by: Grant Grubbs 8 minutes ago grant_grubbs_
On Tuesday, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray received backlash after posting a picture of himself with his pit bull while wearing a Virginia Tech Michael Vick jersey. Fans called out Murray in the comments, claiming the post was in poor taste due to Vick’s history with dogfighting.
Murray has two dogs, both of which are pit bulls. On Wednesday, Murray addressed the backlash he received for his post.
“In no way, shape, or form do I condone animal cruelty or dog fighting, whatever it is,” Murray said . “You all saw me wear the Michael Vick jersey, a player that I admired very much growing up.
“… I saw how it affected people and decided to take it down… So, I apologize to anybody and whoever I affected with that.”
In 2007, Vick admitted to funding a dogfighting ring on property in rural Virginia. The dogfighting ring was known as “Bad Newz Kennels.” Vick was accused of not only funding the operation, but being complicit in the execution of dogs and gambling within the ring.
Vick ultimately pled guilty “Conspiracy to Travel in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Unlawful Activities and to Sponsor a Dog in an Animal Fighting Venture.” Vick was assigned to serve 23 months in federal prison for his crimes.