Until Goodell moves on, none of us can move on
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell needs to get over the fact that Michael Vick lied to him about his crimes for the sake of the league and the rest of us. (AP photo)
It was about two years ago in New York when Roger Goodell asked Michael Vick if he participated in — or had any knowledge of — a dog fighting operation that investigators believed was being run out of his house in Surry County, Va. Vick lied. He said no.
This picture to the left was taken the same day as that meeting, as both were in New York for the 2007 draft and to honor Virginia Tech after the campus shootings. You know the rest of inglorious history — for Vick, for football fans, for the Falcons’ franchise, for Arthur Blank (who had similar pre-indictment conversations with Vick) and for the NFL. So we won’t rehash it. (Again.)
Now, I understand that the NFL has become the People’s Republic of Goodell. He has been tough on crime. Between the looks of disgust, he actually seems to enjoy being judge and jury. Maybe a little too much.
But for the sake of everybody, can we just move on?
Goodell may meet with Vick this week in time for Vick to sign with a team and go to training camp. Or he may not.
He may lift the suspension sometime in the next two weeks. Or he may not.
He may twiddle his thumbs for a while, all in the hope that Vick grovels a little bit more, publicly and privately, just to make sure every last group is pandered to and his own ego is satisfied. Some sort of conditional reinstatement (most likely) or additional suspension should be announced by Sept. 1. That’s 12 days before the first Sunday of the NFL season. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful buildup to Week 1?
Know what? I’m tired of this. I think most of us are tired of this. We all need to move on. We all want to move on but can’t until Goodell reinstates Vick and starts the healing process in earnest.
Roger: Make a decision already. I don’t want to hear that Vick just got his ankle bracelet off Monday. You’ve had 23 months to think about this and plot your strategy.
The longer Goodell takes, the longer this thing drags on. The longer we have to put up with double-secret, triple-anonymous sourced stories on ESPN that basically say nothing. The longer it is before Vick actually returns to the league, signs with a team, starts playing, experiences the hecklers and the picketers and the daily media examinations, all with the hope that he grows up and becomes a man and a player again.
But all that is going to take while. None of it is going to be fun. I’m not sure if we or Vick ever get to that finish line. But I know we’ll never find out if Goodell doesn’t start the process. And I’m so tired of waiting.
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150 comments Add your comment
DHD
July 21st, 2009
11:27 pm
One more Vick article. Please guys, get over your man crush on this guy and report some real sports news.
Again??
July 21st, 2009
11:31 pm
3 Vick articles today?????
mullet13
July 21st, 2009
11:39 pm
Allowed to play in the NFL again or not, Vick will again do something criminal and stupid. And I hope that if he does come back that people will always protest, heckle, and harass him.
BugKiller
July 21st, 2009
11:52 pm
Really, Jeff?
Instead of being a voice for truth amidst all the lies being written about Mike Vick (he made “mistake(s)”; he “deserves” a second chance [or a sixth chance, really], he has a “right” to play football in the NFL) in the rush to see him get back in the NFL…
… you excoriate Roger Goodell instead?
Wow. You have a set of brass ones.
Next time someone under your purview lies to you about something incredibly illegal they just did when you’re trying to HELP them, I’m just gonna tell you to “get over it.”
Whether that be a child, a family member, a underling, whatever. Let’s see how you would feel when your trust is abused. When someone you’re trying to help lies to your face without a second thought, without an ounce of remorse.
Dude. Seriously. We’re all sick of Vick. But The Commish has every right to do what he deems necessary for the good of the game. It’s amazing how you and others rightfully deplore one commissioner when he routinely doesn’t do that (Bug Selig) and then turn around and deplore another when he does (Goodell).
Personally, I hope Goodell realizes that Mike Vick has led a LIFE STYLE of no remorse and bans him for life. Vick has no right to play football. He has every right to make a living. Let him play in the UFL. Or work construction. Where he commits sex crimes and settles them out of court. Where he smokes dope while having his urine tested. Where he has Blank fix his problems for him (the watch and the waterbottle).
You want proof that Mike Vick feels no remorse and hasn’t changed a bit? Pay attention to his ongoing bankruptcy proceedings.
He’s a man who’s been told how awesome he is since he was 14. He’s a man who’s always preferred to surround himself with sycophants and hangers on, and that hasn’t changed. Dan Reeves, the one coach who demanded that Vick actually work hard (and whom Vick had fired) has been trying to reach Vick for two years to HELP him. But Vick wants none of Dan Reeves and the truth he would bring into his life.
Ban Vick for life, Roger. The NFL, and the Falcons, are doing A-OK without him.
Ed-Covington
July 21st, 2009
11:58 pm
OK: Commit a heinous crime, be investigated by both Federal and state authorities. Tell your editors/publishers that you are innocent and have them publicly defend you. Then plead guilty to this crime and go to prison. Would you dare go back to you old bosses and tell them to “get over” it and give you your job back?
Ed-Covington
July 22nd, 2009
12:04 am
I hope Goodell allows Vick to twist in the wind for as long as Vick’s dogs were allowed to twist in the wind on the fences! Remember the pictures?
Ed-Covington
July 22nd, 2009
12:24 am
I hope that Goodell lets Vick twist in the wind for a long time. He deserves it! (Why did you censor my last, almost identical, entry?)
Anthony
July 22nd, 2009
12:26 am
Bugkiller,
It’s time for you to get over it. Who said you knew all the answers about Vicks situation? All we’re saying is the commisioner has had 23 months to decide what to do. I think he enjoys being “all powerful”. And another thing, Vick has already done his time. Let him move on. Why don’t you slam all the other players who get DUI’s, beat their wives or girlfriends, run around on their wives and Goodell never gives them anything but a slap on the wrist. He knows half the league would be suspended if he came down hard on them. Vick’s got to live with what he did for the rest of his life and he has served his time in jail for it. If it were you wouldn’t you want a chance to move on? Yes, of course you would. It’s easy to sit here and say what Vick deserves or don’t deserve when it’s not you isn’t it?
Ed-Covington
July 22nd, 2009
12:30 am
Wow! Both my entries post together after only a half hour’s wait!
Anthony
July 22nd, 2009
12:32 am
Ed=Covington,
No need to go over the rap sheet again. We all know what Vick did and so does the authorities. They gave his punishment and he took it. Now why don’t you move on and talk about the Braves since they are the only squeky clean thing going right now. But wait, you can’t. You can’t find anything negative to say which is all you all are wanting to say. Ever heard of forgiveness?
BugKiller
July 22nd, 2009
12:38 am
Anthony, what you seem to not understand is that there is no “right” for Vick to play football.
Who says he’s paid his debt?
If you were a teacher, and found to be funding, running, taking part in, basically, the Kingpin of an illegal dogfighting / gambling empire as Vick was and YOU go to jail for 2 years…
… do you have a “right” to get your teaching job back?
HELL NO!!!
Also, if you’re a teacher and you commit a sex crime against someone else by knowingly giving them herpes, let me see you retain your job, or get off like Vick did.
If you’re at the airport and you’re involved with the theft of a VERY expensive watch, let’s see if YOUR boss sends a “fixer” like Billy Johnson to get you out of it.
If you’re a teacher and you’re photographed with a joint in the back of a limo, let’s see how long you keep your job.
Get a clue, Anthony.
Billy
July 22nd, 2009
12:41 am
Give me a break, Anthony. This has nothing to do with “forgiveness”. It has everything to do with people saying to “get over it.” Michael Vick does NOT have the right to play in the NFL. Regardless of what Jeff or others think, most sensible people would see his actions as commissioner to be a positive.
And as much as Jeff likes to say that he’s “tired” of stories like Vick and Brett Favre, it’s he and his fellow writers who keep bringing this stuff up.
I can’t believe that I’m saying it, but I agree with BugKiller. If Jeff did the same types of things that Vick did, he probably wouldn’t be able to go back to his employer and ask for his job back.
