
Vick leaving the field in his last NFL game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC)
VICKSVILLE – Let’s go there today. But let’s keep up the good manners we’ve been working on this offseason.
Fussing is fine. Cussing is not.
Two of my favorite folks in the NFL – Gil Brandt and Jamie Dukes – shared their very different views on
Michael Vick’s possible return to the National Football League.
Let’s look at some of the issues:
SHAKING OFF THE RUST: Vick has not played since Dec. 31, 2006 against the Philadelphia Eagles, when he left the game with an ankle injury giving way to Matt Schaub.
He was working out in Bobby Petrino’s offense over the 2007 offseason when the federal dogfighting case broke.
“It will be a challenge, but I’m not nearly as concerned about that,” said Dukes, an analyst with the NFL Network and former player.
Brandt, the former Dallas personnel man, shared a story about a linebacker the Cowboys drafted out of Missouri, who went into the service for two years.
“When he came back he was just not the same,” Brandt said. “I think it’s like somebody that drops out of school for two years and then they try to recover their study habits, it’s very, very hard. . . .
“I just think it’s really hard for a guy that is away and misses two years to get back up to speed and realize that you have to work to be successful because you lose that edge.”
THE WILDCAT OFFENSE: Most have contended that Vick could come back as a Wildcat offense quarterback.
“The spread helps him get a job,” Brandt said. “If and when he’s cleared. He can do that pretty well because of the fact that he can run so well.”
Dukes thinks that with teams – like the Falcons – emphasizing the running game, that Vick is a fit for any run-heavy attack.
“Look at the Falcons and their success,” Dukes said. “Most teams think if we can play good defense and run the football, we are going to be successful. So what Michael brings to the game. . . is you’re going to have one of the top three rushing offenses in the league. That’s just fact. Every year he’s played that number speaks for itself.”
VICK LACK OF PASSING PROWESS: Vick has a lively arm, but he was still developing as a passer. Former
coach Bobby Petrino would have helped him along if things had worked out.
“Some might say he’s not a career 60 percent passer; are we going to ignore the yardage that he gets running the football?,” Dukes said. “Are we going to ignore all of the other things that he does?
“He’s not the prototypical NFL quarterback, but that does not mean that he’s not a good quarterback. He still will be a good quarterback.”
Brandt never liked Vick as a passer.
“At Virginia Tech, he hit 56 point something of his passes,” Brandt said. “Which is not very good. His brother (Marcus) who wasn’t even considered a good passer and hit 59, almost 60 percent of his passes. In the Wildcat formation, that is probably where he has to be if he’s going to be on offense.”
CAN VICK STILL PACK THE STANDS: It’s no league secret that for years before Vick arrived, selling out Falcons game was a difficult task. TV blackouts have a place in local Falcon lore.
“Vick is recession proof,” Dukes said. “That is the one thing that I can say about him that people forget. If he’s going to play, he’s going to pack out whatever stadium he’s going in.
“How many members of PETA are actually season ticket holders? You where here with the Falcons fans when this thing went down. You saw that the season ticket holders wanted Michael Vick back.
“They understood that he did something terrible and they understood that he needed to pay some form of a price for what he did. But they wanted him. This wasn’t a racial issue, black, white or purple. Falcon fans, season ticket holders, wanted their quarterback.
“So whatever team he goes to, those fans are going to want their quarterback to play. Especially, if their quarterback position is poor. Are you telling me that Michael Vick won’t go into St. Louis, where they are worried about selling tickets and sell that place out? You are telling me that if he went to Kansas City that he wouldn’t pack that place out? I know they just got Matt Cassel, but before that. If he went to Detroit he would pack that joint.”
Cleveland and San Francisco are two other quarterback-needy teams Dukes mentioned. (Hey, Cleveland does have the Dawg Pound, too! I know, bad joke.)

Vick could smile back during OTAs in July of 07 before the dogfighting case broke. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC)
POSITION CHANGE: Agent Joel Segal and Vick’s camp are not considering a position change to wide receiver, running back or defensive back.
Brandt thinks that might not be wise.
“I don’t know if you can teach a guy to back pedal, but he’s an athlete,” Brandt said. “He might be a corner because of his speed and athletic ability. Because of his running ability, he might be a running back. There will be opportunities for him, but I think it will be extremely hard for him to come back as a quarterback.”
Vick is a quarterback in Dukes’ book.
“He’s not Peyton Manning, but you know what, he’s got some things that Peyton Manning doesn’t have,” Dukes said. “Peyton has some things in the passing game that Mike doesn’t have. Nevertheless, he’s a very effective quarterback. . .
“That guy can play quarterback. He’s not Steve Young in the West Coast offense, but guess what, who is? He is a good enough quarterback.
“His numbers are pretty darn good, when you compare it to some of the bums who have played the quarterback position. This guy wins games.”
THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES: For us folks that have covered the Vick case from the beginning, we know about the substantial role The Humane Society of the United States played in helping to convict Vick.
PETA does all of the protesting, but the well-financed Humane Society does the heavy-lifting.
It’s ironic now that they now may play a role in helping Vick cleanse his reputation. Here’s a link to a blog written by their president Wayne Pacelle.
FROM THE E-MAIL BAG: Here are some of the e-mails I received this week on Vick’s release to home confinement.
“Orlando, I am surprised no one did a story about Vick’s day to day life in prison. There is some disconnect in this country to what prison is. I hear people saying he needs to be punished when he gets out. What do they think he was doing in prison?
“You mention he will be on home confinement and add the 3,500 square foot house. You think a killer cares if he is juiced in a mahogany electric chair or a metal one. They must have something in the journalism school that says to leave the description of prison or punishment alone.
“If you talk about it maybe someone might not be afraid of it, get it figured out, and maybe want to go there.
“The place is hell; the man has been through hell for a damn dog fight.”
* * * * *
“The no good SOB should never be allowed to play in the NFL again.”
* * * * *
“Now that he has paid his debt to the dogs, can we move on, and let him get on with his life. He should not have been in jail for fighting dogs, and I am a dog lover, but who died and made P.E.T.A. gods. I hope he is allowed to play football, or (whatever) he wants to do without (a) newspaper reporter recording his every move. . . .
“The media should get over it, and let him move on, the public has.”
* * * * *
“I believe the Falcons are making a BIG mistake in not keeping Vick. Yes, we have a terrific new starting quarterback who deserves to remain that way. However what if he gets hurt? You need a good backup and certainly could we believe that the other QB’s could come close to filling Ryan shoes?
“Michael Vick is serving his debt to society by virtue of his prison time, probationary period and substantial loss of income. He is paying the price for his very poor past judgments. He has had plenty of time to think about his stupidity while he was in Leavenworth. . . .
“Atlanta sports teams have traded away so many good athletes and have nothing to show for it. Vick can contribute and I believe that when Vick is reinstated, Mr. Blank should consider what Vick could do and give Vick, a talented star, another opportunity.”
* * * * *
Remember the rules, y’all. Fussing is fine. Cussing is not.
Let’s try to have a civil dialogue on this. Are the Falcons making the right football decision? Should they let Vick play in a preseason game or two in order to rebuild some value and then trade him? Will you get anything for him when teams know that you are going to cut him if you can’t trade him? Should they just wash their hands and move on?
440 comments Add your comment
Dirty Bird
May 22nd, 2009
11:13 am
Of course the birds are making the right decision. All Vick brings to the table is speed and trouble. The birds are trying to move forward not backwards.
uga_b
May 22nd, 2009
11:28 am
The Falcons can’t really trade him after making it clear they will release him. Technically, someone could to retain the rights and not bid, but I don’t see this happening. Someone brings him in midseason after an injury. I still think he could work well in the slot. Too fragile to be a fulltime RB–not sure he could get the blitz pickup. Probably could run the read option in the wildcat but that is 10 plays.
He has always been fun to watch–I just dont think he can get a playbook down in such short time which puts his 3 years out of the league without playing and makes him almost 30.
Old school fan
May 22nd, 2009
11:34 am
I am torn on the Vick situation. On one hand I feel that he is a potential PR nightmare for any team that takes a chance on him. I never liked him as a QB but I’ve had my jaw drop on occasion during diplays of his athletisism. But then I can also sympathize with him. I have a very low level felony on my record. Nowhere even approaching what Vick did yet I am finding it nearly impossible to find work in my profession because of it. I am also very good at what I do. Should companies be forced to hire me just because I “paid the price”?
Unca' Bob
May 22nd, 2009
11:34 am
This should be good!
Andy
May 22nd, 2009
11:36 am
Vick does not play for the Falcons anymore. Get over it and move on. He broke a federal law and was essentially fired. The same thing would happen to anyone else. He didn’t get a raw deal or cheated by anybody. This has nothing to do with race and it never will. He broke the law, period. It’s not like he was busted for just dogfighting, but he bankrolled the entire operation. He essentially created an illegal organization in order to make money.
Should he get the chance to play again, of course. Just not with the Falcons. They have a QB and it would be a PR nightmare. Plus, he lied repeatedly to his boss about his involvement in the dog fighting case. Why on earth should the Falcons bring him back.
I hope he has learned from all of this and can someday resume his career. It seemed to me that he took everything for granted before, so hopefully he has a new outlook on life.
Mort Merkel
May 22nd, 2009
11:39 am
How silly. Of course the Falcons should not take this clown back. Are you nuts? Jamie Dukes, “He wins.” Uh, not much over his past 24 games. He’s a poor passer. He was a crummy leader. He flipped off the fans and lied. Let him be some other team’s burden.
singndablues
May 22nd, 2009
11:42 am
He’s done his time so he deserves an opportunity to play again. As much as some would like to fantasize about his return in the Atl, it would never work. Think Terrell Owens 100 times over. He will be a major distraction no matter where he goes but if his team wins more games than the previous year fans will come on board and the distractions will fade away.
Intramural Team is Aggressive
May 22nd, 2009
11:48 am
This team has moved on. Period. I loved the guy as much as anyone else when he was the Falcons QB, but his time in Atlanta is over. One positive thing that happened during the Vick saga was that Blank learned he needed to reorganize and change the culture of the organization. With that realization and a bit of luck, look where we are now. I realize that this is SURE to incite irrational statements, but seriously, just let him and us move on.
Falcons Obit
May 22nd, 2009
11:49 am
The Atlanta Falcons passed away after a two year battle with Vick syndrome on Wednesday the 20th in Leavenworth, KS. A spokesperson said the embattled Falcons went peacefully and quickly as news spread that Michael Vick was released. Memorial services will be announced at a later date, but you won’t know it, because no one cares.
The Dogfighter Returns
May 22nd, 2009
11:54 am
the falcons are so scared of michael vick burning them they do not know what to do. cut the guy and move on.
The falcons are experiencing the same thing men feel when you have to let that freaky broad go? where do you go to find another freaky broad like her once you let her go?
Anita - FALCONS Season Ticket Holder
May 22nd, 2009
11:56 am
The FALCONS are absolutely making the right decision on getting rid of MV7, and I applaud them for it after years of enabling his behavior.
Who else should get rid of this monster?
- His gold-digging fiance
- Humanity
- Roger Goodell
- His loyal “friendz” who ratted him out the Feds
- His Homeowners’ Association
- His library card should be revoked as well
Any trade the FALCONS get for him would be like accepting “BLOOD MONEY,”
Just cut this cancer free.
Reno 911
May 22nd, 2009
11:57 am
Man, just when this blog had turned into a football-competent, Falcons-focused discussion forum. Here we go.
F.I.L.A.
May 22nd, 2009
11:57 am
Funny, we were told all of last year to MOVE on, New QB, Playoff Berth, Young team…. Yet All the AJC, sportstalk Radio, MIKE VICK… What a slap in the face of Matty Ice. Oh well, just goes to show that Mike Vick is still making the cash registers go cha Ching!!! Meanwhile Blank is Begging for Screamers……
WR
May 22nd, 2009
11:58 am
Unca’Bob, I’m with you, talk about derailing the bird cage, its only a matter of time before the fireworks get started. At least its Memorial Day weekend, if you ever wanted to take a break from the bird cage now would be the time. By the way don’t get me wrong, if their was going to be some serious debate or opinions and arguments, I’m all for it but I can’t honestly see that happening, hopefully it will but I doubt it, after all of our predictions I predict the bird cage will be closed for the weekend.
Whopper Dawg
May 22nd, 2009
12:00 pm
I think that there are some actions in this world that when taken, you forgo certain privileges. It is not a right in this country to hold a certain type of job, An attorney for example, can commit actions that cause then to the barred from practicing law. In my mind, Vick’s actions were severe enough to not permit reinstatement in the NFL, which is a privilege, not a right. And I know that there are others in the NFL that have committed actions that are as severe of even worse – guess what – get rid of them too.
That being said, he will be reinstated in the liberal age of no accountability for one’s actions.
As to Vick’s on the field abilities, he is probably the best broken play QB in history. Executing a play however, (play action, reading defenses, touch passes, accuracy, etc.) not so good, only average at best. And the defenses for the last two years had figured out how to defense him. That is why his wins tailed off – they defensed his running ability and he had no other reliable skills to counter. Combine that with the media circus that will surround him and his other baggage (lying, marijuana usage, flipping off fans) and the team that will take a flyer on him will be desperate in deed.
Thank goodness it won’t be Atlanta.
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
12:00 pm
Mike Vick as a starter 41-39-1. ENOUGH SAID!
Mave2124
May 22nd, 2009
12:01 pm
As much as I am a fan of MV7, he can’t ever wear a Falcons uni again. That chapter is closed. You don’t mess with chemistry by adding baking soda to vinegar. The best I hope for is some AFC team picks him up on the cheap and he plays extremely well. Maybe he has to go to the UFL. BUT, I am a Falcons fan first and want our D to improve and get us to a Super Bowl win!
Poor McKay
May 22nd, 2009
12:01 pm
Move on.
I’d rather discuss the merits of trading for Greg Ellis (who is seemingly available). Imgine a third and long defensive line that features Abrahm, Jerry, Babineaux and Ellis (in 3 point stance) going after the QB? You could have 4 high schoolers playing DB with that tandem going after the QB.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 22nd, 2009
12:02 pm
We’re off to a good start. Some rational discussion.
RENO911: Will moderate it closely, but it’s a topic we have to deal with.
Falcon Devil
May 22nd, 2009
12:06 pm
Vick will play for the Vikings or Broncos!!!!
jason
May 22nd, 2009
12:07 pm
D3, Stirg, WR, Sarah B ,and everyone else in the CAGE, I know DOL has a new blog up. I will not be posting there. I will not sift through what I think is garbage to talk Falcon football with the crew in the CAGE. I will stay at this blog. I will be on off and on all day browsing.
BOB
May 22nd, 2009
12:07 pm
He’s paid his debt, get over it. I’m an animal lover and a Falcons fan. Get over it. He’ll probably have to take a while to get back into shape but you are delusional if you don’t think he’ll play for an NFL team again. It won’t be Atlanta, needs a fresh start. Could see Dallas maybe.
Falcon Devil
May 22nd, 2009
12:09 pm
I think Ellis would cost too much, prob a 1st rounder and we already gave up our 2nd rounder next year for TD.
Reno – I agree with DOL, while it would be nice to pretend the Vick debacle never happened it did, and we are finally approaching closure. Nothing wrong with dicussing it as long as it’s rational and not racially motivated.
F.I.L.A.
May 22nd, 2009
12:09 pm
”The Atlanta Falcons passed away after a two year battle with Vick syndrome on Wednesday the 20th in Leavenworth, KS. A spokesperson said the embattled Falcons went peacefully and quickly as news spread that Michael Vick was released. Memorial services will be announced at a later date, but you won’t know it, because no one cares.”
Falcon Devil
May 22nd, 2009
12:10 pm
2nd rounder for TG*
Brad
May 22nd, 2009
12:13 pm
On paper, the notion of Vick backing Matty seems solid, but in practice I don’t think it’s a good idea. Atlanta finally has a back-to-basics, no-nonsense approach and the team just doesn’t need the drama. Losing guys like Vick and MeAngelo and acquiring head coach Mike Smith went a long way towards creating a new attitude for the Falcons and I just don’t think they need to repeat the past. That said, like Blank, I wish Vick all the best and look forward to seeing him play in the NFL again, as long as he’s playing for a different team, preferably in the AFC.
Falcon Devil
May 22nd, 2009
12:17 pm
Speaking of UFL, why are they trying to go head to head vs the NFL? If the UFL was on now I would watch every single game. I need something to quench my football thirst. Seems like the most logical move, or else is will be like watching WNBA when NBA is on.
The Dogfighter Returns
May 22nd, 2009
12:21 pm
the ufl will be on during the weekdays. remeber there are a lot of players who do not make it in the nfl. guys like drew henson, charles rogers, mike williams, need i say more. these guys are good players who have made great money and still want to play.
Dirty Birdie
May 22nd, 2009
12:24 pm
57% winning percentage when Vick started his 67 games. 31% winning % in the he didn’t start from 2001 through 2007. That right there is the whole Value over Replacment Player argument that is made in baseball all the time. The theory in baseball is that a replacement level player is only worth a 30% winning percentage, and that a team of replacement level players would only win 30% of the games, and go 48-114 over the course of 162. An average baseball player should have a .500 winning percentage. Vick’s winning % averaged out to a 9.2-6.8 record over the course of 16 games. In the 29 games he didn’t start, the 31% winning % averaged out to a 5-11 record. Vick’s Falcons were 4.2 wins a season better when he was out there than when he wasn’t.
He shouldn’t be back as a Falcon. They’ve got Ryan now, and he’s plenty good enough. The circus would be too much for THIS FRANCHISE, even if the circus wouldn’t threaten to undermine a very good young QB in his second season, which the circus would do. For other franchises though, he is definitely worth the risk.
Dukes is right as well, that you have to take his running into account. Take a look at most NFL teams. They average about 65 to 70 or so plays a game. Many of them have around a 50/50 balance between the run and pass so that they run 33-35 times and the QB passes 33-35 times. Vick’s RBs ran about that much. Vick usually threw about 24 passes, threw about 8 check down passes to himself, and got sacked 2 or 3 times a game.
The passes to himself weren’t really much different than what other NFL QBs do in checking down to tight ends or RBs when there is nothing open. Drew Brees gets credit for inflating his accuracy rate by doing nothing more complicated than checking down to Reggie Bush, while Vick gets a hard time for deflating his accuracy rate by checking down to himself, when he’s as much of a threat as Bush with the ball in his hands outside the tackles? They’re really throwing the same number of passes, except that Vick isn’t checking down and completing safe passes to TEs and RBs, he’s checking down to himself without passing the ball.
Brandt is out of his mind as well. The last thing Vick needs is a gimmicky offense. That’s where folks get confused about how to use him, thinking they need to invent new silly offensive gimmicks for him. NO! Like Dukes indicated, with a QB like Vick, what you need is the most boring, simple-minded, vanilla Dan Reeves kind of offense where you pound the ball up the middle with a power running back (Hence why Reeves drafted TJ Duckett and was angry with Arthur Blank’s infatuation with Warrick Dunn). Since he’s not the greatest passer, you don’t want him throwing much. You pound the run, suck the defense up and in to the line of scrimmage. You also have strong TEs (Crumpler) and possession receivers (Finneran) up the middle that Vick can hit. This further sucks the defense up and in to the line of scrimmage. In turn, this opens up the field on the outside and deep down the field for a guy like Vick who is strong armed deep, but erratic short. It also decreases the ability of the defense to disguise coverages as much for a QB without the ability to figure out defenses as much as the elite QBs do. The defense has to commit to stopping the run and to covering the TE up the middle. Thus it becomes easier for him to spot the coverage and find open receiver. It also increases the ability of a receiver getting open deep, especially since if the defense is sucked up and in to the LOS, Vick can scramble outside better, buy more time, and find and hit the receiver deep. Last of all, with the defense sucked up and in to the LOS, it allows Vick the freedom to do all the havoc he can create once he is outside the tackle box.
That was the travesty of the West Coast regime of Mora. They ran the ball, but never pounded it. The only up the middle threat was Crumpler when Finneran was hurt. Everything was based on passing outside and running outside. A very ill fit for the QB they had. Still managed to go 26-22 during that regime despite an offensive scheme ill suited for the player personnel employing it
jimmy
May 22nd, 2009
12:27 pm
mr.blank should bring vick into camp get him in shape mentally and physically.then deal him to the highest bidder
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 22nd, 2009
12:30 pm
WHAT: Vick’s record was 38-28-1 as a starter. He was 15-16 over his last 31 starts. There’s a notion that the league caught up to him after a great start, which included a trip to the NFC Championship game.
phar71
May 22nd, 2009
12:30 pm
No Doubt he has paid his due, and deserves a right to make a living somewhere, just not here.
It could divide the locker room, if matty ice struggles at all, it would be a huge distraction for a team that is finaly the topic because of having a good football team.
I wish him all the best in the future as long as he is not playing the Birds.
JJB
May 22nd, 2009
12:35 pm
The Falcons will not cut vick until Roger Goddell makes a ruling an reinstates him. If he is held out this year, then the falcons do not have to take the two year salary cap hit. The moment that he is reinstated is the moment that he gets cut. The Falcons cannot have that much salary sitting on the bench for Vick to be the 2nd string. I hope that he does well and straightens out his life.
Some team will take a chance, but he will be paid close to the league minimum for his years and have an incentive-laden contract with lots of hurdles.
Falcon Devil
May 22nd, 2009
12:36 pm
Blank has made it clear Vick is not welcome on our team after the pain he has put the franchise through. It’s not a question of whether we can use his talent. Beyond the QB controversy it would stir up along with racial tensions, it would be like taking back a spouse who cheated for 6 years and lied to your face about it and is now back after having left you and you lost all your money in the divorce. His salary and his presence have no place in the new Atlanta Falcons franchise.
Vick Supporter
May 22nd, 2009
12:37 pm
I would prefer that Vick get a new start with a new team. This franchise is just learning how to be a true NFL franchise. He needs to go somewhere established, a real nfl franchise
Vick Supporter
May 22nd, 2009
12:40 pm
If “Ice” struggles, which he will, it would divide the locker room and the city again, and we know how ugly that can get. I would love to see Vick go to a NFC South team. That would be great. I’m so glad that he will play football again…I won’t be forced to watch the Falcons.
Mike Jay
May 22nd, 2009
12:43 pm
I think Dukes has Falcon’s Fans confused with Vick Fans. Falcon fans were already starting to get feed up with Vick’s inconsistent playing on the field, non existant leadership, lack of improvement, off the field fiascos and the flicking off of fans. The Vick fans didn’t see any of this…
I personally do not know of a single Falcon’s Fan or season ticket holder who would want him back.
Great Falconi
May 22nd, 2009
12:46 pm
All the baggage aside, the main problem for Vick is that he absolutely cannot be counted on to win games with his arm. This automatically handicaps a team’s offense. As we all know, you can run the ball a lot in this league, but good defenses will shut the run down. As we also all know, Vick didn’t do very well when he faced defenses that could shut down the running game.
Jamie Dukes is right to say that Vick has some skills that Peyton Manning doesn’t have, but it takes a hell of a lot more effort for a defense to have to shut down the running game and the passing game. That’s what makes guys like Brady, Manning and McNabb so good. Those guys can fling it 40-50 times if they have to and still win the game without a running attack.
All of this talk about Vick playing as a “Wildcat” QB is a little strange. His running is more effective when he’s starting the whole game, right? He could go back to pass and improvise something. That was when Vick was at his most dangerous on the field. In order for the Wildcat to work with Vick, he’ll have to throw the ball so well out of it that defenses will have to sit back. The likelihood of that happening is minimal. Vick’s amazing running ability probably doesn’t have a long life span (a few years, tops…wear and tear will take care of the rest), so his next team, especially a team with very mediocre QB talent, would be hard-pressed not to name him a starter.
