Jesse Reed
Michael Vick dogfighting scandal
Vick was one of the NFL’s most popular players before being exposed as a ringleader in a dog fighting ring in 2007.
He was investigated and then charged with a federal indictment for illegal dog fighting at his Virginia home. The stories of animal cruelty that came out of that investigation were horrifying and disturbing, causing public opinion to sway completely in the opposite direction.
Vick was sentenced to one-to-five years in federal prison and suspended indefinitely by the NFL for his actions. After serving his time, he came out with a new attitude and outlook, actively advocating against animal cruelty and dog fighting—something he still does to this day. The league allowed him to return, as well.
Regardless of his efforts, there are plenty of people who don’t believe Vick should be allowed to play football in the NFL, as was plainly evident when a petition to get the Pittsburgh Steelers to get rid of newly signed quarterback in 2015 gained over 20,000 signatures.
