What not to expect: Falcons vs. Vick in 2009
Falcons coach Mike Smith and defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder probably won't have to devise a way to stop No. 7.
(UPDATE: An online sportsbook, Bodog.com, has just established odds on Vick’s next team. Feeling lucky? See below.)
When I caught the tail end of the Falcons’ luncheon for select season ticket holders Wednesday — ostensibly to talk to coach Mike Smith for a column –I mentioned to a few people that at least 18 teams already had indicated they weren’t interested in signing Michael Vick. But all anybody seemed to want to know was: Are any in the NFC South?
Well, here’s some news that even most Falcons fans who don’t want any more local coverage of Vick should be interested in: The Falcons will not have to play Vick twice a season because it seems no NFC South team is interested. (And he may not appear on their 2009 schedule: see below.) That’s something I would’ve never guessed. But here’s the UPDATED breakdown:
♦ NEW ORLEANS:The Saints are out (unofficially team No. 19). It turns out General manager Mickey Loomis actually said last month the team had “no plans to bring Michael Vick to the Saints.” But since everybody seemed to ignore him, he reiterated his lack of interest (sort of) Wednesday, saying: “We have already commented on Vick and have nothing further to add.” This surprises me. New Orleans seemed like a good fit. It’s another indoor/turf team that could help Vick utilize his speed. He’s familiar with the opponents. He could play for a loud and loyal fan base and in a town where the Saints are the show. He could play for a creative offensive coach in Sean Payton, who would find ways to incorporate Vick into the game plan, even with Drew Brees as the starter. He could play for an owner, Tom Benson, who is always desperately looking for ways to generate revenue in a market that just doesn’t provide a lot (which is why he has wanted to move the team).
♦ TAMPA BAY: The Buccaneers also once looked like a plausible destination. But that was before coach Jon Gruden — who goes through quarterbacks like jelly beans and always has been fascinated by Vick’s talents — was fired in January. The Bucs have been quiet since Vick’s suspension was lifted but they indicated earlier they weren’t interested. Chances are, they don’t want to subject new coach Raheem Morris to the circus, even though the team is a mess at quarterback (depth chart: Luke McCown, Bryon Leftwich, Josh Freeman). It also should be noted that Tampa’s offensive coordinator is former Falcons assistant Jeff Jagodzinski, who dealt with the relatively pristine Matt Ryan at Boston College. Morris and Jagodzinski are expected to use a form of the West Coast offense at Tampa, which as we’ve seen is not conducive to Vick’s skill set.
♦ CAROLINA: The Panthers have never officially commented on their interest in Vick. But it would be shocking if they signed him. This franchise already has had its share of tragedy and embarrassment — Rae Carruth conspiring to murder his pregnant girlfriend; Kerry Collins booze-fueled racist ramblings; two cheerleaders caught in public restroom having sex — and doesn’t want the attention that comes with the Vick package. Neither owner Jerry Richardson nor coach John Fox seem the type to want to roll the dice on Vick. A recent Charlotte Observer story noted, “Who knows what teams might be interested in picking up Vick – and some will – but be assured the Panthers aren’t one of them.”
And finally, I just looked at the Falcons’ 2009 schedule. The only two teams on it who haven’t yet made a public declaration about Vick are New England in Week 3 (when Vick might still be under Roger Goodell’s vague suspension) and Chicago in Week 5 (ditto).
So if you were wondering/concerned/anxious about the Falcons vs. Vick scenario in 2009, I think you’re safe.
♦ ♦ ♦
An online sportsbook, Bodog, has just issued odds on what team will sign Vick. I’m not sure if I’m required to say that these odds are for entertainment purposes only. But here you go::
- New England Patriots 4/1
- Orlando Tuskers (UFL) 9/2
- Baltimore Ravens 5/1
- Washington Redskins 5/1
- Oakland Raiders 6/1
- San Francisco 49ers 7/1
- Jacksonville Jaguars 15/2
- New Orleans Saints 15/2
- New York Sentinels (UFL) 15/2
- San Francisco Rockfish (UFL) 15/1
- Buffalo Bills 11/1
- Las Vegas Locomotives (UFL) 11/1
- Cincinnati Bengals 12/1
- Miami Dolphins 12/1
- Seattle Seahawks 13/1
- Any CFL Team 30/1
- Any other NFL team 5/2
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220 comments Add your comment
Snoopy
July 30th, 2009
11:36 am
As a dog, I would just like to say that I can live the rest of my life and never see Mike Vick in the NFL, and I won’t lose any sleep over it.
Bobby Dowell
July 30th, 2009
11:36 am
It would be fine with me if he signed with a team in the AFC Far East, somewhere like Tiawan. Just so tired of seeing his name..
elaine.
July 30th, 2009
11:39 am
give the man another chance, you would if he had killed another human. we have all been forgiven at some points in our lives.
Found this interesting
July 30th, 2009
11:40 am
Scoobie Doo,
If I never see MV ever again, I’ll be alright
dean
July 30th, 2009
11:42 am
“…2 cheerleaders having sex in a bathroom…” How did I miss THAT?
BugKiller
July 30th, 2009
11:45 am
Awww… it’s too bad.
I couldn’t wait for the Falcons to play Vick Supporter 2’s Favorite Felon and Mediocre QB and watch as Curtis Lofton slammed him to the turf again and again and again.
Guess we just have to wait to shut up all the idiotic Vick Supporters out there. Or maybe not. Who knows.
MV7 Fan
July 30th, 2009
11:46 am
I think regular season suspension on MV is hurting him…as far as signing with a team is concerned.
Seems like he is getting punished three times. (1), when he was indicted, the Falcons suspended him. (2), when he went to jail. I guess 23 months in prison was not enough punishment in the eyes of the commissioner. (3), MV is getting suspended for part of pre season and the regular season.
I wonder if other players who commit crimes going forward will be subject to this, etc…
I really love dogs. However, in my opinion, Vicks crime is being treated as being worse than dui man slaughter , domestic abuse, and even shooting yourself in the leg, etc.
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
11:47 am
Everybody is tripping. Let the man play and I would love to see him in the NFC South. No one wants to admit that the Dome would be rocking, scalpers would be selling nose bleed seats for $200… The man is a ticket draw. Just imagine seeing a Carolina Blue #7 and Red #7 in the Dome at the same time, the hype would be crazy. It would be just like when Dieon Sanders came back to the Dome.. This man has given every Falcons fan memories that they will never see again, more good than bad.
The Georgia Dome has not Sold out a single game without the help of Aurther Blanks, Major Banks, Radio Stations, TV Stations or sponsors since VICK left the team. Everybody said once the Falcons start winning, the fans would come back. Well, we had a great season last year and the fans still havent showed up. But on the other hand folks say “TO HELL” with VICK, that’s impossible.
D.Orlando's boyfriend
July 30th, 2009
11:48 am
I miss the days of Vick to Roddy White… it was such a more productive
duo.
Peadawg
July 30th, 2009
11:49 am
These Vick stories are getting old. He was never a good ‘quarterback’, he was a good running back. He lied to Blank, coaches, and the fans. He killed dogs. Let him move on to another city. Please AJC, stop wasting space on these useless articles!
mee
July 30th, 2009
11:51 am
A dogs life over human being is this really about dogs or HEY YOU BLACKMAN WE STILL OWN YOU. Whatever the case it is rather silly and outrageous. Not condoning what he did but is it really about the dogs.
Herschel Talker
July 30th, 2009
11:51 am
Mike Vick likes men
MV7 Fan
July 30th, 2009
11:52 am
@peadawg … Hey, an NFL player killed someone in a DUI case and served less than 30 days. No protest from anyone. And he will probably get back in the NFL in one year.
bbug
July 30th, 2009
11:53 am
all the people commenting have so much to say about the dog charges. but what about the celbs. that take human life. i always thought a human life was more than a animal life. everybody deserves a second chance to change there life and i think he deserves his.
Whatever
July 30th, 2009
11:53 am
that’s cool. There is always 2010.
GO VICK!!!!!!!!!!
midnite
July 30th, 2009
11:57 am
The UFL is his best bet from a financial standpoint. NFL teams will not offer the kind of money Mike Vick needs to satisfy the backruptcy court.
DownGoesFrazier
July 30th, 2009
12:03 pm
So what if he did come back 2 times a year? All we’d have to do is stack the line and force him to throw incompletes and int’s. Hasn’t that been proven already? Wherever he goes the protests will be short lived, especially if he wins. Live and let live. I wish I had his future earnings potential.
Reid Adair
July 30th, 2009
12:04 pm
If an NFC South team wants him, let ‘em sign him. The only thing that matters to me is that he will NEVER be an Atlanta Falcon again.
Boo Boo
July 30th, 2009
12:05 pm
Whoever Vick plays for, that team’s opponent fans will have an instant chant (”Dog Killer”), with which to rattle Vick on the road. Vick might need to have his middle fingers surgically removed to avoid more league fines, on days when defenses are spying on him, touching him behind the line, causing him to immediately fumble or overthrow receivers. He’s got too much debt on his plate to be fined more. I do hope he signs with some team, simply because he needs to repay his dollar-bill debt to society’s big biz. Of course, that debt presumes he can accept no less than another 10-year, $200-million contract, with only the Atlanta Falcon, banks, and Bankrupcy Attorney fees money guaranteed.
PMC
July 30th, 2009
12:05 pm
The issue with Vick in a wildcat role might be the fumbles. He fumbles like it’s going out of style.
I can’t believe no one wants to even give him a shot though… that’s ridiculous.
I also can’t believe teams would worry about 5 idiots with posters outside the stadium. PETA… who cares…. they are mentally imbalanced.
Mike Jay
July 30th, 2009
12:05 pm
I’m pretty sure that being the head of a criminal organization that was facilitating and taking illegal bets has as much to do with Vick’s long prison term and added NFL suspension as the fact that he brutally killed dogs. The NFL is rightfully leary of any active players gambling much less ones who are basically a bookie and taking illegal bets from morally corrupt people. Add the fact that Vick plays the position that has the utmost effect on the outcome of the game and I can see the commish being leary. But go on and keep saying “it’s just dogs” and ignore the rest because it makes your man crush feel less dirty.
mee is right
July 30th, 2009
12:06 pm
I am with you, mee… is it REALLY about the dogs ?
Chris
July 30th, 2009
12:07 pm
Love all the excuse makers.
Wouldn’t shed a tear for him if he never got back into the league. Won’t shed a tear for all the ignorant people in this town, either.
mee is right
July 30th, 2009
12:07 pm
FREE MIKE VICK !!
Dr. R.
July 30th, 2009
12:09 pm
Will someone tell me why he still matters to Atlanta fans? I liked Vick when he was the Falcons QB (yes, I got a No. 7 jersey. Black one, really cool, much better than the red). But he’s gone now and we have a new QB and I no longer really care where Vick plays. I don’t hold a grudge against him; he’s a guy who made a mistake and paid for it. I’m fine with him playing again. But it’s not going to be in Atlanta so why does it warrant this constant attention from the Atlanta media? Schulzie, don’t you think you guys are beating it into the ground a bit? (though ESPN is far worse with their hourly Favre, Romo and TO updates). Perhaps all of the sports media should focus a little more on the guys who are actually on a team and PLAYING than these side dramas about guys who aren’t.