I’ll close by saying that it doesn’t really matter to me where Vick goes, when he comes back, etc. Nevertheless, I’m positive he will be back in the league at some point. When that point comes, a team will have to figure out how to minimize his deficiencies in the passing game.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 22nd, 2009
12:47 pm
D., that’s not a notion, that’s a fact.
rfsbkr
May 22nd, 2009
12:49 pm
I hope that one day, we will learn to forgive. Ther are people out there ( probably in your family) who have done much worse. Have you forgiven Bush for getting our family members killed in a war that was not called for and for lying to all of us. Think about it people
Fal Con Fan
May 22nd, 2009
12:52 pm
Vick will never be a Falcon again because he lied to Arthur Blank and made him look like a fool, holding a press conference to show his support of #7 one week before the Feds indicted him. That said, he did his time that the law said he had to do and he should now be free to pursue a career. I predict he’ll be taking snaps for Oakland before Labor Day.
WRich
May 22nd, 2009
12:58 pm
I was one of the biggest Michael Vick supporters and could not believe that he would do what he was accused of. I felt betrayed when the evidence showed that he was guilty of the accusation. In reality, Michael Vick had not betrayed me but rather himself and the Falcon organization. I think if he had been truthful from the beginning then more fans would have been willing to forgive and forget
Michael Vick does deserve a second chance as long as he acknowledges what he did was wrong and certain safeguards are put in place to ensure he does not get back in with the wrong crowd again. That said, he can not come back to Atlanta as this is a team that has moved on with Matt Ryan and Michael can not be allowed to break the momentum which this team is showing.
WR
May 22nd, 2009
1:04 pm
D-Led, apparently you deleted my post even though it didn’t contain any harsh language, no insults, and stuck to the rules. I asked fellow members of the bird cage whom I have been commenting with for weeks to stay away from what I see will be a bitter hate filled debate and I’m deleted, you said you wanted a clean debate but how clean is a debate when someone steps in and deletes comments aimed at avoiding the hate. If saying we need to move on and allow this human-being to move on is such a problem that the comments are deleted what does it say about the media that guides our countries culture and values.
Larry A
May 22nd, 2009
1:04 pm
What Mike Vick did was wrong, he spent nearly 2 years in prison for it. Was that sufficient? I have no idea for I don’t wish to be his judge. But he paid the debt the government says he needed to pay.
When noone wants Vick due to the PR nightmare he brings, I hope Arthur Blank will see it as an opportunity to give him a chance as a backup QB so he can show that he has either grown up and is ready to be a complete football player or he has not and needs to find someplace else to reside. After a year as a backup and a good samaritan (if possible) he may have some trade value for a team looking for a veteran QB.
It is rare for a QB to play an entire season without injury, Matt Ryan got lucky last year. We should to count on that lucky again. He is going to get hit more this year. Teams will be more interested in knocking him out of games as he matures and becomes more of a threat. We will need a good backup to be competitive. I don’t like Vick but I think he could fill that role and probably at a pretty affordable rate from a salary cap perspective.
And he is highly incented to be the team player Mike Smith and Co demand. If he can’t pull it off, he is done – except for maybe the Raiders.
tale of woe
May 22nd, 2009
1:04 pm
The sooner the Falcons release him the better. I don’t think he should ever be allowed to play in the NFL again. He lied to everyone, cost the team, fans, and city millions. He failed a drug test right after he was found guilty. The dude might have had a couple of years to think things through, but what the heck was he doing before he was finally outted as a fraud? Vick should never be allowed to step foot in a NFL stadium. I can learn to forgive, but I don’t forget…I forgive him for killing dogs and being the money man behind a dog fighting ring. However, since I can not forget it, I dont think he should be allowed to play again.
Seven Fan ALWAYS
May 22nd, 2009
1:05 pm
I am a fan of the NFL and only became a fan of the Falcons because of Michael Vick. I would love to see him back in the NFL this season playing at his position ‘QUARTER BACK’! I respect Mr. Blank’s position BUT he did say that the only way Michael is leaving this organization is in a box… (remember that statement??). Well, the new team wagon better hope that Matt Ryan doesn’t have the sophomore jinx or get hurt… #7 MIKE VICK may just be under the center in the ATL again!
That’s when I will renew my season Tickets!!!
jimmy
May 22nd, 2009
1:07 pm
mr.ledbetter,it’s about the coverage the media will have on the comeback america loves an underdog,he will will have the pr people to wash his image,he will sell seats and maybe he can still play football.the same media that buried him will either resurect and promote or give his movie of the week
cutter
May 22nd, 2009
1:08 pm
I’m with you Reno 911 and Jason let Mike rest. First Schultz and Bradley now D.O.L. come on guys. This man has really touch your souls huh?
The Dogfighter Returns
May 22nd, 2009
1:09 pm
What I told you about NFL.com. Stop reinventing history. Try that crap on another blog. D ledbetter thanks for setting that turd straight.
Dirty Birdie great post dude.
Fumble
May 22nd, 2009
1:10 pm
Vick was and probably still can be a great athlete, exciting to watch. He was not a great QB. His tendency to scramble may have sold tickets but it made his receivers mediocre as they could never count on Vick or the ball being where the play called for them to be. Since his departure the improved stats of White and Jenkins have much to do with them being able to rely on the ball going their way if they run a good route. Additionally, Vick’s leadership was non-existent. While most starting QB’s study game photos and discuss the plays with the coaches while the other team has the ball, Vick typically sat sulking with his head hanging down, almost never bothering to figure out what went wrong.
He can be an offensive force for some team in some capacity but he will never be a successful leader or a successful QB.
FALCONS SORRY
May 22nd, 2009
1:11 pm
I THINK PRESDENT OBOMA NEED TO STEP IN ON THIS TO PARDON HIM AND MAKE THE FALCONS PAY THE MAN WHAT THEY OWE HIM. HE SUFFER ENOUGH. HE HAD HIS WHOLE LIFE TOOK AWAY FOR NO REASON! IT IS PLAIN SORRY THE WAY THAT NO COUNT BLANK DID HIM. HE DESERVE TO PLAY IN NFL AND TAKE BACK HIS TEAM AND GO WIN THE SUPPER BOWL. PLEASE COME BACK WE LOVE YOU MIKE!!
JR
May 22nd, 2009
1:12 pm
Dledbetter, fans, PETA, etc… To answer your questions: YES MV could shake off the rust, YES he can sell tickets, No he should not change position and YES he will be controversial. Look, we all know MV did a horrible thing and is paying for it in prison time, probationary period and substantial loss of income. Act an idiot, pay an idiot price. There are other athletes that have made mistakes (some involving human deaths) but have been forgiven and given a second chance or reinstated to their sport (Danny Heatley,Jamal Lewis,Leonard Little,Ray Lewis,Darryl Strawberry). Not as bad, but society even forgives athletes that use steroids and blatantly lie to congress and continue to play their sport. Is there anyone out here that has not done anything in their life that they didn’t regret? By the way, where is PETA whenever an animal kills a human…no where to be found? That being said, I also think that the Falcons will have a hard time trading Vick and the salary cap hit will be high to cut him but Blank is not going to keep him. Vick carries a lot of bagges but you know some owner will take the negatives long with the possible positives to having him on their roster. I do think he can recover, get back in shape, be productive and help some team. He will sell tickets because both fans and protesters will pay to support him or protest him (money has no color conscious or morals). I agree that maybe the Falcons should play him a little in preseason just to possibly show some value to other teams, even though it will be very controversial and likely won’t happen. However, like some of you have said, if something were to happen to Ryan, Vick is a more suitable backup than the other QB’s. I would like to see him play again because he brings excitement to the game, plus he is probably still better that a lot of players in the league now. But if he doesn’t make it back then he can only blame himself for a wasted opportunity in life.
MJ
May 22nd, 2009
1:16 pm
What drugs are the people on that even think he should be invited to visit Flowery Branch! Release him at the proper time and let him go elsewhere. He doesn’t belong here anymore. We have our quarterback. Let’s move on people. For the goodness sakes AJC, get a life and report on something worth while
Maurice
May 22nd, 2009
1:19 pm
It’s just a notion “Chef” after two season of 6-1 and 5-2 starts to falter at the end says a lot about your coaching staff and ability to improvise after the Defensive Coordinators make their adjustments. Who have the Falcons drafted in those years after the 6-1 start and 5-2 start to help Michael? No one. Just garbage players on defense and free agency pickups that left a bad taste in your mouth. If the Arthur had kept Dan Reeves around, we would have won that NFC Championship game and went the proceeding two years after as well. Yeah Dan wasn’t the most prolific at picking up decent draft picks, but there is no denying he’s a great coach. Look Arthur just went and hired Dan’s long lost son last year. Which tells me he’s a man that at least tries to correct his mistakes, unlike the collective Borgs at Turner Field.
mike
May 22nd, 2009
1:26 pm
I would love to see vick on the falcons in some capacity… too talented to give away for nothing.. its too bad that politics, PR, and PETA will force us to do otherwise.
Maurice
May 22nd, 2009
1:26 pm
Do we really think Matty Ice is made of porcelain? We just nicknamed him the “coolest”-pun intended- nickname in Atlanta history and now we think it will hurt his psyche if Michael Vick is on the sideline with him. I think we are all misjudging his intelligence and diligence. If Arthur did have a change a heart and decided to keep Vick, this marriage will benefit both Vick and Ryan. Look at what Vicks influence on Shaub did. He isn’t the most fleet footed quarterback, but he learned to scramble at the right time. Vick could learn a think or 100 about passing on time and foot work. Not that it will happen but I do think if Vick did return to the Falcons it will probably be at Ryan’s request. I don’t see that happening. But hey, who else has a chance to have a up and coming quarterback and a backup as electrifying as Vick? NO ONE BUT THE FALCONS!
Tara
May 22nd, 2009
1:29 pm
I know that Mr. Blank wishes that the public (the Media) would forgive Mike so that he wont feel bad about letting him play. PETA needs to focus on Sarah Palin and leave my buddy Mike alone. Keep your head up Mike, you are more fans than you will ever know!!!
Nookah
May 22nd, 2009
1:29 pm
I don’t know if it is ill-timed fate, that as I find my way back to to the ‘Cage, I am met with an explosive topic as this. Jason, WR, I’m with you guys. I prefer not to get involved in this debate. Whereas I recognize that all are entitled to their opinion, I prefer to plead the 5th on this topic.
I think our ownership has stated it loud and clear, we will wish MV all the best in his bid to come back to the NFL, it just won’t be as a Falcon. Personally I just wish him all the best as he reunites with his family especially his children. I really hope his kids are not affected by this, or perhaps I should say I hope they’ll be able to manage this throughout their lives.
WR, Reno911, Stirg, D3, Unca Bob, Jason… to name a few, it’s good to be back. Had to take care of some family matters. It’s great to be back. I have been catching up on my reading however.
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime……
Buffalo Soldier, dreadlocks rasta, fighting on arrival, fighting for survival….Robert Nesta Marley
Chuck
May 22nd, 2009
1:30 pm
People that think he went to federal prison for dogfighting are poorly informed.
He went to federal prison for interstate trafficking and criminal conspiracy. The feds have nothing to do with punishing him for dogfighting, that is a local or state charge.
IMO what he did was way worse than what gets most players the boot. Fighting, shooting, driving drunk, smoking weed – all of these are insanely stupid, but are borne of passion – NOT extensive forethought, not planning.
Vick was the head and sole financial backer of a large, elobarate organization solely dedicated to what was known by each of its members to be criminal acts – that can not be understated, and I don’t think the commissioner should waive his league suspension.
hop
May 22nd, 2009
1:34 pm
the defenses in the nfl did indeed caught up with him by assigning a good athlete to follow vick where ever he went.
his passing was very poor and he was not a threat as a passer.
i can only think one or two teams who will take the huge risk in signing him.
DHD
May 22nd, 2009
1:36 pm
Did Vick eat lunch yet? I haven’t heard and I’m worried.
Joe
May 22nd, 2009
1:38 pm
Falcons sorry you are an idiot, Vick made his whole team worse. It is not just coincidence that the oline and wide receivers got better when he left. The Falcons had roughly the same olineman with Ryan than they did with Vick. Vick is not smart enough to ever win a Super Bowl
Reality Time
May 22nd, 2009
1:39 pm
I really don’t care what happens to Michael Vick, but I do think it is ridiculous that on the Falcons page of the AJC 9 of 10 headlined stories are about Michael Vick. I think it has been covered. How about some information about current Falcons, including those new ones drafted. Enough is enough.
Todd - Dacula
May 22nd, 2009
1:40 pm
Why do so many do not want him to play quarterback? Regardless of what the analyst say, no one knows until he takes a few snaps, even me. As a lifetime Falcon Fan (and I am a true Fan) I want him back on the team and at QB. I just do not trust the Team Management to he honest to Mike; the same way they lied and said all QB’s would start a preseason game. But DJ did not start and played better that all of them did. Simply put, they lied. Perhaps you can argue that he [DJ] did not do beter than Matt Ryan, but he played as good as Matt. Do not get me wrong, I like Matt Ryan.
I just think that people who dislike Mike Vick; dislike the fact that he’s a QB, dog fighting or not, they just simply do not liek him as a QB and he has nothing to do with throwing the ball.
Mike Vick will be in the NFL; I just hope it’s with teh Falcons.
Scott Case
May 22nd, 2009
1:41 pm
THIS JUST IN:
Michael Vick has just gone to the bathroom. No word yet if it was #1 or #2. Stay tuned for this developing story…
WR
May 22nd, 2009
1:42 pm
Nookah, back in the house, where you been brother
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
1:45 pm
D-led, was Vick not listed on the Atlnta Falcons roster as the starting QB from 2002-2006? If not, I am mistaken. As far as I know a player can not loose their position due to injury.
RedandBlack
May 22nd, 2009
1:45 pm
Hopefully, MV will try to be consistent and meaningful in making good decisions for himself and for his family. There are countless thoughful things that he can do now for the good of others, for himself, and for his family. He will need to do so to live the rest of his life. No one is perfect. I am sure that everyone is rooting for him to do good things from here on out Forget about football. This is a human being we are talking about. Hope that good prevails. Always.
The Falcons have already made decisions as has Arthur Blank. They are on a good path now and must remain collectively focused without any distractions.
The only reason for the Falcons to keep MV now is to enhance any trade value that he may still have if he is allowed to come back to the NFL. Whether or not he comes back to the NFL is up to Michael Vick. Whether or not he remains with the Falcons has already been decided.
Birddawg
May 22nd, 2009
1:46 pm
I think they are making the right decision only if they can get good value in return. Matt Ryan is a star in the making and Michael is already a star. No team can have two starting quarterbacks in the fold (see: New England). Keep him as a backup until some team realizes his worth on the field and gives the Falcons equal compensation. As far as the dog fighting…WHO FREAKING CARES?!!! I love dogs and I don’t think he should have done prison time for that. People made more of an uproar over those silly dogs than the fact that he participated in an ILLEGAL gambling operation. Ridiculous. He’s paid more than his debt to society. Get over it and move on.
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
1:48 pm
Dogfighter, D-led also proved one of my posted from “another blog” Vick’s experiment was figured out!
jason
May 22nd, 2009
1:48 pm
Nookah, About time one of our lost Cage members returns. Now if we can locate Seminole Warrior. WR, how’s going ? Unca’ Bob? Cutter? This is not a good blog to bring in the week end. At least it hasn’t gotten nasty yet.
The AFC notrh breaks like this. Pittsburgh, Division Champs, Followed by Baltimore; fighting for a wildcard. Then Cincinati and Cleveland. I don’t see Pittsburgh making the Super Bowl, maybe the AFC Championship.
I will be back later with my #3 RB, and continued analysis of the Carolina game.
Dirty Birdie
May 22nd, 2009
1:49 pm
I can’t believe I would even suggest this because I detest anyone who marginalizes Vick as nothing more than a glorified back or receiver, BUT ……..
one compromise I could see being worked out with the commissioner is that Vick goes to New England to be Brady’s backup and a slash receiver/running back guy JUST FOR NEXT SEASON. The Falcons could even get a break in compensation because of the prior relationship of the GM with the Pats (maybe a very late round pick).
After a year there in NE shaking off the rust, being tutored by Belichick and Brady, partially rebuilding his brand name in a cool unique role (that folks always love) with a winning high profile team, and taking some of the bad guy tarnish off his image a la Randy Moss, he could then go to some other team repackaged as a decent enough guy and good teammate who’s made some terrible mistakes but always been a winner as a football player, and who’s also shaken off some of the rust while learning and observing the best (which he hadn’t previously been allowed to do).
I think that might be the best situation for Vick and the NFL next season. Allows him to be re-instated in a situation where he doesn’t become as much of a circus because the team is already good, he wouldn’t be expected to be great because not much would be asked of him in that role, he wouldn’t be a threat to the QB already there, and there are at least 3 bigger stars than him with that franchise, and so on and so on and so on.
I think if he goes to a lesser team and they expect him to be a world beater, all eyes will be on him, and if he stinks as so many hope he will, the fire around him will only burn even more. It could just be very ugly for Vick and the NFL in such a situation. Don’t want to set him and the league up for failure. The NFL and Vick need to make sure this goes right, even if that means he doesn’t immediately re-enter the league as a starting QB, instead choosing to take a one year rehabilitative, remedial course with the NFL’s best in Belichick, Brady and Moss, so that he can be re-packaged as another team’s starting QB.
Going to NE to me looks like the best thing for Vick and the NFL.
Michael Roberson
May 22nd, 2009
1:51 pm
the bible says he who has no sin cast the first stone . No one is with out sin therefore we should not judge Michael Vick but forgive him and let him be . he’s serve his punishment.
R
May 22nd, 2009
1:53 pm
Seriously, every person here think about this. If YOU were convicted of a crime. You then “paid your debt to society” by serving time, do you really think YOU would be welcomed back to your former job? Why is it that everyone thinks Vick should get his pre-felony life back just as it was? He had the good life and he ruined it. Let him go coach JV Football at some high school or something. Trust me, if it were any of us, we wouldn’t get our jobs back.
NUWAVE
May 22nd, 2009
1:53 pm
when I read peoples comments I can’t help but think for give our tresspasses as we for give those who tresspass against us. and then all have sinned and fell short of his glory and he that is without sin cast the first stone In the bible they all turned and left but I guess they didn’t know these good in god we trust a33333s Americans. What gets me is youknow some of these folks write these comments have done far worsst to people. That P in peta probably stands for Pedophiles bunch of Hypocrits
jimmy
May 22nd, 2009
1:56 pm
mr ledbetter,please read alge crumplers statement at si.com under the atlanta falcons site
Najeh Davenpoop
May 22nd, 2009
1:59 pm
Of course the Falcons are making the right decision in not keeping Vick — they have already committed $72 million to another quarterback, so keeping Vick at his current contract makes no sense from a salary cap standpoint. Can you imagine the quarterback controversy that would emerge if Vick remained on the Falcons’ roster? It’s hard enough on Matt Ryan that he’s been anointed the savior of the QB position by Falcons’ fans and that he actually has to face a real NFL schedule this year; the last thing he needs in his development is to be looking over his shoulder at a more accomplished veteran on the depth chart.
For both the Falcons and for Vick, releasing him and letting him sign with a different team which will let him play in a real NFL offense — something Vick hasn’t experienced since 2002 — is the best course of action. Greg Knapp’s system was just Wildcat-lite. The people talking about Vick’s future being in the Wildcat must not have seen the Falcons’ offensive system (if you can call it that) when Greg Knapp was here.
mykhalc
May 22nd, 2009
2:02 pm
simple…he deserves a chance to ‘earn’ a job elsehwere. VICK and the FALCONS days are done!!
Unca' Bob
May 22nd, 2009
2:04 pm
Nookah!
It’s starting to look like ‘Ol home week. Welcome back.
Was a season Ticket holder
May 22nd, 2009
2:05 pm
I think the Falcon need him back. He keep the Dome sold out and Falcon’s on TV. After he left so went the TV slots and full seats!!! I dont care what no one say I bet any amount of money if Vick come back to Atlanta Them tickets will sell out again.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 22nd, 2009
2:06 pm
Why is my comment awaiting moderation? I didn’t post any links or curse…
hoopscoach21
May 22nd, 2009
2:09 pm
I like how NUWAVE quotes the Bible and then calls PETA members “Pedophiles”. Calling someone a pedophile is the most horrible, terrible thing possible.
You are a terrible human being for placing that term on someone with absolutely no logic or understanding.
Orlando- that shouldn’t be on here. Period. You tried to have a civil conversation, but as usual, ignorance takes over.
Kim
May 22nd, 2009
2:10 pm
Michael Vick had his chance at fame and blew it at the expense of abusing helpless animals. He is despicable and one of the worst examples of the human race. AJC don’t waste any more time on this. Move on to something that matters!
uga_b
May 22nd, 2009
2:11 pm
D-Led, what do you think about the possibility of a trade? I guarantee it wouldn’t be more than a 7th rounder but I don’t even see that.
It is clear he is not playing here and I cannot point this out enough: for most positions–outside QB–he is nearing old age in football terms. He also has to either A)learn a new playbook (which Farve couldn’t do in a year) or B) learn a new position (about a 50-50 proposition at WR; not much history moving to RB).
Gandalf, the White! (!)
May 22nd, 2009
2:12 pm
He’s a has been! I bet he isn’t as fast as he was, so now linebackers will be teeing off on his tender butt!
Serious!
May 22nd, 2009
2:13 pm
D. Ledbetter that’s an inside slant….about the league catching up to Mike Vick. The Falcons never added a real option to their offense until last year. Micheal Tuner is the X-factor. I believe Ryan Leaf would have been better if he had Micheal Turner in the backfield…but Seriously, who burned those buses up? They should get atleast 23 months!
D3
May 22nd, 2009
2:14 pm
Great Friday Afternoon Bird-Cager’s! Its a non-issue as far as I’m concerned. I only have this one comment to make on it and I’m heading back to the Training Camp blog we’ve been rockin’ out, because I have no desire to slip back into any of this mess, one way or another.
Nookah – GREAT TO HAVE YOU BACK BROTHER!!!! We sure as the H—- have missed you here in the ‘Cage. We thought you may have abandoned us. We have some excellent discussion going on including roster spots analysis, week-by-week breakdowns, and even analyzing other divisions and teams. Hope everything is Kool & the Gang with your family, and once again…..Welcome Back!!!!
Reno911 – what’s up brother-man? Where you been the last week or so? Have you been reading and just not posting or been away from the ‘Cage altogether? Great to have you back as well.
Falcon Devil – how have you been my friend? Hadn’t heard from you in a while. Between you, Reno, Nookah, and Seminole we were starting to worry. Great to have you back.
One & Only MV comment – whats in the past is in the past. Human nature and every religion imaginable dictates forgiveness and redemption. MV mad some terrible choices, decisions, and style of living. He has paid his debt to society and deserves another chance at some point if the commissioner believes he has learned from his experience. In any other profession, a felony would preclude his return. Simply put, MV deserves the chance to move on with another team and the Falcons have certainly moved on as well. I wish him the best in all his future endeavors. The End.
Back to the ‘Camp blog………..
WR
May 22nd, 2009
2:14 pm
Najeh, you probably said something intelligent, or something that focuses attention away from someone who should be afforded the opportunity to move on, apparently thats how it works, the samething happened to my post.
Once again the Falcons are moving on, what was the face of the franchise and a player who made the Falcons relevant is no longer going to be considered a Falcon. Nuwave I agree and thats why I choose to move on.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 22nd, 2009
2:15 pm
“Vick’s record was 38-28-1 as a starter. He was 15-16 over his last 31 starts. There’s a notion that the league caught up to him after a great start, which included a trip to the NFC Championship game.”
