Michael Vick’s release from prison approved
Imprisoned Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick has been approved for release to home confinement and could be released to his Virginia home as early as May 21.
Now the questions regarding his football career come into play? Will NFL commissioner Roger Goddell reinstate him to the league? If he’s reinstated, will he play in 2009? And will the Falcons, who have said they are interested in trading his rights, get fair compensation for the former No. 1 overall pick?
Let us know what you think. Please keep the comments civil or this blog will be turned off immediately.
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233 comments Add your comment
Reality Time
February 26th, 2009
2:04 pm
Net. Exactly, hope for the best, but don’t assume it. That is why I believe Michael Vick still has something to prove to the Commissioner before he will be reinstated.
Mac
February 26th, 2009
2:05 pm
What would be the worst kind of injustice is for this slimeball to be released, reinstated and then automatically start collecting huge sums of money from his Falcons contract. I want the Falcons to fight tooth-and-nail to avoid paying this scum bucket any money whatsoever. If he can find a team willing to sign him, fine. But as a Falcon fan, he’s screwed this team enough. I don’t want him to get another penny out of the Falcons.
Atlanta_Tiger_Fan
February 26th, 2009
2:08 pm
Yes he should be allowed to play again. He served his time and is due a second chance. Besides, he didn’t gamble on football and didn’t kill anyone…they were just dogs. Let him get on with his life.
Patman
February 26th, 2009
2:09 pm
TJ,
Next time show some real courage and saying that stuff to the face of a real life black person. If it’s one thing I respect less than an ignorant bigot is a cowardly spineless ignorant bigot who anonymously hides behind a keyboard.
Joel
February 26th, 2009
2:11 pm
Vick did the crime, about to complete the time and should be reinstated period no questions asked. Simple as that, for those who feels he owes the NFL something, forget it, the NFL still owes it’s older players plenty so don’t come at me with all that. For those of you who want to see Vick at another postion outside of QB, forget that’s hogwash also. “But he will be 30 years old and out of football for 2 seasons almost”. Yes your correct that is 2 seasons of NFL hits he hasn’t taken. To those of you who feel his speed is all he had, please, it’s what he didn’t have a good supporting cast, which is why he SHOULDN’T have gotten the big contract, there were more important pieces needed period end of discussion.The Falcons should know they aren’t going to get good compensation (if any) in a trade.Gonna have to take that salary cap hit but oh well they have a QB and “that book is closed”.(for the record I’m a Native Georgian who has never had much love for the Falcons anyway(even when they got Vick)). Cut him and yes people we know he is going to get a bottom basement deal but who cares. This was the best thing to happen to Vick. He was never put in check at an early age so nothing but good can come from this. To you upset parents, sponsers, etc stop using athletes as role models and putting them up on a pedastal.You know that private life you have, ummm yea they have one also. Vick has a point to prove and quite frankly I wouldn’t want to be on the other side of the ball. Forget the QB rating, completion percentage and all that “by the book NFL QB stuff”. Winners win regardless and Vick is a winner, not a super bowl winner yet but none the less he gives you a chance to win every time out.Vick lost a Hall of Fame coach because (with all due respect to the owner, who has done a great job “fixing” things) an up and coming owner fell into to “fan pressure” and hired the “i wish I was a player” coach. Media members please do not (even though I know you will) begin to make stories about how when you ask Vick for an interview all he says is “no comment” over and over (if he’s learned anything he should make his criminal troubles off limits for all interviewing, nothing to talk about it’s well documented enough). Oh but we haven’t heard it from his viewpoint…yes you have he went to jail for it, lost his income, and lost his endorsements enough said. (how much money he blew is his problem) To the PETA people we know your going to protest,yet I ask what will you be protesting for when a man has done his time, but since your going to do it anyway, just don’t take up our tailgating area around the staudims ok, for goodness sake you want to stop calling fish fish and call them sea kittens…please. Vick was WRONG period point blank end of discussion, but if your ging to save his dogs, put them on wine bottle and give them another chance, yes a dog your doing this for, then why can’t Vick resume his career? “But if it were my job I’d be fired”…that’s just it it’s NOT YOUR JOB. Sorry AJC but I just get so feed up with all the two faced people, parents and sponsers/organizations etc. especially those who say “you have to be smart about what you do”. If you’ve been on this earth any length of time you’ve got know to read between that line. In this case YES Vick wasn’t “smart about what he did” so is that why you have such a strong dislike toward him.
