Blank was never going to allow Vick back
Michael Vick did too much damage to the Falcons to ever expect he would be brought back.
It’s only a bookkeeping detail. But it’s a significant detail.
No more looking at the bottom of the roster and seeing, “Suspended. Michael Vick. QB.”
No more questions to the owner or the general manager or the coach, “So, when are you going to trade Michael Vick?”
No more discussion about the implausible but lingering possibility that owner Arthur Blank would somehow change his mind and still bring back the quarterback who both saved the Falcons’ franchise but then leveled it – at least by the small percentage of people who still wear No. 7 jerseys, scream his name and hold a candle for him.
Goodbye, Michael Vick. Finally.
I’m all for his return – somewhere else.
I’m all for him rehabilitating his image and his life and reviving his career – somewhere else.
He has served his time. He has thought about where he went wrong and where he needs to go from here. Now comes the really hard part: Doing things correctly. But he couldn’t do it here. Blank was never going to allow it. That was clear to most clear-thinking individuals even before he made that official publicly several months back, even before Matt Ryan was drafted, even before Matt Ryan turned into something even greater than expected.
Blank writes his office e-mails in red. The man who writes in red e-mails was lied to — and he doesn’t like being lied to. Blank also knew that for every dollar he made if he brought Vick back by selling jerseys and season tickets to Vick fans, he would lose far more dollars because of the fans who would leave and the corporate sponsorships that would go away.
And did I mention he was lied to?
Vick forever will have a strong connection to Atlanta. People will remember the greatness and the tragedy. There was a time when he lit up this city. There was a time when he united it. There was a time when he divided it. Some would have you believe he divides it still.
But his actual connections to the franchise are drying up. The head coaches he played for, Dan Reeves and Jim Mora, are long gone. The general manager who ran the franchise the year Vick took the Falcons took the NFC title game, Rich McKay, now holds a non-football position with the team. Vick never shook hands on a deal with the current general manager, Thomas Dimitroff. He never played for the current coach, Mike Smith.
Vick’s strongest remaining connection is Blank. And Blank didn’t want him.
Blank, McKay and Dimitroff have been planning for this separation for two years, playing out scenarios with the salary cap and then ultimately drafting Ryan. The Falcons would have liked to get a draft pick for Vick in trade. But this is the NFL. Trades for players who logically are on the verge of being released don’t happen very often, unless there’s a market. Right now at least, there’s no market for Vick.
Think about that for a minute: There’s no market for Michael Vick.
“We spent a significant amount of time this off-season trying to trade him to another NFL club,” Dimitoff said, “and we had some conversations with a few teams, but nothing materialized. At this point, we feel releasing Michael is best for him and best for us. Our entire organization sincerely hopes that Michael will continue to focus his efforts on making positive changes in his life, and we wish him well in that regard.”
Vick has been out of the Falcons’ plans for some time. Now he is officially off the books.
It’s a detail. But a significant detail. It’s easier to move on when there’s no name on the roster.
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223 comments Add your comment
azcat225
June 12th, 2009
10:57 am
You’re going to be busy deleting comments today, Jeff.
The best thing every one involved can do, and I do mean every one, including Michael Vick, is to turn and walk away. Case closed, matter concluded, that’s a wrap.
Oh, if that were really the case…
FALCON NATION Citizen
June 12th, 2009
10:58 am
DING DONG !
The THUG is Dead!
The dog-killing, women-infecting, illegitimate-child-fathering, inarticulate, subpar-QB THUG is Dead !
Long Live FALCON NATION !!!!
Falconsfanforlife
June 12th, 2009
10:59 am
Good riddance. I have no issue with him coming back and playing for a different team like you said. This is great news for fans of the Falcons team and NFL football in Atlanta. What happened last year started the healing, and now we can finally move on. Good luck Mike, but thank god you’ll never be wearing Falcons red on Sunday again.
Go Falcons. I’m pumped for what this season will bring, and even more excited that Mike Vick is no longer on our roster.
MightyQuinn
June 12th, 2009
11:00 am
Absolutely he was never going to be allowed back. The only thing worse than a QB battle is a QB battle that includes race. Vick’s career in the ATL died with those dogs.
Navigator
June 12th, 2009
11:00 am
And Blank is making the right decision, and I’m surprised he didn’t do it much sooner.
Tron5000
June 12th, 2009
11:02 am
Good luck, Ookie.
PMC
June 12th, 2009
11:03 am
8 million in dead money this year and that will be the end of it. Wow am I glad this is over.
