If Goodell is so principled, why is he selling Vick’s jersey?
This was the homepage for NFLshop.com for part of Sunday. But . . .
. . . Later in the day I checked and a Vick jersey was replaced by a guy in a Ravens hat.
So I went to NFLshop.com — the league’s mondo-lucrative merchandising portal, which helps pay for Roger Goodell’s private jet – early Sunday. Imagine my surprise when the home page pictured a Philadelphia Eagles jersey with the No. 7 and Michael Vick’s name on the back.
Now, I know the NFL is quite adept at merchandising. But what I can’t figure out is why the league is so quick to merchandise an athlete that it still doesn’t see fit to reinstate. Doesn’t this seem just a tad hypocritical?
I dunno. Maybe Goodell’s conscience got the better of 
him later in the day. Because when I checked the website again Sunday night, the Vick quadrant of the cover page was replaced by some dude wearing a Baltimore Ravens hat. But you could still navigate to the Vick jerseys without much effort.
OK. I’m confused. I’m never surprised when somebody in power turns out to be a money-grubbing corporate weasel. And I have nothing against money-grubbing corporate weasels because they don’t need to have a Mega Millions ticket as their exit strategy like the rest of us.
But, gosh, darn, Goodell has just sounded so earnest throughout this Vick thing. On July 27, when the commissioner “conditionally reinstated” Vick — and that’s Latin for, “He’s still suspended” — he said: “I have said repeatedly, and many times before, that playing in the NFL is a privilege, we are held to a higher standard and it is not a right to be an NFL player.”
I can’t disagree with that. If Goodell wants to reserve judgment until possibly six weeks into the regular season, that’s fine. But how can a league not be ready to accept a player back with open arms and yet be ready to open the cash drawer right away? The NFL is not ready for Vick to be a face of the league — but it is ready for Vick to be a face on the ledger?
They’re selling Vick jerseys in green. They’re selling Vick jerseys in white. They’re selling Vick jerseys in black. They’re selling them for $79.99, $109.99 and $259.99 (and for $259.99, I assume that one comes with a microwave). They’re selling them in youth sizes and female sizes, and they’re also selling one called the “Michael Vick Women’s Be Luv’d Pink Fashion Jersey” (although I presume they’re still being manufactured because there’s no image available).
Vick is a marketing centerpiece again.
Funny. Goodell opted not to “conditionally reinstate” revenue.
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193 comments Add your comment
Reid Adair
August 16th, 2009
9:33 pm
Of course it’s hypocritical, Jeff. The NFL can profit off of him … but he still has a price to pay. I’m all for Roger Goodell cleaning up the image of the NFL, but this isn’t doing the league any favors.
On a separate note, which color did you order?
Jeff Schultz
August 16th, 2009
9:46 pm
Reid — I dunno. The green is cool but the black is slimming. Definitely not the white.
Susan Calantone
August 16th, 2009
10:03 pm
If he was a pedophile, what then. My 3 year old grandson wouldn;t even think of hurting an animal. Evil is Evil.
Susan Calantone
August 16th, 2009
10:05 pm
I will never buy a single thing that the Eagles endorse and by the way, they are endorsing their image of being animals in the worste sense of the word.
Saints Fan
August 16th, 2009
10:06 pm
Jeff, controversy sells. Right now this is the Biggest story in the nation. Old women who dont even watch football know who Michael Vick is. He’s practically a “Rock Star” at this present time. Alot of people feel that PETA and these Animal Activist are going over-board with their protesting of Vick and think they’re in it for other reasons. So people will counter PETA’S actions and show them that we are willing to give this guy a 2nd chance, and we’re going to show you by buying out all of his jerseys… Im not even a Eagles fan, Im a Saints Fan, but I will go and buy all 3 colors of his jersey to show my support….And you should too, Jeff….
honest_abe
August 16th, 2009
10:16 pm
dog fighting = pedophilia? wtf? some people are are just too stupid to describe.
good point jeff. the nfl “trying” to clean up their image is soley tied to generating more revenue. it has nothing to do with principles or standards.
Ken Stallings
August 16th, 2009
10:21 pm
Stuff a sock in it, Jeff!
I’ve disagreed with you sometimes in the past. But, this column was too much! You have shamed yourself highly! Goodell doesn’t need your personal endorsement. He’s one of the few sports commissioners who tries hard to maintain the image of his league.
All player jerseys for any team are marketed. You know that and so do I. When Goodell made Vick eligible to be signed, the merchandising came with it. Vick is suspended for the first eight games of the regular season. You supported that. He’s being paid. You supported that. Your “offense” is patently phony.
So, who’s being the hypocrite here?
You praised his reinstatement but now condemn in a sidebar manner all the ramifications of that reinstatement. I strongly suspect your protests are false as you’d write a column condemning Goodell for being “vengeful and petty” if he suspended jersey sales!
This is a perfect example of a scribe creating his own “outrage” and in the processing trying to tarnish a man with a job 20 times more demanding than any you’ve held in your life! And one wonders why members of the media are held in such poor esteem by society!
AC in Boulder
August 16th, 2009
10:22 pm
Wow saints fan! That is one of the most ignorant posts i’ve seen in, well, ever. Vick is the antithesis of a “rock star”. He is neither revered nor glamorized any more. He does deserve a second chance, but he is starting from scratch in rebuilding his life and from less than scratch in rebuilding his public image. PETA and animal activist groups are based on the humane treatment of animals so it’s not going “over-board” for them to express outrage when a public figure is convicted of torturing and murdering ANIMALS!
also… the phrase “a lot” is two words
Herschel Talker
August 16th, 2009
10:26 pm
Reid Adair likes men
woodie
August 16th, 2009
10:26 pm
I think you answered your question Jeff.
