Vick's V7 Apparel Line Tests Bounds of Quarterback's Brand Turnaround

Posted by Dale Buss on July 11, 2012 03:14 PM

Americans are known as a forgiving people. In the latest test of that maxim, Michael Vick plans to launch his own clothing label, with the backing of celebrity clothing-line mogul Ruby Azrak and designs commissioned "to Vick's specifications."

It could be said that the star quarterback long ago put his past as a criminal dog abuser behind him. Nike last year picked up the endorsement deal with him that it previously had dropped, and Fuse Science started one. The Philadelphia Eagles committed as much as $100 million to him in a new contract. And he has been accepted on the speaking circuit by the Humane Society and other animal-welfare causes.

But Vick himself previously set the bar for complete restoration of his personal brand at the point where he could launch a successful apparel line. "Just like when you envision yourself having a shoe as a young kid, you also envision yourself going a step further and having a clothing line," he said, according to the Wall Street Journal. He also told WSJ he thinks his brand has been restored up to 75 percent of its previous status.

Vick's new line, V7, will be retailed by Modell's sporting-goods chain and backed by Azrak as well as former ICM talent agent Brian Sher. Azrak's company, Excel Corp., has exclusive rights to V7. Azrak partnered with Russell Simmons on Phat Farm and Baby Phat, brands that were sold in 2004. Sher, described in the press release as "Vick’s longtime friend and business partner," served as executive producer on Vick’s BET reality TV series, The Michael Vick Project.

In at least one way, V7 will be hedging its bet that the world is actually ready for a Vick clothing line. Twenty-five of the initial 30 Modell's offering V7, the Journal said, will be in the Philadelphia area. Modell's, which carries a range of Vick's NFL apparel, has exclusive rights to sell the V7 through the end of this year.

But Azrak is willing to bet that time is continuing to heal the wounds that Vick inflicted not only on animals and dog lovers but also the national consciousness. "He did what he did," Azrak told the newspaper. "The reality is that people forgive."

A picture posted on Vick's Facebook page shows how the V7 line is being launched at one Philly Modells store — mass market and accessible to all, which is just how Vick wants to reposition his personal brand. The slogan on the blue t-shirt is telling: "It's not how you start. It's how you finish."

More about: Personal Brands, Michael Vick, NFL, Athletes, Fashion, Apparel, Modell's, Retail, Sports

dycARE says:

GARBAGE. FUCKN GARBAGE. BOYCOTT THAT EVIL ANIMAL KILLER'S BRAND

July 12, 2012 02:35 PM #

Harrison Philly says:

your mom is ugly and me and mike vick make lover to her...a lot

July 12, 2012 09:03 PM #

Dog House of Hope Rescue says:

WOW....your post reads as if it was written by a 10 yr old.

July 13, 2012 05:57 PM #

Jeanette Regan says:

I'll never buy a thing with his name on it! Not one penny of mine or my family will be spent in any store that carries his brand!

Never forget!

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/photo.php?fbid=10151637620769068&set=a.361620179067.157368.338140469067&type=1&theater

July 12, 2012 02:39 PM #

Theo qualls says:

Everyone deserves a second chance, anyone who believes differently has no morals.

July 12, 2012 02:53 PM #

Aj says:

There are some things too despicable to forgive..he was not just a thug fighting in a basement..he took part in torturing the dogs who failed to win...I mean torture that is indescribable..if it was just fighting...maybe...but it was NOT!

July 12, 2012 04:03 PM #

Terry says:

Where was the second chance for the dogs he tortured and murdered!! If he wants to make and sell clothes or anything else I say let him but ANY and I mean ANY MONEY EARNED should go to animal shelters and abuse funds to save the breed of dog he tortured!!!!

I spend hours and hours a day trying to SAVE pit bulls and help rebuild their reputations of loving, respectful dogs a reputation that Michael Vick helped DESTROY!!! These dogs are not getting second chances they are being banned by BSL laws...so why the hell should this poor excuse of a man get one!

