We’re live at Vick press conference (from my couch)!
OMG! It's Michael Vick! Not really. But it is one of his fans, who must have gotten the news while he was at the Eagles-Patriots exhibition game Thursday night. (AP photo)
(UPDATES BELOW with comments and photos from press conference, statements from Falcons and PETA, and more!)
Seven random thoughts on No.7 before the Michael Vick press conference starts, which I’ll be monitoring. And for those who passed out early last night, click here to read why Philly is the PERFECT place for Vick. Or you can click here for some background. Or you can … oh, that’s enough. Onto random thoughts, and then the presser.
♦ 1.) Does this mean the United Football League is going to fold — and what to do now with all of those No. 7 Florida Tuskers jerseys? (Did anybody really believe that ever was going to happen? Suckers.)
♦ 2.) Here’s an idea: Sell the jerseys to Arthur Blank! The Falcons’ owner is trying to make up for some of the cash he lost after the Vick-fueled franchise collapse. But how happy is he today? He now knows he’ll have at least one sellout this season (Dec. 6 vs. Eagles), and if he’s smart he’ll break out all of those Falcons’ No. 7 jerseys that he has in storage and sell them outside the Georgia Dome game week. What do you suppose complete MV7 set of Falcon-Leavenworth-Tusker-Eagle jerseys would go for?
♦ 3.) This just in: football coaches lie. Yes, shocking but true, the Eagles were one of over 20 teams that publicly shot down any thoughts of Vick signing with their team. This from coach Andy Reid just over two weeks ago: “Number one, I think he’s a good kid Right now we have a good situation at quarterback so that’s not the direction I’m looking. I’m glad Tony Dungy is involved, no finer person around than Tony Dungy. And Michael, the times I’ve talked to him, he’s a good kid, so I think that combination there will help Michael and probably increase his marketability there.”
♦ 4.) It’s a testament to how well great NFL franchises can keep a secret that word of Philadelphia’s interest in Vick never leaked out, especially in the days of message boards, blogs, blind reader commenting and every third cousin of the equipment manager Twittering. And how must ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, a former AJC comrade, feel? He actually had the Eagles listed as a possible destination for Vick early in the week but removed them after speaking to Reid.
♦ 5.) There has been a loud reaction from the significant number of remaining Vick supporters in Atlanta since the signing. But can you imagine what the response would have been if the Falcons hadn’t turned things around with Matt Ryan last season? And given this is a franchise that never has had consecutive winning seasons, the last thing Blank needs is for his team to be 4-7 going into the Eagles game.
♦ 6.) Had to laugh at the response from former Falcons coach Dan Reeves, who, when asked on 680 The Fan Friday morning whether Vick could ever play wide receiver: “No chance. He can’t catch. We tried to [practice] some plays out of the shotgun.”
♦ 7) Just got off the phone after my second radio interview of the morning. The guy on the other end was astounded by how divided the Eagles’ fan base was over the signing and couldn’t seem to get over that people were saying such mean and nasty things about Vick and each other. Dude, you have no idea.
Oh look! It’s Sal Paolantonio! I’ll be commenting during the press conference. Jump in at any time.
Some photos from press conference . . .
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268 comments Add your comment
MiltonDawg
August 14th, 2009
10:24 am
I’m just glad its over..until 12/6. Let’s just focus on the Falcons. Vick is gone, so let’s move on. Funny though how people think he is the savior of the NFL. What a Joke!!!
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
10:31 am
Two Twitters last night from Chad Ocho Cinco (@OGOChoCinco): “Mike Vick and McNabb on the same team, damn!!!!!! Glad I don’t play defense, good luck game planning to stop that shh!!” …. And: “Shaq-Lebron Vick-McNabb that shhh is awesome , i know where I am spending my bye week, I am acting like a groupie, I am going to the game.”
Reid Adair
August 14th, 2009
10:33 am
With regard to item #7, I don’t see how anyone could be “astounded.” Isn’t this the same city where one columnist referred to the former #7 as “Ron Mexico”?
But, hey, it’s all Philadelphia’s problem now. Hope they have fun.
Bobby Dowell
August 14th, 2009
10:35 am
The only thing worse than Vick embarrassing the Falcons and the city of Atlanta will be the idiot fans that turn out in support of him when he returns with the eagles. I know it will happen and it will be lowest of the lows for true Falcon fans who now embrace a true pro in Matt Ryan.
