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
keith milner
December 2nd, 2009
9:39 pm
WHAT VICK DONE WAS VERY AWFUL, HOWEVER WHAT THEY DONE TO JESUS CHRIST WAS A LOT WORSE AND HE FORGAVE THEM, VICK IS A HUMAN BEING AND I GURANTEE ALL THE PEOPLE WHO ARE SO DOWN ON HIM ARE NOT SO PERFECT THEMSELVES INCLUDING MYSELF. “GIVE MERCY AND YOU SHALL RECIEVE MERCY” JESUS CHRIST.
Dave Suttles
December 3rd, 2009
8:49 am
Vick has paid his dues for the horrible mistake he made. That I forgive him for. However, there is NO forgiving the the lack of loyalty for his team mates, the fans, the city of Atlanta & for his boss. This is a TEAM sport. There is no I in Team. Unfortunately, that is ALL Michael Vick was, is & always will be about. Screw him.
JYD
December 3rd, 2009
9:38 am
It’s the Eagles vs. the Falcons players get traded/cut/signed else where in professional sports,i just moved here from up-north never been a MV fan,but i don’t hate him either let’s just go cheer the home team to victory. MV will come play and go back but will still be here.
EricADawgFan
December 3rd, 2009
12:56 pm
I will cheer Michael Vick when he comes into the Dome…. He has made Millions for the Franchise, and put a new meaning in winning for the Falcons. I will wear number 7 jersey and cheer for him. However; i am a Falcon fan and I hope that Atlanta wins. But I do want Michael to play and have a stellar performance. Show the people that he still has it.
About atlanta return, atlanta falcons, michael vick, philadelphia eagles, game | Find me About
December 4th, 2009
12:41 am
[...] Except for this 34-yard run against Chicago, Michael Vick has been a non-factor for 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. …Read Original Story: Vick's return will illustrate division in Atlanta – Atlanta Journal C… [...]
About atlanta falcons, michael vick, philadelphia eagles, game | Find me About
December 4th, 2009
10:42 am
[...] Except for this 34-yard run against Chicago, Michael Vick has been a non-factor for 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. …Read Original Story: Vick's return will illustrate division in Atlanta – Atlanta Journal C… [...]
JenC
December 6th, 2009
3:16 pm
He tortured living beings for money and fun. Hang and shot doges. He got time in jail for that but he has no remorse. He still smirks and pulls the wool over everyone eyes. He makes me sick so do his fans. People like him who abuse animals make me sick. Why is everyone so in love with this lowlife?
In contrast Plaxico Burress accidentally dropped a gun, did not hurt or kill anyone or anyhting but himself, but he is spending more time in prison then Vick. Where is the support for Plaxico Burress? He’s got a family, children and because he dared to have a gun on him, people don’t care about him in prison. Plaxico showed humility and remorse for the stupid accident and took full responsibility, Michael Vick is still making excuses and I can’t see where he changed. Michael Vick did horrendous things to living beings and has zero remorse. It’s still all about him. Has anyone of you ever imagined what it must have been like to be electrocuted, drowned or thrown in the ring as bait? And Vick participated fully in these acts. Everything is upside down if he can be a hero again. The NFL, the media and the Vick fans makes me sick with their thug worship. If you want to feel sorry for someone fell sorry for the family of Plaxico Burress.
JenC
December 6th, 2009
3:48 pm
So it looks like the Falcons are losing. Well what do you expect when you create all this bad karma. Half of the Falcons Fans are really cheering for Vick and the Eagles so the get their wish. Bad Karma for the Falcons Team. Falcons lose! Heck even the Falcon’s Owner doing the secret handshake with the Animal Torturer. The Falcons owner is such a naive man. Vick lied to him over and over and made him look like a fool, he is still not getting it. What a sucker!