Letter to Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie
August 19, 2009
Click here to send your own email to Jeffrey Lurie now
Mr. Jeffrey Lurie
The Philadelphia Eagles Football Club
Philadelphia, PA
Dear Mr. Lurie:
The recent decision by the Philadelphia Eagles to sign Michael Vick has generated heated debate and great controversy not only among football fans both locally and nation-wide, but most prominently people who love dogs. These individuals and groups work tirelessly to save dogs from the abuse and neglect that occurs far too frequently, and have demonstrated their outrage at the Eagles decision to sign a multi-million dollar contract with an admitted animal killer.
The Philadelphia Eagles have publicly committed to working with the community to ensure that the barbaric activity of dog-fighting is eliminated in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. To clearly demonstrate your commitment to fighting animal cruelty and abuse, the Eagles should match, dollar-for-dollar, the total annual compensation of Michael Vick with a contribution for local shelters and rescues every year that Vick remains an Eagle.
The plan is simple: with the matching donation we will be able to establish a facility to provide the necessary medical and behavioral therapies and treatments required to allow dogs to have a ‘second chance’ after experiencing a cruel and abhorrent existence at the hands of those who abuse and kill. The Eagles commitment to providing the necessary funding to allow this ‘second chance’ would mark a concrete demonstration of your dedication to the stated cause of ending animal cruelty. Additionally, with the funds provided by your matching donation, local humane shelters would be able to hire additional humane law enforcement officers to investigate and prosecute those who continue to participate in this inhumane activity.
Savingpuppies.com believes that we can be very instrumental in assisting the Eagles and Mr. Vick in his efforts to get out in the community to speak of the evils of dog-fighting, and to that end we offer to work with the Philadelphia Eagles and the area humane society to construct a program, along with success measurements, to successfully reach out to those who are vulnerable to taking part in these illegal activities.
I look forward to your reply,
Thomas G. Hickey, Sr.
Chairman, DogPAC
Click here to send your own email to Jeffrey Lurie now
Comments
34 Responses to “Letter to Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie”
Got something to say?
-
FACEBOOK GROUP
-
Subscribe
-
Recent Posts
- Activist criticizes Eagles’ anti-dogfighting efforts
- Philadelphia’s dog-kill-dog world
- Watch the PSPCA’s New PSA about the victims of dog fighting
- What about Vick’s victims?
- Eagles reach out to animal groups
- Watch DogPAC Chairman Tom Hickey on CN8’s “It’s Your Call With Lynn Doyle”
- Eagles to host meeting with Philly animal welfare groups
- Animal advocates call on Eagles to match Vick’s salary in shelter donations
- Letter to Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie
- Another Chance for Vick’s Dogs
-
Categories
-
Archives
Thank you Tom for giving animal lovers an avenue to channel the anger and disgust we feel towards praising this monster. It is a money decision, so money is the benefit for existing homeless and abused animals.
Bravo!!
Dear Tom,
Thank you for coordinating this email campaign. There are truly no words to describe how animal lovers feel about this horrific decision by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Please let us know the response you receive from the team. The public wants and deserves to know what real action the Eagles and Vick are promising.
It’s not the Philadelphia Eagle’s place to pay for Mike Vick’s actions. By not giving Mike Vick a second chance you are clearly stating you do not believe in the judicial system that is in place in our great country. I too, was very disappointed that the Philadelphia Eagles signed Vick, but I believe in redemption and although it is still hard to comprehend the heinous activities Vick took part in, we will see by his actions how sorry he truly is. If he would have gotten a job flipping burgers at McDonalds would you be writing a letter to the manager asking him to donate his $7 per hour salary dollar for dollar for the length of time that he is employed there?
Thomas, as a member of Savingpuppies.com and someone who loves dogs, I thank you for all your hard work. With that said, I agree with your intension to write to Mr Lurie about this situation, but asking for a salary match donation for every future year was going to far. We need the Mr. Lurey and the Eagles organization to take this seriously and I feel we can save more dogs with a resonable donation and by working with them and Mr. Vick inorder to prevent this horrid activity from occuring. I believe that Mr. Vick can actually have a greater influence against these activites with the inner city residence that partake in them more than we ever could and his influence as an NFL player further enhances that. He and the Eagles need to have dog friendly organizations in their corner, willing to work with them, and I thank you for seeing that.
Thank you Tom for speaking up for all the innocent dogs that had
no say in what Vick seemed to attain some sick pleasure in their
suffering and demise, It saddens me to think that the sport of
football is so much more important than the rights of those that
cannot speak for themselves…shame on you Mr. Vick, and shame
on the Philadelphia organization for capitalizing on the tragedy of
the innocent…..
