14 DAY TRIAL // Madden NFL might be threatened by the lockout and the possible delay of the regular American football season but this does not mean that video game publisher Electronic Arts is not making a big deal out of choosing the cover athlete for the game.
And, despite previous run-ins with the law, it seems that Michael Vick, one of the most controversial players in the sport, is eligible to be on the cover should he win the popular vote.
He has managed to win more votes than DeMarcus Ware, who is a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, in order to make it to the last 16 athletes considered.
His next face off is with Andre Johnson and it seems that fans are ready to support Vick to go all the way and become the cover athlete for Madden NFL 12, which could prove to be a problem for Electronic Arts.
Michael Vick was involved with an illegal dog fighting ring and has served time in jail, with some still questioning his personal ethics despite his very good performance on the football field.
Peter Moore, who is the president of EA Sports, has stated, “We believe that Michael Vick, as the runner-up in MVP for the league and the comeback player of the year, deserved his slot.”
He added, “I can tell you we've already received the letters from our good friends at PETA urging us to take him out of the bracket. I'm not here to comment on what he did. I personally believe, and this is personal commentary right now, that Michael served his time. He's had a tremendous season.”
The final choice for the Madden NFL 12 cover is set to be announced on April 27.
The game will probably get an August launch date, but it might be delayed if owners and players cannot agree to start the new season.