Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick will star in an eight-part documentary series set to run on BET early in 2010, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"I just want people to really get to know me as an individual," says Vick, who served 18 months in prison for animal cruelty charges involving dog fighting.

Producers say the tentatively titled The Michael Vick Project is a docu-series, not a typical reality show like VH-1's The T.O. Show, starring another NFL headline-maker: Terrell Owens.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have had a lot to say about Vick in their blog The PETA Files (can I just point out what a poor name choice that is?). Now, PETA spokesman Dan Shannon says:

"People who abuse animals don't deserve to be rewarded. They shouldn't be given multimillion-dollar contracts . . . or given the privilege of being a role model."

Loretha Jones, who leads programming at BET, said she thinks Vick can inspire others:

"I did not reach out for this show in order to court controversy ... It's important for us to capture this important moment to see what someone does when they have the opportunity to rebuild themselves. It might serve as a road map for young men facing the same challenge."

READERS: Do you think Vick can do good for dogs now by changing the minds of others?

--Anne Godlasky, USA

WTF?

He should be in jail, for life!!!

Everyone should be allowed the chance to redeem themselves for past wrongs.

Vick's an Eagle
hide your Beagle !

Gross.

martha got a show

bad idea.

Will it air on Animal Planet?


Eh...If T.O. has a show then why not Vick. I can see it now...cameras following him around while Peta members hurl insults and wave signs that say "dog killer". High ratings practically guaranteed.

Ottensen said:

Yes. In jail.

GirlBrother said:

He went to jail, served his sentence, did his community service by educating kids on animal abuse. Done and done.

DesireeNevermind said:

I wouldn't allow him anywhere near kids!!!

GirlBrother said:

For killing dogs? Ridiculous.

uPtoWnNY said:

It's not normal to gain pleasure from inflicting pain upon other living creatures. It's psychotic in fact.

GirlBrother said:

Why not? There are no reports that he's harmed any children. I'm sure he has kids of his own whom he's around all the time.

I didn't think the conviction was going to hurt his career to much. There's a lot of money to be had in promoting a redemption story, whether it's an earnest one or not.

GirlBrother said:

Do you show the same compassion when
these animals attack humans?

phunkdaddy said:

As far as I'm aware, no animals have ever forced two humans to fight each other to the death, for their own amusement - so your question is invalid.

DesireeNevermind said:

imagine that...