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vickT.pngAs a dog lover, I am revolted by Michael Vick – the admitted torturer and killer of hapless dogs. Yes, he did time, yes, he says he will rehabilitate himself. No, he has not done anything to indicate that he means it.

Washington Post: “What does that mean for Michael Vick? Barring some unusual or historic development, this is what Michael Vick will be known for the rest of his life. Whether he says another word about it or not, his face will be the face for this issue, and his name will be the name attached to it.”

The Philadelphia Eagles took him back. I find that revolting, but there is nothing I can do about it. But as a consumer, I have options, and I choose to boycott Nike. I hope all animal lovers will join me.
Today, Nike is denying media reports that Nike has re-upped on his endorsement deal.

In an email I received today from Nike (exchange is below, in reverse chronological order) they claim “We have agreed to supply product to Michael Vick as we do a number of athletes who are not under contract with Nike.”

Given that there are tens of thousands of aspiring and accomplished athletes who are not convicted animal abusers, this is a reprehensible decision on Nike’s part.
I am throwing away all Nike products in my possession. Please let the company know that you are doing the same.
Apparently, nothing but money matters to Nike. Let’s talk to them in their own terns. BOYCOTT NIKE! Just Do It!
The following is my email exchange with Nike:

[B.L. Ochman] Subject: Former customer disgusted that you gave Vick his deal back


—————————————————————
Customer (B.L. Ochman) – 09/30/2009 08:39 PM
Giving dog torturer and murderer Michael Vick millions to endorse your shoes – which have now ceased to exist for me – makes a mockery of any corporate social responsibility charades the company is playng.
Get ready for a huge public backlash from pet owners.
A former customer
B.L. Ochman
Editor
Pawfun Blog
http://www.pawfun.com/blog

[Nike response] On Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 12:17 PM, nikebiz.com wrote:
——————
Response (Jeff) – 10/01/2009 09:16 AM
Thank you for your email. Nike does not have a contractual relationship with Michael Vick. We have agreed to supply product to Michael Vick as we do a number of athletes who are not under contract with Nike.
Thank you again for your feedback.
Sincerely,
Nike (note the absence of a name)
———————–
[My response to Nike 10/1/09]
Supplying Michael Vick with product is still an endorsement. He is a dog killer and torturer. I am organizing a protest by animal lovers. We will all be sending our Nike products back. This is inexcuseable.
Nike has the opportunity to support any of thousands of athletes who are NOT convicted animal abusers. Nike gives Vick a tacit endorsement by giving him free product, and a lot of dog lovers find that decision reprehensible.
Nike should be ashamed of itself.
B.L. Ochman
AdAge Power 150 Blogger
What’s Next Blog
Pawfun Blog
Your thoughts?
The t-shirt above is one of 1,105 anti-Vick garments on Zazzle