Just hours after the Philadelphia Eagles signed controversial quarterback Michael Vick (see details of the signing), a spokesmen for People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) released a harsh statement expressing dissapointment in the Eagles decision to sign Vick.

"PETA and millions of decent football fans around the world are disappointed that the Philadelphia Eagles have chosen to sign a man who hanged dogs from trees," the statement said. "What sort of message does this send to young fans who care about animals and don't want to see them be harmed?"

Eagles coach Andy Reid said Vick will be in an Eagles uniform as soon as Saturday. He is, however, suspended for at least the first six games of the regular season. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he would consider full reinstatement after week six.

In the statement, PETA said that despite Commissioner Goodell's ruling that allows Vick to play, PETA does not feel Vick has shown remorse. "PETA certainly hopes that Vick has learned his lesson and feels truly remorseful for his crimes--but since he's given no public indication that that's the case only time will tell," the statement said.

But, Vick has made efforts to indicate to the public and the NFL he's changed. During his stint in federal prison, Vick met with the president of the Humane Society of the United States to discuss plans to create a program designed to steer inner city kids away from dogfighting.

Ed Sayres, president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a more hopeful outlook on Vick, he said the organization hopes Vick "rises to the occasion and proves worthy of the rare second chance Commissioner Goodell has granted him."

Sayres isn't the only one ready to forgive. Many sports writers, including legendary Sports Illustrated football columnist Peter King say Vick should be allowed to work. Late Thursday night, King tweeted this message to fans: "No one minimizes a series of heinous offenses. But should he never be able to do his chosen job again? Ever? Even after 20 months of jail?"

PETA blogger Joel Bartlett says sports writers like King are part of the problem. Bartlett wrote in his August 13 blog:

"Thanks to Richard Cohen for his Washington Post piece in which he asks if some sports reporters have a special key on their typewriters for 'he's served his time."

"Michael Vick may deserve to walk free, but he doesn't deserve to be a football star or a hero to children, and no group has any business helping him do so," Bartlett said.

Eagles protests and boycotts have not yet been listed on PETA's "Action Alerts," but come week seven, it may be a different story.

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Matthew Coller is a freelance writer. He can be followed on Twitter

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