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Kyler Murray, the quarterback for the Cardinals, issued an apology following an online controversy sparked by him wearing a Michael Vick Virginia Tech jersey in Instagram photos with his pit bull.
Michael Vick, the former NFL quarterback, was indicted on federal charges in 2007 due to his involvement in a dogfighting operation, which resulted in the confiscation of 70 dogs, predominantly pit bulls.
“I absolutely do not support animal cruelty or dogfighting, in any manner,” Murray stated to reporters on Thursday. “Personally, you saw me in the Michael Vick jersey, a player I greatly admired during my upbringing. At home, with my dogs Trunks and Swoosh, they are treated like royalty. So, in no way am I endorsing that behavior.”
“But yes, I saw how it affected people and decided to take it down. I apologize to anybody and whoever I affected.”
The photos Murray posted to his social media on Tuesday showed him with his dog, Trunks, and wearing an away Hokies No. 7 jersey with Vick’s name.
Vick, 45, was a star quarterback for the Falcons from 2001-06 before he was suspended by the NFL in ’07.
He later pleaded guilty in the dogfighting case and spent roughly two years in jail.
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As part of the plea, Vick took responsibility for financing the operation and having a hand in killing some of the dogs.
After Vick was released from prison, the NFL reinstated him in 2009, and he played another seven years in the league.
Vick would go on to play five seasons with the Eagles and spent his final two seasons with the Jets and Steelers, respectively.
The four-time Pro Bowler went on to advocate against dogfighting after spending time in jail and lobbied for the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act in 2011.
Vick is currently the head coach of Norfolk State.
