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
Daniel Bell
November 30th, 2009
4:16 pm
I had hoped Vick would come back and create more highlights, but it hasn’t happened. I’m sure he’ll be cheered and booed, but ultimately the only thing he’ll accomplish is warming a bench.
Kashi
November 30th, 2009
4:16 pm
I HAVE A SOLUTION HOW TO WIN THIS SUNDAY AND THAT IS PLAY **SMART**. McNab is old to run ball, he is going to take long shots…double coverage. REDMAN MUST FAKE EVERY SNAPS AND BRING OUR NO-HUDLE GAME FOR FULL FIRST QUARTER to make defense to work hard. Eventually Eagles defence will be tricked with fake PLAYS by redman where he can take a good long shots. Bring lots of blitzzz. Offensice coordinator needs to be more creative. I haven not seen screen pass in falcons game lately? Where it is…………?
otisnixonsmokescrack!
November 30th, 2009
4:19 pm
I’m really sad now…. We’ll trade you Vick back to the Falcons if Chic-Fil-La agrees to open up their Phila. area locations on Sundays…. Deal?
At0wnfitted
November 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
Honestly I dont see or know many Vick haters. The ones that do hate him are probably PETA files or people who love dogs to an extreme.
jmt
November 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
Get over it he has moved on why dont you writers move on it looks like you should be trying to figure out how you are going to get a win again this year which it does not look like you will. 6-10 and you are trying to see what MV7 is doing. He is happy just to have a life outside of prison and be able to be in the league. It is time to move on. Or is Sgt Schultz not trying to work again this week. This is getting old and tired.
ATL Observer
November 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
@At0wnfitted, I don’t think all Vick-haters fall under the “PETA/animal lovers” category. A lot of them fall under the ‘why did Vick lie to the Falcons and knowingly jeopardize the team’s plans surrounding him by participating in illegal activity” category. The ones I know fall under that category. He could have committed robbery or tax evasion and these people would feel the same.
One friend of mine said it best: “the issue to me isn’t what he did to the dogs, it’s what he did the team.”
harleyman
November 30th, 2009
4:27 pm
I still don’t understand all the hubbub about Vick. Shaub was the best QB the Falcons let get away since Favre.
Kenny
November 30th, 2009
4:28 pm
Jeff Schultz
You should ask the question will the Falcons win. Mike Vick is not a Falcon and why you have to go there ! Mike don’t care about the Falcons, no more than you care about him. Let that young man live his life. I forgot you like to hear all the racist comments. Schultz
you are a JOKE !
otisnixonsmokescrack!
November 30th, 2009
4:28 pm
Vick would’ve been better off playing in the Canadian Football League or something. At least he could’ve worked on his game a lot more. He’s nothing more than a Freak-show here in Philly. What NFL team is going to take shot on this guy as their starter now? You reap what you sow as they say. But it’s still pretty sad to see.
Vick's the Man!
November 30th, 2009
4:31 pm
After the bad way he was treated by Arthur Blank, Vick will be ready to pour it on this weekend when he gets in the game. Look for some big runs from Michael from the wildcat formation to ice the game late.
otisnixonsmokescrack!
November 30th, 2009
4:34 pm
How was he treated badly buy your owner? He gave Vick a chance to come clean and MV7 whiffed big time. No?
theedge
November 30th, 2009
4:37 pm
Who cares! HE is not in the starting line-up this secondary could probably defend his passes. He paid for his crime that is over what is not over is the damage done to the Falcons Franchise that is why I will loudly Boo him from my seat so he doesn’t think it is a standing ovation.
Tena
November 30th, 2009
4:40 pm
After reading many of the comments,it’s clear that most of you are worse than Michael Vick will ever be.What if your child did something wrong or committed a crime and no one would forgive him or her, or better yet, what if it was you, then how would you feel. It’s time to stop all the hating and give a human being as much love as you give these animals, who cannot even bring you a glass of water. What Mike did was wrong, and he has done his time.Do what fans normally does, choose a team (not a person) that you want to win, cheer them on and have fun! Just stop hating!! You don’t have to like someone, but you surely should show some respect! I love Michael Vick and wish him well. I think he has learned his lesson.