In those last 31 starts — spanning his last two full seasons as a starter — his teams started off 6-2 and 5-2 respectively, and the undersized lines wearing down over the course of the season caused the team to fall apart each season.
Vick wasn’t playing defense when Samkon Gado ran for 100 yards in the Georgia Dome.
Serious!
May 22nd, 2009
2:16 pm
D. Ledbetter that’s an inside slant….about the league catching up to Mike Vick. The Falcons never added a real option to their offense until last year. Michael Tuner is the X-factor. I believe Ryan Leaf would have been better if he had Michael Turner in the backfield… but Seriously, who burned those buses up? They should get atleast 23 months!
WR
May 22nd, 2009
2:16 pm
D3, you are truly a professional
Najeh Davenpoop (moderate this, fool)
May 22nd, 2009
2:16 pm
Of course the Falcons are making the right decision in not keeping Vick — they have already committed $72 million to another quarterback, so keeping Vick at his current contract makes no sense from a salary cap standpoint. Can you imagine the quarterback controversy that would emerge if Vick remained on the Falcons’ roster? It’s hard enough on Matt Ryan that he’s been anointed the savior of the QB position by Falcons’ fans and that he actually has to face a real NFL schedule this year; the last thing he needs in his development is to be looking over his shoulder at a more accomplished veteran on the depth chart.
For both the Falcons and for Vick, releasing him and letting him sign with a different team which will let him play in a real NFL offense — something Vick hasn’t experienced since 2002 — is the best course of action. Greg Knapp’s system was just Wildcat-lite. The people talking about Vick’s future being in the Wildcat must not have seen the Falcons’ offensive system (if you can call it that) when Greg Knapp was here.
bushwacker
May 22nd, 2009
2:18 pm
If Vick is going to be making great plays again it should be for the Falcon fans, we suffered thru this whole thing too, and we deserve it if anyone does.
This way he can play all over the field, a player literally like no one else.
RB, WR,KR, PR,CB,think about it, he could possibly be a shut down corner like Dieon.
Mr Blank,
Look at it this way for a minute.
Forget his name, forget # 7, think about the incredible athlete, are we a better team with that athlete not on our roster?
THINK ABOUT IT.
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
2:18 pm
How about Vick’s FUMBLE stats, Dogfighter!
Vick, in the end, did nothing for the Atlanta Falcons!
Injury prone poor excuse for a QB. He gets credit, as the starting QB, for all wins and loses.
A trip to the Championship game big deal! What since? HA!
the truth....
May 22nd, 2009
2:20 pm
Not with Atlanta…but…………
killing dogs (even vicious Pit Bulls)doesn’t compare to killing babies….40,000,000 since 1976…….
PETA can drop dead….they’re so phony it is unbelievable…..aren’t the unborn “beings”?
So lay off Vick hypocrites…..
BTW…. I never liked Vick as a QB, and his thug behaviour made him less likeable, despite what he brought to the field….
NC Braves Fan
May 22nd, 2009
2:23 pm
I think bringing him back would be a tough sell. He needs to move on and get a fresh start somewhere else where the QB position is wide open.
The Falcons have, in every way, moved on and closed the book on a sorry chapter in their history. Guys who screw up deserve a second chance and a fresh start … but most times that does not mean coming back to the place where all the bad memories were made.
Wish him well and let him go – and let’s get behind the exciting team we have in ATL!
Wink from Lithonia
May 22nd, 2009
2:24 pm
Home fans forgive, period. Mike Vick is an asset. He can use him as trade bait, but you have to build value back or let him walk, either way he will be an asset for any team that allows him an honest opportunity to compete.
Falcons have to have a back up quarterback, my guess is that Atlanta fans will agree he would be better than the current group of backup quarterbacks. It’s too bad Arthur Blanks is on record stating Vick will not be coming back as a Falcon. It he takes away the emotion and makes a business decision, I know he would agree Vick would help this team. Blanks believes in redemption & second chances, but he can’t give Vick one because of his remarks…totally hypocritical.
Blanks could confine the story to Atlanta, to help the NFL as a whole, so no other team would become a circus; we already have the black cloud just by retaining his rights. The local fans will forgive, some want, but most will. San Francisco forgave Barry Bonds, Baltimore forgave Ray Lewis, Los Angeles forgave Kobe Bryant, Atlanta forgave Bobby Cox, etc etc..
BirdDog
May 22nd, 2009
2:25 pm
FalconsSorry: Stay away from the kool-aid.
edt
May 22nd, 2009
2:27 pm
Let us not forget that Vick also financed the gambling on dog fights. The NFL does not need a pro gambler playing. Think of the possibilities of influencing games trying to match gambling goals. No reinstatement for Vick.
AtlSouthside
May 22nd, 2009
2:28 pm
If the Falcons are gonna release him anyway, they would benefit more from attempting to restructure Vick’s deal and let him ride the bench for a season. Let him get playing time during pre-season games, and I guarantee some would trade for him… Releasing Vick is an emotional move, if you think business-wise, it makes more sense to keep him. The salary cap will still take a hit
o CRAP
May 22nd, 2009
2:29 pm
KEEP VICK IN ATLANTA
richbrave
May 22nd, 2009
2:34 pm
RE: VICK:
Lying in the weeds is DANO SNYDER just biding his time, waiting to pounce and acquire MV7 to replace JASON CAMPBELL. Two previous attempts to move JC off the REDSKINS roster met in failure this off-season. Third time’s a charm however, and a reunion with DeANGELO HALL is in the cards once the fuss dies down, the commish gives his approval, and SNYDO is certain there can be no advantage accrue to the FALCONS, or any other NFL franchise when he makes his move. I told you last year he coveted HALL, and look where he is. SHAWN SPRINGS, the best CB the ‘SKINS had is gone, and home-boy MIKE VICK is next up in the clubhouse of the NFL fire-sale franchise.
Michael in Decatur
May 22nd, 2009
2:36 pm
Guess what? MV7 did not invent dog-fighting, yet he was punished like he did. Name me one other person that has gone to federal prison for training dogs to fight. Should it be a crime? Yes, of course. But we don’t seem to care enough to hire full time law enforcement to investigate these cases. It’s only by accident that we catch these folks. So, unless and until the citizenry votes to cough up some more tax money to fund pet crimes detectives, it’s not a priority. And federal prison is too steep a price to pay. Fine him, put him on probation, monitor him, have him face the public basklash, etc. But prison?
Former Season Ticket Holder
May 22nd, 2009
2:38 pm
I would love to see Vick with the Falcons again, but I know that is not going to happen. Hope to see Mike wear the STAR and prove all these doubters wrong.
mano17
May 22nd, 2009
2:40 pm
it will be funny this year when there will be no sellouts at the dome .
Nookah
May 22nd, 2009
2:43 pm
It’s all good my brothers. There’s no better place I would like to be this weekend. Thanks all for the greetings. You are all truly my family and I appreciate all the words of welcome.
Looking forward to some constructive banter about our beloved Birds!!!!
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!…..THOU SHALT NOT RUN!!!!!
Brock D
May 22nd, 2009
2:44 pm
I for one am glad Vick chose dogfighting. His arrest and conviction were the two greatest things to happen to the Birds in franchise history. Now let’s move on.
Nookah
May 22nd, 2009
2:47 pm
Oh, by the way Posse, you are all doing a good job of not getting caught in the fray. No need to, we know what’s important here. It makes no sense to discuss opinions, only stick to the facts!!!
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!….THE PROCESS CONTINUES!!!!!
D3
May 22nd, 2009
2:57 pm
Thanks DOL. Nice topic.
Former – thanks for your seat.
duke
May 22nd, 2009
2:58 pm
Why is this even a local story now? I liked Vick as a Falcons QB but once that horrible ‘07 season was over, with Vick in jail and Petrino in Arkansas, I turned the page. It was made clear last year that he’s not coming back to town as a Falcon. He’s done his time, good luck to him elsewhere….
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
3:03 pm
HA! HA! HA! This is fun! In reality, you Vick lovers don’t have a leg to stand on. You know deep down that the Vick experiment ended with Matt(hmm another Matt) Shauhb(sp) taking over for Vick when he got hurt against Philly! HA! HA! HA! He’s done!!
Barry
May 22nd, 2009
3:22 pm
Hey Y’all:
I love Michael Vick and what he brings to the table as a quarterback, but it does not win championships. What we have in Atlanta now in the contiued “PROCESS” of our “TEAM” getting “STONGER” on its path to esablishing a continuing winning tradition is a “WE” team instead of an “I” team. With Vick, he was a great scrambler when a play broke down by his fault or other. However, his receivers got confused, many times, broke their routes, and had to make circus catches with Vick on the run. Many times the receivers were left out of the play entirely. This was helter-skelter football. It was good for a player like Vick, but not for the offense nor the “TEAM”.
With our current “TEAM”, we play “WE” football. Our quaterbacks, on passing plays, stick with the play designed. Our receivers run their routes for the designed play, on every play. They do not have to be too concerned if their quarterback is going to run, like with Vick, and lose their concentration on what they are suppose to do which is “catch the football”. They work like a machine. They are all on the same page on the play. Synchronized in what they are to do. They operate in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. They “CLICK”. That is why our recievers had a great year last year. They were able to concentrate on running their routes and catching the ball, not looking for their quarterback scrambling on every other play. We do not need to disrupt the continuity that is already established for the benefit of Vick by allowing himm to play pre-season games. THAT IS RIDICULOUS!! All of the Falcon quarterbacks need the reps for the direction that we are heading and that is to the SUPER BOWL. We do not need to waste time on playing Vick. We will be wasting our time and his. Therefore, let Vick go to another team and have a progressive career there. His time has passed here in Atlanta. We know his game and it was fun, but we see something better as a “TEAM”. The Atlanta Falcons are headed in a new direction. That direction is continuing “the “PROCESS” of winning the SUPER BOWL in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”.
We love you Vick, but we have to move on. Remember your good times in Atlanta as we will remember the good times you provided us. May God bless you, but our heart is in another place right now. Our heart is in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!!!!” for the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
………………………….”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!!”…………..
Falcon Devil
May 22nd, 2009
3:25 pm
What up D3? I’m around man but the topics have been sleep inducing recently. I respect you guys trying to keep it fresh but analyzing teams game by game before training camp is too hardcore for me. Keep doin your thang tho.
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
3:28 pm
Mike Vick’s 1st day home… “honey i’m going to check the mail” beeeep……beeeep…….beeeep…….”OH SHOOT!”
Bobby Dowell
May 22nd, 2009
3:34 pm
He was a scatter arm qb who would not work at his craft and made plays with his legs. We all saw enough of that. They said we didn’t have good receivers until Ryan showed up. Remember that?However NFL teams had Vick figured out which is why Petrino was brought in, to try to teach him to be a pro qb and save him from being benched. Why any true Atlanta fan would want to see him back is beyond me.
elgindoss
May 22nd, 2009
3:38 pm
It’s amazing the hypocrisy shown in this nation, the extreme swings of public emotion and opinion, and outright misplaced haughty cocky attitude we call intelligence.
Examples… Vick in prison for two years and you have universities named “Gamecocks” for cockfighting.
Priest molest young men and don’t do a day in prison.
License humans to fight each other, purchase ticket to, and fee base television for human fighting. While acting horrified about Dog that were expressly bred by breeders for fighting. And are by nature agressive toward other Dogs.
Tell our parents not to spank our children, but allow our officers of the law to shoot a child if he is ordered to freeze.
Send our Boys to prison for concentual sex with a girl the same age. And send the girl guilty of the same act home to her parents. All while preaching sexual indiscrimination.
The list goes on and on. Vick owned a kennel, guys on the team knew he had PRIZE FIGHTING DOGS and AURTHER BLANK knew it too.
Let him come back, run the wild cat offense, and trade him next year.
ed
May 22nd, 2009
3:42 pm
Who cares and why does the AJC write so many articles about this loser. The real Falcons Fans have moved on, and don’t want to read about Vick.
Phillip
May 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
another Michael Vick article…….oh joy
SNY
May 22nd, 2009
3:47 pm
Hmh…looks like I got nuked for calling this blog a RE-TREAD like many of the columns and blogs on the AJC. I said it once and I’ll say it again, this is a hack “blog” dealing w/an issue that has been run through the mud repeatedly. DOL says “this an issue that has to be dealt with”…huh?? Its been dealt with and handled, and discussed…ad nauseum! How about finding something fresh to write about?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 22nd, 2009
3:47 pm
Been doing some heavy duty moderating today. As expected. But we’ve got a good dialogue going. No real craziness. It’s an issue we have to deal with. Shouldn’t come up again, but once. When Vick is released or trade. So I’ll ask the frenzied regulars like D3 and the rest to stay in the pocket. Don’t run off on a scramble. So if clipped one of your post WR. Will try to recover it.
ROBERSON: Good to see some of my old Packers folks checking in. How are things going?
JIMMY: That Alge article is from our good friend Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. Here’s the link/ Alge contends Vick is better than one-third of the quarterbcks in the NFL. (I called Warrick Dunn on his cell phone, but he was playing golf and didn’t want to comment) http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090521/SPORTS01/90521069/1027
BARRY: GOOD TAKE. Why not to shy away from the top. One Heartbeat!!!
FSTH: Dallas just gave Tony Romo a lot of cash.
UGA_B: As things stand, I see no trade until there is some certainty about what you’d be getting. 1) Re-instatement. 2) He’ll have to workout and/or play in a preseason game to impress teams; 3) Once a value is set then a trade may happen. (If teams know the Falcons are going to kick him to streets ASAP, there’s not need to trade for him)
falcon21
May 22nd, 2009
3:48 pm
No comment at this time. Back to the cage.
Tupac
May 22nd, 2009
3:54 pm
I would like to see the Falcons release MV7 –
- Release him into the mouth of an ACTIVE VOLCANO !!!
Shamus Thacker
May 22nd, 2009
3:56 pm
Matt Ryan deserves better than the discussion going on here.
He knows every pore of the playbook paper. He studies. He learns. He’s an excellent passer. An excellent leader. Excellent person and role model. Excellent face for a long-suffering franchise. AND HE’S A GENUINE WINNER!! MV7 is NONE OF THESE!!!
What disrespect EVEN DISCUSSION of this is to Matt Ryan!
Matt is THE MAN, and will continue to be THE MAN, so the point of all the conjecture is MOOT!
I love your writing skills and the job you do DOL, but this IS NOT something that HAS to be discussed. We’ve been informed by the Falcons themselves that MV7 will play elsewhere. WHAT’S TO DISCUSS!?
This space would have been MUCH better utilized with info about players who WILL be here! THIS IS A FALCONS BLOG DANGITT (cursing omitted in deference to DOL’s wishes)! MV7, for all intents and purposes, IS NO LONGER A FALCON!
How bout telling us something ABOUT THE FALCONS, that we don’t already know. Don’t waste precious bandwidth on useless speculation about something that’s OVER AND DONE WITH! MV7 IS GONE, NEVER, EVER, TO RETURN!
PLEASE call all the coaches and get their takes on the workouts just completed. Find out SOMETHING RELEVENT ABOUT THE PRESENT FALCONS; let us know what you learn. Sure as Hell would beat this!
SNY
May 22nd, 2009
3:57 pm
By the way DOL…the reason a team would trade for Vick is so they would hold his rights and not have to bid against other teams for his services.
THIS JUST IN
May 22nd, 2009
4:05 pm
ESPN reported Mike Vick is back at his house after meeting his probation agent and Mark (Schlereth) is telling us how he needs to live his life! DLED, can you please tell us what Vick is doing RIGHT NOW? We are dying to know his exact moves when he makes them. Please fill us in!
Todd - Dacula
May 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
News Flash: The 2-year-old son of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison was transported to a Pittsburgh hospital today after being bitten by the family’s pit bull.
Someone call the Feds and throw that dog in prision for attacking a human. After all, according to a few of you idiots and PETA, dogs are just like humans. So throw them in jail when they attack innocent humans, especially kids.
Shamus Thacker
May 22nd, 2009
4:09 pm
The dog will be euthanized…
Seminole Warrior
May 22nd, 2009
4:19 pm
Posse…the Warrior is back in the teepee!! All is well; had to see the brave off to Afghanistan and then off on official business. Got to pay those bills you know.
I will deal with the MV7 situation and then play some catch up. The team is right to move on. Emotions should not be part of the equation. If emotions mattered, then MV would have not done what he did. We all make mistakes but it is MORE important to emerge from them positively than to constant have people dwell on the mistake. H..l, I’m not saint by any stretch of the imagination. We all have our “dark sides”.
But the NFL is a business. MV7 is old news. Other than Trey Wingo and ESPN, no one really cares. REAL Falcon fans are too busy looking ahead to a promising future. Ryan, Lofton, Turner, White, Jerry and others are the foundation for things to come. Let’s look ahead. I wish MV7 the best in whatever he undertakes; he deserves a chance to make a living just like any of us that has made mistakes in the past. It simply will not be as a member of the Atlanta Falcons.
Dave
May 22nd, 2009
4:20 pm
The Falcons are making the right decision because as long as VIck is on this team he divides the fan base you can’t have that on a football team and win. Their were a lot of Vick fans who basically did not really like the team hopefully they will leave the Falcons board and go with him to his next team. In a way it is about the same as Mike Tyson fans, he also had people that continued to support him no matter what.
JayBo
May 22nd, 2009
4:21 pm
Time to move on!!! This is old news and not worth any more print/time devoted to such a criminal /mundane topic. How about writing about some “Good News” about some Falcons that are actually doing something postive for themselves and/or out ATL community. Let us praise all who have served our great country this Memorial Day Weekend…. God Bless America!!!!!!
Vick Supporter
May 22nd, 2009
4:24 pm
I keep seeing comments saying that they brought Puketrino in to teach Vick how to be a QB….LMAO…..why weren’t they doing that from the beginning? Regardless of Vick’s flaws as a QB, no one seems to mention the **NUMEROUS** mistakes that were made in the front office. Does the “Fire McKay” chants on these blogs ring a bell??? Of course they don’t. You people wanted Blank to sell the team just 2 years ago, and now you love him. You people are the worse, hypocritical fans in all of sports. One day you hate Roddy and Mike Jenkins…now you say they’re one of the best duos in the NFL,lol. Pathetic, its its partly why this city is identified as a loser sports city. We all know that Vick won’t play for the Falcons, and it would eventually chip away at Noodle’s….I mean “Ice’s” confidence. As soon as Vick would take the field after Ryan got injured, the entire dome would be electric again, which is a feeling we won’t have until Vick comes back with his new team. Vick is a new man now, i truly believe that, and if he’s not, even I would call him the dumbest man in america. Vick will rise from the ashes, and whatever team is lucky to sign him (49ers) will be lucky to have the REJUVENATED #7.
Vick 09. The Great Mike Vick Has Returned.
Vick Supporter
May 22nd, 2009
4:26 pm
Also, where are the Matt Ryan articles? Mike STILL owns the AJC,LMAO. Ryan is at the bottom of the screen,lol
Vick 09
R
May 22nd, 2009
4:27 pm
ummm the truth… what the heck does PETA have to do with abortion? NOT A DANG THING!!! PETA doesn’t “kill babies” so that argument is beyond STUPID.
You can choose to still support Michael Vick, but any sane, resonable person will not condone his actions.
braveshater
May 22nd, 2009
4:28 pm
And who gives a shyt about Matt Ryan!
The Dogfighter Returns
May 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm
Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty Michael Dwayne Vick (the last dogfighter) is free at last!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
4:32 pm
RIGHT ON SHAMUS THACKER!!!
THIS JUST IN
May 22nd, 2009
4:34 pm
Can someone at the AJC fill us in on what Mike Vick is doing at this moment?
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
4:35 pm
The Atalnta Falcons and millions of others give a shyt about Matt Ryan.
Pete
May 22nd, 2009
4:35 pm
Vick is and always has been a circus act, nothing more. EVERY exciting play he ever made was a broken play. No way to build a championship team. The only teams who will try to sign him are teams who are DESPERATE.
Desperate to find a way to win with any method that appears to be the “fix of the week”.
Totally foolish.
leggomyego
May 22nd, 2009
4:39 pm
I am looking forward to the day Mr. Vick moves on to another team, another city, and another newspaper. He obviously has a lot of fans, and they want to watch him. I think the UFL is a logical choice for Vick (and for the NFL) if nothing immediate opens up. It gives him an opportunity to showcase his talents, showcase his ‘remorse’ and his ‘reformed ideals’ (i.e., his PR plan and skills at executing it), and allows the initial backlash to fall far away from the doorstep of the NFL. If things work out there, and time passes, he should get his shot in the NFL again. Good luck Mr. Vick. I just wish i could get my money back on your jersey i bought. Now who wants Tacos?
JAYBO
May 22nd, 2009
4:42 pm
The Falcons say they have washed their hands of Vick…if so they should just release him and let him move on!!! No team will trade for him period!! Peta!!!….plueez!!!…get over it..dogs are not people…period!!! I don’t care if you let them live in your houses or ride in your cars…they still are not people!! Frankly, he paid his dues for his crime(a suspect price I might add), now leave the man alone and let him resume his career!!!!
Vick Supporter
May 22nd, 2009
4:43 pm
Matt “My Arm Is Tired At Week 10″ Ryan
Curious George
May 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
Will MV7’s freeloading and hanger-on associates still casually refer to him as ” DOG ?”
Ookie?
Vick Supporter
May 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
What a shame…your franchise QB can’t even get an article in his on city’s newspaper,lmao.
Vick 09.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d81073045/Vick-Risk-vs-reward
Falcon1
May 22nd, 2009
4:47 pm
I think it’s ironic that not too long after Vick signed a new contract Mr. Blank made a statement “Vick will be a Falcon for life”, he’s now saying “Vick will not be playing for the Falcons”. Someone made Blank eat those words.
Marcus
May 22nd, 2009
4:48 pm
I agree, time to move on, but I will cheer Vick if/when he gets on the field, much like any other former ATL sports figure who leaves the area.
DOL,
Just a : did you peep your former colleague on ‘Rome is Burning’ on Wednesday (the day Vick got released). I know he has been critical of ATL sports, and Vick in particular in his recent columns before his departure from the ajc, but his demeanor was particularly prickly, even for him. Now say what you want, and he even had an article about how in ‘02 or in that timeframe, he and Andrew Young tried to counsel Vick about being a pro, which Vick apparently didnt take to. He came off very judgemental and He seemed like he couldn’t even say his name, he just kept calling him “that guy”. Very disappointing.
Do I expect everyone to fawn because Vick is out of jail? No.
Do I expect everyone to have a heart for forgiveness? See answer above
..but as a person who did cover the city sports and Vick in particular, he seemed to have a very hardened heart, which is sad to say.
Ted Striker
May 22nd, 2009
4:49 pm
I disagreed with Brandt that Vick needs to look at a position change. He’s already said mental focus would have diminished, there’s no need to complicate further by changing a position and having to learn new techniques.
Said this elsewhere recently but I believe New Orleans is the best place for Vick. Most teams being mentioned are QB needed, but in reality, ALL teams are QB needy. Who wouldn’t like to upgrade their backup, at a minimum? And if that backup could give you 5-10 snaps a game out of wildcat formation? Peter King recently pointed out the Drew Brees is selfless enough do that, if the Saints bring him in for that reason.
But just as convincing to me is the fact New Orleans, the city is a better fit than other NFL city. It’s a city that rebuilt itself, saw devastation and death in the very stadium they tee it up in. It believes in second chances because they got one. If Vick came there, yes, some would be upset — but most would quickly close ranks behind him. Only negative I see at all is their salary cap limitations. They’d have to work through something there.