Falcons_Hero_Zero
August 16th, 2009
10:39 pm
Jeff,
Ask Steve Wyche to set-up a meeting with Goodell. Ask him why he is selling Vick’s jerseys, and tell us the result of your conversation with The NFL Commissioner.
I am interested to see what he says.
long time falcon
August 16th, 2009
10:39 pm
Great article. I couldn’t agree more as this scenerio with Vick’s jersey sales is seething with hypocrisy. Don’t sell the jersey until he is fully reinstated. Why? Even Eagles owner Jeff Lurie said vick is walking on a thin sheet of ice with his franchise and that he better fufill every promise and commitment he made to the team. Some of which is community service that he is obligated to perform. Plus Vick’s contract this season is not guaranteed until week one. If something happens and Vick is cut then the jersey sales are going to make the NFL look quite stupid.
DOG
August 16th, 2009
10:53 pm
you know something is wrong when people think more of dogs than people,,and bye the way some of my asian friend say they tast good
Sonny Clusters
August 16th, 2009
10:56 pm
We was thinking those might be trick jerseys since they cost so much. Like that water bottle that had a hidden compartment maybe these jerseys have a drawer in them or something so Mike can carry some Rolexes and stuff in it. We was always taught to think about things like that instead of just thinking something bad when we see something stupid.
Jay
August 16th, 2009
10:59 pm
I’m going to buy all three colors of his jersey. Go Mike Vick, prove the haters wrong.
Roger Goodell
August 16th, 2009
11:03 pm
OK Schultz,
So you wanna play hardball, huh? You don’t know who you’re dealing with, do you? You are suspended for the year….NO PAY….NO PLAY
Capish?
Hey Michael,
Get back out there and pick some more cotton! Or you’re suspended
another 6 weeks!I know the jerseys aren’t made of cotton….that’s for the #7 Vick/Eagle pajamas we’re selling next .
Saints Fan
August 16th, 2009
11:08 pm
First of all AC in Boulder:::::: You’re correcting the spelling of the word alot-a lot, well Im typing on an internet blog, not a College Turn Paper!! And 2nd, like I said PETA is going over-board with this situation. Why is’nt PETA, protesting against the guy who KILLS Deer to hang his antlers on his wall??? Why is’nt PETA protesting the guy who shoots Grizzly Bears so he can take a pictures with his son in front the dead animal??? Why is’nt PETA protesting the Shrimper’s or craber’s, when they drag a net thats over a mile wide in the ocean, pulling not only shrimp or crabs out the water, but thousands of other species. Hmmm.. Let me guess, none of those people are as Famous or such a hot-topic as Michael Vick. They’re not going to go after the foreign shrimper, who cant speak english. They’re not going to go after the dad who’s an unknown average Joe who’s taking pictures with his son over the dead Bear’s body. And they’re not going to go after the guy who kills Deer for they’re antlers. PETA loves the spotlight, they thrive off of attention. PETA wont go after those people, ahn, ahn, they want the “Big Fish” (no pun intended) Famous Household Name Millionaire ,Michael Vick…So AC, if you still dont understand my point, you are the ignorant one.
Sarah Palin
August 16th, 2009
11:11 pm
This disgusts me to see the NFL profit at the expense of those poor defenseless dogs….Hold on a minute! THERE’S ANOTHER WOLF!!! Fly closer so I can get a better shot, you *&^%**&!!!! DIE WOLF DIE!!!
Now, where was I again? Oh look, I can see Putin rearing his head again…I can see into his soul too , Georgie!
FALCONS SORRY
August 16th, 2009
11:15 pm
ROGER NO GOODELL! YOU MAY BE A SELF RIGHTEOUS HIPPOCRIT BUT EVEN YOU ARE SMART ENOUGH TO SEE THAT MIKE VICK BRING THE NFL LEAGUE MONEY AND MAKE ALL THE OWNERS RICH AND MAKE YOU AND THAT SORRY AUTHUR BLANK RICH TOO! VICK BRING ALL KIND OF PEOPLE TO THE NFL THAT PROBABLY DONT EVEN LIKE FOOTBALL BUT KNOW WHEN THEY ARE WITNESS TO A GREAT HUMAN BEING AND THE GREATEST FOOTBALL PLAYER TO EVER STEP ON A FIELD! AND EVERBODY WANT TO BE AROUND AND WITNESS AND TOUCH GREATNESS! VICK IS GOING TO SELL OUT EVER STADIUM THE EAGELS PLAY IN THIS YEAR AT HOME AND ON THE ROAD! VICK COULD SELL OUT EVER GAME FOR THE NO GOOD DETROT LIONS TOO AND THE NFL KNOWS IT! VICK IS BIGGER THAN THE NFL AND THEY NEED TO RECKANIZE THAT THEY WILL ALWAYS MAKE MORE MONEY MV7 THAN WITH OUT HIM! MEN WOMEN AND CHILDREN OF ALL AGES AND RACES AND BACK GROUNDS LOVE MIKE VICK AND WANT TO BE EXCITED WHEN THEY SEEM HIM DO GOOD! THAT IS WHY THE SORRY FALCONS COULD NEVER SELL ENOUGH TICKETS WHEN VICK PLAYED HERE BECAUSE EVER SINGLE PERSON THAT COULD BREATH WANTED IN THE DOME TO SEE VICK! NOW THAT VICK IS NO LONGER A SLAVE ON THAT SORRY BACK STABBER BLANKS PLANTATION THE FALCONS CANNOT EVEN GIVE THEIR SORRY TICKET AWAY AS TOLET PAPER! EVEN IF HE WIN 10 SUPPER BOWLS IN A ROW MATTY HOPELESS WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO PACK THE WAY VICK COULD DO ON EVEN AN 0-16 TEAM! PEOPLE WANTED TO TAKE AWAY VICKS WHOLE LIKE OVER SORRY WORTHLESS DOGS THAT THEM PETA HATERS LOVE MORE THAN HUMANS! NO BODY SHOULD HAVE TO SUFFER THE WAY VICK HAS DONE OVER NO ACCOUNT DOGS! I HOPE YOU RUN OVER 10 OF THEM SORRY DOGS AND DRAG EACH ONE A MILE EVER DAY ON YOUR WAY TO EAGELS PRACTICE MIKE!