The Grinch
July 22nd, 2009
12:46 am
Yes, Goodell is a self righteous d-bag. Yes, he is turning the grand sport of football into a pansy league. HOWEVER, #@$%@#$#%#@@! Mike Vick and send him on his #$@%-ing way. Time to let go, indeed. He had his chance, and he blew it. Repeatedly. LET IT GO. Let him go join his homies and sell some crack if he wants to achieve similar status among his peers. He crapped out with the paying public, we the AJC readers are #$@%-ing sick of hearing about him in any way, shape or form, so LET IT GO.
PLEASE.
Dogman
July 22nd, 2009
12:57 am
You don’t get to pick the friends you grew up with and some in Virginia still have pretty heinous hobbies. But try and find on the internet anyone in any country (ever) sentenced to two years for dog-fighting. Dan Reeves says Vick has a good heart and should be give a second chance. I agree with Reeves.
Anthony
July 22nd, 2009
1:03 am
Guys,
I didn’t mean to get you all upset. But we’re talking about football and not teachers. All I’m saying is, he has done what the courts and the authorities have said he is supposed to do under the law. He does have a right to make a living though. Do you not realize the money the nfl has made off of Vick. I know what he did is wrong but let’s face
it. He is being made an example of. I’m ready to move on also but put yourself in the same situation and would you not want another chance to right your past mistakes? Yes, you would. If I were the commisioner, I would let him know that this is his last chance and it would be it. I mean I love animals but c.mon, he didn’t kill anyone.
old fart
July 22nd, 2009
1:24 am
the Braves have won three in a row
BugKiller
July 22nd, 2009
1:32 am
He has a right to make a living.
Banning him for life from the NFL does not impede his right to make a living.
Again, you want proof that Vick isn’t remorseful in the least, only sorry he got caught? Follow his bankruptcy proceedings.
The arrogance of Vick’s requests in these proceedings do not show a man willing to do anything necessary to turn over a new leaf, to live a new life. His requests show a man desperate to hang on to every comfort of his old life and instead of offering full restitution for his misdeeds and horrible decisions.
Again… let him play in the UFL. Let him work construction. He has no right to play in the NFL.
Michael
July 22nd, 2009
3:24 am
I’m still sickened by what Vick did every day. But I gotta say he’s getting the WORST treatment of anybody in the NFL for the crime he committed. Ray Lewis lied during a murder investigation and probably knew who killed a man in Atlanta. Goodell wasn’t in charge back then, but Lewis still got off pretty easily compared to this. Donte Stallworth was driving drunk and killed a man. He hasn’t gotten a two-year suspension or a big (insert magazine) story on his fall from grace.
I agree with Jeff. Vick has been suspended for two years and done jail time. He has paid his debt to society, so if a team wants to employ him, so be it. But maybe the NFL (and everybody else) could step up and be this serious with every criminal that passes through its ranks. Stop suspending guys for 4 games for drug infractions and then turning the other way for assault.
RTW
July 22nd, 2009
3:45 am
Was, but no longer a fan, but considering what he has lost, deserves a shot at redemption. He thrilled many a Falcon fan, black and white. And eventually polarized the same. Needs to be reinstated, mostly for the chance for redemption, that in the end, the chance we all deserve to prove our true worth. Wish him luck. Understand why it won’t be with the Falcons.
A George
July 22nd, 2009
4:46 am
Wow, I am so glad we have a bunch of saints watching Falcons football. I am so convinced you guys are haters. Real Mike fans need to protest in front of the Georgia dome this Saturday to show our support of Mike Vick. This man lost over $50 million and spent almost two years and jail, and you still want more. People, they were DOGS….period. Big Ben accused of rape and I hear nothing. All the DUI’s going on and again, no protest. Again, lets rally behind Mike this Saturday at 11 am!!!!!
Falcons Ticket Operator
July 22nd, 2009
6:21 am
Again, Virtual fans. All these numbnuts hopped on to bash Vick and have they bought season tickets yet?!? NOPE Looks like all they only hate Vick, but that doesnt translate to supporting the Falcons!!
Operators are standing by, and apparently it will stay that way.
GT4Ever
July 22nd, 2009
6:22 am
WHO REALLY CARES!!!! MOVE ON!!!! it’s the best thing to ever happen to the Falcons and their fans. We finally have a REAL QB. First time since Bartowski.
Falcon4Ever
July 22nd, 2009
6:37 am
Goodell should move on. Only in professional sports could someone get their job back after being in prison. 95% of ex-cons have to work some deadend job to survive. Goodell is considering bringing him back, WHY???? Some role model he’ll be. NO, but we as society look up to these people for some reason.
How could anyone believe a pro athlete could be a role model. They’re not and never will be. There are just too many of them without morals and ethics. You parents should be the role models to your children.
Enough talk about Vick. Leave him in the past and get on with our lives. The Falcons have. Let’s do the same!!!!!
Hate In Their Eyes
July 22nd, 2009
6:46 am
Enough already, spew your hate here but the man is going to get reinstated and he’s going to make more than all of us combine. So go somewhere be mad, be hurt, but be over it cause all that you don’t want to happen will.
dd
July 22nd, 2009
6:54 am
Just like everything else, this will come down to money for someone or some team.
We’ll see if the price to pay is worth the return.
Stay tuned.
"Chef" Tim Dix
July 22nd, 2009
6:58 am
With all the dog focus Shultzy, don’t you think Goodell could easily stick his finger in the wind and come back with the illegal gambling operation is the threat to the game that can’t be tolerated stance?
Alex H.
July 22nd, 2009
7:25 am
Hear Hear Jeff! I hope the decision comes real soon.
shortcircuit
July 22nd, 2009
7:26 am
if you all would quit reading all this about Vick then sports writers would stop writing, everyone talks about they are tired of hearing but look at the number responding to the blogs.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 22nd, 2009
7:37 am
Jeff you are right, lets get this over with so we don’t have to read about Vick any more. The sooner he can go to another team the better it is for the City of Atlanta. He has paid the price unlike some other professional athletes. And the next screw up is a life time ban like Pac Man’s…..oh, never mind.
FalcTech
July 22nd, 2009
7:42 am
Vick has paid his debt for the CRIMES he has commited. Vick hasn’t paid squat to the NFL. Forgiveness, second chances….Bull$#%^#&!!!! How many times do we have to hear about his “bad decisions” before we realize the man isn’t going to change!!!! It isn’t a RIGHT it is PREVILEDGE to make the millions he did and Vick blew it.
The Falcons have moved on with a QB that is willing to work hard to be a winner and has left the one who expected to win without the dedication.
Maxwell Snark
July 22nd, 2009
8:01 am
The sooner he’s reinstated, the sooner he can pull a Pacman and we can be done with him for good. Don’t hear too much about him anymore do you? Vick, Pros vs. Joes awaits.
Actually, for his kids’ sake, I hope he pulls it together and becomes a decent human being, because he hasn’t acted like one to this point.
True redemption, or Pros vs. Joes … the decision is yours, Vick. Once Goodell makes his, that is.
Tokyo Bravo
July 22nd, 2009
8:05 am
Vick committed a crime and has paid his dues. He is a free man. That said, playing in the NFL is a privelege, not a right. I say let Goodell take his own sweet time. Does MV deserve a chance to play again? I suppose so, but the whole “just reinstate him already” is bull, Jeff. He lied, and made a fool out of a lot of people, in addition to committing a heinous crime. I say ban him this year and let him try to pick up the pieces of his career in 2010. This will never come to pass, because some fool in the UFL (or whatever it’s called) will emnploy him for the cheap pub, but at the least, can we ban him for a half-season and make him do some SERIOUS public service work before we agree to pay him Pro wages again? Even the NFL minimum is far more than the average Joe will ever make, and he ought to be made to appreciate it a little.
Big Al
July 22nd, 2009
8:06 am
I am ready for this Vick situation to be over also. But do not jump on Goodell for having a problem with criminal actions by the players. If his ego means he wants the NFL players to act like decent, law abiding human beings, I hope his ego gets even bigger.
bubba
July 22nd, 2009
8:13 am
enough of this Vick reporting write something we care about he is past history with your Atl readers.
write something about what affects us
falconidiot
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 am
I say drag it out at least another year, or reinstate him and threaten any team that takes him repercussions. I hear the Dolphins could show some interest, so hurry maybe he could come back to the Dome week one and the whole city of Atlanta can riot over him. Ya, hurry it up for the ajc we could use a new stadium out of down town ATL.