TeflonDon
August 14th, 2009
10:40 am
PETA protestors vs. Philly fans? PETA doesn’t stand a chance against the fans who urinate in the upper deck to avoid missing a play. This tete-a-tete might drive the Eagles to re-establish the in-house courtroom that was removed from the stadium when they moved from the Vet to the Linc.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
10:40 am
And a Twitter from Reggie Bush (@Reggie_Bush): “I think it’s great the Mike Vick has signed with the Eagles! Everyone deserves a second chance! The only person who can judge us is God…”
And Donte Stallworth (@D_Stallworth18): “Big Red & Marty will use Vick nicely in the Eagles offense… scary image: McNabb, Westbrook, D Jack & Vick on field @ same time… uh oh!!!”
And former Falcon Jamal Anderson (@jamthedirtybird): “He’s not walking into a situation that’s not stable. Best thing for Mike. in his 6 yrs here he had 4 different OCs. Never helps.”
And Chargers WR Kassim Osgood: “Vick is back! Coming to SD! Gonna be even more fun when Eagles come to town!”
rduck
August 14th, 2009
10:42 am
Ilook forward to the Dec. matchup. I think it could actually work in the falcons favor to have Vick on their sideline that game. I think the Falcons will be extra motivated to bring their A game to this one to prove that this is far from the team that #7 wrecked a couple years ago. I also think Philly will try to hard to make Vick a big part of their gameplan for this one and get away from doing the things that have made them so successful over the years. I am glad that #7 is someone elses problem to deal with!
MiltonDawg
August 14th, 2009
10:45 am
Jamal Anderson- been to the Peachtree Tavern lately? No doubt, 12/6/09 will be a huge game emotionally and hopefully carry playoff implications. Glad this is over with. Let the Philly fans deal with it now?
Jeff
August 14th, 2009
10:46 am
I had thought of getting tickets for that game, but not now. It will be a zoo, expecially if McNabb is hurt and Vick will start. Despite what your collegue Mark Bradley wrote, I think there will be fights in the stands…
Tony Wade
August 14th, 2009
10:53 am
Awesome move Philly! Def C’s are terrified. Hopefully, MV7 and Ryan will win Superbowls playing in the others backyard. Good luck to both!
NRBQ
August 14th, 2009
10:56 am
If R. Mexico gets any significant playing time before Dec. 6, this will all be moot.
He will be on IR.
You heard it here first.
Falcons Supoorter First
August 14th, 2009
10:58 am
I’m happy for Vick, glad he was given a second chance. However, its all about the FALCONS! Regardless of which side of the fence, the city will be electric that weekend. It will be the game of the week. Also, what if the game has major playoff implications?
What does President Obama have to do with this? Take our country back? How exactly has he hijacked the country??? Pathetic.
HJ
August 14th, 2009
10:59 am
Wanna bet that NBC picks up this game as part of its flex schedule in December.
jj
August 14th, 2009
10:59 am
Maybe the Eagles are smarter than people give them credit for.They only see right now and the Eagles are looking down the road .They pay the price of all this negitive talk and if Vick pans out and he shows he is still MV7,guess how valuable he will be to a team that needs what he has to offer.The pay that they are paying him is chicken feed and it could turn the Eagles into big players later.Can you imagine what his trade value would be if he returns to what turned the ATL and The NFL upside down.People perish without a vision.
Dawg Foot
August 14th, 2009
11:01 am
Maybe Ocho Cinco can go play with him. Idiots.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:01 am
OK, here we go …
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:03 am
Not surprised Dungy is there.
null
August 14th, 2009
11:03 am
I hope he tears both ACLs
Hal
August 14th, 2009
11:04 am
Re #3, their backup QB wasn’t hurt two weeks ago. Probably were still lying, but at least one fact did change.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:06 am
Dungy: I’m proud of the Philadelphia Eagles I know the didn’t do this as a charitry measure. I told Mike I dont think he could be with a better organization. And I’m also proud of Donovan McNabb, He went out of his way to say this guy can make us better.”
blord
August 14th, 2009
11:06 am
Ha. When I pulled up the sports page on ajc.com it had this article and then the article under it was titled “Dogs Sweeting out August”. At first I thought that was another article about the Vick signing.
null
August 14th, 2009
11:08 am
“Express gratification”? What an idiot.