Vick you WERE WRONG and I’ll tell that to your face yet you knew an example was going to be made so brush it off and move on cause it will soon be history. Vick I’m still in your corner and I’m still pulling for you as a person and as a football player. HANDLE YOU BUSINESS!!!
nygonzo
February 26th, 2009
2:11 pm
if he had the complextion with the protection he would have never served a day in prison. People need to get over it and let the man live.
reggie
February 26th, 2009
2:12 pm
Yea he should be reinstated…granted what he did was wrong but we are talking about a man’s means of life and income… as for role model?? He didn’t ask 2 b some kids role model so that should b left up 2 parents…I would love 2 see a falcons qb compitition but we know what’s gonna happen anyway
GaVaHokie
February 26th, 2009
2:14 pm
Well… I’m not gonna get into right or wrong and I might be biased as you can see by my screen name, but I think I’d rather have the Vick coming OUT of jail than the Vick that went INTO jail… I would hope he’s gonna be pretty straight laced at this point. If he has an ounce of talent left, some team is gonna get a steal of a player.
Looking forward to seeing who my new favorite team is… I’ll laugh my ass off if Carolina grabs him.
G
February 26th, 2009
2:15 pm
The only thing Vick should be allowed to do is to clean up after dogs for the rest of his sorry life.
Joey
February 26th, 2009
2:17 pm
You know, I’m not either a Vick hater or a Vick lover. He has served his sentence in a US prison that a US Federal Judge imposed. I hope he gets a chance to rebuild his life and career, just as I would hope any other FORMER prisoner would.
el
February 26th, 2009
2:19 pm
I think that this guy needs years of intense therapy for what he did to those animals. Just because you serve time doesn’t mean that you are cured of your psychiatric problems. The fact that this guy found joy in hurting innocent beings is sick. How many people do hear about that serve their time, then go right back to doing what they were convicted of? He should not be rewarded for bad behavior and he definatley shouldn’t be able to be a “role model” for children. He needs to prove himself sane before anything is considered.
Joey
February 26th, 2009
2:21 pm
By the way nygonzo, a man from my small hometown (Hoboken,GA) served 24 months in a federal prison for fighting dogs from ‘04 – ‘06. His complexion was pasty white.
Huh?
February 26th, 2009
2:22 pm
Good grief who cares. He’ll be riding the pine whereever he ends up. He was a grossly overrated quarterback BEFORE going to jail. I can’t imagine he’s gotten any better sitting on his butt in a jail cell. Maybe he can return punts or something. I don’t know and I don’t care.
Vick is a total moron. I have no sympathy for him. He had the world given to him on a silver platter and screwed it up. There are reprecussions to being a convicted felon beyond jail time. No, he has not “served his debt.” He will be a convicted felon for the rest of his life. He will not be allowed to vote. He will never be put in any kind of position of trust. He may even find it difficult to get simple things like a mortgage on his house. I don’t think banks are any hurry to loan money to convicted felons these days. Poor ole Mich Vick. I guess he should have thought about all this before he violated the law, eh? What a novel concept. You Vick apologists are truly breaking my heart.
Patman
February 26th, 2009
2:22 pm
I have a simple challenge for you “Vick shouldn’t play in the NFL again and should be in prison for hte rest of his life.” types. Before you go there, tell us what kind of punishment Bobby Cox and Dany Heatley should have gotten. Should Ray Lewis still be playing? What kind of punishment should the executives with peanut company responsible for the salmonella deaths receive?
And lastly, do you have the courage to tell us what the REAL problem wiht Michael Vick is? From what I’ve been seeing so far, I doubt it.
sunshynne
February 26th, 2009
2:22 pm
I think Vick will play again. The bottom line is that money talks, that other stuff walks. I think there is a team out there that will be willing to take him. If a team can make some money off of him, it’s definitely a go.