Mike Jay
July 22nd, 2009
8:17 am
Errrr Wrong. I moved on about the time he got put in handcuffs. It really wasn’t that hard and i do not see what all the fuss is about.
crabapplejoe
July 22nd, 2009
8:27 am
Why should Vick wait for Goodell….he could go play for the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL immediately. Eric Crouch is no longer with them due to injury so they need a good running QB.
dgroy
July 22nd, 2009
8:28 am
Not only is MV a dog killer, he is also a liar. Any owner of an NFL franchise who would have someone like that as an employee is not worthy of owning an NFL Team. Do the right thing and ban him for life…..I certainly wouldn’t watch any game, or team, that he is a participant in, or is employed by.
MV7 with time on my hand
July 22nd, 2009
8:31 am
I TRULY THINK THAT YOU’LL ( FALCON FAN AND SPORT COLUMNIST) SHOULD SPEND MORE TIME ON THE FALCON AND MATT ICE, I FOUND IT SAD THAT MATT ICY WON ESPY AWARD AND THAT’S NOT THE MAIN TOPIC IN THE NEWS HERE OR THAT THE BEING OF CAMP NEXT WEEK. VICK HAS NOT BEEN HERE IN TWO YEARS AND HAVE PLANS TO MOVE ON WITHOUT THE FALCON AS WELL. PLEASE CAN WE MOVE ON WITHOUT MR. GOODELL SAYING WE CAN MOVE ON. AND PLEASE PLEASE GO SUPPORT YOUR FALCON BY BUYING SOME TICKETS FOR ALL THE GAMES*(LET’S SELL OUT EVERY GAME LIKE WHEN I PLAYED FOR YOU’LL)*
MV7 with time on my hand
July 22nd, 2009
8:38 am
I AM A MICHEAL VICK FAN FOR LIFE, THANKS MIKE FOR ALL THE JOY, HAPPINESS AND LOVE THAT YOU BROUGHT ME AND THE ONES THAT THOUGHT THAT YOU WAS THE MAN IN THIS CITY THAT LOVE YOU. MAY GOD’S BLESSING CONTINUE TO ABIDE WITH YOU FOREVER.
I TRULY THINK THAT YOU’LL ( FALCON FAN AND SPORT COLUMNIST) SHOULD SPEND MORE TIME ON THE FALCON AND MATT ICE, I FOUND IT SAD THAT MATT ICY WON ESPY AWARD AND THAT’S NOT THE MAIN TOPIC IN THE NEWS HERE OR THAT THE BEING OF CAMP NEXT WEEK. VICK HAS NOT BEEN HERE IN TWO YEARS AND HAVE PLANS TO MOVE ON WITHOUT THE FALCON AS WELL. PLEASE CAN WE MOVE ON WITHOUT MR. GOODELL’S SAYING WE CAN MOVE ON. AND PLEASE PLEASE GO SUPPORT YOUR FALCON BY BUYING SOME TICKETS FOR ALL THE GAMES(LET’S SELL OUT EVERY GAME LIKE WHEN I PLAYED FOR YOU’LL)
CORRECT!!
July 22nd, 2009
8:49 am
Say on Bugkiller you are 100% correct!
What makes Ryan better than Vick? Ryan actually worked to improve on his game during the off season. Vick killed dogs with his homeboys.
rebar
July 22nd, 2009
8:54 am
Well said, Bugkiller. You are correct on all points.
CORRECT!!
July 22nd, 2009
8:57 am
Vick took his 130 million contract and shoved it down his fans throats then gave ya’ll the bird. All you Vick fans are just plain DUMB!
Falcons fans stand up and shout we now have a team that will take us to back to back playoffs. We are no longer a one trick pony show…..we are a team!!!
Bring Vick back I don’t care he was figured out!! 2005-2006 seasons proved it. When all you’ve got are fast legs and unable to read a defense, of course you will rack up 1000 yards rushing. Heck how many runningbacks ran for over 1000 yards in 2006? ENOUGH SAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Native Georgian
July 22nd, 2009
8:57 am
So much hate towards the man. Where is this emotion for the DUI (Stallworth), drug users (Phelps, Mayfield), and other CRIMES/CRIMINALS?
The LIES are in the PAST. The DOGFIGHTING is in the PAST. Goodell is charged with making a decision about the PRESENT & FUTURE. I agree with Jeff, it’s TIME TO MOVE ON.
And the AMERICAN WAY supports that if you have a talent and someone else is willing to pay you for that talent then you have a RIGHT to pursue it. Public hate is not enough to force this man to live in your hybrid-America. The same laws that allow you speeders, dui’ers, adulterers, sodomers, jaywalkers, etc… applies to dogfighters as well.
tree1984
July 22nd, 2009
8:59 am
Im still confused on how Vick got 21 months for killing dogs and Stallworth got 30 days for killing a human while under the influence of alcohol. Maybe Vick should have gotten drunk first. The legal system is messed up so they might as well let him play.
Adrian
July 22nd, 2009
9:05 am
Michael Vick should not have raped the dogs.
However, he went to federal prison for running an illegal, interstate gambling operation for the purpose of making money in violation of federal law and NOT for abusing animals. Unfortunately, many of the Obama voters on here who worship Vick like a “god” still do not understand that.
Vick looks like like a “Gremlin” (after adding water) from that 1980s movie, doesn’t he/it?
Adrian
July 22nd, 2009
9:07 am
CASE IN POINT: See the post by Vick Lover “tree1984″ @ 8:59 am
Herschel Talker
July 22nd, 2009
9:14 am
Mike Vick likes men.
tree1984 likes men.
Maxwell Snark
July 22nd, 2009
9:14 am
Bugkiller’s comments are the smartest on the blog.
CORRECT!!
July 22nd, 2009
9:14 am
Native Georgian……those people you mentioned never have and never will play for the Falcons. They should not even be brought up in this, let their fans blog about them. Stop trying to justify what Vick did by the wrongful acts of others.
Native Georgian
July 22nd, 2009
9:18 am
You people are funny out here. You can quote the law but you ignore the part where it states how your crime & sentence is resolved. THAT PART’S OVER FOLKS!
Now it’s time to go to work and be a productive American.
@Adrian… p.s. Your post is laced with racist undertones. “Obama voters”, “worship Vick like a god”, “looks like like a Gremlin”. Just use the “N” word. It’s a lot shorter.
Native Georgian
July 22nd, 2009
9:21 am
@CORRECT!
I can understand that those people will never play for my beloved Falcons. Got it.
I just use them as cross-references to show how we are going full-speed at dogfighting while turning a blind eye to other (sometimes more serious) crimes by other athletes who will return to their trade without all the negative resistance that Vick receives.
CORRECT!!
July 22nd, 2009
9:28 am
Vick has every right to go on and live a productive life. He can be a construction worker or what ever he chooses and who ever hires him. However, the NFL in no way has to bring him back. If I did the things he did my employer would show me the way out anf I would simply have to move on. If Rogers allows Vick’s return, so be it.
The Dogfighter Returns
July 22nd, 2009
9:33 am
Vick rules as long as capitalism is alive. Any article about the man generates hits. hits equals money on the web and Micahel Vick is a serious cash cow like mike tyson and michael jackson.
Nativebird
July 22nd, 2009
9:37 am
Here’s a solution: Roger Goodell and the NFL should develop their own “NFL Players Ankle Bracelet”. That way they could design it so Vick and the other players in trouble (Packman, etc) can run and play with it, and Roger could have his own little in-office Tracking computer on his desk. The one drawback to that idea is with the current state of the NFL, his computer screen would quickly turn into something akin to Centipede or Space Invaders.
midnite
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 am
There is no way Vick can stay clean for three years. He will violate his parole within one year. He will not stop smoking weed and you can take that to the bank. He did not stop before the trial. His only true remorse is for getting his a$$ caught. He had his chance and was too stupid to to step up. He is a liar, and once a liar always a liar. Goodbye Mike Vick and go back to where you came from, maybe 2010 you can get reinstated. Mr. Goodell please drop your hammer on this foolish, immature liar. Forget 2009 you blind loyalists, he is done.
