Vick’s return will illustrate division in Atlanta
Except for this 34-yard run against Chicago, Michael Vick has been a non-factor for Eagles.
As you might have read, Michael Vick expects, “to get a great reaction from the crowd. It’s going to be a standing ovation,” when he returns to Atlanta next Sunday with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Well, I will agree with him to this point. He will get a reaction.
When Vick was at the top of his game, he united this city more than any other athlete. But when he declined and then train-wrecked his career and the Falcons’ franchise with his off-field issues, he divided Atlanta. Those hard-core Vick fans who bought Falcons season tickets, more to see him than the team, have defended him throughout and blamed others for his faults, even when he admitted guilt. Others have refused to let go of their hatred, saying Vick should never have been allowed back in the NFL.
Loading ...Neither group should surprise anybody. This is sports. Sports is emotional. Emotion often clouds judgment and objectivity.
A divide still exists and Sunday’s Falcons-Eagles game will illustrate that. Some will stand and cheer their hero’s return. Some will stand and hurl insults at the man they’ll never forgive. Others will ignore the whole thing and spend more time on the hot-dog-or-nachos debate.
Of all the “returns” sports has experienced, this will be one of the strangest. Vick has been a non-factor for the Eagles. Coach Andy Reid has struggled to work the “wildcat” offense into the game plan, and Vick has admitted he’s not thrilled with it anyway. He makes cameo appearances in games. He’s only 3-for-9 as a passer and has rushed for 65 yards, with 34 coming on one carry against Chicago two weeks ago.
When Vick returns to the Georgia Dome Sunday, he’ll mostly watch Donovan McNabb run the Philadelphia offense. He’s an afterthought for Reid. I’m guessing once the game begins, he’ll become an afterthought for most fans — at least until he makes an appearance. Then there will be noise. Lots of noise. We’ll hear and see the division.
How will you react? I realize any Michael Vick blog is combustible. But I’ve got a poll up asking which side of Vick fence you stand on (boo, cheer, don’t care), and feel free to weigh in with your thoughts.
One final request: It’s OK to be passionate with your debate. But please keep commenting clean and free of obscenities and racial overtones, otherwise I will quickly close the forum. Thanks.
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558 comments Add your comment
roxy
December 1st, 2009
6:33 pm
BOOOOO! In his case…you can take the Boy out of the Ghetto…but you can’t take the Ghetto out of the Boy.
PullNoPunches
December 1st, 2009
6:57 pm
Let me explain why I will support Vick, and why others will be supporting Vick. It isn’t because I approve of dogfighting. I am a pet caregiver/lover myself and adore animals. But it is the hypocrisy of the situation that makes me want to vomit at people that are so “moral” about dogfighting, but didn’t give two craps about stopping a senseless war in Iraq that was started on lies, and has costed thousands of lives. And Michael Vick’s Black fans are defending Vick because he is Black… but because they know the nature of many of the “Vick is the Devil” White Americans that are using the dogfighting issue as an excuse to socially castrate a Black male for being the highest paid quarterback in the NFL.
atl fan 4 le
December 1st, 2009
7:09 pm
Mike Vick 4 life Mattie Ice 4 never
Think About It
December 1st, 2009
7:19 pm
Have you ever had a family member that made a mistake? You don’t condone their past behavior because you expect better but do you wish ill will on them? More than likely you support them in some way and hope for the best. Football is a GAME and people who are imperfect play the game. At the end of the day, I want the Falcons to win GAMES! I think people need to get over Vick and his mistakes and hope the Falcons continue to become better and contend with teams like the Colts. I can’t say the Saints…too painful! That should be the focus not Vick. Cheering, booing or not responding to Vick’s return to Atlanta is a person’s prerogative. Let’s move on please
deranda
December 1st, 2009
7:26 pm
Vick serve his time….I don’t agree with what he did but if the league can forgive him and make money off his name then so should we. We all don’t have to agree but you will respect the man. I will be cheering for VICK ………..Welcome HOME MICHAEL!!!!!
the truth....
December 1st, 2009
7:37 pm
Let’s see….Kasim Reed, Mike Vick….Barack Obama…..what do they have in common?….they all get 95% of the Black vote….