July 12, 2012 08:55 PM #

Question for you Theo....
If your next-door neighbor broke into your house and robbed you of all your most valuable and prized possessions, would you say, "no problem dude, we are still friends, come back over anytime"?
If the guy down the road broke in during the night and raped your wife/girlfriend/mother/daughter...would you say, "No big deal, he was having a bad day" and welcome him to stay in your life?
If some kid were to take your dog and use it for bait or fight it, would that be OK with you?
If someone went around your area and randomly murdered anyone in their paths, would you say, "let the past be the past" and invite him to your next cook-out?
If any of these things happened, would you feel, "he made a mistake, everyone deserves a second chance"....."well he said, "sorry" and has done his community service, he is a good person now"? i really can't believe anyone would want anyone like the above mentioned around their home/families/pets.... So, why is it different for Michael Vick just because he is "famous" and can play football? Think about it.....

July 13, 2012 06:39 PM #

jon says:

you are a pos and a murderer!! 2nd chances are for good people your are not a good person. rot in hell

July 12, 2012 02:59 PM #

Chris says:

Fuck u man. Dude made a horrible mistake, went to prison, he paid his dues. He doing everything he can for forgiveness. So u need to get the fuck over it and stop Fuckin your dog in the ass.g

July 13, 2012 08:30 AM #

Vick was only sorry because he was caught....have you seen the photos of the bodies of the tortured and mutilated dogs they seized from his property? Are you aware that men had sex with these tied down animals...this is your hero that "made a mistake"....BTW..a mistake is running a stop sign...not torturing/abusing/murdering something that is innocent.
A dog is no different than a small child, all they want is love and to be taken care of. If he had done this to your child or even to your dog, would you forgive and forget simply because he went to jail for a brief time? He waltzed out and was then given his job back because he makes money....if you did something like this do you think you would get your job back or be able to find employment anywhere else? I highly doubt it. Because this man can run/catch/kick a stupid ball, should be be regarded any different than anyone else? if he was juts some guy that lived in your neighborhood, would you want him returning there after he was released from jail to be around your family and pets? Think about it. just because he plays a sport does not make him a god.

July 13, 2012 06:03 PM #

Islander671 says:

Hey Dog House and the rest of you idiots, "NO" one is perfect, We all make mistakes in life and we try to make up for what we did. Michael Vick paid is dues. And now he is still trying to make good on his "PAST". That's right his "PAST". Leave the shit alone and move on with life. It's pretty obvious you are a bitter person. You have noting better to do with your life except put people down. People like you don't have a life, so rather than working on your crapy life you take it out on other people. Grow up, wake up and start working on fixing your on sorry life. Stop being such a jealous person and do better in your life.

July 17, 2012 01:11 PM #

Hey..this is not just a guy who fought dogs..this is a scum bag that electrocuted, hung, slammed them into the ground and shot them with his own hands. So with his $million NFL hands he basically did what the majority of the human race would not...so forgive???? I am Christian and this one I refuse forgiveness for...I will take that up with God when we meet.

July 12, 2012 04:02 PM #

You not a true Christian. If u was u would know if you don't forgive others who sin against u then how can God forgive u. Yeah have fun explaining that to your God. Dumbass

July 13, 2012 08:34 AM #

How would you feel if someone hogtied you....sodomized you.... electrocuted you with a cattle prod? and then If you didn't preform to their standards they would drown, shoot, hang you? Do you think you would be so forgiving? Michael Vick is a monster....he is "sorry" only because he was caught. Your posts make me think you are very young....you need to re-evaluate who your heroes are. Just because someone can play a sport well does not make him a hero or idol....that is a title that should be earned and the person that holds it should be someone that has earned respect.

July 13, 2012 06:11 PM #

point of interest says:

Dog fighting has been taking place since dogs were first domesticated and will always take place at some level or another. Face it as humans we tend to enjoy watching violent acts ie gladiators, boxing,.etc. His treatment of these ANIMALS while I don't agree, they are just that ANIMALS, not children as some idiot tried to compare.

