OK, I say, “Michael Vick,” and you say, what?
Until this cartoon, I hadn't seen Scooby so upset since he suspected the old innkeeper might be behind the strange hauntings at the inn. (Gary Varvel / Creator's Syndicate)
Loved the above cartoon. I think it was the only time I laughed from the time the first time federal investigators parachuted onto the property at 1915 Moonlight Road. Gary Varvel took a serious topic and managed to get across a viewpoint in a completely off-beat and inoffensive way.
OK. So it’s not a jury of Michael Vick’s peers. But really. Who’s going to claim Scooby Doo, Droopy Underdog and Astro are racist?
Which leads me to this week’s Tuesday Countdown.
10. Can’t we just all get along?
Wrote a column the other day on Michael Vick. Lots of reaction. Lots of reader comments. Lots of page views. These days, I think that’s supposed to be my nirvana. Wish I could tell you it’s been a great last 48 hours. I’ve spent way too much time deleting potential online comments that had been red-flagged for obscenities, etc., by blogging software. Or worse, deleting comments that weren’t red-flagged and reached the public forum for a short time. See, I made a big mistake. I trusted you.
9. Gas, meet fire.
One comment which I allowed was written by somebody named “Mrs. Schultz,” though I’m fairly certainly it’s not my wife or my mother or anybody actually named Mrs. Schultz. It began, “Jeff you created this blog knowing full well how racially divisive it would become.”
"Michael Vick..." (The rest of the sentence could be, "was on his way to Publix," and it would still fuel a race debate).
And yes, there’s a trace of truth to that. But there’s a difference between knowing something might happen and intending for something to happen. I didn’t want this. I certainly realize that almost anything said or written about Vick since his downfall stirs debate. I also know I could write a column about global warming, a Thrashers’ prospect from Moose Jaw or why it’s good to slightly undercook chocolate chip cookies because it keeps them soft and chewy, and that would lead to one comment, which would lead to another, which somehow would lead to, Michael Vick. (Wrote a Countdown last week criticizing the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s intention to increase its number of games in London. Somebody jumped on and called me racist.)
8. Mom? Is that you?
Back to “Mrs. Schultz’s” point. Yeah, I figured the column would stir debate. But I also was deluded into thinking that, two years after dog carcasses were found and 18 months after Vick checked into Leavenworth, there was a chance most of you were past that. And maybe most of you are. But all I know is I’ve deleted several dozen comments because too many readers – shielded behind fake names and manufactured email addresses — really kind of have a screw loose. Hey, I’m all for opinions. Strong opinions. It’s what I do. But there’s a line. There’s over 900,000 words in the English language. But some struggle to make a compelling argument without lapsing into the same ugly few and invariable spark a race war. Black labs and white lbs get along. They’re the same species. Maybe it’s because the words they comprehend are “No!”, “Bad!” and “Did you take my sandwich?
7. Here’s hoping for rehabilitation — for everybody
OK. Last point. I sincerely hope Michael Vick rehabilitates himself. I don’t care if he ever throws another football. Rehabilitation for me is learning a lesson, living his life and raising his children. There’s a chance I’ll write more columns on Vick when news warrants it. But I’m about to shut down the comments section on Monday’s column because I’m tired of babysitting and I’m honestly considering not allowing comments on future Vick columns. To most of you: Thanks for keeping it real and above the line. To the rest of you: I only hope you grow up.
6. OK, it’s a really bad day, but …
Wonder what kind of dog Jack would own?
So I was thinking last night after the season-ending episode of “24.” Jack Bauer really only has one bad a year. I mean, who among us wouldn’t be happy with one bad day a year. (Sorry. I needed to break this up before I jumped back into another potential racially sensitive topic.)
5. If you pay me this much, I’ll love you
(OK. One more intermission.) Love the news about Jon Gruden jumping into the ESPN booth for Monday Night Football. Question: Just wondering how that job interview went. Did his past comments about various stories on ESPN in 2007 ever come up. Example 1: “I don’t watch ESPN. I don’t believe half the [expletive] people on the channel, personally – no disrespect.” Example 2: “There’s a lot of reports out there. I just wish some of these reports were verified. [Chris Mortensen] doesn’t have a [expletive] idea what he’s talking about.” Way to stick to your guns, big guy.
4. Does this look like a “minority” golf team?
Tennessee State's five-man (four-white) team won the HBCU title.