Sarah Palin
August 16th, 2009
11:16 pm
I don’t want Obama’s death panel to kill granny and my retarded grandchild ….Err, Downs Syndrome child…Well you know the liberal media and their gotcha journalism…Out of my cold dead hands, go my wolf-hunting AK-47 and Trig
PaulVA
August 16th, 2009
11:16 pm
I’m buying all three jersey GO VICK
Scooby Doo
August 16th, 2009
11:19 pm
Ruh roh…he’s back!
Snoopy
August 16th, 2009
11:20 pm
Falcons sorry,
Dog, you’re cold
McGruff
August 16th, 2009
11:21 pm
Take a bite out of crime…keep Vick suspended
Snoop Dogg
August 16th, 2009
11:22 pm
What’s the dizzle? for rizzle FALCONS SORRY is the shizzle
Lassie
August 16th, 2009
11:22 pm
I am rolling over in my grave
Jeff Schultz
August 16th, 2009
11:23 pm
Roger – sorry for doubting you. I take it all back. Can I borrow your jet? Your New York penthouse? Can I just least your hair for the weekend?
Sarah – you’re hot. A nut, but hot.
PaulVa – I think you get 10 percent off if you by all three.
UGA VI
August 16th, 2009
11:23 pm
I’m gonna come back and bite Goodell in the a$$….and that no count
FALCONS SORRY too
Michael Vick
August 16th, 2009
11:26 pm
Thanks for the love, ATL…like I said no matter what I do….people always gonna love Mike Vick
George Jetson
August 16th, 2009
11:30 pm
Jeff,
Stop this crazy thing!!
Charlie
August 16th, 2009
11:30 pm
I think the Eagles have about the same measure of respect for the intellect of that a typical Vick fan as I do.
Sarah Palin
August 16th, 2009
11:33 pm
Thanks Jeff,
When I get done tea-bagging Newt Gingrich, I’ll give you an exclusive
“interview” (wink,wink) You know like the one I had with the Maverick himself….you betcha….I love to tea-bag
VICK SUPPORTER 2
August 16th, 2009
11:46 pm
HA HA………. A SO-CALLED GLORIFIED RUNNING BACK ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE NFL WEBSITE
I TOLD “YOU” PEOPLE THE COMMISSIONER WAS NOT GOING TO LET THE NFL CASH COW STRAY TO THE UFL
HEY JEFF HOW MUCH DOES A RYAN JERSEY SELL FOR?
VICK SUPPORTER 2
August 16th, 2009
11:52 pm
THE FALCONS FIRE VICK AND HIS PUNISHMENT:
- SUPERBOWL BOUND TEAM
- REAL RECEIVERS
- REAL RUNNING BACKS
- REAL COACHES
- RESUME AS THE “FACE” OF THE NFL
AND THE FALCONS THOUGHT THEY DIS’D VICK
stendec
August 16th, 2009
11:55 pm
Loss to 0-Forever Detroit Lions unacceptable under any circumstances! Horrible choke job by Falcons in American sewer known as Michigan. Completely nauseating. Nothing good from this debacle. Flat F- grades all the way around. Lowest available. Oh yeah. (CENSORED) Mike Sick! At least dog population in Philly will not be a problem. (CENSORED) Eagles.
Saints Fan
August 17th, 2009
12:04 am
GO VICK!!!!!!! EAGLES AND SAINTS= NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
REALITY
August 17th, 2009
12:10 am
VS 2…
Yes and Vick was rewarded with a HUGE contract…from 130 million to bankruptcy and one million…Vick has been humbled….and rightly so
Volman
August 17th, 2009
12:22 am
Mr Schultz, I’ll take the black one. Do I need to email you my mailing address?
Volman
August 17th, 2009
12:23 am
Vick Supporter 2: What do you mean…. YOU people?
Tknowsbest!
August 17th, 2009
12:23 am
Mike Vick is back and guess what? If Vick wasn’t as good as advertised there wouldn’t be all this hate!….Most people in this country only saw Vick on national televised games and at some of those games that were nationally televised, either he or his team didnt always play well. But the games that were regionally televised or people had direct tv’s nfl’s ticket they had a chance to see Vicks totally body of work throughout the years watching him throw with pin point accruracy or a sixty to eighty yard bomb or watched him move the chains towards the end zone…..True Vick fans have seen if not most all of his games and know when he has protection he is dangerous from the pocket…Just ask Pittsburg and Cinncinnati whom he threw four touchdowns games back to back the last season he played….Don’t forget all of his receivers also made him look bad his last year…Roddy White, Jenkins and Crumpler dropped all kinds of passes even in the end zone….I predicted if McNabb stalls somewhat or goes down and Vick shows his flashes of QB brilliance McNabb will get traded next year…Truth be told they didnt acquire Vick just for pure gimmicktry…The coaches around the league have watched film on him for years and they know what he can do with the right pass protection and offensive coaching….Vick will become the most dangerous QB again and not just for his running…To Vicks advantage he hasn’t played in 2 yrs so his body is prolonged from injury for 2 yrs which might given him 2 extra yrs of longevity in this league…Remember Jeff Schultz when Vick threw for over 300 yds against Denver and ran for over 100 yds against the broncos….There were many good games where Vick passed exemely well and because they were regional televised games these haters never saw the passing skill set of Vick when he had protection in the pocket…These haters forget Vick had to scramble for his life most of the time because the linemen on offensive were undersize. Schultz in philly his linemen won’t be undersized….Philly was thinking 4yrs ahead when they sign Vick….When the rest of teams that didnt snatch vick when they had a chance are going to REGRET THE FACT THEY GOT CAUGHT UP IN THE HATER’S FOOLISHNESS HYPE OF THE NON FORGIVING SPIRIT OF HATRED AND BIGOTRY AND DOWN RIGHT SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS ATTITUDES, FALCONS SORRY, IM HEAR LOUD AND CLEAR,….GO VICKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!
