Dec. 6, 2009: Vick vs. the Falcons – are we ready for this?
MIchael Vick has a team, and that team will come to the Georgia Dome on Dec. 6. We in Atlanta have seen some momentous days in our time as a big-league city — we’ve played host to the Super Bowl, to the World Series, to All-Star games in three different sports, to Muhammad Ali’s return-from-exile fight against Jerry Quarry, even to an Olympiad — but we won’t have seen anything quite like this.
The saga that has in many ways divided our city will be coming to our city for one last act. The man who packed the Dome will return on an opponent’s roster. Nothing says Vick will actually play that day — he’s being signed to back up the majorly successful Donovan McNabb — but what if he does?
Will there be a Deion Sanders “This Is My House” Moment? Will Vick take a Jeff George victory lap if the Eagles win? Will Vick jerseys outnumber those shirts bearing the names and numbers of current Falcons that day in the Dome?
We cannot know the answers to any of this today, same as we couldn’t know Michael Vick would ever be an ex-Falcon. On Dec. 23, 2004, he signed the $130 million contract that was supposed to have made him a Falcon for life. On Dec. 31, 2006, he played his final game for the franchise.
And we Atlantans know all too well how the past three years have been. The Falcons hit bottom and are climbing again. Vick went to prison and is starting anew. And some of us here have turned this into a zero-sum game: If you’re for the Falcons you can no longer be for Vick, and vice versa. It is that peculiar dynamic that will be the backdrop on Dec. 6. It is that peculiar dynamic that makes some among us wonder if the massive Dome is a big enough place to hold all the emotions that will be present therein.
Michael Vick was the biggest professional athlete in this city’s history — bigger than Dominique, bigger than Chipper, bigger even than Hammerin’ Hank. Now he again works in the NFL, works for another team. And that team is on the 2009 Falcons’ schedule, and that game is here. We knew this would have to come at some point, but we couldn’t know it would arrive so soon.
And now, from the distance of August, we ask: Will we be able to handle it? Will there be fights in the stands? Fights on the field? (When last the Eagles played here, on a Monday night in September 2005, there was a brawl in pregame warmups.) Will the fabric of Atlanta be rent by a single football game on that one given Sunday?
And the guess, again from a faraway perch, is that we’ll all be just fine. The crowd will be alive but not overwrought. The teams will play a game and someone will win and Vick may or may not participate, and then we’ll all get along with the rest of our lives. It’s what people do. It’s what we Atlantans have come to do rather well.
Loading ...We’re supposed to be the city too busy to hate, remember? We can also be the city big enough to root for both: We can wish Michael Vick well and still support the hometown team.
And it’s not as if we haven’t been through Big Events. Indeed, the day before the Eagles play the Falcons, there’ll be another event in the Dome that figures to stir some passions — the SEC championship. And you know what will happen after that titanic tilt? The Dome crews will sweep the aisles and redo the field markings and get ready for another game the next day.
Because, at bottom, that’s all these are. Just games.
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167 comments Add your comment
qpzmide
August 13th, 2009
10:20 pm
Can’t wait to go to this game…….
Free Mike Vick
August 13th, 2009
10:23 pm
Vick should be in the league right now! He’s already served way too much time in prison and shouldn’t be suspended. He got railroaded by goodell, who treats African-American players different than white players! Free Mike Vick!!!
bigeasy830
August 13th, 2009
10:24 pm
There won’t be any fights in the stands Mark, the Vick haters on these blogs are cowards that hide behind a computer, and there won’t be much of a fight on the field either. By week 12, it will be obvious to most how much the Falcons suck. I will be there with a MV7 Eagles jersey on.
Falcons, 4-12 in 2009
“Back To Life, Back To Reality”
That Dream 2008 season just became a nightmare.
December 6, 2009
Illogical
August 13th, 2009
10:25 pm
He already is free, you idiot.
Great Falconi
August 13th, 2009
10:25 pm
The man firebombed the franchise.
There were no guarantees that things would get better after Vick left.
He should be mercilessly booed.
And I don’t hate the guy. I just think that he was probably the most visible Falcon player in team history and, well, he made the fans and the franchise look like a bunch of slapped a**es. Whatever your opinion is about the crimes he committed, the fact that he screwed us and his teammates should be enough to earn him those boos.
STL Falcon
August 13th, 2009
10:26 pm
I look forward to passes from #2 to #88. I look forward to seeing how fast Norwood still is. I look forward to see if Houston is ready to play. I look forward to Sidbury introducing himself to a few NFL QB’s. I look forward to Nicholas finally getting his chance (you guys have still missed the boat by not telling HIS story). I also look forward to what will be the best DT rotation in the NFC (remember who said it).
But most of all…
I look forward to the Philadelphia area residents getting these hourly updates on Michael Vick. He’s now officially on another team – SOOOOO, I look forward to updates and teasers about the Atlanta Falcons and thier players.
You had to write this story Mr. Bradley, I know that. Please though, let that man belong to another team already. – Oh, and tell your buddies in the sports room (I assume they give you guys at least a room) the same.
Go Falcons!
One Heartbeat
Mark Bradley
August 13th, 2009
10:26 pm
I would be shocked if Michael Vick is booed.
Todd G
August 13th, 2009
10:26 pm
MV7 Lives… I am still a Falcon Fan but will get the Eagles #7, hopefully he will have him number.
There goes a sure sellout…
Mark Bradley
August 13th, 2009
10:28 pm
I’m guessing there won’t be many tickets unsold for that one, Todd G.
Talk about a tough-ticket weekend: SEC championship on Saturday, Eagles-Falcons on Sunday.
brewdawg
August 13th, 2009
10:29 pm
I don’t wish any ill will on Vick. I guess you could say I’m indifferent towards him. He made me look pretty silly after years of supporting him to naysayers, and I happen to work with dogs for a living. But that doesn’t mean I am rooting AGAINST him by any means. As little as my heart has become over the years, a small part of me still wants to believe people can change. And I hope he does. But of course I will be rooting against him when the Eagles come to town. I’m a Falcon fan first.
Sam
August 13th, 2009
10:29 pm
Vick’s fanboys here like Najeh davenport must be having a party
ssiscribe
August 13th, 2009
10:30 pm
Mark, very well said.
Vick indeed captured this city like no one we’ve ever seen, and probably like no one we’ll ever see. The reality of his return to the NFL coming with the Eagles — the team that kept him from directing the Birds to the Super Bowl (thus depriving me of seeing the Falcons play in person in the Super Bowl; alas, I survived with Patriots/Eagles down in J’Ville) — in a year when Philly visits the Georgia Dome is equal parts tantalizing and trembling.
This city never has played host to such a dynamic sports figure, one who could unite the masses and, at the same time, split the population into two camps at the opposite ends of the spectrum. The dynamic in the stands of the Georgia Dome on the first Sunday in December will be a site to behold. Methinks a few extra security officers will spend that day on duty in the concourses, just in case.
As for the man who brought us such joy, only to rip out the soul of a franchise with his transgressions? I was taught to forgive, so I do forgive Vick, who — say what you will — is a man who has paid his debt to society.
Having grown up and been party to some of the biggest moments in this city’s sports history, I’d dare say Dec. 6 will be on the list of most memorable days, even if Vick doesn’t leave the sidelines.
(And while I’m here, Go Braves! Bring on the Phils!!).
–30–
Malted Falcon
August 13th, 2009
10:30 pm
Another reason to hate Philly. Can’t wait to hear Kincaide tomorrow. Bring on the double talk. It’s coming, folks.
Charlie
August 13th, 2009
10:30 pm
In his last season, he did not throw a TD in the 4th Quarter. He is just not a very good QB. What is the big deal?
Herschel Talker
August 13th, 2009
10:31 pm
Why do we still talk about this guy? He trainwrecked the franchise. Enough of this madness.
brewdawg
August 13th, 2009
10:32 pm
Oh, and I forgot the most important thing in all of this… will Madden 2010 come out with a patch to update the Eagles roster with Vick on it??
Malted Falcon
August 13th, 2009
10:35 pm
Oh, he should be booed. He took a dump on the franchise and the city. I still haven’t heard him say he’s sorry. I’ve heard a LOT of other people say it, though.
Hooff Hearted
August 13th, 2009
10:36 pm
We need this moment so the city CAN move on. You nailed it…he is the most prominent figure (arguably) to ever represent Atlanta. He is the last and maybe only Atlanta athlete whose jersey was bought and worn outside of this city. Our superstar…whether you loved him or hated him. He made you mad and made you spill your beer with excitement, all during the course of the same series. Those that despise Vick wishe he never did what he did. Those that revere Vick wish he never did what he did. At the end of the day, what is the difference between the two emotions?
BringItOn
August 13th, 2009
10:38 pm
Just when I thought it was safe to return to this blog and the AJC here comes yet another Michael Vick article and all that will come with it. What’s this now story/blog number 1,889th. Geez, AJC, 780 The Zone and 690 The Fan. I’m certain you all will have high rating$ again, thank$ to all the freakin racist on BOTH freakin’s side of the debate. ALL I care about is the 2009/2010 Atlanta Falcons. Period. No matter who they be.
I for one am glad Michael gets another chance. He’s paid a heavy toll already. Let it go folks.
As a season ticket holder, I will clap for Michael when he is introduced and be respectful and mindful of the positive things Michael did for this team and organization. However, soon there after, I will root like heck he (and the Eagles) get their butts kicked because I am first and foremost a true Falcon Fan of 53 team members and the organization.
Go Michael. Congratulation. But here’s hoping you and the Eagles get your buttss kicked all the way back to Philly ! ! ! Go Falcons.
Oscar
August 13th, 2009
10:40 pm
AT LAST! I have checked on line atleast three times a day since he got reinstated. Not just on AJC but just about every other major sports web site. I am a HUGE Falcons fan and I am so glad to have yet another great quarterback in Matt Ryan. On the other hand, I have followed Michael Vick since he came into the league and I do not intend on stoping here. He made the falcons a team that was very exciting to watch… And I mean every Sunday. I wish him luck as he turns the page into another chapter in his life. Good luck to you Michael and I wish you the very best!!! See you at the Dome in December as I am cheering on my Falcons.
Wildebeast
August 13th, 2009
10:42 pm
That game will surely turn into the week’s flex game and get bumped over to a nighttime broadcast on NBC. Drunk I reckon’!
Najeh Davenpoop
August 13th, 2009
10:42 pm
I think Vick will get booed by about half the people there.
The other half, which will include me, will be cheering.
brewdawg
August 13th, 2009
10:42 pm
Great post BringItOn. Agree on all counts.
drsoul
August 13th, 2009
10:49 pm
I want Vick to have the chance to redeem himself; he has more than paid the price for his issues.. but, to say that he is bigger than Hank Aaron, you have ‘crossed the bridge’… he may well broach that in years to come, but at this point, noone really comes close to Aaron.. as an athlete and a person, Aaron will reign forever as Atlanta’s most prominent professional athlete..
BugKiller
August 13th, 2009
10:51 pm
Who the frak cares?
He’s a low-rent felon who is only truly sorry that he got caught.
Period.
Anyone else who believes different only wants to believe different because of the color of Vick’s skin. Racism works BOTH ways.
Are we finally done with Vick, Mark?
Are we finally finished having to hear about the man who single-handedly did more to destroy a football team than any member of the Smith Family or a man named Petrino?
Please, God, let this be the end of it until the first week in December!
Angus
August 13th, 2009
10:51 pm
Thank you drsoul.
C’mon Bradley – an old timer like yourself giving Hank the slight?
Bourbon Dawgwalker
August 13th, 2009
10:51 pm
I’ll be at the game and I’ll be booing mercilessly. No other figure in Atlanta history has firebombed his franchise worse than Vick. I’ll boo him for what he did to the Falcons and for what he did to the dogs.
With that being said, I wish him good luck in his future and hope he has learned his lesson.
Doug
August 13th, 2009
10:53 pm
Won’t Vick be #3 QB at best? Behind McNabb and Kolb? I would think he was signed to give the Eagles insurance at RB as well, given Westbrook’s bad ankle.
Wow
August 13th, 2009
10:57 pm
Vick pooped on the Falcons and his fans by making some horrible decisions. They weren’t mistakes, they were decisions. Yes, we all make poor decisions but not all or even close to half of us make decisions that are as vile and sociopathic as Vick. Anyone who blames anyone but Vick for those decisions and what happened as a result of those decisions will never understand how the world works.
That being said, Vick is out of jail, was cleared by the commish, and found someone to sign him and play him. Good for him. I hope he makes some money and pays off his debts. Just know that I will boo the crap out of him come December because I and the rest of this town were forced to endure a whole craptastic season of Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich, and Chris Redmond. I challenge anyone to try to convince me why I shouldn’t boo Vick for that.
Paul
August 13th, 2009
11:12 pm
Thank you for this article, M. Bradley…I worry about this man’s return. There are still some Falcon players who love Vick. Not to mention that ol’ number 7 will certainly have a role greater than backup quarterback. I hope there are not any chemistry or conflict of interest issues during this contest; I hope he doesn’t make fans think that the organization made a bad decision in cutting him. I hope the Falcons can continue to build upon the chemistry that they have created with Ryan and win a championship. I also hope Vick does well for himself with the Eagles, just don’t make the Falcons’ D look bad.
Ryder
August 13th, 2009
11:12 pm
I believe that Matt Ryan is going to have a day to remember when the Eagles come to visit! Atlanta will be fighting for a division title, (while the Aints will be getting ready to fire Sean Payton and the extremely overrated Drew Brees) and the Eagles will put the finishing touches on a playoff berth by then. Vick’s presence will be minimal unless they plan on doing some serious trick plays.
That said, I believe the fans will be divided as to whom to cheer that day. Should be exciting.
FALCONS SORRY
August 13th, 2009
11:14 pm
PHILADELPHIA EAGELS! CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE JUST MADE THE BEST MOVE IN THE HISTORY OF YOUR CITY AND FRANCHISE AND JUST PUNCH YOUR TICKET TO MIAMI COME JANUARY! AUTHUR BLANK! GET READY TO MOVE TO THE POOR HOUSE YOU SORRY BACK STABBING CROOK! MIKE VICK IS COMING BACK AND HE WILL EXACT HIS VENGENCE UPON YOU! MV7 HAS RETURNED IN SPITE OF ALL THE HATERS AND PETA AND THE SORRY AJC TRYING TO TEAR HIM DOWN AND PUT HIM BACK IN SHACKELS AND CHAINS! VICK IS BACK ON TRACK TO RECLAIMING HIS THRONE AND HE WILL BE FLYING HIGH LIKE AN EAGEL WHEN HE DO IT! EVERYBODY KNOW THAT A EAGEL WILL ALWAYS KILL A FALCON! GET READY TO GO BROKE LIKE YOU DESERVE BLANK! THE REAL KING AUTHUR OF ATLANTA IS COMING BACK DECEMBER 6 AND HE MAKE YOU PAY BLANK! BIG TIME! HE IS GOING TO WIN THAT SUPPER BOWL RING FOR PHILY AND LEAVE ATL WITH OUT ONE! AND HE WILL MAKE EVEN MORE MONEY THAN THAT STINGY BLANK WAS WILLING TO PAY HIM WHEN HE BEAT ATL TO DO IT! COME DECEMBER TREAT BLANKS SORRY FALCONS THE SAME WAY YOU TOOK OUT THEM WORTHLESS DOGS THAT LOST MIKE!
Matthew
August 13th, 2009
11:20 pm
Mark, you must be crazy if you don’t think he’ll be booed. I particularly don’t care about the dog fighting part, however, as a Falcons fan who invest thousands of dollars into season tickets who feels that the 2007 season was one of my worst investments ever, I’m still miffed.
I am pretty happy though how it turned out. Without Vick leaving, Petrino is still here and we are still an 8-8 team strapped by the constraints of Vick’s popularity vs. actually winning. Ryan, White, Gonzalez, Turner, Norwood and Jenkins? The best offensive attack in the NFC.
On another note, wasn’t Ryan’s favorite team growing up the Eagles?
Ironic.
Mark Bradley
August 13th, 2009
11:23 pm
Also ironic — well, not really, but almost — is that the Braves start a three-game series against the Phillies tomorrow.
Najeh Davenpoop
August 13th, 2009
11:23 pm
Falcons Sorry, you should have your own talk show. I laugh out loud at every one of your posts.
Mark Bradley
August 13th, 2009
11:24 pm
And when I say Vick was the biggest sports figure in Atlanta history, I don’t mean the best player. I mean he stirred the most conversation and sold the most tickets.
Cairo
August 13th, 2009
11:25 pm
I am Falcon’s Fan first and foremost.. However, I am not crazy enough to forget what #7 did for this franchise positively. I will root for his success but will making sure I am cheering for a Falcon victory. Mark you raised some questions I raised earlier with some friends. It is going to GIGANTIC on Dec 6th. Good luck #7… I am glad the Eagles grew a pair… Compassion won this signing and Andy Reid knows personally.
EaglesRule
August 13th, 2009
11:25 pm
With Vick, the Eagles can put him in the wildcat inside the 20 and score like crazy baby!!! He’s perfect for this offense! Philly just punched their ticket to the Super Bowl–Vick was the missing piece. Blank blew it–he should have brought Vick back as a wildcat QB.
Mark Bradley
August 13th, 2009
11:26 pm
I have to say this: I have long admired the Eagles organization. I think Vick will do very well there.
Stevengilley15
August 13th, 2009
11:30 pm
I believe there will be a few who boo Vick but the outpouring support for his return and chance at redemption will definitely overshadow the boos. I boycotted the Falcons last season because I feel the city turned on Vick way too quickly and the organization handled the situation wrong but they were in a difficult position so there was no definite right way or wrong way to handle it and Atlanta has always had fair-weathered fans, so what do you expect. Right now, I am still not feeling the love for the home team or excitement but I still go hard for the home team. I definitely will be rooting for Mike Vick because I like to see people redeem themselves and do well. So. Dec. 6th will be a good day for me on two accounts. Home team Falcons and former home town QB Mike Vick being on the field again. HOPEFULLY he gets a snap or two
Tired Of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here
August 13th, 2009
11:30 pm
Yes Mark we are ready it will be in December. Thank God he is no longer just associated with the Falcons anymore. He won’t be introduced at all in the dome, he will be back up or third string to DONOVAN MCNABB, a great quarterback!!!
atlanta falcons | What's going on!!
August 13th, 2009
11:30 pm
[...] story at http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2009/08/13/dec-6-2009-eagles-at-falcons-are-we-ready-for-this... « last king of [...]
Mark Bradley
August 13th, 2009
11:32 pm
It would be a bit of a downer if Vick is the emergency quarterback and stands on the sideline that day.
Back 2 Reality
August 13th, 2009
11:35 pm
I hope all of the inbred hicks finally “get it”!. This is all about money, that game will surely, if both teams are in playoff contention, will be move to a night game.
Vick is nothing but a money machine that just got switched ON!! Goddell may be a dirtbag, but he’s no fool, Vick = Ratings + Sells = MONEY!!!
So for all of the 6th grade education bigots, go take so night classes about economics, because PHILLY is just going to be money GREEN!!!
Can’t wait to get my Vick eagles jersey!!!!
NCFalconFan
August 13th, 2009
11:38 pm
Vick made me an NFL Fan. If it wasn’t for Vick my Sundays would be Lifetime (yes, I’m a woman!!) I wish Vick well and hope that he has a successful second career. However, I am more than giddy that MATT RYAN IN MY QB and on December 6th we are going to kick a&^!!!
Tired Of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here
August 13th, 2009
11:38 pm
A downer? For who? There are people in this town who are unwavering Fans of the Falcons.
There will be a bunch of morons with Eagles jerseys hoping to see him get on the field. Most football fans should appreciate the marquee matchup between McNabb and Matt Ryan with Tony Gonzalez, Michael Turner and Roddy White. Those who appreciate good football that is.
VickNow
August 13th, 2009
11:40 pm
Can I still buy a Vick #7 Atlanta jersey to wear to the game in December???
Mark Bradley
August 13th, 2009
11:42 pm
It should be a great football game. But you really can’t ignore the Vick component of it, can you?
Reid Adair
August 13th, 2009
11:49 pm
Let the former #7 sign with the Eagles. Will he see time on the field when Philadelphia comes to town? Who knows? What Falcons fan really cares?
If he plays, he plays. If he doesn’t, so what?
I sincerely hope that there are no fights in the stands – or the streets. I expect he’ll get some cheers – and a lot of boos. Again, that depends on if he even gets in the game.
What the former #7 did to Arthur Blank, the Falcons, the city of Atlanta and Falcons fans everywhere was horrible. But, he served his time, and Blank made it clear long ago that he would never be in a Falcons uniform again. I really don’t know what more Falcons fans could ask for.
Truth be told, in many ways, the organization and the team are better off now than I expect they would have been if the former #7 had never gotten arrested.
ljdawg
August 13th, 2009
11:50 pm
If you are true Falcons fan, why do you care where Vick plays! He did some very stupid things but paid for them! the Commissioner, the Eagles, Andy Reid and McNabb all have said this man deserves this shot, so who are you to say different? Cheer for the birds! Be happy that the team seems headed in the right direction but give the I hate Vick crapa rest! No NFL player owes any of you anything! Worry about your own lives, raise your own kids and watch the game for what it is, entertainment!
drsoul
August 13th, 2009
11:50 pm
Vick, until long past the day that he is out of football…and, hopefully that is several years down the road, has established a presence and persona that will be a part and component of football lore.. even the ones who ‘love to hate him’ cannot refrain from being a part of the aura surrounding this athlete… with the right environment and coaching, where he is not given ’sainthood’ from the beginning, and with a more humble attitude of life, he will learn the things that will serve him to be greater.. he is nobody’s fool.. I think that he is past the ‘fools stage’ and is ready to show himself what he has always believed, but has not really proven.. I will always think that the stage that he was put on in Atlanta was against him from the beginning…too young, too much hype and too many, from the owner down, swooning over him and neglecting the fact that he was still a kid who needed more intimate attention and guidance…
Go Mike…the runway is yours to walk..!!!!
Fair and Balanced
August 13th, 2009
11:54 pm
LOL @ Matthew thinking anyone will HEAR a “boo” when Mike Vick comes out. Are you serious? The Georgia Dome might as well have “Vick lives here” over the entrance ways…just like the AJC should rename itself “Vick’s Blog”.
JB
August 13th, 2009
11:56 pm
Vick may be more accurate than people realize. He was often rushed with only 3 secs. to throw, whereas QBs like Tom Brady often get 5 secs. Also, sometimes they had Vick throwing with a short drop over 6′6″ Julius Peppers and other tall linemen. If used properly, he may be more accurate than people realize.
Mark Bradley
August 13th, 2009
11:57 pm
Maybe I’ve got this wrong, but I never sensed any animosity toward Vick from the folks in Flowery Branch. Disappointment, yes. Sadness, yes. But the Falcons were never bitter toward him, and I don’t think all that many of their fans were, either.
That’s why I don’t think he’ll get booed. Or, if he does, he’ll be cheered even louder. But I am, as we know, wrong about everything.
Supes
August 13th, 2009
11:58 pm
Mark,
You and all the media are all over this, as you should be…it’s a NICE NONE STORY.
Vick will be 3rd string QB, holding a headset and a clipboard and most likely doing little else.
Who cares? Unless something happens to Donovan McNabb ( a real QB ) or the backup they spent a 2nd round pick on 2 years ago…Vick isn’t going to play at QB for the Eagles.
Also, Vick is afraid of contact. All of those clamoring for him to be some sort of “wild cat” guy, first LB or DE that gets a good shot at him, watch out. Dude will be layed out. He doesn’t have the body to take those hits, even as an athletic QB. Too light.
ljdawg
August 14th, 2009
12:01 am
Supes
your hate blinds you! You must have forgot how garbage the line was when MV7 was in town! But with that light body he ran to 3 pro bowls and took the birds to the NFC championship game! Afraid of contact? Girl please!
eric
August 14th, 2009
12:01 am
I wish MV well. He broke the law but he’s paid his debt and deserves a second chance. I think he could do very well in Philly under Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb. I just hope the falcons get to that game in December with a playoff appearance at stake. They deserve a little retribution themselves! GO FALCONS!!!!
