The Sports Xchange

A small group of animal rights protesters gathered outside the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice facility on Wednesday in reaction to the team signing quarterback Michael Vick a day earlier.

Another 15,000 people put their name on a petition calling for the team to dump Vick, who was convicted in 2007 on federal conspiracy charges for his part in a dogfighting ring and served time in prison.

The Steelers signed Vick to a one-year contract on Tuesday to serve as a backup to starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

The protesters across the street from the team facility were part of the Justice with Animals group, whose members said they objected to Vick being part of the team.

“This move is embarrassing. It’s upsetting. I’m angry,” Natalie Ahwesh, a season ticket-holder, said, according to ESPN.com. “I’m not going to be able to go to the games and have fun and watch with my family. The season is ruined for me as long as he’s on the team.”

Police arrived at the scene, but the protest was peaceful.

Vick said after practice that he’s used to the protests and pointed to recent work with the Humane Society.

“After going through what I went through, what transpired, the best thing to do is to try to make amends for what I did,” Vick said. “I can’t take it back. Only thing I can do is try to inform the masses of kids to not go down the same road I went down.”

Meanwhile, the petition from a group seeking Vick’s removal from the team, read:

“Michael Vick is a convicted felon and no-class piece of crap. He is also a terrible QB which is why he has no team. Let’s united as Steeler fans — as NFL fans — and stop him from playing on our team! Steelers fans united! Sign to keep Vick from ever wearing the coveted Steelers uniform!!”

In addition, an anti-Vick page emerged on Facebook named Pittsburghers against Michael Vick that received more than 13,000 likes.

“You are sensitive to those potential things, but we are going to do our due diligence,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “Rest assured that we have done that. Also, rest assured that he has done a lot since some of the things that he has gone through. His track record to this point speaks for itself.”