Before people get upset with the Falcons on this. They have done him a HUGE favor by releasing him now because now his agent can go try and find him a job without restrictions and it’s way before training camp so as soon as he’s up legally they can press the issue of his reinstatement. This is good for the Falcons and Michael Vick.
Mark C.
June 12th, 2009
11:03 am
I think the real question here is whose comment section gets shut down first, Schultz or Bradley’s.
Mangum
June 12th, 2009
11:03 am
Finally!
PMC
June 12th, 2009
11:04 am
Blue Sky’s and ready for OTA’s.
Tron5000
June 12th, 2009
11:04 am
Is there no way they could have avoided taking the $6.4 million (according to Pat Yasinkas of ESPN.com) salary cap hit? I mean, dude was incarcerated and is now a felon. No breach of contract or anything on his part?
Brad in Jasper
June 12th, 2009
11:05 am
Goodbye, sir. You lost any support from me when you gave the fans the middle finger, nevermind the other charades. The fans that still think he was somehow “framed” by the man, or whatever conspiracy theory they harbor, are completely delusional in my opinion. The Birds are in good hands for the future. Let’s close this chapter for good now, and end the tiresome MV7 discussions. The future is getting brighter. can’t wait for the fall.
Johnny Quest
June 12th, 2009
11:06 am
“Who let the dogs out? wuff, wuff, wuff-wuff!”
Mark in Woodstock
June 12th, 2009
11:07 am
Michael….good luck to you….you had the world and lost it…here’s hoping you learned your lesson. We all go through that period in life where we realize what’s truly valuable…hopefully he has as well and will turn his life around.
Blindog
June 12th, 2009
11:08 am
Never likeed him,never will and he is a thug wanna-be, sadly, thug would be a step up for this low-life loser!!
Mr. Obvious
June 12th, 2009
11:11 am
Mike Vick may no longer be a Falcon, but he is will always be a F E L O N !
mryan
June 12th, 2009
11:13 am
Yes! We no longer have to see our logo next to his name ever again! Let’s stay classy, Falcon Nation.
Terrell
June 12th, 2009
11:14 am
FALCON NATION Citizen , why don’t you just replace THUG with the word you really want to say. Yes it’s time to move on, but I wish people could show some intelligence in their choice of words. Why is it that anytime we talk about the Falcons’ success it’s followed by a stupid negative comment towards Mike Vick?
mryan
June 12th, 2009
11:15 am
Do we really have to pile on? We should thank God we have a quarterback and a true leader in the locker room.
George Gipp
June 12th, 2009
11:15 am
I really can’t believe the Falcons released Vick! Bad move. He owes the Falcons money. His rights belonged to the Falcons for several more years. They don’t have to pay him as long as he’s under indefinate suspension by the NFL and don’t have to carry him on the active roster. Just as soon as the league reinstates him, if they do, another team WILL take the chance and sign him for his athletic ability. Vick still had some value to the Falcons, even if it’s just making sure he sits and can’t go play for a competitor in the same division or conference. If reinstated, you know we could have at least gotten some draft picks for him. If they wanted to be vindictive, the Falcons could sit on him and make sure by the time that contract period was over Vick never stepped foot on an NFL field. He could have been inactive for years, thereby being worthless to another team.
The Falcons gave this guy boucous millions and in return MV7 (a.k.a Ron Mexico) made Mr. Blank look like a fool in front of the entire nation more than once. He constantly lied to the man who was signing his checks, spoon feeding him, pushing him around in a wheelchair and playing daddy to him, smiling all the while as he smoked blunts, spread social diseases, fathered illegitimate children, blew millions on his posse and ‘raised dogs’. At the moment, it was costing the Falcons nothing to sit on on him. They should have done it until he was reinstated by the NFL.
Spacemountain
June 12th, 2009
11:15 am
Now we can focus on the Falcons and just the Falcons.
Mike In Valdosta
June 12th, 2009
11:17 am
He should have never moved his mom out, nor moved all those thugzzzzzz (don’t they like their “z”s) in. Dan Reeves was exactly right, that boy needed his moma, and a little tougher love from Blank. I certainly hope all have learned their lesson.
DHD
June 12th, 2009
11:18 am
Does this mean the man crush that the AJC reporters is over????? No, we’ll still see 4 or 5 Vick articles each week. They love the guy.