P Rose
August 14th, 2009
12:05 am
Michael Vick has gone to Philadelphia now
Somebody had to forgive him
Just because he did a term in Leavenworth now
Man’s gotta make him a livin’
If he gave a lady an infection you know
He’s got no real obligation
So he lied and said his name was Ron Mexico?
Everyone needs a vacation
No he didn’t always empathize with his fans
Someone else throw the first stone
Dirtier birds, they should have left him alone
He’s got a bird of his own
Got himself a water bottle, what do you know
This one divides at the seam
Funny how it smelled to flight security though
Air Tran kicked him off of their team
He’s a kind of man who likes to party with friends
Taking up all of their bets
All his buddies like him but he can’t comprehend
Why he’s unloved by his pets
Arthur tried to love him but he couldn’t relate
To the kind of things he’s capable of
Goodbye to the city that’s too busy to hate
Say hello to “brotherly love”
Charlie
August 14th, 2009
12:05 am
The only recievers who ever had any stats were Finneran and Crumpler, and both of them were big, slow targets. He is a 50% passer, who did not throw a TD pass the entire 4th quarter on his last season. The guy is a lousy QB, what is the big deal?
I know one person who is glad he left, and that is Roddy White.
Mark Bradley
August 14th, 2009
12:09 am
I’ve heard many things said of Michael Vick, but this is the first time I’ve heard that he’s afraid of contact or too light. Ever seen him in person? He’s a pretty solid fellow.
And P Rose turns in another fine effort, this one a bit more melancholy.
Hayseed Dixie
August 14th, 2009
12:20 am
I love Michael Vick, he’s paid his debt and he deserves to be back in the NFL- where he belongs.
Playing for the Eagles, though? He’s dead to me now.
(and yes, Mark, I’m still smarting from the Herschel Walker numbers you threw at me. Pride tastes funny going down.)
Ross
August 14th, 2009
12:23 am
I hate to make this personal but I will. I am an IT contractor who has not worked in 8 months. My savings are almost gone. Indians, Russians, and Chinese do the jobs for which many tens of thousands of Americans are highly trained. No one cares. My government doesn’t – my potential employers, who flaunt the immigration and employment laws don’t care. We are the walking economic ghosts of the land.
I’ve never hurt, and never will hurt, a cat, dog, bird, and I even like spiders.
There will be no cruise ships, steaks, or slippers in my near future. I hope I have a roof over my head come 12/6 and I hope to boo lustily.
Just the other day, Vick passed the blame to “someone who led me astray”. Yes, he’s changed a lot hasn’t he?
Mark Bradley
August 14th, 2009
12:26 am
What were the Herschel numbers, Hayseed? Three years, three SEC titles? In a Bo versus Herschel discussion? (Not trying to be funny about it. Just seeking clarification.)
Hayseed Dixie
August 14th, 2009
12:29 am
Win record of Tebow vs. Herschel.
(I’d still rather have Tebow
)
Get Real People
August 14th, 2009
12:29 am
Michael Vick won’t be introduced in the GA Dome in December because he won’t be the Eagles starting QB. He will be the No. 3 QB on the Eagles roster. Right now the Eagles have 5 QBs listed on their roster so someone is not going to make the team. Just because they signed Vick doesn’t mean that he’ll be on their active roster after all the preseason cuts. So the only way he’ll get introduced in the Dome is if he’s playing WR which is where he should have been in the first place. The guy was never decent in the QB position after defensive coordinators figured out how to defend him. Shall we look at his QB rating in the 2 years prior to his going to prison???? All the Vick supporters want to overlook those years and always revert back to his first 2 years in the NFL. Great athlete at running the ball but an average NFL QB.
Plus if he gets on the wrong side of the Eagle fans, and they have been known to heckle their own players, I can’t wait to see if he’s bold enough to flip them the finger. Those fools are crazy enough to come out of the stands and go after him.
Mark Bradley
August 14th, 2009
12:36 am
I don’t think there’s a wrong answer to that either/or question, Hayseed. Tebow’s among the greatest college players I’ve ever seen. But Herschel, as of Aug. 14, 2009, is still my No. 1.
Sovereign1
August 14th, 2009
12:40 am
GOOOOOO Mike!!!!! Man they’ve already scheduled Mike to play the Falcons that day if only for that day and what a day it will be. I already have my video tape ready to add to the rest of my Vick collection and what a highlite reel Mike is going to make that day against the Falcons. they’ve interviewed some of the Eagles players and man are they EXCITED!!!!!!!. I know Mike is already in heaven knowing that he won’t be playing behind the smallest Oline in the league any longer along with experianced recievers that has the experiance of knowing how to separate from coverage. Oh, let’s not forget the rushing show that we are going to get that’s going to drain that Falcons D to OBLIVION!!!, I CAN”T WAIT, COME ON DECEMBER!!!!!!!
eagles roster | sodini video
August 14th, 2009
12:41 am
[...] into one where the …Mac’s Football Blog – http://www.macsfootballblog.com/|||Dec. 6, 2009: Vick vs. the Falcons – are we ready for this? | Mark …Oh, and I forgot the most important thing in all of this… will Madden 2010 come out with a patch [...]
eagles roster – 海运女
August 14th, 2009
1:37 am
[...] Thought of a Noob Blogger – Blogfornoob… – http://www.blogfornoob.com/|||Dec. 6, 2009: Vick vs. the Falcons – are we ready for this? | Mark …Oh, and I forgot the most important thing in all of this… will Madden 2010 come out with a patch [...]
mike vick eagles jersey | sodini video
August 14th, 2009
5:47 am
[...] in Week 13 on Dec. 6. …R. Block’s Spot – http://blogs.uptownlife.net/rblock/|||Dec. 6, 2009: Vick vs. the Falcons – are we ready for this? | Mark …Will there be a Deion Sanders “This Is My House” Moment? Will Vick take a Jeff George victory [...]
mike vick eagles jersey – 海运女
August 14th, 2009
5:51 am
[...] in Week 13 on Dec. 6. …R. Block’s Spot – http://blogs.uptownlife.net/rblock/|||Dec. 6, 2009: Vick vs. the Falcons – are we ready for this? | Mark …Will there be a Deion Sanders “This Is My House” Moment? Will Vick take a Jeff George victory [...]
mike vick eagles jersey | rielle hunter photo
August 14th, 2009
6:21 am
[...] in Week 13 on Dec. 6. …R. Block’s Spot – http://blogs.uptownlife.net/rblock/|||Dec. 6, 2009: Vick vs. the Falcons – are we ready for this? | Mark …Will there be a Deion Sanders “This Is My House” Moment? Will Vick take a Jeff George victory [...]
Cedrick
August 14th, 2009
6:57 am
I’m ordering my VICK jersey as soon as they announce his number!! Go MV, some of us still love you in the DirTySouTh.
Stan
August 14th, 2009
7:11 am
The Spirit of 67 Brotherly Love, Welcome Home Michael Vick – Victory!
23 months behind bars
August 14th, 2009
7:13 am
The man has been tortured enough !
midnite
August 14th, 2009
7:14 am
Good for Vick, maybe he can learn to stay out of trouble and become a law abiding citizen. What makes anyone think Mike Vick will be able to handle the pressure he’ll be under in his return to the Ga, Dome(if he gets in the game)? He is not Superman, although he used to say he was. I’ll be there for sure, just like always, CHEERING FOR THE FALCONS!
Matt the Brave
August 14th, 2009
7:15 am
You know, Michael Vick did wrong things. We all know this. Should he be able to play in the NFL? Yes. Is his current suspension fair? Oh yes. I agree with the radiocasters who state that this suspension is for Vick lying to his owner, his team, and perhaps most important, the Commissioner of the NFL. I wish him the best of luck this season, but I don’t know how much he’ll actually be playing. Depends a lot on how healthy McNabb stays.
MiltonDawg
August 14th, 2009
7:23 am
Thank goodness this saga can come to an end. Now we can simply just focus on the Falcons.