Belinda
July 30th, 2009
12:09 pm
I feel that Michael Vick is a valuable player, He has done his time. What wrong with people why we always juding who are we. Let him play So what the sport world of football gonna throw away a player we still will love to see in action hell he lost millions. They should feel ashamed it’s only a game.
Ummm
July 30th, 2009
12:10 pm
MV7 – you are an idiot. The two cases are not even close to being similiar. The only reason Stallworth only served less than 30 days is because the family of the victim agreed to it in order to get millions in compensation from Stallworth. You see, it is in their best interest to receive money to help live, rather than no money with him in jail.
FREE AT LAST
July 30th, 2009
12:10 pm
To all you haters, the group EN VOGUE said it best, “Free your mind, and the rest will follow….be color blind don’t be so shallow”
Jesus said ‘He who is without sin cast the first stone”
Football Fan
July 30th, 2009
12:12 pm
Let those who hunt, fish or have gone to a pig roast cast the first stone. If the NFL has no problem with MV playing why should teams? It’s called PETA. Others have been caught doing the same thing. once they do their time are they barred from their former profession by public opinion if the governing body clears them for employment? No.. It’s because of PETA and the potential income.
The NFL isn’t doing any favors for Mike Vick. It’s about money pure and simple. How much longer will MV be productive in the NFL? Maybe 5 or 10 years? What’s the big deal? Follow the money. Dogs get hit by cars all the time. If someone hits a dog should they never be allowed to drive down any street where the homeowners own a dog? It’s football. If you don’t like the team that will pick up on MV.Just don’t watch. No one is up in arms on the plight homeless children. If a city has a homeless population many don’t have a problem spending the money for a ticket, snacks and whatever else at a football game…So get real. It’s just football. He paid his debt to society.
ihopeherots
July 30th, 2009
12:12 pm
Vick is a sham. He was overrated from the start. And I love the argument that if he killed a human, he’d be back in the NFL by now…?? I’m sorry – I wouldn’t want him back in the NFL making millions if he tortured and killed dozens of people, so why should he be back as a “role model” for young boys because he tortured and murdered dozens of innocent animals? People who can so easily take away another life (animal OR human) cannot be completely rehabilitated after 23 months in prison. He’s a sick man who should not be allowed back in the public spotlight. Period.
Earl the Plumber
July 30th, 2009
12:12 pm
Does anyone really think Vick will return and play at a high level? Moreover, did Vick ever consistently play at a high level? He’s not a threat to the Falcons, no matter where he plays. Two years in a 5X7 cell will slow you down.
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2009
12:14 pm
For anybody who hasn’t seen them, an online sportsbook just inserted odds on Vick’s future
GoBigBlue
July 30th, 2009
12:16 pm
The Lions could use another wideout. Vick on one side, CJ on the other, Stafford tossing to either of them. it’s a match made in Heaven. And let’s face it, the Lions can’t get any lower.
EN VOGUE
July 30th, 2009
12:17 pm
Live in the past so there ain’t no future but more of the same
Make Confederate flags wave in the face of racist shame
This war’s not over. Time to play it again
Seccession from the Fed Man is the only right to freedom worth a dang
Mike Jay
July 30th, 2009
12:19 pm
Interesting that the Falcons are not on that list Jeff
Mike Jay
July 30th, 2009
12:21 pm
Good point big blue he got plenty of practice at reciever in the pen…..rim shot. Thanks! I’ll be here all week, please tip your waitresses.
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2009
12:22 pm
OPENING DISCLAIMER – We’ve banned 3 commenters in last 24 hours. Please try to keep comments on a civil level or we’ll once again have to take action. Thanks, Jeff
Dean – It was a pretty big story. I won’t link, but Google.
Dr. R. – My only response is that for every person’s who’s sick of this, 3 aren’t. That said, I actually am trying to keep it in check, believe it or not. But right now where MV plays is a national story of interest.
Go Big Blue – Pretty sure Lions already have said no.
midnite
July 30th, 2009
12:22 pm
Earl the Plumber-Mike Vick did play at a higher level. He was “high” all the time. He was even “high” while on pre-trail. That Mike Vick loves his reefer and that my friends will cause him to violate his parole.
Paula
July 30th, 2009
12:23 pm
Everbody deserves a second chance. Michael Vick should be allowed to play football again. Arthur Blank earned millions off of Vick and that is something he should never forget. Give the man a second chance, just like you would want your child or family member to have.
Sean
July 30th, 2009
12:24 pm
People on this blog are trippin! Let the man try to redeem himself. If he is successful cool, if not, at least he tried. People are always quick to drag others through the mud but if you were to expose the skeletons in their lives stuff would be just as f&^ked up or worse!!!! Folks act like they have never done anything wrong in their life!! Just leave the man alone. If you don’t like Vick, don’t follow whats going on with him!
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:25 pm
Ok lets look at the dog issue. VICK was convicted of funding dog fighting. Pit Bulls aren’t even mentioned as a AKC breed, insurance companies won’t even insure you if you have a Pit Bull, the US government is trying to ban the breed of the the PIT BULL.
So why is PETA even concerned with what happens to PIT BULLS when the own dog nation doesn’t even acknowledge them.
JOE BLACK
July 30th, 2009
12:25 pm
the remaining remaining teams in the Vick sweepstakes they are largey in the AFC and are all playoff bound and consistent Super Bowl contenders. Teams in queston Pittsburgh and New England; NE already showed what they are willing to win regardless of the player see Moss and Dillion. Pittsburgh head coach has ties to Va and New Port News in particular and since the Steelers just won the Super Bowl and they need a back up to Big Ben. Also as a fan the one thing fans wnat their team to do is win, win big and do what it takes to win. Vick is a steal for any team that just need a back up former pro bowl QB who won more games than he lost and who just so happen to be a headedache for opposing Deffensive cordinators.
at the end of the day it is all about winning and Vick has to much that he cant afford to lose
Boo Boo
July 30th, 2009
12:26 pm
Funny how some use the “my felony crime is better than yours” argument. It speaks volumes that the NFL is where any criminal can find a living, as long as the steroids still make one competitive. As long as the ex-players drop dead of heart failure at 47, long after their playing days are over, who cares? Not the teams, the player’s association, the league, the players, or the agents. Free Plaxico 2035!
ABC
July 30th, 2009
12:26 pm
Hmm, a few weeks ago a lot of Vick lovers were foaming at the mouth and claiming teams will be lined up to get Vick, fighting over him. I slept late this morning, did I miss the fight? Has Vick narrowed it down to 10 teams that he will consider and he’ll inform the team he picks that he may consider them? Oh…that was a dream, he’s still begging. Vick, get a map, look for Cananda and buy some winter clothes.
Dr. R.
July 30th, 2009
12:27 pm
Fair enough, Jeff, and surely the level of response in this blog backs up your notion and not mine. I’m just an old-school guy. I like players who shut up and play, but today’s media, TV especially, like to turn athletes into the jock versions of Paris, Brittney and whatshername. I like men’s sports played hard by men, played to win. Don’t care about their cars, their girlfriends, their personal lives. If they get in trouble, whatever; they’re off the radar until they come back. Ain’t judging them for anything but what they do between the lines. They are paid entertainers and when they do their thing, they earn their big bucks. When they don’t, it’s out of sight, out of mind as far as I’m concerned. Like Glanville once said when someone asked him about a guy holding out: “I’m worried about the guys who are here, not the guy who isn’t.” But I’m a voice in the wildnerness. I miss the old days of primo competitors, not prima donnas.
Steve
July 30th, 2009
12:29 pm
DIPPER, how many Sunday’s a month do you spend visiting relatives at the county jail. You say killing a pitt is nothing people don’t consider them dogs. Think back in the 50’s when people were killing one race because they didn’t think of them as human and having a soul. DIPPER, your gray matter can be in your head, not just in your laundry basket in the form of yesterdays underwear.
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:30 pm
Everyone says he wasn’t a QB, he is over rated, he was a running back, he was a thug, he smoked weed, etc… yes some of these things are correct but behind closed doors I am willing to bet that over 90% of you at one time or another has said something good about this man. Right now he has one of the top 10 highlights in sports history. He has sold out the Dome more than any other QB in Falcons history, he has had the #1 selling Jersey in history… This man has made more money for Blank that Ryan will ever make for him.
But now that he has gone to jail and did bad things to dogs, you throw him under the bus…
Mike Jay
July 30th, 2009
12:35 pm
Dipper watch this video of those evil dogs Vick was breeding and killing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyCTcMcULZI
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:36 pm
Well to answer your question about Jail… I don’t vist them on Sunday I vist them during the week about 2x a month. I will leave the rest of your comments alone because I can not go down that road with you back to the 50’s. It’s no need to bring up past history, we already see it going on in 2009. Just keep your memories to yourself because it will never get back to 1950 in my book.
midnite
July 30th, 2009
12:36 pm
What lesson is learned when a second chance is “given”? Shouldn’t a second chance be earned, where the offender has a vested interest in a successful rehabilitation? “…to whom much is given, much is required…”
FALCONS SORRY
July 30th, 2009
12:37 pm
JEFF SHULTZ! ANY TEAM THAT IS NOT SMART ENOUGH TO GIVE MIKE VICK A CHANCE TO SHOW CASE HIS TREMENDOUS TALENTS IS CRAZY! ALL YOU SORRY HATER TEAMS WILL HATE THE DAY YOU IGNORED YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A SUPPER BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP WHEN MIKE VICK CAME KNOCKING ON YOUR DOOR AND YOU ALL TURN YOUR BACK ON HIM! ESPECIALLY YOU SORRY AUTHUR BLANK! THE BEST CHANCE YOUR FALCONS TEAM EVER HAD OR EVER WILL HAVE OF WINNING AN NFL CHAMPIONSHIP LEFT TOWN WHEN YOU STAB MIKE VICK IN THE BACK JUST KEEP YOUR OWN NOSE CLEAN! YOU PROBABLY DID A LOT WORSE TO YOUR DOGS THAN VICK EVER DID! BIG MILLIONAIRE LIKE YOU BLANK PROBABLY SHOWED VICK HOW TO FIGHT DOGS AND TRAIN THEM! BLANK YOU WILL BE CRYING OVER YOUR MISTAKE ALONG WITH 32 OTHER TEAMS IN JANUARY WHEN MIKE VICK IS STANDING ON TOP OF THE WORLD IN MIAMI AFTER TAKING BACK WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY HIS! MIKE YOUR TRUE FANS WILL BE CHEERING RIGHT ALONG WITH YOU IN JANUARY WHEN YOU SHOCK THE ENTIRE WORLD WITH YOUR TALENT AND THE WHOLE NFL HAS TO BOW AT YOUR FEET AND APOLOGIZE FOR HOW YOU WERE WRONG FULLY TREATED! YOUR NEXT TEAM IS MY NEW FAVORITE TEAM MIKE!
Hollywould
July 30th, 2009
12:37 pm
Jeff, I hope he goes to Dallas as I just got confirmation for my tickets Oct. 25th in Dallas. Luckily, I have a friend who’s sister works for the Cowboys. The Cowboys she says have 3,000 employees
in all aspects and they each can buy 4 tickets to a game. PLAY BALL
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:38 pm
No need to watch any video. I’ve been around dogs all my life, I’ve buried 2 with in the last year. They are considered family but what you do with your dog is your business and what I do with my dogs is mine.