Ed-Covington
August 17th, 2009
12:35 am
Speaking of Sarah Palin, tonight on Squidbillies(a rerun on Adult Swim on Cartoon) Early wore a cap with her picture and “VPILF” on the front.
Gerard Smith
August 17th, 2009
12:39 am
I will make this very simple for you. I believe in priciples too, but evidently there is a demand for them. It’s called SUPPLY AND DEMAND. Everyone is not claiming to be perfect like you Mr. Schultz!!!!!!
Gerard Smith
August 17th, 2009
12:50 am
To long time Falcon Fan. If people want to buy them why should they listen to you? By the way I am a 20 year season ticket holder. It is a difference in a FAN and a SEASON TICKET HOLDER.
Ted Striker
August 17th, 2009
2:32 am
I wonder how much Goodell would charge for a #7 Eagles jersey if Megan Fox slept in it.
jj
August 17th, 2009
3:43 am
Enter your comments here
tbhawksfan
August 17th, 2009
3:52 am
I love sports, but I see no reason to contribute financially to the business. I find the people that think that you can only be a fan if you financially support the team are totally mis-guided (well guided actually). I loved sports before it became a major economy and a mini nation. The mentalities that have arisen out of the “success” of the of sports is all the reason I need to not be a fan.
If only people could care so much about personal responsibility and character. These are things that used to be considered the measure of a person; today, the measure of a person is either how successful they are at contributing to the benefit of a capital institution (business) or how many idiots think they’re special.
I think Vick would be more recalcitrant if he didn’t have the prospect of NFL million$ in perspective.
Vick chose to be a crimminal. He chose to be immoral and he chose to be a liar, cheater and hater. Did Vick change or did the law merely impose change on a man incapable of individual responsibility? My guess is that if he hadn’t have been caught, he’d still be doing it.
jj
August 17th, 2009
3:55 am
The comish and the Owners are businessmen and they are all about the money.MV7 is a cash product that they see as a moneymaker and we the public are the PAWNS.I believe T.Dungy believes in Vicks redemption and also Mr Blank has love for Vick,but the others can only see the potential for more money.I hope i’m wrong about The Boys,but bizness is bizness and it ain’t personal.We the public make it personel and that hurts everybody because we should want the better good for everyone.I pray Mike is in tune to what Mr.Dungy is putting down and don’t forget who gave him his gifts.I pray that there would be less anger in this country because a house divided against itself cannot stand.I hope we learn from Mike and don’t forget The Lord. i
Ted Striker
August 17th, 2009
4:52 am
Just finished a 9 mile jog, 300 push ups, 400 sit-ups, and am getting ready to read the Good Book. I suppose everyone else waits till 5 a.m. to get started but I like to get things out of the way early so I can get a jump on work.
Iowahorse
August 17th, 2009
5:15 am
Susan, what in the heck are you actually talking about? Seriously. Go get your kid a PETA Unhappy Meal and try to re-evaluate what comes out of your mouth before it actually does next time, ok? Dumb is dumb.
tbhawksfan
August 17th, 2009
5:24 am
Ted Striker; you’re either very funny or nuts.
Jack Schitt
August 17th, 2009
7:01 am
Pointless & Stupid article. Bottom line, who cares about anything concerning Ron “Ookie” Mexico? Maybe you should change your name from Jeff Schultz to Jeff Schitt!
Vick Supporter
August 17th, 2009
7:40 am
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned
Dan Ross
August 17th, 2009
7:52 am
I;m glad to see it Vick should be getting royalties on the sale> Vick has paid a price that not many have before and he didn’t kill a person. So if Vick can get back in the money game more power to him, he owes me money.
Peadawg
August 17th, 2009
7:59 am
“VICK IS GOING TO SELL OUT EVER STADIUM THE EAGELS PLAY IN THIS YEAR AT HOME…”
LOL! How many home fields do the Eagles have, FALCONS SORRY? Idiot.
rgbutterfly
August 17th, 2009
8:06 am
I agree with jj-the public are PAWNS for the business of the NFL. Do you think the NFL really cares about what we think? No, the NFL is about money, real money. MV7 is a cash cow. His jersey, his presence, his interviews bring attention to the nfl and money to the business. PETA and others who want to protest have their rights. But people still BUY tixs to the games and people WATCH games on tv. I know what people say about not attenting or watching the games, but they will and they do watch the games on tv. This is the USA where money wins out to all the other things. Do you know how much money the NFL lost after Michael Vick was suspended? Do you know how many fans lost interest in the NFL after Michael Vick was suspended? After 2 years the NFL has some buzz. Now the interest has been renewed. Now people love or hate, want to see and hear about Michael Vick. It doesn’t matter if they love it or hate it, he’s back. The NFL is back in business. So for all the haters, the commish doesn’t care about your feelings. It’s the wallet he is interested in.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 17th, 2009
8:07 am
I think this is a case of the right hand (Commish) not knowing what the left (NFL Props) is doing.
falcon
August 17th, 2009
8:09 am
Tknowsbest………Vick throwing back to back 4 TD games? That’s not how I remember it happening. In 06 the Steelers came to the Dome as Super Bowl Champs. Hines Ward, playing in the Dome for the first time caught 3 TD’s. However Vick played a great game and the Falcons beat the Steelers in OT, on a Morten Anderson FG. The Falcons then go to Detroit, and lose. The following week they go to Cleveland, and lose. Vick followed up his brilliant performance vs. the Steelers with dreadful games the next 2 weeks.
