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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267 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?