It’s not the dogfighting, you conVickt……it’s the RUNNING A CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION and lying to a federal judge that got you an all-too-short prison sentence.
michael vick
August 14th, 2009
11:08 am
Anybody know where I can get some good weed in Philly? Dungy don’t know…
blord
August 14th, 2009
11:09 am
Hal, from the reports I heard on 680 this morning they are planning on useing him more as a WR then a QB. I wish him well but since he is an Eagle and they play us I hope Curtis and Peterson lay him out if he plays against us.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:10 am
Vick speaking without notes:
“First off I want to express my gratification to Jeff Lurie and Andy Reid for making me a part of the organization. As we all know in the past I’ve made some mistakes and done some terrible things. .. I want to be part of the solution, and not the problem.
… Special thanks to Donovan McNabb. He’s a great friend.
… I now know playing in the NFL is a privilege and not a right.
… I’m considering this my first year. I’m just trying to get acclimated again.”
Howard
August 14th, 2009
11:11 am
Jeff…at least we won’t be inudated with a plethora of stories about how great Donovan McNabb is. They always pump that guy so large for what he’s really done. Also if I’m McNabb…I’d be a little ticked off, bringing Ron Mexico into the fold.That game with the Falcons should be akin to a WWE event held at the Dome. But Vick does deserve a chance to play…as long as Ray Lewis is playing and as long as michael Irvin is still in the HOF, Vick deserves to rehab his NFL career. I wish him the best…besides his presence will only infuriate PETA and it’s always fun to see that group of ne’r-do-wells mad!!!
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:13 am
# “Prison definitely did it for me. But it [dog-fighting] was totally unnecessary and uncalled for.”
# (being back) “It’s a surreal feeling right now. I could not have envisioned it two years ago. …. I’ve been away from the game for two years. I have to crawl before I walk. As much God-given ability as I have I don’t think I’d be able to do it (start right away). This a perfect situation. I can learn from Donovan. I want to do as much as I can to help them and become a complete quarterback.”
“I don’t know why I was involved in such a pointless activity.”
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:14 am
“Everybody deserves a second chance. We all have our own inequities … But you only get one shot at a second chance and I’m conscious of that.”
(PERSONAL OBSERVATION: I like like that quote.)
Realist
August 14th, 2009
11:15 am
The good thing is that the racist that have commented on this are not trying to hide the ignorance. Anyone who can HONESTLY say that they have never made a mistake (ie.. cheating, DWI amongst other things)! You people kill me Mike lead that Falcons team, that was garbage the few years before him, to the playoffs and to the NFC Championship game in only his 3rd or 4th season and won alot more than he lost and because of his mistake this is your response? Grow up
C. Tampa Ironworse
August 14th, 2009
11:16 am
Be ready to stay home the day of the Eagles game on 12/6. If you don’t think they’ll be a suedo Vick/Anti Vick riot…you’re crazy. I’ll be there with my bow tie and Vick jersey to cover the whole thing.
Joe T
August 14th, 2009
11:18 am
Are you scared, Tampa?
Eric Reese
August 14th, 2009
11:18 am
See if you can understand my feelings I wish Philly run all over the Falcons when the play. However I am still a Falcon fan
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:18 am
“I think my actions will speak louder than my words. People will see that. I’ve teamed up with the Humane Society to work with them.”
(conditioning) “I’m ready to go. Over the last two months I’ve been able to do the things necessary to maintain my weight and my build and hopefully my speed.”
stendec
August 14th, 2009
11:18 am
BE KIND AJC CENSORS: (CENSORED) Michael (CENSORED) is a (CENSORED) (CENSORED) (CENSORED)! Always will be. No matter what kind of uniform he wears! The (CENSORED) took big bucks from Falcons then (CENSORED) teammates, organization and fans. Did (CENSORED) not? In Philly? Who gives (CENSORED)? Philly only a (CENSORED) surburb of Detroit anyway! May (CENSORED) be (CENSORED) with (CENSORED). There. I said it. Simply cannot be any plainer than that. Thanks you (have to be polite to censors). Liked press conference. BE KIND AJC CENSORS: (CENSORED) Michael (CENSORED) is a (CENSORED) (CENSORED) (CENSORED)! Always will be. No matter what kind of uniform he wears! The (CENSORED) took big bucks from Falcons then (CENSORED) teammates, organization and fans. Did (CENSORED) not? In Philly? Who gives (CENSORED)? Philly only a (CENSORED) surburb of Detroit anyway! May (CENSORED) be (CENSORED) with (CENSORED). There. I said it. Simply cannot be any plainer than that. Thank you (have to be polite to censors).
