university remains dedicated to the protection of animal health and welfare and embodies great care and compassion for all living animals."

What do you think? OK with Vick being honored this weekend. Not OK with it? Don't really care one way or the other. Let us know in comments below or on Facebook.

Photo: Virginia Tech Department Of Athletics