The Dogfighter Returns
August 17th, 2009
8:41 am
The same reason you keep writing about him. Capitalism rules baby. It is all about the almighty dollar.
The Dogfighter Returns
August 17th, 2009
8:50 am
Susan unless your three year old and you are vegeterians both of you contribute to harming animals. If you love animals so much why don’t you set them free like human beings?
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 17th, 2009
8:56 am
Jeff, saw your comment to Sarah P, are you like me and only think Tina Fey is sexy when she immitates Sarah Palin?
Toughen Up and Stop Whining
August 17th, 2009
9:03 am
Rick Pitino of the Louisville Cardinals, oh maybe the Abortion issue is not in play or his infidelity doesn’t matter.
Yet hypocrisy rule. Give us a break-
Money, Money
August 17th, 2009
9:10 am
Jeff its all about the Benjamin’s. There is a certain element of society that is in love with thugs and crooks. If they go to jail, get shot at, their value with that group goes up. So it doesnt matter what Vick does. If he killed another dog tommorow, that same group will buy his jersey. Goodell knows this and I see nothing wrong with him making money off the stupid!
Keeping It Real
August 17th, 2009
9:31 am
Will someone explain to me why Vick’s actions are any worse than Slick Rick Petino of Louisville,Governor Sanford of South Carolina and John Edwards? Money,success and skin color trumps everything in our capitalistic society.
C tha 1
August 17th, 2009
9:41 am
JEFF I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT! I KNEW YOU COULD SEE THROUGH THE BS!! Regardless if you’re a Vick supporter or hater this is about money. Capitalism by and large is the driving force of Vick being admitted back into the league!
matt r
August 17th, 2009
9:42 am
At this point I am starting to think FALCONS SORRY is doing this for my amusement. 10 supper bowls… it’s too funny not to be on purpose.
Keeping It Real, WAKE UP!
August 17th, 2009
9:49 am
Who said it wasnt??? Guess what this is a blog about Vick, thus we are talking about Vick. Should be simple enough for you to understand. I bet if you were to hit a Louisville or a South Carolina paper you would find a blog on Petino or Edwards. Funny how that works out. But you know what there is proably some idiot on that one saying “I don’t know why we are making such a big deal out of Petino getting some, it’s not like he killed a dog or anything.” So in short take your head out of your tail!
Joey
August 17th, 2009
9:50 am
Jeff, I don’t know who hates “money-grubbing corporate weasels” more, you or or our new president. You two better remember this about this “new economy” of ours that loses 700,000 jobs every month, a poor man doesn’t hire any employees.
Saints Fan
August 17th, 2009
9:56 am
I think money, money is just jealous because he probaly has a Hard Labor job working on a Ship or Oil rig. He’s probaly a welder on a oil rig, working with a bunch of highschool drop-outs and past and present drug-abusers… You dont have to be jealous because a guy has a 2nd chance at making millions just to throw a football, and you have to work in the hot sun with a hot welder’s suit on, earning every penny you get, on a ship with a bunch of rejects……. That just has to piss you off, I know it does.
nunna yo bizznezz
August 17th, 2009
9:58 am
get over it people,mike vick is back..
but,would it be wrong for him to have a chip on his shoulder conerning his image,jersey,and likeness on nfl merchandise..
before he admitted his guilt,the nfl was already erasing mike vick from any ties with the nfl..
taking all of his jersey’s out of retail stores,and from their their merchandise website..
do you remember the 2006 year in review for the falcons,and how they edited all of the plays involving vick??
how even when the nfl network broadcasted the qb challenge marathon,they skipped the episodes that included vick..
he is humbled,and is not carrying a chip on his shoulder,but he is admitting full guilt and now knows that he is wrong..
but..
what it be wrong if he were to come out and remind people of how the nfl reacted with the selling of his jerseys by taking them off the market and he were to say,”don’t buy my jersey”,would he be wrong??
yea,he would take a hit on his cut of the sale,but,he could point out how the nfl reacted when he hadn’t even admitted his guilt,and he would not interfere with the idea if people went to lets say,a “sean john”website and got a mv7 philly colored jersey…
goodell would be pissed, but screw him..
Keeping It Real is RIGHT!