GaVaHokie
February 26th, 2009
2:23 pm
reggie… as for not asking to be a role model, in all fairness, the guy DID run a Summer Camp for Kids.
But, the guy served his time… he lost everything he had. I agree he deserves a chance to redeem himself.
Yes… it’s called Redemption… read that anywhere people?
Let’s face it… it’s football… he’s not running for President or running a Fortune 500 Investment Bank.
Mndy
February 26th, 2009
2:27 pm
Yes, let him come back. These are many that have done way more awful things than kills some darn dogs, yes it was awful but may goodness ge tover it and get on with your own life. Trust me we have all done something that we should have thought twice, remember no one is PERFECT! Some people need to get a life!!!!!!!!!
clay
February 26th, 2009
2:28 pm
Mike vick deserves another chance. He killed some dogs, yea thats messed up but many convicted felons get 2nd chances at life. Many of them guilty of attempting or actally taking a human life! I don’t know about yall but taking an animals life is less severe, still horrible, than taking a human life. Wrong? You darn right. Second chance? Why not?
Anti
February 26th, 2009
2:29 pm
Most of us are so disgusting it’s sad. The man went to prison for killing dogs people. If dogs have rights, what about pigs, and cows. He has served his time and has one of two options. Be accepted back into society or do what he has to survive. Even after he has gotten out of prison some of you still want to punish the guy. You start sayin convicted felons have no right in this society…people have to survive and if we are too small to welcome them back reformed then they have no choice but to return to a life of crime. Others say he should not be let off, he’s not being let from anything…got any ideas where he’s been in the last several months…it sure wasn’t Martha Stewart treatment, she may not have killed animals, she just killed the dreams and financial future of her investors. Oh and let us not forget everybody’s favorite person…introducing Bernard L. Madoff…who after stealing away billions of dollars got to walk around free. The theme is do the crime do the time…so where is the out cry in so many other cases. Face it there is no justice in America unless it comes with an opportunity for an advancement.
Andrew
February 26th, 2009
2:29 pm
People should learn to distinguish between punishment and rehabilitation. Vick has undoubtedly been punised and has now apparently been found to be sufficient rehabilitated to join mainstream society. It is only natural that he seeks to pursue his chosen vocation and he should be permitted to do so. He was suspended for issues entirely unrelated to to football. There comes a point when we must ask ourselves whether our only purpose is to punish or whether we will accept someone into the mainstream again. Continuing to punish someon long after he/she has served time does not seem like the right thing to do as it does not provide any incentive for criminals (former criminals) to reform.
gabeaux
February 26th, 2009
2:29 pm
Good grief, we know he didn’t hurt humans, if he hurt or killed people he would be in jail for many more years. The Falcons did not do anything to him, he jumped in this s*%t pile by himself. He served his time, let him play for whoever will take this sorry, talented, clueless athlete. Atlanta and Arthur Blank will never allow him back as a Falcon. Vick will be booed for the rest of his career in whatever city that will tolerate the lowlife scum. I feel sorry for anyone so talented that has no moral compass or common sense.
Really?
February 26th, 2009
2:30 pm
Winston Wolf look at Jamal Lewis who got convicted of a federal offence of selling drugs, he did his time & came right back into the league. What’s the difference here? & Julie Michigan, what r u talking about, he did do & is still currently doing the time? He’s paid/paying his debt to society, what’s ppl’s issue here? & I agree with the Bobby Cox issue, Chipper Jones as well, Throw in Larry Johnson, who all beat their wives & continue to do their jobs as if nothing happened, which might lead to the bigger issue here, it’s ok to beat up on & tourcher your wife/a woman but not a dog??? Really….I mean i know he went a little further by killing a few & by no means am i saying that he was right for what he did, because he wasn’t!!! & because of that he had to go to prison, but to try to block the man from playing football again because of a wrong that he did & one that he has been serving time for is just wrong! I pray that he will come out a changed man more mature, that he is given a second change, & if/when he is, he is mentally prepaired to capitalize on it.