I, too, feel it is not the Eagles who should pay, but Michael Vick himself. He was ordered to pay $1,000,000 to cover the cost of caring for the dogs which were rescued from his Bad Newz Kennels, but I believe he filed for bankruptcy and got out of paying. I think the Eagles should deduct at least 50% of Michael Vick’s salary and give it to the local animal shelters and rescue groups, etc., to cover their costs. It should come out of his pocket, not Mr. Lurie’s.
I also beleive in 2nd chances but why did they let him back into the NFl. Why can’t he flip burgers at Burger King. Look at how many people go to jail pay their time, but can’t find a job becuase they have a criminal background what about those people don’t they deserve a 2nd chance to. I’m a dog lover have been all my life, Michael Vick is not a animal lover or he would not have done what he did. I don’t believe a word that comes out of his mouth. He does not care about animals and never will no matter what he does.
He does not deserve to play in the NFL he lost his chance when he started killing animals. The Eagles made the worst decision to hire that animal killer on board. I will never watch the Eagles when they play or if I do I will be against them. Michael Vick is nothing but a man that enjoys killing animals!!!!
I have a lot of mixed emotions at this time. As a long time fan of the Eagles, I felt uneasy about hearing the decision to have Mike Vick aboard due to the history involved. However, I feel that everyone should have a second chance and that is what is available to Mike Vick. He has paid his dues and has related that this would not happen again. We need to take his word at that until proven otherwise. The bottom line is that the football game is not about personal tragedies. It is a game and people come to see excellent players doing what they do best. Michael Vick is a great football player. On the other hand, it would be good public relations for the Eagles to offer something in good faith to help their image and Mike Vicks. I don’t see how it could hurt the matter. Thank you for allowing me to express my views.
I agree with Ryan!!! ….Something good can come of Michael Vic and the Eagles if they can help some of the animals but I doubt the Eagles would contribute that much. With Michael on the team and making money he won’t be involved in dog fighting. I can’t wrap my mind around the fact that anyone could hurt an innocent animal or child.
Yes, everyone deserves a second chance but ONLY after there has been TRUE REMORSE and DISGUST over what they have done. This is not just animal abuse - it is horrific, barbaric torture and pain and suffering inflicted to innocent animals while Vick and his buddies stood watching and cheering. How does someone who claims to have grown up with this behavior and able to watch it with apparently NO conscience now all of a sudden after a short period of time claim to be sorry????? He may be sorry that he was caught but TRULY remorseful I doubt it. There are a lot of good actors out there actions speak louder than words!
My husband and I are finished with the Eagles!!!!!!!!
Michael Vick if you are sorry for what you have done, donate 10 acres of land you own to the Humane society. Maintain all its needs by paying for its upkeep. You can well afford it. Salary the Eagles are paying you along with the endorsements received.
You will not have a problem…..Every week visit the Humane Society clean up feed the dogs. take them for walks etc. Then maybe you may be recognized. But I doubt It…………..
I cannot believe that Micheal Vick meant a word he said on the advertised specal. He was well coached on what to say and never changed hs expression except when talking about football.
If the Eagles want him that bad, they should donate the same amount of his salary to the Humane Society.
The Eagles, National Felons League (NFL) and Michael Vick must pay to all the rescue groups and Best Friends shelter for all the expenses that they have incurred in helping all those poor abused dogs, plus housing for life those that are beyond help and cannot be given in adoption (basically they are jailed for life, when they were the victims not the perpetrators). Sincer Vick is given a second chance he must give a second chance to the dogs.