August 17th, 2009
10:00 am
“Money,success and skin color trumps everything in our capitalistic society.” Your right on man! Donte Stallworth, kills a man, not one day in jail, Ray Lewis and his crew kill a man in Atlanta, not one day in jail, OJ simpson slices up 2 people, doesnt go to jail, how about Lenoard Little? How right you are that skin color and money determine how your punished in society.
dgroy
August 17th, 2009
10:01 am
Folks, it’s all about politics and money. The NFL knew if some team didn’t sign Vick, they would be hit with a lawsuit for blacklisting (no pun intended). This would have been a major distraction for Goddell……it was decided, behind closed doors, that the Eagles were the chosen team because………? Michael Vick hasn’t changed one iota except for the rhetoric he is spewing out which, in my opinion, is false and not worth listening to. Greed, greed, greed$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
nunna yo bizznezz
August 17th, 2009
10:03 am
joey,
the new economy is brought to you by the “old and last president”,GEORGE W.BUSH!!
this president does understand the worst econony that was presented to a new president when he took office..
its funny how the higher ups and the republicans have health care options,and tax breaks,but we the american people can’t..
and its a form of socialism,and we’d be turning into russia,lol…
and the loons fell for it,and will get a rise in their healthcare premiums every darn year…
loons…
Cairo
August 17th, 2009
10:05 am
Jeff,
To me this is a simply test to see what “support” #7 still has and we ALL know once they start flying off the shelf it will be signed sealed and delivered to FULL reinstatement because it will be measuring stick of how marketable he will be for the NFL to continue to “profit”. Last I checked, the NFL was still a business and businesses are in business to make a PROFIT… Just think if his jersey ends up being in the Top 10 for sales. Seeing that #7 was signed to a team and the compassionate public has mostly forgiven those who haven’t please continue to open mouth and insert foot. Go Falcons! Keep your focus #7 and let your HATERS continue to be your MOTIVATION to become a success story that some do not want you to be… It is ALL good and your folks got your back on this front.
Kevin M
August 17th, 2009
10:05 am
What’s funny is anyone who would spend money on a Vick jersey in the 1st place? The kids that would wear that jersey have been taught nothing and their parents are clueless.
It’s all about what is the trend……well, enjoy the trend that is Philly, because they haven’t won anything any more than the Falcons. Vick is not the difference other than throwing away the opportunity so few superstars have.
nunna yo bizznezz
August 17th, 2009
10:10 am
keeping it real,
your right..
and lets not forget one thing that u are..
the names u mentioned got 24/7 media coverage and that they also was guilty in the court of public opinion..and the media and fans like you drove their incidents into the ground..
but,danny heatley killing his teammate,big ben rape charge in civil court,pat kerney boys raping a woman,matt jones 3 different chances he got with no jail or suspension time until he got caught by police chopping up cocaine with a credit card among other stories,are reported one day,and by the end of the next,you never hear nothing of them..
oh,and michael phelps!!
going bonger on a college campus smoking DOPE!!
LET THAT BE ALLAN IVERSON,OR BETTER YET,MIKE VICK,OR ANYBODY WITH A SIMILAR SKIN COLOR AND YOU KNOW THE OUTCOME WOULD BE ONE OF PUBLIC RAGE!!
nunna yo bizznezz
August 17th, 2009
10:15 am
I FORGOT RICK PITINO!!
FUNDING FOR AN ABORTION,AND HE IS SUPPOSED TO BE A MORAL AUTHORITY,AKS CATHOLIC..
WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE!!????
IF THAT WERE JOHN THOMPSON,OR PAUL HEWITT,THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE END OF THEIR CAREER..
Keeping It Real
August 17th, 2009
10:20 am
Keeping It Real is RIGHT!
I wonder why Little, Simpson, Stallworth, Lewis, Kobi, Shack, MJ, Barkley, the whole Bengal football team, Pacman etc.(there are more) are always in the news with expanded coverage of their trangressions along with the salaries they make while other notables that are of a different hue escape the exposure? There seems to be a pattern that if not questioned could be damaging to some among us. One would think that there is a condition in our society that would promote one group of people with a different hue to place another group in a certain category. I am just saying….
midnite
August 17th, 2009
10:21 am
What has Mike Vick done to show he is a changed man? Nothing! Forgiveness must be earned, and redemption is a process, talk is just that…talk. He will violate his parole in less than a year.
midnite
August 17th, 2009
10:27 am
nunna yo bizznezz-You are obviously a racist, full of ignorance and hate.
BigMike
August 17th, 2009
10:29 am
Susan Calatone, Calm down and go bake some muffins ! Jeff I agree with you most of the time, the one thing that “WHITE REPORTERS”, won’t come out and say is this has alot to do with this man’s race. Never in the history of sports has one guy been subjected to such humiliation, and slander. Then The ultimate insult came from the NFL last week, when Vick signed. I could think of alot more teams that need a QB, and ticket sales, but to put Vick behind a perennial pro bowler who happens to be Black is an insult. Vick has an Option year next year, which we all know if things pan out, is Good bye Donovan. Jeff you know, and I know that you’re not going to pay someone 6million to ride the bench. Plus Philly can option out McNabbs contract. I watched CBS to see BS with the 60minutes piece last night, and you bring a black sports reporter to interview him ? It would have came off more original if they could have did it at Ed Bradley’s grave sight. This is pure capitalism for the NFL, and I can guarantee you that there not going to have one problem raking in the money that’s going to come with his every appearance. (RE: Mike Tyson).Jeff I wish you would stand up and write hardcore realistic stories if it’s going to be about Vick in the future.. Also if you guys are going to be fair over at the ole AJC, lets do follow up’s on Dan Heatley, Patrick Kearney, and this reality of Rick Pitino messing his family up, and being allowed without many questions asked to keep going in his job like nothing ever happened. Or you could always follow Coach George O’Leary to see if he ever got that Elusive Masters that he lied about. But I’m sure it won’t happen, because all the Ajc has time for is chasing down one young Black Man over a dog incident that happened over two years ago.
Consider this...
August 17th, 2009
10:30 am
Let me first state, I own a dog that I love dearly, and would do great harm to anyone that tried to mistreat him. Second, what Vick did was absolutely wrong, but the hypocicy has to stop.