Former Season Ticket Holder
June 12th, 2009
11:18 am
Hmmmm, 3 days after the judge gave yet another deadline for a new Chapter 11 reorganization plan, the Falcons so generously release Vick? BWA HAHAHAHA! Who’s pulling these strings? Who is so naive they can’t see THAT? Let’s not pretend like this was done for any reason other than the intervention that took place last night by McKay, Dimitroff and Stephanie Blank to tell King Arthur “you HAVE too!”…LOL! Whoever is paying Vick’s legal fees, is the one that made the call that basically said, release him NOW. Sorry Arthur, I know you thought that spike in revenue between 2002 and 2006 was all about you but sadly, as 2007 and 2008 have proven, it SO wasn’t. Its somebody else’s turn to reap that benefit now.
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
11:18 am
DING DONG THE VICK IS GONE, THE VICK IS GONE, THE VICK IS GONE! DING DONG THE WICKED VICK IS GOOOOOONNNNNEEEE!!
LET OUT YOUR DOGS TO RUN, THEY’LL BE SAFE TO HAVE SOME FUN!! DING DONG THE WICKED VICK IS GONE!!
Can’t you just imagine Vick running around in his neighborhood chasing the neighbors dogs while his ankle bracelett is beeping screaming…..”I’ll get you my little pretty.” BWAA HA HA!!!!!
maddog
June 12th, 2009
11:18 am
GOODBYE TO THE OLD FALCONS HELLO TO A REAL TEAM. WE DONT NEED A LONG HAIRED THUG LIKE VICK ON THE ROSTER.ITS SO GOOD TO HAVE A QB THATGOT A GOOD HEAD ON HIS SHOULDERS.GO BACK TO THE HOOD YOU CAME FROM MV7
Jeff Schultz
June 12th, 2009
11:19 am
AZCAT225: I know. I know.
MARK C: I’m bettin’ on a tie.
TRON5000: If it was base salary for next season, yes. But it was signing bonus money already paid/committed. The pro-ration ($5 word) goes away.
JOHNNY: Ah, c’mon. You can do better. (But J.Q. was an AWESOME cartoon.)
Jeff Schultz
June 12th, 2009
11:21 am
GEORGE GIPP: I disagree. Team needs to move on. There’s no real potential $$$ savings other than the cap hit this season, which obviously they believe is worth the tradeoff for closure.
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
11:22 am
Vick fans you may now leave with your beloved!!!
Man I feel like we should throw a party!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!!
BigSherm7
June 12th, 2009
11:22 am
The perfect irony would be if Vick signs with an AFC team, takes them to the Super Bowl against the Falcons, and, on the last play of the game, makes a play like that highlight reel play that he made against the Vikings a few years ago. That would be more of a dagger in the heart than the suddenly collapse against the Cowboys in ‘81, or the Eugene Robinson affair in 1999. . .
bigstack19
June 12th, 2009
11:27 am
Sure hope he learned his lesson. He did his time and deserves a second chance in life, but he better not screw it up. He won’t get another chance.
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
11:27 am
BigSherm7………………..wake up!!!
mryan
June 12th, 2009
11:28 am
Wow! Nice dreaming there, Sherm. I’d rather lose with Matt Ryan.
oldbird
June 12th, 2009
11:29 am
Jeff – all you needed to write was “It’s easier to move on when there’s no name on the roster.”
Peace
Mac
June 12th, 2009
11:33 am
Is he really officially off the books? They don’t owe this scumbag any more money, I hope?
Sam
June 12th, 2009
11:34 am
The Black Jesus experiment is long over. We shall never know how 2007 would have turned out and what progress may have been made. Could he have had a >60% completion rate? Or was he too short to see over the O-line? Black Jesus screwed the pooch and we shall never know. It’s water way past the bridge to this Falcon fan.
Former Season Ticket Holder
June 12th, 2009
11:36 am
So will the AJC officially create a Mike Vick page or will you continue to just have the Falcons share the page with him?
Captain Irony
June 12th, 2009
11:37 am
The GULLIBLE Arthur Blank would never have hired a person like Vick at HOME DEPOT, and certainly not a convicted FELON.
Ironically, however, Vick found himself saddled with $130 million contract to the same FELON.
Where will Vick go for work now?
Certainly not Home Depot!
Hallmark
June 12th, 2009
11:40 am
Happy ILLEGITIMATE FATHERS Day , MIke Vick!
Nostradamus
June 12th, 2009
11:43 am
Michael Vick will be back in handcuffs before he is back in a football uniform.
You can take that to the bank, DOG.
Volman
June 12th, 2009
11:44 am
Very good article today, Mr. Schultz. It beats the heck out of your love for UGA (re:your lovefest with David Pollack) or your negative articles on Atlanta teams (Hawks, Braves, etc).
This was a true blog and I don’t think Blank needs to justify ANYTHING to ANYBODY. We all know he was lied to. We all know what would happen if the Falcons brought him back.