Darrin
May 22nd, 2009
4:49 pm
One reader wrote that Vick “has had plenty of time to think about his stupidity while he was in Leavenworth. . . .” Plenty of time, yes, but he went in as a stupid illiterate thug, and he comes out as a stupid illiterate thug. He’ll never change, and any team that signs him is in for a big “I told you so.”
He may manage to appear remorseful and changed for a while, but nothing has changed.
cheese
May 22nd, 2009
4:54 pm
the falcons should have never said he will never play for thier organaization again. they should of kept michael vick and showed the league that he can still play at a high level. especially with this new wildcat offense they could of gotten some trade value, but instead all the teams know the falcons dont want him and will wait until they release him.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 22nd, 2009
4:56 pm
Mautice, I am in total, TOTAL agreement with you on Reeves and Vick.
IMO under Reeves he could have and probably would had flourished. I have nothing to back this up, but I would imagine that Reeves chased away the hangers on once, explaining to Vick once, and with that, problem solved.
One thing we can all agree on around here is that Dan Reeves is a man of unwavering character.
I’m no Freud, but again IMO, Vick’s lack of a strong father figure once the vault doors were opened to him played greatly in his demise.
ricardo
May 22nd, 2009
4:56 pm
Michael Vick has paid his price but, what’s funny is some of you people say he was never a great qb. Randy Moss once stated that “if you never put a great receiver around Vick he would never be consider a great qb”. That is the most truthful comment ever when it comes to Vick.
Michael Vick I believe still has the ability one the greatest qb ever in the NFL. Michael never had a great receiving core around him the whole time he was with Atlanta outside of Alge Crumpler. Look at the qb’s people say or great, none could do what he did but, those you say or better and those you say or great all had great super great receivers around them or a great overall team. Payton manning a great quarterback with a greater receiving core, Joe Montana all you have to say is Jerry Rice and Taylor. Brett Favre he had many great or above average receivers. I would say this if you every put a great receiver around him Hate him or not you will never be able to say he isn’t the greatest qb.
My last word to everyone no is perfect and we all have made mistakes wither we went to jail or not. So leave Vick alone and allow him to live is life and support his children who did nothing wrong. I believe we all would want that if it was us.
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
4:57 pm
MATT!
Marcus
May 22nd, 2009
5:03 pm
As far as Falcons making the right move……….I agree that they are. Tehre is too much water under the bridge on both sides and a parting of the ways is best for everyone involved. Kinda like the exciting/wild and unpredictable girlfriend in the single days…. looking back, you know that long-term relationship with that person wasnt a benefit to either, esp. if some serious love/hate episodes went down…….but at the time it was fun, then came the anguish (breakup) and you grew from it…a growing experience that was/is hopefully beneficial to both parties involved in their future endeavors.
That is how I look at the Falcons and Vick scenario.
joe
May 22nd, 2009
5:06 pm
Vic is a thug. He has always been a thug and will always be one. The only thing he ever did for Atlanta was flip us the bird. I for one would never pay to see him play; I would never watch him on TV; And I would never ever allow my children to watch him. He represents everything that is wrong with pro-sports. He is the example of what happens when you give a Thug a bunch of money just because they can run fast.
Darth Hater
May 22nd, 2009
5:08 pm
I would love to see a Training Camp “interaction” between animal-loving, clean-cut, law-abiding KEITH BROOKING and confessed illegal interstate gambling operator & dog mutilator MIKE VICK.
Holy KA-POW, Batman!
ricardo
May 22nd, 2009
5:09 pm
Darrin do you know him personally if you dont how can you say he hasnt changed. For all we know you could be a thug or whatever.
ricardo
May 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
What Vick should be saying but, ill say it for him is HI HATERS some of you have well lets say male envy because all some of you do sit home and do nothing and wanted to be a pro sports player or maybe you couldnt make a team in tee ball or little or high school so you haters please raise your own children and let him raise his.
joe
May 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
To: ricardo, Randy Moss is a thug too. Funny, Matt Ryan has the same recievers and he was awsome. Fine with me if he lives his life however he wants and I will leave him alone as long as he stays away from my family and especially my dog.
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
5:18 pm
RYAN!!
Name (required)
May 22nd, 2009
5:20 pm
I would love to see a Training Camp “interaction” between animal lover KEITH BROOKING and animal mutilator MV7.
KA-POW !
angry banker
May 22nd, 2009
5:24 pm
Hate PETA, love Dogs, love Vick, Love the Falcons more. I hope Vick does well elsewhere (hopefully not the NFC south) – The Falcons have moved on, and we’re not looking back.
Vick Supporter
May 22nd, 2009
5:27 pm
@joe…..well don’t watch then…I don’t think the NFL is going to fold because “joe”,lmao, the plumber isn’t watching a game. Have fun with you noodle armed QB.
Gary
May 22nd, 2009
5:27 pm
Vick 41-39-1 enough said? Really? That’s two games over .500. Red Ryan 11-5. That’s six games over .500. Go Birds, bye Vick. Good luck to you, but bye.
tupac earnhart junior
May 22nd, 2009
5:32 pm
Listen Falcons, If V can still run and “hold the ball” put him on the falcons! Let him run the WC, use him, he has paid his dues! He needs to redeem himself!
JJ
May 22nd, 2009
5:33 pm
WOW…I get home from working all day, sit down with my stripe and THIS?
I’M GONE! …back to last blog…good luck D-LED, you and your filter will be busy!!!
Bob
May 22nd, 2009
5:49 pm
Once a criminal will always be a criminal…that goes with lying through his teeth too
Greg
May 22nd, 2009
5:52 pm
Vick is out of jail,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,we have a owner, a GM, and a Head coach that says he will never play for Atlanta,,,,,, let me read about Vick in the espn news or the AP,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, tell me about the OTA’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shamus Thacker
May 22nd, 2009
5:57 pm
Prison teaches criminals to be better criminals. Something about the association with so many other criminals has that effect.
I have no doubt that’s what we’ll see in this case.
THANK GAWD we won’t see it here!
The Real GM
May 22nd, 2009
5:59 pm
Oh How we long for Micheal Vick!!!! Mike gave us something to wake up for on Sundays more than the Church service he gave ATLANTA an IDENITY he is a HISTORIC LANDMARK…Matt Ryan I love you and coming out against what would be a 0-16 Detroit Team on your first pass a touchdown WOW!!!but was it a setup in the first place everyone knows we had a easy schedule VICK proved this when he had no Micheal Turner no OFFENSIVE LINE..SORRY I’m cussing I’m just bitter I miss Mike and I believe Authur Blank is to concerned with how others would view him if he gave Mike a Chance to TAKE Matt’s job. I’m sure Matt wouldent be mad if Mike came to Run the Wildcat. WE WOULD HAVE a UNITED DOME OF ATLANTA if we had the AIR AND GROUND attack no longer would teams says let’s just biltz Mike Vick he has no line …
We have a offensive line now THE PRIORITY OF THE DRAFTING of MATT RYAN was dedicated to OFFENSIVE LINE PROTECTION and a DURABLE hard nose back something that VICK never had and he still took us to GREENBAY and won in the SNOW while Brett Farve was there something that has never happened in Lambeua Field. Ran to glory in the Vike’s overtime win. MIKE VICK has been in jail resting his “JESUS gave talents for 2 years”. HE IS THE INCOM PARABLE MIKE VICK he was and still is a WHEATIES BOX MICHEAL JORDAN ICON for the SPORTS WORLD he shall Return.
jason
May 22nd, 2009
6:01 pm
Seminole Warrior, come join us talking about some football, grilling, and beer on the old blog (It’s OTA time for the Falcons). You were missed. I haven’t heard from you since the draft. Here’s one for the Seminole… Bobby Butler. COme join, D3 and the crew are waiting.
crabapplejoe
May 22nd, 2009
6:02 pm
MV7 is not intelligent enough to play QB in the NFL. Check out the difference. Tom Brady: In his off season he chooses to date and marry a super-model by the name of Gisele. Mike Vick: In his off season he chooses to hang out with a bunch of thugs in the backwoods of Virginia watching dogs kill each other. Which one is smart? Which one would you want as your QB. Which one does Matt Ryan resemble? Arthur Blank didn’t become a multi-millionaire by making stupid decisions. He won’t allow MV7 back in a Falcons uniform. Having Vick on the team would polarize this city along racial lines and destroy the harmony which has been established on the team. No way, never happen….let’s move on.
dna
May 22nd, 2009
6:06 pm
If the Falcons Upper Management were secure enough they would keep him. #2 is our QB, however, re-work the MV7 deal and he is now your best back up. He can run the wildcat like no one else in the league. If that does not work I’m sure someone like the Patriots would like to pick him up off waivers and implement that into their plan. As a back up he could make the difference between getting into the playoff’s and going to the Super Bowl.
Paddy
May 22nd, 2009
6:19 pm
Falcon Sorry…I agree with you. I think MV could win the Supper Bowl. He just has no chance to win the Super Bowl. I found myself agreeing with Jamie Dukes on many points. I must differ on the comment that he is a “winner”. Also I for one, did not hear the outcry form season ticket holders to bring Vick back. Maybe I was talking to the wrong season ticket holders? And lastly, Mr Blank has every right to move this franchise along without MV. You can’t lie to your boss. And you sure can’t make him the court jester in public like he did and be welcomed back. As most people have said here, the Falcons have moved on and are better for it.
ATLIEN69
May 22nd, 2009
6:20 pm
To Joe, Please I have been a falcon fan sense i was a child. Matt Ryan is an okay qb nothing special and not a superstar at all. To me thats my opinion and as far as them receivers go VICK didnt drop the passes Roddy White having a good season about time i would still trade him. I have seen the Matt Ryan qb before. I see people hating him for his involvement but, please be honest with yourselves you never seen a qb with his ability and again take away all those recievers from the qb you think are great and they would be nothing … PERIOD Matt Ryan will be screaming for a RECIEVER SOON/
MOVE
May 22nd, 2009
6:35 pm
What a shame. Mike ” I lead this team down the tubes in 2 straight seasons instead of the playoffs” Vick’s only articles on his former hometown newspaper is about him coming home from Jail.
LMFAO
Phildo
May 22nd, 2009
6:35 pm
This entire situation is asinine. What is it with you “sports” reporters? Can’t you find something appropriate to write about? Point of fact is that Vick will never ever play another down for the Falcons, and the comments about bringing him into camp are ridiculous. Not going to happen. Something nobody has addressed because of his incarceration is that he was already wearing his welcome out in Atlanta via his many other antics AND his dwindling performance on the field. Even had he not been arrested, there is a very good chance that he would have already been traded and killing the morale of another team. Sayonara MV. Oh, and to FALCONS SORRY, who the hell is OBOMA? Learn to spell you moron.
Atlanta Journal Constitution » Blog Archive » Are Falcons making the right football decision on Vick?
May 22nd, 2009
7:09 pm
[...] Falcons | ajc.com – [...]
JJ
May 22nd, 2009
7:11 pm
D-led: with all due respect-why? You say this topic needs attn:, but shultz covered it 2 days ago and bradly did 4 days ago. So thats 2 ajc writers covering the topic WITH 2 blogs. Why did we need a 3rd on your blog, within 1 week. Do you see the irony? Was it you or your ajc editors looking to exploit the tv footage we are swamped with? Mr. D, I have lost respect in your journalistic integreity which I’ve had held in high esteem. Maybee your “cox” bosses pushed this, but it has been covered in the fish “now very fishy” wrapper twice this week. I know you have people to answer to, but come on? Did you read bradlys/schultz blog earlier this week? Did you bring new insight for another “same” story? I hope you fought against this and with todays climate in newspapers, you were left with no choice…thats what I’d like to beleive because I respect you my mon…but that can change.
Ron
May 22nd, 2009
7:16 pm
You have to admit its fun to think about.
Vick Supporter
May 22nd, 2009
7:19 pm
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d8019c74f/Falcons-24-Buccaneers-14
Paddy
May 22nd, 2009
7:25 pm
Michael in Decatur. MV went to federal prison for running and financing a criminal enterprise. That is a federal crime. If it was just dog fighting he would have been in the Suffolk County Jail instead and for a much shorter duration.
Shamus Thacker
May 22nd, 2009
7:26 pm
I’m sorry I have to say this, but somebody needs to.
When an AJC Sports columnist doesn’t care to spend time researching a meaningful piece folks actually want to read, THIS is what we get EVERY time. Just turn-out something about this SAME, WORN-OUT, subject, and slap it up as a blog. What does it take, ten minutes TOPS!?
SHAME on ANY AJC “reporter” who ever again uses this HASHED AND RE-HASHED subject for an easy days pay!!
You let us down with this one DOL… BIG TIME!!
David Popkin
May 22nd, 2009
7:28 pm
Vick served his time and should at some point be reinstated. Vick will be mediocre at best and to say he should be a Falcon is probably racial in nature. All bridges were burned when he lied to the owner and put the city and fans through the process of being proving Vick a liar and “villain.”
Osiris
May 22nd, 2009
7:30 pm
Question for “The Real GM”: Did you finish grade school? Learn to spell.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 22nd, 2009
7:36 pm
The World Wide Leader discussing what position Vick should play upon potential re-instatement. http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation/0-7-835/Double-Coverage–The-Vick-debate.html
MOVE
May 22nd, 2009
7:40 pm
Wow our “Noodle arm” QB was 5th in the league in Yards Par Attempt.
NDIrish1
May 22nd, 2009
7:44 pm
I think the Falcons are making a huge mistake in letting him go for nothing. Is Dimitroff making the call or Schuerholz(4 starters to rent a player for 1 season)? Giving away Michael Vick for past transgressions is the height of buying high ($9.75 million signing bonus) and selling low! They should keep him, make him a slot receiver, give him 15-20 “touches” per game, then trade him for at least a 1st round pick next year. Can you imagine his market value will be after showing what he can do at receiver? Oh, I know he only wants to play QB? Well the first step in proving he’s learned his lesson is to realize who calls the shots — the coach, not the player. He forfeited the right to dictate to the Falcons right when he went to Leavenworth and Mora went home to Seattle (Interesting that when the UW job was open, they didn’t interview him. Oh, that’s right, he “wanted” to stay in the NFL.). Pay Vick his millions, put him at receiver, then get a #1 (at least) for him next year!
mars
May 22nd, 2009
8:06 pm
I believe my only comment for this particular subject is to withhold comment. I shall return to a future blog with an opinion when there is actually something worth commenting on. Good night, and have a pleasant tomorrow!
ET
May 22nd, 2009
8:10 pm
If Vick had not flipped off the home fans at the Atl. Dome… and if he had not lied to his employers and Goodall…and if he had only fought a few dogs… and if he hadn’t personally killed dogs with his own hands, then maybe I wouldn’t mind possibly thinking about bringing him back…on second thought, not even then would I want him back.
Paddy
May 22nd, 2009
8:37 pm
To This Just In… What is MV doing right now….This just in, this just in.. MV is watching the animal planet network. Later this weekend he will be watching the tapes of the ‘08 and ‘09 Westminister Club Dog Show. Who cares…..
cdog
May 22nd, 2009
8:42 pm
absolutely not. vick and ryan together would turn the falcons offense into a monster offensive machine. the falcons are banking on ryan but what if he goes down? with no vickon the roster it would be like 2 years ago with the other qbs on the roster.forget about the stupid dog saga,its water under the bridge now. lets think about the team first. he is too good of an athlete to let go. arthur blank use your heart. don’t depart with him. you are saying on thing and thinking another. both would take us into the superbowl. remember terry bradshaw and joe gilliam situation. they both push each other to perform and the steelers ended up winning it all. what defense could stop our offense.blank rember,to pray about this and not let hatred come into this.
braveshater
May 22nd, 2009
8:50 pm
Just another reason the falcons are LOSERS!
Joe
May 22nd, 2009
8:55 pm
Could you image Ryan, Vick and the wildcat offense….WOW!!!
braveshater
May 22nd, 2009
9:01 pm
Quick, everyone ask “Darrin”, what the numbers are going to be for tommorrow because he’s the physic we love to hate. Go burn yourself.
Dug
May 22nd, 2009
9:02 pm
It’s a business. Sure he was fired, now rehire/resign him. You have too. He needs to show the Commish remorse, then tell Goodell that he’ll play for the Falcons in whatever capacity they need him to. Put him in the slot not so much as a receiver but for end arounds, wildcat, decoy. Give hime the ball 3 to 5 times per game. In no way should he be eligible to play QB unless the other 3 all get hurt in the same game. Matt Ryan, Roddy, Jenkins, Turner, Gonzalez, Vick, equals sold out Dome, Revenue streams out the wazoo, NFC Champs, Super Bowl Champs. Oh yeah, one slip up, then cut him. Goodell will cut him before the Falcons have a chance. It’s a no – lose situation. Screw the PETA people. All 5 of them will stop protesting after the first preseason game.
KJ
May 22nd, 2009
9:22 pm
Alge Crumpler should shut his trap. Crumpler turned into a racist during the Vick ordeal and fortunately the Falcons Mgmt had seen enough of his disruptive behavior & let him walk. Now we have the best tight end in football while big butt Crumpler wallows in Tennessee.
Scott
May 22nd, 2009
9:27 pm
Hey Vick Supporter.. you brain surgeon you….about this comment you made on an earlier post: “I won’t be forced to watch the Falcons.”
I ask…who was it that has forced you to watch the Falcons the past two seasons? Go away. This blog for FALCON FANS!
QUAMARE
May 22nd, 2009
9:36 pm
MIKE VICK BROUGHT FANS BACK TO SUPPORTING THE FALCONS HE WAS THE ONE WHO PUT BUTTS IN THE SEATS AT THE GA DOME (IF TRUTH BE TOLD!!) BUT ALL WE HEAR ABOUT NOW IS HIS DOG CASE (SO WHAT!!!) HE DID HIS TIME AND IF WE WANT TO LOOK AT KILLING SOMETHING IN A DIFFERENT WAY LETS TALK THESE HUNTERS KILLING DEER, TURKEYS AND ANY OTHER ANIMALS THEY CHOOSE TO AND CALL IT A SPORT (WHT MAN SPORT) THATS WHATS MAKES IT LEGAL HUH. I THINK MATT RYAN IS A GOOD QB BUT MIKE VICK IS WHAT BROUGHT FOOTBALL BACK TO ATLANTA
jb4falcons
May 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
As a Falcon fan, I am so pleased with the direction this team is heading in. I have been following the Falcons since 1972 and this is the best overall staff and team grouping we have ever had. Couple that with a “TEAM” mentality instilled in the players, we are set for some pretty good years and I tell you folks, the monkey will be off our back this year with another winning season-back to back. Something Vick never did and something Ryan and staff is very capable of. I don’t know about you, but I will be so glad when Vick Fans move over with Vick and his new team and AJC focuses on the best team and staff the Falcons have ever assembled. Goodbye Vick, Goodbye Vick, Goodbye!
Speedygrl
May 22nd, 2009
9:49 pm
Mike looks good! I really dont care where he plays. Umm hmmmmmm
geno
May 22nd, 2009
10:32 pm
michael Vick is a hybrid player( run and pass )…other hybrid players are Pat White, Steve Young, Coredale Stewart, Marshall Faulk, Devin Hester, and that WR who threw the TD PASS to Hines Ward in superbowl….??? Anyway, some coach is going to put Vick on the field with two more hybrid players in a NO HUDDLE offence and score a lot of points..
Green Tea
May 22nd, 2009
10:35 pm
I wonder what Vick is doing right now. I wish the AJC would keep us more informed on his every move.
Paddy
May 22nd, 2009
10:39 pm
Speedygrl……thats what the dogs said the first time they met MV. Pick me…Pick Me… Pick Me. How’d that turn out for them? Be careful what you wish for.
DHD
May 22nd, 2009
10:52 pm
Has he gone to bed yet?
tyler
May 22nd, 2009
10:54 pm
The Falcons should absolutley not cut Vick. Imagine him in the Wildcat. 3rd and 3. 2cnd and goaL. If the Falcons keep Vick, they will be in the Super Bowl in 2010. Swallow your pride Mr. Blank, you fired the only Coach to take the Falcons to the Super Bowl. Time to make it up to REAL FALCON FANS. Your no angel Mr. Blank. Let he who is without cast the first stone you EGOMANIAC.
tyler
May 22nd, 2009
11:06 pm
For any morons my FALCON plan includes Matt Ryan as the starter and VICK as a situational player
Green Tea
May 22nd, 2009
11:10 pm
Braveshater, what does one do to become a “physic” anyways…
Navigator
May 22nd, 2009
11:11 pm
Things have finally quieted down in this town over Vick, and Ledbetter feels he must bring up old wounds. Ownership doesn’t want him here, does it really matter that some will line up for him, while others hate the idea. This is either low class journalism, or a desire to create some ridiculous faux situation that somehow Vick’s return has some positive aspects for Atlanta. Somebody in the NFL who has a horrible team and needs a boost in local ratings will hire him, so write about that. The one big thing that really irritates me is that some people believe that Vick has some kind of right to have a job in the NFL, a privilege not a right. Inalienable rights don’t include a starting job in any sports franchise, for anyone.
tyler
May 22nd, 2009
11:13 pm
Leggomyeggo, I will buy your Vick jersey for what you paid. Just show me the reciept.
tyger
May 22nd, 2009
11:17 pm
Of course, the Falcoons would be better off with M. Vick.
Who’s behind Matty Ice? Certainly not another former All-pro QB.
That said, a decent trade of MV7 could reap long term benefits for the Falcoons. But, only if he’s properly rehabilitated will they get FMV. MV7 at a deep discount is a risk worth taking.
Apparently, there is truth to the documentary. He will show his remorse to the world. Future programming with the Humane Society secures a long-term commitment to change.
Falcoons can move MV7 to Washington, where theyve made it clear they dont think jack of Jason Campbell. He will be closer to home in MDV, where plenty of locals and Hokies can help wage a grass roots PR battle on the ground. No one loves their team more than Redskins fans, I promise you. And they are accustomed to notorious figures in leadership positions. i.e. Marion Barry, Richard Nixon, Ollie North…etc.
MV7 to the Skins for a conditional future 1st/2nd/ or 3rd. round pick depending on how he turns out.
tyler
May 22nd, 2009
11:38 pm
Thacker is an out of work writer. Please forgive him.
Florida Sucks
May 22nd, 2009
11:44 pm
He would make a great center
Kris G
May 22nd, 2009
11:59 pm
I think 33 people should have say so in Vick’s return. That’s Michael Vick and the 32 NFL owners. That’s how I see the American system… Vick has easily paid his debt, and now has a chance to get his life together and continue his career. Those 32 NFL owners each has the right to reject him, but if one wants Vick, the others should not interfere, nor should Roger Goodell. I’m glad DLed corrected that guy about Vick’s win totals… people have reeaaally revised history to pretend Vick was some scrub.
Kris G
May 23rd, 2009
12:04 am
As for the argument “if I committed a felony I’d lose my job” there are two facts. 1. Vick HAS lost his job, and will not play into the Falcons’ future. 2. If there were only 20 people in the world who were competent at your job, with 96 or so positions available, chances are that someone would consider hiring you.
Darrin "The Vent King"
May 23rd, 2009
12:04 am
The worst thing about all this outside of the killings of the dogs is the ugliness in the reaction by people responding to it in these blogs. Some of your comments are as uncivilized as the acts of cruelty themselves….what a shame.
tyler
May 23rd, 2009
12:14 am
I agree.
Vick Supporter
May 23rd, 2009
12:43 am
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned
Skee
May 23rd, 2009
1:11 am
I think Vick and the Falcons organization learned from this situation. Mike, making his stupid choices and lying, Authur Blank and the Falcons personel people for not building a complete team. Instead, They were relying on one person to win. I felt Vick’s time served was more for the gambling than the killing of dogs. You can’t profit extra money without the Gov’t getting their cut. But, still wrong is wrong and he paid his dues.