Are we being hypocritical somewhat? Say he was fighting another animal would there be as much or any outrage for that matter. Say for instance he was fighting rats, I really don't think his would be an issue, besides no one kills more dogs than the humane society

July 14, 2012 10:10 AM #

Excuse me, I am not an idiot.  I am a wife/mother/animal advocate/dog rescuer .  I am also educated, so I am not an idiot.
Any animal should not be fought...we shut down and prosecute people that think it's cool and OK to fight roosters as well.  Ummm, I don't know any human's (and I have a lot of friends, business associates, family members, neighbors,  etc) that enjoy seeing animals fight and rip each other apart.   Anyone that does is very sick.  BTW, did you know that most serial killers have a history of abusing animals? Still want someone like that in your neighborhood and around your family?  An animal is innocent, anyone that can torture/abuse/kill something innocent (not counting food sources for those that eat meat) is sick, depraved and needs serious mental help.
Also, Michael Vick did not just fight dogs, they were tortured, those that didn't preform as hoped where killed, smaller and weaker animals were used for bait, and some female dogs were even sodomized  Check your facts..

July 14, 2012 11:40 AM #

Jei says:

LoL at this one as well.... Last time I checked; he was charged with "FUNDING" the dog ring... So where does it in his charges state that he killed these animals? Where does it state he did this with his own hands? Where does it state any of that in the charges levied against him? Hmm.. No where. Go find me the charges and put them up on here. I want to see where it says he physically killed these animals. He physically set everything up.. Or was he a simple treasurer to run a stint for some of his lackeys, in location that he no longer stayed at for a prolonged period of time; as he lived in a diffferent location... Hmmm.... I can just hear the questions buzzing. Again you are cognitively unstable and thank god I do not have anyone like you around making decisions or my animals would be in the grave just listening to your 'dumbass' statements. This is beyond retarded... Christians? Human Society slaughters hundreds a day... But really.. You bring up Christianity and forgiveness? In one of my latter statements, where does it say that God gives no chance? Last time I checked He has given several chances to many that didnt deserve it in the first place. Last time I checked, no Christian is above God either. So how can you denounce your own God and His Word, and say you will not forgive.. Oh yeah; you must be one of those self proclaimed church goers who go once a month and claim you have a bond with God when you infact NO NOTHING. -kthxbai

July 14, 2012 11:32 AM #

He knew it was happening...if you allow someone to come into your house use it to rape and kill someone you are an accessory, if you allow drugs to be sold in your home, you are an accessory.....he is just as guilty.  Look at Charles Manson...he is never going to be released from prison, and he didn't actually commit the murders....he wasn't even on the premises when they took place.  He was responsible.
it's like I tell my kids, you are responsible for what your friends do when they are in our home.  They break something, steal something, do something acceptable you are responsible', if you don't want to be held responsible then if they do something wrong, you ask them to leave or get an adult.  he was responsible for those people on his property.  Look up the photos of the dead and mutilated dogs from his property...they are there.  His cousin is one of the people convicted of sodomizing the dogs.
  if I was pro-vick and was going to try to argue his case, I would educate myself on facts.  If you work in the animal rescue community, you are very aware of the facts, you have seen the photos, you have sen the dogs being rehabbed, you care passionately. Educate yourself more on the subject.  Research and look up photos and documents and then come back and say what a great guy he is.

July 14, 2012 11:47 AM #

Linda Dulye says:

Just like the animals. Those pit bulls. Comfortable.
We have lost sight of reality!

July 12, 2012 08:53 PM #

Sarah says:

He disgusts me! Makes my cringe every time he talks! I couldn't even finish watching this entire video. What is this "I wanted to be the best person I could be for my Mom BS!?!!?" What a piece of crap! He belongs in PRISON! Not playing Football, and coming out with his clothing line, making millions. What he did is simply unforgivable in my eyes.

July 12, 2012 09:23 PM #

Harrison says:

You people are whats wrong with society,its people like you all that are so full of hate that your blind to everything else. As if you all live the perfect life and have never done something you have felt ashamed of. You all direct more hate at Michael Vick then you do at true criminals and evil people. There are people in the NFL that have done much worse and walk free with less hate then Vick. People hate Vick because he has done everything right since his prison release and has been a success in every sense of the word. People hate just to hate, go direct your anger at something meaningful. Vick has done more for dogs and animals as a whole (in terms of supporting programs and VOLUNTEERING, time and money at WILL) then all of his haters combined, but none of that matters because people hate him just to hate him. Get a life and a friend. peace. (P.S. I do not support what he did in his past in anyway, but I do however support the person he has become and I wish him nothing but success in the future)

July 13, 2012 12:17 AM #

Best thing I.have read so far. He is a way better person. Thank u for realizing that.