Jean Shonay
November 30th, 2009
4:44 pm
@how2fish
is like OMG!!! sum ppl think soooo highly of themselvez!! come down a couple stairz b4 i push u! haha. It’s satire crazy. I am a Falcons fan and Michael Vick fan. I will be wearing a number 7 jersey. So if you don’t like Vick, stay out of my face. Thank you.
EricADawgFan
November 30th, 2009
4:45 pm
ATL Observer,
I stand by my comments…..
Paul
November 30th, 2009
4:48 pm
It’s amazing to me the number of people that post here that just react to other people’s comments and have no opinion or comment of their own. I’m still trying to figure out why the Eagles are paying M. Vick($1.5M??) for “cameo” appearances. Maybe a tax deduction??
EricADawgFan
November 30th, 2009
4:50 pm
I hope Vick comes down to the Dome and Play very well. Not saying that they beat the Falcons because I am a Falcons fan. But I want him to come back to the Dome and show the Vick fans that he still has it, and can do it in any fashion.
ATL Observer
November 30th, 2009
4:50 pm
@EricADawgFan, if you stand by your comments, then why did you ask me “where did anyone say they were rooting against the Falcons?” If you don’t think your comments mean that, then why not extrapolate to defend your point?
And if you ARE cheering against the Falcons, then don’t front like you’re a Falcons fan.
ATL Observer
November 30th, 2009
4:50 pm
(sorry Eric, you clarified right before I clicked “Send.” Happily disregard!)
JSS
November 30th, 2009
4:51 pm
Jeff Schultz, 75 and clear today… To bad you missed the end of UCLA-SC Saturday night, if it was a afterthought before, it won’t be anymore! Have you reached the quota yet? Who is going to Tampa Saturday, you or Bradley?
Montrell
November 30th, 2009
4:51 pm
I’ll be at the game with my #7 jersey—cheering on Michael Vick! He got hosed by the falcons.
74 Dawg
November 30th, 2009
4:51 pm
If you are a Falcon fan, Vick is a side issue this week. We are basically having to win 4 out of five now to extend the season. And next week we get the Saints , likely w/o Turner or Ryan. This is virtually an elimination game.
JSS
November 30th, 2009
4:51 pm
And that is “too bad.”
JSS
November 30th, 2009
4:57 pm
Here is a scary thought, you do realize that Chris “Chandelier” was more durable than Matt Schaub has been during his career… Utterly frightening!
74 Dawg
November 30th, 2009
4:57 pm
Najeh…Najeh, Najeh…I don’t even know where to begin.
Jake B
November 30th, 2009
4:58 pm
Why would you cheer for the same guy who gave you all the finger!!!!
yo mama
November 30th, 2009
4:59 pm
truly, if this situation can be compared to a marriage, and therefore i would ask you,”would you forgive your spouse of such a violent act, and still forgive that person who lied to the feds, the fans, the league, and the media, about their involvement of such a violent act upon dogs, would you forgive your spouse for such an act?” I didn’t think you would. Michael Vick violated everyone in society with his actions. he cost the falcons dearly, in the millions. he cost arthur blank three seasons of salary cap hits in the millions, without his service. vick hadnt had a winning season in the NFL since 2004. Whats their to forgive. He got what he wanted, reinstatement. Philly signed him to dangle in front of teams for trade bait. everyone has an agenda, and mine is to not support michael vick anymore. the damage is done. he means nothing to me anymore. so, i would boo that guy every play, time he steps on the field.
JSS
November 30th, 2009
5:00 pm
If you don’t where to begin, maybe you should never start… Just an observation…
Rich Pellegrino
November 30th, 2009
5:01 pm
It’s funny that you said leave racial “overtones” out of this (if you meant racial put-downs, I wholeheartedly agree) since this whole story is colored by racial overtones. This is America and the South (with many remnants of Jim Crow still alive and well–we all should know–since the justice department at all levels does not dispute–that a black male is likely to be punished 3 to 10 times harsher than a white male–and, my opinion, is scrutinized and criticized 100x more (I am white but have a multi-racial family–and I see it all the time.) So, he has been punished for three of our wrongs–let’s forgive and forget and move on without any more negative scrutiny. We can now go back to praising what is good…
FALCON JOSH
November 30th, 2009
5:13 pm
You can cheer or boo for his a$$ sitting on the bench. Who cares!!!