A lot of people feel Vick shouldn’t be in the NFL again, but I think he should. Like it or not, he bought some excitement back to the game and to city of Atlanta. A lot of weight was put on his sholders and he fell down. Just allow the man to get up and go on. If not in Atlanta, at least somewhere else!
freshd
May 23rd, 2009
1:14 am
Arthur Blank could have ended this mess a long time ago if he had just released MIKE VICK before he was released from prison. If you say that the Falcons have moved on, then move on. He makes his team look like a guy who’s ex-girl has left him but he still can”t let go.Give him a chance to start in a new city, with a new team and quit putting out these fake press releases every time VICK”S name comes up.
Dmoney!
May 23rd, 2009
1:47 am
Anita, I see you must not have any short comings! Everyone knows what Vick did was wrong. For the life of me, I do not understand why people can not forgive him and move on. Will Vick play for the falcons again? of course not, and it’s the right thing to do. If you dont understand that…it’s ok. However, I believe that Mr. Blank has forgiven Vick and truly wishes him well and has he has stated ” he would do whatever he can to help him”, just not with the falcons. I think Vick is more remorseful for not telling the truth to Mr. Blank ….and it was obvious that it really, really hurt Mr. Blank. He understand business, and making business decisions, that’s why Vick will not be in a Falcons uniform. Lets learn to walk in love and forgive people.
G. Tampa Bedwetter
May 23rd, 2009
1:48 am
Mike Vick Is not a football player ……….. he is a convicted felon on supervised probation. There is no sports story here. It has turned into a racial issue and that is very sad. If you must report on him, please do it under crimestopper.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 23rd, 2009
2:59 am
“Vick is and always has been a circus act, nothing more. EVERY exciting play he ever made was a broken play.”
Ever wondered why so many of those plays were broken in the first place?
How many broken plays do Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and the like have to salvage on a weekly basis?
I’d like to see y’all name one QB who succeeded on a yearly basis in the NFL despite a terrible coaching staff. Just one.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 23rd, 2009
3:03 am
Oh yeah, and Mr. Ledbetter… with all due respect, if you are in charge of comments on this blog you are a clown. I have never cursed at anyone, or posted any spam links on this blog ever, in my five-plus years of posting here. I’ve disagreed with plenty of people, but I don’t think I’ve ever outright offended anyone other than PETA (and lord knows they deserve it). There is absolutely no reason for my comments to go into moderation immediately after I post them. I don’t know if you are doing this with everyone or what, but it’s pretty ridiculous.
Vick fan 99
May 23rd, 2009
4:52 am
Some of you all are crazy the man did time for a dog a dog come on I was watching espn and i saw hunters killing deers and other animals and people get excited about that type of stuff plus its on tv for kidds to see. To me thats wrong any pussy can get a gun and shooy it, im tired of people talking about vick he did his time let him play. I know one of you suckers are going to make a smart commit so before you do don’t waste your time. Vick is a pro bowl QB. Plus the media is funny if a black player does something the drag it on and make a big dill about but matt jones a white football player get cought with crack and the media sweeps it under the rug i have issues with this but this world will never be fair because so many people judge
Bud Wiser
May 23rd, 2009
7:00 am
Too bad Falcons went so public about simply releasing Vick. He might have brought in a draft pick somewhere, mid-level probably.
His improvisational skills on the field led me to believe then that he did not have a full grasp of what the plays/playbook was designed to do, and 3 years away from it certainly won’t help. His mediocre passing stats won’t impress either…..who cares if he could throw a football through a wall, because it probably isn’t the wall he’s aiming at.
Vick will become a sad and sorry footnote to the NFL himself, much like Mike Tyson’s career in boxing did a personal free fall. You simply cannot lose 3 years in the absolute prime of an athletic career and expect to come back on the wrong side of the clock now and expect similar successes, not with the performers in the game today that have been sharpening teir skills while he has been doing nothing related to football.
Sad really. As a new to this year season ticket holder, had all other things been equal and he had kept his nose clean, I’d have been wearing my number 7 to the GD every Sunday. Now, I have two number 2’s.
Go Birds!!!
Cedric
May 23rd, 2009
7:13 am
just waiting for the day when he comes back to the dome and puts a beating on the falcons.
safari
May 23rd, 2009
7:25 am
If slick didn’t flat out lie to Arther Blank then he might have had a chance at staying a Falcon. If I am Blank and someone who I am paying millions of dollars flat out lies to my face I would kick him to the curb as well.
Sure slick killed defenseless animals, but guess what.. 90% of the people who read this blog have animal blood on their hands. Mmmmmm those chicken wings are good!
The real problem with slick is he is a situational liar and doesn’t garner any respect from anyone associated with or who respects the Falcons team.
Go Falcons!
High Logic...Low Emotion
May 23rd, 2009
7:28 am
Let’s be careful not to project our personal preferences and predjudices onto this situation.
He broke the law, got caught, is serving the sentence, and has skills that should help him productively re-enter society.
1. The Falcons are making the correct decision.
2. Vick will be reinstated and will have a successful career. The timing is the question.
3. He has paid his debt to society. He went to prison and lost millions.
4.. After playing for Dan Reeves, Vick did not have a chance to play in a conventional NFL offense. He performed well in the Reeves offense, as a young quarterback. He would have flourished with more experience in that type of offense.
5. During the Mora era, the offensive line was marginal, at best, and the defense was nothing to get excited about.
6. Most importantly, the Mora led staff was not prepared to coach that roster to a number of championships. Additionally, the entire organizational model was flawed at that time.
6. Vick has obviouis play making skills and a strong arm, but strugggles with accuracy.
7. The winning formula is for him to be in a conventional play-action 5 step to 7 step drop offense.
8. There are many offenses in the NFL that could use his skill sets.
9. The most important component for Vick’s success is for him to gain the ability to make better lifestyle decisions.
Again>>>>..
Let’s be careful not to project our personal preferences and predjudices onto this situation.
He broke the law, got caught, is serving the sentence, has skills that should help him productively re-enter society.
AndyC
May 23rd, 2009
8:16 am
D. LED,
What is Vick’s contract status? If the Falcons keep him do they have to honor his old contract? If that’s the case then forget it. I don’t think there is anyway the Falcons can keep Vick from a PR perspective. There is no way they will allow him to put on a Falcons uniform again. They don’t want to deal with all the drama and media craziness that will go with him coming back. It would be a major distraction for the team. I also think he is going to struggle and not nearly be the player he was before. I mean, how do we know if he hasn’t lost a step or two during his down time. Blank will never allow him to come back.
DHD
May 23rd, 2009
8:39 am
Good morning, Michael. Did you enjoy your eggs and bacon?
Boots
May 23rd, 2009
8:50 am
Vick is not smart enough to read defenses — to audibilize — so is constantly faced with a “fight or flight” response. Yes, he was successful running the football between the 20’s but was a dismal quarterback in the Red Zone.
Some team will pick him up and we’ll see why he reached the apex of his career early on and was in a gradual decline over the last three years of his career with the Falcon.
He’ll never be a first rate quarterback. Unfortunately, he’s just not smart enough.
Birdy
May 23rd, 2009
8:54 am
If the league caugth up to Vick because he was around .500 his last two seasons, what do you say about the team’s record WITHOUT him while he was here, and, more importantly, the 5-11 record of 2007 while he was suspended?
In 2007 we saw the impact of having the smallest, slowest, softest-running RB in the league as the “feature” back. And once the regime was changed to a real GM from a prennial playoff team, replacing the waif RB with a physical RB was the FIRST move they made.
I remember a game last season where a blitzer came unblocked and sacked Ryan. OLine roster moves and practice squad shufflings were made the very next day. Yet the notion of the Falcons allowing unblocked blockers in on our QB was commonplace when vick was here.
And while allowing UNBLOCKED ruhers was commonplace during the Vick years, the OLinemen were not held accountable by team management. In fact, they were literally designated by the team as “MVPs”.
I might also remind D-Led that one of the main decision factors about whether to start Ryan game 1 or not was whether or not team management felt the OLine could protect him.
So why all the new-found emphasis on physical running and pass blocking once Vick is no longer the QB? Because you are actually giving your QB the best chance to succeed when you do those BASIC AND FUNDAMENTAL things. But the Falcons DELIBERATELY de-emphasized pass protection when they had their previous franchise QB. They didn’t care that their feature back went down most runs even BEFORE contact. It was “all vick’s fault” when the team did not win (even though they were really embarrassing whenever he did not play. Remember the loss to the Philly backups with Schaub leading the way?)
D-Led, Vick let himself and the Falcons down, no doubt. But the honest truth is that the Falcons were letting Vick down long before his transgressions came to light. As evidenced by the woeful showings of the team when he was not there, the team DESIGN was such that ANY QB would have a nearly impossible task trying to lead that squad to wins. Remember Schaub never WON a game here and we were 5-11 in 2007 without Vick.
I won’t even mention the horror that was Greg Knapp as a coach / play designer / play caller. Did you know that the Raiders had 3 different play callers last season, including Greg Knapp? With Kiffen calling the plays the Raiders averaged 20+ points. When he left, Knapp started calling the plays and they sunk to 10 points per game. Tom Cable banned Knapp from calling the plays and they went back to averaging 20+ points per game.
Two differnt coaches got DOUBLE THE PRODUCTION from the same players as Knapp.
And yet D-Led “suggests” the league may have caught up to Vick.
Jeff Schultz said Vick was “polarzing”. I guess anyone would be “polarizing” when some folks choose to ignore facts and just spew biased opinions.
Vick had the most difficult task available and still made it work better than anyone else. Lets see another QB succeed with soft-running RB support and an OLine that isn’t even expected to block well. And let’s give the QB ONE audible — “take off and run”. Yes, remember Jim mora said himself that the team’s only audible was the franchise QBs ability to scramble. he added, “It’s something the defense has to account for.” Brilliant coaching.
D-Led, you are close enough to the situation to know what I said is true. Why don’t you go ahead and confirm it in case some of your readers have doubts about it.
ET
May 23rd, 2009
9:09 am
If Vick had not bankrolled the dogfighting operation & if he had not lied to his employer along with the fans & if he had not killed dogs with his own bare hands, then I would have thought maybe he could be brought back…
on second thought… No, not even then would I want him back.
HATinGA
May 23rd, 2009
9:11 am
I never liked having a offence with a short QB we never had a chance to comeback in the 4th quarter,his 4th quarter stats were horrible.I think he went a season with like 1 or 2 4th Quarter TDs. He could not see the field from the pocket,his only decent passes came while rolling left,the games we won were when we got a lead and held on. You are NOT going win a super bowl with that type QB. That being said if you get in trouble\make a mistake an pay your debt ,no one should be kept from makng a living.So good luck Mike we have some good memorys!
Paddy
May 23rd, 2009
9:20 am
Safari…could not agree more. Situational liar is a great way to explain him. The NFL Commish was none to happy about that face to face lie he was told either. Respect is one of the key ingredients to a successful QB. NFL owners must think long and hard about hiring MV. Can this guy really pull my dressing room together? Will he gain the respect of his teammates by his hard work on and off the field? Do we get to the playoffs and SB with his leadership qualities? It is more than just pure economics when it comes down to choosing your starting QB. Many hard questions to answer for an owner in the face of fan uphevel with this particular player. I may be wrong but this is a PR nightmare that could set a franchise back years with the wrong decision. MV deserves a second chance at a career. IMHO his new career path may not be on the gridiron. If it is football in his future, I can’t see it lasting very long.
) The Falcons Brass will lose
May 23rd, 2009
9:33 am
Blank and crew will hate the day when #7 door has finally close on Vick. A lot of fan and I mean a lot of fan will all way be in Vick Conner. But to prove to the Hater of Vick he need to leave to get a super bowl like other falcons had to do. Some of the Fan base id just like the GOP lost in space and always will be. I hope he goes to the 49er they have the coach he needs. Matt Ryan is and will be a fluke he is a punk under pressure he cat take hit and his are is weak as the year goes on . The NFL help the Falcon last year with Ryan what this year and you will see this to be true. #7 is a land mark here in Atlanta #2 just a foot note. But the hater are our to prove this to be wrong Falcon top brass and the media they need this golden boy to shine but he won’t . Blank will see as time goes he mess up big time after Vick has been back a year or more.Thing happen for a reason we will miss you playing mike Vick here in the ATL. I and many other hope the team you play for plays here in the dome we will cheer you on Bank on it they can’t trade our love for you Mike. oh yea this year Falcons will be 7-9. No help this year Blank from the league. They are going to tag Matt like never before and AJC will be on him like they were on Vick watch and see!!!!!!!!!
Larry
May 23rd, 2009
9:41 am
Vick is a psychopath, as is anyone else who enjoys watching animals maim and kill each other. Such people don’t belong in the limelight. The Falcons are well rid of this monster.
alponso
May 23rd, 2009
9:41 am
I wish him the best, but I don’t know if he can overcome his raising, his former thug life style, and all the hangers on who are even now surrounding him again.
KPH
May 23rd, 2009
9:44 am
I hope he plays for a team in our division. We will be the team recovering all those fumbles and getting those interceptions. Good luck Mike but not in Atlanta.
savannadawg
May 23rd, 2009
9:48 am
The man has payed for his discretion through our pennal system. Now, if he is TRUELY repentative of his transgretion to one of the LORDS creations. Then let him play.
Randy
May 23rd, 2009
9:49 am
Of course the Falcons made the right decision. Which is not to say that Vick shouldn’t get a chance elsewhere. This team is about to move further forward than Vick would ever have been able to take them.
Mr 305 Mia
May 23rd, 2009
9:52 am
I can’t believe some of these comments. Most of you aren”t real fans anyway. You loved Vick to death when they were winning, but he makes one mistake and he’s a serial killer. You listen to rappers all day brag about how many drugs they sold, but still gets radio play. And you seem to forget, there was an Atlanta hockey player whom killed his teammate in a Drunk driving accident, which didn’t recieve half as much attention. TI, convicted felon, gets popped with assault weapons and silencers. Wow, he gets praise for doing a show and getting a one year prison sentence in which he may not even serve. So I guess you can kill, steal and any other crime in Atlanta, as long as you don’t hurt any dogs.
Todd
May 23rd, 2009
9:52 am
I challenge ANY to dispute this; check and find out: THE SENTENCING GUIDELINES for what Mike Vick plead guilty for was ‘ZERO TO 6 MONTHS PROBATION’. That’s the truth. Considertions for a 1st time offender, the likelyhood for being a repeat offender, the defentants envolvement… ZERO TO 6 MONTHS PROBATION. This is a fact!!!!!
Barnley
May 23rd, 2009
9:53 am
savannahdog, did you go to school? You barely got one word spelled correctly.
jonnyboy007
May 23rd, 2009
9:53 am
Jamie Dukes has about as much credibility as me. Does he have a clue? Yes the Falcons rely on the run and are successful, but that is because other teams have to respect the pass. With Vick the Falcon could run but that did not help them his last year. Why? Because teams did not have to respect the pass. Any team facing Vick can line up 8 in the box and beat him. Jamie D. needs to go do something he is good at.
Brian Hunt
May 23rd, 2009
10:00 am
The Falcons are right to move on, and have done so successfully. I wish Vick the best, but I’m tired of reading about him. He’s on the roster, but he’s not on the TEAM. I hope that next week we can read more about our TEAM and the guys who will be there helping the Falcons to win this season. Let’s see more about getting our picks signed. Let’s read about Coleman stepping up to captain the secondary. Let’s read about how Nicholas is preparing for the up comming battle in camp. How about a feature on Michael Jenkins, one of our most underrated players? I don’t think that you should have to be a superstar or a household name to get a feature article in your homemarket newspaper. We fans are hungry. Feed us.
Meka 76
May 23rd, 2009
10:01 am
People give me a break, of course he should be reinstated. He has paid his debt for the crimes he committed, unlike most of the crimnals out there and I wonder why doesn’t PETA advocate for abused children the way they do animals. Not to mention MV was always playing for the wrong team I can’t wait to see him in another teams’ uniform. You go MV!!!
ProFootballTalk.com - Saturday Morning One-Liners
May 23rd, 2009
10:04 am
[...] Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution asks if the Falcons are making the right football decision by helping QB Michael Vick out the [...]
Harleyman
May 23rd, 2009
10:13 am
Who is Mike Vick?
JJB
May 23rd, 2009
10:20 am
“Vick paid his debt”-maybe to the dogs, but his creditors still feel he has a debt-that is a given. I hope he goes into a situation where he can get some stability imposed upon him. And Vick Supporter-who states on one blog that he respects Ryan and he is a good quarterback, has gone back to the “noodle arm” derogatory posts. You are not very honest, there Mr. VS. I am sure that if there was an open competition for services of QB among the 32 NFL teams, I would lay money down that Matt Ryan would be considered more highly desireable and would command a larger salary than Mike Vick would in the same competition. What do you think there Mr Supporter? Am I wrong?
Barnley
May 23rd, 2009
10:22 am
NO to ever playing in the NFL. The NFL has got to draw the line in the sand against thuggery, and Vick is a good place to start. Let him work at his $10-an-hour construction job.
Barnley
May 23rd, 2009
10:23 am
Just say NO.
soultherapymag.com
May 23rd, 2009
10:30 am
Everyone on here has there right to there own opinion But, alot people on here talk about Mr.Vick charactor and values. What is strange is some of even in your writings have bad charactor to call this man who yes made a mistake A thug, Scum of the earth and anyother deragatory name says alot about your charactor and values. Michael Vick has innocent children who has done nothing to anyone but, they have to hear people talk about there father like he murdered a person. For all that said he murdered dogs he was not convicted of that if you have been following the case. For those who support him good for you and for those who dont thats fine too but, if you made a mistake and served whatever punishment given to you. You would want someone to give you a second chance also. None of us know Mr. Vick personally so how can we judge his charactor on one situation in his life. I say God BLess him and his family and hope all goes well for him
In God We Trust
May 23rd, 2009
10:31 am
I agree the falcons should move on. Rolled the dice to get Matt Ryan and he turned in a surprising season when I actuall thought he would choke. I haven’t been to a game since the post Vick era. Like the home state team but going to a game isn’t exciting any more. I rather sit at home and watch it in High Def. Falcon fans,or haters of vick who say and write all the negative comments about Vick when he’s trying to move foward with his life whatever direction that may be for him. Should forgive and forget because God has done the same for us.
ANTI-NEGATIVE GUY
May 23rd, 2009
10:36 am
Vick Supporter you are just not real bright. I hpe you have not reproduced and I really feel sorry for you. Michael Vick made his own bed and realistically overall was ner more than an average NFL QB
Jay Darwin
May 23rd, 2009
10:36 am
I Think Vick has a credibilty problem with the Falcons who have moved on and quite frankly don’t want a return to the circus surrounding Vick.
That said, regardless of one’s personal feelings of Vick once being a reprehehsible thug he has indeed paid his debt and deserves an opportunity to work in his chosen career.
If he is re-instated and plays somewhere he will then be under a microscope for the rest of his years and must conduct himself apropriately. Personally, I believe he is an arrogant SOB. Once the extra-ordinary heat is off and he’s once again “wowing the crowds” he will return to his normal self…as they say: “Can’t change the spots on the cat”.
Dave in Marietta
May 23rd, 2009
10:37 am
Anyone who would hurt an innocent defenseless dog is a twisted (fill in the blank) and deserves to be punished. Anyone who feels sorry for Vick and takes the attitude “well, it was only a dog” is also a twisted (fill in the blank), imo. That said, he’s been punished according to our system of justice, he should be able to move on. I don’t see why he should be denied the opportunity to pursue playing football. I sure won’t be paying to see him, though. I’m not a PETA member and I AM an NFL football fan. If my team went out and got Vick, though, I would definitely be less likely to want to watch or follow them.
ANTI-NEGATIVE GUY
May 23rd, 2009
10:38 am
MEKA 76 PETA is strictly an advocate for pets, not humans. You didn’t know that!!!!!!! Not real bright.
Joey Porter
May 23rd, 2009
10:38 am
Crap doodoo MV7 will polarize the city along racial lines
? The city and the country has been polarized from it’s inception. Where have you been? Didn’t you learn anything at those prestigious North Fulton schools?
How does a man doing his job polarize a city? Why doesn’t matt ryan polarize the city but somehow Michael Vick polarizes the city? Both play the same position?
History = His story. The facts change depending on the narrator.
Tom Brady you mean the dude who has kids out of wedlock like mv7, and has shoot outs at his wedding.
Tom Brady was OK when Bellicheat knew what the defense was doing.
When he had the best team in modern football and his team relied on him he choked on the biggest stage.
Tom Brady’s intelligence got him very far in college 9he couldn’t even beat out drew henson) and in the draft.
I think not. If intelligence was truly an indication of athletic performance the NFL would be littered with players from the Ivy League.
Lekendrick Williams
May 23rd, 2009
10:40 am
If anybody in your family was charged with the same thing…I bet the attitude would change. The dialog would probably go like this. ‘Are you serious, there just dogs. I cant belive they would punish people for killing dogs. Where is this worl heading?” Dont worry Phelps, you can still smoke your weed and keep all your endorsements. But oh no, since it is a man of color, we have to make a prime example of him. I’ve never seen people so passionate about dogs until they found a black man involved with dog fighting. I wish those same people would look at black people as something more than dogs. You have not moved foward in any way its just a cover up until something like this happens is when you show your true colors. If the world was ending today, I wonder how many people would try to save their dogs over a human being. Just something for you judges to think about. Oh and remember one day you will be judged for all the things that we havent seen you do. Thats what so unique we know this about him but your stuff still needs to be swept from under the rug.
Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2009
10:41 am
I think that Arthur Blank should come down off of his high horse. Do not be so hasty on turning the page on Michael Vick. Matt Ryan, who is developing into a good QB, is only one sack away from injury, then what? Let Mike return to redeem himself!
Lekendrick Williams
May 23rd, 2009
10:41 am
who are you an advocate for?
Cedric
May 23rd, 2009
10:42 am
donta stallworth just killed a man for driving drunk, but there are still more people crying about a dog than a person. sad times.
Lekendrick Williams
May 23rd, 2009
10:43 am
They have to do their job, thats what they get paid. Do you recieve a check from them. If not then you are not very bright anti-negative guy.
Dave in Marietta
May 23rd, 2009
10:44 am
“I wonder why doesn’t PETA advocate for abused children the way they do animals”. Possibly, Meka 76, it’s because their focus is for the ethical treatment of “Animals”…that’s the “A” at the end. Think about it.
Catheryn
May 23rd, 2009
10:46 am
I believe foremost in forgiveness and second chances….even third chances sometimes. But Mr. Vick tortured innocent animals. And I cannot fathom being able to cheer for a team that employs either Jeffery Dahmer or Michael Vick. I strongly suspect that the Falcons would be shooting themselves in the PR foot by bringing Mr. Vick back onto the field. Let the man find another way to make a living and prosper in this life.
DJ of ATL
May 23rd, 2009
10:53 am
Hey LW, you need to get a life man…this was about Football and semantics, not fanatics.
News Buff
May 23rd, 2009
10:54 am
Vick will be fine. He has a lot of “in the closet” teammate supporters. They do not want to make their support public fearing losing endorsements.
Lekendrick Williams
May 23rd, 2009
10:56 am
Nerves are being struck DJ I can feel the love.
Dave in Marietta
May 23rd, 2009
10:57 am
Lekendrick, How in the world does this get to be a racial issue? I’d be just as pissed at a white guy who hurt dogs as I would a black guy. How is this a racial thing? Are there a lot of black people who support a guy like Vick just because he’s black too? I’m white, but I sure as H wouldn’t support a white guy who hurt dogs. Do you think Vick didn’t get adequate legal representation. I guarantee he had a better lawyer than a poor white (or black, for that matter) guy would have gotten.
mars
May 23rd, 2009
11:10 am
If this is going to persist before we get a decent article to consider, then I’ll comment, after all.