July 13, 2012 08:36 AM #

Anthony says:

I also agree with the above statement. I have a task for all who say how horrible a person Mike is. Put yourself in his shoes, put the blood on your hands. Now after serving 18 months in prison and doing everything in your power to make sure no one else does such horrible things to animals again. Then you constantly have people say such terrible things about you and your past. How would that make you feel in all honesty? Some of you call yourself good people and it makes you feel like a better person if you spend your time bashing another human being because he's the "scum" of the Earth. When truthfully the people that say such horrible things are putting themselves below the "scum" of the Earth because they won't give anybody the chance.

July 13, 2012 10:47 AM #

I would like to know what volunteering he has done, on his own....without being court ordered or it being arranged as a PR stunt......
As for doing "so much more" ...animal rescue is my profession and life. i would lay down my own life to save the life of an animal. Vick has taken so many animals lives and scared others for their remaining lives....he did things that just doesn't go away. there are still animals in rehab trying to over come what was done to them. You need to investigate dogs that have been rescued from fighting rings....you also need to look up the pictures of the carnage they found on Vick's property. then come back and speak in his favor if you can with a clear conscience.

July 13, 2012 06:16 PM #

Oh really, I put in 12 + hours a day 6 to 7 days a week and even when i am not officially working, I am still networking rescues and arranging transportation of rescued animals....I also donate weekly to both the ASPCA, and our local animal control and also hold drives regularly to collect supplies for rescues and shelters. So, i really doubt his couple of court ordered PSAs come close to what I do for animals and it is the same for everyone I know in the rescue community...all across the US, Canada and Europe. The people that are so upset about this whole subject are people in the animal rescue community....we see first hand what a dog used for fighting and bait looks like and what it does to them emotionally. We pay out of our own personal pockets for surgery and treatment of these injured dogs. We foster them in our homes until we can find placement for them....so tell me again what all Vick has done for the Animal community......and his assets are currently tied up in legal fees and a bankruptcy, so i don't see him freely giving money from his personal pocket. Where are photos and references of him volunteering? When you volunteer it is walking and exercising the dogs...you aren't trained to do anything else....so I find it odd that the shelters have no pictures posted anywhere, with the exception of the few taken at organized PR promoted stunts. Give me websites with photos, names of shelters, names of people he has worked next to in the animal community.....
And I have a very full life....I am married, with children, i own an Dog rescue shelter, I have 4 rescue dogs and a rescued rabbit of my own, plus we foster dogs in need of placement. In addition I am working on my Masters Degree in Criminal Justice, I volunteer at my youngest child's school, I have a very large social circle of friends and family...so I do have a very full life, and a lot of friends. How about you? What do you do to try and make a difference and change things that aren't good in your area?

July 14, 2012 12:25 PM #

Iain says:

You are just angry and jealous that even after EVERYTHING Mike Vick has done, he is doing MORE to PREVENT dog fighting and the mistreatment of animals NOW than you EVER HAVE OR EVER WILL.

July 16, 2012 06:19 PM #

Where is proof that he does anything?
No, I am not jealous at all of a cruel, loser misfit that happens to be good at football...the only reason he isn't selling crack somewhere. He's from a family of criminals and his brother even got dumped from his tram for being a loser....Vick just happened to be good enough that a lot of rich men pay his way so he will make them fat cash on a football field. If Vick was paralyzed today, tomorrow he's be just another has-been. He's right up there with OJ in "Loser Hall of Fame".... where is any concrete proof he does anything outside of what is court ordered for probation and that his PR people arrange to try to make him look acceptable.

July 16, 2012 11:58 PM #

Where is the proof YOU do anything?

Its all just words. You can choose to believe or not to believe. But clearly you have already made your judgements about michael vick, and those judgements include a complete disregard for the fact that he PAID FOR HIS CRIMES. If you can't accept that and GET OVER IT (like an adult) then its clear you are just grinding your axe to make yourself feel better about the darkness in the world. Bet you delusional mind thinks he is gonna burn in hell too, right?

July 17, 2012 06:07 PM #

Would you like the address to my company? Would you life me to gather references, post my resume? I can give you contact names, numbers that you can call and verify what I do with. I can send you photos of events, all with my name and company's name listed....just say so and I will provide.

July 17, 2012 08:54 PM #

I don't talk the talk if I can't walk the walk sweetheart.

DieVick says:

www.facebook.com/BoycottModellsSportingGoods

July 13, 2012 02:30 AM #

"I am appalled, disgusted, angry and mortified that any company would decide to endorse and sell the Michael Vick line...It is an outrage. Michael Vick is a cold heartless animal abuser and murderer. He does not deserve fame, fortune or hero worship. His "apology" *AFTER* he was convicted, was contrived and written for him by his PR team....he was trying to save his income and fame...he was only sorry he was caught and convicted. Any company that continues to sell the Vick line of products it will be boycotted by myself and every animal lover/rescuer that I know and can contact. I will publicly speak out against any company, such as Modells each and every chance I get. Michael Vick does not deserve to profit.
There is a petition that you can sign in protest....
www.change.org/.../stop-modells-from-selling-michael-vick-s-new-product-line

July 13, 2012 05:56 PM #

Oh really? So when you do something wrong... You state you are sorry for what you have done after the situation as well dont you? Isnt that how all human beings act? You commit a crime, an act of terror, adultury, animal abuse; whatever. Obviously at the time of committing it; they are not sorry. But after realizing the consequences that comes with it... The flak he would already receive from the press and media... One who is sane would obviously apologize for his or her actions. I swear to God you people are just stupid. When you sit here and have these petitions out here against this man; I want to see petitions out here about EVERY single person who ever committed a crime as a celebrity petitioning agaisnt there previous crime that they served time for. I want to see them all. You people are just so damn blind its unreal. Im not for what he did by all means. You may twist my words what have you; what I am saying is that you are indefinetely blind. Take your appeals up with the judicial system who gave him his punishment. You cant punish the man after what they chose for his trial.. You cant punish him for something he did in the past where he is doing everything and anything in his power to better his life. He faced these charges head on, did his time; and you still bark at him. You are just as ignorant as the rest of them. Just because you throw up a stupid petition and your title of being a house of hope for animals; i would never take an animal to you people. You are just as corruptable as the rest of them. This is so idiotic its unreal.

July 14, 2012 11:23 AM #

Well, I have never committed a crime, I am 46 years old and have never been arrested, never been to court. When someone says they are sorry for something, usually they are sincere and not reading a pre-written PR statement. Then when Vick was on the Jon Stewart he basically said he was sorry he as caught, not that he was sorry for what he did. And if you are going to call people stupid, you might want to use spell and grammar checks. It's Flack not flak. And Michael Vick is not the only petition we have out there against animal abuse, again do your research. Anytime an animal abuse case comes up, we petition to make sure the courts and media knows exactly what is going on and plenty of attention is given. Check out Change.org and look under the animal causes,

July 14, 2012 11:51 AM #

If you have never even committed a crime then why the hell are you posting here? You clearly lack the life experience to have a valid opinion on any subject. Tho that explains a few things...another entitled sheltered baby complaining about the things he doesn't think are fair in the world.

July 16, 2012 06:17 PM #

First of all I am not a HE, second I have never been "entitled" I have worked my ass off for anything I have, I could tell you things I have had done to me since toddlerhood that would give you nightmares. This link to this "pro--vick" site was put up on a dog rescue site because someone who found it was fascinated that anyone would be misguided enough to worship Vick. I could have easily gone the criminal route, I made mistakes, I was just smart enough to clean my life up and become a productive part of society without having to hurt/abuse anyone else. Just because you have a bad life, just because you are poor, just because you have been abused does not mean you have to become a criminal. I had a child at a very young age and wanted to make sure my child was never ashamed of her mother, never had to worry about being taken from her mother because her mother was in jail, and wanted to teach my child (and the ones that I had later) that if you work hard you can succeed. I probably have more "life" experience into the "dark-side" than you do, I just chose not to share the wealth of that darkness as to effect anyone else. When you commit a crime you spread that darkness around....no matter what the crime you live victims behind and I never wanted to make anyone's life hell like the hell I was born into. So, don't even try to speak down to me, or say i don't know...you dear don't have a clue.

July 17, 2012 12:10 AM #

Getting knocked up by a douchebag does NOT constitute more life experience than someone you know nothing about, lol.

July 17, 2012 06:06 PM #

Getting "knocked up" was a bright spot in my life because I received a beautiful child out of that. From toddlerhood I was beaten, raped, and used in ways you cannot fathom. I was homeless as a teenager, I had to spend many nights on the streets. I was in my late twenties before I was able to go to college and it took quiet a while to finish because of lack of funding. My life is now good but I was in my late thirties before it became so. I am now 46 years old and still working on my education and I have done it completely on my own. So, I do know a lot about hardships. impoverishment, abuse, and many other very dark topics that I would rather not go into. But, I rose above it without crime, without welfare, without looking for a free ride. I am passionate about animals, especially dogs. But, I also contribute and champion for and work with many other causes....March of Dimes, Abused Women's Shelters, drug rehab centers, and a place called Helping Hands that helps abused and neglected children. I also work with a prison program that allows inmates to train rescued dogs in prison to be companion dogs for the disabled. I help train the inmates on handling the dogs...it makes a huge difference to the inmates, makes them feel needed and helps them learn patience and for many how to love something unconditionally. It also saves those dogs lives... Because the majority of my life was so crappy, I work hard to help make a difference in the lives of others....humans as well as animals.

July 17, 2012 08:50 PM #

Ethics AreImportant says:

www.facebook.com/photo.php

July 13, 2012 07:57 PM #

If God believes in a second chance; how are you above that? The man did what he did.. Served his time. If you do not like how the judicial system did things; then have your beef with them. Ever since he got out; he has been advocating animal abuse and has turned his life around. Does anyone talk shit on the drug dealers, rapists, murderers - who get out and became pastors? Ohh.... Hmm... You are all so very blind and ignorant. MV7 is redeeming hisself. And he is doing one helluva good job... How about Donte Stallworth? No one talks about how he was drunk driving, killed someone, and only served 24 days... Oh yeah.... I guess thats no where near as important as Vicks scenario... You are all stupid and just drool at any celebrity misshap. Get off of your asses and go do something with your life because bitching and complaining about his "second chance" and what he did in the past will get you obviously no where. Last time I checked... Do you live your lives in the past? I think not. Moronic.

July 14, 2012 11:16 AM #

He's been advocating animal abuse?  Advocating means he supports it....
Also, by the way...hisself is not a word.
And yes, there are things said about anyone in the public eye that screws up and justice is not served.  but you don't see most of them getting mega contracts and endorsements.
   If someone can kill a animal cold-bloodily, they can just as easily kill a human...ask Jeffery Dhamer, Ted Bundy, I could go on and on.  All had histories on animal abuse.

July 14, 2012 11:55 AM #

If the only valid arguments you can poke in his post is his grammar and spelling then it says something for YOUR argument, or lack thereof.

Mike Vick has done some shitty things, but at least he has matured to a point where he doesn't CARE what you ignorant haters think. You on the other hand, could DEFINITELY use some maturing. Or a life.

July 16, 2012 06:14 PM #

I am very mature...I am a real adult in a real adult world and I have a life. Part of my life is animal rescue. It is what I do for a living. I care about the welfare of child and innocent animals...they are helpless. As for your "Hero" Vick and his buddies... gee, it takes a big powerful man to abuse and kill a helpless animal.
BTW....Real men, don't injure/abuse/molest/kill...they work hard to make a difference. Instead of defending a loser like Vick,maybe you should re-evaluate what is and is not important in life. If he wasn't able to play ball, he would have been just another loser gang-banger arrested for fighting dogs and none of you "supporters" would give a damn, Playing a sport, making a record, being on TV or in movies is nothing important and does not a hero make....why the people that do those things make sure much money and yet people that truly are heroes ....Police officers/firefighters/soldiers and school teachers make squat and are not held in a high regard. That is a sad and pathetic statement about our country. I have taught my children that "famous" does not make a person a role-model or hero....it's what they do to make a difference and what is in a person's heart that makes them worthy of being a role-model. Michael Vick has not matured, he got caught. Going to jail does not make someone mature.

