• MSNBC/AP, Monday, July 30, 2007 10:30 AM

Facing protests from animal-rights groups, Nike says it is suspending its endorsement deal with Atlanta Falcon's quarterback Michael Vick, while Reebok--the official uniform supplier of the NFL--took the unprecedented step of stopping sales of his No. 7 jersey. Donruss, one of four major trading card companies, has decided to pull Vick's card from any future 2007 releases.

Vick pleaded not guilty last week to federal dog-fighting charges in Richmond, Va. In the indictment, he was accused of sponsoring a gruesome operation that often shot, hanged, drowned or electrocuted losing dogs.

The Humane Society of the United States said the companies couldn't ignore the overwhelming opposition to having any association with Vick. Some 165,000 e-mails were sent to Nike through the group's Web site, says Wayne Pacelle, president of the HSUS. PETA--People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals--called off a planned protest at a dozen Niketown stores across the country.

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