A day after declining to speak about his personal life, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick confirmed that he owns a dog.
“I understand the strong emotions by some people about our family’s decision to care for a pet,” Vick said in a statement released by his publicist, via the Philly Inquirer. “As a father, it is important to make sure my children develop a healthy relationship with animals.
“I want to ensure that my children establish a loving bond and treat all of God’s creatures with kindness and respect. Our pet is well cared for and loved as a member of our family. This is an opportunity to break the cycle. To that end, I will continue to honor my commitment to animal welfare and be an instrument of positive change.”
Speculation that Vick owned a dog mounted last week when a photo the quarterback shared over Twitter showed he kept a box of dog treats in his home.
Vick notably went to prison for funding a dog fighting operation that engaged in the brutal and cruel treatment of several dogs. He indicated during a July interview with Piers Morgan that he was interested in owning a dog again.
Vick admitted in July that he was more dedicated to studying dogs than the Falcons playbook while involved in the illegal operation.
Previously
Michael Vick speaks out against cockfighting in Alabama
Michael Vick Wants Android to Drop Dog Wars App
Michael Vick Offered $1 Million to Pose in Playgirl for PETA
Michael Vick’s Pit Bulls to Star in Reality TV Show
(dog pictured is not Vick’s current pet)
