Community reactions are conflicted as former Virginia Tech football standout Michael Vick makes his first return to Blacksburg since being released from prison for being a part of a dog fighting operation.
Vick, who played quarterback for two seasons from 1999-2000 after redshirting for one year, led the Hokies to the 2000 Sugar Bowl. Selected first overall in the 2001 NFL Draft, Vick played six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before his incarceration. He served 19 months in federal prison before being released in May 2009.
Now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, Vick’s teammates rewarded him with the team’s Ed Block Courage Award. The award, given by each of the NFL’s 32 teams, recognizes players who display sportsmanship and courage.
Vick was invited to return to Blacksburg to take part in activities surrounding the Hokies’ spring game on Saturday.
As a part of his appearance in Blacksburg, Vick will sign autographs at Tech Bookstore on South Main Street. Tickets for the event, priced at $25 if purchased before the event and $30 at the door, have drawn some interest. Of the 50 available pre-sale tickets, 28 have already been sold, including one buyer from Florida.
George Daniels, store manager of Tech Bookstore, said the store had done a similar event last year, which brought out Tech football alumni including Victor “Macho” Harris, D’Angelo Hall and Brandon Flowers.
“It was a fun atmosphere,” Daniels said.
Calls left with Brenden Hill, a representative for The Elite Group, which set up the signing event with the store, were not returned.
The store offers several Tech-themed products for dogs, including collars, jerseys and sweaters.
While Daniels said reaction was positive, he did admit to receiving two e-mails from “people disappointed we’re doing this.” Additionally, comments for an event listing on Facebook about the signing had to be taken down after negative posts were made about Vick’s criminal actions.
“I should’ve never had it open,” Daniels said, admitting he often has younger employees assist with working on the store’s page. “I’m not that great on Facebook.”
Several local animal activism groups spoke out against the former Hokie star. Donald Marro, a co-founder of Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare, said that while he realized Vick “expressed a desire to turn the page,” he still had some skepticism.
“You have to give him the benefit of the doubt,” Marro said. “However, you also have to hold a skepticism that his sincerity is genuine.”
Marro said he would not take part in a protest of Vick’s appearance, preferring that people listen to Vick and make a determination on “his state of contrition.”
Lila Borge Wills, president of Virginia Partnership for Animal Welfare and Support, declined to comment on the appearance, instead releasing a statement.
“The deplorable acts and heinous crimes that Michael Vick did were inexcusable! Many dogs suffered and died under his authority and his own hands. We do NOT condone or accept what he did,” the statement read.
Encouraging increased education to stop dog fighting, the statement called for funds from the autograph signing to go to animal welfare groups.
Daniels said a portion of funds would go to the Humane Society of Montgomery County, guaranteeing the donation to be “four figures.”
Ron Brown, the organization’s president, said that the acceptance of the money did not equate to condoning Vick’s actions.
“This has nothing to do with agreeing with anything he’s done,” Brown said. “We’re willing to accept the money to help other animals and to give them a better life.
“The legal system has given his punishment, and if he’s giving back to the community that’s a good thing.”
Daniels said he felt a range of emotions when he first learned about allegations against Vick.
“I was repulsed, sad, disappointed, angry ... just like every Hokie,” Daniels said.
Daniels fondly remembers watching Vick when he played at Tech.
“He and his teammates completely changed VT football forever. As for Mike, he was electric, and he was one of us,” Daniels said.
Also appearing at the store over the weekend is graduated cornerback Harris, who will be at the store Friday evening.
“I expect no controversy around Macho,” Daniels said.
Vick will be at Tech Bookstore from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday.