How does Vick win folks back? He can start by Tweeting
The Wall Street Journal ran a story last week on “The Reinvention of Michael Vick,” and the article hit the same familiar points: Might need to re-start as a Wildcat quarterback; must take less money up front to prove himself; could be better off trying the United Football League first.
At this point, I’m as much intrigued by the reinvention of Michael Vick the person. What’s his strategy — I’m assuming he has one — to win back the public he lost when he pleaded guilty? What does he need to do to sway hearts and minds? So I asked a public relations professional.
Gail Sideman has her own firm in Milwaukee — it’s Publiside; catchy name, huh? — and she’s familiar with athletics (she worked as an intern under Claude Felton in Georgia’s sports information office) and Atlanta (she was the Metro Conference’s publicist when the Metro Conference existed and was based here) and electronic media (she works in TV). She’s also a leading exponent of social media, meaning Facebook and Twitter.
I asked her to sketch out a few top-of-the-head bullet points, and she did way more than that. Here, without further ado, is Ms. Sideman’s Quick Fix for Vick:
1. Michael Vick has to talk. He has done time in prison, but has not demonstrated remorse or apologized for his actions. He must talk to his public/fans.
2. He must show he’s human — social media would be a good start for that (really). He could put out some personal thoughts and communicate with fans/potential marketing partners. Right now few want anything to do with him because he’s a felon who instigated the killing of animals. If he wants to show he’s a good guy, he’s got to communicate that sincerely and consistently. His Tweets — or other comments via social media — should include his passion for football, desire to make an honest living and tidbits about his family interactions.
3. AFTER he’s reestablished a connection with football fans and communities and only after he’s garnered some trust should he do any PSAs (public service announcements) for the Humane Society or ASPCA. He must admit to his insensitive, cruel crime and connect with people, many of whom are pet lovers. THEN he can speak about being kind– and SHOW his kindness — to animals. Otherwise, these PSAs look phony and part of canned speak.
4. I’m sure Tony Dungy has spoken at length about this, but Vick has to leave the friends of his youth behind to show he’s moved onto a more trustworthy support system. He needs to surround himself, socialize and work with people with clean images. Guilt by association will continue to rule his life and being with innocent people will go a long way toward restoring his image — maybe even improve what it once was.
Loading ...Me, I’d say this makes great good sense. There’s nothing outlandish involved, just basic PR. And lo and behold, the AJC’s Megan Matteucci is reporting Vick will be coming here this weekend for, of all things, a Humane Society event.
And the social media aspect, I must say, is most intriguing. Imagine Michael Vick on Twitter. Think he’d draw a few followers? A few hundred thousand? More even than Shaq and Ashton Kutcher combined?
(Oh, and if you’d like to follow Ms. Sideman on Twitter — you’ll learn things, I promise — she’s @Publiside.)
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104 comments Add your comment
Reid Adair
August 3rd, 2009
3:10 pm
I don’t know that Twitter would help Michael that much. To me, he is better getting out into communities and SHOWING he has changed (assuming, of course, that he has).
Perhaps that will help get him back in good graces with much of the general public.
Hillbilly Deluxe
August 3rd, 2009
3:16 pm
I don’t know a thing about twittering. If Vick keeps a low profile, stays out of trouble and goes some place and produces, it’ll all work out. As Harry Caray said, longevity beats scandal.
TommyP
August 3rd, 2009
3:18 pm
All I know is when I click on a Twitter link, I get one big page with one small sentence. Typical for a generation that can’t stand to read. (now I sound like my dad)
ATLinDenver
August 3rd, 2009
3:21 pm
Bradley, you are a good writer but this incessant rehashing of all things Vick by you and
Schultz needs to stop. It seems to be a cheap and lazy method to drive traffic to the ajc website.
Regardless of whether the bloggers are for or against Vick, all the possible opinions on both sides
have been stated ad nauseum. There is nothing new to add to this subject so please move on to something
different.
Dude
August 3rd, 2009
3:22 pm
Vick needs to post gnarly pictures of himself doing tricks on skateboards and BMX bikes on the internet. That’ll win folks back!
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 3rd, 2009
3:25 pm
He should go door to door……..and do gnarly tricks
Pepe Frias
August 3rd, 2009
3:30 pm
Vick could teach a microwave cooking class down at the local community center. Or a cake decorating class. That might win some folks back.
midnite
August 3rd, 2009
3:32 pm
I have been asking that question for over a year. He has in no way tried to repair his image. Why no public speaking? Why no book written? Why no 60 Minutes interview or similar?
He has shown no remorse for his crimes and stupidity. If he would have “come clean” at the beginning he would have had a one year suspension from the NFL and probably only probation from Virginia. I don’t think the Feds would have gotten involved either. He has the worst lawyers in the USA, got all his money and he still served two years. Lying is a severe character flaw and shows the lack of a moral foundation.
The ignorance of his chosen gangster lifestyle is beyond comprehension and led to his downfall. What a fool.
mitch
August 3rd, 2009
3:34 pm
Dear Mr. MB–he should learn that appearence is everything, substance nothing and act accordingly. Your pal, Mitch
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 3rd, 2009
3:35 pm
Look people in the eye. Quit saying “um”, licking his lips followed by “knowwhatI’msaying”. In general, act 29 and as a well meaning parent.
Michael
August 3rd, 2009
3:39 pm
You assume Vick can write well. I don’t know if he can or not, but a lot of athletes — and people in general — don’t really need to be on Twitter to win hearts and minds. When you can’t figure out the difference between loose and lose, I’m not really going to be first in line to forgive you of killing a bunch of dogs.
A better way to “repent” would be to do some volunteer work at an animal shelter. As far as football, it’s kind of a joke that no team wants him. Almost any other player convicted of a crime is welcomed back with open arms, usually by his own team. You’ve gotta be kidding me that there are 32 teams perfectly content with their QBs.
FALCONS SORRY
August 3rd, 2009
3:43 pm
MARK BRADLY! MIKE VICK DONT HAVE TO ANSWER TO YOU OR ANY OF YOUR KIND! VICK IS HIS OWN MAN AND HE HAS HIS OWN MIND AND HIS PROFESSIONAL RESUME SPEAKS FOR ITSELF! YOU NEED TO KEEP BRINGING UP HIS NAME TO GET PEOPLE TO READ YOUR ARTICLES AND KEEP YOUR JOB BRADLY SO YOU BETTER RECOGNIZE AND SHOW PROPER RESPECT! HIS RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF WITH ALL THE GOOD HE HAS DONE IN THE COMMUNITY AND HELPING KIDS AND POOR FAMILIES! ALL HE DID WAS MAKE ONE SILLY LITTLE MISTAKE WITH SOME WORTHLESS PIT BULLS THAT NORMALLY NO BODY CARES ABOUT ANYWAY AND YOU ALL WANT TO ACT HOLIER THAN THOU AROUND HIM! HE WILL MAKE MILLIION$$$$ FOR WHICHEVER TEAM IS SMART ENOUGH TO PROCURE HIS SERVICES! YOU CAN NOT REINVENT THE WHEEL THAT WORKS PERFECT SO WHY WOULD ANYBODY THINK THE GREATEST AND MOST EXCITING QUARTERBACK TO EVER STEP ON A FIELD WOULD NEED TO CHANGE ANYTHING! IF IT IS NOT BROKE DONT BREAK IT! HIS HATERS LIKE YOU MARK BRADLY OWNLY HELP MAKE HIM MORE DETERMINED AND ONLY MAKE HIM STRONGER! KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND DONT LISTEN TO ANY OF THESE PETA LOVING SISSY HATERS LIKE THIS SORRY JOURNALIST MIKE!
IDC
August 3rd, 2009
3:45 pm
Still can’t understand your fascination with all things Vick. He’s no longer a Falcon, doesn’t live in Atlanta and isn’t playing football. That’s about as non-story as you can get.
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 3rd, 2009
3:47 pm
FALCONS SORRY- “OWNLY”, lmao!!! What a tard.
Mort Merkel
August 3rd, 2009
3:50 pm
Falcons Sorry is a troll who no more believes what he writes than a politician believes what he says. Look away.
gordidawg
August 3rd, 2009
3:54 pm
this comment to falcons story….you are not helping his cause!!!!!
Mac
August 3rd, 2009
3:55 pm
She’s right. He’s got to talk sometime. But, if you ever listened to his AirTrain commercials, it sounded like he was reading a script (poorly) with rocks in his mouth. His interviews were not much better. Whatever happened to that speech coach, Reeves wanted to fix him up with?
Ken Stallings
August 3rd, 2009
3:57 pm
PR! PR! PR!
I guess I can understand how people who earn their livings with words resort to PR as the elixr for what ailes you! However, might I suggest something more basic?
How about good behavior!
Say, we expect Mike Vick to go a full year with his nose clean — not a spot of trouble, intrigue, or rebuke. He achieves one full year upon the planet as a model citizen. Then, we can start seeing something.
After that first year we can evaluate anew his worth as a football player.
I’m not a member of PETA, and frankly I think many in PETA have become rather extreme. However, what Vick and Co. did was truly reprehensibly cruel and bitter. That doesn’t go away in a pony show of PR. It takes more than remorse. It takes reformation. And the only logical manner to evaluate reformation is through a lack of recidivism.
As one says, “The ball is in your court, Michael!”
MarkSilverstein
August 3rd, 2009
3:59 pm
Mike Vick should first wipe the smirk off his face and learn to smile. Vick feels the NFL owes him a job. Fame and fortune came too quick for Vick and now Vick doesnt know how to recapture it. Vick should sprint into the media rooms, grab a microphone and tell the world JUST HOW SORRY HE IS FOR MAKING A FOOL OF HIMSELF. That would go a long way in restoring his standing in the community and in the nfl.
Larvell Blanks
August 3rd, 2009
3:59 pm
Good one, Pepe.
Glenn
August 3rd, 2009
4:06 pm
The best thing Michael Vick can do is not say a word . Those Airtran radio commercials made him sound like such an idiot . So fine , let him Twitter . Twitter & let his lawyers speak for him . He just doesn’t need to say anything unless absolutely necessary .
matt r
August 3rd, 2009
4:10 pm
“She’s also a leading exponent of social media”… I always thought 2 (maybe 3?) was a leading exponent of x.
mitch
August 3rd, 2009
4:15 pm
Dear Mr. MB–as far as appearence is concerned, he should always walk real slow in a self-absorbed saunter, and he should gaze at things far off in the distance, never at things nearby. When someone speaks to him, he should give a brief reply without a glance. He should say, “Absolutely,” every chance he gets. He should seldom smile, and he should wear his shades on top of his head. He should not scratch or spit. Your pal, Mitch
Dawg Foot
August 3rd, 2009
4:18 pm
Do you think Vick knows how to use a computer? Come on now.