Vick Supporter
February 26th, 2009
2:35 pm
@Reality Time
You would say some ignorant ish like that. Does those thoughts you provided apply to the white ghetto (Trailer Park) kids? Be a man and answer.
Bailey Hankins
February 26th, 2009
2:38 pm
Vick is a human being who made some mistakes, like we all do. You psychotic dog lovers who see your pets as something more than tamed wolves who have evolved to ingratiate themselves to human being need to have children, or pay attention to the ones you do have.
What he did was wrong, and it was cruel, but by the same token so is eating a Big Mac, right?
Time served. Vick was a man to stand up and take responsibility for his actions. He has been punished, too severely in my mind. If he doesn’t deserve another chance God help us all.
Lamont
February 26th, 2009
2:38 pm
Per your question Mr Winston Wolf, what other professions/places of employment are convicted federal felons allowed to come back like nothing happened? The answer my friend is……
….wait for it…….
……..US GOVERNMENT!!!!
A government official can not only return to office but also receive compensation while serving time. It’s a shame most people don’t even know that as a felon you can still hold a job in government even before you are given your right to vote back. How about that. If there are any people that doubt this please reach out to any member of government and ask them. If corrupt politicians deserve a second chance so does Vick. He had earned it and has done his time. Also, ask yourself this…. ….why doesn’t anyone go after the people that gamble on dog fighting? hmmm.
Angeniene Mitchell
February 26th, 2009
2:38 pm
I just pray that he has learned to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Also to never put all your trust in man but in GOD who made you and knows all about you. I hope that he doesnt hold any bitterness and when he gets out he walks in a straight and narrow path. I wish him all the best in his life and pray that he puts GOD first in every area of his life. LOVE you Vick!
Gerald in SC
February 26th, 2009
2:39 pm
This comment is for Dennis. That guy in SC serving 30 years was a national dogfighting icon. He was also convicted for “assault and battery with a high and aggravated nature”, And he was also a reconized referee of dog fights. The assault charge came from the booby trap he set that a surveyor got hit with on his property. In conclusion, tell all the info if you are gonna make a point…
Sue
February 26th, 2009
2:39 pm
Okay, People…it was dog fighting for GOD SAKES! I know what he did was wrong, but he did not kill a person, embezzle billions of other folks money…Now, I tell you who need to be convicted of several FELONIES – George Bush, the CEO’s on wallstreet and all the other crooks who got us into this financial debackle. Mike deserves to play FOOTBALL again! And corporate america needs to change their back ground policies and not penalize people who made a mistake for the rest of their lives. EVERYBODY WHO WANTS TO WORK, DESERVES TO BE ABLE TO WORK..SOMEWHERE…
Test Me
February 26th, 2009
2:39 pm
No man is good not a one…and for those who have decided that people who has gone to prison don’t deserve a second shot, are you willing to put up for them so they can survive. Or is it that you are volunteering for your house to be robbed and unspeakable things done to your women…think before you speak and be sure to address the other side of the issue.You decide folks don’t deserve a chance they will take it…it’s called survival…
Vick Supporter
February 26th, 2009
2:41 pm
White People first offense = PROBATION; New Contract; Praise (Bobby Cox, Chipper Jones, Danny Heaton)
Black People first offense = PRISION; People wanting you banned for life for dogfighting; etc etc etc.
Rights and forgivness for black athletes = None
White Athletes = New contract; Hall of Fame; etc etc etc
What a shame.
Dogs have more rights than Blacks. Why can’t cows, chickens, pigs, and other animals have the same “rights” as a dog?
Answer: White People Love Dogs More than Humans (Blacks).