Matt Ryan is here..he’s the future of this franchise for the next 10+ years, and I’m glad I do not have to worry about who is going to play quarterback. Leave that to the Lions.
eplayerj
June 12th, 2009
11:50 am
I am and will always be a Falcon fan. I like how Michael made this team relevant again. Our history is short enough that most of the people on her jumping for joy forget what he bought to this team. Say what you want about the person, but he left it on the field. Nothing but blood and sweat. Even when he had no help. He did what he could. I will miss that person.
I wish him well in the future. If that future isn’t in the NFL. If he makes it to another team I hope he bust our head to the white meat. Now that is Karma.
Da Voice
June 12th, 2009
11:50 am
There is no way the Falcon nation would rather lose a superbowl game to Mike Vick regardless of who the QB. You say that because the possibility of it happening is slim to none. The man is gone so let’s put this sad tragic saga behind us and move on. I am a Vick fan which made me a Falcon fan. I truly hope that Matt Ryan does not suffer a sophmore slump because now folks are riding his jock like they were a certain number 7 a few years back. The future is bright but I hope we as Falcon fans can stand some rain if the team stumbles some this year. I am sure we will as none of us who are being so hateful now will want to eat their words if the Falcons as a team are not successful. Go Falcons
Birddawg
June 12th, 2009
11:54 am
I’m a Falcons fan…I’m a Michael Vick fan and I hope for succes for both of them. But I do wonder what all of these fans will say if Michael comes to lead some other moribund franchise to a Superbowl championship in the next few years. Or worse, multiple Superbowl championships. Let’s hope that question is never answered because if he is winning Superbowls, that means the Falcons won’t be.
Optimist Prime
June 12th, 2009
11:54 am
Man!
I was hoping this was going to be an obituary article.
Maybe tomorrow…
PoliticalMan
June 12th, 2009
12:01 pm
I’m predicting that Vick will never be a good pro football again, certainly not in the NFL. He will have lost some physical ability over the last two plus years. Mentally he is not tough. The idea that he is going to somehow be a top receiver, cornerback, etc is ridiculous. Maybe RB is his position, though QB scrambling barely relates. Basically Vick is a man who came on the stage for a brief while and flamed out. In a few years his name will be a distant memory.
MattyB
June 12th, 2009
12:02 pm
This can’t possibly be good news for Vick, just more Bad Newz. The fact that the Falcons couldn’t get even something small in trade will certainly deal a large blow to his “projected future earnings” regarding his bankruptcy reorganization “plan.”
Jeff, I’m curious to know if maybe Falcons management has been hearing whispers through back door channels that the commissioner’s office isn’t going to be overly anxious to re-instate Vick and that’s what led to today’s final decision in the matter?????
Joey
June 12th, 2009
12:02 pm
I get frustrated by media types who keep writing that “Vick lied to Blank”, “Vick lied to Goodell”, and Blank and Goodell don’t like being lied to, etc. I’m not a big Vick fan, but what was he supposed to do, just up and admit to committing a federal crime? Most guys won’t admit to leaving the toilet lid down. Who in the world would not lie to our boss if in his position?
Ted Striker
June 12th, 2009
12:03 pm
Madden NFL fans want Mike Vick on a roster, we don’t care which one. (You should see my bootleg with McNabb, suckers).
Officer Rivieri
June 12th, 2009
12:03 pm
Are all the *VICK SUPPORTERS* in Atlanta going to get mad now, riot, destroy & loot their own neighborhoods and burn down all the local KFC restaurants and HOME DEPOT stores for how their “god” was direspected by Arthur Blank and the Falcons?
I SAID IT
June 12th, 2009
12:03 pm
TO HELL WITH PETA! AND TO YOU VICK HATERS, REMEMBER, VICK HATES YOU TO. REMEMBER THE MIDDLE FINGER!!!!!! TO HELL WITH PETA!!!
Ted Striker
June 12th, 2009
12:04 pm
Joey, I only lied to my boss if I could actually get away with it. And I did, like 211 times. (It’s that 212th time that will get ya).
Mac
June 12th, 2009
12:05 pm
An upstanding man, Joey.
Matt
June 12th, 2009
12:06 pm
What am I supposed to do with all of my Ron Mexico Falcons jerseys now?!
Najeh Davenpoop
June 12th, 2009
12:11 pm
“for every dollar he made if he brought Vick back by selling jerseys and season tickets to Vick fans, he would lose far more dollars because of the fans who would leave and the corporate sponsorships that would go away.”