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:19 am
Dungy talking about his prison spiritual talks with Vick and Vick saying, “I felt like I didn’t need the Lord any more.”
stendec
August 14th, 2009
11:20 am
Forgive error in post. Happens when I get (CENSORED)!
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:20 am
Stendec — if you want to get your IP address blocked from commenting, keep it up.
Eric
August 14th, 2009
11:21 am
I am for people having second chances!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To those who do not agree please let me know if you ever made mistakes?
Joe T
August 14th, 2009
11:21 am
Eric, you make no sense.
Eric
August 14th, 2009
11:22 am
Hey Jeff do you agree with Falcons letting Mike go?
Jason
August 14th, 2009
11:22 am
The facts are clear: Mr. Vick participated in a six-year pattern of illegal activity. His plea clearly stated that along with these activities, he savagely electrocuted and beat dogs to death after they lost their brutal fights. This is barbarism. This was a multi-year pattern of behavior that demonstrates a startling lack of moral character and judgment. According to a Forbes magazine poll Vick tops the list of most hated athletes. More than seven in 10 people across the U.S. say they dislike him.
Here is a petition you should check out against Michael Vick benefiting from abusing dogs:
http://www.isaronline.org/petition_vick.html
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:23 am
Good quote from Andy Reid: ” I expect the public to have questions initially, which is obviously take place. But also have trust that we’re doing the right things here. We’ve done our homework and Michael himself has his life going in a positive direction. I think the majority of the public wants Michael to do well. That’s us as human beings. That’s what makes this country such a great thing and the National Football League such a great thing.”
Sun Tzu 7
August 14th, 2009
11:23 am
Good for Vick…. he got his second chance.
That being said…. I hope we beat the Eagles into the dirt…. but I felt that way before they signed Vick.
I just don’t like the Eagles…. and ESPECIALLY their fans.
I’m sure there are some cool ones out there…. but like bigfoot… I’ve never seen one.
Eric
August 14th, 2009
11:24 am
Okay Joe thanks for your response. :
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:24 am
Eric — yes. Too much damage here to overcome. I was for him being given another chance any where else.
C. Tampa Ironworse
August 14th, 2009
11:25 am
They have MannyWood in LA for Manny…they could do that in Philly. Here are some suggestions for the name:
The Corn Rows (of seats…that is)
Doggie Day Care
The Electric Company
The Jumpsuit Jurors
Dog Pound…opps, sorry Cleveland
Puppy Bowl…opps, sorry Animal Planet
Lucky Sevens
Gators 09
August 14th, 2009
11:26 am
That weekend in December will be crazy! One of the best football players to ever play in Atlanta will be back in town that weekend.. Tim Tebow and the Gators to collect another SEC crown on their way to Pasadena. I did buy tickets for the game last night, maybe I can trade for some SEC Championship Tickets. But that weekend will generate some serious cash flow for downtown Atlanta. In a way, Vick is paying back some to Atlanta by signing with a team on our Home Schedule.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:26 am
Vick again: “Whatever coach Reid decides on, that’s what I’ll do. I’m just here to contribute and help us win a Super Bowl.”
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:27 am
Gators’09 — It’s going to be a crazy scene.
Eric
August 14th, 2009
11:27 am
Have many years you think? Mike Vick can play?
Joe T
August 14th, 2009
11:28 am
Sorry, referring to the Eric Reese comment. I agree with giving second chanses.
Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes
August 14th, 2009
11:28 am
Philly Welcome MV7!
Sing Teddy!
Wake up everybody no more sleepin’ in bed
No more backward thinkin’ time for thinkin’ ahead
The world has changed so very much
From what it used to be
There is so much hatred war and poverty
Wake up all the teachers time to teach a new way
Maybe then they’ll listen to whatcha have to say
‘Cause they’re the ones who’s coming up
And the world is in their hands
When you teach the children
Teach em the very best you can.