Cedric, DontE Stallworth parked his car and called the police, waited for them, and took full responsibility for his actions. It turned out that evidence suggests his actions did NOT cause the mans death, and had he been completely sober the same results may have occurred. So, your argument doesn’t apply in the least. Do you have anything else to offer? Yeesh!!!
I am no fan of PETA, but let the uneducated commentators (tormentors) be aware that PETA is an anagram- People for the Ethical Treatment of ANIMALS. They are narrow minded fanatical people intent on their cause to the point of ignorance just like Vick supporters. Mr. Rock, meet Mr. Hardplace.
And Lekendrick (Lord, honey, I am so sorry your parents stuck you with such a masculine name), I HAVE criminals in my family. I judge them harsher than other criminals, because I inadvertantly am involved through no fault of my own. That’s unforgivable. There is a path back to grace, but it has to be tread. For forgiveness there has to be penance. If you claim you did nothing wrong, then no forgiveness is available. Nothing to forgive. Only damnation. This IS the Christian viewpoint.
Joey Porter
May 23rd, 2009
11:13 am
I can’t believe that in two months football season wil be starting again. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
J
May 23rd, 2009
11:19 am
We went farther this season with Ryan than we ever did with Vick. Arthur Blank would be making a HUGE mistake if he takes Vick back and replaces Ryan. IF Blank decides to take Vick back, there might be some initial outcry and some issues, but I recognize that it’ll be more expensive to buy out his current contract if he’s traded. If he comes back to the falcons he’ll have to learn a secondary role instead of a starting position – maybe in a running/receiving role, or maybe as a backup quarterback for Ryan. But it would certainly be a mistake to make Ryan think that he’s not welcome just because a FORMER star came back – Ryan’s done more this year to make people sit up and pay attention to the falcons than Vick ever did (before his prison charges that is), and it would be a mistake not to recognize how much Ryan actually works with this team and how much he’s brought it together after the fracturing Vick caused.
No matter what team he goes to, he’s not going to have the kind of star power that he used to have, no matter what the experts say. His reputation, both on and off field, has been affected by his poor choices. He may have “served his time” and “repaid his debt”, but it’s still going to haunt the rest of his professional life. He won’t be the “star quarterback” that he was before he went to prison – he’s been out of the game too long, and the dog-fighting charge will haunt him for the rest of his days, both personal and professional. He may end up playing again, but I doubt it’ll be in such a prominent position as starting quarterback. This could be bad, but it could also be (economically) good: people who may not usually watch football might tune in to whatever team he plays on just to see what he does and how he does it after being out for so long. He may be horrible, or he may still have some remnants of talent – but whatever happens, he won’t have the “shine” that he once had before he was charged and convicted; there’s a tarnish to the silver that he can’t ever get back, regardless of where he goes. He may become the greatest football player of all time and it’ll still be there as a footnote, and eventually it *will* affect how crowds see him; it’s not always easy to put a criminal past behind one, especially if the person was a prominent sports player or other member of society when things happened.
Maybe the cowboys can take him – they have enough drama to spare for the entire NFL this year.
MV7
May 23rd, 2009
11:22 am
I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE FALCON TO RELEASE ME TODAY, SO IF ANYONE KNOW UPPER MANAGERMENT PLEASE PLEASE ASK THEM TO RELEASE SO I MAY MOVE ON. AND REALLY DO WISH THE FALCON WELL IN THE FUTURE.
*LOVE YOU ALL MV7*
*TO MY TO TRUE FANS THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYS AND SUPPORT*
AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU ALL
Wawtawsha
May 23rd, 2009
11:22 am
Are the Falcons making the right decision ?…hmm…This question is not even a valid proposition at this point in time. Why ask it ? Doesn’t Vick still have 2 months of house-arrest remaining, and hasn’t Commissioner Goodell already stated he will wait until full completion of state/federal actions before considering Vick’s re-instatement ? Do we think Mr. Goodell has his calendar marked and is anxiously awaiting to render a hasty judgement on this ? 2010 seems a more likely time to expect to see Vick on the field again, anywhere…to me.
Comments regarding this thread/blog…I’d love to see Vick play again in the NFC South, i can’t understand those who fear that. Not for the Falcons, tho. If the competition wants to rely on some sandlot plays, let em have at it w/Vick, he’s their Man (sic). I think it would make Van Gorder’s day. Speed Kills !!! on Defense, too. Busted plays that make gains occasionally, however spectacular they might be, are no way to instill winning confidence amongst a TEAM.
Vick has/is paying a heavy personal price for his own actions, the penalty flag for him seems excessive if one ponders/compares his wrongs committed vs. so many other criminal enforcements or lack thereof that we all have witnessed in life. He certainly should be allowed to re-engage a pursuit of a career in Pro Football, but he isn’t owed by anyone. If any debt remains, it is Mike’s debt to his former team mates, paying public fans, coaches and Mr. Blank, as well as to him ownself for squandering God-given talents. I hope he does well in Life, look forward to seeing him wisely use his talent that we all know fades with age in this game that truly emphasizes being the Best one can be…physically{youth} and mentally {character,experience}. The Falcons are building a genuine PRO TEAM…now, and my joy as a long-suffering fan is in Now and the Future with current acquisitions and development. I hope the organization and Mike can both redeem something eventually from the ashes of a franchise QB’s meltdown, and that if that’s impossible, write it off and move Forward.
mars
May 23rd, 2009
11:22 am
Lekendrick, did not mean to offend. I assume you are female because the prefix to your name is a feminine determinant in the French language, meaning “the”. Hence, “The” Kendrick, a feminine determinant of a masculine name. If this caused offense, I apologize for writing it. The comment wasn’t important to my opinion anyway.
Steve
May 23rd, 2009
11:35 am
Y’all keep saying he’s done his time … Well, he hasn’t done his time … He is sentenced to home confinment. He’s still serving his sentence . . .
Michael Vick has been a Huge Role Model for 1/2 the kids of Atlanta. Literally on Sundays, you used to see thousand’s of # 7 Jerseys all over town. This city absolutely adored him. All for his achievements on the athletic field. Which was funny, as he turned his back on this town … He never spent any time here, he never participated in any local events or charity.
Let’s run down a list of events in the criminal timeline of Michael Vick …
In early 2004, 2 men were arrested in Virginia for selling pot in a truck belonging to Michael Vick.
In late 2004 Vick and his posse were flying out of Atlanta, and one of his “employees” was caught on tape stealing the watch of a security guard.
In 2005 a woman filed a lawsuit against Vick for giving her the clap.
In 2006 Vick gives a Double Finger Salute to the Home Town Fans after a loss to the Saints.
In early 2007 Vick reluctantly surrendered a water bottle to security at Miami International Airport that smelled like marijuana and contained a substance in a hidden compartment. He was not arrested and was allowed to board an AirTran flight.
In April of 2007 Vick was scheduled to lobby on Capitol Hill, hoping to persuade lawmakers to increase funding for after-school programs. However, Vick missed his flight and he later failed to show-up for another seat booked for him later that evening.
All of these airport incidents happened as Vick was the advertising spokesman and celebrity endorser of Air Tran Airways. Needless to say they dropped his contract.
He managed to lose endoresment contracts with Coca-Cola, EA Sports, Kraft Foods, Hasbro and AirTran. Vick went from being the highest paid player in NFL history in 2004, signing a $130 million contract, to bankruptcy while in prison.
Twice Vick put family pets into the fighting ring with pit bulls because he thought it was funny to watch the pit bulls injure or kill the other dogs. Vick also admitted watching his friends hang, shoot and electrocute pit bulls. They found 30 dead dog bodies on his property. Vick left 47 maimed dogs at his house. Bad Newz Kennels was Huge Multi-State Operation.
While free on bail and awaiting sentencing for his felony conviction, Vick tested positive for marijuana in a random drug test. This is a violation of the conditions of his release.
The guy is an absolute slimball.
You can say they only went after him for who he was, and I’ll have to agree with you . . .
Iceman
May 23rd, 2009
11:36 am
Matt Ryan forever!!
SEC
May 23rd, 2009
11:44 am
all this is rediculous. The man was “involved’ in dogfighting. If anyone has lived in Georgia for a long period of time then u remember the dog fighting ring that was busted in conyers. Do u know how much time they got? not long if any at all. For michael vick to serve 2 years in federal prison is a hit to the legal system. We have murderers that are serving less time now days. Stallworth for example killed a guy while he was drunk. Why isnt that coverage like Vick’s. The only thing that was reported recently was that there might be loop hole for him to get away with it. Really? where is PETA? Arent humans technically animals as well?
AM3R1CANONE
May 23rd, 2009
11:45 am
Just a few points here…I have lived in Atlanta for the past 12 years; I am not a fan of any of Atlanta’s Sports Teams. The company I worked for had season tickets for the Falcons and the Hawks so I have been in attendance to enjoy the games fo more than a decade.
You ask the question what has Vick done for the Falcons?
1.) HE HAS PACKED YOUR ARENA FROM DAY ONE; FOR SIX YEARS STRAIGHT. THERE WERE PLENTY OF EMPTY SEATS PRIOR TO HIS ARRIVAL.$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
2.) HE MADE THE FALCONS FLY AGAIN(BRAND NAME, ADVERTISING DOLLARS$$$$$$$
3.) HIS #7 JERSEY WAS THE NUMBER ONE SELLER THE ENTIRE TIME HE WAS IN THE NFL$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
4.) WHEN THE FALCONS PLAYED AWAY GAMES HE PACKED THOSE ARENAS AS WELL$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
His contribution is not measured solely by his on field stats but his value to his team and the NFL.
HE MADE EVERYONE INVOLVED $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
He earned every bit of the bonus money he was paided and none of it should have been paided back to the Falcons; Arthur Blank made far more than that off of Vick’s celebrity.
As far as it being a privilege to play in the NFL…What a croc a crap. There are only 2000 are so players in the NFL and believe me it took years of blood,sweat and tears to make it there. There is nothing privilege about it…YOU EARN IT!!!!
I have been to prison and for those of you who feel its not punishment enough; go spend 3 hours in prison…trust me; three hours is all you will need to understand you are not in Kansa anymore. You are caged like the rest of the animals around you.
Vick should never play in Atlanta again; Matt Ryan is our QB…this year Matt will have it tough; He is no longer a secret.
E
May 23rd, 2009
11:52 am
I believe in second chances, and Vick deserves his. He has been punished, and that should be the end of it in, two months. The Falcons should evaluate the wildcat option, and keep him. At, least for now. Everybody wants to distant themselves from Vick. It is totally racial, let him be.
TROTTINGHOME
May 23rd, 2009
11:53 am
does it really matter what happens to vick
and yes the falcons are right in what they do with vick
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 23rd, 2009
12:00 pm
Looks like its civil enough in here. Everybody trying to address the issues.
DHD: Haven’t had bacon and eggs. But I did cut the grass and laid down some mulch already.
G. TAMPA BEDWETTER: Nice name!
ANDY C: 1. What are the contract ramifications for the Atlanta Falcons?
Vick’s contract is suspended. His $7.5 million base salary did not count toward the team’s salary cap last season. However, his prorated bonus counts against the salary cap. That number for 2009 is $6.43 million. If Vick is traded, an additional $680,000 — his prorated bonus number from 2010 — would be absorbed under the 2009 salary cap. This amount is not significant as most teams operate with as much as 10 percent of “dead cap money.” The NFL salary cap for 2009 is $127 million per team.
Here’s the link to the story, 10 questions surrounding Michael Vick’s return to the NFL.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2009/03/26/falcons_vick_return_nfl.html
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 23rd, 2009
12:02 pm
Also,
STEVE: THAT’S a good and quick hitting summary.
BOOTS: That’s a legitimate concern. But Favre didn’t have a high wonderlic score. He had a 13. So you can be taught a system. Have to be a willing student though.
Drew
May 23rd, 2009
12:05 pm
The Wildcat is a gimmick, a fad, a trick play that will soon be clamped down by bigger, faster defenses and smarter D-coordinators. Vick is almost 30 now, will lose a step (if he hasn’t already) and injuries will bring him down eventually… and he isn’t smart enough to be a pocket passer. He’s demonstrated that already, just like he’s demonstrated his total lack of character, over and over again.
He may play again, and I will root against him every step of the way.
LadyLawyer
May 23rd, 2009
12:09 pm
Yes, he should be able to play in the NFL again. But going back to the Falcons should not be an option, even if they wanted him back. With the exception of some of his former teammates, the owner threw him under the bus, tried to take back his bonus, and would put him down every time he was in the media. I agree that what he did was wrong, but the man packed the stadium and he was not such as bad guy when he made millions for Mr. Blanks. Thus he had already earned his money because before Vick, the Falcons were in the same category as the Hawks….lackluster team that made you sleepy watching them. One thing that’s clear out of this whole situation is that if people got so upset over some dogs (and I really love dogs) then what about taking that samem energy and fight for human beings that are being murdered, neglected, and discriminated against everyday in the streets of America? And let’s not forget that other NFL players have been in legal matters far worse then him….remember the NFL player that got away with murder…he went on to win the Superbowl. Also, the league has plenty of wife beaters, drug heads, and drunk drivers.
BigSherm7
May 23rd, 2009
12:18 pm
It’s amazing how some who want mercy when they do wrong don’t want to see Michael Vick receive that same mercy! Here you have people like Leonard Little, who committed vehicular homicide, getting another chance to play pro ball. As for gambling, Vick and Pete Rose cannot be compared in any way because Vick didn’t bet on pro football, but on dogs, whereas Pete Rose bet on baseball, which is why in my opinion he should never be voted into the baseball hall of fame.-SNC7-Obama2012
PTC DAWG
May 23rd, 2009
12:19 pm
Why are you even writing about this?
Scott
May 23rd, 2009
12:25 pm
Hey: tyler
May 22nd, 2009
11:13 pm
Leggomyeggo, I will buy your Vick jersey for what you paid. Just show me the reciept.
You got yourself a deal man! I have a Vick Jersey signed and framed! Bought at a charity Golf Auction. Paid $500.00
You ready to put your money where your mouth is? Yes, I have receipt. While we are at it, any others interested when Tyler does not respond?
Scott
May 23rd, 2009
12:31 pm
Steve-
Congrats man! Best post ever on this beaten to death topic. You should start your own column.
LayLo-1
May 23rd, 2009
12:34 pm
Everyone is always quick to not forgive. I am an animal lover, but why do people tend to put animals before humans. There are people being done worst in this world. So why dont people get out and protest for them. Those who can not fend for themselves. So he is a felon. Why will Mike Vick not be concidered for a second chance. If this was you and your family you would want that 2nd chance. So give him a chance because he have paid his dept to the world over 10.
BAKERMAN
May 23rd, 2009
12:35 pm
HOW MANY ‘ONE MORE CHANCE’ EPISODES WILL THERE BE. hAVE WE FORGOTTEN THE OTHER ‘ONE MORE CHANCES’? RON MEXICO, THE WATER BOTTLE, FLIPPING OFF THE HOME TEAM FANS. COME ON PEOPLE, HE SHOULD BE OUT OF ‘SECOND CHANCES’.
mars
May 23rd, 2009
12:39 pm
SEC, pay attention. An abscence of guilt isn’t a loophole. Stallworth was guilty of driving drunk when a man committed suicide by stepping out in front of him. He deserves to lose his license for a couple months, and be warned of a harsher sentence should he be so stupid in the future. Suppose you have been drinking, and while driving home you are sitting at a red light. While sitting there another car plows into you killing the driver, who has NOT been drinking. Who’s at fault? You’ve been drinking, yet have done absolutely nothing to contribute to the accident whatsoever. Answer: the sober man is at fault in causing his own death. This is not an embellished scenario, but an actual court case in 1993 that created statute to prove Stallworths innocense. And HE IS INNOCENT of all but drunk driving. I support your rights to make your point. Just use facts, not fiction. The allegation you made against Stallworth is fiction. Now, I agree with your assertion that the currently playing murderer and other scoundrels should be weeded out of the NFL, NBA NHL, and all parts of society as well. I look forward to the righteous day when that occurs. However (and I can’t stress this enough), the fact that low-lifes such as this despicable murderer have gotten by without their “just desserts” is absolutely NO EXCUSE for leniency to those wrongdoers (like Vick)who DID face justice. Embracing a lenient type of logic with foster an atmosphere of gross abuse and fingerpointing without justice EVER being served.
unweaned lil pup
May 23rd, 2009
12:39 pm
The Falcons with Blank at the helm are a very image-conscious team. I will let others argue about how much game Vick could bring to the field, and whether or not the fans would flock to see him. The problem is he no longer fits Blank’s mold. Michael Vick has in incurable and
unrehabilitable disease.. a flaw in character that exists in his soul. Anyone who can standby
and find enjoyment in the pain and suffering of living creatures for entertainment purposes,
and himself participate in “drowning” and “back-breaking” dogs deemed unsuitable, can’t be fixed. That is a flaw in the soul, much like a pedophile who can’t change. Blank realizes that his image is forever damaged in the minds of many people.
no leader
May 23rd, 2009
12:48 pm
face it, vick just wasn’t and still isn’t too bright, the play book was simplified for him and he still seems lost, he’ll get another chance I’m sure but will probably piss it away, he and his ignorant brother, face it your atl hero is gone, along with his multimillions, stuff your 7 jerseys, running was his only talent anyway, he sure didn’t have the smarts to lead a team, fumbled away several games, without even being touched, receivers were breaking off routes as he danced around like a fool, your BOY is gone homeys.
ronlinjenk
May 23rd, 2009
12:54 pm
The Falcons doesn’t deserve to have Mike Vick play for Atlanta again. He did wrong and he paid his debt. I’m a country boy myself; we love animals but do not equate them to a human life. All I see is evil from this city when it comes from certain athletes. PackMan Jones should never suit up in the NFL again because if his repetitive ignorance. Vick on the other hand gave needed life to this city. I hope he goes to a team/owner who really cares and can help him along. I can say Jerry Jones has the balls to defend his players so the media don’t destroy them. The Falcons better hope he never plays against them with a NEW team. I’m sure it would be a record breaking game……
ronlinjenk
May 23rd, 2009
1:02 pm
Admit it people….the reason why you are here is because you miss this guy. Otherwise you wouldn’t be spending your valuable time responding to comments. The owner already stated he will never play for the Falcons again.
Curious George
May 23rd, 2009
1:04 pm
Why would Arthur Blank refuse to hire drug-using, underperforming, undereducated criminals when he was in charge at HOME DEPOT but give them $130 million contracts to them as owner of the FALCONS?
Would Blank have ever hired this same person if he had applied for a job at HD ?
Maddogg
May 23rd, 2009
1:14 pm
Whose Vick again?
John
May 23rd, 2009
1:23 pm
Since when did the NFL become the paragon of high morality? Is a footballer now held to a higher moraliyt standards than priests, politicians, sports franchise owners, etc? I wonder if some of posters are tuned in to what is hapening in their local communities, schools, and churches. I doubt it. And finally, you so-called dog lovers need to get over it. You let leaders of the pet-friendly organizations pocket over 70% of the donations and say nothing. Show some outrage on that before you scream at Mr. Vick.
wxwax
May 23rd, 2009
1:32 pm
Vick shouldn’t play for the Falcons. They have an excellent QB. And he has too much history here.
Whether or not he’s even capable of playing anywhere else remains to be seen. He’s going to have to prove that he still has his greatest asset, his speed.
If he does, he’s employable. If he doesn’t have his speed, he’s done. He’s never been a good passer and I don’t expect him to suddenly become one at this late date.
Lekendrick Williams
May 23rd, 2009
1:38 pm
Mars I love you and no i didnt mean any harm to anyone. You are absolutely right my name is a French determinate but I am a male. You got me laughing and now I’m in a better mood because of it. Thank you. No offence to anyone except the ones that it cuases offence to.
T shac
May 23rd, 2009
1:40 pm
Forget about the guy….too much trouble!
Lekendrick Williams
May 23rd, 2009
1:42 pm
I here you Dave in Marietta
DHD
May 23rd, 2009
1:48 pm
How was Michael’s lunch?
Allyana
May 23rd, 2009
1:58 pm
He should not be reinstated. He should go get a job at an animal shelter.
Paddy
May 23rd, 2009
2:03 pm
Todd..Is that federal guidlines or state guidelines? MV would have never gotten 23 mons for dog fighting. He went to federal prison for a federal felony of runing and financing a criminal enterprise. Federal crimes carry a minimun time served. It seems to me he served the minimum for his crimes. He got off light or at least he was given lienecy in sentencing for a longer term. Zero to six months was not the minimun, 23 months was the minimum. Had this enterprise not been stopped when it did and continued on for a longer period of time and expanded you may have heard the words RICO being mentioned. Now you are looking at serious time. MV was not going to stop this enterprise. He only stopped because he got caught. He should be glad the Feds cought him when they did.
Emily
May 23rd, 2009
2:03 pm
To those who cry about giving Vick a second chance: He’s had many second chances!! And he kept screwing up! Look at his record of offenses. The dog fighting was the one that couldn’t be ignored and swept under the rug. There are plenty of great athletes that rise above their upbringing and live their lives with honor and integrity. Michael Vick has shown time and time again that he is incapable of doing that.
Lee
May 23rd, 2009
2:19 pm
Forget doing things “business wise,” do what is right “character wise.” Release him. Don’t flirt with more trouble, for it will cettainly come.
Kris G
May 23rd, 2009
2:21 pm
Paddy… you’re speaking from your heart, without facts. You say Vick got the minimum, but the prosecution was only asking for 12 months, while the judge gave him 23. Don’t you think the prosecution would have an idea what the minimum was, and asked for that? You’re getting your information from vague references on the Sopranos. When they say Federal crimes carry a minimum, they refer to the fact that state crimes easily allow a man to get out in a fraction of the time sentenced, whereas federal crimes force you to serve a much greater portion of that time. It’s not time added to a sentence, it’s time they don’t give you any breaks on.
Paddy
May 23rd, 2009
2:22 pm
fresed….Mr Blank is not standing in MV way for future employment. He has already stated he will release MV when the optimum date arives to maximize the Falcons salary cap position. They tried to tade him during the draft but no takers, not even a 7th rounder could they get. The obstacle is not Mr Blank. The next hurdle is the NFL Commish who still might suspend him for the ‘09 season for lack of remorse and lying to the commish’s face. Could you repeatedly lie to your employers and not expect some recourse? Men of stature like Goddell and Blank are not to be triffeled with. They will work at their speed and to their best interest and the heck with anyone else. Just like in the “big boy” world we all live in. This should not come as a surprise to anyone who has had the good fortune to work for people of this caliber.
Sam
May 23rd, 2009
2:26 pm
Vick must go. I do not believe that he should be allowed by in the NFL. I am sick of seeing his face all over this newspaper and the local news cast. Who cares if a criminal gets out of jail or leaves his house for the first time. I will not watch any game that Vick plays in.
Algonquin J. Calhoun
May 23rd, 2009
2:27 pm
Keeping vick is not an option the Falcons should, or will, consider. His presence would cause a division of the team. Get rid of him!
Maretta
May 23rd, 2009
2:29 pm
HE’S STILL NICE LOOKING. WHAT A BOD! WHY IS HE WORRIED ABOUT FOOTBALL. WHY DOESN’T HE MAKE CALENDARS OR MODEL — OVERSEAS, IF NECESSARY. I’D BUY IT, AND, I’M SURE HE’D MAKE MORE MONEY THAN IN FOOTBALL.