Barbara Primas
July 30th, 2009
12:39 pm
I’m orginally from Pittsburgh, I’ve hear rumors that the Steelers were considering Vick.
I think he would be a great asset to the team. He has paid his dues and has the right to earn a living. He is an extraordinary athlete and deserves to earn a living!!!!!
cookie
July 30th, 2009
12:42 pm
Don’t matter where MICHAEL VICK land I will forever be his FAN. I pray that he goes to a team that plays the FAKCONS and kick them out the PLAYOFFS
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:42 pm
Barbara, Steeler fans and owners have been considered the best in the leauge. It show by only having 4 coaches in history. It shows by giving a young black man a high profile job. I guess the Southern Folks don’t make mistakes nor believe in 2nd chances…
GO BARBARA…
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:43 pm
BIG AL, don’t say that to loud… You may cause some folks to fall out.
Steve
July 30th, 2009
12:43 pm
GoBigBlue @ 12:16
Detriot?!? Hasn’t Vick already suffered enough
cookie
July 30th, 2009
12:43 pm
SORRY FOR THE TYPE-O I MEAN THE FALCONS!!!!!!!
Haliburton Billonaire
July 30th, 2009
12:44 pm
Why does the AJC continue to harp on how Mike Vick WON’T be returning to the falcon franchise??? Good grief can we get OVER this dude already?!
Hubert
July 30th, 2009
12:48 pm
Fact: Vick went to Federal prison for racketeering, not torturing and killing dogs. As someone else has pointed out, it’s not uncommon for all star athletes in any sport to be censured for gambling.
Fact: No, a dog’s life is not more valuable than a human’s…the issue here is intent. Stollworth, Heatley, and other comparisons don’t apply…although driving under the influence is illegal, it’s not considered murder if somebody dies as a result. Vick obviously had cruel, unusual, and sadistic intentions towards these animals.
Fact: Vick just plain wasn’t that good before he went away, and most knowledgeable football minds know it…which is why nobody is beating a path to his door. If a team really thought he could help them win, he’d be playing. The man is virtually uncoachable, and nobody really knows what to do with him.
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:50 pm
Hubert – Good post…
Godfather
July 30th, 2009
12:53 pm
Do all the dumb and negative people live in the south?
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:56 pm
Things are just a little different in the south… It’s hard for some to give up the past history and move on… Give us a little time maybe it will sink in that things has changed…
Honestly it depends on what part of GA they live in…
midnite
July 30th, 2009
12:57 pm
Would someone PLEASE explain to me what these people have to do with Mike Vick’s downfall:
Dante Stallworth
1) George W. Bush
2) Dick Cheney
3) Matt Ryan
4) Arthur Blank (oh yeah, gave him $130M contract)
5) Martha Stewart
6) Ben Roethlisberger
7) Danny Heatly
9) Bobby Cox
Only thoughtful, educated, and realistic opinions will be accepted. Anyone??
Wow
July 30th, 2009
12:58 pm
Lots of anger today. I love it.
Will never understand how the Mike Vick blogs jump so quickly to politicians and political views. Solid comparison, really. Every time, without fail someone tries to somehow equate Vick with Bush or Chaney or god knows who else. I don’t get it. Throw in how much Arthur Blank owes Vick too. I haven’t poured through his financials lately, but feel pretty confident that Blank was okay financially before Vick. Made a heck of a lot more money than he ever will owning the Falcons. I will admit though, it is much more fun though if we stick with the highly plausible idea that it’s really Vick that has helped him succeed and he ruthlessly turned his back on him in his time of need.
Steve
July 30th, 2009
12:59 pm
Big Al,
The media did report the issue with Ben Roethlisberger. Ben has indicated he is not guilty. I suspect if it comes out later that he is lying about that the media will be all over his butt again (and won’t let up).
DawgFan
July 30th, 2009
12:59 pm
Haliburton, I think the reason that there are no reports on Big Ben is because it is a largely unreliable witness claiming that he raped her, with no evidence other than her word. Vick was scrutinized and convicted because he had all the necessary tools for fighting and killing dogs at his house. There’s a big difference there. It has nothing to do with race.
Marie
July 30th, 2009
1:00 pm
Some of you guys are soooooo pathetic. Goodell reinstated Vick for one reason and one reason only the man has a fan base and a talent that generates cash. And he did not want that fan base, talent, and cash going to some start up league along with the press attention Michael Vick will receive — period. So all you losers that are still pissed off about MV, get over it, according to the man himself he is close to signing with another team. Even if he went to the UFL (and they are clamouring for him) he would get premium pay of $1 million or above; more than the Mickey D’s burger flipping salary some of you would love to see him make (and that you’re probably making).
And this silly list that Jeff and others have compiled is not rooted in reality. Some of the teams on this list have offered only vague half-hearted statements in the past (some before Vick was released from prison, before he was reinstated, and before all the details of the nanny state Gooddell has cacooned him in was known). Only a hand full of teams have positively gone on record and stated that MV will not be playing with them. Even if the 19 or 20 teams Jeff has listed is correct, I am more impressed with the remaining teams since they have some of the leagues’ smartest minds as coaches.
And while there is soooo much consternation and constipation on Vick, you good ole boys might want to keep your eyes on Big Ben with the Steelers. While 2 incidents may not a pattern make; there appears to be signs of a young QB who lacks good judgement and engages in reckless behavior. A few years back he’s ridin’ his motorcycle without a helmet, crashes into a car, and came dangerously close to ending his career. Now he’s ridin’ dirty with a female hotel employee and is the subject of a civil lawsuit by this young woman.
Thru the years folks have loved to recount all the misdeeds of MV prior to his dogfighting conviction and saying these were all signals of a troubled young man. Well somebody needs to read the signs with Big Ben and see if there are some issues there that need to be addressed. Unlike those who hate Vick — I love Big Ben and would hate to see his downfall. And yes I am rooting for Vick’s successful return to life and/or the NFL as are all decent humans who love to see folks succeed.
Haliburton Billionaire
July 30th, 2009
1:01 pm
The FOURTH article today alone on a guy whom, the city of Atlanta and the AJC claim, are irrelevant to them. Slow news day, I suppose.
Dell
July 30th, 2009
1:01 pm
Wow! To all the anti-Vick commentators………I can see through you, as well as the “glass house” that you stay in!
Haliburton Billionaire
July 30th, 2009
1:04 pm
Fair enough, DawgFan. But you’re INSANE if you believe this has absolutely nothing to do with race. For the record: I DO agree that Vick is a bonafide idiot for getting mixed up in dogfighting of all things.
Algonquin J. Calhoun
July 30th, 2009
1:07 pm
Falcons sorry, your post is a well-written, informative revelation. Keep up the voodoo that you do so incredibly.
BiteMe
July 30th, 2009
1:08 pm
Mee, you’re an idiot.
Deltra
July 30th, 2009
1:10 pm
I am sick of the negative comments about Vic. He made one mistake and the media/fans will not give hima chance. I was hoping that an NFC team would pick him up that way he could play the Atlanta Falcons. I understand the crime he comitted was wrong and it seems to me that he realizes and acknowledges it as well. But olease look at all of the others that have committed crimes and some are alot worse than the crime Vick committed. You have some out there killing humans but we don’t hear much about that but alot has been said about Vick.. I am and will always be a Vick fan. Yes I know what he did was wrong and that’s not a question but I feel like everyone deserves a second chance. BACK-UP… LEAVE MICHAEL VICK ALONE…
BiteMe
July 30th, 2009
1:10 pm
Haliburton Billionaire – You’re an idiot, too.
Max Power
July 30th, 2009
1:10 pm
Donte Stallworth only got off because he is WHITE!!! Oh wait….
Dr. R.
July 30th, 2009
1:11 pm
To Godfather: No, they aren’t.
To Big Al: There is a big difference between being accused and being convicted (and in Vick’s case, admitting guilt). If you don’t agree with that, then I accuse you of having sex with kittens. There, see the difference now?
arlene
July 30th, 2009
1:16 pm
This is not about a dog. And for all of you ignoramuses who are being nasty, you need to get a grip on yourselves! Bottom line: he paid a debt that was severely unfair, and has served his time. What more do you people want? These teams that are rejecting him, including the Falcons, are being spiteful in denying their teams of a great player.
There is something better for Mike, and I hope it happens soon.
Y’all need to stop the hate…..give the man another chance!
Stephen
July 30th, 2009
1:16 pm
Well…I guess I gave Schultz too much credit yesterday about turning the corner on the continued Vick stories…because the very next day ANOTHER ARTICLE ABOUT Michael Vick.
Will it ever end??? I guess its just highly unlikely that the AJC sports writers can come up with something creative about the CURRENT Atlanta Falcons team on a continued basis. Not even the national sports mags and website write this much about Vick.
Max Power
July 30th, 2009
1:17 pm
I can’t stand Mike Vick but he does deserve a second chance. He will sign on with another team and he will be able to make a living. That’s what makes America so great. Now, with that being said, I wouldn’t sign him just for the mere fact that he was an average QB. IF you put everything else aside, his last 2 seasons were not good and his numbers were terrible. Just from a football stand point, I will be shocked if he ever becomes a starting QB again
DownGoesFrazier
July 30th, 2009
1:18 pm
Jeff, Thank you for not removing FALCONS SORRY posts. He’s the smartest and most clairvoyant human being alive. I wish he’d write a book (in all caps) so I could be further enlightened by him. Such insightful remarks like “WIN A SUPPER BOWL” and “BLANK PROBABLY SHOWED VICK HOW TO FIGHT DOGS” and let’s not forget “THE WHOLE NFL HAS TO BOW AT YOUR FEET AND APOLOGIZE FOR HOW YOU WERE WRONG FULLY TREATED!” Please FALCONS SORRY, give us more truth and guidance!
Pedro
July 30th, 2009
1:20 pm
Everything is about keeping the black man down. Honestly, look at the White House. The majority white voters did everything in their power to keep him out, but the minority blacks outvoted them. Or wait, maybe the majority white voters voted him into office so they could manipulate him and keep him down. Whatever. Us whiteys will always be accused of keeping the righteous black man down because we all a bunch of racist honkies. I admit it. We owes a big debt for what we all done did to you alls. Even if we’s only been in the country fo foty years or less. I’s guilty as sin. Please fogive us. Then wake up and get yourself a life.
sidewalk74
July 30th, 2009
1:22 pm
Jeff,
For Vick to be “familiar with his opponents” he would have needed to watch film when he played for the Falcons. Which we all know he didn’t. Also after missing 2 years the teams have different personnel.
DHD
July 30th, 2009
1:23 pm
Another Vick article??????????????????????
Of course, it’s the AJC continuing the love affair.
BiteMe
July 30th, 2009
1:23 pm
Damn, Pedro! I never knew you could clean guns while typing. KILL WHITIE, right? Moron.
MV7 Fan
July 30th, 2009
1:24 pm
@Ummm. Idiot??? The camparison that I made is that vick served more time for killing dogs than another player received killing a human.
Period
DownGoesFrazier
July 30th, 2009
1:26 pm
Jeff, how come we never see you and FALCONS SORRY in the same room at the same time?
DawgFan
July 30th, 2009
1:28 pm
Haliburton, thank you for agreeing. Maybe this has something, nothing, or everything to do with race. I’m just disheartened that our immediate stance on any issue facing any person requires bringing up their race. If this had been any white player in the NFL instead of Vick do you think the race wars would’ve begun?