The world won’t get no better
If we just let it be
The world won’t get no better
We gotta change it yeah
Just you and me
Wake up all the doctors make the old’ people well
They’re the ones who suffer an’ who catch all the hell
But they don’t have so very long before the Judgement Day
So won’tcha make them happy before they pass away
Wake up all the builders time to build a new land
I know we can do it if we all lend a hand
The only thing we have to do is put it in our mind
Surely things will work out
they do it every time
The world won’t get no better
If we just let it be
The world won’t get no better
We gotta change it, yeah
Just you and me
Tony Wade
August 14th, 2009
11:28 am
Kudos Mike for answering questions with honesty and seeming to realize his bad judgement and ability to make that the foundation for his future success.
blord
August 14th, 2009
11:28 am
Thanks for the Updates Jeff. Stendec, just pointless man.
Mike Jones
August 14th, 2009
11:29 am
He did a great job. Kudos.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:29 am
Vick on suspension being lifted: “I’m optimistic it will happen soon.”
And that’s end of press conference. Lasted about 20 minutes.
Overall: I was impressed. Michael took questions and answered them calmly. It wasn’t a long press conference but it was about what I expected. I would expect Eagles to shelter him quite a bit from this point forward.
FALCONS SORRY
August 14th, 2009
11:29 am
PHILADELPHIA EAGELS FANS! CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL YOU! YOU HAVE JUST BEEN AWARDED THE GREATEST MOST ATHLETIC MOST EXCITING QUARTERBACK AND FOOTBALL PLAYER IN THE WHOLE HISTORY OF THE NFL FOOTBALL GAME! YOUR NOW EX QUARTERBACK MCNABB WHO COULDNT GET THE JOB DONE WILL BE LOOKING FOR WORK ELSE WHERE IN SHORT ORDER! MAYBE MCNABB COULD COME PLAY FOR AUTHUR BLANK AND WE CAN HAVE ONE LOOSER WORKING FOR ANOTHER LOOSER! MIKE VICK WILL ENTERGIZE YOUR WHOLE CITY AND FAN BASE AND BE THE MOST EXCITING THING TO HAPPEN TO PHILY IN THE HISTORY OF THAT CITY! THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW KING OF PHIL WILL MAKE THAT WORLD SEREIS WIN FROM 2008 SEEM LIKE A PRE SEASON GAME! ALL YOUR HOME GAMES WILL NOW BE SOLD OUT SO YOU ALL BETTER GET YOUR TICKETS SOON OR GET ON A WAITING LIST JUST LIKE VICKS TRUE FANS HERE IN ATL HAD TO DO BECAUSE EVERBODY WANT TO BE A WITNESS TO GREATNESS AND BE A PART OF IT! MV7 IS BIGGER THAN THE NFL AND HIS NAME ALONE COULD SELL OUT EVER SINGLE GAME FOR AN 0-16 FOR EVEN A TEAM LIKE THD DETROT LIONS JUST LIKE HE DID EVER SINGLE GAME FOR THE SORRY FALCONS! ENJOY YOUR CHEESE STAKES WHILE WATCHING HISTORY BEING MADE EVER SUNDAY IN YOUR STADIUM EAGLES FANS! GO GET YOURS MIKE!
tale of woe
August 14th, 2009
11:30 am
I am disappointed that Vick didn’t apologize to Atlanta fans or the Falcons during the press conference. All he did was thank the people who got him back in the NFL
tale of woe
August 14th, 2009
11:31 am
Was Vick allowed to procreate in prison? How does he have a 1 year old? Boy, prison must have been tough for him…I am selling my tickets to the Falcons / Eagles game
JR
August 14th, 2009
11:32 am
Regardless of the dog mess, Vick was showing in his last year here that his passing skills and selections had not improved and had even regressed. Philly will have to solve the same question that always “dogged” (sorry) any team- Where do you play him?
Pete
August 14th, 2009
11:32 am
He will lead the league in fumbles.
Tee
August 14th, 2009
11:33 am
I will be in the house on Dec 6 to support Mike Vick on his effort to slam the Falcons to the wall…..I cant wait to see Mike in action….to all the Haters stop Hating…..Its funny to me how all the Atlantans can just go crazy about not giving him another chance but look at all the things that go on here and you forgive and forget that….you are all crazy…….but you will feel the pain when he steps into the “DOME” lol……WONDERFUL
Evil Richt 2009 S.E.C. World Tour: "Banned in Columbus"
August 14th, 2009
11:33 am
Vick Fans: Feel free to come to the Braves games this weekend and heckle Phillies second baseman Chase Utley, whose wife is involved with the ASPCA in Philadelphia.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:33 am
Getting back to some of your comments that I missed earlier . . .
RDuck – I don’t see how Vick being on Eagles works to Falcons’ advantage, UNLESS he becomes a distraction in the locker room.
Jeff – I haven’t read Mark’s blog, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there were fights. That said, I hope there aren’t. I’d imagine there will be extra security because Falcons know it could be a volatile situation.
HJ – There was a pretty good chance that Falcons-Eagles late in the season would be a national game anyway. Now it ABSOLUTELY will be national TV.
THE CATHOLIC HAMMER
August 14th, 2009
11:33 am
I’m not so sure Philadelphia is the right place for Vick. If he thought the fans in Atlanta were touch enough to warrant being flipped the bird, there’s no way he can handle the Eagle’s fans. They booed Santa Claus. What’s going to happen when Vick fumbles the ball while scrambling? Which happens entirely too often. He’s not that good of a quarterback, folks. Especially not in the kind of offense the Eagles run…
TeflonDon
August 14th, 2009
11:34 am
It should have been a good presser. Vick had two years to think about what to say during his comeback speech. It will all come down to his actions on and off the field.
I’ll be avoiding the ATL on December 6 like Vick’s DVR evades Animal Planet. I sold our Philly tickets before this announcement so we can avoid the fights that always come with Eagles’ fans. Add to that the Vick returen and a stirring of the racial tensions that gripped the Dome and its environs during Ryan’s debut last year, and you have a recipe for disaster.
tale of woe
August 14th, 2009
11:35 am
Jeff- Fox has rights to the game that week and it is Cowboys / Giants also…We might get the 4:15 game…
blord
August 14th, 2009
11:35 am
Glad the guy got another chance but I will pull against him on the football field because he is an Eagle. I will pull for him in life though. Glad he is speaking from the heart. Be careful with the Philly fans though Mike. I know from the flicking off of the Atlanta fans they have sometimes gotten to him in the past and Philly fans would probably through Pee on him if he did that there. He seems to have learned from the error of his was though. Like he said himself his actions with tell the truth. Jeff how do you you think the Philly fan base will respond to Vick?
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:36 am
Hal – I doubt that injury had anything to do with the Vick signing.
Sun Tzu – Funny line on the Eagles fans/Big Foot comparison.
Bob from Dahlonega
August 14th, 2009
11:37 am
vick spoke pretty well without cue cards, he’s articulate which shocked me
Justin
August 14th, 2009
11:40 am
Schultz, you are in the minority of people who actually care about Mike Vick…move on and be creative.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:40 am
(Time-out: A guy on ESPN said fan base in Philly is running 75-25 against this signing. Comment: How can anybody possibly know?)
Tale of woe: I hadn’t thought of that. I guess he could’ve done it in opening statement before taking questions but I don’t think anybody in Flowery Branch cares much at this point.
BigMike
August 14th, 2009
11:40 am
First B.Dowell you are a moron. Period! Now to the point, Jeff if you noticed every guy you speak of twittering is African American, know one outside of the media has really stepped up to speak up. Why? Now before everyone says here is a racist, let me say not ! Reality is reality, and perception is just that perception. This man has been treated worse than Charles Manson on many occasions. Never has there been a media outcry over one Human being, than these dogs, never has one guy taken so much humiiiation that in reality wasn’t about just him, but an opportunity for someone to make there career better. Now people in this fly by city where fans aren’t true (could take lessons from people in Athens)won’t to take this man that kept some employed, that kept many excited, and yes gave kids, both white and black someone to look up to, and throw him under the bus. M. Vick welcome back not only to the NFL but to life, and oyur second chance from GOD because only he can judge you. Peta instead of you standing outside Philly’s stadium, go to the Idatrod, Greyhound races, and the Derby’s where horses are slaughtered every year and make that your fight.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:41 am
Justin — I’ll be happy to ship you a spreadsheet of page view statistics if you think I’m the only one who cares.
