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
Christopher
November 30th, 2009
7:49 pm
Michael who???????
Mark from Georgia Born and Raised!
November 30th, 2009
8:21 pm
Any woman, who says that Mike Vick is an arrogant self-centered SOB, is simply subconsciously wishing she could have him.
Any man, who cannot respect this man’s raw talents, had a childhood of a looser mentality upbringing. Therefore, as an adult today, he is now suffering from a personal inferiority complex of hating such a superior God-given talent like a Mike Vick.
Now, who are these types of individuals?
1. From Georgia.
2. Went to UGA first, or a possible GA Tech. (I’m only questioning Tech, because they are in Atlanta, and they are more of an international institution than GA.)
3. Fair weather fans.
4. Did I say from Georgia?
5. Staunch Republicans.
Michael Vick was to Atlanta sports franchise history, as to former Mayor Maynard Jackson was courageously and singled handily the catalyst of making our city have one of largest and best airports in the world.
Enough said.
VickNow
November 30th, 2009
8:29 pm
Vick’s a ladies man! The ladies love the smooth QB with the moves baby!! Vick’s got hot women in every NFL season waiting for him.
Adam
November 30th, 2009
8:32 pm
Back when Vick was wearing the great red, white, and black, he fumbled, threw INTs, and put some points on the board for us. And he’s gonna do the exact same thing Sunday. Fumble and throw INTs that will turn into points on the board for Atlanta! Go Falcons! Get us a 7-5!!! I believe in Redman. I remember that great victory over Seattle in 07, the last year Seattle was actually a good playoff team.
An Observation
November 30th, 2009
8:40 pm
To – Proud Black Man
Many thanks for your comments. I too, being a Black man and Falcons season ticket holder for many years, am tired of the AJC sportswriters’ continued focus on Vick and flaming the racial divide in Atlanta that is hyped by these articles by Schultz. He’s been doing it all year.
I’ve been attending Falcons’ games from the Fulton County Staduim days and the Falcons have always hired Black players in key positions prior to Vick being drafted. I just wish people would get real and open their eyes and see something other than skin color….Michael Vick has two children by a woman that he’s still calling his fiancee. He is NOT NOR NEVER EVER BEEN A LEGITIMATE BLACK MALE ROLE MODEL SHOWCASING HOW TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN AMERICA so please quit trying to utilize that one as a strategy.
It is true that there are SOME Black people who still hold Michael Vick in high regard (as stated by NEWsouth) but what he failed to also mention is that there are SOME Black people who don’t. The comments would lead one to believe that ALL BLACK PEOPLE IN ATLANTA wholeheartedly support Vick….that is simply not true.
In Vick’s own words today about his Newport News speech to a middle school..”He said the kids asked some tough questions, including why Vick didn’t acknowledge his wrongdoing and express remorse until after it was clear he could no longer hide the truth. Bartlett said Vick admitted that he thought he could get away with it because he was wealthy…” Sound familiar???? I for one, did not and will not drink the kool-aid this time.
MR BRAD
November 30th, 2009
8:49 pm
MIKE IS A MAN AND GOOD QB .YES OFF THE FIELD HE HAD PROBLEMS.
WHO HAS NOT MADE MISTAKES REPEATEDLY,INSPITE OF GOOD ADVICE AND IF ANY ONE OF US THAT GOT A SPEEDING TICKET WERE NEVER ALLOW DRIVE FOR THAT FAULT.
WOULD FEEL THEIR SHOULD BE END TO YOUR CRIME AND PUNISHMENT. LIKE WISE FOR MR VICK LET HIM DRIVE AGAIN JUST LIKE YOU WOULD WANT TO SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY.
CL
November 30th, 2009
8:50 pm
Im an Eagles fan. ,I am black. I was a huge fan of Vick at Tech and I liked him with the Falcons. I supported his return to the league. But I had very mixed feelings about him becoming an Eagle. Unnecessary distraction and we had bigger needs (linebacker, RB).
I am ready for the Eagles to move on without Vick in their future. The one thing he could do well, he doesnt do well any more. He cant read a defense to save his life (we have enough with McNabb’s untimely struggles in big games)
But now he complains about being in the wildcat (what backup have you EVER seen get 2-3 snaps a game no matter what), drinks in public after being in scrutiny, and now boasts about still having fans in Atlanta when he cant even read a defense?
I cant see him starting anywhere next season (if playing at all), and if he does play, its gonna be for less than the Eagles gave him. He still has his azz on his shoulders if you ask me.
