Michael Vick returns to the Shore for Andre Collins All-Star game

Michael Vick is returning to the Eastern Shore.

The former NFL quarterback most famously known for his dog-fighting scandal, will be competing in an All-Star basketball game hosted by James M. Bennett High School boys’ basketball head coach Andre Collins on July 1.

Vick, his brother Marcus, Collins, former Sacramento Kings forward Donte Green, former San Antonio Spurs player Jamar Smith, former NFL running back Ben Tate and several others will play in the game at the Bennett gymnasium raising awareness for bullying, drugs and gang violence.

Collins, a former Maryland and Loyola basketball player, said part of the proceeds will go towards organizations that fight against violence and bullying.

Along with the roster of professional players, two of Collins’ AAU travel teams will square off in a basketball match prior to the All-Star contest.

Charlotte Hornets’ announcer Big Pat, a Pocomoke City native, will MC the event, while local groups like the ABM Dancing Divas, Asa The Prodigy and Queen Anne’s Young Swagg will also be performing.

“Local celebrities don’t come to this area unless it’s for a party,” Collins said. “I wanted kids to see success is attainable here.”

Collins has been planning the event since November and said he hopes to raise awareness by shining light on local violent acts that have taken place over the past several years.

Denise Handy-Moss and Shanell Johnson, two of the mothers whose sons were murdered in the area will also be present at the event.

The last time Vick was scheduled to appear on the Shore was in 2016 for a youth football camp the former NFL quarterback had hoped to host at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The event was later moved to Cambridge South Dorchester before ultimately being canceled last July.

BACKGROUND: Michael Vick's Eastern Shore camp cancelled

Tate, who lined up as a running back for the Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, is best known on Delmarva for his high school play at Stephen Decatur and Snow Hill.

In 2014, Tate held a youth football camp at the Fruitland Falcons' field.

The event will be held less than a month from Collins annual summer camp. The Andre Collins ‘It’s a Shore Thing’ Youth Basketball Camp will be held from July 24-28 with registration open for local youth.