TeflonDon
August 14th, 2009
11:42 am
Maybe the Dungy-Vick friendship will inspire a new version of The Odd Couple movie or TV show, with Snoop Dogg as Michael Vick (Oscar) and Steve Harvey as Tony Dungy (Felix). The poker buddies would be characters for Marcus Vick, Donovan McNabb, Ochocinco, and Rush Limbaugh.
Justin
August 14th, 2009
11:44 am
Schultz, we really don’t have a choice do we? It’s what you and this floundering newspaper force-feed your viewers and subscribers.
gbal
August 14th, 2009
11:44 am
HeySheitHeadShultz –
Is it necessary that you call the coach a liar???
1ST he said “right now (2 weeks ago) that is not a direction I am looking in”. That was two weeks ago and he changed his direction. DOES NOT MAKE HIM A LIAR _ MAKES YOU AN AZZHOLE –
2ND – Some things need to be kept from you reporters while an organization thinks things thru – Give a hint that they might have been thinking about it and every vulture reporter is going to write about it and scrutenize with no respect for the organizations desire for confidentality and the decision making process. Why the muck would they want to let this cat even partially out of the bag until they had made a decission. You would have twisted into knots. Thay made a soft – “Not our direction at this time to avoid you guys. DOES NOT MAKE HIM A LIAR _ MAKES YOU AN AZZHOLE.
blord
August 14th, 2009
11:46 am
Tale of Woe, Good point on him not mentioning the Atlanta fan base and Falcons in general. It would have been nice to hear him say I am sorry to them in that forum but I also understand him trying to focus on the organization he is currently a part of.
Matty Ice
August 14th, 2009
11:46 am
glad to here “Bob from Dahlonega” said Vick was articulate. I have thought many times that Mike Vick should take speech classes because he was so poor at interviews and public speaking. Maybe he had time in prison to improve his skills there – I don’t know. Regardless, Vick is 29 years old now – he’s not a kid – time to grow up – I think he finally has – we will find out over the next two years. Wishing him the best.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:47 am
BigMike– Those are just the NFL players I know who are on Twitter who I checked. But since you made the point, former Falcons kicker Jay Feely, who is white and was a teammate of Vick’s, just Twittered this: “For those of you who are so condemning to Mike Vick; take a look at your own life and think about if your darkest secrets were left bare”…. He’s actually got a whole line of Tweets on Vick (@jayfeely)
Matty Ice
August 14th, 2009
11:48 am
Jeff, btw speaking of being poor at public speaking, could you and Mark Bradley chip in and get D. Orlando Ledbetter some speech therapy? Anybody that works for a newspaper should have some language skills and – bless his heart – Ledbetter does not have such skills.
blord
August 14th, 2009
11:49 am
Justin just stop reading the AJC if you don’t like it. I get tired of the Vick stuff sometimes to but heck at least his signing is news and I uderstand Jeff covering it. This blog is getting hit after hit by me, others, and YOU so Jeff obviously made the right choice one what to right about. If you want them to stop then stop reading and stop posting.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:50 am
Justin — Really? So what you’re saying is what I write has nothing to do with what most readers want to read, and that if I wrote three blogs next week on cricket, tiddly winks and women’s soccer that page views would still be through the roof?
Blord — you put that well. I would think he doesn’t hold any animosity against the Falcons or Blank. Nobody did this to him.
StingerSplash
August 14th, 2009
11:51 am
I just want to know which radio dolt, in the vast sea of dolts that is sports talk radio, who couldn’t believe the mean and nasty things being said about Mr. Vick.
mountain_jim
August 14th, 2009
11:52 am
I watched and was glad to see he spoke without notes. I also think he could have apologized once again to Atlanta but I am happy he gets his 2nd chance in the league and hope he does well with it.
Tbone
August 14th, 2009
11:53 am
just wondering…..has anybody heard what that MV7 (post prison) time in the 40 is? If its …like 4.40…..don’t count him out as having a little left in the tank.
Chess
August 14th, 2009
11:53 am
Shultz let it go………can we move on now.
Mac
August 14th, 2009
11:55 am
Did he really say gratification and inequities? Sounds like George W. Bush.