Vick 09
Obama 09
A-Rod 09
AL
February 26th, 2009
2:41 pm
I think mike got railroaded, because mike did what thousands has done. Mike not a bad person, just trusted the wrong people.The media made mike out to be a criminal which we all know he far from being one.Animal fighting did not start with mike, what about cock fighting its been around for at least a hundred years.If mike was a average Joe he probably would’ve received no time at all. This whole sick situation should never happen.So for all of you self rightous individual who are still holding on to this, Let it go, because when the dust settles this was a straight witch hunt.So let sleeping dogs lye. Mike a great person as well as athlete.Atlanta Falcons are the loser here and the lucky team that obtain his services are the winners..
welikebaseball2
February 26th, 2009
2:42 pm
**Well AJC, I guess you just can’t help but continue to provide a platform for ignorance & division. As divided as this city has been over the issue of Vick, do you really think it’s conducive to Atlanta race relations to open up a BLOG for responses? Publish the article…okay…but open a BLOG? It’s as if you all don’t have a clue as to its potential ugliness. Then again, maybe you do. I’m beginning to think that the AJC establishment is not only far removed from the solution but actually part of the problem.**
Hollywould
February 26th, 2009
2:42 pm
He deserves another chance but as I have said many times the team
that might take a chance on him had better be ready for a pr nightmare.
Chris
February 26th, 2009
2:42 pm
I must state that no matter if you like him or not, he did pay for his mistakes. He does deserve a 2nd chance, but if he gets in trouble again he doesn’t deserve a 3rd chance. No way the Falcons get fair value, they will probably have to release him and then that will hurt there cap and set them back for at least 2 years. I have never seen one player hurt a franchise so much. One comment up there did make a lot of sense, if one of us was a convicted felon, would we be welcome back to our old jobs with open arms. That makes a good arguement no matter which side your on
M E
February 26th, 2009
2:44 pm
Matt’s Great!!
Vick Supporter
February 26th, 2009
2:45 pm
Mr. Ryan will be introduced to the sophomore slump in 09. No doubt about it. Vick will rise to the top again.
buc_wild1
February 26th, 2009
2:48 pm
Society as a whole has a double standard; we often criticize the actions of others and really don’t have all the facts to the story. Sure Vick did some terrible things concerning the animals he mistreated. History has provided us with evidence that animal fighting had been a part of society forever. Animal shelters and pounds destroy defenseless pets every single day and no one(PETA/ HUMANE SOCIETY) is kicking their door down locking them up for that. The man has suffered more than enough for his actions, be it his freedom or money. Prisons were installed for all types of criminals to serve as a form of rehabilitation. So on that note, he has served his debt to society and now it’s time for him to again be out amongst the free world and earn an honest living (the right way). Sure playing in the NFL is a privilege, but the way some of your comments state, he doesn’t deserve to live. No one, and I stress, no one is immune to making mistakes, that’s why there is the term “SECOND CHANCES” and “FORGIVENESS” for him to make an effort to prove that he can be a MODEL CITIZEN. All I say is give him the opportunity to right the wrong that he has done. We all know that PETA will protest wherever and whatever team he goes to, but in my eyes they are just a guilty as him. People, stop being so judgmental about everything, your comments are only that – comments (your opinion). I say that once he sets foot back on the playing field (and he will), a few spectacular plays will erase all his past mistakes and the sellout crowds will make that team owner very happy – with a Fatter Wallet.
Bill W.
February 26th, 2009
2:50 pm
If I were running the league I would not permit any convicted felons to participate unless there was some way they could get the conviction expunged from their record. There are enough jobs in this world that a felon can have besides playing football. Besides not allowing someone to participate in the NFL or any other sport has nothing to do with “paying their debt” or forgiving them. The debt being paid off equals release from jail nothing more. Forgiveness is not an action. Either you forgive the person or you don’t. Not by giving them something added. That part is between them and God. To the gentleman speaking about Danny Heatley, the peanut CEO, etc., same rules apply IMO.
At the end of the day, depending on the NFL’s policy of hiring convicted felons, it’s up to them. If their policy says no then don’t let him play, if yes then let him play. There are WAY too many personal opinions on the matter (including mine) to determine why he should/shouldn’t be able to play. I say go to the guidelines or rulebook to settle it.
Either way Go Falcons!!
FalconUGAFan
February 26th, 2009
2:50 pm
Vick Supporter, That is simply not true. Many people on this blog are white and they stated that Vick should be given a 2nd chance including myself. We (white folks) helped elect a black President. Stop playing the race cards and move on.
Mort
February 26th, 2009
2:51 pm
Vick used to be faster than a freight train going through Hoboken. Wonder if he’s lost a step.
