Kirk Herbstreit finds himself at the center of controversy for allowing his dog, Ben, to join him on the road during football season and letting him be part of the broadcast. Al Michaels settled the debate.

If the haters want to keep criticizing an adorable pup, they can do so, but even the most particular man in sports has come around so they should too!

Ben, for those who do not know by now, is a certified emotional support animal for the Thursday Night Football color analyst and College Gameday host. In turn, he is allowed to accompany his owner everywhere. The 10-year-old golden retriever is the oldest and most well-behaved of Herbstreit's many dogs, and he recently overcame leukemia during the offseason.

Ben has become a viral sensation over the last year or so while spreading joy across the country. He even made his way into the shot during the Week 1 game between LSU and USC!