Most idiotic statement I’ve read in a long time. Assuming Vick still has his skills and wins upon arrival, you are out of your damn mind if you think a team is going to incur a net loss by bringing Vick in. Recent anti-Vick protests have been counted in tens of people, not thousands. Far, far more people would be coming to games than leaving in a place like Minneapolis or San Francisco if Vick signed, and I think even you’re smart enough to know that. As far as corporate sponsors, even the Bengals still have big-time company names attached to their team, despite their years of off-field problems and on-field futility.
BT
June 12th, 2009
12:11 pm
Vick was to the Falcons (in 07) what Katrina was to the Saints team in 05.
It`s nice to see that both teams have put those disasters behind them.
I `am not trying to equate Katina to Vick in terms how it effected the cities by and large.
Of course, there is no comparison there.
For the Vickies how think that Vick is going else where and became an instant impact player.
Don`t hold your breath.
That said, what I do see for the future is:
The Falcons and Saints battling it out for NFCS dominance (the way it should be)for at least the next hand full of years because, they have two of the top four young, QB`s in the NFC in the wake of their disasters.
Beautiful Monte
June 12th, 2009
12:13 pm
People like Joey – you know, the folks who have the lowest possible standards for human behavior – are the reason that this country is going to Hades in a handbasket.
James
June 12th, 2009
12:16 pm
Brad in Jasper,
Every time I read about Mike Vick giving Atlanta fans the finger it makes me sick.I was sitting behind the people that he gave the finger to and they happened to be “SAINTS FANS” who made some very nasty uncalled for remarks about Vick’s mother.Personally I would have done more that just give them the finger but that’s just me and I was there.Where were you? MightyQuinn,you are so right!!
Najeh Davenpoop
June 12th, 2009
12:18 pm
“Trades for players who likely are on the verge of being released don’t happen very often, unless there’s a market. Right now at least, there’s no market for Vick.”
There’s no market for a suspended player with an expensive contract. That doesn’t mean there’s no market for a reinstated Vick at the minimum-salary incentive-laden deal he’ll surely receive from someone. I don’t have enough fingers to count the number of half-truths in this article.
MiltonDawg
June 12th, 2009
12:18 pm
so do we think UFL or NFL first? Goodell needs to think about this hard. Glad we can finally move on and put this incident behind us.
UFL Commissioner
June 12th, 2009
12:25 pm
Well, MiltonDawg, for purely humanitarian reasons of course, I think he should play in our league first. Best for his psyche to be away from the NFL glare for awhile.
Mac
June 12th, 2009
12:26 pm
You’ve got to love these blogs. Someone asks a question about the UFL and the next thing you know, the UFL commissioner himself answers. That’s good right there, I don’t care who you are.
Old Dawg
June 12th, 2009
12:26 pm
Najeh Davenpoop: When it comes to stadiums etc, It’s all about corporate sponsorships. It’s one of their biggest fall venues for entertaining clients, and it’s one of the major aspects of building new stadiums. True, regular season tickets are make for good earnings, but corporate sponsors pay long-term bills. When corporate sponsors get a slammed with calls and letters about unwanted people, they listen and sponsorship dollars disappear.
If you don’t remember, look how quickly Vick’s corporate sponsorships disappeared when this whole fiasco started.
Never thought it would happen
June 12th, 2009
12:27 pm
With the way Blank kept turning the other cheek, even after Vick proved he was never gonna be a great QB, I never thought Blank would release him.
Today is a good day.
MiltonDawg
June 12th, 2009
12:28 pm
UFL will pretty much be his last & final “audition” for the NFL. i think scouts/coaches/owners will once and for all decide whether or not they want him and all his PR mess. Agree he needs a psyche break. Question is, if he is good enough to get back in the NFL, what position?
CDawg42
June 12th, 2009
12:29 pm
As long as he can make you more money than he can lose you, he’ll have an NFL job. Count on it. That’s all it’s ever about…not black, not white, but green to these NFL owners. They’re not billionaires by accident!
Keeping It Real
June 12th, 2009
12:29 pm
WOW!! Mighty Quinn you hit it right on the head. Lots of haters on this blog who hide their racism. Typical of the USA today. Hopefully, all the venom stays on these blogs. Good luck MV7 and may God be with you.
MiltonDawg
June 12th, 2009
12:29 pm
almost like a american “football” idol!! who would be the judges? goodell, a parole officer, and peta spokesperson??
Mike Wallace
June 12th, 2009
12:31 pm
MIKE VICK: The Failure of Affirmative Action in the National Football League.