On the one hand people want to label him a “sociopath” for what he did to the animals in the name of sport, and because it’s illegal.
On the other hand we are a society that legally allows for the mistreatment of animals on several other fronts:
Rodeos- Ever wonder why the bulls are so pissed and buck as hard as they do? They have their testicles tied off to the point of excruitating pain (look at the rope tied around the rear of the bull. Calf hearding where the calves are run down, grabbed by the horns and driven to the ground and hog tied, but this OK because it’s sport and legal.
Hunting- Here’s another “legal” sport where people are allowed to go out and kill beautiful animals for sport only to have their heads stuffed and mounted on a wall as trophies. Rarely are these animals killed with a single shot. In most cases they are only wounded and have to be tracked sometimes for hours until they are discovered either dead or on the brink of death having suffered during that time. Why? so someone can put their head on a wall. Please spare me the “hunting is needed to control population” speak or “Most hunters eat what they kill”. While SOME do, most do it for pure sport and looking for that nice “trophy” for their fireplace.
Now you want to talk about cruelty to animals – ever visit a slaughter house? Watch a chicken truck drive by sometime where the birds are packed into crates and many suffocate to death by the time they reach the processing plant.
How about the fur industry?
My point is this: Just because something is LEGAL doesn’t make it right, and while what Vick did was TOTALLY wrong, he is no more a sociopath than anyone who engages in the activities listed above. Just because an activity is legalized doesn’t automatically make it morally right. At one point in our society it was LEGAL to own slaves.
The man has paid his debt, and is trying to redeem himself, so everyone should take a step back off their moral high horse and give him a chance to prove himself, and maybe take a stand against some of the activities above and look at what it says about our society as a whole that we are so quick to condemn Vick, but have little or no problem with the above activities. Just something to think about.
Keeping It Real
August 17th, 2009
10:31 am
Keeping It Real, WAKE UP!
I am sure that you are intelligent enough to know where I am going with this. Its interesting how the hoopla around Sanford ,Petino and Edwards does not have the hate and anger as that aroung Vick. We all know that money and race are not the issues. Right? I have been awake for a long time my friend.
Nunna you bizznezz get off the pipe
August 17th, 2009
10:34 am
Oh man you and Keep it real are right on the money. If Vick was white we just give him a pass for killing all of those dogs. Because you know white people dont get judge at all. I mean it must have been a fluke when Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson were preaching from the mountain tops that the whole entire Duke Lacrosse team should be hung and killed for what they did to that little girl. Every newspaper, every TV, every media outlet had that covered for MONTHS! But heres the kicker when the whole story proved to be BS, where was Sharpton and Jackson??? Nowhere baby. They acted like fools and took the 1st train out of town.
Your so right. I mean heck little old Pete Rose betted on a game, and he has been banned for life! from baseball! One of the greatest players to hit the diamond and he is gone! Wheres your outrage on that one chief? He never ran a multi-state dog ring, he never passed on herpes, he never flicked off his fans, he made a simple bet and the “WHITE” media has banned him for life! Let me ask you this if good old hammering Hank was found out to have done this, would they ban him? Heck no, and you know why???? Because of his skin color. Sharpton would be screaming for him, but no way would he do it for Rose, You know it, and I know it……….
BigMike
August 17th, 2009
10:42 am
KEEPING IT REAL, If you’re going to keep it real, get your facts right! Donta Stallworth got 30 day in jail, and paid over 1.5 in settlement money, Ray Lewis 30 days and 2 million in a civil suit. O.J. Simpson, lost his life’s work in a civil suit, over a woman who clearly had nothing more than looks going for herself, and Leonard Little…well he was just an idiot. Point being get facts not fiction buddy., but I do applaud your enthusiasm !!
Gem For Life
August 17th, 2009
10:53 am
I’m getting the Black Jersy…. but I have a serious question…. for all you dog lovers and don’t get me wrong, I didn’t like what Vick did, but please tell me why it’s ok for the dogs who lose in the multi-million dollar dog races to be put down?
eyes
August 17th, 2009
10:54 am
WHEN WILL YOU ALL LET THE REST! THERE ARE OTHER MORE IMPORTANT THINGS GOING ON IN THE WORLD, INSTEAD OF VICK. I GOT THEM ALL……..EAGLE FAN NOW…………
midnite
August 17th, 2009
10:54 am
Consider this…Have you ever read the U.S. Constitution? We are a nation of laws. We as a society have boundaries for right and wrong.
Every item you mentioned falls within the bounds of legal activities. What Mike Vick did was illegal, or out of bounds of what our nation of laws has established. Write your Congressman if you don’t like it. Your wordiness does not impress.
JDG
August 17th, 2009
11:01 am
The NFL is a money-machine, pure and simple. Everything they do, from careful image control and maintenance, to the executive decision-making, is calculated to boost the bottom line. Of course this sometimes (often?) necessitates hypocritical behavior on their part, but given how well they rake in the cash it’s obviously working. All profit-motive, all the time!
mano17
August 17th, 2009
11:01 am
falcons sorry you summed this whole situation up. when danny heatly killed his teammate where was the uproar? when a woman got raped in patrick kerneys house where was the uproar? the answer is that mike vick is a black man that make a lot of money and dosent kiss noones but. the fact of the matter is that like he said in the interview last night “he was lazy” and with that being said he still was the best. now that he has has his life on the right track with a better work ethic he will be 100 times better than tom brady, peyton and eli manning ,and they will make it to the super bowl. Also while watching all these preseason games i dont why all these teams passedd on mike vick. the eagles made a power move in signing mike vick and that move will get them to the top of the mountain and get them a ring
Keeping It Real
August 17th, 2009
11:01 am
Nunna you bizznezz get off the pipe,
Your points are well taken. The Duke LaCrosse thing would never have happened in the past. It appears that our society may be headed toward an even playing field. Once the economic playing field becomes even, the legal playing ground will be even as well. Only then we will stop using Vick, Duke and others as centerpieces for all our points of view.