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO to all three…
The Hater Buster
December 1st, 2009
7:56 pm
To All Atlantans! Get a life! You all are traders and haters! Don’t hate the man (Vick) for making an honest mistake. Hell, look at your lying governor. His country behind lies everyday but do we condemn him…no! So why do so for someone who generated millions in revenue for the City/State. Yes he is returning and I will be cheering joyfully. In addition, I hope “he” single handly beat the Falcons feather duster. So get a life and get over this madness.
The Hater Buster
December 1st, 2009
8:03 pm
the truth,
You are one of the main people my message is referencing. Bigot!!! Let’s see who gets most of the idots, bigots, and uneducated votes…County speaking Mary, Perdue, Z. Miller, and Sarah P. Well that sure says alot about this group and you.
The Hater Buster
December 1st, 2009
8:08 pm
Ken,
You really spoke the truth. Please share that with the truth…
Greg
December 1st, 2009
8:12 pm
No matter if Vick is booed or cheered as long as the Falcons win. That is most important because when it is all over he will probaly retire a rich man!
curtis
December 1st, 2009
8:18 pm
I’m not cheering for this con-VICK…he shot US (all of us a bird!!!!)….no love to this chump….
curtis
December 1st, 2009
8:23 pm
Y’all need to wake up!!! Matt Ryan is a VERY GOOD quarterback!!!…give him time!…he’s VERY SMART!!!…he’s JUST trying to decipher the defenses in the league!!!….We have a Peyton Manning….trust me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!….
mrobjective
December 1st, 2009
8:26 pm
Mike was politically “made an example of” by federal law authorities…not a single federal dogfighting case publically prosecuted since…ssooo…you tellin’ me that arresting, convicting and making MV “serve time” for the “horrific crime” (when law enforncement can’t seem to find, murderers, rapists, “jihadists” in our own military ranks, etc.,) has “solved” or eliminated dogfighting…I’ve felt badly for him from the beginning…sorry…only thing MV was really guilty of was not being smart enough to not get caught and haggin’ around “morally weak” people who did not positively influence him to make better choices and decisions…I wish him only the best in his personal and professional life endeavors!! I would definitely stand and applaud…PETA notwithstanding…b/t/w…given enough time and federal resources, bet we could find some “skeletons” in their closets too!
curtis
December 1st, 2009
8:27 pm
THIS IS HIS SECOND YEAR IN THE LEAGUE, AND ALREADY YOU ALL ARE BASHING HIM!!!…Give this man some time!!!!!!!!….remember…what he did last year?….his first year!!!!…he’s a natural!!!!
Feels good to be MV supporter
December 1st, 2009
8:33 pm
You can’t get to heaven holding grudges. No matter how good or what a person does great for the city or people in general. Some people will never be satisified and will always complain. Those are the ones we have to continue to pray for and hope they lighten up and realize life is too short to always look at someones fault, instead seek the positive and you too will one day be a shining star. Michael Vick is and will always be a great person who happens to be a pro-athlete!
Mike Hunt
December 1st, 2009
8:36 pm
F Mike Vick.
Allyson Rohrer
December 1st, 2009
8:41 pm
Lets be positive Mike Hunt, dont say things u may regret later.
Bartkowski fan
December 1st, 2009
8:43 pm
Why would anyone cheer for Michael Vick? What has done to warrant cheering? I asked this same question when John Rocker returned? Didn’t get a satisfactory answer then, probably won’t get one now.
Mike Hunt
December 1st, 2009
8:45 pm
That was positive. I’m also positive that the ajc writers love to stir the pot to generate controversy. They can’t do much else.
Mike Hunt
December 1st, 2009
8:47 pm
Schultz,
Re: your 3:17 post…It’s “affect”. “Affect” is a verb. “Effect” is a noun. Read a book once in a while.