Eagles Message Board
November 30th, 2009
5:16 pm
“Give Vick a clipboard and make Kolb the second stringer” and
“From dogkiller to potential drive killer.” Ah, gotta love the City of Brotherly Love…
ACE
November 30th, 2009
5:18 pm
He’s the poster child for wasted talent
Numberonehawksfan
November 30th, 2009
5:19 pm
It’s really sad that my people can’t see when they are being duped. Face it ATL, MV duped all of us. If you went to a car lot and paid full price for a brand new ride and then found after purchasing it, that it never worked the way that it should, kept giving you problems and then put you on the side of the road and you had to continue making payments. That’s how you should be thinking of MV. MV knows (just like all of you) that the U.S. has a history of being a racist country and unfortunately it hasn’t changed with the election of Obama (please stop saying that it has whoever’s saying it). He took YOUR MONEY and ran with it not caring if you spent your hard earned money to buy tickets to a game to see him. Any athlete or high profile person (no matter what race–look at Tiger this week–he doesn’t claim to be African American) is subject to scrutiny. He knew the job was dangerous when he took it and I’m certain that he knew that people would be watching him BECAUSE he’s a black quarterback. Sorry, gotta be smarter if you know the deck is stacked against you…If I were at the game, I would definitely be booing…
Manny
November 30th, 2009
5:26 pm
So the worst scenario of them all just happened: Matt Ryan will not play this Sunday!
That’s the worst possible scenario for him, because it looks like he wants no part of this game or controversy. I really want to root for Matt Ryan, and I thought that he would at least be on the field to try. But for him not being able to go- there goes the season.
I don’t know: turf toe is a monster. It hurts like a bugger, but bad toe and all, I’m finding a way onto that field with the season on the line. I mean, what else are we holding out for? Another week? The Philly game is do-or-die!
Oh well, I will be at the game, too. And I’m going to root for the Falcons, but I will cheer for Mike Vick. But Matt Ryan? I simply don’t know about him.
j
November 30th, 2009
5:28 pm
It’s amazing to me the number of people that post here that just react to other people’s comments and have no opinion or comment of their own. I’m still trying to figure out why the Eagles are paying M. Vick($1.5M??) for “cameo” appearances. Maybe a tax deduction??
—–
simple buddy. 1. The ufl was willing to offer him this much and goodell begged philly to not allow mv7 to help the rival league.
2. Mcnabb is injury prone and kevin kolb had never started an nfl game before this season. Vick was merely an insurance policy, remember he has a winning record in the nfl and was a 3 time probowl qb.
The eagles could potentially get a second round pick for him next year.
JSS
November 30th, 2009
5:31 pm
You know, you know what you people need? Some humor!!! Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVov6NJU2tk
Eagles Message Board
November 30th, 2009
5:33 pm
“I hope they get five first round picks for Vick, but he sucks and they won’t.”
NCleve
November 30th, 2009
5:35 pm
The sad apart about this is true…. it will be divided among racial lines. ….and the bad part it will come from a community that sees that he has paid his dent to society and deserves a second chance. The other community will say…. you never get a second chance. Booo!!!!! Life experiences go along way when you have been down. The funny thing… I think about about is when Carrie Prejean was high and mighty making a stand and we got to peak in her closet. I’d like to peak in all of these detractors closet. We can always be big behind a computer in anomymity. Let’s root for our favorite player regardless. It’s a game.
obamaSUX
November 30th, 2009
5:42 pm
I like Vick and will cheer for him.
Cedrick
November 30th, 2009
5:42 pm
Your right there will be a reaction when Vick returns to Atlanta.
1) The game will be sold out early
2) There will be more Vick fights in and outside the stadium than at any game.
3) Unlike Ryan, Vick has played hurt and most of the city still loves him.
