The Philadelphia Eagles joined Michael Vick in a march towards redemption by signing the convicted superstar to a two-year deal yesterday.

This is ahead of the 60 Minutes mea culpa to air this Sunday with James Brown, who said Vick came off as resolute and steadfast.

The press conference is scheduled for 11 AM at Eagles headquarters.

Of course PETA went full tilt in their statement this morning, which included the R word. It was read in full on MSNBC's Morning Joe:

PETA and millions of decent football fans around the world are disappointed that the Philadelphia Eagles have chosen to sign a man who hanged dogs from trees, electrocuted them with jumper cables, held them underwater until they drowned in his swimming pool, and even threw his own family dogs into the fighting pit to be torn to shreds while he laughed. What sort of message does this send to young fans who care about animals and don't want to see them be harmed?

PETA certainly hopes that Vick has learned his lesson and feels truly remorseful for his crimes—but since he's given no public indication that that's the case, only time will tell. At this point, all Eagles fans can do is cross their fingers and hope that they won't ever have to explain to their sons and daughters what a "rape rack" is and why their favorite player was using one, as Falcons fans once had to.

Related: Vick's Image Rehab Kicks Off with 60 Minutes