Otto
July 22nd, 2009
9:41 am
If most of us were convicted of a felony we would not have our job waiting. Vick has no given right to play in the NFL. If the NFL wants to clean up its image banning him and a few others would be a good move.
Native Georgian
July 22nd, 2009
9:50 am
@CORRECT!! – Still agree with you but I think the proper comparison is with your employer and the Falcons. Vick has been “fired” from the Falcons. Now he has to apply at another firm (team). If Acme Construction fired you, you wouldn’t go to Aamco trying to be a transmission guru all of a sudden. Because you know “construction” you’d look for a job at Bravo Construction instead. That’s all the man is trying to do.
@midnite- If he does violate then he’ll have no one to blame but himself. He just finished paying for his ’sins’. For most people this is the point where you’re at your best behavior. You don’t have to be a blind loyalist to fight for what’s right. It could be Eli Manning (of whom I have the utmost disdain for) and I’d be defending him and the American way just as intensely.
Tyree
July 22nd, 2009
9:57 am
Otto, Thank You x 2. Why do we have to tolerate illegal and inappropriate behavior from so called athlete stars? Please don’t let Vick back in the NFL.
KT2
July 22nd, 2009
9:57 am
To all you VICK haters! Do you all know how many players in any professional sport, has commited a crime. Last time I checked VICK is human. Some of ya’ll are probably cheating on your wives right now. Nobody is perfect, people. GET OVER IT.
San
July 22nd, 2009
9:59 am
Do you pilgrims love pitbulls THAT much or do you just hate Mike Vick?
Jeff Schultz
July 22nd, 2009
9:59 am
First, thanks to most of you for debating this on a decent level, not resorting to some of what we’ve seen in the past.
Old Fart – you made me laugh.
Tim Dix – It’ll be addressed but I don’t think the gambling aspect of the dog fighting will keep him out of the game.
All World
July 22nd, 2009
10:00 am
Those that desire picketing of Vick after he has paid debt to society should not be mad if Blacks who have been hurt by racist inspired dog attacks historically worldwide should organize boycotts of NFL teams and team sponsors. God forgives, we should too. Lifetime harassment of Vick will probably be responded to by supporters of justice, not supporters of Vick.
Otto
July 22nd, 2009
10:02 am
KT2 just because otehr felons are in professional does not give reason to admit Vick. The other players convicted of a felony should be banned too. A misdemeanor and a felony are not the same thing.
No I’m not perfect and you have to make a stand at some point. The NFL needs to make the stand, CFB is gaining ratings share an the NFL is beginning to have an image problem.
Jeff
July 22nd, 2009
10:06 am
Goodell should ban him for life as a clear signal to all that extreme bad behavior will not be tolerated in the NFL. Maybe the other pro league commissioners will follow suit. Actions long overdue.
will
July 22nd, 2009
10:08 am
i agree, MV paid hid dues in jail time….roger goodell is dragging this out for the sake of his own macho, hardliner ego he wants to project to the rest of the league for his own benefit….get over yourself Goodell!!!
i don’t like MV anymore than what he did, but c’mon, he’s done his time…get this over with….because as commissioner, doesn’t Goodell have more generally pressing issues to deal with anyway? ie; salary cap, cba deal, rookie contracts, performance enhancing drugs, etc…?
MOVE ON GOODELL!!!!!!!!
midnite
July 22nd, 2009
10:09 am
None of the below listed people have had anything to do with the Mike Vick case:
Dany Heatly
Bobby Cox
George W. Bush
Patrick Kerney
Martha Stewart
Dick Cheney
Why do the ignorant among us always use these people as a reference in these forums. Compare apples to apples, and not apples to oranges.
The things listed below do pertain to the Mike Vick case:
stolen Rolex at H/J airport security
Ron Mexico incident (STD’s)
water(stash)bottle At Miami airport
birdie finger to the fan
standing up Congress
lying to those in authority
associating with known criminals
Just simply stating the facts.
COOLO CLYDE
July 22nd, 2009
10:10 am
You want some real news in the NFL? Let’s get off of Mike Vick which we all have been talking about for the last 2 1/2 years and let’s talk about Ben ROTTENBERGER the accused rapist!!! This happened more than a year ago and we are just know hearing about it. Hmmmmm. All the information on the wire, world wide web, gossip, beat writers, ESPN and all the other great sources for sports information and we are just now hearing about this CRIME that was committed to a poor defenseless woman by BIG BEN. I guess we protect our own, right Mr. Godell. Let’s see how you handle it when it is one of your own Mr. Godell/Judge/Jury/Commissioner/Wanna Be All.
Newspaper_Hero_Zero
July 22nd, 2009
10:14 am
It seems as if the readers really want The AJC to “move on” without waiting on Goodell..
In case you did not understand three years ago:
Vick = $$$$ and national exposure for the “entertainers” in the media.
I love the question of “Will Atlanta heal after Vick let them down? My answer is: No, because the national and local media will not stop reminding everyone with their “Vick watch”.
Vick could give-up football today, and some reporter here will be writing about him decades from now.
PETA would still be trying to force Vick to pay 10% of any $$$$ he makes. Why don’t they hassle, and hustle some of these hunters out here (who have no live-stock to protect, and do not eat what they kill)?
It’s all about $$$$ and fame now.. Nobody is “clean” or innocent who was a part of the spectacle.
What will it take to cool the unnecessary Vick coverage locally?
It is going to take Arthur Blank or a Falcon player to become very angry about The Vick coverage over-shadowing the supposed coverage of a miracle playoff team (with The NFL’s best young QB: Matt Ryan).
MW
July 22nd, 2009
10:15 am
Yes, this has been a long and painful process for many people. However, neither Vick nor anyone else has a “right” to play in the NFL. He has shown himself to be criminal, not only with the dogfighting but with facilitating illegal an gambling operation. He is untrustworthy. He lied to his team owner, his coach, the fans and to Goodell. If Vick wants to play, he will be patient and do whatever is necessary to make it happen. Forgiveness can be given, but trust has to be earned.
Sage of Blueland
July 22nd, 2009
10:23 am
I think it’s safe to say that even Atlanta, The City of Sheep, has moved on.
Who hasn’t moved on: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Suckers.
retired on the Lake (formerly cityofdecatur)
July 22nd, 2009
10:26 am
white men Horning (sp) and Karras were suspended 1 year for their part in illegal gambling black man Vick should get the same. how’s that for fair vicklovers.
jeffrey d
July 22nd, 2009
10:30 am
If most of us were convicted of a felony we would not have our job waiting.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, the sports world works nothing like our world.
midnite
July 22nd, 2009
10:31 am
Has Mike Vick shown any remorse whatsoever? He has done nothing to indicate that he has. This what Commish Goodell said it would take for reinstatement-TRUE REMORSE. Oh, and it is a privilege to play in the NFL, not a right as some on here have stated. Check your United States Constitution for specifics on rights. NO TRUE REMORSE=NO PLAY in the 2009 NFL season.
Steve
July 22nd, 2009
10:32 am
Mike Vick ? Who cares ? Alabama ROLL TIDE football starts in 45 days. That’s real football !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
croob
July 22nd, 2009
10:40 am
Vick is a sociopath. All the signs are there for everyone to see. If they let this guy back in he will pave the way for others like him and it will ruin the NFL. I can’t stand the sight of him knowing what he did and Goodell has a chance to make it count by throwing this monster out. Do the right thing Mr. Goodell.
jeffrey d
July 22nd, 2009
10:41 am
And to everyone complaining about the coverage of Vick – this is the first time Bradley or Schultz have written about Vick all summer. The truth is, Vick is in the news again because a big decision concerning his future is coming up soon. Something you guys obviously feel passionate about – “He had his chance, give him the boot!” or “He paid his time, get over it!.”
If you don’t like it, quit whining and just read one of the other 239482342379 blogs Schultz and Bradley post today. You guys are such babies.