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
1:28 pm
Why must we explain it, we are trying not to go to that level. Basically we are saying that other people make mistakes and are allowed to carry on with there jobs. Why can’t Mike do the samething. It’s not about BLK or WHT because Mayor Marion Barry got a second chance…
mike
July 30th, 2009
1:29 pm
What I really don’t understand is that…if u are tired of hearing about Vick, and hate the guy sooo much…why take time out of your “busy” schedule to write something ignorant about him?? I hate dogs and hate the dumb people that treat them as humans..it’s rather sick to me to kiss an animal in the mouth or allow them in your lap while u are drivinga car. I think you all need counseling. Leave the man alone and keep your racist, ignorant comments to yourself..or better yet. Go tell a black person how much u hate Vick. If u are a true hater, don’t hide behind your keyboards..especially the weak so called “men” (caucasian of course) that are on here!
Carol
July 30th, 2009
1:37 pm
Micheal Vick should NEVER be allowed to play in professional sports again. Even though he completed his prison sentence, he has no business being in a position of idol worship by young sports fans. He made many bad choices, and quite frankly he came through this situation far better than an average citizen would have. If he wants to remain in football, let him work behind the scenes. He could get a job as a janitor at the stadium and clean locker rooms, if he desires to still be in contact with other athletes. He didn’t just fight dogs and lie about it. He took part in torture, abuse, and murder of animals for his fun and profit. The mentality capable of such cruelty has in the past led to further heinous crimes…(i.e; Jeffrey Dahmer for example). Look how Major League Baseball handled “Charlie Hustle” when he gambled and lied about it. Pete Rose was banned from the sport he excelled in…for LIFE! What Pete did, was extremely stupid and wrong, but it didn’t come close to the sick, murderous, and arrogant actions of VICK. The Falcons fans remember Vick “giving them the bird” as he exited a game before his arrest. I hope every single professional football team out there will return his gesture, and “flip him off”. There are many more deserving athletes waiting in the wings…give one of them a chance, Micheal Vick already HAD his.
Ricci
July 30th, 2009
1:37 pm
Colt 45 and two zigzags – baby dats all I need…
Drew
July 30th, 2009
1:39 pm
It needs to be said… as a running QB, if Vick takes one more serious leg injury, the long-idled 29-year old will be just another mediocre pocket passer. He may already be, for that matter.
Why anyone would spend millions to bring that kind of baggage to their team is beyond me.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 30th, 2009
1:39 pm
This is a fantastic article, and I think it sums up Vick’s current situation perfectly.
Elvisinthehouse
July 30th, 2009
1:45 pm
Man, i always knew georgia was a racist state but these comments on somebody elses(mv7) life that don’t concern nobody or there own dog/dogs is just plain ol hatred.Wow,you could work with someone who will smile in your face,talk to you at your job but behind closed doors they hate the color of your skin.AJC KNOWS THAT,THATS WHY THEY HAVE VICK AS THERE TOPIC EVERY DAY.AJC YOU KNOW THE RESPONSES YOU WILL RECIEVE FROM THIS BLACKMAN THATS WHY YOU DO IT.I CAN SEE YOU NOW,SMERKING AS YOU CREATE THE STORY.
Falcon Fan in DC
July 30th, 2009
1:47 pm
I have a hard time understandign why the Vick supporters are angry with Arthur Blank and the Falcons. I can understand celebrity worship and the fact that he will be supported through thick or thin, but why the anger with the Falcons? I seem to remember it was Michael Vick who made the decisions he made, lied to law enforcement, the commissioner, and didn’t hire his own attorney until he was indicted. Plus, he ruined the 2007 season, so were the Falcons supposed to wait two years guarantee him his starting position again? One more thing, Arthur Blank nor anyone in the Falcons organization stood in the way of MV returning.
Chris
July 30th, 2009
1:51 pm
The only people making it racial are the Vick supporters. It doesn’t matter that he’s black. It’s the choices HE made. Being stupid isn’t a white or black thing.
Disgusted
July 30th, 2009
1:52 pm
@Falcon Fan in DC — well said!
ABC
July 30th, 2009
2:00 pm
The more Vick fans move to where ever it is he may go, I bet it’ll bring the crime rate down in Atlanta. Every little bit helps with the mayor and police chief we have here.
Steve
July 30th, 2009
2:01 pm
Mike @1:29
Ouch that hurt. It has nothing to do with MV being black. Get over your racial problems.
Right now the man is a “media nightmare”. Any team that takes him will do so with the knowledge they will be hounded by the press and PETA this year. Remember T.O on the excersize bike last year at Dallas. How much did that effect the rest of the team’s ability to focus on preparing for the footbasll season. I can’t say, but I wonder since the team picked by many to win the Super Bowl didn’t even make the playoffs.
I believe MV will do everything he can to put his best foot forward this year. First, he doesn’t seek the media limelight like T.O. does. Second, he knows his career is hanging on it. As a football fan, I hope he does get picked by an NFL team. I enjoyed watching the man play. I believe 98% of all football fans will admit that MV, while not a good passer, was one of the most exciting players to step onto an NFL field.
From the prospective of an NFL front office & coaching staff though, they have to consider both on-the-field and off-the-field dynamics associated with bringing MV into camp. How well will the rest of the team be able to focus on the up coming season, with media constantly asking questions that have to do with MV. How well will MV be able to: 1) get back into NFL playing shape; 2) focus on learning a new offensive scheme; 3) Possibly adapt to a new postion-no guarantee he will be brought in as a quarterback.
Mz Lady M
July 30th, 2009
2:04 pm
I wish everyone would get a life. There are people that have done worst things then what Michael did, so please get another life. I can’t wait to see what teams picks him up, because that team will get paid just on the supporters that will be there. I will support Michael on any team that has him. I hope to see Michael Vick in the NFL playing again.
WE MISS YOU MICHAEL VICK AND LOOK FORWARD TO YOU COMING BACK STRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PETA need to get a life and leave him alone.
Chris
July 30th, 2009
2:07 pm
Don’t let the door hit ya.
MV7 Fan 2
July 30th, 2009
2:08 pm
All of this over some damn dogs??? I’m trying to figure out who changed the bible when it said that man would have dominion over animals and not animals over humans??? Some of you really need to get a grip!! It’s sad when you get more time over killing a damn dog than you will another human. Then again, I forget the entire reason for his punishment. He’s black!! If Brett Favre had did the same thing most of you would praise him. All of you go to HELL!!!!!!!!!
Chris
July 30th, 2009
2:08 pm
Are the ignorant ‘it’s only dog fighting’ people the same ones who were cheering when Chris Chandler got injured?
Magic 8 ball says ‘All signs point to yes.’
Marie
July 30th, 2009
2:10 pm
Correction Falcon Fan in DC, Michael Vick did not hire his own attorney until after the federal indictment; the NFLPA hired Billy Martin to represent Michael Vick (which is unusual since MV had a multi-million dollar contract and to my knowledge they have never done that for any player in legal trouble). Coincidentally, Billy Martin is also a GOOD FRIEND of current US Attorney General Eric Holder who the NFL hired to supposedly “investigate” dogfighting in the NFL.
And as one of Vick’s supporters I think we were a bit perturbed with the fact that the Falcons, Blank and the NFL threw the man under the bus before he had even made a court appearance. If you can recall correctly, the Falcons were going to immediately suspend Michael Vick once the indictment was made and the NFL had to stop them. So, I think some folks are still bitter that Blank did not at least stand by Vick until all the facts were made known.
However, I do believe Arthur Blank is a caring person, has a good heart, and really only wants the best for Michael Vick. It has been reported throughout the last 2 years that Blank has frequently corresponded with Vick during his incarceration and has personally flown to VA to spend time with him after his release. If Arthur Blank was the “user” that some Vick supporters are making him out to be, then why would the man go through such measures (since his organization will likely have nothing more to do with Vick)? There is absolutely nothing for him to gain at this point in time, so I have to make the assumption that the man really cares about Vick as a person.
Paddy
July 30th, 2009
2:11 pm
godfather… no, all dumb and negative people don’t live in the South. Alot of them live over yonder way near mama an’em.
clyde
July 30th, 2009
2:12 pm
If Michael Vick was picked by a team and the media agreed to never ask one question about him concerning his past,how long does anyone think it would take Vick to do something stupid and land himself in the media’s eye once again?He was there before the Feds hauled him away on racketeering charges and he’ll be there again.It’s what he is.
Big Al,
Perhaps the media remembers a certain rape case in North Carolina that they reported on.Maybe this time they’re awaiting a trial?If Ben Roethlisberger is guilty,he’ll be punished like Stallworth,fair ’nuff?
Falcon Fan in DC
July 30th, 2009
2:16 pm
One more thing….everyone seems to think that killing the dogs landed Michael Vick in jail. He’s in jail because for a period of several years he was the financial supporter of an illegal interstate gambling operation and he participated in some of the illegal events. Also, don’t forget he would have most likely received probation if he was honest in April of 2007 but once again he lied to everyone that would listen to him.
Dell
July 30th, 2009
2:21 pm
Hey Carol, your point is weak! As is anyone’s whose argument, is that MV is not a good role model. You fail to mention the “pipe-sucking” MP. Is he playing a role in your child’s life? I don’t hear you trying to keep him out of the pool!
midnite
July 30th, 2009
2:22 pm
It is obvious that many of the Mike Vick supporters on this forum:
1) have no respect for the laws of the US
2) are the ones responsible for spewing hate and racism
3) support the criminal lifestyle
4) do not respect the opinions of others
5) use profanity, vulgarity, and personal attacks
Then you wonder why you have zero credibility.
MV7
July 30th, 2009
2:22 pm
Please Please continue the hate, so when i return to one of the highest paid and most watched player in the league again, some of you’ll can go out purchase my jersey again and claim that you are a fan of mind. THAT DAY SHALL COME AGAIN, AND MAY ALL THE GLORY BE TO GOD ALMIGHTY.
kevin
July 30th, 2009
2:25 pm
cant you just picture that idiot “falcons sorry” pounding away at the keys at the downtown library while foaming at the mouth?
RUSERIOUS
July 30th, 2009
2:25 pm
I have read all of the post and still can’t believe that you all have fell into the media trap. As long as YOU continue to talk about Vick the longer the media has fuel to light the fire. MV made a mistake and probably will make many more, as will ALL of you (myself included). For those of you that have children and just HATE MV I hope you are not letting them see this attitude. It’s okay to dislike someone for their actions, but please think about what you say in front of the children. I would be embarrassed if someone at the game was shouting “Dog Killer” in front of impressionable children. What are we teaching them?
On a side note, regardless what you feel about MV he did generate money for the Falcons, the owner, and the city of Atlanta. He was an exciting QB that sold games out, both home and away. Let the man alone and let him get back to what made us watch in the first place – excitement.
Lizzie 300
July 30th, 2009
2:27 pm
It’s not what you want, it’s what right. The man has done his time. Let him play. The fans and Peta can do what they do. He didn’t kill a “person”. All of you who eat meat need to think about this.
Chris
July 30th, 2009
2:29 pm
Atlanta – where excitement is more important than championships.
See also: ‘The Highlight Factory’
ITS 2009
July 30th, 2009
2:36 pm
come on SOUTHERN WHITES get over this racist s…., damn its been 300 years enough is enough
What not to expect: Falcons vs. Vick in 2009 :Casino and Betting Online
July 30th, 2009
2:37 pm
[...] View original post here: What not to expect: Falcons vs. Vick in 2009 [...]