MB from Atlanta
December 1st, 2009
8:55 pm
“It’s going to be a standing ovation”…another example of Vick’s megalomania. He hasn’t learned a thing and I hope he gets taken out with the trash.
doggy
December 1st, 2009
9:10 pm
Jeff – I still have my kid wear a 7 jersey… it’s not a Vick jersey… it’s a Falcon’s jersey… I don’t want to buy a new one until he outgrows the 7… I despise Vick for lying to Blank over and over and sinking the Falcons… people don’t matter in the NFL… it’s wins… period.
doggy
December 1st, 2009
9:12 pm
viva Redman!!!
steve
December 1st, 2009
9:25 pm
The crowd wont be a factor anyway. It never is. Atlanta has the worst fans ever. The team loses a few games and people dont show up to the dome anymore. Bandwagon fans. And the fans that are there arent loud enough anyway. Its like theyre afraid to look stupid on tv or something. Everytime ive gone to a falcons game, its like im sitting in a dead zone. our fans are pathetic.
Russ aka UGA VII.I
December 1st, 2009
9:30 pm
Don’t like Vick…sorry azz…he had many of mine and UGA VII’s friends in VA killed for no reason…If I were to see him, I’d bite him in the dnutz!
hetch hetchy
December 1st, 2009
9:33 pm
Pretty simple. The blacks will cheer him. Just like they would OJ Simpson if he showed up. Hell, they’d cheer the guy that killed the 4 cops in Washington if he showed up. Oh wait, he can’t show up. He’s burning in hell right now.
Paul Lentz
December 1st, 2009
9:39 pm
I accepted long ago that black and white people in general (there are always exceptions) will see things differently…….just like men and women tend to see things differently (again, there are always exceptions).
Still, I feel that there is greater diversity in how white people think……as opposed to blacks. Blacks tend to be unanimous in how they look at things. From O.J. to Michael Vick…….most blacks support them…….while the majority of whites feel O.J. was guilty of murder and Vick got what he deserved.
Look at the past Presidential election: 97% of blacks voted for Obama while 43% of whites voted for Obama. Even though McCain won the white vote…….he didnt win it by nearly as much as Obama won the black vote.
Ironically, I can understand why blacks tend to be blind in their support of fellow blacks. Look at Marion Barry, former Mayor of Washington D.C. Dude was caught ON CAMERA smoking crack, and still as able to win the mayor’s election.
Gwenola
December 1st, 2009
9:48 pm
I can’t wait to see Vick. I have missed him and for all of you who hate him, stay home. I am going cheer him.
Paul Lentz
December 1st, 2009
9:55 pm
PullNoPunches………your 6:57pm posting, particularly about white Americans not liking Vick because he is a black quarterback, shows your ignorance. I think that white fans of the Atlanta were harsh on Vick, not because he was black, but because he basically wasted his natural athletic ability way before the dog fighting thing came up.
Vick has never had a great work ethic. I’m not talking about physical work ethic. I’m talking about the classroom and studying part of being an NFL quarterback. It is no secret that of all the positions in professional sports, being an NFL quarterback is the one position that one cant just get by on with just athletic ability. Because of the complexities of NFL defenses, and numerous offensive formations that a quarterback has to learn……intelligence and work ethic are just as importance as athletic ability.
I’m not saying that black quarterbacks cant learn and run a complex NFL offense. I’m saying that as more and more blacks play the quarterback position in the high school and college level………they will have less time to socialize and “be cool” than their fellow teammates. Successful NFL quarterbacks pretty much eat and breath football. They spend hours and hours in the film room and are receptive to being coached during non-practice hours.
Sure Vince Young has had a good 5 game run in Tennessee. However, part of his troubles last year was his lack of work ethic…….just like JaMarcus Russell has been criticized for his lazy approach in Oakland.
move on
December 1st, 2009
10:09 pm
I think Blank made him the highest paid QB at the time but he had to keep it real.Look how fast his so called friends and family turned on him to stay out of jail.I loved to watch him play but he cant play here.No one on this board could lie to their boss go to jail and keep their job.Its agame to us but a job to him.
gtBRAVE87
December 1st, 2009
10:10 pm
these comments are absolutely ridiculous….
vick was an exciting player who helped elevate our program, but he was on the decline( 8-8, 7-9) in his last two seasons. He committed a crime, did his time, and deserves a second chance just like everyone else in our great country. Blank decided to go a different direction and released him as opposed to tanking more seasons just to see if he could come back and play at a competitive level(which he hasnt been, self admittedly), by doing this he cleared cap room.
as for the game sunday, i will be cheering for the falcons.. I will not boo vick..i will boo the eagles because i loath them. this is a game. dont make more out of it than it is.