Unfortunately, our economy is bad and is bringing out the worst of us all. The Healthcare debates are very telling. The Vick fiasco is minor in comparison.
plow
August 17th, 2009
11:01 am
I’m getting pink
VALUE JET$$$$$$$
August 17th, 2009
11:02 am
Hey all of you so called Atlanta Falcon fans who have now become Eagle fans because conVICK is up there, guess what? Value Jet has a one way ticket for $79.00. No waiting, call now. You want be missed.
FM
August 17th, 2009
11:02 am
How about all you hypocritical stone throwers shut the h*** up! The man has paid dearly for his wrong doings and you’re still not satisfied. Everyone makes mistakes and this includes you people that can’t seem to get over the fact that what’s done is done. Many a people have killed humans never to serve one single day of jail time! These were dogs! Dogfighting is still going on to this day,second,minute, and hour somewhere. Vick didn’t invent dogfighting. He just happened to be one of the ones unfortunate enough to get caught and was chosen to make an example out of. Get a life. So what you’re not happy with the decisions to let him play football again and for NUMBER 7 Philadelphia jerseys to be for sale already. Face it HATERS, it’s inevitable that he will be fully reinstated and you can best believe I’ll be right there to continue to support him. Never stopped. You don’t like it, then don’t watch the game when Philadelphia plays and don’t buy a NUMBER 7 PHILADELPHIA VICK JERSEY. Who gives a rat’s a**! I know I don’t. Now yall have a great day ya hear!!!!
Keeping It Real
August 17th, 2009
11:04 am
BigMike,
You missed my point completely. That’s to be expected when on a blog site. Have a good day.
mano17
August 17th, 2009
11:07 am
Animal lovers worldwide now have access to more than a decade’s worth of proof that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) kills thousands of defenseless pets at its Norfolk, Virginia headquarters. Since 1998, PETA has opted to “put down” 21,339 adoptable dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens instead of finding homes for them.
PETA’s “Animal Record” report for 2008, filed with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, shows that the animal rights group killed 95 percent of the dogs and cats in its care last year. During all of 2008, PETA found adoptive homes for just seven pets.
Just seven animals — out of the 2,216 it took in. PETA just broke its own record.
now thats som deep shhh. now mike vick u have been vindicated
Boo Boo
August 17th, 2009
11:15 am
Deleted Text, Edited Out Due to Time Constraints)
JB: Michael, how much time in prison did you spend thinking about how you knowingly gave herpes to a woman?
MV: Oh, you know, I thought about that all the time, when I wasn’t crying, you know, being, you know, real disgusted and sad, you know.
JB: Michael, how did the inability to smoke marijuana in prison effect your nerves?
MV: Man, you know, they gots marijuana in the joint, I mean, you know, I didn’t gets no weed. Myself. No, no, no. Uh uh. Yeah, my nerves got bad, but I learned my lesson. I, you know, know it was bad to smoke marijuana.
JB: Michale, I got a joint here, now. Want to go do a doobie when we get untied from all these microphones?
MV: Ah gee Jim, man, you know, I don’t know if I can do that. I’m trying to say all the right things, you know, but, you know. Is this on?
JB: Since you have gotten back in touch with God, Michael, did God suggest that you repay your debts to those who you stole from?
MV: Man, you know, God don’t talk. You know, if God talked, he, you know, would sound like Tony Dungey, and, you know, say something like, you know, “It’s okay Mike, don’t pay anyone back. You are forgiven.” You know, like another one of those “second chances.” God’s cool.
Take the Blinders off
August 17th, 2009
11:25 am
Keeping it real.
Man it sounds like you have some real pent up anger, and see history as very one sided. To say that its a recent phenomenon that “white” athletes are finally getting judged as black athletes is for lack of a better word silly! Pick up a history book. Look up the 1919 World series, Look up Babe Ruth and his drunken benders, Olympic athletes…and so on and so on. Dude Mark McGuire can’t even show his face in a sports bar. But according to you, this is a recent event?? And in regards to a level economic field, I want even touch that. I am sure I could site a 1000 reasons why it is, and you could site a 1000 why its not.
And if it makes you happy, I too think Pitino is a looser and if Jeff does a story on him, I will be the first one on to state it.
Yunel Asscobar
August 17th, 2009
11:28 am
Jeff – hey man, great article. But…it takes the focus off where it needs to be – ME! Let’s get over the Vick stuff. Heck, by the end of the week, I will work with the Braves and MLB to have “19″ Asscobar jerseys – in black, white, green, chartreuse, melon, apricot, and plum. Keep your eye on the prize, Jeff – it’s ME, baby!
Sick&Tired
August 17th, 2009
11:28 am
Why do ALL THE WHITE PEOPLE HATE MIKE VICK so much? A bunch of racist demons! The Duke Lacrosse team, Danny Heatly, Patrick Kerney all great points! That should shut Jeff’s racist ass up and all the other racist white people still picking at a man that over paid the price for a mistake. I hope Vick and the eagles win the super bowl. What will all the light skin people say then???!!!!
Jim morrison
August 17th, 2009
11:29 am
This is all about money!
I wish this instant millionaire would get ZERO press time. Any of us common folk would never get a second chance once convicted of a felony.
However, if your black and an athlete in America, we all will turn the other cheek and give you a free pass along with a free lunch!
Enough Said!