Suwanee
November 30th, 2009
8:53 pm
Playing the race card for any and every thing that involves a person of color accused of doing something against the law is just a sign of ignorance by those who play it and more importantly a lack of any REAL explanation or defense. If you are a Falcons fan then there is no way to justify cheering for Vick. We gave him the city and all of the fans jumped on his bandwagon. We bought his jerseys and everything that had to do with him. He showed his appreciation by almost destroying the team and man, Arthur Blank, that made him what he was. Now he is just a washed up quarterback that had a couple good years.
nicole
November 30th, 2009
9:04 pm
Opinions are like butts we all have one. with that said why boo the man who not only admitted to what he did but spent time behind bars for it so give him a break. To continue to throw stones is pointless one is perfect. boo or cheer its totally up to you but remember there have to be some things in your past or present that you are not proud of how would you feel if no matter what you do people will choose to treat you like a crab in a barrel? I do believe its about race black and white athletes are not treated the same, and black and white people are not treated the same by the justice system. My question is how did vick destroy the franchise and the city MWoodring? When there is a serial killer on the loose killing officers, who is really destroying the city? the man did his time so get off his back what happened to if you didn’t have anything good to say to just be quiet???
nicole
November 30th, 2009
9:05 pm
I agree MR. BRAD.
nicole
November 30th, 2009
9:10 pm
soooooo proud black man have you ever made a mistake. if vick was not a athlete no one would have ever known about what he did, do i agree with what he did no, but i do feel that people are allowed to make mistakes, and that does mean that you are less of a hard working husband of father that man has a fmily just like you i;m sure you have skeletons in your closet just like everyone else does that make you less of a proud black man? no it shows that you are not perfect no one is. he paid his debt to society shouldn’t he be given a chance?. is that not what all you strong black men preach about?????
Rebecca
November 30th, 2009
9:18 pm
Am I the only one who remembers that Vick literally gave Falcons fans the finger WHILE he was on the team???? This guy never produced for Atlanta beyond the hype and only brought shame and humiliation to this city. He was a thug then – and he is a thug now.
Dave
November 30th, 2009
9:24 pm
“Man I cannot wait for this game. I really believe he’s going to get a positive reception overall….he took this franchise to heights that it has never known.”
Woah….that’s news to me. I thought Chris Chandler and Dan Reeves to this franchise to heights that it has never known. Oh wait – they only got to the Super Bowl. Man, I forgot MV’s Super Bowl win. Mea Culpa!!!!!
Actually, I liked Vick very much before the incidents with the dogs, though I thought there were some things he did which were classless (flipping fans off, etc.).
That being said, he was an exciting player. Does he have a chance to regain his stature as a player? Maybe – but the Falcons organization did exactly the right thing to go in a different direction.
The first paragraph – a quote from an earlier reply to this blog – says it all. There are some who are unable – or unwilling – to look at the facts. They either rip Vick to sherds, or as in this case, MV is the second coming.
Myself? I’ll watch the game, hoping the 2009 edition of the Atlanta Falcons win, and will not cheer or boo Vick. He deserves a second chance, it’s time to move on, and he isn’t an Atlanta Falcon anymore. Well, nuff said.
Dwayne
November 30th, 2009
9:41 pm
Vick may get more reps with the vibe of the game. As an athlete Vick will respond at his greatest with balanced confidence. Falcons need the win tho, so I’m hopin for a statement from them as well. I’m with Dirty Birds
vee001
November 30th, 2009
10:05 pm
I’m so glad that the people who are so judgemental of Vick never had to pay the ultimate price for their mistakes, crimes, and sins. It must be nice to be perfect and sit in the seat of judgement. Never to be exposed for the world to see. This type of attitude has cost this country so much and some people won’t be happy until we are all destroyed by it. There was a crime committed and a sentence served. I guess some people won’t be happy until Vick’s life is ruined and then you will be happy? Why? I’m not celebrating his faults. I instead choose to celebrate his extraordinary talent for doing what it takes to make a touchdown. I mean it is FOOTBALL. I hope he has learned from his mistakes. I believe he might before some of the critics will learn from their mistakes because they are too busy magnifying others’ mistakes. Who has not sin, cast the first stone. With that said GO FALCONS!
need the win
November 30th, 2009
10:09 pm
The Eagles would be smart to put Vick in since Atlanta is divided on this subject and his presence on the field will be a distraction to the Falcons. For our sake, I hope Reid doesn’t play him. The best thing for our team is to not acknowledge Vick’s presence – neither boo nor cheer.
scottbravesfan
November 30th, 2009
10:44 pm
Vick’s actually their third string QB. But I could care less about Vick, I worry about McNabb. And as for who will boo and who will cheer, most of the black fans will cheer and most of the white fans will boo. Black people will defend their guys to the end while white people could care less and if a guy is a criminal he’s a criminal.