July 17, 2012 12:20 AM #

HATING on people does not make someone mature, lol.

You are a hypocrite, a dime a dozen "philanthropist" who thinks her small impact actually means something. I agree that athletes and musicians make for terrible role models, ESPECIALLY amongst the african american community, but how can you preach being good when you cannot even forgive. You are delusional, its clear to anyone that reads your posts. WAKE UP or SHUT UP.

July 17, 2012 06:04 PM #

WOW...i am impressed a big word and spelled correctly too.....
If you agree that athletes and musicians are not good role models especially for young African Americans...why are you in such a fury to support him? If he wasn't able to play ball you wouldn't know who he was unless you lived in his local area and he was busted like any other person and you read about his case in the news....Fine he can be forgiven for his horrible actions, and I agree everyone deserves the chance of forgiveness...but they should be sincere in an apology, acknowledge what they did as wrong (without a PR person writing it for them to read) and do something to make up for what they did wrong....he shouldn't be making millions...what has he done to deserve that? Catch a ball? Run fast? If he were truly sorry, he would have made a line that 100% of the proceeds went to charity....a "I made a horrible bad choice and now I want to give back" offering. Then maybe people would be more willing to forgive him. Do you understand that at all? He is more famous now than he was before he was caught...before he was caught and convicted, if you followed football, you knew who he was....but because of this horrible thing he did everyone knows his name now. He is benefiting personally because of the horrible things that went on at his property. Why is that OK and right in your eyes? Fine Football is his job...he paid his dues, then great give him his job back but don't reward him by giving him extras because his name is now famous. That isn't OK...especially because so many young African American boys do see him as a role model....you yourself said he isn't a good role model....then just let him play ball and be grateful to have a second chance.

July 17, 2012 08:28 PM #

Also, God only believes in forgiveness if repentance is sincere. Not when it is written by a PR firm and said so you can get your multi-million dollar fotball contact and endorsement back

July 14, 2012 12:06 PM #

And btw...in just over 24 hrs the petitions asking Modell's to pull his line have already gathered over a thousand signatures....and that's just in one day without much advertising of the petitions. So, i think you people that are pro-vick, are in the minority.

July 14, 2012 12:43 PM #

OH WOW 1000? By the time the season starts you might have like...10000! In a country of 600,000 million...

Please...you Mike Vick haters are in the MINORITY, stop thinking you aren't. Most people have moved on with their lives or forgiven him, considering his jail time and bankruptcy punishment enough.

July 16, 2012 06:16 PM #

I see what 3 people here defending him? Gee where are all of his supporters? And now three days into the petitions we have 7000 signatures. We have just began.

July 17, 2012 12:23 AM #

His supporters have REAL lives and don't spend all day online attacking his character. You don't even know HIM, and yet you talk as if you do. I think there is an old quote regarding assumptions, and in this case, it makes YOU the asshole. Or cunt, seeing as you CLEARLY have a vagina.

July 17, 2012 06:02 PM #

your mouth shows your lack of intelligence and class.

July 17, 2012 08:13 PM #

BTW.....what are you sitting at your computer doing? i am on and off my PC while working....how about you....

July 17, 2012 08:17 PM #

For those of you that don't want to see V7 succeed there are two petitions to sign:

www.change.org/.../stop-modells-from-selling-michael-vick-s-new-product-line

and also

www.change.org/.../stop-modell-s-from-glorifying-a-killer

July 14, 2012 12:45 PM #

CC says:

I'm sure all the idiots at the stadium forgive him, but guess what, there are still millions of people who hate his guts.. 2nd chance?..sure he deserves a 2nd chance but not where he can make millions and make a mockery of what he has done..he could work at Modell's as a cashier, since they seem to love him so much...

