Fans of Michael Vick wore his number proudly as they made their way to the Atlanta Falcons game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The game marked the first time Vick has returned to the Georgia Dome since serving a federal prison sentence for dogfighting.
"I love Michael Vick, and I support him no matter what," said Regina Williams.
But not everyone was there to support the former Falcons quarterback. A group of animal rights activists held up signs, protesting Vick's return.
"What we're asking is for the NFL to add dogfighting and cockfighting to their prohibited list in their code of conduct," said Candace Hunziker of In Defense of Animals.
Hunziker said they aren't anti-Vick, just anti-dogfighting. Vick's faithful fans thought their signs showed otherwise.
"Michael Vick's name is on two posters over there," said Robert Green. "That is a direct attack on his character."
Hunziker said Vick's name was used because, "Vick is the face of the NFL and dogfighting. Michael Vick is the most influential person to stop dogfighting."
After a few minutes, it was clear Vick fans weren't interested in the specifics.
"We've been spit on, we've been yelled at, we've been jostled around," said Hunziker.
Things got so bad the protesters left their post early. Green considered it a win before Vick ever stepped foot on the field.
"We just wanted to show him that we still support him here," said Green. "So if he ever wanted to come back, he's welcome back here."
Source: cbsatlanta.com
"I love Michael Vick, and I support him no matter what," said Regina Williams.
But not everyone was there to support the former Falcons quarterback. A group of animal rights activists held up signs, protesting Vick's return.
"What we're asking is for the NFL to add dogfighting and cockfighting to their prohibited list in their code of conduct," said Candace Hunziker of In Defense of Animals.
Hunziker said they aren't anti-Vick, just anti-dogfighting. Vick's faithful fans thought their signs showed otherwise.
"Michael Vick's name is on two posters over there," said Robert Green. "That is a direct attack on his character."
Hunziker said Vick's name was used because, "Vick is the face of the NFL and dogfighting. Michael Vick is the most influential person to stop dogfighting."
After a few minutes, it was clear Vick fans weren't interested in the specifics.
"We've been spit on, we've been yelled at, we've been jostled around," said Hunziker.
Things got so bad the protesters left their post early. Green considered it a win before Vick ever stepped foot on the field.
"We just wanted to show him that we still support him here," said Green. "So if he ever wanted to come back, he's welcome back here."
Source: cbsatlanta.com
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