OK. Here we go again. See this picture? It’s a team shot of the Tennessee State golf team, which just won the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship. Yes, “Minority.” The only problem with this is while TSU is an historically black university (HBCU), it’s golf team is historically white. The team that just won the championship has four white players, one black. Actually, that’s progress. The same school won the title in 2005 — and that team was ALL white. Anything wrong with this picture?
Just felt like throwing in a picture of two pioneers: golf legends Lee Elder (left) and Calvin Peete.
Just felt like throwing in a picture of two pioneers: golf legends Lee Elder (left) and Calvin Peete.
3. What’s in a name?
I phoned the school’s coach, Charles “Chip” Taylor. He is white. He said he understands why people would have an issue with this. But he said most golf teams at HBCUs are predominantly white out of necessity. There simply aren’t enough black collegians playing golf yet and most of the best ones attend major universities. So HBCUs are forced to recruit whites in the U.S. and Europe to fill out their rosters. That’s understandable, to a degree. But come on. Can’t organizers at least change the name of the tournament to PGA “HBCU” Championship instead of “PGA Minority”? That would be a more accurate reflection, since it would reference schools, not race. “I understand the question,” Taylor said. “But I’m a 100 percent believer in HBCUs because that’s our heritage and that’s our tradition. They’ll always be around. No, it might not be 100 percent minorities. But they’ll will always have a place in our country.” The lines between HBCU’s have blurred in recent years. More African Americans attend non-historically black colleges. Also, economics have led to changing demographics on campuses like Tennessee State and Morehouse. (Translation: More whites are being recruited and/or finding an HBCU a viable option.) But Taylor thinks this number of black golfers will increase. “I see a huge number of minority golfers in the sixth to eighth grades, and once they get into high school they’ll be recruited.” Then, no more double takes.
2. MeAngelo strikes again
Here's a picture of DeAngelo Hall walking alone. It seemed appropriate.
DeAngelo Hall, who knows how to make money but can’t seem to recall how to make an interception, took several shots at the Oakland Raiders and owner Al Davis the other day. Now, he might’ve been accurate with almost everything he said. But the fact the comments come from arguably the most selfish player in the NFL, the words rang hollow. Especially these ”Oh, it’s a weight off my shoulders [being gone from there], just that whole situation out there and the way they did things. I’m not knocking it, but it wasn’t what I was accustomed to, what I was used to, and I just started just not caring like a bunch of other guys, you know? It kind of rubs off on you.” Dude, you are not the rub-ee. You are the rub-er.
1. Just checked
A recent comment on the Vick blog: “LET YO HATERS BE YO MOTIVATORS, MIKE!” Hey, see that? It’s clean. It rhymes. It’s even brief enough for Twitter. That wasn’t so hard.
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130 comments Add your comment
What!!!
May 20th, 2009
8:41 am
VS2, it’s sad that you are so proud of ESPN devoting a show to your lover getting out of the slammer.
Tell your lover since he won’t be doing anything this fall and winter he can watch Matt lead the Falcons to back to back winning seasons.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2009
9:45 am
VS2– interesting scenario you laid out, Vick returning to the Georgia Dome. It would be a great scene. Not sure how divided the crowd would be, but it definitely would be an event — even bigger than when Deion came back and had the hilarious slap fight with Andre Rison. One of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.
What!!!
May 20th, 2009
10:11 am
*******NEWS FLASH**********NEWS FLASH***********NEWS FLASH***********
Due to Michael Vicks resent prison experience, he just signed a two year
endorsement with Preparation H.
Man gotta make a living somehow. HA! HA! HA!
Former Season Ticket Holder
May 20th, 2009
10:28 am
Love Jemele Hill’s new article in ESPN on Page 2!!
VICK SUPPORTER 2
May 20th, 2009
1:51 pm
THE GREATEST FOOTBALL PLAYER IN NFL HISTORY IS NOW FREE AND NOW THE TIME HAS COME. FOR 2 YEARS I SUPPORTED THE GREAT MIKE VICK, NOW IT’S TIME FOR THE GREAT MAN HIMSELF TO MARK HIS TERRITORY IN THE DOME THAT HE BUILT, BUT THIS TIME HE WILL BE ON A MISSION OF YOU GUESSED IT……….
TEARING DOWN & DESTROYING THAT SAME DOME. VICK HAS DONE HIS TIME IN “YOUR” PEOPLE’S BOGUS COURT……
MATT RYAN “LEAF” – NOW HE SHOULD BE IN JAIL FOR………..