Noah
August 14th, 2009
7:24 am
Who can stop the “wildcat” formation with Vick running and McNabb passing?–
Super Bowl for Philly,–Mr. Blank made a huge mistake not keeping Vick where he belongs.
David
August 14th, 2009
7:28 am
It’s going to be a wild weekend with the SEC title game, and Vick coming back to the GA dome.
dagnabit
August 14th, 2009
7:42 am
Will we be able to handle it? We who? It’s just a football game. Who cares about the pros. This is SEC country.
ThaMan
August 14th, 2009
7:46 am
Falcons Sorry – pick something worthwhile to go completely mental about. I’ll bet if you asked Vick, he would defend Arthur Blank. So lighten up and get a life!
lamac66
August 14th, 2009
7:53 am
Bring It on
I respect your comments being a Falcon fan. Vick haters have every right to boo, and Vick fans have every right to cheer. I just wish there was some balanced point of views presented by the media. They make it sound like their will be protesters only and no Vick supporters. I bet Dec. 6 will dispell that myth.
nhe
August 14th, 2009
7:54 am
I just have this sneaky feeling that McNabb will have one his injury-plagued seasons, and Vick will the be starting QB in Philly by week 8. That would make this much more interesting.
That said, has anyone mentioned he’s two years older? He’s gotta be a step slower……..and he still is going to have his same completion percentage issues. Sure, he’s still extremely dangerous, but I don’t fear Vick like I do Cutler, Romo, Brees, Brady and some of the other QBs we’ll see this year………even if I’m right and Vick is the starter Dec 8.
Felix the Cat
August 14th, 2009
7:59 am
Maybe we can take a page out of Atlanta Braves “Dogs in the park” and have “Dogs in the Dome”. That will add to this circus event. Also Arthur should sell all the current empty seats to PETA so we are guaranteed a sell out.
Mutt
August 14th, 2009
8:00 am
All of you people that keep saying, “what the Falcons and Blank did to him” are absolutely, incredibly stupid. Mike Vick was great to watch for the excitement that he brought to the field. However, he and he alone did more to try and ruin the Falcon franchise than any other in Falcon history including Piterno. The Falcons and Blank stood by him and did everything that they could have possibly done for the man. From what he was paid to standing by him during all of his off field incidents including the dog fighting. After what he did, there was no way in the world that he could ever have been a Falcon again. I am glad that he has been given the opportunity to pursue his career again, but it has to be with another team. He deserves that because he did his time, but none of us know even if he will be able to make any team as a backup let alone a starter. He has been out of football for two seasons. That is alot of time off. Everyone of the radicals on both sides of the “Mike Vick (MV7) saga” need to get a life based on reality and things that actually impact their own lives.
Be-little, BeBOLD
August 14th, 2009
8:03 am
I can see it now . . . the AJC sportswriters will have more stories on MV than our own Atlanta Falcons. What a shame our local paper will soon be known as Philly south sports!!! You guys just can’t leave him out can you? Why don’t you apply for a job as his personal publicist as that is all you will write about now. Blog, blog, blog, BLOG consumed by Michael Vick and his lovers.
Felix the Cat
August 14th, 2009
8:03 am
Watch out Michael.. You know they have a JAIL in the stadium.. heh heh heh heh
Yunel Asscobar
August 14th, 2009
8:06 am
Mark – your columns are a lot of hit and miss; this one’s a miss. Reading your spin makes it hard to believe we live in the same city and have watched this same sorry drama. You don’t think he will be booed? Every been to Fenway; home of educated sports fans? Standing Ovation for Derek Lowe; a man who performed well, handled himself with dignity, and represented the team and city with class. They boo Johnny Damon unmercifully. Both helped lead the Sox to titles, but one did it in a manner that garners respect. I would love to see Vick and Keith Brooking return to ATL in the same season. Brooking did represent the city, the team, and himself with class. It’s unthinkable to put the words “respect” and Vick in the same sentence. His infamous “fan-flip-off” has caused my Vick Respectometer to read “empty.” You’ve been in ATL this long and weren’t aware that Vick does everything possible to avoid taking a hit?? Unbelievable! Second chances…seems like he was given multiple “chances” by Mr. Blank…and failed miserably. The criminal justice system has now afforded a second chance by freeing him from prison. Second chance is not a synonym for everything being restored to it’s former condition. Will the AJC re-hire you following a felony conviction?
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 14th, 2009
8:15 am
Mark, as far as if Vick gets booed, it will be just like this blog. 70% will be against and 30% will be for and no one will be silent.
haskell scatback
August 14th, 2009
8:16 am
Sal Palantonio just reported on Mike & Mike that fans at the game last night, when they found out about the signing, were angry. .at about a 95 per cent clip.
sportsguy
August 14th, 2009
8:17 am
All you Mick Vick true believers who thought he was railroaded by the Falcons, the NFL & the Justice Dept – please move the Philly. It’s a
nice cozy city, great weather, great food & you can see Mick Vick every day. Please move & get out of this town.
SRF
August 14th, 2009
8:19 am
The last time I rode MARTA on a Saturday – it was filled with “7″ jerseys – there are a ton of Vick fans who are seething with hatred that the Falcons released him. I think that the Falcons will be booed that day because the
stands will be 75% Vick fans
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 14th, 2009
8:21 am
P Rose deserves to be in the hall of fame for his fine effort today!
Jon Hughes
August 14th, 2009
8:21 am
great read bradley you have really picked up your game lately
Bob from Dahlonega
August 14th, 2009
8:23 am
If you think the town hall meetings are bad, wait until dec 6th when we take the nfl back like this country. Peta + the sons of confederate daughters will be out in force. I think my buddy who spraypaints swastikas on stuff in the middle of the night will be around then also, plus the guy responsible for burning people in effigy plans on coming down. Sean hanity and Ollie north will have a freedom concert in falcon plaza with music by hank williams jr
QueDawg
August 14th, 2009
8:25 am
Who would have ever thought?!?!? I am an Eagles fan and Falcons season ticket holder since MV7 came to the ATL! I have my cake and can eat it too! I am very interested to see all of these neigh sayers that SAY they have season tickets and will be there to boo blah blah blah. I hate to say it but I believe what a previous blogger said, those guys will definitely be hiding behind the computer on 12/6! I wanted to debate this morning but I think I will sit back and gloat!! I am convinced that the “man upstairs” loves me and football!!
Hollywould
August 14th, 2009
8:28 am
You think his number will be K-9?
Ted Striker
August 14th, 2009
8:29 am
I’m glad for Vick and the Eagles — but even happier for me. Why? As an avid Madden NFL player who frequently choose the Eagles because of McNabb’s scrambling ability, a Vick option really opens up possibilities.
Now, if only EA sports will install a wildcat formation or allow me to sub Vick at RB occasionally for a halfback pass or play action pass to the back in the flat….
p.s. Madden NFL 10 is out TODAY!
Required Reading | Hard Knox Sports
August 14th, 2009
8:31 am
[...] Vick will face the Falcons on Dec. 6. [AJC] [...]
drsoul
August 14th, 2009
8:32 am
Interesting that in the sports section of the Philly paper, Vick is running just a little over 45% approval… pretty good for the situation.. of course, over 50 would be better, but the backlash is not as bad as most people would like it to be… PETA does not really hold a lot of power and once the season gets going, football will prevail over the ‘emotional’ ignorance..
Daniel
August 14th, 2009
8:33 am
Who cares?
Oh, all of these people on this blog. Well, I guess I will just go back to blogging about the Hawks and Braves. At least we talk about sports. I am sooo over michael vick. He is getting his “second chance” great. The odds are still high that it won’t work, but even if it does work for him, it will not affect my life in any way shape or form. It really scares me that there are people who still see Michael Vick as their personal Saviour. What a shame. I hugely admire Hank Aaron, Dale Murphy, Steve Barkowski, etc… but none of them mean as much to me as Vick does to some people. That is a more disturbing fact than anything than Vick actually did both good and bad.
I pray that these people can find something more to fill that hole inside their soul.
QueDawg
August 14th, 2009
8:33 am
Boob from Dumblongega………………..Are you serious or is this an effort to incite? I hope it is the latter because what you posted is a tad bit on the extreme side. Please excuse my spelling errors!