And did Steve really just give an all caps “ROLL TIDE” in an Atlanta newspaper on a topic about another person in a sport that isn’t college football? There’s a winner.
kidd huff
July 22nd, 2009
10:47 am
Say “Good Night”, everybody.
Fulton
July 22nd, 2009
10:48 am
People in sports (Heatley, Little, Stallworth, etc..) have killed other human beings and yet, are still allowed to resume their careers after the legal proceedings are done. Can anyone offer a reasonable explanation as to why Vick doesn’t deserve the same options?
Bhorsoft
July 22nd, 2009
10:50 am
I think it’s simple. You get convicted of a felony, you don’t play for the NFL again. Most places I’ve worked, if I get a felony conviction, I don’t get my job back. Goes for any felony. Stallworth – DUI, not a felony. Drug use – not a felony unless convicted in a court of law of felony possession. Accusations – this is America; remember “Innocent until proven Guilty
?” Get a felony conviction in a court of law and you’re out of the NFL for life.
mike
July 22nd, 2009
10:55 am
i agree with you. the commish has had almost 2 YEARS to think about what he wants to do.pita is NEVER going to be ok with letting vick back so dont spend to much energe worring about them.
Paulie OldSchool
July 22nd, 2009
10:55 am
I would feel much better about Mr. Vick if, just once, HE (not his lawyers, not his agent, not his PR people) would address the fans and just apologize. Just apologize, not take questions, not go into whatever reasons there were, just say “I’m sorry for my actions” and then step down from the pulpit. I don’t need groveling, I don’t need to see him debased any further, I just would like to hear him say “I’m sorry”. Not to his family. To us, the regular folk. That would make a huge difference in the way people perceived him, I think. And, BTW, no one has “the right” to play in the NFL. You earn it. I am not opposed to Mr. Vick playing in the NFL again, but after some time passes.
Dawg Lover
July 22nd, 2009
10:55 am
Native Georgian – Unfortunately, serving the time does not erase mistakes made. There is forgiveness, but how many job applications have you filled out that DIDN’T ask if you’d been previously CONVICTED of a felony? Case and point…Michael Vick is just ONE among MANY on that list of felons now and why should he be treated with special “priveleges” that other felons aren’t privy to? He should be given a second chance, oops 3rd/4th chance, but MANY aren’t afforded that luxury. I think NFL should give him the boot. Be done with Michael Vick. Let him redeem himself in LIFE…not in work.
Michael
July 22nd, 2009
11:05 am
Jeff, you and your media brethren are just as culpable, if not more so, in not letting anybody move past this nonsense. If you really want to move on, stop writing about it, stop thinking about it, and listening to anybody else talking about it.
Fulton
July 22nd, 2009
11:07 am
Well, I wouldn’t go THAT far, Wayne. He’s not MY shining prince…
JSS
July 22nd, 2009
11:12 am
He’s mentioned Michael Vick 17 times this summer. This is the 1st extended column (using that word loosely). I haven’t called Jeff Schultz this in a while; but on all things regarding Michael Vick,he is a unmediated liar…
For the last time to the silly among those who frequent the writings of Jeff Schultz, Michael Vick can not work or gain entry in the sovereign nation of Canada. He has a felony conviction. Stop bringing up the CFL. The UFL is a different story… But as I have said before, you need to pray that he is reinstated immediately. The money that he agreed to repay the Falcons is an unsecured debt and will be treated so by the Bankruptcy administrator… You want blood from the turnip, then give it a seed… A bunch of hypocrites… And to that three word creep: HT, do you want to take your chance today? Go for it…
Chris Broe
July 22nd, 2009
11:14 am
Vick will tear up the league this year. Defenses have forgotten how to defend against him, and he’ll get some easy pickings early on. Great fun: dead ahead.
Mack H. Jones
July 22nd, 2009
11:16 am
As I recall when the Vick story broke, Arthur Blanks had recently returned from a safari in Africa where he had gone to hunt and kill innocent wild animals. Killing animals for sport is celebrated while being involved in dog fighting is a crime of the first order and sufficient to deny a man the right to earn a living in his chosen craft. What hypocrisy!! Such hypocrisy seems to be a major feature of contemporary American culture. Exceptionalism indeed.
Steve
July 22nd, 2009
11:19 am
jeffry d, yeah I did. What’s your point? Truth is I care about one thousand times more about Alabama football or any colleg football than I do about your opinion of me or anotjer tired Mike Vick article. And, until you get your own blog and block me…I’ll do what I want. jeffry d …my friend ROLL TIDE.
Vick Supporter
July 22nd, 2009
11:21 am
You people don’t even talk about your own QB …..”Ice”,lol.
Vick STILL has a hold on this city.
Vick 09
Mike
July 22nd, 2009
11:30 am
People PLEASE! Get off it! You all at like he had people fighting and killing one another. Even though I don’t agree with dog fighting one bit. People have done it (white and black) for years and continue to do it til this day and will never stop doing it. They fight roosters they run bulls. Get a grip. All you people on your high horses like you have lived the perfect life your whole life get on my nerves. We all have done things we are not proud of in our lives. No one is perfect. Let the man live you all acted like he murdered someone. Even before Vick got arrested I didn’t feel he was a great passer and I’ve had season tickets for 11 years. But come on the mad did his time give it a rest. If you got locked up for hitting your wife or DUI you don’t think you should be able to go back to work? If the shoe was on the other foot eveyone on this blog would be doing the same thing Michael Vick is doing trying to get back to what they know best.
Let it go already
July 22nd, 2009
11:32 am
Well Said! Everyone just needs to let it go. Vick made really bad choices, and has paid the consequences for those choices.
I’m sure PETA will be ready to protest if he goes to a team. I work at a school w/ 90% of the population living in the poverty level, qualifying for free and reduced lunch. Many of our kids badly need mentors, someone to come and make a difference in their lives.
I would encourage the people of PETA, if they really want to make a difference, to volunteer in schools such as mine.
There is one drawback for the folks in PETA, there is usually no television cameras filming the wonderful individuals who help students like mine, and I know how PETA people crave being on TV. (I live near the Falcons complex and drove by during one of their Vick protests and one of the protesters was wearing a Cat in the Hat hat, seriously?, was it a protest or a costume party?).
Vick made horrible choices, but I believe that once people pay their debt to society, they should be given a second chance. It is just a football game after all.
Isn’t there a very prominant football star being accussed of rape right now? I bet he will gain less protest than Vick, and his accussed crime is against a woman, not a dog.
Beautiful Monte
July 22nd, 2009
11:35 am
I guess we shouldn’t be surprised there are so many Vickheads out there.
I mean, if a deceased, drug-addicted, child molester has millions of fans who worship him as their “king”, I guess a conVICKted felon and liar who disgraced the organzation that paid him millions of dollars should have his own set of loyal subjects.
Speaking of the Vickheads, judging by their atrocious spelling and lack of critical thinking skills, it’s quite obvious that most of these pathetic jock-sniffers have fifth-grade educations … which means they are probably high-ranking officials in the B. Hussein Obama administration.
Mike
July 22nd, 2009
11:36 am
Let it go already! That was the greatiest reply I’ve seen. Big Ben is accused of RAPE it didn’t even lead Sportscenter last night.
eplayerj
July 22nd, 2009
11:36 am
Oh yes Jeff, Goodell needs to reinstate and move on. Plain and simple. There is no need for this to continue.
shannyeight
July 22nd, 2009
11:40 am
it is amazing how we got all these “professional psychologists” stating their so-called “expert opinions” and psyche evals on vick, and how he’ll never change, and blah, blah, blah…
and the last time i checked, when does someone’s bankruptcy procedings indicate whether he is remorseful or not? so i suppose if he were REALLY remorseful, he would let every tom, dick. and harry come out the woodworks claiming he owes them something and take everything he worked hard for( it mightve been some illegal work in there, but the keyword is WORK, not given to him). i suppose since he has a family and wants to keep a roof over his head as well as a nice car or two, that doesnt mean he is “really” remorseful…get out of here. That is the most ridiculous “proof of” statement i’ve ever heard.
whether goodell wants to let him back into the NFL or not is between goodell and vick. As far as i’m concerned, the man did his time for his crime, and i feel he should be allowed to play. But that is not up to me…that is up to a man whose face vick lied to. If he reinstates him, whutever…if not-whutever…i’m not gonna lose any sleep about it. I just shake my head everytime this subject comes up coz some of people are a little TOO INTIMATE and emotional about it.