STEALING ART (I’M STUPID) BLANKS MONEY
GO FALCONS!
VICK SUPPORTER 2
May 20th, 2009
1:59 pm
JEMELE HILL ROCKS! ESPN ROCKS! I LOVED HOW HERM EDWARDS SHUT UP TRENT DILFER’S MOUTH ABOUT VICK – THAT WAS FUNNY AS HELL
HBCU Golfer
May 20th, 2009
2:22 pm
The PGA Minority Championship represents “MINORITY UNIVERSITIES”…..not just minority golfers. Universities that have a majority of their students listed as “minority” are eligible.
Who cares what color these players are??? You seem to. These young men and women deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. These schools play against the best teams in the country. Look at the schedules these teams play! Many of these student/athletes fell through the cracks in high school. They are good enough to play at bigger schools, but for whatever reason, they were not offered scholarships. The Minority schools give these young people a chance to get a great education and continue to play the game they love.
Quit trying to stip up a controversy when there is not one!
mars
May 20th, 2009
4:00 pm
This is hilarious! It all reminds me of the movie “Contact.” Particularly, that part where they are on their way to the “space travel machine” and all the psychos and crazies are lined up in boothes shouting their individually loony points of view. Anyhoo, I agree on the “Vick chicks” on this blog screaming about him signing with another team, and returning to play the Falcons. ” Mr. Vick, this is Mr. Lofton.” BOOM! “Mr. Vick, this is Mr. Abraham.” BOOM! “Mr. Vick, this is Mr. Jerry.” BOOM! Greatest show on earth!
JSS
May 21st, 2009
10:03 am
I knew you were insipid but this one took the cake. Jeff Schultz wrote: “The Humane Society is actually a branch of govt. (I think) and deserves more credit.” Since when has a PRIVATE CHARITY like the Humane Society been a part of the government of the United States of America? ROTFLMAO!!! I guess the Salvation Army is in charge of Homeland Security? Oh, I can’t stop LAUGHING!!!
dan
May 21st, 2009
11:20 am
I think I’m going to boycott watching ESPN the next two years with their incessant need to cover Brett Favre and Michael Vick regardless if they are playing or not.
As for DeAngelo Hall, I’m so glad that guy is out of Atlanta. You know at some point guys like Hall just need to shut the hell up and play, in fact if he does that I will almost gurantee that he’ll play better. Hall tries to pattern himself after Deion Sanders( which isn’t a good thing). But he’s nowhere near Deion in ability. And Hall will never play for a great team until he can put in the work and shut the hell up, because teams like the Patriots, Colts, and Steelers don’t put up with that kind of mercenary mentality. Look at Randy Moss. He was a horses ass in Minnesota( sometimes for good reason), but once he got to the Patriots, he shut up and played. And he’s had two of the best seasons of his career the last two season. T.O. and Hall need to follow Moss’s example.
H OBAMA
May 21st, 2009
7:59 pm
I AM STARTING A TAX ON VICK STORIES TO AUGMENT MY SENSELESS SPENDING SPREE. WATCH OUT
dISGUSTED WIFIT
May 21st, 2009
11:31 pm
Good Grief, here we go again, This Lying,Stealing convict has done his time in jail, but HE has not paid his debt, I believe there are 3 or more Banks, and the Falcons organization that would love to be paid as well……
Jesus you’d think that some of these inbred, ignorant people in the ATL, could comprehend a damn transcript of Mr.Vick’s legal troubles, Look People it goes deeper that just fighting some dogs!!!!!
Yes, he served his prison term, Yes the man deserves to make a living and support his family, should he be allowed the same privledges as Michael Turner,Roddy White,Donovan Mcnabb, or any other NFL player that hasn’t committed , such acts as Interstate trafficking, ie funding an Illegal Gambling Operation across State lines!!! or Buying yourself a luxury automobile on your way to the big house!!!, You people are pathetic!!!!!!
By all means Mr Goodell, Pleas reinstate this man, so that when he returns to the NFL, and I hope with the Cleveland Browns,He will disappear into obscurity,mediocrity,and away from the media Fodder in this godforsaken socially biased city……
In other words, REAL ATLANTA FALCON FANS don’t give a damn one way or the other about Mr.Mike Vick!!!!
dISGUSTED WIFIT
May 21st, 2009
11:33 pm
P.S. VS2 I hope when he does come back here to play, our defense Breaks his damn back!!!!