Carol
July 30th, 2009
2:40 pm
I realize that no matter how outrageous or criminal, OVERPAID athletes will always have a long trail of idiots riding their coatails and singing their praises. In response to Dell, my argument is NOT WEAK and it deals specifically with Micheal Vick and his career. Your comments about Micheal Phelps are WEAK. While I by no means support his bad judgement smoking pot, at least he had the decency to immediatley admit to his poor choice. Heck we had an IDIOT President (Clinton) that couldn’t even admit to his pot smoking, remember he said he “Didn’t Inhale”. NOW THAT IS WEAK! I have a RIGHT to my opinion, as you have a right to yours. My only hope is that there are more people in this country that can understand and agree with my argument, than there are supporters Micheal Vick. If the almighty buck is more important than Decency and Common Sense, than we are all screwed!
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans & Glad Matt Ryan is Here
July 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
Arthur Blank and the Falcons didn’t throw Mike Vick under the bus. Vick was asked if he was involved in HIS criminal enterprise TWICE and he said no. When sheds, rape stands and dog carcasses were found at his home…he still said he was not guilty. After his boys ratted him out, he went in last and got the longest sentence-which he was told would happen by going in last! He screwed himself and makes bad decisions.
Fact is when T.O. was a free agent he had a job in 48 hours. If Vick is this great qb, which is what every team dreams of, why is no one tripping over themselves to sign him?
And why does a grown man need to be appointed a mentor(Tony Dungy)? At 29 shouldn’t a star qb and father of three need to be at a place in his life where he is a mentor to others? What is he 17! Sure acts like it.
His whole career has been based on the fact that he has been the fastest man on the field, since he can’t read a defense and did not study film; he is of no use to a team if he can’t run. The Falcons and every other team don’t have to worry about him because he’s a quarterback that cannot throw.
Too much of a risk, too much of a bad record of behavior (herpes, bird flicking, weed bottles, failing weed tests, hanging out with thugs, torturing dogs, running gambling rings).
Sad people have so many excuses for him. Would you want your son or daughter hanging out with a resume’ like that? I don’t.
Go Birds
BBfan
July 30th, 2009
2:42 pm
Vic…Vic…Vic…enough! And with that said, why should he get a second chance? He commited a FELONY! Let me think back to Pete Rose. Gambled on baseball, not illegal, not a felony, no criminal charges, no jail time but SUSPENDED FOR LIFE from baseball. Vic is a looser and deserves the same punishment.
IDC
July 30th, 2009
2:46 pm
Jeff, your idiot tolerance schedule must be off the scales. I don’t envy your job of policing the site. Keep up the good work.
RUSERIOUS
July 30th, 2009
2:48 pm
To Chris- No, excitement is never more than a championship, that will never be the case. But I rather be an excited fan than one that’s sitting there watching the other team ream us. The championship part needs to be taken up with management.
Timus
July 30th, 2009
2:48 pm
WORDS OVERHEARD AFTER VICK’S FIRST 300 YARDS PASSING AND 100 YARDS RUSHING GAME AFTER RETURNING TO THE LEAGUE: “What do fighting???”
mike
July 30th, 2009
3:00 pm
If I see anybody from PETA at a game that MV is playing in..I am going to sic my dog on them..hopefully he bites all of them…and yes I have a pit bull to do the deeds! How’s that for irony?!
midnite
July 30th, 2009
3:03 pm
RUSERIOUS-URDELIRIOUS You do realize the Falcons were 11-5 in 2008 and went to the playoffs? With a rookie QB no less. Brilliant remarks!!
FREE AT LAST
July 30th, 2009
3:07 pm
ONLY in America can you have a man who committed burgulary and plotted murders (G. Gordon Liddy) a cocaine drug-runner, convicted felon (Oliver North) and a big FAT, Oxycontin,hillbilly heroin, doctor-shopping LARDA$$ Rush Limbaugh be idolized and worshipped by the redneck, white trash who cast stones at others. Well, you will NEVER keep us down…WE SHALL OVERCOME
FREE AT LAST
July 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
Free your mind…let freedom ring…SLAVERY IS OVER HONEY!!
BG
July 30th, 2009
3:12 pm
I hope no one signs this THUG!
Rev. Al Sharpton
July 30th, 2009
3:17 pm
As the great Rodney King once said, “Can’t we all just get along?”
BG
July 30th, 2009
3:20 pm
The BG stands for big girl…big girls need love two dammit!!
I am unemployed and stuck in my mother’s basement. Why should MV get a high-paying job? I can’t even find one at McDonald’s.
ITS 2009
July 30th, 2009
3:20 pm
if brett farve of peyton manning did the same thing, SOUTHERN people would be waiting for them to get a chance…If vick would have thad 3 turnovers against the Arizona SOUTHERN people would have place the blame on him..But no one said anything about Ryan…People talk Shi… about Vick performance on the field even though we had no coaching, the smallest OL in the league, and a bad defense..Southern people fail to realize that he suffered from droped passes and was forced to run because of bad blocking so you all label him a “running QB”…Southern people started hating Vick only when he signed his big contract..I know what what Vick did was wrong but hell Bush has caused thousands of people to die over an senseless war and southern people forgave him right? ok so why cant you Southern people forgive Vick…Like i said its 2009 get over this racist stuff..and when i say “SOUTHERN PEOPLE” yall know who im talking about!
Ron Donelan
July 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
Any sports figure who is convicted of a felony should be barred from their sport for life. If they are incapable of being a law abiding person then why should they be rewarded with multimillion dollar contracts and become the wrong type of example for the young who idolize sports figures.
Average white guy
July 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
I’m mad two. I don’t have a job. I can’t afford my meth. My sister quit putting out. I can’t afford a beer to cry in! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH WAHHHHHH!!!
Hollywould
July 30th, 2009
3:22 pm
Free, The Joseph Lowery lovefest is on the Home page.
rotflmao
July 30th, 2009
3:22 pm
rotflmao at Average and the gang…he he he
kevin
July 30th, 2009
3:23 pm
free at last? i dont think so
UGASlobberknocker
July 30th, 2009
3:24 pm
I wouldnt sign him to play for the Blackwell Bears
RUSERIOUS
July 30th, 2009
3:25 pm
Midnite- Your lights must be out! Yes as a STH I know the 2008,2007,2006,2005,2004,2003,and 2002 records – I was there! But do you realize that we went to the playoffs in 2003 & 2004 and the NFC Championship in 2005 with MV! If you really read my BRILLIANT REMARKS you would know that I was merely stressing that one man doesn’t win championships…it is the TEAM that management has brought together.
kevin
July 30th, 2009
3:26 pm
awg is racist and too ignorant to realize it
Paddy
July 30th, 2009
3:27 pm
I had not thought about this until I read it earlier in these posts. Why does a 29 yr old man need a mentor(s) as encouraged by the NFL Commish? He does not seem a candidate for AA, or any of those other worthy organizations. What are they supposed to talk to him about, LIFE? Maybe if he was 13 or 14 yrs old I could understand. Most people figure it out before 29 yrs.
Keep It Real
July 30th, 2009
3:27 pm
Well if you get your BG AZZ out the basement and stop hating just maybe you can find a job.
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
3:28 pm
average white guy is a closet uncle tom
Big AL
July 30th, 2009
3:31 pm
Ok, some of you have good points, some are just living in their on little bubble. I’t has been proven that Vick sell tickets. He is great to watch playing football. I for one will be happy to see him on ht e field again. With that said, have any of YOU christians comitted any sins? The bible said there is no sin greater than the other. So, WWJD!
Keep It Real
July 30th, 2009
3:33 pm
I’ve figure this whole thing out. When VICK played, the DOME was sold out with 80% black people and some folks couldn’t handle that. Now that VICK is going those same people that complained about VICK are not supporting the FALCONS. It’s all about ticket sales and RYAN isn’t packing the DOME like folks thought he would.
When VICK signs with a team you will see how much money that team will make and how many sell outs they will have. Then like any other Falcons Player, VICK will come back in the DOME and Kick our AZZ… Then you will say “I wish he was back”
Big AL
July 30th, 2009
3:34 pm
FORGIVE AND FORGET…GO MV7!!!
long time falcon
July 30th, 2009
3:37 pm
I find it so funny when people come on here and comment about how there sick of hearing about Vick. Your so sick of hearing about him that you read the article and then took the time to comment? If it bothers you so much move on when you see a headline containing Vick’s name. This a national story that has been in the headlines ever since vick was reinstated and the AJC writers wouldn’t being doing there job if they didn’t write about it. Personally, I’m very interested in seeing which team takes a chance on vick. And I hope he gets that chance and makes the best of it although I completely agree with the falcons decision to move on. I think the guy more than paid the price for his mistakes and I believe in people getting second chances. Anyone who doesn’t is a hypocrite.
Keep It Real
July 30th, 2009
3:43 pm
KEEP IT REAL – The white folks aint said nothing about BIG BEN because they know he is wrong. How can a Super Bowl Champ be accused of RAPE. Why does he put himself in that situation.
KEEP IT REAL – KOBE was cast to the pits, lost endorsements before found not guilty of rape. Threw him under the bus at every game, faced protest groups and the whole 9…
So yes I’m going to say this is a racist thing. I think this whole thing started when he didn’t show up at the Capitol building in D.C to speak about the BOYS and GIRLS club. These Senators had there grandkids there waiting for autographs and he didn’t show. I bet any amount of money that they said “he will pay”. His life went down hill from there.
RUSERIOUS
July 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
To PADDY- We all need a mentor in our lives. Some for guidance, some just for support, and some just to have someone to go to. If you think being a 29 year old male who had millions and had every race praising your performances on the field- then have that taken away from you because of a mistake is easy, then think again. Then to deal with the racial comments on top of that. Today we have seen just on this board alone that racism is alive and well and some people can’t get past that this is just football. Having a mentor is very beneficial for anybody because we don’t have all the answers.
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
3:45 pm
hey keep it real..try keeping literate for a change
DawgFan
July 30th, 2009
3:47 pm
When the Bible says that man will have dominion over the animals it doesn’t give us the free right to force them into deplorable conditions in which they have to fight one another, and then if they lose we get to drown or electrocute them. It simply means that man is the highest level of life, and it’s more our job to protect the earth and all its creatures than to dominate them.
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
3:47 pm
kepp it real is a closet uncle tom
Big AL
July 30th, 2009
3:51 pm
Pooty Tang, what is it wit you and uncles? Did you sleep with yours?
midnite
July 30th, 2009
3:51 pm
RUDELERIOUS- I was there also. Do you remenber the second halves of the 05-06 seasons? Your idol sucked after the first half both of those years. Your hero and faded badly two years in a row. Vick only had two good years, while Matt Ryan has had one good year. You sound confused, bro.
