BET on Michael Vick award: Don’t blame Subway

A "NO WAY Subway" Facebook page takes umbrage at the sandwich chain's name being on a sportsman award given to Michael Vick by BET. Subway, though, had nothing to do with the selection process, and has no affiliation with Vick.
A "NO WAY Subway" Facebook page takes umbrage at the sandwich chain's name being on a sportsman award given to Michael Vick by BET. Subway, though, had nothing to do with the selection process, and has no affiliation with Vick.
Peter Mucha, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: June 30, 2011

Subway ads say it's the official sandwich of Phillies slugger Ryan Howard, swimmer Michael Phelps, speed skater Apolo Ohno, and other star athletes.

But not Michael Vick.

On Sunday night, however, lots of people apparently got the impression that the sandwich chain was all behind the Eagles quarterback being an honoree on the BET Awards.

That's because he won what was called the Subway Sportsman of the Year award (edging out basketballers LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony).

Some dog lovers really got their growl on.

As of this morning, a "NO WAY Subway" Facebook page had almost 17,860 "likes" - leading with the comment, "what's next... Charlie Seen is chosen as Father of the Year, Chris Brown is honored for being a humanitarian, and Amy Winehouse is chosen Ms Congeniality!!!"

An online petition had exceeded its goal of 7,000 signees, who all agreed: "Boycott Subway until Michael Vick gives his BET award back!"

"ARE YOU PEOPLE BRAIN DEAD??? I KNOW THE DOGS vick ABUSED AND KILLED ARE!!!!!" one petitioner commented.

Another wrote: "He is not a hero or even a decent role model for anyone but satan."

Subway declined to officially respond, but pointed to a tweet by the BET Awards:

"BET Award Winners are chosen by an independent panel/viewers. Subway had no control in the process & is not associated w/ Michael Vick."

Vick served 18 months in prison on federal charges related to running a dogfighting operation in Virginia, and since signing with the Eagles in August 2009 has has worked with the Humane Society to spread an anti-dog-fighting message at many schools.

Early this year, Vick won two comeback player of the year awards, and was given the Bert Bell Award as the local Maxwell Football Club's top pro player of the 2010.

In April, Vick almost achieved a pop-culture distinction as well - the cover of the Madden NFL '12 video game. But he finished runner-up to Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis.

Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.

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