Giuseppe
August 14th, 2009
8:35 am
I believe in second chances and I wish Michael Vick well in his future endeavors. With that said, I will be booing him the moment he steps on the turf at the Dome. He brought the Falcons two years of misery and to me, as a Falcon fan, he is nothing but scum. I believe one cannot be a true Falcon fan and cheer MV ever, particularly at the Dome.
I doubt MV will be playing though. If he does, it would be in some trick plays and with McNabb in the game at QB. Andy Reid knows the consequences of bringing him in the game at the Dome. There is so much at stake and the issue is so emotional, there will be behind the scenes games before the actual game starts. Reid and the owner Jeffrey Lurie know they would be disrespecting Blank if Vick plays. And in the tight NFL circles that is a no-no. I bet Goodell will have something to say before this happens.
As for what will be happening in the stands, I fully expect numerous fights. Have you ever been at a Falcons’ game? Vick lovers will be going around and looking for a challenge, no doubt. Security will be tight and I would not be surprised if Vick jerseys are banned.
YUP!!
August 14th, 2009
8:39 am
The question is………IS MIKE VICK READY FOR THIS?
falconsfaninga
August 14th, 2009
8:39 am
Falcons Sorry: IDIOT!!!
IF your going to get on a blog please learn proper English ( not to mention learn how to spell ) enough with the ebonics you racist fool!!!!
Later
QueDawg
August 14th, 2009
8:40 am
Giuseppe is ABSOLUTELY right. I doubt they will ban the jerseys and it is about MONEY AND RATINGS SO VICK WILL PLAY! It will be the most viewed game next to superbowl. I have been a season ticket holder for years I would suggest anyone who wants to boo not sit in the 100 section of the Dome!
theman
August 14th, 2009
8:46 am
I can’t wait until philly and Vick come to town. It will be the first time that I will actually attend a Falcons game wearing something other than Red White and Black. I’ll be sporting me some good ol’ Philly green with MV’s number all over it. By the way when I was growing up PETA was something that I used to piss with. Anyone associated with that group should by banded to a job working at a beef processing plant.
GO VICK!!! – YOU STILL GOT MEGA FANS IN THE ATL
Radio Listener
August 14th, 2009
8:53 am
I will be in the Dome and I will only hope the Falcons are 6-6 going into the game and a Vick led drive ends all playoff hopes for the Birds. Will that happen probably not but the fact will remain their will be MORE Vick fans in the Dome than Falcon fans, especially in the upper levels.
YUP!!
August 14th, 2009
8:53 am
GO VICK FANS……….TO PHILLY!!! LOOSERS SUPPORTING A LOOSER!
Navigator
August 14th, 2009
8:54 am
I don’t give a damn about where Michael Vick landed. However, Donovan McNabb is maybe the most underrated QB to ever play the game. He carried Philadelphia on his back with little offensive help, and now he has to deal with the Vick circus. What was Philadelphia thinking or in this case not thinking. If you sell your soul to the devil, some day soon you’ll have to pay up.
sportswoman
August 14th, 2009
8:55 am
To all the Haters… Let’s see how many empty seats there will be when he plays in Philly. Better yet, let’s see how many seats will be empty when he comes to Atlanta.
Get over it!! He has suffered enough.
That’s what I thought!!
Mac
August 14th, 2009
9:00 am
“Michael Vick was the biggest professional athlete in this city’s history — bigger than Dominique, bigger than Chipper, bigger even than Hammerin’ Hank.”
Uh, nope.
Simple Simons
August 14th, 2009
9:01 am
The city that throws snowballs at Santa and welcomes Vick , deserves each other.
Barry
August 14th, 2009
9:02 am
“Michael Vick was the biggest professional athlete in this city’s history — bigger than Dominique, bigger than Chipper, bigger even than Hammerin’ Hank. ” I don’t think so. Not even close. Maybe the most polarizing athlete in our city’s history. But he’s not even close to Hank Aaron, nor Greg Maddux, nor Phil Niekro, nor Dominique. Maybe the biggest Falcon, but there are contenders there. And this game can’t compare to the World Series or the Olympics.
C
August 14th, 2009
9:06 am
Wow. And I hated the Eagles before this all went down. Should be a fun night.
Go Falcons!
Jedimonk
August 14th, 2009
9:06 am
Can’t Wait for the “This is my House” moment. I will fly from DC to watch this game while wearing my #7 Eagles jersey. The look on the faces of you Rednecks will be priceless. Philly will roll through ATL like Sherman.
Michael
August 14th, 2009
9:06 am
Come on Mark. Hyperbole much? He’ll show up, get booed a bit, and mostly sit the bench. Non-story. Next.
bluto60
August 14th, 2009
9:08 am
bigger than hammerin’ hank?!? give me a break. the years of separation from that era have skewed your judgment.
vick was indeed huge. but hank aaron was historic, both for what he accomplished, the circumstance he accomplished it under, and the manner in which he handled himself. absolutely no comparison — and to even suggest vick compares to aaron is a travesty.
sl
August 14th, 2009
9:22 am
Hey “Falcons Sorry”…is the “SUPPER BOWL” the game where the two teams with the biggest players face off to see which one can eat more? I’m not sure I have ever seen a “SUPPER BOWL”…..LMAO every time you post!
S#5
August 14th, 2009
9:25 am
@Doug…..check your sources. Vick will come in at #2 because Kolb is INJURED already.
@Felix the Cat……PETA is all talk….a bunch of psycho-babbling bullies at best. Highly doubt they would spend a dime to support the team……..just like all the lames that said they would buy tickets when Vick was gone……and we see how that turned out!
But I doubt even if AB offered up a whole section for free that they would attend. It would nullify their whole argument to come to the dome where HAMBURGERS and HOT DOGS are the meal of choice and watch a game that features guys in LEATHER cleats throwing around a ball made of PIGSKIN!!!
BrianM
August 14th, 2009
9:35 am
Eagles will trade Vick to whichever team loses it’s starter. He won’t come to ATL in December.
FreeMikeVick
August 14th, 2009
9:43 am
I’ll be there with my #7 jersey. Section 214. Any of you want to say something to me, say it then.
Gravy Train
August 14th, 2009
9:43 am
Vick should be booed. He, like any other man, should have to earn back the respect of his peers and fans. Forgiving him as a person is truly the right thing to do. That’s what Jesus taught us. But as a player on the grid iron vindication and boos are fair game.
As a side note, I’ve never seen as much reverse racism since OJ got away with murder. How in the world can you turn a blind eye to the lack of character or intelligence of a man because you share the same skin color? Why do people perpetuate ignorance and stereotypes and then blame other races for it? I wont boo Vick because he’s black. I will boo him because he used his money and influence to corrupt this franchise and the minds of children who looked up to him.
Now that he’s in Philly, does that mean he will actually learn to read coverages? Will he actually spend time in the film room? Will he spend more time working on his mechanics than he does trying to look good with panty hose on his head?
I wish him well as a man. Thug life is no life at all. I hope he never forgets the pain and isolation he says he felt in prison. Maybe that will help him to choose his friends and activities more wisely.
BlankStare
August 14th, 2009
9:46 am
Blank made a big mistake in letting Michael leave Atlanta. When Philly comes to town, they’ll put Michael in the wildcat and he’ll break some big plays. Philly wins—mark it down.
Arthur Blank
August 14th, 2009
9:51 am
I’m raising the price of beer so start saving your money.