MJJ
August 14th, 2009
11:55 am
Glad MV7 is back with a team. I hope he’ll do well. Unfortunately, Philadelphia is not one of my favorite teams in the powerful NFC East. We’ll see some good games this season. Washington, New York and Dallas had better start preparing.
Blue Fender
August 14th, 2009
11:56 am
I reckon the Philly/Atl game will separate the Falcon fans from the Vick fans here in Atlanta. GO FALCONS!
Annie
August 14th, 2009
11:56 am
Philadelphia is ready to rock the NFL again! The dirty birds have been low on the radar over the last two years during the playoffs – the Vick saga – the head coach leaving in the middle of the season – defensive team trades last year – sexual harrassment charges against the owner. OMG. Atlanta Falcon Fans living in glass houses should consider moving into a stone-proof bunker.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
11:57 am
For what it’s worth, I’ve remarked in the past about how the Humane Society has far more credibility than PETA. Here’s more proof. While the HS is working with Vick on his rehabilitation and programs for him to speak to youths and publicly denounce dog-fighting, this was the statement that PETA posted on its website at 6:17 this morning: “PETA and millions of decent football fans around the world are disappointed that the Philadelphia Eagles have chosen to sign a man who hanged dogs from trees, electrocuted them with jumper cables, held them underwater until they drowned in his swimming pool, and even threw his own family dogs into the fighting pit to be torn to shreds while he laughed. What sort of message does this send to young fans who care about animals and don’t want to see them be harmed?PETA certainly hopes that Vick has learned his lesson and feels truly remorseful for his crimes—but since he’s given no public indication that that’s the case, only time will tell. At this point, all Eagles fans can do is cross their fingers and hope that they won’t ever have to explain to their sons and daughters what a “rape rack” is and why their favorite player was using one, as Falcons fans once had to.”
SimplySQL
August 14th, 2009
11:58 am
Justin, you always have a choice – simply don’t access this page or subscribe to the AJC. Of course, then you might not have anything to complain about.
Fair and Balanced
August 14th, 2009
11:59 am
BigMike, you know damn well Peta does not give a dog’s azz about anything other than publicity and money…everything else can catch fire as far as they’re concerned. Those fools dont care about dogfighting, just like these other people ranting and raving about it, dont care about it either. Let’s get real…this townhall…err….press conference, is about the not-so-hidden reality that is A-merry-kkka.
bt
August 14th, 2009
11:59 am
Shultz, your an idiot. All McNabb can teach Vick is how to eat Campbells Soup.
Blue Fender
August 14th, 2009
12:00 pm
The left wingers at PETA are akin to those bozos that blow up abortion clinics and murder the doctors (or abort them in their 583rd month).
Jqueen
August 14th, 2009
12:02 pm
Someone mentioned that he should have apologized to Atlanta and its “fans”…For WHAT?!?
I’m making no excuse for what he did, but he doesn’t owe Atlanta a darn thing. The Falcons released him and, while I know he had his true supporters, there are too many racist fools in this state to bother caring about.
Keep moving forward Mike! I’m from GA but I wish Michael the best for he and his family. I’ve never been an Eagles fan, but I hope the Eagles beat the Falcons on 12/6, if anything, to shut the racist people in this state up. You all really disgust me with your attitudes, and unfortunately, are too ignorant to realize that you will reap what you sow. Everyone deserves forgiveness.
TeflonDon
August 14th, 2009
12:03 pm
Any truth to the rumor that the Eagles are going to debut an orange jumpsuit as their third jersey? Oh, wait, the Bengals already have that – complete with stripes.
Jeff Schultz
August 14th, 2009
12:04 pm
FALCONS RELEASED A STATEMENT ON VICK SIGNING: “Michael is going to a first-class organization and will receive tremendous support from Eagles Chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie, Team President Joe Banner, Head Coach Andy Reid and Quarterback Donovan McNabb.”
“Michael has been given a good opportunity to restart his career in the NFL, and we wish him well.”
cdog
August 14th, 2009
12:09 pm
wow, i am very happy for michael vick. thank GOD for your new opportunity. despite all of the hatred and racism GOD still provided. learn form your mistake and sin no more. remember, when GOD is for you can no one or weapon prosper against you.congratualations mike. see ya dec. 6