Say Whay
February 26th, 2009
2:52 pm
There is some dumb-ass-ness going around on this discussion. I have never seen a dog vote, pay taxes or contribute to society in anyway. So the guy is a monster and should be punished for the rest of his life. Prisons are set up not to reform but so that the warren can earn his $2000 per head every month from the government. It costs too much to reform these guys as the money will come from the profits the warren is making, just as he pay for beds, and clothing for the inmates. There is an issue worth getting behind, not whether or not we get to decide a man’s occupation. I’d bet anything that most of the folks hating Vick are white, and before you start tossing racial comments, I am just as white as you are. Please my white friends stop being totally stupid you are hurting our image.
Patman
February 26th, 2009
2:52 pm
welikebaseball2,
Any point you had abut AJC doing a blog on this subject was lost in the fact that YOU RESPONDED TO IT!
Obama
February 26th, 2009
2:53 pm
Change you can believe in! Don’t worry my fellow brothers and sisters, I will take care of Mr. Vick. With my new proposed financial package, Michael will be rewarded for doing nothing and he will be promoted to Vice President of the society for animal cruelty. After all, he has EARNED this distinction by murdering, oh I’m sorry, putting to sleep a few puppies. I mean we live in a country where everyone is given a second chance, where we are FREE to complain about everything while doing nothing. That my friends is “Change you can believe in!”.
Huh?
February 26th, 2009
2:58 pm
I have an idea for all the Vick apologists so worried about racial injustice. Why don’t you volunteer to tutor an inner city youth that can probably barely read? Why don’t you volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to build a house for a single black mom working two or three jobs to support her kids? Why don’t you become a teacher and try to improve our rapidly deteriorating inner city schools? If you are so concerned about the plight of black america, there are much more valuable things you could be doing with your time than defending a total loser like Michael Vick. Maybe if you would do them the world would be a better place. Thanks.
Big B CH 99
February 26th, 2009
2:58 pm
Vick paid his debt to society and deserves a second shot, but read my lips:
HE WILL NOT be a Falcon, Blank has already said that he supports his reinstatement, but he won’t be in Atl, we don’t need him anyways.
I like Dogs, but I’m far from a PETA person that places animal life above human life.
PMC
February 26th, 2009
3:00 pm
It’s impossible for the Falcons to get fair compensation. No one in history has had a superstar imprisoned at the height of his career. They just take this one on the chin.
I certainly hope he finds gainful employment and thrives elsewhere forsaking all the bad people and habits of the past. Good luck to him anyway.
Spud Webb
February 26th, 2009
3:00 pm
Who cares what happens to Vick???
By the way, all the people on here saying the falcons are going to, should and get this or that in a trade for Vick have ZERO idea how the NFL works or the salary cap. Vick is VIRTUALLY UNTRADABLE people. Due to salary cap complications and due to “character” issues. Vick will be released from the Falcons at the appropriate time.
Vick All Day Long Supporter
February 26th, 2009
3:02 pm
You folks are funny!! People, you act like he tortured and killed 3000 people? Yes, many of you are attached to your pets and that’s cool. But to take this mans EVERYTHING over some dogs was in itself criminal. None of you folks were shaking your fingers at him when he took ATL to the Superbowl or when all of your were spending thousands on seasons tickets…….now all you “FANS” are condemning this man. WHATEVER!! Mike when you get out, whatever team you go to, that will be the jersey I buy and wear.
Duwayne
February 26th, 2009
3:02 pm
I think Mr. Vick should pursue his football career, if not convicted of fixing or betting on NFL game outcome. Mr Vicks has served his time, unlike the bankers of our world. The greed of bankers and funds managers have cost us trillions and countless lives shortened from financial stress. I believe the bankers’ behavior is more egregious.
FREE MICHAEL VICKS
rodney
February 26th, 2009
3:04 pm
Ok Vick was wrong!!!!!!!! We all have did something wrong that could have landed us in jail if we were caught. He was fighting dogs, he didn’t no one. If PETA didn’t get involve he would have gotten a slap on the wrist. What happen to given someone a second chance, put yourself in Vick shoes.