Mark Bradley
August 3rd, 2009
4:22 pm
Mitch, are we talking about Michael Vick or Clint Eastwood?
All I'm Saying Is...
August 3rd, 2009
4:22 pm
Buried in step #3 is the First thing he needs to do: “He must admit to his insensitive, cruel crime and connect with people, many of whom are pet lovers.” I would suggest he do this on either one major talk show (Oprah or Larry King) or via giving one major lengthy interview (60 Minutes) where he owns up to his many errors and bad decisions, say he has payed for his crimes, and is seeking to earn redemption not for himself but for his family’s sake. Major problem is the fact that the dude is not the most eloquent lad nor the brightest bulb in the box.
Max61
August 3rd, 2009
4:24 pm
…………As one goes around the net to different newspaper web sites, you see a unique personality for each area of the US……Mark, the posters in this area are something else………The Vick supporters seem to spend all their time attacking the journalist…….Never discussing all that is wrong with Michael Vick……An example would be your poster, Falcons Sorry………..Jeff Schultz seems to spend all his time shutting down his web site due to foul mouthed posters……Everything Vick does is only what his attorney has told him to do……Every attorney makes an assessment of his client at the beginning, and decides if that client should ever get on the stand and talk…………..Vick is one of those clients who should never speak……….He is not mentally capable to come across as anything but a PR show……His attorney knowes this…..That is why he has kept Vick from talking………The re-instatement of Vick was wrong……..I hope no team takes him…..ever
bali smith
August 3rd, 2009
4:34 pm
I am old school how do you tweet
Larvell Blanks
August 3rd, 2009
4:39 pm
Max61 seems intelligent enough to realize Falcons Sorry is a put-own, who writes that stuff just to get a rise out of folks. Guess not.
Larvell Blanks
August 3rd, 2009
4:39 pm
put-on
mitch
August 3rd, 2009
4:57 pm
Dear Mr. MB–but he still has a problem, viz., he needs to stay out of trouble, and to do that he needs to stay occupied. I suggest he take as a project how many of those paired pictures at the bottom of the web sports pages asking whether the viewer can identify the difference between them. Working under a self imposed honor system, he could call in his answer to the AJC sports web site daily, and a monthly target could be set as a goal. Shortly, the whole world would be rooting for him, and the whole world would be transformed. Your pal, Mitch
Hercule Poirot
August 3rd, 2009
5:00 pm
Why did Leland become Mitch?
Dennis
August 3rd, 2009
5:02 pm
Jeez-Louise!!!
Didn’t training camp just open? If you couldn’t find anything to write about **the Atlanta Falcons**, I’d suggest you get away from your desk and check out what’s happening.
Enough on that guy already!
FALCONS SORRY
August 3rd, 2009
5:26 pm
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wink
August 3rd, 2009
5:42 pm
Yeah that makes a lot of sense, yeah Mike tweet to us!
1. He must talk to his public/fans.
First, Mike was under a gag order by the courts. Now he is no longer has to refrain from talking, but while he has done 23 months or more of not talking, then he should continue to operate under the gag order, self imposed of course…there was a reason the courts imposed it,so that should still be good for the public.
2. He must show he’s human — social media…yeah that will show them. Mike tell us what you doing right now…wait I know the answer…”I trying to get a job”. That alone would generate a media ground swell for twisting every tweeted word for their own purposes. As is people are making things up, so why add fuel to the fire.
3.PSAs (public service announcements) for the Humane Society or ASPCA…you did not mention PETA. Really, Mike is their poster boy, just wait until he gets a job with a team PETA will be right there. He could not possibly do enough PSA to break that bond, with Vick, there is no PETA. I not heard much from them, unless Vick name surfaces in the same forum. Why don’t we do a PSA on enthunasia…that’s not very humane to me, but happens everyday…dog, cats are put to death.
4….being with innocent people will go a long way toward restoring his image. Really, how would he know who’s innocent. Should he run a background screen on every person he encounters. Should he get a job, when approached by media, would they all be innocent. Blanks is a prudent man, he gave Vick $130 million dollars. Seems to me every man is innocent until proven guilty. Once proven guilty, you always guilty it seems, after doing 23 months, there still is no redemption for Vick. Maybe he should have commited a more human crime, instead of animal cruelty. The penalty has proven to be far greater animal cruelty than crimes others have commited against humanity.
There’s really nothing Mike can talk about that the court of public opinion would not crucify him for.
Leave the man alone…if get a job fine and if he does not fine…he not the first to be called felon, file for bankruptcy, knock from his pedestal, or lose a lot of money…leave the man alone media (social network).
THE TRUTH HURTS
August 3rd, 2009
5:59 pm
How lame , Mark Bradley. After time off I would expect a little more effort. As is evidenced by the interest in Vick’ services, NO ONE GIVES A TWEET about Michael Vick
Ken Stallings
August 3rd, 2009
6:11 pm
Wink, interesting perspectives. Mostly logical. Though once again, someone desires to put up a belief Vick’s crime harm him worse. Lacks logic!
I can guarantee that electrocuting to death a single person, much less dozens of them, would practically guarantee a man’s future in the NFL would rank the least of his problems!
That Vick served merely two years or so in jail and might one day ply his optimal trade again, speaks directly to the reality (fact that is) that crimes against animals are judged vastly less than crimes against humanity.
Fine, logical! But let’s at least, as rational humans, try not again to put forward a falsehood. Vick was judged precisely in accordance with law. No less or no more was his fate. And once a convicted criminal, getting rehired by your former employer is a difficult prospect.
I think there’s a middle ground here between fools who want perpetual prosecution and fools who believe nothing significant took place. Something very cruel and criminal did take place — one more among many past for Mike Vick. The man’s had many chances, likely several more than any normal human would have received.
I don’t worship this man and frankly couldn’t care less he’s a football player. I’d rather he keep his mouth shut, honestly and humbly recognize the many undeserved multiple chances mere talent on a field provided for him, and endeavor to clean up his act!
If he manages to do that, then I’ll respect him. But not a bit more than I would any man or woman who’s chosen to live a moral life. I don’t give a damn if he throws another TD pass again. I’ll just gladly settle for living within the law!
mitch
August 3rd, 2009
6:11 pm
Mr. H. Poirot–only the shadow knows. But if you see Ms Marple, tell her she is always in my heart. Your pal, Mitch
DHD
August 3rd, 2009
8:08 pm
Another Vick article. That’s 2 for today. It used to be one a day, but now we’re getting more than that. We’re getting more Vick articles than Biden gems. HEY GUYS: Vick does not play here. Get over your man crush, would you?
jeffrey d
August 3rd, 2009
8:10 pm
Who’s that Bill Goldberg looking guy who’s always behind Vick in these pictures?
Mark Bradley
August 3rd, 2009
8:46 pm
I believe that is indeed Bill Goldberg.
Actually, it isn’t. It’s a marshal at the federal courthouse in Richmond, Va., who had his picture taken by a million photographers the days Vick appeared in court.
Steve
August 3rd, 2009
9:35 pm
So this thugs does what he did and they want to have a “celebration” for him in Virginia? What a country. Hopefully he never gets to play again or if he does, he is terrible. Pretty funny how so many people act like he was the greatest QB ever. He was far from that! Matt Ryan all the way!
chemdawg
August 3rd, 2009
9:42 pm
wait, vick was arrested!?
tim
August 3rd, 2009
10:11 pm
I think that FALCONS SORRY is actually Mike Vick.
Ted Striker
August 3rd, 2009
10:20 pm
Maybe I set the bar lower than most but Vick doesn’t need to do anything for me — except keep on the right side of the law.
Mark Bradley
August 3rd, 2009
10:25 pm
Where you been, Ted? Out brainstormin’?
jen
August 3rd, 2009
10:31 pm
Mark Bradley,
Are you kidding? Social media? Please. I’m starting to wonder who is the biggest twit, you or Vick?
Russell
August 3rd, 2009
10:52 pm
Many broke the law. Man served prison time. Man owes nobody anything. If prison means nothing, then why send him there?
BOB
August 3rd, 2009
11:02 pm
Vick is a loser if you ask me i don’t care what he does he’s already made the impression of being a git!!!
Is it true???
August 3rd, 2009
11:03 pm
That only the ignorant post in ALL CAPS?
Herschel Talker
August 3rd, 2009
11:03 pm
Mark – what are your thoughts on Kenshin Kawakami? This guy is a joke. He should be manning a sushi bar, not pitching. But your buddy Booby will just keep running him out there. What a joke.
BOB
August 3rd, 2009
11:06 pm
Personally I think AJC should post comics rather than of this trash!!!
Mark Bradley
August 3rd, 2009
11:14 pm
Kenshin’s OK for a No. 5 starter.
BOB
August 3rd, 2009
11:20 pm
who?????
Ted Striker
August 3rd, 2009
11:40 pm
Mark, I’ll leave the heavy duty brainstorming to more enlightened and cerebrally-qualified friends, like you.
In all seriousness, I’ve been fighting through a dastardly bout of pneumonia for over 2 weeks. (Today was the first day I didn’t feel like death sucking on a lifesaver and the first thing I did was read your column).
I have something for you, btw….will get it to you later.
Mark Bradley
August 3rd, 2009
11:47 pm
I’m sorry to hear it, TS. And I’d stay off here for a while, were I you. This space has been known to cause a relapse.
Tbones
August 4th, 2009
12:05 am
The man served his time and he still has to kiss dogs and dog lovers rear to be loved…geez With the power PETA and dogs have in this country, a dog or a PETA respresentative could win the presidency.
george halas
August 4th, 2009
12:06 am
The goof thug Vick can not spell. Therefore he cannot tweet. But there are many Vick huggers on the ajc blogs that care about his every move. AJC should do a Vick page. Keep the public updated on the herpes outbreaks, parole situation, new ways to smoke blunts and kill dogs, etc.
go falcons!!!!!!!!!!!
August 4th, 2009
12:09 am
Now mark i know your gonna rip this blog up when u read it.Your that type of person who for months lets racist ppl jus run there mouths all day and nite, but when some1 calls em out on it you get rid of there statement in drop of pin.By the way see your only good for one thing and thats something true falcons fans should be so damn sick of they should think they have the swine flu!!! Thats mike vick ya he payed his time gl wuteva dont really care. You aint gotta go home, but you gotta get the hell up outta here! All you can do is keep him here in atl why mark why? ab,td, ms, and true falcon faithful have let him go why havent you? why are you so intersted in one of the biggest figures too crush this cities dreams and hopes and i dont live in atl, jus a down south ga boy but love my falcons and dawgs!!! but getting back on track why must you constantly keep this nasty horrid nightmare trainwreck called mike vick in this city??? do you secretly hate this city and hope for the worst for the falcons?? I dont know do you just have absolutley nothing to write about with camp and everything opening up this past weekend? well whatever the reason stop for the love of this city just stop writing about mv drop him like he dropped us hard and rough!!! he raped this city and all you can do is try to get the worlds biggest brownnose ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go falconssssss no writing horrible too but dont care at this time at nite ps true fans please support this of stop writing about vick only good postive things the now and future not the ugly past!!!