Kris G
May 23rd, 2009
2:32 pm
J – look, I don’t want Vick back, I’m happy with Matt Ryan. But you’re speaking bs about Vick… We went further with Ryan than we ever did with Vick? In what way? How do you support that statement? Vick placed us one game away from the Super Bowl. Ryan got his clock cleaned in the wild card game.
brAves Sucios
May 23rd, 2009
2:49 pm
2-3 teams will be interested and someone will offer some sort of conditional, performance-based draft pick for him. Worst case, we get another go in a late round next year. Go Birds!
LaSandra
May 23rd, 2009
3:02 pm
For the so righteous people, Vick has paid his debt. He should be allowed to play in the NFL. I would love to see him play for the Vikings!! Go Mike Vick!!
Paddy
May 23rd, 2009
3:25 pm
brAves…I don’t believe the Falcons will get a draft pick. Why trade for him and take on that hugh salary. Doubt he is to likely to come off those dollar figures very much with a new team. His release date from the Falcons is fast approaching. If teams are willing, just sit back and make a minimum qualifying offer based on his length of service. I don’t know what the CBA numbers are but it is not a salary cap buster that MV has now. Remember we could not even get a 7th round pick for him last month while trying so hard to move him before and during the draft. We have moved on to a much better place.
Paddy
May 23rd, 2009
3:32 pm
Maretta… don’t think MV will be a model. You must have mass appeal to “hawk” someones products. I can’t think of one company that would want to be associated with MV. The dangers of customer backlash is not worth any business persons good name and fortune. Way, way to risky. Sorry, on to the next career.
mars
May 23rd, 2009
3:47 pm
OK, you moderate away. I just lost interest. Tata!
Zup
May 23rd, 2009
4:22 pm
Could we make this the last MV blog ever? It’s boring, tedious, and mind-numbing. DOL, I know we have to “talk about this issue”, but ultimately, would it be so bad if we didn’t? AJC, move on please.
Ruetteger Buce
May 23rd, 2009
4:23 pm
Are you kidding me? Why would you want this soul-less thug back on your team or city for that matter. He obviously wasn’t raised properly and lacks basic socialization skills. He didn’t make a mistake. He made a six year lifestyle decision mistake. Anyone, and I mean anyone, who enjoys watching dogs rip each other apart and then kills dogs by hand because they aren’t ferocious enough is basically a psychopath. Serial killers usually enjoy hurting animals. Vick cannot empathize and this because of how he was raised. Look at his brother. Man, what a family his mother put together. Thugs who have no respect for life or rules. Vick lied to everyone and now we’re supposed to believe him. Believe me, Vick has no idea what he has done wrong. Illiterate thugs like him never do. He’s sorry he got caught. Ron Mexico needs to go back to the streets where he is most comfortable. He is not fit for normal society.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 23rd, 2009
4:28 pm
ZUP: Probably one more, when he gets cut, trade or reinstated. Then that’s it.
freshd
May 23rd, 2009
5:20 pm
Even though VICK should not play in ATLANTA, all those claims that he has missed too much time to play QB again are hogwash. TOMMY MADDOX was out of football for 6 years selling insurance before signing with the STEELERS and leading them to the AFC Championship game in 2002. VICK”S only been out 2 years. FIND ANOTHER EXCUSE. There are backups who have never played in a NFL game, REMEMBER DAVID GREENE
SlimG
May 23rd, 2009
5:23 pm
Get rid of Vick? I agree, but not the way the Falcons are handling it. Who will pay a high price for a guy they know you don’t want? Fools. We should have stayed quiet and let the Cowboys and Raiders auction for his services. Now only a fool will pay what he is really worth.
DHD
May 23rd, 2009
5:48 pm
Is Michael watching ESPN today?
Zup
May 23rd, 2009
6:01 pm
He’s still technically on the roster, so I understand the coverage Vick still demands in this market. The sooner the next season arrives, the better. I wasn’t taking a shot you, DOL. I like your work.
Joey Porter
May 23rd, 2009
6:22 pm
dan fouts, and dan marino have as many superbowl victories as michael vick. nara.
tony romo has been to the playoffs twice and has no victories. One and done. Vick has won at least one game everytime he has been in the playoffs.
Steve bartkowski’s qb rating 75.4
Michael Vick 75.7
Eli Manning 76.1
Hugh Millen 73.5
Chris Miller 74.9
Bobby Hebert 78.0
Chris Chandler 79.1
Billy Joe Tolliver 67.7
Drew Bledsoe 77.1
Jeff Blake 78.00
Ron jaworski 72.80
Jim Kelly 84.4
dave Kreig 81.5
Johnny Unitas 78.2
Steve Young 96.80 (As a buccaneer his first two seasons he barely cracked 65.00)
Terry bradshaw 70.9
John Elway 79.9
Boomer Esaison 81.1
jeff george 80.4
Dan fouts 80.2
Bernie kosar 81.8
Tommy Kramer 72.8
Dave Krieg 81.50
Neil Lomax 82.70
Don majkowski 72.90
Dan marino 86.4
Jim Mcmahon 78.2
Steve Mcnair 82.8
mark Rypien 78.9
Jay Schroeder 71.7
Phil Simms 78.5
Ken Stabler 75.3
bart Starr 80.5
Roger Staubach 83.4
Fran Tarkenton 80.4
Vinny Testaverde 75.0
Joe Theismann 77.4
Jim harbaugh 77.6
Bob Griese 77.1
Jeff Hostetler 80.5
Stan humphries 75.8
Archie Manning 67.1
Warren Moon 80.9
Joe Montana 92.3
Neil O’donnel 81.8
The two highes ratings belong to QB’s who played for the 49ers and bill walsh.
who cares!
May 23rd, 2009
6:34 pm
Let him tough it out like every other person who has a felony on thier record. Why should he get the chance to make all kinds of money. If someone who was not a football player or a sports figure did this kind of thing, they would get out of jail and then dig ditches of flip burgers for the rest of thier lives.
Joey Porter
May 23rd, 2009
6:43 pm
Troy Aikman 81.6
Ken anderson 81.9
sammy baugh 72.2 ( what was he slingin?)
bubby brister 72.3
Tim couch 75.1
Randall cunningham 81.50
Steve deberg 74.2 ( tampa will do this to you)
Ty detmer 74.7
trent dilfer 70.2 (more rings than dan marino same as steve young)
Joey Porter
May 23rd, 2009
6:46 pm
who cares it is called capitalism. don’t they teach this in american schools anymore?
when you can generate money you have power. mike vick is a cash cow/atm not an average joe. do you have any idea how many lawyers are on his payroll and out doing pr work for him.
FanFalcon
May 23rd, 2009
7:51 pm
Let him play in the NFL but, not a Falcon. The last thing this club needs is another Vick drama. Didn’t we have Vick Drama and Petrino Drama? Haven’t we had enough. I have nothing against Vick, made a huge mistake, paid the price. No reason to ruin his life or anyone’s life for that matter.
gatorman770
May 23rd, 2009
8:12 pm
Michael Vick should be allowed to play again if a team will take the chance with him. He’s paid dearly for his crime and hopefully he has finally gained some maturity. Whether he now takes the high road or the low road is up to him. If he goes back to his gangbanging friends, he’ll be back in prison eventually.
He should not have a second chance with the Falcons, period. He had his chance to fess-up to Arthur Blank and he chose to lie.
PETA and The Human Society of the United States should have NO SAY SO one way or the other about Vick. Both organizations are a sham. PETA murders more animals every year after “saving them” than all the dog fighters in the world (just Google them)and the Human Society of the United States scams the weakminded into giving them hundreds of millions of dollars so the employees can have hugh salaries and benefits. Little if any goes to animal shelters or none goes to the purchase or improvement of critical habitat like organizations like Ducks Unlimited or Quail Unlimited to name a few.(just Google them, except they’ve got so much money and power they have intimidated some sites into removing stories concerning their scam). Both organizations have made Wayne Pacelle and other leaders and spokespersons very wealthy. If they picket any team that does take a chance with Vick, the teams fans ought to picket and protest against PETA and HSUS!
John Smith
May 23rd, 2009
8:50 pm
All you Falcons fan,The Falcons will not ever go to the Super Bowl,They don’t have Michael Vick,
mars
May 23rd, 2009
10:07 pm
Greetings. After looking over the sordid comments that did make it through “moderation”, Mr. Ledbetter, I am appalled. I am especially appalled that you chose to toss a few of mine to the side. Nowhere near as appalling as what you have allowed to be printed. At no point did I involve in “cussing”, and, unlike moderated comments that made it through nowhere did I ever call anyone a p===y. Oh well. Maybe I misjudged you and therefore you’re just another hack after all. I’ll adjust my reading material accordingly. Farewell.
MV7 FAN 4 LIFE
May 23rd, 2009
10:10 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cdtxqqNuSY
M-V IS MY DOG !
May 23rd, 2009
10:27 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bgwPa_K2Yo
Dan
May 24th, 2009
12:04 am
The question of WHERE Mike Vick will play is not as important as WHEN Mike Vick will play. Everyone is talking like it is a done deal that he will be on a roster this fall. Let’s not forget, he still has not been reinstated by the league. He lied to the Commish’s face when asked questions about this. I don’t think the Commish can overlook that and save face if he is truly trying to clean up the league. Vick hasn’t taken a snap in almost 3 years. After the League Office is through with him, it might be four or more years. He is 28 now that would make him 30+ years old. That might be too old for a player to reinvent himself. The game changes fast. Maybe too fast for speedy #7.
freshd
May 24th, 2009
12:14 am
Hey Mr. The O-Land-Dough Led-Butter, whats up with this moderation crap. You should moderate some of these nutcases instead of mine. I guess the TRUTH HURTS, unlike some of these idiots with their racial agendas.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 24th, 2009
1:12 am
Birdy @ 8:54 am on May 23rd… that was an outstanding post. The rest of you should go read that like it’s the Bible.
Jim
May 24th, 2009
6:25 am
Is there nothing else to write about. Nobody cares about this punk.
Satan: Proud of My Son
May 24th, 2009
6:55 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d7ISRR5hSo
falconman
May 24th, 2009
7:39 am
Would you have a person working for you who lied to your face on national TV? Not me. Vick had no respect for those dogs he tortured, nor the person signing his paychecks.
MV played 6 years yet never showed the maturity to be given the responsibilty to audibly change the plays at the line of scrimmage. Matt Ryan had that right from his first game.
Philip
May 24th, 2009
8:24 am
I’m a season ticket holder and I never wanted Vick back. I believe he deserves to play in the NFL again, but it’s not going to be with the Falcons, as Arthur Blank clearly stated.
Randy_O
May 24th, 2009
8:30 am
I think the Falcons got too unprofessional in the past allowing personalities to become the focus of the team instead of the team. Mike Vick and others promoted this and look what happened, a lot of broken promises and disappointment. These types of players, although very talented and exciting, are bad for their team, look at TO in Buffalo NY. The Falcons don’t need any new controversies or division of the fans because of personnel issues. The old Falcons did this and failed, long live the new Falcons. Winning games will fill the Georgia Dome not one single player.
Mike Vick has made quite a few bad decisions and has paid dearly for them and I hope he does return and is successful but the baggage he brings with him is too much for the Falcons and us, the ticket buying fans, to bear. The Falcons have invested heavily in Mike and lost, the fans invested their hopes and lost, and Aurthor Blank is correct in say he will not play for Atlanta again. We have depth a QB and I for one would love to see DJ get in some games and see if he is ready for a starting job somewhere.
If Mike can return
Jack
May 24th, 2009
9:05 am
Hey “FALCONS SORRY” I think Vick and ALL Americans would like to know how to win the “SUPPER BOWL” ??? What about the breakfast bowl? or the lunch bowl? How do we win those? Yeah, that “no count” Blank had alot of nerve….didn’t he? To think Vick is supposed to be in prison and not get his FULL pay and KEEP his job.What was Blank thinking???
HELLO????? Earth to “FALCONS SORRY” ???!!!!???!!!
Ricky
May 24th, 2009
9:24 am
What a worthless POS article
Jborodawg
May 24th, 2009
9:48 am
“…Are the Falcons making the right football decision?…”
Yes, if they are releasing him. I hope he gets reinstated and I hope another team takes him. Ditto D3’s comments and all who agree that Vick is history in ATL and we should move on. As intriguing as it may seem to have him play here again, it’s just too much of a distraction; this blog is a perfect example.
Yes, he’s been away too long to be a starter right off the bat. If he can get into someone’s camp early and learn their system and get his legs back, he might be a good situational QB even this season; definitely by next season. Arthur Blank has moved on. The present Falcons players have moved on. It’s time for the AJC writers and ATL fans to move on.
Bigbird7979
May 24th, 2009
9:57 am
Mike Vick crapped on my team. He and Bobby Petrino can go to HELL.
AAH
May 24th, 2009
10:34 am
The NFL is about winning, there is no better talent! Convert him to a Reggie Bush type back/reciever and watch him go. As for the unforgiving, I pray that your life sins are never aired out in the media so that we can judge you as harshly as you have judged this man. Let he without sin cast the first stone…
Dr. Dave
May 24th, 2009
10:34 am
Vick not only broke the law but he looked Arthur Blank in the face and flat out lied to him after being trusted with a $100 million contract. Take him back? That’s like inviting your hot looking wife over for dinner right after she cheated on you.
drmondo
May 24th, 2009
10:59 am
One point has been forgotten by a lot of posters here. The prison sentence was punishment for a crime. The commish said Vick’s punishment for breaking the NFL’s rules wouldn’t happen until after he served his federal punishment. I think Vick probably serves a year’s probation from the NFL. Guys like Pacman have hurt Vick’s chances for immediate reinstatement. Pacman’s been suspended so often, after being reinstated, I think Goodell will keep Vick’s suspension until he’s sure Vick won’t be another PR timebomb waiting to explode. Now if MV spends his time rehabilitating his image before the season starts, maybe Goodell shows leniency. Judging by his actions though, I’m not that sure MV can show enough remorse in so short a time.
showme714
May 24th, 2009
2:54 pm
Let the man play! Common sense should tell you that this was way bigger than fighting dogs. No one before nor has anyone since been drug through the system for fighting dogs. Vick not making the flights to D.C. for that engagement with the Washington power base pissed off the wrong people and they made an example of him. http://www.petakillsanimals.com
Paddy
May 24th, 2009
3:39 pm
showme714…dog fighting was not the issue for jail time. Maintaining and financing a criminal enterprise is what got MV 23 mons in Federal prison.
showme714
May 24th, 2009
3:55 pm
Thanks for the clarification Paddy. I still say let the man play. We have people in government guilty of maintaining and financing a criminal enterprises. They may or may not go to jail. They get recycled for jobs from administration to administration and even become president. The public’s memory is real short on those things and media coverage is slim to none. MV has not caused jobs to be outsourced overseas, has not contributed to high foreclosures and unemployment. Nor has he stolen 1 trillion + dollars from the American people in the name of jumpstarting the economy. Let him play!
ROLLTIDE23
May 24th, 2009
5:24 pm
Enter your comments here
FLACONCREST
May 24th, 2009
5:25 pm
HEY MR BLANK, I DON’T LIKE THE WAY MIKE WAS TREATED BY YOU OR THE FAKE SPCA PEOPLE. I WILL NEVER SHOP IN HOME DEPOT OR ATTEND ANOTHER FALCON GAME. I RATHER ROOT FOR THE PANTHERS. BYE
joe
May 24th, 2009
7:38 pm
No Vick = Less thugs at the game = Safer for the fans.
Cedric
May 24th, 2009
7:50 pm
Vick has a better qb rating than John Elway, Joe Namath and Terry Bradshaw all qbs the media declears as wonderful. Vick will put in the time it will take to not only come back successful, but come back with a desire to be the best because he has lost it all. Mars, stallworth was driving a car drunk, hit somebody and that person died. nothing else matters to me regarding that situation. he might get off on some loop hole, but still a person died and nobody cares. Now go and kill one dog and the world is against you, but kill a person and nobody cares. sad time.
Cedric
May 24th, 2009
7:52 pm
my error Vick does not have a better rating than john elway but better than ron jaworski and many other qbs.
UGA 75
May 24th, 2009
8:06 pm
I have said earlier that Mike has paid more of a penalty than most killers, and that is just jail time, his money loss is beyond normal folks imagination. Give the man a chance, he should have the opportunity to prove or disprove that he learned a lesson. I’d bet he will be a model citizen for the rest of his career. I’d love for him to have a chance with the falcons
SNY
May 24th, 2009
8:38 pm
AJC hurting for advertising dollars…what do we need? Another Mike Vick thread! It brings out all the looney’s! DOL, I saw where you said there would be at least one more MV blog…WHY??? You and your cohorts have driven this subject into the ground and the only people that truly care to continue on with this are the same people that showed up at the Town Hall meeting.
Navigator
May 24th, 2009
8:45 pm
I didn’t know that Jamie Dukes was MVick’s agent, man it certainly sounds like it. I agree most of his points about Vick’s strengths: Wildcat QB to unsettle the defense, helps sells tickets for those that come for highlights. I hope he first he has settled his own life, secondly, I hope he takes his dog and pony show somewhere else. Last year we saw the beginnings of team that has a long future, let’s not upset that chemistry.
Gary
May 24th, 2009
8:49 pm
I think the man has done his time. Some people who have actually killed a human have gotten much less than he has. I am a supporter of PETA but I think they are pushing this too far and I agree that what he did was horrible but even the people of PETA have had to ask for forgiveness at some point and will in the future. I don’t condone Michael Vick’s actions. But it is time to move on. Innocent people die every day. Lets do what we can to prevent that. The falcons are making a horrible football decision in getting rid of Vick but I understand that if Mr. Blank let him come back he, as well as the fans, would never hear the end of it. And I’m sure that the investors have something to do with it as well. Dog fighting needs to end. But so do those who play God and try to force upon someone a brain scan to see if they are capable of remorse. Let him prove himself. Time reveals everything.
michaelgee
May 24th, 2009
10:19 pm
the ajc has the dumbest writers on earth.
DLed how can you make anotehr Vick story after Jeff’s failure this week? Are you that sure your articles will be skipped over? Maybe another Detroit Lion story?? Anything but the Falcons??
Dled, people come here to see if there is any Falcon news and you guys completely fail to understand that Vick has humiliated the entire city of Atlanta, yet the ajc can’t quit slobbering over the guy. You and Jeff have huge man crushes on a convicted felon of all people. Maybe one day your kids will grow up to be just Vick? Would you like that?
You ajc guys need to man up and get some positive role models to focus on vs that criminal animal abuser Vick.
Did Vick serve his time? Yes Are the dogs he violated ever coming back to life? No
He beat the system and is not a bit different today, he will dodge the ball again and end up back in trouble again. Vick is not smart enough to make it legitimately, much like the ajc sports writers..
The slobbering over Vick is sickening, you guys need to find something else to write about or just get a different job.
The only people who look up to Vick today are pathertic sad losers like himself.
A-Ville Ranger
May 24th, 2009
11:06 pm
I couldn’t care less about ”the football decision”, I would NEVER turn over a penny to a team with Vick on it’s payroll.
Sick of Vick
May 24th, 2009
11:35 pm
Mike Vick could probably audition for the mascot position if Freddie Falcon retires. He gotta do what he gotta do though. He let down the franchise and the fans. I DON”T want him back…. EVER!
Ken Strickland
May 25th, 2009
12:30 am
It appears my comments about the AJC and their self serving interest in focusing on MVick didn’t meet with your approval, so my comments were removed. ORLANDO LEDBETTER, go back and look at the attitudes, responses and overall positive tenor of the comments on your previous blogs. Then compare them to the negative, derogatory, and in some cases, discriminatory comments on this blog that you’re having to sensor. There are negative comments from people none of us regulars have heard from before you and the AJC decided to focused on MVick and put the Falcons on the back burner. IS THIS WHAT YOU AND THE AJC WERE SHOOTING FOR WHEN YOU BROACHED WHAT YOU HAD TO KNOW WOULD BE A SENSITIVE ISSUE?
Why would you go to so much trouble to clean up these blogs and and change the atmosphere of the respondants and their comments, then rekindle the same fire all over again? HOW STUPID AND MINDLESS IS THAT? I GUESS YOU’LL DO ANYTHING TO GENERATE MORE INTEREST IN YOUR RAG OF A PAPER.
) no other Falcon is better
May 25th, 2009
1:49 am
Cap wise vick must stay this year. Blank have you lost your mind. keeping vick Falcon is a win is a win win for you the falcons. you get nothing for one of the best player in foot ball if you cut him that makes no kind of since. why help another team help your.you will hate the day you let him go for nothing. you never gave away nothing a home depot. Keep Vick this year and get something for him a 3 time pro bowler a give away? pure nuts!!
Ken Strickland
May 25th, 2009
8:45 am
(Note from DOL: Ken you’re not the only one being moderated. TRUST ME. We can deal with this topic and move. You can protest, too. — dol)
It appears the DLedbetter and the AJC are practicing outright censorship. I haven’t said anything vulgar or negative about any blogger, nor have I called anyone names or made any comments about MVick, and I’m certainly not the only one to mention his name. Yet, I seem to be the only one getting moderated.
My comments have been directed at the AJC for turning this blog back in the direction of the emotional, often venumous and racially charged forum it’s been in the past. And for that, I get censored.
ORLANDO LEDBETTER-How many times have you had bloggers request writeups about certain active Falcon players? How many times have you gotten requests to give information about MVick, especially requests to report every instance he leaves his house, gets out of his car or goes to the bathroom?
I GUESS YOU’LL HAVE TO EITHER BAN ME, OR CONTINUE SENSORING ME, BECAUSE I’M GOING TO CONTINUE MAKING YOU AN ISSUE UNTIL YOU START ANOTHER BLOG THAT’S ABOUT THE FALCON PLAYERS, UPCOMING TRAINING CAMP, PRE AND REGULAR SEASON.
Falcon57
May 25th, 2009
9:01 am
I’m so sick of opening this web page to read about the Falcons and all you see is Vick this and Vick that. It’s already been said, written and re-written that Vick is NOT going to be playing for the Falcons so WHY does the AJC sports section dedicated to the Falcons coverage have basically no FALCONS coverage, just all this ‘human’ story line about Vick????????????
OK, Vick did his time and may deserve another chance. Enough is enough already!!!!!!!!!!!!!
majic food fairy
May 25th, 2009
9:32 am
Michael could never get around the first round of the playoffs. He was NEVER a team player. How many of us would have jobs if we had lied to our boss and done the things he had done at work? Would we get a second chance at our job? NO!!! Maybe he should apply for unemployment, would he get it? I DON’T THINK SO! I don’t care where he goes as long as it’s not in Atlanta. Let another cities fans make excuses for his shortcomings.
reed thomas
May 25th, 2009
9:45 am
I agree with MFF. I grew up in Dallas, A HUGE COWBOYS FAN. While I loved the Super Bowl Rings of the 90’s, I did not enjoy the me attitude of Michael Irvin and some of the other players. They brought shame to a class organization. Now I live in Atlanta and while the BOYS are still my favorite team I like the birds and wish them well. All the pieces are in place for the Falcons to become a top notch football team. Matt Ryan reminds me of Troy Aikman. The last thing they need is more of their bad history tainting their positive future. Ryan is a team leader and puts his team first. There is NO WAY the Cowboys would consider MV7, he brings NOTHING to the table to help them win a SuperBowl. The Falcons did what no one thought could be done this past season without Vick.