I’ll put it this way if Vick played for the Braves or Thrashers and then left he would get his ass booed hard when he came back to Atlanta. Ask Tom Glavine and Dany Heatley how the fans react when they feel you turned your back on them. You get booed. Dave Chapelle said it best Michael Jackson, R. Kelly those guys are innocent. Baretta? That guy killed that chick. Black celebrities get a break in the black community while white’s don’t.
scottbravesfan
November 30th, 2009
10:46 pm
And for the record I think Vick should get a second chance to play but let’s not act like the guy was Jesus while he was here. He gave Falcon fans the finger, admitted to not trying hard in some games, and basically threw his owner Arthur Blank under the bus.
theedge
December 1st, 2009
8:42 am
How did he destroy the franchise? How can you ask that with a straight face? For starters the void at the most impotant position on the field. The millions against the salary cap for years to come limiting the teams ability to pay draft picks and/or free agents. The huge bonus money that was paid and never earned is also a dent in the teams wallet. The division in the locker room by his actions was another parting gift. The people stating that Mr. Blank has wronged Vick in some way should put the crack pipe down and coast back down to reality.
Booing a team or a player is as American as apple pie and it happens all of the time. The first game back in the superdome after katrina I was there. New Orleans fans booed Vick, are they racist hell they booed a Pop Warner team from Atlnata that spent the weekend cleaning up parks in the city. It is what happens in real stadiums across the country and it should happen here.
DawgVoiceofReason
December 1st, 2009
12:24 pm
ATL Observer,
Good observations overall, but I wanted to correct/clarify a couple of your points below.
1) Arthur Blank did NOT make Vick a millionaire. He was NOT the owner when Vick was drafted. The younger Smith was the owner and made the decision to pull the trigger to get Vick. Mr. Blank has done a lot of good things for the Falcons, but let’s give credit where credit is due.
2) Vick spent his first full season backing up Chris Chandler. He may have started some at the end. Matt Ryan spent his first full season as the starter, leading the Falcons to the playoffs, clearly ahead of Vick. His second full season is yet to be determined …
November 30th, 2009
12:44 pm
“Here are some observations on the matter:
1) Blank was the first man to make Vick a millionaire (not the other way around).
2) Comparing Ryan to Vick is difficult because Ryan’s career is young. At this point, Ryan is a little behind in that Vick scored a playoff victory in his first full season whereas Ryan didn’t (albeit Ryan took control of a more moribund team).”
An Observation
December 1st, 2009
12:37 pm
This is only a continuing issue because Jeff Schultz and the other AJC sports writers are not willing to let it go. So what…Michael Vick is coming to town with the Philadelphia Eagles football team on Sunday. Vick is hardly utilized by the Eagles so why is this even being touted as being a major story by an AJC sports writer.
Must really be a slow day for sports news in the ATL. I could even come up with more interesting stories to write about the Falcons today other than this Vick rehashed news.
jonathan p
December 1st, 2009
12:37 pm
this will be the 1st game i will watch for atlanta FALCONS ! this seasoning all because mike will be back home in atlanta, sure there are those do not like mike, we have lots of great team members but it is always that one member that make you feel part of the team and i no longer feel part of my atlanta FALCONS ! go mike!!!!! remember there were those who hated Jesus but many Love Jesus to this day i and i am one of them Go Jesus and Mike
Eternal Optimist
December 1st, 2009
12:38 pm
Without Mike Vick the Atl Falcons would be an afterthought. Don’t front people the kid made the Falcons watchable. That being said I’m a home team fan first, but I’ll still want the kid to do well….
EricADawgFan
December 1st, 2009
1:01 pm
dean
EricADawgFan STILL equals EricABlowhard
AND DEAN STILL EQUALS DUNCE…..
Vick fan
December 1st, 2009
1:03 pm
I love Vick and will cheer for him no matter what team he play for!!! Someone alluded to race earlier. That is sick! Animals, many of you loves animals more than humans, that is sicker!!! Vick admitted his wrong, but he should never have paid the price he paid. But, it is over, I love him, support him and as a season ticket holder (because of him) I will cheer for him and Philly because I have always been a Philly fan. By the way I am a native Atlantan! Go Eagles!!!!!!!!
dude
December 1st, 2009
1:09 pm
There will be lots of boo-ing, but I don’t think there should be. Vick paid his debt to society by serving his time honorably. When he was ready to come back to the NFL, Atlanta didn’t need him. I don’t see the reason for any hard feelings. He wasn’t a true QB when Atlanta had him, and he never really fit with what the coaching staff was trying to do. It was almost a blessing that he went to jail–otherwise, we wouldn’t have Matt Ryan or (most likely) Mike Smith right now–both of whom have done excellent jobs. I think it’s best to thank him for the great years he gave us early in his career by standing and cheering for him. Of course, there’s a lot of haters out there, so I don’t see it happening.