GET OVER IT.
Terrell
July 22nd, 2009
11:40 am
JS, regardless of what Goodell does many people will never be able to move on. There are too many emotional and racial ties with this issue whether you want to admit it or not. Some can’t get over their emotional ties with Vick to be rational, and there are some who can’t get over their emotional ties with dogs to be rational.
Adrian,
You are right Vick was in jail for the illegal gambling, but he’s put on public prosecution for the dog fighting. I would comment on the Obama comment you made, but I would rather not stoop down to your level.
jeffrey d
July 22nd, 2009
11:43 am
Steve – I don’t care if you do it or not..it just makes you look like an idiot. Just giving you a heads up, chief
Randy
July 22nd, 2009
11:47 am
I could care less when or if Vick ever plays football again. But you’re right we need to move on so quit writing about him.
Allen
July 22nd, 2009
11:50 am
HE DID THE CRIME, HE DID HIS TIME. Move on!
Terrell
July 22nd, 2009
11:50 am
Dawg Lover,
If you are correct, then you are saying basically no convict gets a chance to work am I right? You are saying they are basically banned from being able to earn a living right? That’s all the NFL is. It’s a job, and if Goodell bans him for life he is sending out the message Human life is far less important than dogs’. This would’ve never been a federal case at all if there weren’t backward organizations like PETA around. No he didn’t go to jail for the abuse to dogs, but because of the tremendous outcry somebody had to do something, because as we have seen in the past, if the legal system doesn’t do it, then some jack up vigilantes will
GOTech610
July 22nd, 2009
12:07 pm
GO MATTY ICE!
Let me help you AJC, on writing a column about our actual quarterback and a player who is actually still on the team!
Atlanta- Matty Ice has had a wonderful offseaon. A quiet one as well, which is something the fans of the Atlanta Falcons are not accustomed with. During the offseason, Matt Ryan has played golf, visited his family, and studied film of the upcoming seasons opponents he will face. Yes, Matt Ryan is living a privileged life and a life he has rightfully earned and keeps earning it every day. Matt Ryan has expressed his excitement on the upcoming season in recent interviews. With the acquisition of future hall-of-famer Tony Gonzalez and targets such as Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, and sensational second year WR Harry Douglas, Matt Ryan has good reason to be excited. Not to mention he also has the run support from Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood to help keep that potent offense balanced.
Matt Ryan is poised for a great second season in the Falcons organization, whose front office has turned this program into one of the most respected teams in the NFL in just one short year; something the fans of the Falcon’s are also not accustomed with. Arthur Blank, the Falcons owner, can finally relax and breathe some clean air as well.
It’s high time the Falcon’s fans get their return on investment. I’d say by looking at the year end increase in assets and large decrease in liabilities, their return is on the rise.
Now, there’s a start on an article about the actual falcons that we, as fans, may like to read! If you guys are hiring, or need a blogger to write like that I’ll send you my e-mail. Or I can consult. We as Falcon’s fans have been telling you guys for a year what we, the customers, want to read. Time to listen.
Bushwacker
July 22nd, 2009
12:08 pm
Don’t blame Goodel, Vick is the one who did this to himself and by lying about his involvment he made this thing drag on and on for the Atlanta fans, we had to suffer Vick nearly destroying our team, he is the one who caused it all, not Goodel.
Bobby Dowell
July 22nd, 2009
12:12 pm
Two names I am tired of hearing about.. Farve and Vick. Let’s play some football!
Kenny
July 22nd, 2009
12:14 pm
WOW ! I see more and more racist folks venting again about Mike Vick. Folks Mike Vick is no longer a Falcon and Why waste your time talking about this again ? Don’t get me wrong ! When I say racist, I am speaking on both side of the coin and you know who you are! I am sure if you can use the words you like you would. I know some of you have kids and I know they are just like the parents.
Ok, now Big Ben is in the News with sexual assault charges pending. That’s more serious than Dog fighting ! Jeff Schultz something new to talk about ! Guys have a nice day and GO FALCONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MV7
July 22nd, 2009
12:18 pm
WHEN WILL THE FALCON GO TO THE SUPER BOWL
MV7
July 22nd, 2009
12:27 pm
Big Ben is in the News with sexual assault charges THAT’S BEEN AROUND FOR A HOLE YEAR AND NO ONE HAS WRITTEN ABOUT IT, WHY BECAUSE HE’S A WHITE BOY?
YES
NO
CORRECT!!
July 22nd, 2009
12:30 pm
Okay….I’m going to try my best and put this whole mess behind me. AJC, if ya’ll would do the same (which we all know you won’t) it would help alot.
Back to the important stuff. I’m looking at the Falcons to go 12-4 this season. That was what I felt back in March, so I’ll stick to it. I’m looking forward to see how this offense will look now that they have a ligit TE. As far as the defense goes, I think Smith will have that fast young and talented group surprise alot of teams. The front 4 looks like they could really be a dominate force.
Looking forward to the season. GO FALCONS!!!!
MV7
July 22nd, 2009
12:45 pm
WHY DO WE TALK ABOUT VICK SO MUCH, BECAUSE IT SEEM LIKE HE MUST BE A PERSON OF GREAT INTEREST TO US ALL. FOR THE ONES WHO’S HATE HIM SO MUCH ASK YOURSELF WHAT DID HE DO TO YOU PERSONAL THAT YOU WOULD WISH HE NEVER DO THE THING HE’S GOOD AT FOR A LIVING. BECAUSE I LOVE THE WAY HE PLAY THE GAME AND THE FEEL YOU GET WHEN HE’S DOING HIS THING ON THE FIELD. DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN RAN THAT TOUCHDOWN AGAINST PACKER’S AND WE ALL SAID HE HAD BECAME THE MAN. I GO TO THE HIGH SCHOOL GAMES ON FRIDAY NIGHT AND SEE ALL THE YOUNG MICHEAL VICK OF THE FUTURE IT’S MAKE ME FEEL SO GOOD THAT THEY SEE THEM SELF PLAYING QB IN THE NFL BECAUSE MIKE VICK PLAY THE POSITION SO WELL FOR THEM.
Hillbilly Deluxe
July 22nd, 2009
1:08 pm
I’m not a fan of Mike Vick but he did his time (more than someone else in the league who caused a human death). So if he can keep his nose clean and somebody wants him, let him play.
KT2
July 22nd, 2009
1:27 pm
EVERYBODY IS GUILTY OF SOMETHING! LEAVE VICK ALONE!
the Legalities
July 22nd, 2009
1:29 pm
Jeff, enjoyed your column but I think you are missing something when you take Goodell to task for not making a quicker decision about Vick. Goodell has consistently stated that he will not make a decision on Michael Vick until all legal matters are taken care of. Michael Vick has a bankruptcy case filing with the Bankruptcy Court in Virginia. He and his lawyers have submitted two plans for working out his bankruptcy case, both of which have been rejected, due to being economically impossible. The Judge in that case has given Vick and his lawyers until August 21, I believe, to present a workable plan or Vick’s assets will be turned over to a receiver. If his plan is accepted, and part of that plan is playing football, the bankruptcy court will in all likelihood have to be included in any contract negotiations in order the protect the creditors of Michael Vick and his various enterprises. That may be what Goodell is waiting for, I don’t know.
To MV7: Rothlisberger’s case was not heard about for a whole year, because no one reported it. The case against him is a civil case, not a criminal case. No criminal matter was ever reported by the woman to anyone, neither her employer nor the police. This civil suit is simply to collect money. Don’t know if he did it or not, that will be determined by the court, but the only one who kept it hidden was the woman it allegedly happened to.
Sorry this is so long Jeff, didn’t mean to write a book.