Preston
May 25th, 2009
10:22 am
I’m all for giving people second chances but I really think he’s going to screw up again eventually. People say that he was just trying to help his old friends make some money for themselves but he didn’t have enough sense and character to set them up in a legitimate business. People that do things that stupid usually don’t do it just once. I’m not saying that he’ll fight dogs again but he’ll manage to screw up somehow. However, I do believe he deserves the chance to prove me wrong. The Falcons shouldn’t keep him but someone else should sign him.
bandit dawgg
May 25th, 2009
10:39 am
its time to move on mike vick is nothing but a gangsta thug. he lied about his involvement with dog fighting when it turned out he bank rolled the whole operation. also dont forget the episode in the airport with the water bottle that had pot residue in it.he can thank mr. blank for getting that case thown out. as an nfl quaterback his passing rating was mere 56% could not throw the a short pass to save his life.i would be shocked to see any team picking vick up as quterback. maybe mike can get job as an dog food rep.
bakerman
May 25th, 2009
11:19 am
I stepped in a pile of Vick and ruined my shoes.
Jerome
May 25th, 2009
11:43 am
I hope God is more forgiving on judgement day than you “PERFECT” people in this forum. OH how I wish I had not done anything wrong to anyone and had to ask for forgiveness. A sin is a sin in Gods eyes and I have forgiven him.
I am a Vick fan and I hope this has been a wake up call for the young man, but the Falcons and I have moved on and I agree that this chapter in the history of the Atlanta Falcons should close. However, I will be pissed off if Vick goes to another team and leads them to a championship just like so many other players in Atlanta sports history or he plays the Falcons and he has a career day.
Mac
May 25th, 2009
12:10 pm
Vick had 36 fumbles and 38 interceptions in his last 46 games. He was mediocre. Let him try to have a career somewhere else.
bakerman
May 25th, 2009
12:34 pm
Falconcrest, good riddance.
BartBuzz
May 25th, 2009
12:34 pm
Forget whether it’s a good “football” decision. Anyone who abuses animals doesn’t belong in sports period.
Joebrave
May 25th, 2009
1:05 pm
Just shut up about this LOOOOOOOOZER!!! He has the football IQ of a pissant!!!
olskool
May 25th, 2009
1:22 pm
why is this even a topic of conversation.
Linda
May 25th, 2009
2:07 pm
Michael Vick should never be allowed to play football or any other professional sport. When I grew up, those who played professional sports were looked up to as roll models. What parent would want Vick seen as a roll model for their child. He abused animals not only by making them fight, but by neglect of their health, and by the cruel, sadistic ways he and his “associates” killed the dogs who could not win. I own a pit bull and he is one of the finest dogs my family has ever owned. He is gentle and loving to our family and our friends. Research has shown that in the majority of cases, individuals who abuse animals will also abuse the humans in their lives, such as their spouse and children…..I know this from experience of living with an abusive father…..he abused animals and he abused me, my sisters and my mother. Anyone who will abuse an animal for their enjoyment has an evilness in their soul that will never go away.
shaad
May 25th, 2009
2:49 pm
People are so stupid when they say that Vick might not be a starting qb again because he was average at best. What the heck do you think Rex Grossman was a great qb or something because his team went to the superbowl, I just would really like to know if people really think if Vick played for the bears that year would he not have performed better than Rex Grossman who was the starter for the entire year. I think people are linking the falcons success the years Vick was there which was average with Vick’s ability which was superb, not thinking the real case was vick carried a horrible team his whole career. Lastly, I wish people who don’t even watch football would stop posting about their dislike for Vick and how they hope he never gets to play again, because if PETA would not brought all this negative media attention Vick would not had to suffer this bad. People say he should be punished more as if prison was not a real punishment(I really believe they want his blood or for him to be dead), I don’t think he should have been punished at all. This country has allowed slavery, killed civil right protesters, killed animals for sport, and have had mass murders receive less attention than Vick has for a bunch of dogs not “humans” DOGS!!!!
MV = VD
May 25th, 2009
3:16 pm
Satan,
I laughed so hard I cried when I saw what #7 did in that Disney movie you posted.
Menzoni
May 25th, 2009
3:21 pm
Good riddance to this thug. Selah.
Algonquin J. Calhoun
May 25th, 2009
3:26 pm
It is not a lock that Vick will not face additional suspension. I believe he will be suspended for next season.
As for the Falcons, they have every reason to keep him out of uniform and out of the locker room. They had a great season in 2008, went to the playoffs and they’ve added great talent since the season ended. To bring this lame albatross back for another sling around the neck of the franchise would be suicidal. Dimitroff and Blank aren’t going to do that. If Blank expressed a desire to do that, Dimitroff would leave. He and coach Smith are building something special and Mr. Blank wants to keep it going in a positive direction. There’s nothing positive about Vick! He’s a known liar, a gambler, a dog fighter, a dog killer, the money behind a criminal enterprise of six years duration, a drug addict and a lousy football player. People talk about his winning record with the Falcons but I remember a typical game, this one against the Jets. Vick threw three interceptions, passed for 105 yards and the Falcons won because the Jets were even sorrier than they were. Vick won’t make it back into the NFL. He never should have been in in the first place!
Barry Jay
May 25th, 2009
4:22 pm
I think the Falcons made a bad business decision in how they handled this. There was no need to come out and say, “He will never play for the Falcons again.” They could have deferred the final decision until he was reinstated by saying, “no comment”. The PR for the team would not have been any worse. People would still whine and complain and discuss the matter, as evidenced by these blogs. Even though Blank has made his decision known, people are still talking about it. They should have let other teams think we were going to bring him to camp even if we never intended to. We might have gotten something for him that way.
Polterbubba
May 25th, 2009
4:40 pm
Vick’s lucky he worked for, and lied to, Arthur Blank, and not John Gotti.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
May 25th, 2009
5:55 pm
ON “BETUS.COM” – THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS RUNNING:
“FAVRE, VICK & BRADY COULD EFFECT SUPERBOWL BETTING”
THE ARTICLE STATES THAT NEW ENGLAND IS THE PRE-SEASON SUPERBOWL FAVORITE, WITH MINNESOTA IF THEY ADD FAVRE WILL BE THE TEAM FAVORED TO MEET NEW ENGLAND IN THE SUPERBOWL.
THE ARTICLE WENT ON TO MENTION THAT MIKE VICK WILL BE THE DETERMINING FACTOR. IF MV7 GOES TO NEW ENGLAND AND RUN THE WILDCAT, NEW ENGLAND WOULD BE UNSTOPPABLE AND IF MV7 GOES TO NEW ORLEANS, THE SAINTS WOULD BE THE FAVORITE TO WIN THE SUPERBOWL.
THE FUNNY THING WAS: EVENTHOUGH THE FALCONS HAVE THE GREATEST TIGHTEND IN NFL HISTORY, MATTY ICE AND THE BIRDS WERE NOT MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE AS BEING NEAR THE TOP OF THE FAVORITE LIST.
HOW CAN THAT BE? MATTY ICE IS “THE MAN” RIGHT?
THE SECOND COMING OF “GOD” RIGHT?
AN INTELLIGENT THINKER RIGHT?
CAN READ DEFENSES RIGHT?
I GUESS “BETUS.COM” DIDN’T GET THAT MEMO
GO FALCONS!
dawgs/falcons4life
May 25th, 2009
6:27 pm
I agree with AtlSouthside keep him and use in sparlying and let him boost his stock a and then see what they can get for him. Who knows a change of paste will slow a lot of defense down. From a throwing QB to a running QB just might work out and get the falcons to the promise land. Try it for a year and see what happends.
Paddy
May 25th, 2009
6:36 pm
shome714…almost everyone deserves a 2nd chance. (exceptions, Charlie Manson, John Wayne Gacey and Paris Hilton to name a few). MV will get his opportunity after the Commish decides the NFL stance on this matter. I believe the real question is what team owner will decide if his playing ability will outweigh the public (his fans in that city) backlash that is sure to come. It will take a stronger than ever owner to pull that trigger. I for one hope someday he gets his chance. You must agree it will interesting to follow this story and where it will leed us as fans of football. Pray to God he keeps his nose clean.
Marcus 15 year Falcons Season Ticket Holder
May 25th, 2009
6:52 pm
Dogfighting is sick. That being said, I would love for Vick to stay with the Falcons. He has the athletic ability to play several different positions for the Falcons. But if he must leave so be it.
Vick’s next team will instantly become my 2nd Favorite team. Hopefully Vick will join a team on the West Coast, so I can get home from the GA Dome in time to see him play.
fkj
May 25th, 2009
8:15 pm
I think it will be very interesting to watch happens with Vick. I have been a Falcons Fan for over 34 years (attending games when they were still in Fulton County Stadium). I’ll pull for any quarterback who helps us win. Let’s move forward and let Vick do the same. His stats speak for themselves as does his wn/loss.
Good luck Mike, just so long as its somewhere else.
Stephen
May 25th, 2009
9:52 pm
When and if Michael Vick’s contract get picked up by another team (if he’s reinstated by the NFL) will the articles and blogs about him on the Atlanta Falcons sports page end?????? Enough already!!!!!
Falcons Fan
May 25th, 2009
10:32 pm
Let’s examine the facts about Vick. Probably from middle school on, he has been told by coaches that he is the best thing that ever graced the field with is presence. I guarantee he’s probably gotten away with living a nefarious lifestyle all the way from middle school through college. Unfortunately, no one with any real moral fiber has ever succeeded in trying to raise this kid right. He’s surrounded himself with low-lifes (including family members) and no adult in his life has ever had the balls to convince him that he was headed down the path of destruction. Also, I would be willing to bet that no coach has ever had the courage to bench him whenever he went off script and did his own thing. It’s a shame that even Arthur Blank contributed to his downfall by excusing his behaviors and not holding him accountable early in his career.
He had it all: money, fame, endorsements, and threw it all away because he couldn’t separate himself from stupidity. Do I feel sorry for him? HECK NO… It’s obvious to me and millions of other hard working, decent Americans that Vick epitomizes what is wrong with too many young men in America today. Family is not valued. Morality is not valued. Decency is not valued. Respect for the law is not valued. It’s okay to father children out of wedlock. It’s okay to fight dogs and murder them when they don’t perform….It’s okay to smoke pot and lie about it…It’s okay to knowingly give people herpes and lie about it…It’s okay to hang with liars, thieves, and thugs.
I doubt he has changed. I don’t and won’t believe anything that comes out of his mouth. Any team that is stupid enough to sign him are idiots, but luckily, it won’t be the Falcons. Arthur Blank has already been burned too many times, and the Falcons have done an excellent job of fielding a team that EXPECTS and REQUIRES good moral values from their players. If VIck wanted to show that he was remorseful, he would voluntarily renegotiate his contract or retire to make himself attractive to another team that needs a QB. But instead, Vick is going to go the other path, damage his former team’s salary cap situation, and expect to get paid for nothing, because that is the type of self-centered child he is.
Leonard Maltin
May 25th, 2009
11:04 pm
I hear Mike is going to be a made-for-BET movie star since football is over for him now.
His first lead role -
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN 2 : Keeping It Real!
oneydjax
May 26th, 2009
12:07 am
Somethings you can see coming. In the very near future in a playoff race, ABC , CBS or Fox will ballyhoo the match between the Mike Vick Led (team to be named later) and the Atlanta Falcons. Notice I didn’t say the Matt Ryan led Falcons, we didn’t expect to lose Mike this soon either.
I don’t even have to say what happens next. Sometime during the fourth quarter a seemingly trapped Vick will escape containment to launch a game winner or run for a score. The postgame show will center not only on his triumphant return but also the many championship players the Falcons have virtually given away. ( Deion Sanders, Brett Favre, R. C. Thielman, etc. ad nauseum) I am of the opinion that Mike had aches and pains from one season to the next that nagged and never healed. They have had time to heal now. This Mike may be BETTER! cest la vie…Turn your back on him now Atlanta …Make it easier for him to kick us there.
Ken Kendrick
May 26th, 2009
12:59 am
You can multiply thes numbers by thousands as these are just incidents that made it to the news. My neighbors 6 year old daughter was attacked by a PITBULL and nothing was written about her!
PITBULL KILLS BABY -28,500 Articles!!!!!
PITBULL KILLS CHILD-181,000 Articles!!!!!
PITBULL KILLS OWNER – 799,000 Articles!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PITBULL KILLS 7 Month OLD – 140,000 Articles!!!!!!!!!!
PITBULL KILLS INFANT – 46,900 Articles!!!!!!!
PITBULL ATTACKS BABY – 108,000 Articles!!!!!!
PITBULL ATTACKS CHILD – 147,000 Articles!!!
Lets quit pretending this was such an atrocity. Who is organizing for the ungodly number of infants and children tortured, killed and maimed by PITBULLS?!
Vick served his time, let him go back to the job he’s been training to do his entire life. We’re not asking for a new Pope. This is AMERICA! The land of second chances and forgiveness. Go to the middle east if you want to cut off hands and take out eyes you heartless human hating PETA fanatics. We are sick of you lording over us as if we don’t have a voice of our own.
DeathFromAbove
May 26th, 2009
1:48 am
I don’t even wish Vick well after what he did to my Falcons but he’d most likely be better off playing in a city w/o as many easy temptations as Atlanta offers.
DeathFromAbove
May 26th, 2009
1:49 am
Enter your comments here
Hamad Meander
May 26th, 2009
10:22 am
Let’s be honest here. As a QB, now and before, Michael Vick is and was a project. He was not a polished product. 71 touchdowns with 52 interceptions and 55 fumbles doesn’t make an above average QB in the National Football League.
I would be more than glad to see Michael try to revive his career with another team. All I’m saying is that to assume he will be effective, exciting, and a winning QB is a wild stretch.
Larry Westbrooks
May 26th, 2009
11:10 am
Blank lied to us. Remember ‘a falcon for life’, which was the biggest lie? Sure Blank feeling was hurt,but he should grow up and get over it. what about the promise to bring a winner to Atlanta? What do you think the other teams are going to do with Vick? Why throw a good weapon away? Most of the fans want to have Vick back. Which is more important to Mr. Blank, his feeling being hurt by a lie or himself giving the fans what they want? Have Mr. Blank ever needed a second chance?
Vick, in my opinion, was conspired against by the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons in a measure to safe money when this whole thing began (they waited to training camp to supense Vick).
Good luck, Mike.
lgwest
Nat Turner
May 26th, 2009
11:12 am
I agree that MV was not the best passer in the NFL, but I disagree that he was as bad as most of you think. I have been watching football, pro, college AND HS for over 30 years. I can honestly say that I have never seen a group of starting wide receivers drop as many catchable balls as the Falcons WRs did when MV was quarterbacking.
The knock on MV was that he “threw the ball to hard”. Well as a freshman I complained to my coach that our QB threw it too hard. His response was that I better quickly learn to catch a harder ball. I did. Roddy White is still dropping balls. Albeit not as many. But perhaps that has more to do with not drinking and carousing until 4am than with the passer. Crumpler dropped a few, but mostly caught the rockets at an even closer range that the balls to White and Jenkins. Good receivers wqould have caught a lot more of Vick’s passes.
Objective Observer
May 26th, 2009
11:40 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Lance
May 26th, 2009
11:50 am
The picture of DeAngelo “Thug” Hall holding a picture of Vick says it all. Birds of a feather flock together…out of ATL…losers, thugs, criminals, etc..
Falconless in Seattle
May 26th, 2009
1:29 pm
Shut up about mike Vick!!!!! He’s not on our team anymore! Isn’t there anything else you can report on? HOW about interveiwing some of our defensive coaches to see how we stand. I only want to hear about Vick when we trade or release him! THIS IS GETTING REALLY OLD!
Rob
May 26th, 2009
2:09 pm
Let him play. The guy will sell seats for sure. Dukes has to let one thing go – Vick IS NOT a quarterback. He would be very effective as a slotback & special teams specialist. The problem lies within the balck community is going to preach to this guy not to accept anything less than starting QB which he will never get.
1911A1
May 26th, 2009
2:41 pm
If Vick ever takes the field in a Falcons uniform again, I will be finished with them forever. Period. And so will many, many others.
AJC, is this what passes for news these days? No wonder you’re in the toilet. Politicians are stealing us blind and taking away our freedom, but none of that matters because it’s more important to keep up with what MV and TI are doing on an hourly basis? Pathetic.
DeeMcKenzie
May 26th, 2009
2:43 pm
The Falcons should release MV. He will not be welcome here anyway and at this time it is just not a match made in heaven. It is time for MV to move on with his career and his life. Let the Falcons move on as well. He deserves to play again, but for another team. To me it’s like a divorce, you can get married again just not to the same person. Let MV go forward and God bless!
John Smith
May 26th, 2009
2:51 pm
All you Falcons Fan,that are down on Vick,what is the # of time the Atlante Falcons ever been to the Super Bowl,From the frist day they came to Atlanee,I don’t no but one time,Guess who was the QB,Michael Vick,And you can for get about 2009.
Poor McKay
May 26th, 2009
4:42 pm
So as I was saying Friday at noon, Cowboys are trying to get rid of Greg Ellis. At this point, they are clearly willing to take pennies on the dollar for the veteran. If the report on ajc.com is true, they are considering releasing him. I say offer a 4th round pick (so we’re assured of getting him) and let’s bring him in tomorrow. The fastest and easiest way to improve the secondary is by improving the pass rush. With Ellis on board, we could keep fresh rushers on the edges (between Abraham, Ellis, Bierman and Sidwell).
BigGAdawg
May 26th, 2009
4:48 pm
Blah Blah Blah–This is pointless–IT IS A DONE DEAL as Arthur Blank has stated firmly for the 50th time.
ALL AJC SPORTS WRITERS–How about writing some articles about actual Falcons players. Vick, for better or worse, is past tense. And you are way past boring on a subject that most people have moved beyond. Yes, we wish him the best and future success somewhere. But since it is definitely not going to be here LET IT GO!!!!!
Jborodawg
May 26th, 2009
5:33 pm
“…Are the Falcons making the right football decision?…”
Jborodawg
May 26th, 2009
5:35 pm
“…Are the Falcons making the right football decision?…”
Yes, and it’s a decision that was made MONTHS ago. Why are we still hashing and rehashing?
John Brewer
May 26th, 2009
5:36 pm
I did not think Vick was a good QB when he was here but he does deserve to make a living.He did the crime and the time now leave him alone. PETA needs to get real– they were dogs.I would not bring him back to Atlanta as a QB but maybe as a running back.
Rod
May 26th, 2009
7:29 pm
I can’t believe some of these comments I am reading about this man like he murdered humans or something.I see this is really about Vick status as a GREAT Q-BACK in the NFL who just happened to be BLACK. The man payed his debt to society and they took his money what else yall, YEAH YALL want the man to do? Only GOD can JUDGE.The Falcons are making a BIG mistake just watch and see.
Rod
May 26th, 2009
7:48 pm
MV as a RB or a WR PLEASE! A lot of QB’s in the NFL are not better than Vick so what position should they be playing?
cdog
May 26th, 2009
11:58 pm
the falcons should be in a gravy train position to welcome michael vick back. look at it from a team stand point. talent like vick added to the already talent would be superbowl bound. i wish al davis owned the falcons. he would be looking at wins and not hate or racism that blanks and the orgaization is showing in this situation
Vick Supporter
May 27th, 2009
11:33 pm
back when falcons football was worth a damn
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20030104009
Vick 09. The Great Mike Vick Has Returned
John Smith
May 28th, 2009
11:11 am
Mr Blank,Why Don’t You Get Out Of Football And Go Do Soming You No How To Do.???
John Smith
May 28th, 2009
5:40 pm
Mr Blank Said that Vick want ever be a Falcons,So all you Vick fans don’t go see the Falcons,NO FANS NO FALCONS,That good,no fans no Falcons.
John Smith
May 29th, 2009
7:33 am
2009 will be a let down,just like all the other one,Oh I for got we got the new bird this year,Bird don’t win ball games,Blank take your NEW BIRDS and get out of GEORGIA.
Alice
May 29th, 2009
8:34 am
If he under performs can we slam him to the ground or electrocute him? His failures should be measured the way he and the others measured the dogs performances.
Alice
May 29th, 2009
8:36 am
And really the people who are saying they are dog lovers would never agree with what he did or get over it. Stop lying, it’s pathetic.
Fred
May 29th, 2009
11:29 am
Alice do you ask that question of all dog breeders or owners of horses bred for racing or greyhounds bred for racing? Nope you don’t…because you don’t care. All of them kill those that won’t make them a profit. Those animals are property, and you don’t care because its really not about that anyway now is it?
Native Son
May 30th, 2009
8:33 am
The perceived notion that Vick was a horrible passer is “Lu-Diculous”. Everyone that watched, either saw his line break down, forcing him to scramble, or receivers dropping passes that they clearly must have been catching while in practice, or note that Mora’s offense (boot leg)was always the option to run. That being said, He looked like a heck uv’ a QB in Reeves’s system. His ultimate gift, was that when he played, they always had a shot at winning, and he was a defensive nightmare for opposing teams.
On the topic of his crime, it seems there is a perpetual check-mate. So we all should agree, to disagree, and marvel at the fact, that we watched an athletic phenom here in Atlanta. I think, truly; that the argument is a cultural one(dog fighting – not ethnicity)that we have not yet evolved enough as humanity to rationally discuss this event.
With an attempt at being humorous, I hope that lookoing through bars to focus, is a lot like trying to throw through a tire. You just may never know. I do know that I’d like to see him play again, I’d like him to play well against our Falcons, but I’d darn sure want “Our” Birds to win.
Native Son
May 30th, 2009
8:47 am
test
Native Son
May 30th, 2009
8:48 am
It seems my post is in pergatory
Native Son
May 30th, 2009
9:15 am
Okay already, I agree. NO; WAIT, WAIITT!!, WAAIIITTTT!!! I must be in the front row!
Joey Porter
May 30th, 2009
9:47 am
hey alice. there was nothing wrong with what he did to those dogs all you have to do is find out why he went to jail. It had nothing to do with dogfighting or killing dogs.
50% of the people in america are dumb.
John Smith
June 12th, 2009
8:06 pm
Well I SEE the stupid Falcons did it,so this will be a let down year just like the other,Blank why dont you get out of football and go do some thing you know how to do,I know a good name for the Falcons,Stupid Birds……
John Smith
June 15th, 2009
1:57 pm
Matt Ryan will never be the QB that Michael Vick is,the years that Vick play for the Falcons,He never had a offense to help him,and his passes receiver did not know how to get open,that why he had to runn so much,and the Falcons has never had a defense that was good,They can not do any thing with a good football team…..
Jim bird
June 16th, 2009
3:59 pm
HELLLLLL NO! Hang ‘em!
John Smith
June 18th, 2009
9:59 am
The new birds will be the laughing stock of the NFL thia year,
John Smith
June 25th, 2009
2:55 pm
I think the 2009 Atlanta Falcons,Season will go like this..
NFC South Teams
Carolina Panthers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New Oreans Saints
Atlanta Falcons
This is the way I look at the 2009 season..
What do you fan think…….
John Smith
June 26th, 2009
7:09 am
Don’t you no that the Falcons Coaching Staff,,Hate to see the season start,,They know they don’t have what it take to be #one,,On me them
STUPID BIRDS……..
#7 ALLWAYS BE A FALCON
July 22nd, 2009
6:07 pm
WE MISS YOU HERE IN THE atl YOU MADE FALCON FOOTBALL WORTH WATCHING. CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU PLAY. PLEASE GET WITH A GOOD TEAM. OFFENSE LINE IS BETTER NOW THEY NEVER HAD A PRO BOWLER ON THE LINE WHEN YOU PLAY HERE THEY WERE SORRY. WE STILL LOVE YOU MAN!!!! OLD SEASON TICKET HOLDER
cookie
July 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
M.V. wont last with another team.people are to incentive.He paid his dues but folk wont forgive him. We need to bring M.J. home to start over, hes being pushed out there really on his on. Forgive the man and bring him home.
Kellycgh
February 8th, 2010
5:05 pm
very useful read. I would love to follow you on twitter. By the way, did any one learn that some chinese hacker had hacked twitter yesterday again.