Greg
June 12th, 2009
12:33 pm
Jeff, do you think the inability to trade Vick shows that there is a real, not just apparent, lack of interest in him, on the grounds that if there were a real interest by any team that team would have made the trade rather than face a possible auction that would drive up the price for Vick-the-free-agent? After all, a team probably could have worked out a trade for a very low cost.
Former Season Ticket Holder
June 12th, 2009
12:35 pm
Jeff Schultz, this really was a poorly researched article. I get your opinion, but you mixed in blatant lies as if they were facts to support your opinion. Just say you don’t like Vick and glad he’s gone, but as Najeh said earlier, its just idiotic to say Vick wouldn’t be a financial boon to whatever club he joins. What marketing person told you that? One in Coweta County? Milton? Certainly nobody on Madison Avenue, that’s for sure. Go ask the Forbes Magazine Sports & Money editor what he thinks about that….bet he totally disagrees with you on that.
BT
June 12th, 2009
12:35 pm
It my bet, if or when Vick gets reinstated in the NFL.
He won`t return being a QB.
In fact, he never really was one.
After five or seven years in the league, a real QB should be well past (and adept) at the concept of reading defences.
There is a famous, former NFL HC who coined the phrase ”coach killer” and then his son committed ”coach suicide.”
Connect the dots.
Ted Striker
June 12th, 2009
12:35 pm
I wonder what Pro’s vs. Joes would pay Vick.
dap01
June 12th, 2009
12:36 pm
I wonder if Vick’s bankruptcy plan will work while making $25,000 per year in another pro league?
Good ridance, I hope to see no more articles on Vick.
Mac
June 12th, 2009
12:39 pm
Madison Avenue may again love Vick. But not right away. He’d have to totally rehabilitate his image first. And, that ain’t gonna be anytime soon.
cdog
June 12th, 2009
12:40 pm
THE FALCONS AND ARTHUR BLANKS ARE GOING TO REGRET THIS MOVE. PLAYERS IN THE NFL CAN MURDER ANOTHER HUMAN BEING AND STILL GET OFF WHILE SOMEONE CAN FIGHT A DUMB ANIMAL, A DOG AND GET PUT DOWN THE WAY VICK DID. BUT MICHAEL, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP TO THE LORD. REMEMBER WHAT PSALM 37 SAYS, FRET NOT THYSELF BECAUSE OF EVILDOERS.NEITHER BE THOU ENVIOUS AGAINST THE WORKERS OF INIQUITY.FOR THEY SHALL SOON BE CUT DOWN LIKE THE GRASS AND WHITHER AS THE GREEN HERB.ALL PEOPLE WHO ARE INVOLVED AGAINST YOU WILL PAY FOR THEIR TREATMENT OF YOU INCLUDING BLANKS. MICHAWL MADE A MISTAKE AS WE ALL DO. HE PAID FOR IT. WHY NOT BRING HIM BACK AND GIVE HIM A SECOND CHANCE? BECAUSE OF HATRED AND RACISM THATS WHY. PAUL HORNUNG BROKE THE LAW BUT WAS ALLOWED TO COME BACK TO THE PACKERS. HE COMMITED A WORST CRIME THAN VICK. ONLY DIFFERENCE HE WAS WHITE. SO WHAT IF MIKE GAVE A FINGER TO FANS. HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BOOED. LOOK AT THE TERRIBLE QUARTERBACKS THE FALCONS HAD OVER THE YEARS LIKE BOB BERRY, RANDY JOHNSON,CHRIS MILLER,REDMAN, TURK SHONERT,DAVID ARCHER TO NAME JUST A FEW THEY ARE THE ONES WHO SHOULD HAVE RUN OUT OF TOWN. THEY LOST BUT NEVER WAS TREATED THE WAY VICK WAS TREATED IN ATLANTA.BLANKS WILL REGRET THIS.
Marie
June 12th, 2009
12:40 pm
Thank you Joey if I hear this Vick lied to Goddell and Blank nonesense one more time I am going to puke. Blank lied to the fans by first telling us that he never spoke with Vick and then he later “slipped up” and admitted that indeed he did talk to Vick. And the NFL also put out that bogus information that Vick had not been indicted so fans could continue to buy tickets before the shoe drop. FRAUDS!!! So, he that is without sin — cast the first stone.
As far as this release — why now? Not many teams are going to make such a commitment until they know whether or not Goddell is going to reinstate Vick. They would have a much better idea of what will happen in that regards at the end of July. Why not wait until then? We all understand that Vick will not play for the Falcons again, but, I don’t think we want him playing for Tampa Bay (no strong starting QB), Carolina (an aging starting QB)and New Orleans (a crafty coach whom most analysts believe would use Vick as a back-up or line him up alongside Drew Breeze to run the wildcat or other tricky offense schemes).