I truly think it is wrong for the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles to allow Micheal Vick a second chance for the animal abuse that he committed and the torture of dogs just for a few dollars. Knowingly that he makes so much money that Mr. Vick can establish new animal shelters for homeless or injured dogs, cats, etc. , plus the keeping up of various shelters with all the necessaries that is needed to keep the shelters open and plenty of warmth of these animals. I heard nothing on the news or 60 minutes what he is willing to give back to society. What I have seen and heard on TV was that Mr.. Vick was not aware of what he was doing and I find it very hard to believe that this is true. He did not forget to know how to play football, therefore, how can he say that he was unaware of his wrong doing. Pete Rose never made it back to playing baseball nor the Hall of Fame just because of his gambling problems, but Pete Rose never committed the horrifying murder that Micheal Vick did, and Pete Rose was never given a second chance. We are living at the end of times, where someone’s life can be taken away in a matter of seconds and the person(s) responsible for committing such crime gets rewarded for making bad choices. Mr. Vick should be paying not just jail time, but community services just like any other criminal who commits a felony. The jail cell are overly populated with inmates with either a lesser crime or major crime and are not given a second chance like the Philadelphia Eagles, owner, coach have given to Micheal Vick. I believe in my own opinion that this is unjustify and the rule for Mr. Vick to come back should have been over turned and not made it so easy to him to come back to any of the NFL teams to play. I am sure Mr. Vick is thrilled with fact that someone felt sorry for him and decided to him in regardless what his pass was like. I am an animal lover and it makes me sick to watch the news and see how dogs and cats are being tortured. If it were the other way around, I am sure Mr. Vick would not have liked if someone treated him the same way that he did to those dogs. I decided not to watch the Philadelphia Eagles this season and not sure that I will be watching them next season. I do not think that I should be supporting Micheal Vick especially after what he did with the dogs. I will not support any thing that bears Mr. Vick’s name on. We need to send a strong message out to Mr. Vick, Philadelphia Eagles cause they should have some saying of Mr. Vick being apart of their team as well as the owner and coach. When many voices are being heard, maybe someone will take the stand instead of committing animal cruelty to harmless life.
PAY UP!
I am not a fan of football, live in Pa. and if I was a fan, I definitely would have to go with the Pittsburgh Steelers over the Eagles.
I think the decision they made putting Vick on their team is totally stupid, and all I can say is shame on them. But in the world of football, I guess all owners care about is the almighty dollar that their organization can make. I do believe in second chances for individuals, however, his second chance should have been to work for a shelter/rescue group and see just how dedicated people are with regards to animals rather than obtain a position in the NFL making big, big bucks.
I also feel he did not serve enough jail time for his crimes.
In the Pittsburgh Pa news a man was sentenced to 5-10 years for killing his dog. Not that, my friends, is more justice for the crime then Vick received.
Michael Vick financed, organized, and made money off his dogfighting operation WHILE a player for the Atlanta Falcons.
Had he not been caught, he still would be engaged in this activity and making money as an NFL player.
Vick should still be in prison, Not in the NFL making $1.6 million.
Don’t count on the Philadelphia Eagles to pay any money out.
They still owe the city of Philadelphia money!
I have been a avid Giant football fan since 1953 to 1990. From 1990 until now I have been a Eagles fan. I lived in Clifton NJ until 1990 and transferred to Egg Harbor Township. I am a avid Eagles fan now. I agree with most of you all abpout what Vick did. I also heard many of his apologies and I believe him. I am a Humane Society of Atantic County membr in Atlantic City since 1998. What I have to say is that the city of Philadelphia ordered all Pit Bulls killed on sight. That is still a law and I don’t see animal lovers complaining about that. They didn’t apologise to any one. Vic became a real man when he did.Comon people,Give VIC a chance
All of you need lives. Michael Vick paid his debt to society. We live in a society, that cherishes second chances. When a person admits their guilt and apologizes for their actions, serves their punishment and wishes for redemption, our society should offer support. None of this would be said if a Hockey player had done this, or an arena football player. Michael Phelps got caught with illegal drugs, served his time and punishment, and look at him now… still adored by fans. You guys beg for justice and equality among superstars and standard people but for some reason overlook the mistakes by all the other. Where were these pointless petitions when Ray Lewis was aloud back in the league? Pacman? where will they be next year when Stallworth is out? All of your voices are too small to be heard, so give it up.Its not like your opinions matter to someone of a higher stature like Lurie or Goodell.
If you guys are going to protest Vick, do it outside of his house and only there. After all it wasn’t the football player that did this. Leave your signs and witty chants at home and don’t even think about bringing them to the Linc gates. Being a Philadelphia fan you know, we’ll go to war for our players so your most likely going to cause more harm for yourself then to Vick or the organization itself.
I suggest a hobby for most of you people. Try excercising, or maybe a jig-saw puzzle. You know, something constructive. If this Vick thing is the most important thing in your life then God, I feel sorry for you.
This post I’m is most likely going to get deleted because people like you can’t take one person’s opinion that opposes your own.
I don’t understand how you could sign someone who doesn’t care about animals or knows how to care about himself. If Philadelphia Eagles plays against anyone, they “the other teams fans” will probably throw milk bones or regular bones at him or start barking at him. I hope they understand actions will speak louder than words.
I cant believe that anyone would allow Michael Vick on their team after he made all money and abused innocent animals for money and jolleys. He is a sick man. I hope the Eagles know supporting him is terrible.