GWJ
August 4th, 2009
12:12 am
There has to be something else to write about?!?!?
the truth...
August 4th, 2009
12:14 am
Vick couldn’t even recognize a defense…couldn’t call audibles…and you think he can do the “tweet thing”?
I’d say he is a “jail bird” so it shouldn’t be too hard for him…oh and he was a
irty Bird” as well…
So I’d say he should be able to handle it………..
go falcons!!!!!!!!!!!
August 4th, 2009
12:22 am
did’nt read nething till after my lil speech to mark but damn this great blog love 90% comments today people that seem to see the light not swim in the sewer with sorry and vick xor sorry vick eitha work!
Benjamin
August 4th, 2009
12:42 am
I’m not going to lie, I’d follow Mike Vick if he opened a Twitter account.
Regardless, I hope we do see a Vick Redemption Tour at some point in his career. I feel for any man who rose to the heights he did and fell as far as he did. Not saying what he did was right or even justifiable, but the man did his time and deserves an opportunity like anyone else would get if they’d done the same.
Bill Goldberg | All Days Long
August 4th, 2009
1:24 am
[...] How does Vick win folks over? He can start by Tweeting | Mark Bradley By Mark Bradley HEY GUYS: Vick does not play here. Get over your man crush, would you? Link; Report this comment. jeffrey d. August 3rd, 2009 8:10 pm. Who's that Bill Goldberg looking guy who's always behind Vick in these pictures? … Mark Bradley – http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/ [...]
The Dogfighter Returns
August 4th, 2009
7:44 am
remorse for gambling? are you folks crazy?
GT
August 4th, 2009
8:05 am
You wonder if people today even know what they are doing wrong. I get the feeling Vick is doing everything politically correct but like a new offense is having to have handlers tell him what to do, it is not coming naturally. Somebody gives him a list of “to dos” like some control freak. The idea is to not have to have a list, your natural self knows what to do and if it does not he has not changed and he is just another con artist encouraged by a PR firm.
Marie
August 4th, 2009
9:19 am
Mark come, come, come now. Do you really think Roger Goddell and the powers that be in the NFL are going to allow Mike Vick to have a real heart-2-heart sit down with a “real” journalist? Not going to happen — I have read about the nanny state Goddell has imposed on Vick and this idea he is going to be free do the types of things mentioned by this PR person is simply pie in the sky..
And I am convinced this cocoon he has wrapped Vick in is more to protect the league (controlling where the man lives, who he talks to, weekly wrap sessions with the commissioner, peeking into the man’s finances, and on and on it goes) than it is to transition Vick back into the league. And that is why the community celebration was postponed and will eventually be cancelled and other interviews Vick has scheduled in the past were cancelled.
As I have always stated PETA, the Humane Society and some of the NFL’s own players have always stated that Vick was not the only one participating in dogfighting in the NFL. On their website even now, PETA is calling for Goddell to require all NFL players take their silly animal sensitivity course and that animal cruelty be added as part of the NFL personnel policy. If this was an isolated incident with one player as Goddell would like for us to believe why is PETA still hassling the NFL and not the NBA and MLB.
Be patient and you will see Michael Vick doing carefully controlled interviews, statements, and public appearances in an effort to rehabilitate his image. It’s not like the NFL does not have experience with this kind of thing — look at the miracle image change they did with Ray “The Butcherer” Lewis.
FALCONS SORRY
August 4th, 2009
9:33 am
OK….OK….THE TRUTH IS OUT…I HAVE A MAN CRUSH ON MICHAEL VICK. Y’ALL NO MY BOO AIN’T DOING NO NEWS CONFERENCE CAUSE HE DON’T ROLL LIKE THAT. FREE MV7
SEVEN UPCHUCK
August 4th, 2009
9:56 am
MARK, ANYTHING MORE ON MICHAEL VICK?
ANYTHING? TIDBITS OR SIGHTINGS? QUOTES FROM FAMILY MEMBERS? ANY POSSE MUGSHOTS? MAYBE SOME #7 FOOTPRINTS WE CAN HAVE FORENSICS LOOKS AT FOR CLUES? ANY MORE FREAKING TWITTERS, MARK????????
PLEASE NO MORE MICHAEL VICK NEWS…STOP IT!!!!!!!!!
Wesley Brown
August 4th, 2009
10:41 am
I hope something good comes from this. Even after his heinous acts, Mr. Vick has a chance to earn more money in a few years than most people do in their lifetimes.
He has a chance to talk to youngsters who may be tempted to live the “gangsta” lifestyle and explain how it is wrong.
He has a chance to help dogs and demonstrate to the world they are intelligent feeling creatures who deserve respect and happiness.
Dogs serve blind humans, in the army, firefighters, the deaf, assist prisoners, provide love and companionship to families and more. Dogs give and give, and we should give back to them.
Finally, with the astonishing cruelty and stupidity of Michael Vick, he still has a chance to live a better lifestyle than most people ever have, past, present and future.