Carol
July 30th, 2009
3:57 pm
All I can say after reading the majority of posts related to Michael Vick, is THANK GOD he is not aspiring to be our next president. I truly believe that there are enough STUPID people in this country that would support such a campaign.(Even though he is a convicted FELON) I just can’t believe how low morals and beliefs have gone. I don’t wish any harm to Michael Vick, I just don’t want to see him playing football anymore. Let him use his college education for some other career. There are so many talented, decent athletes out there (Of ALL RACES), how about singing praises for them, instead of dwelling on Vick. Stop making this a RACIAL ISSUE…and move forward. I am NOT a member of PETA, although I hope the Humane Society investigates “Mike” the Pit Bull owner threatening people with his poor dog. STUPID PEOPLE should never be allowed to own or handle any living creature! That is why Pit Bulls have ended up being such dangerous animals…they are being trained and handled by IDIOTS that have no compassion or respect for others. (including their own pets)
Herb
July 30th, 2009
4:07 pm
VICK VICK VICK VICK SICK SICK SICK SICK ..HE WENT TO THE DOGS A LONG TIME AGO. HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING AND FELT HE WAS ABOVE THE LAW AND EVERYTHING ELSE BECAUSE WE,{FALCON FANS} MADE HIM FEEL SO IMPORTANT. SHAME ON US AND SHAME ON HIM. WE DO NOT NEED ANY VICK VICTORIES NOR DOES ANYONE ELSE IN THE NFL. GOOD BYEOI. HE IS A VERY SICK PERSO
BG
July 30th, 2009
4:09 pm
Mike I got something for your black a**.
Bigmike
July 30th, 2009
4:11 pm
It sems to amaze me about Atlanta fans. There bandwagon fans. A man makes a stupid mistake and get tossed under the bus. When chipper jones got in trouble you’ll just brushed it off. I’m glad the Falcons let Vick go because regardless of the situation they did not stand behind fron the get go and maybe he can go where somebody can appreciate the talent that he has. I thimk Matt Ryan will be a 1 hit wonder and look forward to the fans booing him soon. Go Saints?
This Sorry Government NOT working for Americans
July 30th, 2009
4:13 pm
Yea, give the criminal another chance. Next time he might be off the field teaching YOUR KIDS
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
4:17 pm
big al, nice smiley face what are you twelve?
Marie
July 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
Jeff looks like you need to host your own Obama Beer Summit. You guys are too much for this wholesome Southern gal!!!
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
big mike, you talk about bandwagon fans,man that is priceless….moron
Bigmike
July 30th, 2009
4:23 pm
It is what it is poosy wang
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
4:23 pm
mike has a pitbull? i wonder how sterotypes get started. i really do
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
maybe, but your still a moron
Bigmike
July 30th, 2009
4:29 pm
Go read you pooty prick
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
4:30 pm
i think i will, your starting to bore the h ell out of me
Mississippi P
July 30th, 2009
4:36 pm
I sick and tired of hearing comments about Mike Vick ability to play the quarterback position.Let’s ask Dan Reeves can he play quarterback. Lokk at MV7’s stats under Dan Reeves compared to that pitiful Jim Mora. Look at the production of Dan Reeves offensive line and that of Jim Mora’s . Mike’s copletion percentage was much better with Dan’s seven step drop versus Jim’s 3 step drop West coast style. Dan’s offensve line protected MV7 muc better than Jim’s. Under Mora mike vick had to drop back and run for his life with probably 2.5 seconds to find an open receiver. Dan offensive line was not great, but they provided 3.5 to 4 seconds for him to find a receiver. The extra seconds were mainly due to the seven step drop. Pure coaching and understanding the talent that you hav on hand. The same people saying how bad a QB MV7 was were saying something totally different when we went to Green Bay and took down the Great Brett Farve. Oh Yeah Mike Vick was the better quarterback that night. Jim Mora and Auther Blank di not invest in an offensive line while MV7 was a falcon. In fact until after he was gone did they finally relize how bad the offensive line really was.No other QB in the NFL could have done what MV7 did behind that sand lock offensive line we trotted out every Sunday. So please think hard before you speak. In any good business deal you have to compare apples to apples not apples to grape fruit.
mars
July 30th, 2009
5:38 pm
Elvisinthehouse, got a mirror? At least you’ll be able to see ONE racist behind closed doors.
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2009
5:42 pm
Knuckle Sandwich – Gee, ya think?
WJones – I think I’ve written that I understand the legal part of it. But I still don’t feel sorry for the players because they’ve been dishonest from the outset.
Yeah Right – Funny. Very funny.
Old Gold Engineer — He was 40.
The Big Maru – not sure about that with AJ
Barbara Primas – yes, the Steelers-Vick rumor has been around. But so far no word from Steelers.
IDC — Uh, it’s getting lower every day I think.
Long time falcon – Thanks for the comments.
Marie – I’d love a beer about now. And any time I have a bad day and have to spend hours deleting comments, I think, “Prez Obama is having a harder day than me.” Talk about inheriting the in-box from hell. (Not my line. I think it was Maureen Downey from NY Times.)
WHAT UP!!!
July 30th, 2009
5:45 pm
Ahhhhh…………..BWAAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!! HE ‘AINT PLAY’N THIS YEAR!!
Sorry Vick fans. BWAA HA HA HA HA HA HA !!!!!
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans & Glad Matt Ryan is Here
July 30th, 2009
6:06 pm
RUSERIOUS -Mike Vick has only been to the Playoffs twice…He’s 2-2 which is average. The Mike Vick fans that keep looking at other wrong doings by other players is sad. He has no hope with people like you guys in his corner making excuses. Matt Ryan went 11-5 at went to the playoffs in his rookie season in case you were sleep. You were probably rooting against him so badly you didn’t notice he also won rookie of the year.
Mike Vick wore cornrows, baggy pants, shinny chains, tattoos, and hung out with a posse and did not want people to judge him based on stereotypes and what does he do: Do nothing to disprove the stereotype:
Smoke weed
Flip birds
Lie to the Feds
Commit felonies
Goes to prison
Fathers 3 kids out of wedlock
Buys houses, cars and jewelry that he can’t pay for
Goes 20 million dollars in debt
Won’t pay his bills
Take a superstar away from Atlanta
Betrays the man that gave him a $130 million dollar contract.
He had a platform to change perceptions and he just affirmed why people are turned off by people who want to be cool, have no substance and have intense attitude( I make a lot of money I can do what I want)
You dummies keep saying he made the Falcons a lot of money-HE WAS SUPPOSED TO when he was paid 130 million dollars. You think Arthur Blank paid him that scratch to go to prison for 2 years and have Joey Harrington starting a game on Thanksgiving against Peyton Manning?
All Mike needs is a great offensive line, a great defense, great wide receivers, a great running back, and a good coach. –any qb can win with all of that.
Exciting to watch. Poor excuse for a father, leader and football player. I hope you don’t want your kids to grow up to be like him. I don’t.
The wildcat is run by running backs not QBs by the way.
ron mexico
July 30th, 2009
6:13 pm
hahahahahaha
falconidiot
July 30th, 2009
6:15 pm
If he hooks up with the evil Ravens, he could be playing in the dome pre-season week 4. Ravens are interested. He comes to the dome, get the body bag ready.
Paddy
July 30th, 2009
6:38 pm
ruserious… I don’t buy that clap trap. He is a 29 year old man for gosh sakes. Work it out for yourself. Your a man not a plant. Guess I am just to old school. But has worked well for me and mine.
Tired of Dumb Matt Ryan fans, Glad Mick Vick will be playing
July 30th, 2009
6:41 pm
Matt Ryan will not win 7 games this year and you will see the fans look desperately for something to do this year. The person that is winning you’ll games is Michael Turner. When he gets hurt get ready for bags for the head. HA HA HA HA GO SAINTS
Tired of Dumb Matt Ryan fans, Glad Mike Vick will be playing
July 30th, 2009
6:46 pm
Mike Vick is about to sign with a team today. So sorry Vick Haters.
Tired of Dumb Matt Ryan fans, Glad Mike Vick will be playing
July 30th, 2009
6:46 pm
Find something else to cry about like the Braves. HA HA HA HA
Jah
July 30th, 2009
7:09 pm
Point blank he’s a football player. He there put up numbers and sell tickets. As far as the dog situation, he his mistake and did his time. I say sign him and let him do what he does best… Play football dammit!
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans & Glad Matt Ryan is Here
July 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
Funny how you had to play off of my name. You probably smoke weed with your Vick jersey on and can’t come up with your own. I LOVE IT.
I hope he signs with a team so he will no longer be referred to as a Falcon. If you are still dumb enough to think he is signing a contract today, then you think he was NEVER THERE to kill dogs. He doesn’t even know where he’s going since he cant be a man and run his own life.
Tony Dungy and his lawyers tell him what to do now. Weak.
Actually Michael Turner is not the only reason the Falcons won last year:
Matt Ryan completed more passes than Mike Vick ever did 265 to231
Matt Ryan completed a higher percentage than Mike Vick ever did 61% to 56%
Matt Ryan won as many games as Mike Vick ever did 11games-11games
Matt Ryan threw for more yards than Mike Vick ever did 3440 to 2936
It’s amazing what you can do when you get married, read the playbook, stay out of prison and don’t smoke weed every day.
Seems you hate the Braves too because they don’t have any felons that run fast.
Carol
July 30th, 2009
7:36 pm
The only source speaking of an imminent signing is Vick himself. I wouldn’t be so sure a team is willing to grab him up that quickly. Whatever owner does consider him is an absolute IDIOT(Obviously with more money than common sense). I hope fans and teammates “Flip him off” if he is signed,(just as he did to his Falcon fans before his downfall) and I hope their ticket sales and advertisers sales plummet. It is not like he is the only talent available out there. He had his chance at a pro career and HE (nobody else to blame) BLEW IT! He has NO entitlement to return to the spotlight as a player, quite frankly he needs to use whatever education he got in college and get a real job. For all of you pro-Vick supporters out there that blame everyone and everything else OTHER than Michael for his career downfall, get a life…and stop the racial rants. There is more to life than football and it is about time 29 year old Michael learns that. His gridiron glory days are long gone. He was a flash in the pan anyway. Sure he had talent, but he was a true “hotdog” that promoted himself instead of his team in the manner he played. He is a distraction and a money pit, find someone else to idol worship.
Rick the Ruler
July 30th, 2009
7:37 pm
I often wonder why I read these blogs, but I now realize that people use this in my opinion as a blind way to say dumb things that come to their minds and not be accountable. Regardless of his stats, MV was entertaining to watch. You never turned on a Falcons game to see what his “QB Rating” was going to be!! He played his heart out and won games, the end. I personally want to see him play again just to shut the “haters” up. It is funny how we pick and choose who should get a second chance and who should not when no one on this website has led a model life! “Judge not less you be judged first!”
Rick the Ruler
July 30th, 2009
7:40 pm
CAROL…..FYI…I was at the “flip off” game. It was a fan for the other team giving him the business that he flipped off! The guy was rude and drunk but the media will never say that because then it would make sense.
Carol
July 30th, 2009
7:50 pm
Oh and the comment from Jah, stating “let him do what he does best, play football Damnit!” Michael Vick is far better at being DISHONEST, being a DISTRACTION, and getting injured, than he EVER was at actually playing football. Maybe he can get a sportscaster job educating young sports fans on how to be a successful FELON in America. What a stand up guy he is, somebody everyone can aspire to be………………..NOT!!!!