Dr. Jack
May 22nd, 2009
3:13 pm
I am SO GLAD the AJC is struggling to stay afloat…maybe they will go under and we can move past the “Mike Vick went outside” stories…. STOP THE PRESSES!!! MIKE VICK FARTED!!!
Vick's cellmate - inmate #0U812-69ME
May 22nd, 2009
3:22 pm
Michael Vick was a model prisoner while at Leavenworth. He was my cellmate/downlow lover.I didn’t see his face much- he was face down in the pillow most of the time.Let’s just say he is NOT a tight end.
But, we do what we must in prison…Michael did get really good at oral though…I miss you ,baby cakes. I am hoping for a comeback- Michael, you know you want to be my bit ch again- come back!!!!
bit*h again
truth-serum
May 22nd, 2009
8:14 pm
truth-serum
May 22nd, 2009
5:16 pm
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2009
9:15 pm
Ryanreally: Vick was polarizing before dog-fighting. Dog-fighting didn’t make him polarizing. And the media didn’t make him polarizing. A subject is either polarizing or it isn’t
YEAH, I AGREE.
ON THAT YOU ARE RIGHT SCHULTZ!
THE SOUTHERN BUBBA ASSOCIATION IS NOT GOING TO ALLOW A BLACK MAN TO QB THIS TEAM.
THE POLARIZATION WAS CLEARLY RACIALLY DRAWN. THIS WAS LONG BEFORE PETA.THE SOUTHERN DIVISION OF THE GRAND KNIGHTS OF THE BUBBA POSSE WAS NOT GOING TO HAVE A BLACK MAN QB-ING IN A RED STATE.
THE REASON THIS CONTINUES TO BE AN ISSUE TODAY IS BECAUSE THE PRESS CAN FEED OFF THE RACIAL HATE ASPECT. THATS WHY THE HATE SPEWING AJC HAS GIVING CHARGE TO THE GRAND BUBBA(JEFF SCHULTZ)AND HIS DITTO HEAD AUTHOR BLANK TO CHOOSE RACIAL SIDES WITH THE BUBBA POSSE.
INSTEAD OF STAYING WITH VICK AS 98% OF BLACKS WANT HIM TO HES GOING WTIH THE LOUDEST 45 PERCENT OF THE WHITE PEOPLE ALSO KNOW AS THE BUBBA HATE CLUB, WHO WANT THE MAN DEAD. THEN THIER HATRED WILL BE QUENCHED…RIGHT SCHULTZ?
PETA THE RADICAL GROUP IS ONLY REVELANT BECAUSE OF THE PRESS. WHAT ABOUT THE HUMANS SOCIETY’S CORRECT STANCE IN GIVING VICK A CHANCE TO GROW AND CHANGE? GOOD JOB HUMAN SOCIETY. IF ONLY BLANK HAD AS MUCH CLASS!
truth-serum
May 22nd, 2009
8:27 pm
Shout out to Vick supporter!!!! What up?!? Check this link
http://www.sidelinemvp.com/nfl_jerseys.html
they dont sell any other falcons quarterback jersey
truth-serum
May 22nd, 2009
8:37 pm
Yes the rocket is in denial,
as was Vick until evidence overwhelmed him. Denial is a very human behavior. I don’t care for how baseball has dealt with A-rod who made a confession to what he knew they had evidence of.
I don’t care for lance Armstrong or that pot smoking bong wielding swimmer Phelps that we look the other way on.
I also love Mrs. Marion who was the only one of the athletes to show true remorse to the point of tears and confessions and yet was given prison for lying about steroids use. There is certainly two rules at play here.
No, Michaels persecution was a result of being a super black athlete/quarterback in a bubba red state, otherwise he d still be playing after a short suspension, like A-Rod or competing like the pot head bong wielding Phelps.
I understand you have a problem accepting this. That’s why I can appreciate whites who can accept the reality of racism. To deal with truth is to bring about healing, to deny as you are doing, only perpetuates the problem.
That’s why you think there are more Vick fans than Falcon fans. It’s not. It’s not that Vick was righteous, he was not. It’s the issue of righteous judgment, or rather the lack thereof that causes people to rally around Vick. Never throw out the baby with the bath water, as the falcons are doing.
Vick is still loved in black America, regardless of your crucifixion. Not because he was right. He wasn’t he was wrong, but because he suffered as a result of racism that many blacks can identify with. \ So the issue goes on.