Just as Jerry Jones and the Univ of AK made a fool of Blank by getting Petrino to leave him in the lurch, Jim Mora by charming him into hiring him, and the Big Tuna in using him to leverage a better position with the Dolphins; so now are teams playing coy with Blank and company because in the end they knew he would release Vick outright. Now they can get him without giving the Falcons anything.
CDawg42
June 12th, 2009
12:42 pm
JS, I think you’re miscalculating when you say that the percentage of MV supporters is a small percentage. Just because that seems to be the temperature on the blog sites, and on the talk radio shows, etc., don’t be mistaken. A lot of those that truly support him and will buy his jerseys and pay to see his games aren’t blogging or logging in or calling in to give their opinions. They are the people walking around everyday going to school (or not), going to work (or not), and basically living life the best way they know how. On a lot of levels they identify with MV and will not relinquish their support of him so easily. They love football just like the bloggers and callers but its not in their daily reality to talk about it on a stage or forum such as this. They are real and I have a feeling that their numbers aren’t as “small” as you think. I know that won’t make most posters here very happy, but it hopefully gives a real good dose of reality.
Terrell
June 12th, 2009
12:49 pm
Nostradamus,don’t be late for your klan meeting tonight.
Terrell
June 12th, 2009
12:51 pm
Mike Wallace
June 12th, 2009
12:31 pm
MIKE VICK: The Failure of Affirmative Action in the National Football League.
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Just when you thought people couldn’t be any more stupid.
Former Season Ticket Holder
June 12th, 2009
12:53 pm
CDawg42, dont try and enlighten JS…he’s in denial because he needs to be right now. Only a fool would believe MV doesnt have many supporters when even every poll in the last week, including the darn polls on the AJC say he does. Good grief, he reminds me of those people still holding out hope for McCain right up until Nov 4th at 11pm eastern time.
WinderDawg
June 12th, 2009
12:55 pm
HEY BIG SHERM 7-THE CLOSEST MICK VICK WILL EVER GET TO THE SUPERBOWL, WILL BE THE MILLER LITE TENT IN THE PARKING LOT!!!!!!!!!!
The Real Fan
June 12th, 2009
12:56 pm
When I see all the hateful comments I wonder if those are season ticket holders.
From a strictly business side this makes no sense:
1.Vick was never going to play for the Falcons again. We all get that, but we should have gotten something for him even a 7th round draft pick.
2.All cap money is money to being used on active players or picks.
3. The Falcons had a waiting list for season tickets and are now running specials to sell tickets. Wonder why?
4. Vick has a winning record as a starter.
All those are facts. There are those of us who are true fans of the Falcons and we want to win. Then there are the others who are just whiners and poser fans. Bandwagon. There is no better feeling than to be at a Falcons game with full stands causing the opposing team to jump off sides from the noise. (We use to lead the league in false starts).
It’s a new season. Stop the foolish hating and move on. We had enough hating this week in D.C.
BT
June 12th, 2009
12:57 pm
Marie, all due respect but Mr. Blank does not run the Falcons roster moves.
That responsibility has been delegated to Thomas Dimitroff.
IN DIMITROFF WE TRUST!
To others, speaking about MV7`s marketability.
Winning is true marketability and in case you have not checked the records?
MV7 stopped being a winner the day he signed the 130 million dollar contract.
Please don`t be like Cowboy, Redskin Raiders fans and and live way in the past.
Steve
June 12th, 2009
1:02 pm
After reading the obvious split reactions from whites and blacks, I now better understand how Brian Nichols almost escaped life in prison without the possibilty of parole. I see now with all the murders happening in DeKalb county daily, there’s only been one death penalty handed down in DeKalb in the past 22 years. Simply put, whites are much, much, tougher on crime, on average, than blacks are. No wonder white males are always the first to be struck off a jury. Any attorney worth his salt knows no one is tougher on crime than a middle age white male, we don’t want that crap back into our society. Vick does have his supporters, I just hope none of them ever live in my neighborhood. I hate moving.
Falcon Fan
June 12th, 2009
1:02 pm
It seems as if the word “Thug” has become the new “N word” for a lot of you haters. How sad!
Keeping It Real
June 12th, 2009
1:02 pm
Fighting dawgs was never the issue. Race was and is the defining factor. We all know it yet we continue to hide behind the computer screens. MV7 was just the catylst to bring it out in the open. Hank Aaron did the same but made better decisions. Vick and Aaron are still the most exciting athletes to ever hit this City.