July 14, 2012 01:56 PM #

All this crying by all these babies. The man PAID for his crimes. If you can't accept that he has PAID his dues for his mistakes, then YOU are the one with the problem. YOU are the hater. YOU are the SLIME, the pretend christians that just judge and judge and judge from their high horse, all the while accomplishing NOTHING with your lives. You all are just jealous that Mike Vick has gone from the top of the world to the bottom and climbed his way all the way back up...while you all have done NOTHING in your entire lives worthy of being remembered for.

July 16, 2012 06:11 PM #

A mistake is running a red light....not fighting and killing living creatures for "fun" and illegal profit. He is "sorry" only because he was caught...if he wasn't caught do you seriously think he would have changed anything? I have never touted Christianity.....I am so not jealous of a animal killer who only "climbed from the bottom" because he can play football and make money for the CEOs of the team.....I will never be rich, and that is fine with me. I have a husband, family, friends, career, a home, a good life....I would rather have middle class and a clear conscience then be suddenly wealthy with no morals and blood on my hands and dirt on my face. Like I said previously, if he took a bad hit and was paralyzed today, tomorrow you guys that are his "fans" would move on to someone else and be saying, "Michael who?" And I will be remembered for the things I have done. I work very hard to leave a respectful, solid, and dignified legacy for my children and grand-children. I will be remembered for the things I do in my community and for the things I have done in the rescue community. Most importantly my kids and grand-kids will be able to say, "My mom/grandma came from a very hard life and turned it around without falling down into the gutter and doing things that would have left us ashamed. She worked her butt off to provide for us and to help others.She didn't allow herself to become a statistic, "just another Chicano that lived off and in the system ".
And for that I am very proud.....I conquered adversity and hardship and I did it without welfare and without crime.

July 17, 2012 12:36 AM #

Congratulations, you'll have like a dozen, maybe TWO dozen people at your wake! Big impact. If I don't even know who you are, you aren't important. You don't influence the world. Sure you might be a LITTLE better than the average jackoff who does nothing but leave an environmental footprint, but your delusional sense of self worth is no different than the one MIke Vick had BEFORE his arrest. He has matured from his experience...you on the other hand, clearly have some growing up to do.

July 17, 2012 06:09 PM #

What do you do besides champion Michael Vick and use crude language? If you don't know who I am I am not important? Who are you? LOL

July 17, 2012 08:14 PM #

July 17, 2012 01:12 PM #

LMAO.....what is there to be jealous of? Hmmmmmm, the fact he has herpes? The fact he and his family are all criminals, the fact if he couldn't play football he'd most likely be just another crack dealer....the fact he caused the death of many innocent animals? Gee....so much to be jealous of. Bitter? No I am not bitter at all.....I have nothing to be bitter about. Pissed off is more like it....Pissed off that people like you think this guy is wonderful after doing what he did and then going on the Jon Stewart show and saying he wouldn't change a thing.....he has never truly said he was sorry. I work hard to save the lives of dogs. I run a rescue shelter. We rescue and rehab abused and mistreated animals that jackholes like Vick and his buddies have hurt and demented. Do you realize how much time, care and energy goes into deprogramming a dog that has been mistreated and tortured while being miss-trained to fight? Do you realize the physical damage that is done to these dogs that survive? Have you ever seen what a smaller, weaker dog that has been used as Bait looks like? Personally I think anyone convicted of dog fighting or animal abuse should be placed into a pen and have done to them exactly what they did to the dog. If you can't see what the anger and outrage is about over Vick, you need to google up pictures of the carnage that was removed from that hell-house he used to own....if you can look at those pictures and think it's just his "past" and no big deal, then you are just as sick and depraved as he and his buddies and I feel for anyone around you in your life. People that can mistreat and abuse an animal can easily harm a human. Check the statistics on serial killers and murderers that have a prior history of animal abuse.

July 17, 2012 03:39 PM #

This is like trying to reason with a religious person. You clearly live on a different planet than anyone with any semblance of rationality, understanding, and intelligence. You come from a shitty planet of hate and spite and jealousy - its so obvious to everyone here - you should just give up and go back to getting your opinions reinforced by your friends and family who won't bother to fight against your rants.

July 17, 2012 06:14 PM #

YAWN.......why don't you find a clue and some class.

July 17, 2012 08:15 PM #