Money donations are great but I feel that Vick should go into the Philadelphia neighborhoods where dog fighting is known to occur and have seminars and training classes for the youth that are participating in this type of animal abuse. This, I feel, would really show his dedication to changing how these people relate to their dogs and pit bulls particularly. I for one would be willing to volunteer to help. I just cannot imagine what these poor dogs are going through and how anyone with any morals can do this. He should go right to the heart of the problem, in the neighborhoods, and do everything he can there to stop this.
Susan
I think instead of the Eagles donating money, Mike Vick should donate a portion of the money he’s making!!! Say 10 %. I am sure that would help animal shelters all over Pa.
I do believe that Michael Vick should pay dearly for what he did - I do not believe that Mr Lurie should pay Michael Vick’s penalties. - I do believe that the Eagles should deduct half of his salary and donate it to the animal shelters across the nation - - I do believe Vick should be given a second chance, after all, he did the crime but he paid the time so people should be willing to give him that chance - I was not happy when the Eagles signed him, but I do think he deserves a chance.
You show nice little puppies in your letter head pics. What about those Bull terriers? i will not support any organization that supports and protects that breed. and don’t give us the liberal bleeding heart story that it has to do how they are brought up, and raised. You never hear of 30 +/- dog bite fatalities per year from Shih Tzu’s, no matter how they are raised. They are an inherent docile dog. The PITBULL, is an inherently very dangerous species, and has a very big big Pact. Who wouldn’t? If you can get $5,000+ per pup. It becomes a money thing. get some of the Pitbull lobbies to kick some bucks your way. Why is that breed BANNED in several European and south American countries? Do they know something you don’t know??
Dear Jeff, I think that Vick deserves a chance to start over and this is a good start by working with the Humane Society to try and put an end to this horrendous situation. However the dog fights are still going on all over the country by sick individuals. By penalizing the team it would be unfair because we don’t know for sure that the Eagle players themselves are ecstatic with the decision to have Vick! I do have to agree that a yearly donation is not out of the ordinary especially if you are paying him a large sum to play. I do think some of that money should go to whistle blowers, etc to expose those who engage in such activities. You yourself can solicit some funding because you have the power to do it. You’re a good guy, people respect you.
Shame on you, Eagles. Mike Vick “claims” he’s sorry. Ha! I don’t believe him. The only thing he is sorry about is that he got caught. He says he is sorry yet in the same breath, he says,”I paid my debt to society.” So he thinks he should be excused. No way! He may feel that he paid his debt to society but did he pay his debt to all of the animals he tortured and killed? NO! He’s evil, sadistic and psychotic. Put him in the ring with the fighting dogs.
The crimes against dogs that Michael Vick committed are horrendous he shold not be allowed to now come back and make millons of dollars and not pay financially . He must be made to help right a wrong that he committed and to right a wrong that goes on every single day. If that takes his money that’s as it should be. The eagles also took on the same responsibility when they hired. him. So everyone pay up for the Animals. Geri martin
I agree Vick didnt’ serve enough time for the hideous crime he committed. That aside, he should have had to wait at least one maybe two seasons before returning to football. Like the Pittsburgh person, lesser crimes have been committed enduring longer, probably harder, jail time. Would the everyday person have gotten this kind of deal right out of prison, I highly doubt it.
I also must comment on the Pitbull. I am on my second and would take it over a small, jumpy, yacking dog in a minute. Unless you have had one, don’t assume anything.
First let me say I am a member of the Humane Society. I believe Michael Vick has paid his dues AND is sincerely remorseful. What will happen in the future no one knows but I do believe in 2nd chances.When you are raised with horrendous acts all around you and no-one to show you the way,you believe that is the way things are. I think with Tony Dungy as his mentor he will change even further. If this is truly going to J.Laurie and not some trick for hate mail(everyone deserves his/her opinion and I have listened with respect to all) I will continue to watch the Eagles and hope Philadelphia shows the class I know they have and give Michael Vick a chance. Thank you for reading with an open mind as I have read yours.
I added your blog to bookmarks. And i’ll read your articles more often!
Won’t be watching the EAGLES anymore ~ you’ve lost a loyal fan.
Are you a professional journalist? You write very well.
What a sad state of affairs!!!!!!! You find it necessary to put an animal killer on the roster of the Eagles — a sport enjoyed by so many adults and CHILDREN!!!!! We try to teach our children to have respect for self, others and animals! They are confrounted with the likes of you and your staff who consone the cruel and inumane treatment of helpless dogs!!!!! I will never never watch another Eagles game again. I will support any other team in the league but never never never will I support the Eagles team!!!!!
Vick should NEVER have been placed on the Eagles team or any other team! He is a sorry sorry example of a HUMAN being! May he be teated in the same way. What goes around — comes
around!!!!!!!