4) Despite the economy people are going to spend their money to watch one game this year (Philly vs Atl)
I loves this our scrubb sore toe, pass forcing, over throwing, jelly arm QB has already been ruled out Monday 6 days before the game. I would have thought they would have waited until the injury report to say that but no, the guy has not HEART. Yes, Vick has played very little but I have watched more Philly football games this year than any other. I understand Vick is gone because of what Vick did to himself, I just wish out new QB would show he can be better than Vick right now I do not see it!!!!
LONG LIVE MIKE VICK!!!!!! Welcome home!!
Felix the Cat
November 30th, 2009
5:47 pm
As a season ticket holder and a die hard falcons fan..I will be a little saddened by seeing Vick in another uniform. His coming to the Falcons was the start of me getting season tickets. Yes I like dogs, but don’t own any. Have two cats so I do like/own animals. The reason I am sad is that a young man wealthy beyond his years did not have the proper mentoring to get beyond this behavior and because of this he lost most of his money, fame and wasted a couple of years that could have gone into refining his talent. Yes I will wear my Mike Vick jersey and I will let the booing go to those who feel justified in doing so..I will wear my Atlanta Vick Jersey to show my pride of what once was…what could have been…if not for some careless mistakes from a young man. From me will really be a moment of remembrance and silence….
An Observation
November 30th, 2009
5:51 pm
To be honest…Warrick Dunn ACTUALLY did more for the actual residents of Atlanta than Michael Vick ever did. Vick’s charitible contributions to the Atlanta area were miminal at best based upon his reported income while he was in Atlanta.
I don’t wish anything bad upon Vick but what did he do for the actual City of Atlanta other than sell tickets for a football game? His two charitible foundations were was a ruse because only 12% went to actual charities. So when you talk about what he did for Atlanta…..say what???? Provide some actual factual numbers/dollars/metrics etc. and not just blow smoke with feel good statements and untruths.
Manny
November 30th, 2009
6:09 pm
An Observation-
I understand what you are coming from. Warrick Dunn continues to do a lot here in Atlanta and in other cities.
But here’s where I make the departure. Selling football tickets actually did much more for the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia than any charitable contribution. See, taxes are the key, here. Plus, revenues from the Georgia Dome is another- which was huge during Vick’s tenure. The Falcons are valuated much lower now than when Vick was QB so there is a drop in revenue going to the city and state as a result.
The Georgia Dome is owned and operated by the State of Georgia, along with the Georgia World Congress Center. A full Dome is revenue not only for the Falcons, but also for the city and state.
Look before I leap
November 30th, 2009
6:09 pm
@NEWSOUTH!: MY take on Vick?
Crime, trial, time.
He paid a heavy price for his numbskull actions.
He was NOT however victimized by Arthur Blank. Had an employee of mine stood toe to toe with me and looked me in the eye and lied to my face, you can damn sure bet the termination papers would have beat him home.
He has moved on and so have I – and so should everyone else.
I want the Falcons to win next week as it is a critical game for Atlanta and I doubt Vick will be much of a factor either way come game day.
About middle school, michael vick, newport, dogfighting, eagles | Find me About
November 30th, 2009
6:41 pm
[...] 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… [...]
John 8:7
November 30th, 2009
7:31 pm
I will cheer……What he did was terrible and served a sentence most receive 6 months or probation. Why boo him? Why do we beat down those who are already down? Mike Vick knew he was wrong, but not to the degree of the “vast majority” opinion. Let it go and let GOD.
John 8:7
November 30th, 2009
7:39 pm
NCleve….I’m with ya.
We are amazingly hypocritical in this country.
John 8:7
November 30th, 2009
7:42 pm
Nice blog Rich Pellegrino….your speaking TRUTH….alot of US cAnt handle.
paw paw
November 30th, 2009
7:47 pm
Vick blew his chance here. What a fool…Not a race thing here just the way he tried to do the Pete Rose and Barry Bonds gameplan and think he was above the law. What would happen to regular Joe if he did this? People wants to make this a race or O.J. issue.. Let the fools cheer him,just not from this house.
John 8:7
November 30th, 2009
7:48 pm
You too Teena
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2009/11/30/vicks-return-will-illustrate-division-in-atlanta/comment-page-4/#comment-84943