BLACKSBURG, Va. – The backlash from Virginia Tech's decision to induct Michael Vick into the Hall of Fame continues to grow.
Hundreds of pages of petition signatures were hand-delivered to Virginia Tech on Thursday. Two online petitions against Vick's induction have more than 200,000 signatures.
Petition signers are hoping the show of support will make Tech President Tim Sands reconsider the decision.
"There is 140,000 people that are offended by what they are about to do later this month, so I hope he just takes the time to say, 'We didn't think this through enough. Let's reconsider,'" said Sarah Jane Lawrence, who delivered the petition.
WSLS also spoke with Vick's former coach Frank Beamer on Thursday about the induction. He said he believes Vick has paid for his actions and deserves recognition for his athletic abilities.
"He made a mistake. He admitted his mistake. I think most of us believe in forgiveness and Michael has worked hard to correct his mistake," said Beamer.
Vick's athletic accomplishments were overshadowed in 2007 when he was convicted for his role in a dogfighting ring.
Five honorees, including Vick, will be inducted during a Hall of Fame dinner on the Tech campus on Friday, Sept. 22, the evening before Tech's home football game against Old Dominion.
A representative with Virginia Tech has not returned a request for comment.