Rick the Ruler
July 30th, 2009
7:56 pm
I had to comment on the stereotypes. How quickly we forget
Smoke weed – Michael Phelps (nothing happened, saw him in subway ad)
Flip birds – Everyone in WWE MMA and Jerry Springer no big deal
Lie to the Feds – Mark McGuire (nothing happened)
Commit felonies – Thrasher player that killed teammate, punishment TRADE
Goes to prison – Ryan Leaf
Fathers 3 kids out of wedlock – Tom Brady, then dumped the baby mama
Buys houses, cars and jewelry that he can’t pay for – 90% of Americans
Goes 20 million dollars in debt – Georgia’s Governor!
Won’t pay his bills – 90% of Americans
Take a superstar away from Atlanta – Bobby Cox, but you love him!
Betrays the man that gave him a $130 million dollar contract. – You got me on this one!
Wallace
July 30th, 2009
8:03 pm
Hey Rick, judge me first so I can judge him.
I’ve never been arrested, never bought a rape stand, never smoked pot, never given a woman a disease, never admitted to quitting on my team- never let a city down. Never partied with Purnell “P Funk” Peace.
It doesn’t matter who he flipped off! High school qb’s don’t do that when they get taunted.
Exciting and a winner=two different things
Exciting and professional=two different things
Exciting and a good quarterback=two different things
Exciting and a person of good character=two different things
atl fan 4 le
July 30th, 2009
8:03 pm
forget about mike vick he is old news why are we not talking about Ben Rothlisberger.
Carol
July 30th, 2009
8:05 pm
Rick the Ruler, I was at that game also and your defense of Vick is blatently wrong. For you to believe one drunk fan is too blame for such a public display is truly pitiful. Oh and I can tell what a wonderful person you are with that foul language, just the kind of person one would expect too see aligned with Vick all right! I hope your support of Michael gets you far in life, but along the way drop the crude language it clearly shows your IGNORANCE. I have to say the rude drunk guy you referred too sounds much more worthy of a chance, than either dishonest Mr. Vick or “Foul mouthed Rick”.
Rick the Ruler
July 30th, 2009
8:16 pm
Wallace, lets be real. Never arrested or never caught???? Many people who own Westminster Kennel Club dogs, own breeding stands. Some dogs are not like us, willing to breed freely. Some woman gave him the disease first! Never smoked pot, your loss! Although you never partied with P Funk you partied with some Drunk! (that rhymes).
All I am saying is why can’t we let him move on?
Wallace
July 30th, 2009
8:18 pm
atl fan 4 le-Ben Rothlisberger was accused of rape, by a woman who didn’t call the police but waited a year later to sue him for $440,000 dollars for commiting the alleged act.
I would think you would want your assailant to go to jail not try to get paid for being allegedly brutalized. No wonder the cops didn’t press charges.
If I accuse you of stealing my wallet does that mean you are guilty?
Rick the Ruler
July 30th, 2009
8:18 pm
Carol did you read my entry??!?!?!?!? I used no foul language
DHD
July 30th, 2009
8:23 pm
The ignorant thing is how people assume that those that write here are from Georgia or are from the South. It was Philadelphia where the little black kids were told to get out of the pool. It was Boston where racial allegations are concerning the professor and the policeman. The point is, racism is everywhere and not all of these posts are coming from Southerners. The AJC is online all over the world.
Carol
July 30th, 2009
8:24 pm
Until proven guilty in a court of law we should not judge. While we have placed our OVER PAID sports stars and celebrities on pedestals, NONE of them deserve to continue rolling in the big bucks if they are found guilty of criminal wrongdoing. Yes they deserve a second chance in life after they face their punishment, but that second chance doesn’t require that they return to their OVER PAID position in the limelight. Who’s to say getting a REAL job and earning a living isn’t fair enough. (Most of these individuals went to college and got degrees, why not use that knowledge…too bad if it doesn’t bring in millions) Michael Vick lied all the way up to his conviction, and he is now a “Convicted Felon”, Big Ben hasn’t had his day in court yet. If he is found guilty in court than he should never play again either. It is an honor to play professional sports…NOT a right! Good judgement and responsibility are part of the requirements to receive such an honor.
Woodstock
July 30th, 2009
8:30 pm
IIIIII IIII III IIIIIII III IIIIII II IIIIII IIIIII IIII IIII IIIIIII IIIII IIII IIII I IIIII IIIIIIII IIII IIIII IIII
Rick the Ruler
July 30th, 2009
8:38 pm
Carol if we fired every OVER PAID person that was guilty of criminal wrongdoing, we would have a 90% unemployment rate!
Carol
July 30th, 2009
8:45 pm
Rick, I apologize I didn’t see the I in FYI, so I thought you did use profanity. I still can’t believe that you feel his “bird gesture” was appropriate at a game, regardless of the motivation. He has always displayed a very arrogant and entitled attitude, and has never shown any remorse for his behavior. I remember when he was interviewed at the Fox Theater by an Atlanta journalist about the allegations of his involvement in a dog fighting ring. He was asked if he was concerned about the possibility of being suspended and prosecuted. In his normal arrogant, “above it all” demeanor he eluded that “nothing will ever come of this”. Slightly over a month later the Falcons released him, seperating themselves from his destructive personna. He needs to move on, I’m sure he still can make lots of money out there by writing a book about his personal problems. He just doesn’t deserve to plsy again, period.
Just like his brother
July 30th, 2009
8:49 pm
NORFOLK, Va., June 11, 2009 2:45pm (UPI) — Former Miami Dolphins player Marcus Vick violated the conditions of his suspended sentence on drunken driving charges, Virginia authorities say.
The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot said Thursday that Vick, younger brother of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, is now facing revocation of his suspended sentence.
A hearing Wednesday regarding the allegations against the younger Vick was postponed in General District Court for Aug. 5.
What a great family!
Carol
July 30th, 2009
8:57 pm
Actually Rick if we fired all the OVER PAID criminals, our financial crisis in America would be resolved. There are more honest hard working individuals out there, than there are OVER PAID criminals. A lot of our honest citizens are currently out of work. Take away the outrageously compensated abusers of our society and things could fall into balance. The price of everything in our society has gotten out of hand due to the compensation and litigation related to these criminals. Stop enabling them and we will have a much better world. Your argument that 90 percent of society is criminal is way off, although in time if we keep allowing the likes of Michael Vick to succeed regardless of life choices, maybe that 90 percent figure will be true someday. Hopefully after I am long gone.
ed
July 30th, 2009
9:21 pm
Its funny how you can tell what race a person is by the comments they make!
1st. Vick is not a great qb, but he has a better winning percentage than Bulger, Palmer, Cutler, or anyone else not named Brady, P.Manning, Mcnabb, Warner, E. Manning. He beat a HOF qb in his 1st playoff game. Under dan reeves system, vick had his best compl. %, and that was his first year as a starter. Vick is not a west coast qb and I would definitely agree with that. With that being said he still guided the falcons to the nfc championship. LOL
2nd. What is the purpose of going to prison? The purpose is to serve time for the crimes that you have committed. Once that time is finished, you should be able to come back into society without the BS. If the guy down the street killed dogs would you carry on like this?? Most people who get caught fighting dogs are likely to get probation or community service. This guy lost 150 million dollars, paid 1 million to treat some dogs, humiliated, and this is still not enough.
Vick did some stupid things and he got so full of himself, and he paid dearly for his stupidity.
But People are always quick to scream that it is not about race, then what is it really about? It has to be about race, jealously, or ignorance. If black people can forgive white people for slavery, murder, rape, kidnapping, and humiliation than you can surely forgive this guy right?? God help us all!
jen
July 30th, 2009
9:22 pm
Can’t imagine any decent human being wanting to be around Mike, much less cheer for him, like I did before his true persona came to light. He is a scary man.
L. Canty
July 30th, 2009
9:23 pm
Preach on ED!!
L. Canty
July 30th, 2009
9:25 pm
It has 2 b about color, like I quoted Trick Daddy yesterday, if it had have been P. Manning you would have never heard of it again!!
Jax
July 30th, 2009
9:33 pm
I can hardly wait to see Michael Vick suit up and play again! IN YOUR FACES!! It makes me wonder how many of you self-righteous dog-lovers will ever be so righteous as to turn in your ‘Uncle Billy-Bob’ for roasting marshmallows under a strung up black man back in the day? It’s never too late to jump on THAT bandwagon. If you want to make a man pay the rest of his life for a tragic indiscretion, then you should be standing on your soapboxes and demanding some real justice. If that’s too much to ask, THEN JUST SHUT UP!!!
AAA
July 30th, 2009
9:36 pm
Dipper is trying to turn this into a racial thing. It’s not. Vick has every right to earn a living. There are plenty of McDonalds, Krogers and other companies available for someone without a college degree. The NFL is not REQUIRED to take him back, just like any other company with rules about convicted felons and other moral clauses. I’m a nurse and if I had a felony on my record, I would lose my license. Should I expect and demand to get my job back, just because that was how I earned my living previously? No. I liked Vick when he was here, but honestly, other than a few amazing runs, did you really ever feel comfortable with him as QB? 3rd and 17, who would you want? Vick or Brady? Vick or Manning? Vick or McNabb? For me, it would be anyone other than Vick because he was never a sure thing, especially when it came to passing the ball. And normally, the play would be: Vick drop back, take a fast look at the first receiver and then take off. That is the Vick talent. Once teams put the spies in, his effectiveness was not so special.
BJ
July 30th, 2009
9:39 pm
He was a mediocre QB with a horrible work ethic and a lousy attitude. Dogs or no dogs, I’m just glad he’s not here any more. Anyone stupid enough to flip off their own fans in their home stadium has no business playing professional sports. Even though he was making millions of dollars, he talked, dressed, and acted like a ghetto trash gangbanger and it caught up with him; at least it was only dogs that paid for his “gangsta” illusion.
RDollar1
July 30th, 2009
9:43 pm
Give Vick a chance, they were only dogs. He did not rape anyone or was not accused of rape, he was not part of a murder or assualt accussation, but you guys a more forgiving of those situations. It was not crime against another human being and you deer hunters (deer ambushers) are not any better than Vick.
Carol
July 30th, 2009
9:57 pm
Yeah, he served his time, and now he can disapear into the real world, and attempt to become a contributing member of society. NOT a superstar! He blew that opportunity and just because he is out of jail doesn’t give him a free pass back into the limelight. And as for your argument about “had it been a white athlete”, drop it right now. I don’t care what color the FELON is, I care about the mentality that is capable of DOING the things that HE DID. He didn’t just invest in criminal wrongdoing, he actually participated in heinous acts on defenseless animals. Sure it was just “dogs” that he brutalized, tortured and killed for profit and pleasure, but NO ONE has the right to behave that way. If you look at some of our nations most horrendous criminals you will see that animal torture and murder were some of their earlier criminal acts. He not only committed atrocious crimes on animals, he also repeatedly lied about his actions. He has never shown remorse for what he did, simply remorse for what he lost. Any athlete (of any RACE)that makes criminal choices, should be banned from professional sports for LIFE once they are convicted. I’ll say it again, look how Major League Baseball handled Pete Rose. While what he did was extremely stupid and wrong, it was not a prosecutable crime – yet he was BANNED for LIFE from the sport he excelled in. He has survived his fate, and I’m sure Michael will survive his. Send him a part of your weekly paycheck if you feel so bad for him. If all his so called fans do that he will be just fine.
Marie
July 30th, 2009
10:28 pm
Carol, its amazing how people always want to apply the OVERPAID tag to professional athletes and other celebrities who make millions of dollars. This is America and in this once capitalistic nation a person could earn what he/she is deemed to be worth. And frankly I don’t begrudge anyone who is earning a living honestly of one dime they are making whether its Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Tom Brady or whoever.