LantaFalcons
December 1st, 2009
10:12 pm
I could care less myself but I would expect the fans who bought tickets to see the FALCONS play and have FALCONS jerseys would boo. He’s on the opposing team simple as that. If you want to cheer him don’t do it half a$$ed, cheer him and hope the Falcons win. Go out, buy yourself an Eagle’s jersey and then cheer him if you’re going to do that.
If you’re really one of those people who thinks “what happened in the past, is in the past” then you’ll boo. If you’re one of those people, than you’ll have moved on …. he’s not on the falcons anymore … he’s playing for an opposing team …. and then opposing team’s players should get booed
Frank
December 1st, 2009
10:15 pm
I never liked the Falcons until Vick came along. They have never been a winner and probably will never be. They have the same mentality of the Falcon’s founding fathers in that they are little time wanting to be big time. Lets see what tomorrow will bring.
Chris
December 1st, 2009
10:17 pm
Go AJC – making up news nobody cares about
smacker
December 1st, 2009
10:30 pm
Bounty on Vick
http://www.smackmyvickup.com
SickOfVick
December 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
I can’t wait for Vick to return! I want to be there with my sign saying what a disgusting, worthless, piece of garbage he is.
Randy Brown
December 2nd, 2009
12:32 am
Vick is a thug and should not be allowed in the NFL.He did not just kill dogs, he tortured them.
I don’t watch any NBA because most are thugs with criminal records.
I have about reached same conclusion of NFL.
Baseball is a drug school. None of the above matters.
It’s the money $$$$$$$.Always has been always will be!
keith
December 2nd, 2009
12:38 am
Just for the record, I am white. I am a Falcons fan first, but I’m also a Vick fan. I don’t think he should have gone to jail because it was his property. I think Jim Mora jr. is a moron. Heading up to the game Sunday from South Georgia wearing a Falcons #7 jersey. Remember Atlanta, come on, this guy was our offense, our franchise, our ticket to the Super Bowl but then they fired Reeves after he got hurt. EVERYONE STAND, CLAP AND CHEER FOR THE MOST POPULAR FALCON EVER!!!
P.S. **ALL YOU PEOPLE THAT ARE WISHING INJURIES UPON ANOTHER HUMAN BEING, THAT IS WORSE THAN WHAT VICK DID TO GO TO PRISON. GO WORSHIP YOUR ANIMALS AND READ YOUR BOOK OF PETA. YOU GUYS ARE THE SICKOS
JoshuaHenry
December 2nd, 2009
12:38 am
Atlanta loves Vick! He was the best thing they had going and those that are bitter are bitter because he was their only hope! I’ll be welcoming him back to the city abd unfortunately praying for a victory over our subpar Falcons!
JoshuaHenry
December 2nd, 2009
12:38 am
Atlanta loves Vick! He was the best thing they had going and those that are bitter are bitter because he was their only hope! I’ll be welcoming him back to the city and unfortunately praying for a victory over our subpar Falcons!
Vicksanity
December 2nd, 2009
12:43 am
I applaud you Mike. Welcome backto the ATL. I can still hear it…………”GO MIKE VICK”
Todd
December 2nd, 2009
12:48 am
Vick is hands down the best QB the Falcons have ever had..i will be cheering for him in the stands on Sunday with a red Vick jersey. This will be my first Falcons game since Vicks departure. Too bad hes on the other team
JoshuaHenry
December 2nd, 2009
12:49 am
Madoff stole millions of dollars from PEOPLE!!!!! Vick killed DOGS!!!!