Native Georgian
July 22nd, 2009
1:31 pm
@Dawglover – You could not be more wrong. Serving the time does indeed erase your mistake. Supposedly that’s what jail is for… to punish and rehabilitate. If not then why do parents spank their kids? The coookie was still stolen but you got punished anyway. After the punishment you and the parent get over the cookie ordeal UNLESS YOU DO IT AGAIN.
I’m not condoning dogfighting- I think it’s despicable. At the same time I understand that most state laws consider dogfighting a misdemeanor. Vick’s biggest criminal mistake was going across state lines. Without that, there is no federal intervention, the VA prosecutors slap him with a misdeameanor, and he MAY have been suspended for 2 games. Because he went across state lines the whole nature of his troubles changed. Regardless of how justice was applied, at the end of the day his sin was the same action.
IF HE DIDN’T CROSS STATE LINES AND HAD BEEN CHARGED WITH A MISDEMEANOR, WOULD YOU ALL FEEL THE SAME ABOUT HOW THE PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED?
Vick Supporter
July 22nd, 2009
1:57 pm
Beautiful Monte = Racist
the Legalities
July 22nd, 2009
2:34 pm
Native Georgian – If you will check back you will find that the state penalties in the Commonwealth of Virginia are more severe than the Federal laws.
bobby
July 22nd, 2009
3:00 pm
BugKiller – How did Vick get Reeves fired? He broke his leg on purpose?The back-up Doug Johnson got Reeves fired. If Vick was such a horrible QB then why has it taken all these years to replace him. Same offense?
People kill me with the piling on like he smoked weed, he gave a girl herpes, he lied to the commissioner.
1) smoking weed – is this really something to get upset about?
2) Giving someone else herpes – She is a nurse, she knows better. She was more than likely trying to get a baby out of the deal along with those millions. Again she is an adult nurse – SHE SHOULD KNOW BETTER. He is an athelete. No telling who Majic Johnson has infected. If he did they should know better, he is a professional athelete. They sleep around.
Not my problem.
3)He lied to the commissioner – Not OUR problem. He lied because it hadn’t it would mean an immediate suspension and then Roger would have a confession to assist in prosecution. Mike took his chances and lost.
It was either tell the commish. and be guaranteed to be suspended and go to jail or lie and hope you can skate by this and call it a close call and quit.
Oh can’t forget he shot the bird at some fans who were cursing and shooting the bird at him. Everyone has shot someone the bird…well maybe 98% of us but is this really something to get in arms about
What Vick did was wrong but just stick to the real issue, Dog fighting! looking at every little detail like in the 5th grade when he kicked little Calvin in the knee, and when he was in college he had sex with a girl and had the nerve to not call her back, or he was at a neighbors house and did #2 and forgot to flush the toilet.
What really matters is the dogfighting issue not all that personal stuff!
That’s Personal and I can care less!
JSS
July 22nd, 2009
3:09 pm
Both of you are wrong… VA changed their Dog fighting and Animal cruelty laws in 2005. The felony counts could not be applied to the full period he was involved in the enterprise… Where they had him was on the conspiracy charges. The Federal conviction could have been used to muddy the waters.
Legalities…
Vick being unemployed (in terms of football) makes his bankruptcy case more complicated not a source to clear the matter on 8/21. The judge wants a plans that is feasible… Having a higher source of income makes their job easier not harder… His secured creditors are not what the administrator cares, they just want an orderly liquidation or repayment… Goodell could make this whole matter clarify in a more orderly fashion by reinstating him and let the bankruptcy go through so it can be discharged eventually….And discharge is the operative word…. Look up what that means….
the Legalities
July 22nd, 2009
3:54 pm
JSS – The contract will have to be structured with terms that are acceptable to the bankruptcy court. That has already been made clear. Vick will get a certain amount up front and then a percentage after that. Thus far Vick and the bankruptcy court are far apart on what he should get up front and what percentage of monies thereafter. That will not be discussed until the August hearing, therefore no contract negotiations can go forward until then.
A Realist
July 22nd, 2009
4:13 pm
The ONLY HOLD that Michael Vick has on THIS CITY is the hold that he has on the sports writers at the AJC and a few fanatics that can’t let go OF THE PAST!!!
Enough already…it appears to be the only way the the AJC sports writers can come up with a sports article to write about….oh let’s see…well…let’s just write another story about Vick and see the sparks fly on the blogs.
JSS
July 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
The trustee and Vick’s bankruptcy lawyers have been sending percentages back and forth for since the last meeting before the judge… Dude, you’re just flat full of it… The Reconcilliation hearing on the 21st is supposed to be the final resolution for the judge to sign off on… They have to have it worked by then or the judge is going assign an administrator to oversee Vick’s finances and kick the Vick lawyers out…
the Legalities
July 22nd, 2009
4:44 pm
JSS – What he is going to sign off on is the Plan proposed by Michael Vick to pay his creditors over time per a payment play filed with the Court. Two plans have already been proposed, both of which were unrealistic. The Judge has given them one more chance to present a workable plan. That plan was presented this month and will either be approved or rejected in August. The plan will be based on Vick getting employment in the future, with Vick receiving a certain amount up front and a percentage of anything over that amount. The remainder of his earnings will go toward paying off his creditors. A true final resolution will not come until he has completed the plan at which point it will be discharged. It the plan is not adhered to, the bankruptcy will be dismissed and the creditors will then be able to go after all his assets, there will no longer be any bankruptcy protection.
JSS
July 22nd, 2009
5:10 pm
You are absolutely out of your mind… That is the reason you file bankruptcy… To keep assets from being attached after the plan is discharged… Secured creditors accept a negotiated portion of the debt if it is not practical to receive the full value of the contracted debt… Unsecured debtors try their best to work out a settlement that the trustee will accept is feasible… If not, depending on the filing (11, or total liquidation)… The judge said the plans were unrealistic because Mr. Vick did not have income that was foreseeable to match the percentages proposed…. This is a corporate bankruptcy, because Vick put all of his personal assets under his MV7 and Baddogz corporate umbrellas after he signed the extension… Once again… Full of it…Stop reading the law school interpretation of a bankruptcy and go sit in on a resolution hearing…
Wayne
July 22nd, 2009
5:32 pm
You grandstanding idiots are funny. Our society kills animals everyday for sport, deer, horses and even dogs. But somehow what Vick did makes him the worst person in the world. So bad that people that kill humans, abuse women, steal from hard working people do less jail time than Vick did. It makes no sense. And yes, Goodell has had 23 months to decide what to do with Vick but he is dragging this out because he is a DRAMA QUEEN. And it makes no sense
Mike Vick
July 22nd, 2009
6:11 pm
Don’t hate me because I am Mr. NFL!
Go look in your kids room and see who’s poster is on their walls
Mike Vick
July 22nd, 2009
6:19 pm
Where is the new face of the franchise these days
Where is his blog?
stendec
July 22nd, 2009
6:26 pm
I love bird babe! I am a total loser, hating all non-blue eyed people. I hate living in my trailer park – everybody always stealing my 5th wheel. My life sucks so bad!
Bigeasy830
July 22nd, 2009
8:18 pm
The Falcons record for 2009 will be 4-12
stendec
July 22nd, 2009
9:06 pm
To the retarded individual who posted using my post name: GO TO HELL! You are as much an oxygen waste as Michael Sick. Damn son of a betch!
Max61
July 22nd, 2009
9:19 pm
….Dogman @ July 22, 12:57 am……..You said try and find someone on the internet that had served two years in prison for dogfighting….(ever)………It took all of two minutes to punch this information up…………………………Dog fighting…….Cottonwood, Alabama….November 16, 2007……Circuit Court Judge Ed Jackson, sentenced one Johnny Ray Lewis, to 6 years in prison, for each of the 17 felony counts he was convicted of…….102 years………The Judge stated that the sentence was, a “mid-range” sentence……..38 pitbulls died on Lewis’ property and 17 were still alive and confiscated…….Houston County Assistant District Attorney, Butch Binford said that Lewis will serve 34 years of the prison sentence, because typically, people serve one third before release……Judge Jackson also ordered Lewis to pay $34,000. in fines……..Source: Dothan Eagle, Dothan, Ala………………..Virginia has an automatic 5 years for conviction of felony dog fighting…..That is why DA Gerald Poindexter, suspended Vick’s State sentence and gave 3 years probation…..It would have been automatic 5 years if gone to trial……………..As stated before, Vick received the light end of possible punishment, by working the two, “pleas” to his benefit, and having Poindexter make the Va. State Charges disappear………..It could have been 5 years Federal and 5 years State……….Michael Vick does not deserve returning to the NFL………….
