article submitted by: C. Khid
UPDATED: 06 / 20 / 2007

Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, sent a letter to Nike president and CEO Mark Parker on Tuesday asking the company to terminate its "commercial association" with Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who has been linked to alleged dogfighting.

Pacelle wrote that the HSUS "... knows that Nike has high standards for its spokespersons, and urges Nike to terminate its relationship with Vick as soon as is feasible. ... We trust Nike does not want to be associated with any celebrity who is linked to this odious form of animal cruelty."

Vick has not been charged, but parallel state and federal investigations into dogfighting are ongoing following the April 25 seizure of 66 dogs on the Surry County, Va., property he owns.

Nike is the world's largest supplier of sportswear and has used Vick in ads since he entered the league in 2001. He was featured in the Michael Vick Experience commercials and has his own shoe, the Nike Zoom Vick, which retails for $115.

Nike, through a spokesperson, acknowledged receipt of the Humane Society's letter.

"There is no change in the status of the agreement between Nike and football player Michael Vick; he is rightfully presumed innocent and afforded the same due process as any citizen, rather than be tried in the court of public opinion," wrote Erica Pedreguera, Nike's public- relations manager, in an e-mail sent to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Nike will continue to monitor the situation, but has nothing further to say at this time."

Pacelle noted in his letter that AirTran Airways decided not to renew its contract with Vick and that the Humane Society has asked NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to take swift action against Vick if any criminal charges are filed against him.