All because he runs fast with a ball. Okay then, do something unselfish, and soon.
chris
August 4th, 2009
10:50 am
Enter your comments here
Chris
August 4th, 2009
10:52 am
I agree Bradley that Michael needs TO TALK, just seeing images on him walking around and not smiling at all are not helping him. He needs to get a public speaking coach ASAP. I know public speaking is a huge fear of some people but the best thing Michael needs is to show some emotion when he addresses the public.
SOUTHERN ATL
August 4th, 2009
11:06 am
Maybe he needs to go on Oprah or the View!!!
WaltHazzard
August 4th, 2009
11:26 am
Bradley, are you serious? Vick to start tweeting! The way Vick used to play on the football field you would have thought he already was treeting since you had the feeling the guy could fly through air like superman. Vick probably doesnt know how to turn on a computer much less tweet. Vick should have done a whole bunch of tweeting since hes been a jail bird for the past couple of years. Vick should have been using Twitter as he was sitting on the $hitter all those months. Ok. Vick; prepare to lift off and fly.
Mark Bradley
August 4th, 2009
11:30 am
Vick’s actually an effective speaker, IMHO. He’s been in the media eye for a long time now.
ANTHONY
August 4th, 2009
11:35 am
YOU KNOW AFTER READING ALL THE COMMENTS THEY REMIND ME OF SUNDAY’S SERMAN TITLED PUT AWAY YOUR STONES TAKEN FROM THE BOOK OF ST JOHN 8TH CHAPTER STARTING AT VS 1. SEE THE HIPOCRACY OF MOST PEOPLE IS THEY SEE YOUR MISTAKES BUT NOT THERE ON. THEY THINK STEALIN A DOLLAR IS A LESSER SIN THAN STEALING FIVE DOLLARS. THAT IS THE HIPOCRACY THAT PEOPLE CAN’T SEE IN THEM SELVES. IF I PUT THE LIGHT ON SOME OF THESE PEOPLE THEY’LL HAVE DONE THINGS THAT MAKE DOG FIGHTING SEEM MINOR IN COMPARRISON YET THEY STEADYLY POINT THE FINGER OR SHOULD I SAY CAST STONES. IF MICHAEL VICK IS SMART HE TURN IT ALL OVER TO GOD CAUSE HE’S HE ONLY FOR GIVENESS THAT’S COUNT. AND REMEMBER PEOPLE DON’T HAVE A HEAVEN OR A HELL TO PUT HIM IN. AND JESUS SAYS IF YOU CAN’T FORGIVE A PERSON TRESPASSES THEN GOD CAN’T FOR GIVE YOURS. ON THE BACK OF US CURRENCY IT STATES IN GOD WE TRUST I AINT SEEM EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THAT BUT I’M LOOKING.
ZacheryGoldsmith
August 4th, 2009
11:48 am
Anthony, I know your really angry at some of us for the BLOGS we have written. But in truth, Vick has brought this onslaught of hatred on himself. Lets rewind a couple of years before Vick got caught when Jim Mora was still coaching here. Vick and the Falcons got their lunch handed to them on a silver platter one afternoon playing New Orleans and the Falcons got crushed. At the height of Vicks fame and fortune, vick had already signed a $200+ million dollars contract making Vick the HIGHESt paid player in the game; as Vick was walking off the field Vick flipped the bird as he was being heckled for turning in a poor performance; he gave his adoring fans who had shelled out a lot of money to watch this hideous performance, Vick gave his fans the middle finger with both hands raising his hands to the sky as if to say “Don’t you know who I am; I am the highest paid player in the game. I can play anyway I want to because I have a vault full of cash waiting for me at home. He gives the fans the middles fingers with both hands to say “f u and leave me alone; I can do as I please, I am micahel vick; have you seen my Nike commercials, get lost. What is Vick saying NOW as he is down in his knees, begging someone to let him sign for them, and they are ALL slamming the door shut in his face.
Kenny
August 4th, 2009
11:57 am
Walt Hazzard, you are a idiot ! Your comment really make you an idiot !
and what is the word hes ? Dude get a life !
Falcons Minority Owner
August 4th, 2009
11:58 am
Zachary, you must be on that good stuff. LOL! Vick is not begging anybody, please dont fall for the media okie-doke. You hate that Mike Vick will still make a bunch of money regardless and you’ll still be bitter about it on these blogs! LOL Mike Vick was reinstated within a week – a WEEK. The man is offered over a million dollars before he ever got out. I know you mad son, but deal with that anger!
Glenn
August 4th, 2009
11:58 am
An effective speaker ? Are you serious ? The radio station we used to listen to at work used to always play that Airtran commercial all the time . Have you ever heard that ? It sounded like incoherent garble . I was embarrassed for him . Of course the embarrassment went away when I heard about the things he did to puppies that couldn’t fight . He’s done his time & M. Vick deserves to earn a living IMO but how can you say he is an effective speaker ? I’m sorry if I come across as mean , but he is just not bright enough to be a decent speaker .
ZacheryGoldsmith
August 4th, 2009
12:14 pm
Falcons Minority Owner: Oh Yeah, Vick will be reinstated in a couple of weeks and he will sign for a bag of peanuts and 6 lottery tickets.
Trught-serum
August 4th, 2009
12:17 pm
GO FALCONS!!!! And take Mark-mo dumb-Bradley with you!!
Mo Dumb your readership is down. Most people just scan your titles. Once again you are trying to use Vick to help your sorry____!
