PETA Isn't Thrilled That the New York Jets Signed Michael Vick

The animal rights activist group PETA took to Twitter to express its displeasure with the New York Jets for the signing of quarterback Michael Vick. Vick's brother Marcus fired back.

The animal rights activist group PETA took to Twitter to express its displeasure with the New York Jets for the signing of quarterback Michael Vick. The new Jets back-up infamously served almost two years in prison after he pleaded guilty to running an illegal interstate dog-fighting ring.

Vick apologized for his actions and was released in 2009. He has since found a mentor in the form of highly respected former NFL coach Tony Dungy and a new team in Philadelphia, where Vick has spent the past five seasons.

PETA doesn't care about any of that.

At least Michael Vick can't drown, electrocute, hang, or shoot a football the way he terrorized "man’s best friend." #smh #Jets

— PETA (@peta) March 22, 2014

Has the statute of limitations on wholesale Vick-bashing run out? Michael Vick's brother Marcus seems to think so.

@peta y'all still on that bullshit???? Smh #Peta

— Marcus Vick (@MVFive) March 22, 2014

As a broader litmus test for the durability of the public apology and the meaning of second chances, the results are mixed. There's still a cheap laugh to be had:

If Vick can stay healthy, learn to pocket pass, take a sack, turn in his guns & not kill any dogs, the @Jets will have made a great move!

— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) March 22, 2014

ESPN's Michelle Beadle isn't having it:

Looks like mama is on the market for a new football team....

— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) March 21, 2014

But despite Vick's baggage, former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell didn't find it politically unpalatable to wish him well.

Thanks 2 Mike Vick 4 many thrills 4 being great leader and teammate. Also 4 your great work with school kids. Good luck with Jets!

— Ed Rendell (@GovEdRendell) March 22, 2014