Good luck MV and have a good life.
Rod
June 12th, 2009
1:03 pm
BRAVESHATER – get a clue.
You’re just showing your ignorance.
DHD
June 12th, 2009
1:04 pm
LOOK at all of the Vick articles on the AJC. They are in LOVE with this guy. Always have been, always will. When he signs with another team, we’ll get play by play on the front page here. It won’t EVER go away. I know….why do I come here…you’re right.
DH
June 12th, 2009
1:05 pm
If Vick could have made better than 1.4 GPA in African Studies, of all things, at VT…perhaps he could get a job using his mind. Write a book? LOL…he has never read one. Who ever wrote that in their post needs to be doing stand up comedy…write a book…..I’m dying here, lol…write a book !!!
DHD
June 12th, 2009
1:05 pm
Why is it that Thug supporters always type in ALL CAPS?
BRAVESHATER
June 12th, 2009
1:06 pm
ROD-BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO MORE THINGS VICK CAN RELATE TO THAN YOU OR ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY, I WONT GO INTO DETAIL WITH YOU, OTHER THAN TO SAY, I HOPE YOU AREN’T A BLACK MAN.
Lynn
June 12th, 2009
1:06 pm
BT……the Falcons sold out every singe home game from 2002 thru the 2006 season. That’s a fact. Now you Deliverance people get to fill up the Georgia Dome and root for someone that looks like you, which is what you wanted…so go ahead…what’s stopping you now? You got the “face” of the franchise that you wanted…so what’s the problem? Must be one, because if there wasn’t, wouldn’t have this now would we?
http://store.falcons365.com/store/
Get that special now…..operators are standing by…and have been for over a year…..oh, and try not to blame the economy because we all know the Saints sold out their games already.
BRAVESHATER
June 12th, 2009
1:08 pm
BECAUSE WE’RE DOMINANT, UNLIKE ANY WHITE MAN THAT HAS WALKED THE EARTH. WHY ARE WHITE PEOPLE SO SCARY? WHY ARE THEY HIPPOCRITES? WHY IS THEIR SKIN SO FLAKY?
All World
June 12th, 2009
1:09 pm
Whereever Vick goes, I’m going with hime. Arthur Blank, a hunter and/or animal killer himself, and Matt Ryan combined can’t sell out Atlanta stadium. Vick has paid his dues to society but the team he loved so much dopped him like a bad habit. Only God can judge us and Vick. Blank should hire an all white team so no one has to remember that attack dogs were used by police and soldiers to hurt and kill innocent Black women, children and babies here and around the world!
DHD
June 12th, 2009
1:10 pm
BRAVESHATER = Terrance Moore
Falcon Fan
June 12th, 2009
1:10 pm
I really hope and pray that MV7 signs with a team that plays the Falcons. I can’t wait to see MV7 put his foot in the Falcons a$$ sideways and then give the game ball to Arthur Blanks. I CAN’T WAIT!
BRAVESHATER
June 12th, 2009
1:13 pm
THUGS TYPE IN CAPS BECAUSE WE’RE DOMINANT. UNLIKE THE MAJORITY OF THOSE WHO USE THIS MEDIUM TO BASH A YOUNG MAN FOR MAKING POOR DECISIONS. YOU CRACKERS MADE SOME OF WORST DECISIONS IN THE HISTORY OF MAN, AND YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO CRITICIZE SOMEONE FOR FIGHTING AN ANIMAL. YOU CRACKERS KILL EVERYTHING, AND I MEAN EVERYTHING YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON, ARE YOU’LL SERIOUS.
San
June 12th, 2009
1:13 pm
Why would Mike Vick WANT to stay here to listen to you hillbilly, non-ticket buying rednecks anyway? Arthur Blank is laying in his bed in tears….Matt Ryan will NEVER have a season ticket waiting list of THOUSANDS!! Hence, the FREE falcon jersey giveaway with the purchase of tickets…WTH?? Why does Arthur have to beg you folks to buy tickets for this “playoff ” team???
Mike Vick will continue to sell out stadiums around this country and WILL definitely have the #1 selling Jersey once again!!
BradATL
June 12th, 2009
1:17 pm
Keepin’ it real wrote:
Hank Aaron did the same but made better decisions. Vick and Aaron are still the most exciting athletes to ever hit this City.
I have loved Hank Aaron since I was a little boy and saw him hit 715 in Atl-Fulton Co Stadium. He is (and has always been) a classy gentleman, and a true ambassador for his sport. Post-baseball, he has enjoyed a successful career as a businessman. He and Vick could not have less in common.