As I stated all this noise about Vick not playing football again is just wishful thinking. Even if all 32 NFL teams turn him down; the UFL is clamouring for him to join their start-up league and are willing pay him $1 million or more for his services. Which actually means he’ll make a lot more per game than some NFL players since the UFL season is much shorter. Whether you like him or not or agree with the fact that he is a talented QB; some football market has determined that he is and are willing to pay him for those services.
Finally, I really wish folks would apply the same HARSH standard to politicians as they want to apply to Michael Vick. Michael Vick as a QB in the NFL or UFL cannot do ONE THING to alter your everyday life, yet so many folks want him to never play football again. Yet politicians can lie, cheat on their taxes, drink and drive, commit perjury, take bribes and the list goes on and some have never been held accountable for their abuse of the public trust. Bill and Hilary Clinton, Charlie Rangel, William Jefferson, Harry Reid, John Conyers, Governor Sanford, etc., etc., etc. And lets not forget about good ol Ted Kennedy who in a drunken stupor drives a car into a body of water and leaves a poor young woman to drown. Yet many of these clowns go on with their career and have never been held to nowhere near the public scrutiny that Michael Vick has had to face. And unlike Vick, some of the above forementioned do have the power to alter YOUR LIFE with the laws and regulations they pass.
I can see if Michael Vick had actually gotten away with his deeds and folks were outraged. But unlike Ted Kennedy, the man went to not one court but two courts and was sentenced for his criminal activity by two different jugdges. Yes he may have killed dogs, but, he also saved 50+ pitbulls that the state or federal government would have put down if not for the $1 million dollars the man paid to have these dogs rehabilitated. By the way, that’s more dogs than PETA probably saves in a year because it is a FACT that PETA kills more companion animals than it attempts to place up for adoption and even had members of their staff go on trial for killing dogs they were supposed to be “rescuing”. Many of Vicks dogs are now living with families and SI wrote a great article chronicling this fact.
Yet a white firefighter in Ohio can brutally kill his two dogs (tied them up in his basement and emptied his revolver into both shooting them as many as 11 times) because he did not want to pay to have them shelter while he took a cruise. Yet he receives 90 days in prison which the judge generously will allow him to serve in 10 day increments over a 2 year period. He will only pay a $4500 fine (as compared to the $300,000 fine Vick paid) and perform 200 hours of community service. And the last time I checked he had not been fired from his job and his reinstatement was under review.
And then there are the 26 dogfighters which were arrested across 5 states about 2 weeks ago — anyone care to tell me their name, race, occupation or any other information about them. When will the state and/or federal government make public the indictments which tell us how they killed dogs (we already know they burned some in barrels)? Have there been any protests outside courthouses or their homes over their misdeeds (I mean since we all love these pitbulls)? And speaking of those pitbulls — what will happen to the 350 dogs rescued from these operations? Surely dog lovers everywhere will be raising or donating money (if it takes $1 mil for 50 then we’ll need about $7 mil for 350) to make sure these dogs are not put down but are rehabilitated.
And then there is the life and brutal deaths that dogs involved in greyhound racing and Iditarod racing face but noone wants to talk about. And then there is the sport of Kings (horse racing) in which underperforming horse routinely suffer brutal deaths(HBO ran a special on this about 1.5 ago and it is brutal). And we really don’t want to talk about abortion now do we. So you can go on and on and on and on about Vick did this and he did that, but, for this Vick supporter you’re nothing but sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.
Dell
July 30th, 2009
11:26 pm
Carol! I have one question for you. Who are you to say what someone deserves? There is only one God, and He surely IS NOT YOU!
Dell
July 30th, 2009
11:31 pm
…and Carol did you date MV, and was dumped by him? You seem to be venting some personal feelings.
JUSTICE 4 ALL
July 31st, 2009
5:45 am
SEE HERE ALL YOU HATERS. EVEN THE AJC ITSELF IS REPORTING THAT WHAT VICK DID WITH THEM SORRY DOGS IS NO DIFFERENT THAN ANYBODY ELSE. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT THEY DONT GO TO PRISON OR LOSE $130 MILLION DOLLARS LIKE VICK.
Sex with animals? It’s not uncommon
By Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two men, two animals in two different states. And two separate arrests within the last week for having sex with four-legged animals.
Clayton County Police Edwin Robles, 53, of Jonesboro, faces a felony bestiality charge.
Related
Man arrested for horse sex
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No one’s really counting, but probably more people than you realize, according to an Atlanta psychiatrist.
Last week, Edwin Robles of Jonesboro was arrested by Clayton County police for allegedly having sex with his dog. Bestiality is a felony in Georgia, and Robles could face up to five years in prison if convicted.
On Wednesday, South Carolina police said Rodell Vereen was arrested for the second time for having sex with the same horse. He could face up to five years in prison for the latest buggery charge.
“It’s not as uncommon as one would think,” said Tracey Marks, a forensic psychiatrist who practices in Atlanta. “Dogs and farm animals are probably the most common occurrences.”
Like most sexually deviant behaviors, “zoophilia” is more common in men, Marks said. And now more than ever, it’s easier for the curious to explore sexual options.
“Just as people consider marijuana to be a gateway to other things, the Internet has been a gateway for [bestiality] to becoming more ordinary,” Marks said.
But having sex with animals isn’t just a freakish fetish. Many consider it to be animal abuse.
Laws preventing sex with animals differ from state to state, according to animallaw.info. At least a dozen states don’t have laws at all.
“It is shocking. It should be illegal in every state,” said Stephanie Bell with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. “It’s not a laughing matter. Even in cases where physical harm doesn’t occur to the animal, it’s still cruel.”
Because human sex with animals is not a topic many people are comfortable discussing, sometimes it takes a high-profile case to raise public awareness, Bell said.
In 2005, a Washington state man died after having sex with a horse. The 45-year-old suffered a perforated colon after being penetrated, according to police.
“It piqued the attention of the legislators,” Bell said.
The state now has a law making sex with an animal a felony.
In the current Georgia case, Robles has been accused of sexually assaulting two family members, according to Twis Lizasuain with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Robles previously lived in the Kissimmee, Fla., area.
During the investigation into those allegations, one of Robles’ relatives gave Florida police information that led the agency to contact Clayton County police.
“She also made reference to the fact that there may have been videos of him having sex with an animal,” Lizasuain said Wednesday. “She gave them the videotape.”
Robles has a previous 1999 fraud charge in Florida, according to Lizasuain. In February 2003, he was charged with two leash law violations in Clayton County. And on Wednesday, he was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian, according to the Clayton County courts docket.
It’s up to the state prosecutor’s office in Florida to determine if Robles will face charges in that state. But after posting $6,600 bond last week, Robles is out of jail. He’s expected to appear in Clayton County Magistrate Court for the bestiality charge on Aug. 11 at 8 a.m.
In addition to the legal problems, a person such as Robles would likely need treatment to avoid repeated similar behavior, Marks said.
“Typically the people who are involved with bestiality will have a difficult time being aroused by regular sex,” Marks said. “Many people will be very ashamed of it.”
Because of that shame, it is usually an outside force that will lead someone to seek treatment, such as a spouse’s demand or an incident with law enforcement.
“The treatment is behavioral therapy, which in generally involves decreasing the level of the arousal that people would have to this,” Marks said. “It’s hard not to laugh, but it’s a serious condition.”
pooty tang
July 31st, 2009
6:45 am
justice for all, your homeless arent you
dapper186
July 31st, 2009
2:33 pm
Michael Vick has shown he cannot handle responsibility. His playing days should be over as it send the wrong message to our fine young men playing this and other sports. Done. He blew his opportunity and opportunity only knocks once. No second chances with this kink of money and responsibility.
Tom
July 31st, 2009
2:51 pm
A lot of people don’t realize it but there is still thought that M.V. may know something about a person from Texas who was murdered. He Meet MV and his people in MV’s place and MV’s dogs lost him close to 80,000. The man left and drove back to Texas where he had a home invasion and murdered, just hours after getting back home. Sometimes information on murders take a while to surface. All the teams know about his and there affraid a connection will be made and he will be gone again, but for good. IT sure has cost him a lot of money and endorsements, you can figure his fine has been over 200 million, pay and all..Sad..
Tom
July 31st, 2009
3:03 pm
RDollar 1. At some point you may see some type of murder charge on MV. I guess you didn’t see and read the story on the guy from Texas that carried his dogs to MV’s place and won about 80,000 from him and then the guy was killed shortly after getting home…Now i don’t know if him and his friends had anything to do with it or not, but you can bet if he did, it will eventually come out, it maybe years from now when some one is on there death bed, but it will come out..I hope he didn’t have anything to do with it..It think he has paid enough, it has cost him over 200 mill. Pay and endorsements, well over 200 mill, that is a lot of cash and it was just plain stupid on his part and i think he would be the first to admit that, at least i hope so. Take care.
Max Power
July 31st, 2009
4:45 pm
You guys are so funny….comparing MV to other athletes.
It is not a black or white thing….Look into Leonard Little, Dontae Stallworth
EVERYONE has the opportunity to become president of the US…It’s what you make of your life…no one is holding you down…only YOU can hold you down…Ultimately, Mike did this to himself
first timer
July 31st, 2009
4:57 pm
People fight, dogs fight and so on. what does that have to do with Vick coming back to the NFL. I could care less about an animal. I’d run one over if it came down to me running off the road and damaging car. Get over it. People kill people everyday and they get a second chance and it doesn’t get this much attention. Live your life and stop hating.
Concerned
July 31st, 2009
6:04 pm
Carol, well said and I agree with you 100%. I’m African American and I reposted your comment on http://www.ballerwives.com of which is a black website and Vick supporter. Michael Vick is a THUG, and the only chance he deserves is another stint in a real prison, rather than the country club he occupied over the past 18 months.
Rebecca Alexander
August 1st, 2009
2:47 pm
Part of the reason the wrong impression is given in regards to race is because of black posters telling that it is the ENTIRE race that supports Mike Vick. we are all individuals. A co-worker(an AA)walked up to me the other day and asked me what i thought. I hesitated to answer, but did anyway. He agreed with me. I was so happy!
http://www.petitiononline.com/ridofvic/petition.html
Bobo
August 3rd, 2009
2:32 pm
First off, how does this issue turn into people who don’t support Vick into racists?!?!?!? Why is everything always about race?!?!? No one on here has said “I hate Vick because he is black.” STOP TURNING EVERYTHING INTO RACISM. When are you going to realize that this isn’t 1852 anymore?!?!?!?! Second, if YOU were a GM for an NFL team would you really want someone who tore a franchise all to pieces on your team?!?! Think about it. Vick really screwed up the Falcons franchise. Arthur Blank stated that he thinks it will take a couple more YEARS to fully recover from the Vick situation. ALSO, I just read where some idiot typed “he paid a debt that was severely unfair.” What is unfair is how he starved those defenseless dogs. What is unfair is that he pulled out their teeth so they couldn’t bite. What is unfair is that he didn’t give those dogs a chance. I don’t care if he was the one who actually pulled out their teeth or not, the bottom line is IT HAPPENED ON HIS PROPERTY AT HIS HOUSE… and he plead G U I L T Y!!!!!!!!!!