Darrin "The Vent King"
August 14th, 2009
9:52 am
We as Falcon fans should be thankful our franchise is in the shape it is in right now and not waste time in the past. Yes, Vick sent this franchise spiraling, but we have too bright a future to waste time seeking revenge or hating. That is NOT a good way to live life. Seeing people be that way shows me that we as a human race have an even longer way to go in truly being “civilized” than we think. I, for one, ALWAYS a Falcon fan first, hope Vick does well with his second chance. Thanks MB for debunking the theory that HAVE to be a fan of either the Falcons or Vick- I think that is the most silly 2-dimensional frame of thought that has come from all this. I wish Vick well in his comeback, except on Dec 6th of course! GO FALCONS
docbailey
August 14th, 2009
9:59 am
Well, well, well, you knew this was going to happen.As i read the comments, as usual this has become what your paper wanted it to be, a race issue concerning Mike Vick. Bradley opened it up with his little article and pow, the sides already have been drawn. On Dec. 6 , the ‘CITY TOO BUSY TO HATE”, will be divided between the people that look like VICK and the people that Look like RYAN. and if you don’t believe this, just read these comments. This is called, “REALITY”. Hell, If i was black, i would be pulling for Mike too.What really makes me sick are the “bleeding heart-can’t we just get along” HYPOCRITES that try to make this anything else but what the Atlanta news media wants it to be, a typical race issue…. and both narrow-minded sides have fallen into their little trap( to sell AJC papers.) If ALL the people of Atlanta were smart, no matter what you think of MV, forget it!!!! and tell the AJC to write about your team, the FALCONS , who happen to be black and white. But, growing up in Atlanta, i very seldom have seen where many of you were accused of being SMART,
jack
August 14th, 2009
10:07 am
Here’s what we know about Vick.
He is the most impressive ATHLETE who has ever played quarterback.
He is faster than almost any player (including cornerbacks) on the field.
He is an amazing runner.
He can make an average or poor team win more games by his talent.
He would almost certainly make an exceptional team lose games because he is not very good as a quarterback.
He was a poor leader.
When he left, almost none of the Falcon players even had his cell phone number.
He inspires black people to revere him and to blind themselves to his faults because they wish they could be him.
The black people who are so blind to his faults exhibit racist behavior which is unfortunate; the last thing we need as a society is more racism.
Note to black people: Not liking Vick for being sullen, and torturing and killing animals does NOT mean these white people are racist; most white people dislike anyone for exhibiting this kind of behavior. And YOU embracing him despite these characteristics is proof of YOUR racism.
Vick is an amazing athlete who happens to be a very messed up person. If he had no athletic talent, he would be another maladjusted criminal in jail.
The Falcons have a truly great quarterback in Matt Ryan. If you are a football fan, and not a racist, you will be pulling for the team of your choice, not the color of the quarterback.
mars
August 14th, 2009
10:07 am
What’s an Eagel?
mars
August 14th, 2009
10:08 am
What a maroon! What an ignoramus!
Darrin "The Vent King"
August 14th, 2009
10:12 am
BTW Gravytrain- I think the term “reverse racism” is the most outdated, prehistoric, and untrue, should not exist term in the dictionary. When you think about it-its basically saying racism is supposed to come from whites only and when it happens differently its “reversed”. Say what? I believe this is a term only Americans came up with and is an insulting term not to blacks, but to whites themselves. Listen, racism is racism no matter which direction it is coming from and this is coming from an African-American. I’ve come across racists blacks, but consider it the same evil as when whites do it- not “reversed”. What do you call it when the Japanese look down on the Chinese- “Eastern-Hemispheric-racism’? When whites say that term, to me you’re dissing yourselves…not a good look.
Been There. . . Done, well. . . just done!
August 14th, 2009
10:14 am
As to those who stated on this blog your having learned and been taught to ‘forgive’, I applaud you: a highly-charged topic such as Michael Vick stirs up a tempest of emotions, anger, flurry of comments, et. al. I highly urge everyone here to look closely at the comments of ‘Ross’. Yes, some of us have been trying to fix our own situations and coax them into a better light, thus worrying about Vick is LAST on our ‘to-do list’ of life changes we must make; however, considering murderers (especially those whose ‘works’ are most heinous) start with animals before moving on to humans, the lack of relative strength behind a sentence for dogfighting is disturbing. If it was a uniform felony among ALL U.S. states (along with animal cruelty), he would NOT be out at this point. While I (as a spiritual person) hope he INDEED has seen the errors of his former livelihood and has repented, I remain deeply concerned about his quick return to such a lucrative job. Whomever the bloggers are who stated this purely about money have at least ONE guaranteed ‘right on’ about the true motive(s) behind this signing. I only wish those who said they’ve made similar mistakes, and served prison time, are allowed similar second chances!
Sovereign1
August 14th, 2009
10:25 am
GO….. Mike V!!!!!, Folks did you here McNabb this morning, he told the reporter, “You will soon learn why we did this”. The show that they are going to put on here in Atlanta is going to make highlite reels worldwide. They are going to let Mike do his thing behind a real Offensive line and real support talent that Brady and the Mannings have been blessed with their whole career. I’m with Fran Tarkenton who stated this morning that he has just became an Eagles Fan, COME ON DECEMBER!!!!. “BRING IT ON MIKE AND PHILLY!!!!!!!”
Darrin "The Vent King"
August 14th, 2009
10:27 am
Note to Jack- Are the white folks that support Vick’s comeback racist’s too? Believe it or not, there are MANY that do. Supporting Vick does NOT show one is racist anymore than NOT supporting him does. Everyone has a right to their own opinion without being labeled such, to do so is being VERY short-sighted. All it shows is that people come from different walks of life, value different things, and see certain things differently- that is all. I don’t hate on anyone that does not support Vick nor do I draw a line in the sand saying you’re either with him or a racist. If a white person or black for that matter, because believe it or not their are some who do not support him also, feels that way I respect that if it is because they are offended by the crimes he committed and have that type love for animals. I can totally understand that. As an African-American myself, I do not view them as being racist and we all need to stop labeling things such ways. I truly believe, since there is nothing positive to gain from keeping him locked up can do to prevent dogfighting, having him work with the Humane Society and talking to kids at camps telling them to use him as an example of what NOT to do is the best way to move forward. He has already been made an example out of and if he is willing to tell kids that and be a spokesman against the things he did, what better way to make amends for it? Its better for them to hear that than nothing at all or the silly labels and petty race wars the rest of us adults seem to be so consumed with…I am still a big fan of the Falcons and root for that team harder than anyone, but at the same time I hope Vick makes good on his 2nd chance too. It is possible to feel both ways ya know.
REAL Falcon Fan
August 14th, 2009
10:31 am
If you are a Falcon Fan at all then VICK deserves to be booed all day long. It has nothing to do with race and it has nothing to do with his crimes. It has everything to do with what he did to his TEAM and this City. He let us down and made our franchise a joke for that one season and he needs to hear it. He needs to take out a full page ad in the AJC every day until December 6th apologizing to this City.
MrKnowGood
August 14th, 2009
10:55 am
Good commentary. But we would all do well to be reminded that the AJC, and the media in general, had a lot to do with how “divided” the city became. When the AJC allowed certain posters to use the term “thug” as a replacement for that “other” word it was completely irresponsible! And when most reasonable people thought that flicking off a fan (a fan who probably called him a “thug”) was no big deal, the AJC made it out to be the worst thing imaginable. But I guess it was all worth it – the sensationalized coverage sold a lot of papers.
Sovereign1
August 14th, 2009
11:17 am
PLEEEEEASE “REAL Falcon Fan”, I’ve read/followed your comments since Vick started here and you are the TRUE DEFINITION OF “HATER!!!!!!!”. You are one of the main reasons that I hope Vick comes to Atlanta and flat out “THUMP THE LIVING CRAP OUT OF NEGATIVE HATERS SUCH AS YOURSELF”. This has NOTHING to do with what part of the human race anyone is from but it has everything to do with supporting PURE HATE that you have demonstrated on the Falcons Message board over the years that Mike was here playing under some of the worst supporting caste(to include coaching staffs past coach D. Reeves) the league could present that Vick hid/made up for with his talents/gifts and had the class to keep to himself. As Mike and Philly comes thru and “THUMP THE LIVING HATE” out of Fans such as yourself. GOO!!!!!! MIKE & PHILLY!!!!!!!
atlanta falcons tickets | sodini video
August 14th, 2009
11:41 am
[...] ago; @freehawk LOL! …J.Mike’s Missives – http://jmike.blogs.atlantafalcons.com/|||Dec. 6, 2009: Vick vs. the Falcons – are we ready for this? | Mark …I particularly don't care about the dog fighting part, however, as a Falcons fan who invest [...]
THUG LIFE
August 14th, 2009
12:00 pm
HA HA!!! NOW ALL YOU CRACKERS THAT BE HATIN’ ON MY BOY MV7 CAN JUST SHOVE IT WHERE THA SUN DON’T BE SHININ’.
