Dog-loving steelers fans furious as michael vick signed to team

Video: Steelers Fans Protest Michael Vick Signing

Video: Michael Vick Dogged by Dogs and Two Other Stories You Didn't See Coming

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Tuesday evening that, despite objections from dog-loving fans of the NFL team, that they’d signed Michael Vick to a 1-year deal.

Michael Vick served 18-months of a 23-month prison sentence after he was found guilty of bankrolling a dog-fighting operation, Bad Newz Kennels. In his guilty plea, Vick admitted to helping kill 6 to 8 dogs.

The announcement came just a day before National Dog Day, a holiday meant to celebrate all things dog and to promote dog adoption.

Under the deal, Vick will be a backup quarterback for Ben Roethlisberger who runs a foundation supporting K-9 and service dogs. A huge advocate for dogs, Roethlisberger was frustratingly quiet about his feelings toward his new teammate.

Video: MICHAEL VICK HAS A DOG NOW?!? | Furious Pete Talks

Fans of the team, however, were not so quiet.

Many took to Twitter to voice their opinions:

Hey @steelers, I love you guys. These are my girls, and I love them even more. If you take Vick, I’m out. pic.twitter.com/2dHqGzDfQy

Video: Michael Vick Signs With the Steelers

— SoniaRachelle (@JulyJackalope) August 25, 2015

Pittsburgh shelter, The Animal Rescue League also took their shot at the team:

On days like this, we’re even prouder to be the Official Animal Shelter of the Pittsburgh @penguins! pic.twitter.com/kDoFvwP8TH — Animal Rescue League (@AnimalRescueLg) August 25, 2015

And, more than 15,000 fans, in a single day, signed a change.org petition in hopes of stopping the deal before it was made.

@steelers don’t be foolish. This is a dog loving town.Do not sign Vick.I’d rather us have any one else. Don’t make me burn my steeler gear.

— Staub (@pnstaub) August 25, 2015

Despite their best efforts, the Steelers went through with the deal and Pittsburgh fans will see Michael Vick donning his Steelers uniform for at least a year.

It remains to be seen how the new addition will affect support for the beloved football team.

So, Steelers fans that also love dogs – will you continue rooting for your favorite team, or will you show your support to another?

Weigh in with a comment below!

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