Vick # 7 http://www.sidelinemvp.com/nfl_jerseys.html
shout out to Vick supporter!!!
dISGUSTED WIFIT
May 21st, 2009
11:31 pm
Dont hate, congradulate…..
michaelgee
May 23rd, 2009
10:42 pm
Jeff, what were you thinking?
Paddy
May 25th, 2009
10:20 pm
If I get one more stalking warrent issued against me, I swear I will kill somebody.
Nicole W
May 27th, 2009
11:17 am
Does Michael Vick Deserve a second chance?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjostWvg9tU
Vicktory to the Underdog
http://strangleholdmerch.com/vicktory-to-the-underdog-p-191.html
“Vicktory To The Underdog” takes an in depth look at world renowned tattoo artist “Brandon Bond” and his dog rescue efforts – particularly rescuing the infamous Michael Vick fighting dogs.
Rather than focusing on the dog fighting problem, the movie sheds light on solutions leading to “Vicktory” for all the underdogs in the movie – tattoo people, pitbulls, parolees and all the other people in this world that society has turned their back on through ignorance and racism.
The movie also examines the life of Brandon Bond and his struggle with balancing fame, fortune and the Rock-N-Roll tattoo lifestyle with a more fulfilling life that focuses on the betterment of both animals and society as a whole.
Featuring celebrities like Debbie and Danny Trejo, Michael Berryman, Pixie Acia and Donal Logue, the movie takes you on an incredible journey you will never forget!
Proceeds for this film will be going to Villa Lobos Pitbull Rescue. http://www.vrcpitbull.com
Taciturn
May 27th, 2009
5:18 pm
Note to truth-serum: Get off your race card kick. Vick is detested because he’s a brutal thug who took pleasure in causing pain to animals, and also because when confronted with the charges, HE LIED!
Cuz
May 28th, 2009
12:28 pm
Bench Ryan. What has he ever done for us? The Michael Vick Part II era is here. Go Birds!
Paddy
May 30th, 2009
9:55 am
Nichole…Celebrities???????Debbie, Danny Trejo, Mike Berryman, Pixie Acia and Donald Logue, now thats a group of people that will make you forget Peter Sellers, Clark Gable, Sir Laurence Oliver and Rita Hayworth.What you say? Never heard of this group of actors. TOUCHE.
Rebecca Alexander
May 31st, 2009
1:21 am
Personally I am tired of being called a racist because I wanted him punished and I really think he should be banned from the NFL
sorry
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-NFL-from-reinstating-michaelvick
Dee
May 31st, 2009
2:28 pm
Hey, VS2, Vick wouldn’t come back to this loser franchise? Of course not, Mr Blank has said 4 or 5 times that he DIDN’T WANT HIM BACK. No great loss. I watched him and cheered him on because I thought he was a good role model. We all know how THAT turned out.
If the NFL is the type of organization that allows him to return, the NFL will never again enter my home. End of story.
Old Dawg
June 9th, 2009
11:47 am
Figured it out. Jeff’s is a sports column, so the abortion issue isn’t on the page or posted by sports columnists. You might read about abortion on the editorial page, or news page, where it is written about quite often. In the unlikely event that a female athlete was considering having, or had complications following an abortion, you would read about it on the sports page.
Amazing as it may seem, one of the basics of designing a newspaper/website is to separate things by sections. Hence, Jeff’s columns are on the sports page’s of the AJC.
While Jeff’s columns always include humor and some references to legal matters (ie; Michael Vick’s arrest, conviction, release and life as a conviction felon), his copy on the subject is based on the fact that Michael Vick was a highly-regarded NFL quarterback. As you might remember, there have been similar columns written about the gambling problems of Pete Rose, untold athletes and their problems use of steroids, and other encounters with the law. Again, the stories wouldn’t have appeared on the sports pages unless the persons mentioned were athletes.
Thank you for participating in my special presentation of Sports Journalism 301.
Max61
June 11th, 2009
11:27 am
……..Jeff, write the columns….Write what you feel…..Leave the blogs open…..We can learn something by looking at both, the stupid and the intelligent….(If we pay attention)……It shows us where we are, this day in history………
Tonnia Blount
September 4th, 2009
10:02 pm
Enter your comments here
Tonnia Blount
September 4th, 2009
10:05 pm
MICHAEL VICK I WISH YOU WELL!!! COME IN AND KICK TAIL IN THE ATL DEC 6 GO EAGLES!!!!!