THE MAN DO HIS TIME AN HE SAY HE SORRY. WHY YOU ALL CAINT LEVE HIM ALONE?
YA’LL ALL JUS BE A BUNCH OF HATERS. CAIN’T WAIT TO SEE HIM COME BACK TO THA ATL!!
IT BE FREAKNIC IN THA DOME TIME AGAIN.
NOW I BE GOIN OUT WIT MY BOY FALCON SORRY TO THA BLUE FLAME AN GET SOME WIMMINS.
HATERS!!
KP
August 14th, 2009
12:08 pm
As a season ticket holder, I will be in the house. HOWEVER, I will be wearing my Falcons jersey with the number 7 and the name Vick on the back!
Welcome back to the NFL Mike!
mano17
August 14th, 2009
12:09 pm
all i got to say is people please take your white hoods off. come on man we live in america where every man gets a second chance. mark my word the eagles will win the super bowl damn the falcons. if matt ryan goes down its over for the falcons
Faithful Falcons/Mike Vick Fan 4 Life
August 14th, 2009
12:15 pm
MIKE VICK #7 Philadelphia Eagles…when will his Jersey go on sale?
BEST OF LUCK TO YOU MIKE VICK
Rehab
August 14th, 2009
12:16 pm
Has Vick gotten a new puppy at home for companionship?
ernisTbass
August 14th, 2009
12:20 pm
I hope the Falcons finally have back to back winning seasons and get in and through the playoffs. I also hope Vick redeems himself and has a good career, just not against the Falcons on an opposing team. Mostly I hope the Eagles serve Philly Cheese Steaks on PETA er Pita bread all season at the stadium. Would Hot Dogs on Pita bread be pushing it??????
J B Stoner
August 14th, 2009
12:58 pm
Bad!
Lowkey
August 14th, 2009
1:28 pm
This going to be bigger tham freaknik!
Lowkey
August 14th, 2009
1:29 pm
This is going to be bigger than freaknik!
THUG LIFE
August 14th, 2009
1:32 pm
HEY LOW KEY I WIT YA. LETS TEAR UP THA DOME…HOLLAR.
Tee
August 14th, 2009
1:51 pm
Lynne “squeaky” Fromme was released from prison today …..And you guys are hating on Vick dont you want to blog about that Remember Charles Manson…..No of course you dont you would rather think about Michael Vick …..let the man play……Hey you let Squeaky run the streets again after that gruesome era they had……
Sovereign1
August 14th, 2009
1:56 pm
Hey, for you “HATERS” that didn’t except the apology that Mike gave both you and Arthor Blank before he went to prison(while still a Falcon), your day will come. As both Fran Tarkenton and Jamie Dukes stated “there is no apology that people who flat out hate Vick will except”. The “MACHINE” that Philly has put together now I have to give credit to the HATERS for. This much hate has put together a MACHINE THAT THE WHOLE LEAGUE NOW HAS TO RECKON WITH AND “OH WHAT A MACHINE”. COME ON DECEMBER!!!!!!!!,DO YOUR THING MIKE & PHILLY!!!!!!!!!!!
Saint Simons
August 14th, 2009
2:04 pm
Bum
Krunk
August 14th, 2009
2:10 pm
Dog haters. F Vick, and the F the Eagles.
Tee
August 14th, 2009
2:18 pm
90% of you hypcrits don’t give a d@mn about pitbulls…you’ve been hating Mike Vick since 2001….You reep what you sow!!
SWAT Native
August 14th, 2009
2:41 pm
Mark,
December 6 will be huge, but could you imagine an NFC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome with the Eagles and Michael Vick?
falconexile
August 14th, 2009
2:58 pm
Its a sad week for the National Felons League
ThaMan
August 14th, 2009
3:20 pm
Freaknik – now that’s something to be proud of. Thug Life is just Falcons Sorry with the correct name. You are the kind that allow haters to stereotype blacks as being uneducated buffoons. You are a real credit to your race.
SARA
August 14th, 2009
3:36 pm
PETA HATERS stay home on December 6 — You will be outnumbered!!! THAMAN — you have a nasty mind!! grow up!!!
SARA
August 14th, 2009
3:37 pm
Sorry THAMAN — it KRUNK with the nasty mind!!!
FalconsRule
August 14th, 2009
3:56 pm
MATTY ICE, MATTY ICE, MATTY ICE!!!!! That’s my QB. I don’t care about any other thug on another thug team from Philly!
Matty Ice, Gonzolez, Turner, Norwood, and White are 1 billion times the football players than Prick, I mean Vick, will ever be.
I will boooo the hell out of him for taking a dump on my team. He doesn’t deserve anything. Maybe he’ll break his leg.
FalconsRule
August 14th, 2009
3:58 pm
What most of you all fail to realize is that Vick may not play for 8 games. You all also fail to realize he is not going to just be able to jump into a team and contribute. If the Phillies make it to the playoff’s it won’t be because of Vick at all.
Hi Haters!!
August 14th, 2009
10:40 pm
Good Article Bradley. Now that is very good unbais reporting.
Hi Haters!!
August 14th, 2009
10:59 pm
Hey Falconsrule, here is a bit of advise for you……. First of all learn how to spell, just say no, wash your hands after you use the bathroom, and stop blowing your nose while others are eating.
The Falcons suck and if you wonder why Ryan is struggling in 09 just know that teams have game film on him now. Stop Turner and that will take care of Ryan. Vick will play just as soon as he can. He won’t only be in the wildcat formation but he will be on the field and have plenty of attempts to score. Like Andy Reid, I won’t give up the details but it will come soon enough in how the Eagles plan to use him to win the Super Bowl in 2009. The Falcons meanwhile had one good season before Vick but didn’t really become a national favorite until Vick put on a Falcons Uniform. Get ready to a steady decline Falcons fans. Fans like the idiot “falconsrule” deserve it!!!! By the way, the correct spelling is “Gonzalez” numbnuts! You can thank my KC Chiefs for Tony G. but that’s fine, I’m an Eagles Fan Now !!!!
Jackie
August 16th, 2009
9:34 pm
Falcons have sold out that game. Hhhmmmmm….Vick haters, I guess you would conclude that there are a lot of dumb fans in Atlanta huh? Guess what, get used to it….the NFL right now is about filling seats and MV7 does just that. Besides, you wouldn’t be crying if this was a different QB. Such dummies.
stacksondeckatl
August 16th, 2009
11:18 pm
I don’t understand why people are saying he destroyed the city and the team. Maybe we forgot with all of the winning with Vick. Before Vick came to Atlanta we were crap. Not just in football everything. The Braves won 11 division titles and only won 1 World Series. The Hawks before two years ago had not made the playoffs in 10 years. Our WNBA time lost 17 straight games before ending the season 4-30. The thrashers and the Force seem to learn how to tank the end of the season from the braves. The falcons first super bowl was in 99 and Vick was drafted two years later which goes to show how great a franchise we have. Vick made people pay attention to Atlanta, A city with low self esteem when it comes to sports. So if he did anything he definitely didn’t do anything in destroying the groud zero of sports which is Atlanta.
Ex-Dome GM on Vick's return: 'I don't think it'll be a big thing' | Mark Bradley
December 3rd, 2009
11:08 am
[...] Eagle now, and the Eagles play here Sunday. From the moment Vick signed with Philly back in August, we Atlantans have had the game circled. Will the crowd be for a visiting player or the home team? Will there be more Vick shirts than [...]
nitta
December 5th, 2009
2:14 am
Its ok that dog fighting is a sport for some people, but the minute he flick his finger and not show up its all over for him, as long as he’s a puppet everybodys good. I say get over it keep your boos and enjoy a good game. The dome was empty you can buy tickets cheap and scalpers was not on the streets before Vick hyped us back up. He played and filled seats and sold out tickets. Stop hating adopt a dog and move on let the man play the sport he loves. You can still like Vick without the Falcons and still like the Falcons. That’s why the city is the way it is were ignorant for the wrong reasons. Real sport fans come to watch a good game not a player. I pray the eagles win and Mike get his shine back, let him move on. Go Falcons, Go Mike Vick. Its 2009 not 1949 grow up and enjoy the game. I know I will.