WHAT UP!!!
July 22nd, 2009
10:07 pm
Bigsleezy830…….You must be high again. You meant to type the Saints record will be 4-12. It’s okay we all forgive you.
Stick to walking the streets to make your living cause you can’t make it in the real world.
cat1
July 22nd, 2009
11:00 pm
Roger “The Good” Goodell (aka Dudley DoRight) is going to string this out. When the law says the penalty is paid, then a man is entitled to return to work if the law allows. We are talking about real law here, not the decisions of an overpaid lawyer.
Sead
July 23rd, 2009
8:25 am
Ya’ll Vick haters sound like idiots. Get over it already. He killed some dogs that are bread to kill, just like chickens. My God , we’ve got a cow at Turner field that says , Eat/ Kill more chickens. We hunt/kill every animal on this earth. 1 million abortions every year , and you people are getting on Vick, you people are F ‘ed up ! If you don’t want to watch Vick, turn the Channel , idiots !!
CORRECT!!
July 23rd, 2009
9:31 am
I turned the channel on Vick 4 years ago.
willdave
July 23rd, 2009
10:34 am
Mr. Goodell should take his time to render the decision that best serves the interests of the league for which he is ultimately responsible. I applaud his due diligence.
Since Vick would be the nightmare of another team, not the Falcons, I don’t give a rat’s behind whether the commissioner reinstates him or not. In case some of you hadn’t heard, we have a new kid at QB who won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and just picked up an ESPY for Breakthrough Player of the Year: GO MATT RYAN!!!
Harvin
July 23rd, 2009
11:54 am
Let it go !
Sandy
July 23rd, 2009
12:01 pm
I wish Vick had died instead of Steve McNair or Michael Jackson.
Paddy
July 23rd, 2009
12:19 pm
If you are still on 3 years probation, would one of the first public displays be at a Va Beach strip club with another convicted felon (Iverson). Can you say Michael, your probation officer is calling. Sounds much like Pac Man’s deal after leaving his meeting with the NFL Commish. Somethings never change.
Paddy
July 23rd, 2009
1:12 pm
Sead… you are correct. He bread those dogs to kill not to be killed by mindless idiots. Neither approach is acceptable in our society.
mars
July 23rd, 2009
1:50 pm
Michael, according to the reports I’ve read, Stallworth didn’t “kill” anyone. Donte WAS driving drunk when a man committed suicide by walking in front of him. This was corraborated by all eye witnesses, who claim there was no way he, or any teetotalling baptist minister could have avoided hitting the poor unfortunate soul. He WAS guilty of drunk driving, he DID wait for the police, he DID confess his wrongdoing, and he DID take responsibility immediately. Kind of the Anti-Vick. I know these facts are inconvenient for your case, but they are facts and they are germain to the situation.
t-bone
July 23rd, 2009
2:45 pm
A great place to find remorse that the commissioner is looking for is in a strip club, great call Paddy.
t-bone
July 23rd, 2009
6:20 pm
Sead, I read your post and I barley know what to say. WHAT IS YOUR POINT. Killing is ok for dogs? I have not had to change the channel in 2 1/2 years because MV has not been on the tv in 2 1/2 years
Mike
July 23rd, 2009
7:03 pm
The dog issue is just an excuse. You people are foaming at the mouth about something and somebody for which you have no effect on. The man has done his time so you folks need to move on. Or are you people that jealous of this man’s talents? So much concern over a nasty ass animal who will lick his privates and then lick you in the face. If you allow your kids to see you rant and rave about Vick then you dont have to worry about Vick being a role model. They will learn all they need to be in life by watching you. Go ahead and pass that hate down.
Paddy
July 23rd, 2009
7:31 pm
If MV did in fact go to that strip club with Iverson or anyone else, I stand corrected.
Paddy
July 23rd, 2009
7:32 pm
Correction: did not go, sorry on both counts.
Mr ARay
July 23rd, 2009
8:07 pm
Come on weak minded guys who are contemptible, inferior and ignorant. There I said it…quick the negative talking about Michael Vick. All your negative talk is stale and weak. Let move forward in this conversation which means let Vick plays ball. Talking about Vick is just so boring now let move on and quick all this stupid griping!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!
Sandy
July 23rd, 2009
8:14 pm
I see dead people!
Vick reportedly will get four-game suspension | Jeff Schultz
July 23rd, 2009
8:18 pm
[...] wrote the other day that I felt the commissioner needed to move on with reinstating the former Falcon so that the rest of us can move on with this issue. The longer [...]
AndTHEbeatGoesON!
July 23rd, 2009
10:17 pm
And the beat goes on…Sports Writers, Sports Radio,ESPN,CBS Sports etc…So its Vick All Day, Everyday!! Really!?!?!? Is Vick all that’s out there? You are doing all of the true Sports Fans a disservice with your combined singular focus on this one player; If all you can give me in sports news is Vick then I say fire the entire lot of you because I know there’s great sports news happening right this minute that has nothing to do with Vick. Can you do your job and report it to me…The Sports Fan; I am watching and waiting.
And the beat goes on…Whats happening with Vick now is comparable to a man who has been stabbed to death and has bled out and here comes all the sports writers,sports fans and sports radio personalities stabbing his dead body trying to get more blood…If it bleeds it leads and its obvious whether you love or hate this guy you all can be placed in one category as Vick Fanatics!
And the beat goes on….I met Vick once in Lenox Mall; he was with about six other guys and was carrying his child; I walked over to him and simply said “What’s Up Vick?” He said What’s Up gave a fist bump and I moved on. I thought he would be bigger. I was rather surprised when I heard the allegations against Vick but also knew chances are there was some truth to it as well. I was the odd man out at my job; All of my co-workers are Falcon fans and Vick was God. Every time I would criticize his choices I would get jumped on by them all;The aftermath was pretty sad at the job once Vick went to jail…those folks were truly hurt by what Vick did to their team. He got a 4 game suspension with conditions but here is something all of you who despise him can count on…Within his probationary period he will violate his parole and more than likely end up back in prison. I don’t want or wish this for Vick but once he gets back into the groove of his natural habitat and having the absolute wrong people around him…it will be a foregone conclusion.
Ex-Falcons Fan
July 24th, 2009
10:34 am
Why in the world would you ban a man from playing football for life. he is not a policeman or politician. his remorse plays no role in this. that is a question for the courts. as far as his football future goes, yes i would pay to see Mike Vick play ball as would millions of others. and that is what should be considered. He is not in jail or pending trial. he has been convicted and done his time for any crimes that resulted from his previous actions. as far as i know the only thing pending right now is the NFL decision. and While I agree that the commissioner should be tough on criminal activity in the NFL, we really need to be realistic about this. i will not compare anything but i will say there have been more serious offenses with far lighter repercussions. if you are going to harp on the lies or the drug abuse, then i suggest that you find another sport. these are athletes, not saints, and should never be considered role models. The very nature of the business makes them waht they are. this is like asking a politician to be honest. They are paid to dissemble. athletes are paid to be prima donnas, to entertain us. and if Vick wasw not capable of that he would not have been a star to begin with. and that is what the NFL should consider: How much money will he make us. maybe they should consult Mr Blank, find out how much Vick made for him. after all the NFL is a business. if you are looking for remorseful people go to church or court.
Countdown Couples: Goodell-Vick, Kim-Reggie, Zook-George | Jeff Schultz
July 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
[...] a week ago, I wrote a column saying Goodell was letting his own ego get in the way of his decision-making process concerning Michael Vick. Several others have followed [...]