RUsh
December 1st, 2009
1:20 pm
Bought my Ticket just to see VICK!!! Falcons arnt much to watch this year besides Turner and White…Ryan is overhyped cause hes all we have here in Atlanta…nothing like what Vick brung to the city …What he did for this city was great when the Falcons was the after thought ….VICK was the falcons and after this year when the Falcons dont make the playoffs again im sure Ryan will be on his way out 2…But I will cheer …he did his time and hes back and im sure once he finds his place in this leauge he’ll make his mark!! “they love you when you are winning,Hate you when you are losing ” nice quate and thats all to it!
Ant
December 1st, 2009
1:22 pm
I hope Andy Reid gives Donovan the day off, so Mike can rip a hole in the dirty birds. divided we stand
Val
December 1st, 2009
1:34 pm
Get a life…..Vick will show no emotion..all your boo’s will be wasted, and only the USA will see the useless noise Atlanta fans still continue to make..just enjoy the game. Let it go..Vick is not running for President.
mattyice2
December 1st, 2009
1:39 pm
Atlanta isn’t Vicks city!!! This city now belongs to Matty Ice, a quarterback not stupid enough to go to prison for dog fighting
Jordan
December 1st, 2009
1:46 pm
And I will be cheering Vick at the GA Dome with his old Jersey on against my home team. Everyone is allowed to make mistakes, and Vick is no different.
Long Time Falcon Fan
December 1st, 2009
1:54 pm
As usual people stil dont seemm to understand that this division transcends football. It illustrates the unfairness and the double standards that exists in a America in society. It illustrates how their are different sets of rules for different people. The support that you see comes from people that are frustrated and always seem to get the short end of the stick. What Vick did was very wrong. But at what point do you stop beating a man down about his mistakes. It took great stupidity on his part to do what he did, but is also takes great courage to face America and be reminded of what he did wrong. We can be a cruel and hypocritical nation at times. No wonder other countries dont like us. I just recently heard a man say in a movie, “If a man steals a pig, he goes to prison. If he steals bonds he goes to congress.” Thats us in a nut shell. Wake up America, racism is alive. and well.
E2daJ
December 1st, 2009
2:01 pm
You without SIN cast the first stone. Everyone has made mistakes and taken risks that could have caused them or some harm before they matured. Vick made a huge mistake and he has paid for it. He should be allowed to continue working so he can take care of his family. Most people hate on him because his job pays millions. Its funny no one fused or complained when our hockey player killed his team mate because he was driving drunk which is also against the law. I value both human and animal lives but I put more value on a human’s life than an animal but the punishment seems to have been more for an animal’s life than a human’s life. Someone please explain that!!!!!!!
PhyllisH.
December 1st, 2009
2:18 pm
He is a God of a second chance. Vick deserves a second chance as all of have had or will have to go through one day. You know you have messed up at some point and time in your life and got a second chance or wished someone would have given you a second chance. He did what he did, he admitted he was wrong, served his time and now working to better himself. Let go and let GOD. He shouldn’t have to suffer all his life for a mistake that he has tried to correct. He did all he was asked and required to do. He who is without sin cast the first stone. God said it, so since none of us can throw a stone. GET OVER IT. Vick is a good football player and I truly adore him and hope that he has a good game; but I love my Falcons, so, GO FALCONS!!!
Mudfish
December 1st, 2009
2:25 pm
Dear Elin,
Leave Tiger and marry me. With the alimony we can get a new double-wide
and move to Alabama. I’ll even get my teeth fixed. I’ll sang to you every night.
Love, Mudfish Elrod
LAS
December 1st, 2009
2:26 pm
Doesn’t play for the Falcons – so why would I cheer for him? Curtis Lofton – that’s a guy worth cheering for. Go Falcons!