You and your Redneck Bubba base newspaper subvert the reality that Mike has more fans than you or the AJC. Mike can sell out a stadium overnight-Still, no matter how many gag orders or how much negative racist press you product.
I see that Bong wielding, pot smoking swimmer Phelps is still promoting and being promoted by the AJC…Where’s the Mothers against Drugs here? What happen to D.A.R.E. (not to be confused with dumb as reporting everyday).What about that steroid shooting glamour boy for the Yankees? The AJC is promoting the Ramirez Bobble heads…Didn’t he just get found guilty of lying under oath and tested dirty for steroid use?
You, Mark mo dumb Bradley, the redneck ajc and this sites bubba crew is in denial about your collective racist way of thinking.
Good luck to Michael Vick and his work to reach maturity and find his place in life. Good luck with his work with the humane society. Good luck in his chosen profession. Football.
truth-serum
August 4th, 2009
12:21 pm
Trught-serum
August 4th, 2009
12:17 pm
Truth Serum !
correction for name submission
truth-serum
August 4th, 2009
12:50 pm
ANTHONY
August 4th, 2009
11:35 am
These Rednecks, who enjoy a good lynching every now and then, do not have any faith in God. Thats why they hate so hard. No fear of reprisal.
ZacheryGoldsmith
August 4th, 2009
11:48 am
You remind me of an abusive nature. One who beats his wife and says” look what you made me do!” Nobody causes another person to hate. Thats an idividual choice. Im sure you dont understand what that means. I also know you cant stop hating! Hate on, Hate on!
george halas
August 4th, 2009
12:06 am
Rather than report on all the negative things you can say about Vick can you explain Why do they call you “dick breath” if your name is george halas and, is it true that its hard to distinguish your face from a butt?
Mo dumb Bradley, should not your article read” how to win vocally loud and obnoxious racist white people” over to Vick… since the popularity of Vick is amongst racial lines. He is extremely popular amongst minorities, but not with racist… Go figure
Falcons Minority Owner
August 4th, 2009
12:52 pm
Zachary, I know you mad that nobody will offer you 1.6 million to do anything, but dont be mad at Vick that he got it like that.
pritdapit
August 4th, 2009
12:59 pm
truth you smoke dat butter rock huh?
Former Season Ticket Holder
August 4th, 2009
1:16 pm
Mr. Bradley, seriously, has it come to this? Gail Sideman…sadly, I think you believe you actually built up her credentials so it wouldnt look as bad as it still does. Milwaukee? Familiar with athletics? She interned with Calude Felton and she likes Facebook and Twitter? Really? This is your expert?
BWA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Former Season Ticket Holder
August 4th, 2009
1:17 pm
Honestly…THIS is your expert on how Mike Vick should go about rebuilding his image?
http://www.prleap.com/pr/100647/
GTFOH!!! LMAO
ZacheryGoldsmith
August 4th, 2009
1:42 pm
Falcons Minority Owner: Of course, I know Vick had the 200 mil, but he dont have it anymore. in fact, if no one signs Vick by the first week of the regular season, Vick will be standing the line at the soup kitchen as his only way to get three square meals a day. Oh how the mighty have fallen. Vick has fallen from being the HIGHEST paid player in the league to nearly being a homeless bum. That is one end of the spectrum to the other. Talk about taking a bad spill. Whew!
Falcons Minority Owner
August 4th, 2009
2:25 pm
Yeah Zachary, Todd Shaw is being paid with jelly beans! Of course! That’s it! Oh, and obviously you dont keep up – 1.6 to 2 million for just 6 games? I know you’re bitter about it, but dont be…dont hate the playa, hate the game.
ZacheryGoldsmith
August 4th, 2009
3:10 pm
Falcons Minority Owner: you have it all wrong. I’m not bitter about anything. Truthfully, I feel bad for guys like Vick and Plexico Burriss because all they do is screw up their lives. If you want to blame anyone for the madness on this BLOG, blame Mark Bradley. He opened it up and put the topic out there and everyone knows how dumb Vick is, so everyone has been feasting off this article. But getting back to tweeting and Vick, if Vick wants to learn about tweeting all he has to do is listen to one of the late Michael Jackson sings Jackson did as a member of the Jackson 5 years ago called Rockin Robin. Jackson sings it in the lyrics “tweedley deedly de” and goes on to elaborate on tweeting; but unfortunately for Vick, Vick would still have trouble understanding it because Vick is functionally illiterate. Had Vick only been a bird, it would be effortless for Vick to tweet. Like the cartoon character tweety bird, vick would have been tweeting the day he launched his attack on the fans at the Georgia Dome by flipping the bird to them, acknowledging his support to them for filling the stands. But Vick will never do that again as he will never ever play football again in the NFL. There are currently NO takers in the Michael Vick Sweepstakes and there won’t be any.
Falcons Minority Owner
August 4th, 2009
3:35 pm
Keep thinking that Zach! Whatever helps you make it through your bitterness! I’m sure you also just KNEW Goodell was gonna suspend Vick for another season too! I bet you just KNEW there was no way he would actually meet with the commish 2 days after the ankle bracelet came off! You were probably listening to the same media who was busying saying “Vick WILL meet with the commish”, when it had already happened! And now you think Vick wont play again in the NFL?? LMAO!! Yeah, ok…because his agent (who curiously never dropped this client, hmmm) is just charitable like that! Oh yeah, those lawyers are really working for free! (wink wink). Apparently you believe all these wealthy businessmen have decided to help Vick out for fun! LOL! Oh contraire, they know exactly what’s up! So please keep on believing what Bradley and Schultz have to say!
