Michael Vick…a name we have heard often in the media. Besides his one time, hometown hero and NFL star status, Michael Vick has been no stranger to controversy or issues with none other than PETA. Yes, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals had a major problem with Michael Vick’s former dog fighting ways.

That dog fighting saw Vick released from the Atlanta Falcons and sentenced to an 18 month prison term.

Now that he’s been released from prison and is back in the NFL as quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, the public certainly has Vick under their scope and it appears BET is taking advantage of the attention. According to MSNBC, Michael Vick has struck “a deal for an eight-part television series…..the tentatively titled ‘Michael Vick Project’ will spotlight his comeback..and delve into his back story.”

Topics to be covered include his checkered history which includes growing up in Newport News, his rise to football stardom while at VA Tech and his subsequent downfall after the dog fighting scandal broke and caught national attention.

PETA is not pleased with this attention. Spokesman Dan Shannon has stated that, “People who abuse animals don’t deserve to be awarded.” Shannon is displeased with the financial gain as well as boost in image Vick seeks to gain from this move.

Whatever the outcome, looks like we’ll be well into the NFL season before we can determine the winner of this beef-Vick or PETA. The series isn’t scheduled to come out until 2010.