RC Cola and a Moon Pie
December 1st, 2009
2:28 pm
I’ll tell you how I’ll react when Ron Mexico arrives – i’m going to hide my daughter AND my dog… I wouldn’t want him to infect one and kill the other
BossLady
December 1st, 2009
2:29 pm
The young man went from being the most exciting and highest paid football player to a prisoner and now a convict. In my opinion
he has paid and paid dearly for whatever mistakes and crimes he
committed. It was a sad day to see a young man ruin his life so
terribly. He had no foundations in his life and did not realize
that you have to move on as an adult to let “homeboys, roaddogs
and main man” go on their way too. I am convinced had he married
the right woman this all would have ended long before it got out
of control. Instead he had a “baby mama” who is so glad to have
him, she did not put down her feet and put him straight. Behind
every really good man there is a woman with a strong constitution.
Most men would screw up with their buddies if they did not know
it would be hell to pay when they got home to their “wives” or
mothers and sometimes sisters.
Kelli
December 1st, 2009
2:29 pm
The most important thing is for the Falcons to crush the Eagles. I am a fan of Vick’s play but the way he did the Falcons sucked. Luckily for me, I’m an adult so his personal problems are irrelevant to me. I’ll clap for him if/when he goes on the field. However, I am a Falcons fan, forever and always and we need this win BADLY! GO FALCONS!!!
mikevick forever#7
December 1st, 2009
2:30 pm
mike vick was the best athlete the falcons had ever had he single handedly won us the packer game a while ago he led this team to the nfc conference game..he was a threat everytime he touch the ball(whicj was everytime cuz he was a qb)now ppl want to BOO him…after one thing The good bible tells us u have to repent for your sins which he did..I PERSONALLY WILL CHEER FOR HIM AND THE EAGLES ON sunday and i am a falcons fan n home atl cascade boy…goVICK#7
bigmama
December 1st, 2009
2:36 pm
Vick has learned his lesson, why haven’t the people who keep on digging holes for the man. Have you ever made a mistake?
Kelli
December 1st, 2009
2:36 pm
Matty Ice has a long way to go before it becomes his city. What’s wrong with him this season? His passes are sailing high. And then there’s Redman. Lord, please deliver us from the horrific play of Redman. He was absolutely horrible. He saved himself with that last catch, though. If not for Roddy White and Tony Gonzales(this brotha is fine as heck), we would have lost that game. I don’t even want to talk about our non-existent secondary.
Kelli
December 1st, 2009
2:38 pm
Oops, my bad. I forgot about Jenkins. After dropping potential TD catches in previous games, he played very well against the Bucks. Way to rebound, Jenkins!
charlie
December 1st, 2009
2:51 pm
I will be glad when the American public can stop judging people for things they have done. Everyone has done something in their life that they are not proud of. It is self-righteous people who feel that they can judge others because they have never been caught. Michael Vick has paid his debt to society. He doesn’t owe anyone anything. So certainly, I will cheer that he has gotten his life back together. The Hell with everyone else.
Deon
December 1st, 2009
2:51 pm
It’s my city bitches!
Deon
December 1st, 2009
2:54 pm
Charlie and I can boo him. To hell with everyone else.
VickFailed
December 1st, 2009
2:56 pm
Even before the dog fighting issue, Mike Vick was going downhill. Yes, still a runner, but passing in the NFL is what a QB is about, and Vick was one of the worst. Decisions would have been made to have moved him on eventually, probably by now he would have been traded anyway. Vick doesn’t own this town, he owns a small percentage of those who are too stupid and think only about race to see Mike Vick for what he was and is. A self centered, only thinking about himself, don’t care about others mentality that let this team, this city and his race DOWN. Go ahead and keep supporting him, it only makes you look silly. I am all for forgive and forget, but the fact remains, he IS NOT a Falcon, HE DID NOT care about you while standing on the sidelines thinking about his dog fighting that would occur that night, and he could care less about you.
VickFailed
December 1st, 2009
3:01 pm
For people who keep saying he has paid his debt to society you are correct. But that doesn’t mean we cheer him as a hero either. He was a QB that did no more than waste his talents, deprived a city of hard earned money to see him play, and made a joke of a franchise and the fans of that team. Matt Ryan will be fine. His winning percentage and certainly his passing rating and percentage will be higher than Mike Vick could only dream about.
Justine
December 1st, 2009
3:05 pm
Why is there so much hate. I am not a sports fan but. But one thing I have noticed over the years is how Atlanta fans will turn on players and teams. Personally I like Vick. I think he did his time, learned his lesson and will do great. What concerns me is the hockey player who drove drunk, sped and killed his passenger and never did a day. As the kids say whatsup with that. Atlanta is such a hateful and mean spirited city in all that it does.
slaughdog
December 1st, 2009
3:06 pm
ROD- you are an inbreed sport nut