CORRECT!!
August 4th, 2009
4:24 pm
What a joke of a blog!!! AJC please hire some real sports reporters!!
Curtis Mathews
August 4th, 2009
8:06 pm
How can we continue with this degrading of a fellow human being ? As a man of Christ it saddens me to see peoples rage and choice of vicious words toward a individual that paid his time for his crimes; A crime that didn’t involve drugs,guns,and putting anyones life in danger.Some say that they give the dogs a voice,thats good,but when someone is sorry and is, put away for 2 years of their life,you don’t treat them nasty.I mean he can’t change what he did and for people to keep insulting him are just as vicious as Vick was. Jesus would not want us to act in the manner some are doing towards a fellow brother (yes he is all our brother ). So look youself in the mirror and ask yourself how perfect are you and why can’t you give a man a half a chance to redeem himself .
still the man #7
August 4th, 2009
9:53 pm
mike has plenty Fans and watch ticket sells go up to who ever he lands with. Mike you will All ways be a Falcon in so many fans hearts. man we wish you the best. nobody does #7 like you superman! 1039 , rushing 2TD rushing and 20 TD passing noQB in the History of the NFL Game has one player done that in one season nobody but VICK! Just the pure facts!!!! we still love you man!!
stendec
August 4th, 2009
10:52 pm
So Roddy “Butterfingers” White is holding out. SCREW HIM! Without Vaseline. His drop against the Broncos cost the Falcons a victory, the NFC South championship plus a very possible Super Bowl berth! I have never liked the sorry son of a betch anyway! Too many damn drops at crucial times. He is like Thrasher Kari Letemin who allows soft goals galore at worst possible times. Some uneducated idiots think that LaLa Land resident is wonderful too. But I digress. Trade the heartless bestard! Matt Ryan has other folks he can pass the football to! Send the cancer packing. The sooner stone hands and his thug attitude are out of Atlanta the better! Holdout my a#s. Brainless self centered MF! Those who whine pay him ARE NOT true Falcon fans!
Truth-serum
August 5th, 2009
7:16 am
Zachery Goldsmith
August 4th, 2009
11:48 am
You did not get very far in school. I’m sorry your life has turned out the way it has. Your writing is illogical. Hate comes from the hater, not the person who has made a mistake. Nobody brings hate on themselves. Hate is a reaction of choice.
You never get better if you justify you evil. Justifying is a way to remain in denial about your hatred and your racism.
Angry white racist choose to react with fervor and hatred. Nobody makes them choose that attitude or spirit. Michael Vick did not bring hatred on himself, idiot. Hatred is how Angry white racist have chosen to react to Vick. Hate is in you and you vent it to those you dislike. Most minorities admire and appreciate Vick. If you take the angry white racist out of the equation, Mike can sell out any stadium. Number 7 falcon jersey has sold out of most stores since his release.
I’m sorry you live this way. I’m sorry you are uneducated. I hope you learn and live better. But right now you are an idiot!
Truth-serum
August 5th, 2009
7:18 am
pritdapit
August 4th, 2009
12:59 pm
No, and I dont do chystal meth either!
Truth-serum
August 5th, 2009
7:26 am
All I’m Saying Is…
August 3rd, 2009
4:22 pm
If its a box of 60 watt bulbs then all the bulbs would have the same illumination value.
ZacheryGoldsmith
August 5th, 2009
12:17 pm
Truth-serum: Hey, I know about Vicks jersey selling out everywhere; so does Arthur Blank. Arthur Blank doesnt have a roster spot for Vick so he knows something about Vick that you dont know. Not only that, no team in the NFL has a roster spot for Vick so those general managers know something that you dont know either. That is that Vick is a MONSTER and will never work again, not only in the NFL but ANYWHERE. Vick wont ever work again. Listen, I’m not the evil one. The evil one is Vick. He is the one who drowned, electrocuted and killed dogs who were underperforming, certainly not me. Vick is the conVickTED felon, not me. How dare you call me evil. Im simply stated the facts and writing the truth as I see it. If you dont like the truth, then stay off the airwaves and keep your blogs to yourself. And by the way, who cares if Mike can sell out any stadium especially if Mikes skills WONT be put on display in any stadium because Vick wont be working anytime soon. Again keep your trash off the airwaves.
Image Consultant
August 5th, 2009
3:32 pm
If he really wants to earn public sympathy to his plight, Michael Vick needs to get and wear a pink T-shirt that reads:
“Jailhouse Rape Survivor”
Everybody loves to be inspired by a victim.
S. Penkov
August 6th, 2009
7:04 am
Michale Vick is pond scum of society and he will never, ever change, narcissistic sociopaths are incapable of changing.
G L. White
August 13th, 2009
12:30 am
Anyone who believes this grotesque parody of a human being has actually “changed” is beyond hope.
He never understood what all the fuss was about in the first place.
If professional football actually accepts this human garbage back in the game, it will be the final proof (as if any was needed) that it’s no longer a sport at all, but just a very-well-paid whorehouse.
Necole Bitchie.com: Can Twitter Help Mike Vick?
August 14th, 2009
2:31 pm
[...] morning while surfing the net ,I ran across an interesting article about Mike Vick on the AJC website. In the article titled “How Does Vick Win Folks Back, He Can Start By Tweeting”, a [...]