Ilovedogs
December 2nd, 2009
12:53 am
I love dogs..dogs are people too..dogs are as smart as humans…Vick is bad person because he dont love dogs…i think dogs should determine humans lives…and whats sad, people really think like this..insane
CFT484rfv
December 2nd, 2009
1:15 am
Vick is right when he says he’ll get a reaction from the Atlanta fans. What kinda of reaction he’ll get depends on the person and his or her view of the Mike Vick saga. As a Falcon fan, I will cheer for the ATL but I will not cheer for Vick, for he is no longer a member of the Atlanta Falcons. When Brett Favre came back to Green Bay as a member of the Minnesota Vikings, Packer fans booed him lustfully. Why did Packer fans boo Brett Favre? Because he joined a rival team in the Vikings and Mike Vick has joined the Phila Eagles a team the ATL is competing with for a playoff spot. Remember the 60 Minutes interview with James Brown on CBS? He admitted to not giving his all in games and in preparation for upcoming games. People who cheer for him Sunday are cheering for a glorified backup QB and nothing more. It’s time for the city of Atlanta to move on and embrace Matt Ryan as the face of the Falcons move on ATLANTA, move on.
bernita
December 2nd, 2009
1:41 am
GO TO HELL AND LEAVE HIM THE HELL ALONE. THERE ARE OTHERS THAT HAS DONE AND IS DOING ALOT WORSE.ATLANTA HAS PROVEN TO BE FAIR WEATHER FANS.HE HAS MORE THAN PAID ENOUGH FOR WHAT HAPPENED.( HE PAID) NOT YOU ALL!
ATL Yankee
December 2nd, 2009
1:55 am
I wonder if Vick was in Athens two weeks ago. That might explain UGA VII’s untimely demise..
Extremus
December 2nd, 2009
2:00 am
What it really boils down to, unfortunately, can be demonstrated by the simple fact that if Michael Vick were a white player and had done what he did, he wouldn’t have a single person cheering his return from the stands this week. But it goes beyond merely racism; it shows that many folks today place character, morals, and responsible behavior behind talent and athleticism on their list of desirable qualities. It’s a microcosm of our nation’s misplaced priorities the past generation.
Rory
December 2nd, 2009
2:12 am
It amazes me how people will get up in arms about certain crimes. People are ready to say he is so bad. But where is the outrage for Roman Planski who RAPED AND SODOMIZED a 13 year old girl. Once Switzerland caught him the U.S. should have been there the next day to pick him up and bring him to trial. In the Mike Vick case there were digging up his yard and making deals with his co-defandants as soon as they could. I will always say what he did was wrong but I don’t think it was bad as some crimes out there. He should have been handed down a stiff fine and probation. People steal and get less time than he did. I hope he gets on a team that will let him be a starting QB. I just want to say I believe if this had been Peyton Manning, it would not have gotten has big. I am a big Peyton fan cheer for him every Sunday, but I believe this to be true. As far as the cheering even though the circumsatances are different fans still cheered when Tim Glavine came back to play against the Braves. Fans cheered when Dominque Wilkins played against the Hawks. I believe you can have your cake and eat it too. I am Falcons fan first and would love for them to win their next five games but also root for Michael Vick. He brought a lot of excitement to pro football and the town. I wish both he and the Falcolns well.
PullNoPunches
December 2nd, 2009
3:15 am
@ Paul Lentz: First of all, I was not saying that all White Americans despised Vick because of his money and status. But “my ignorance” did not call the Rush Limbaugh show with racist comments about Vick in regard to his salary, nor did it leave hateful messages about Vick making too much money all over sports message boards containing racial pejoratives all over the internet. You’ve got a lot of work to do if you want to provide a credible argument that the media frenzy against Michael Vick was all about cruelty to animals.
And Michael Vick not having a work ethic? Are you serious? Did you forget that Vick led the Falcons to the NFC championship game? Have you forgotten how Atlanta’s record was much higher while Michael Vick was present?
Then there was this comment…
“I’m not saying that black quarterbacks cant learn and run a complex NFL offense. I’m saying that as more and more blacks play the quarterback position in the high school and college level………they will have less time to socialize and “be cool” than their fellow teammates. Successful NFL quarterbacks pretty much eat and breath football. They spend hours and hours in the film room and are receptive to being coached during non-practice hours.”
You just said a lot about your viewpoints with this statement, but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you seriously need to get to know more Black quarterbacks… or more athletes in general.