Tell Nike to drop Michael Vick from their Endorsement!

The Associated Press is reporting that Nike has re-signed Michael Vick, after dumping him as a spokesperson in August of 2007 when he admitted his part in running a dogfighting ring.

Although many found it distasteful when The Humane Society of the US teamed up with Vick, HSUS at least had an argument that Vick could help them reach kids who might get involved with dog fighting. When the Eagles signed Vick, they had an argument that Vick was a good quarterback. And though I've argued that Vick should not be allowed to return to the NFL because professional athletes are viewed as heroes in our society, nobody in the Eagles organization was calling him a hero. They were just calling him a good football player.

But this is totally different. Nike is signing Vick not because he's a good quarterback, and not because he's talking to kids about dogfighting. They've signed him because they think he's a hero and they want him to represent their company. They're putting him on a pedestal, and Vick does not deserve that pedestal.

Again, this has nothing to do with continuing to punish Vick. He's done his time and earned his freedom. This is about who we choose as our great American heroes. As a New York Times editorial points out:

[A]gents of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also warn that, since Mr. Vick's notoriety, street dogfighting appears to be more popular among youngsters as "the thing to do."

You can also contact Nike to tell them how you feel about endorcing Vick at 1-800-806-6453 between the hours of 5am to 10 pm PST Mon-Fri.