Michael Vick on “60 Minutes”: Contrition and a confession
I’m sure “60 Minutes” wasn’t thrilled with Michael Vick pre-empting himself and holding an introductory briefing two days before his taped interview with James Brown was scheduled to air. But the press conference in Philadelphia was a press conference, which serves a different purpose than the sitdown interview. And Vick was impressive in former, even more so in the latter.
I watched the interview in the press lounge at Turner Field, and there were the usual “Yeah, rights,” from a few of the skeptics behind me. But I felt no skepticism. I felt I was watching a humbled man admit to having been a fool and an ingrate and an all-around bad buy.
And let me ask this: When last did you own up to so many sins and failings? In the confessional box? Ever? And when last did you do it before an audience of millions?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it now: I’ve always liked the guy, and I felt almost personally disappointed when I read the indictment against him. I can only imagine how Arthur Blank felt, and that to me was the heart of Vick’s “60 Minutes” appearance — the self-disgust he felt at having let Blank down.
Loading ...Vick: “I can’t, you know, describe the feeling. You know, the hurt deep inside, hurt that I never felt before, knowing that I disappointed him, knowing that he’d given me every opportunity to come to him and reach out whenever I needed him. And he cared about me and I took it all for granted.”
It’s one thing to say, “Oh, I let my fans down.” It’s altogether different to put a human face on that failure. That Vick seems to realize what he did to the man who trusted him most gives me hope, not for the first time, that Michael Vick is indeed a changed and wiser man.
I know, I know. There are those among who will take the “Yeah, right” route, who will believe Vick’s only remorse is over having been caught. I believe otherwise. I believe he means what he says, and on “60 Minutes” he said exactly what he needed to say. And he said it well.
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225 comments Add your comment
Charlie
August 16th, 2009
11:53 pm
Fred, you did not answer the question, have you ever driven over the speed limit?
How about Matt Johnson, he is an incredible athlete, yet, he does not have a job in the NFL. Why do you thing that is? I am just glad he is white so I don’t have to listen to it.
Charlie
August 16th, 2009
11:54 pm
Stendic, Detroit went 4-0 last preseason. Worring about pre-season records is for losers.
JIM
August 17th, 2009
12:01 am
it ( vick is not a “He” )is sorry because the lost of $130,000,000.00.
chemdawg
August 17th, 2009
12:01 am
You’re good at misrepresenting (or making up) what I said. I never said vehicular homicide is acceptable. It’s just not comparable to Vick’s situation, morally, legally, or socially. Intent and malice is the difference between the two situations. Heatley made an impulsive decision to speed (a physical mistake) which led to the death of his best friend and teammate. Is there any doubt that Heatley felt remorse? That night will follow him for the rest of his life. Vick funded a dog fighting organization with the intent to brutally kill dogs. Unlike Heatley’s mistake, if he felt remorse for his actions, he could have stopped after the FIRST YEAR (he didn’t). He even admitted in his interview that he didn’t feel remorse until he went to jail. Jail time is a deterrent for people like Vick who need to be forced to feel remorse for doing bad things.
JIM
August 17th, 2009
12:06 am
A question for those people think vick should hv a second chance,
how about those voiceless dogs were killed and tortured by him,
DID THEY HV A SECOND CHANCE?
Marie
August 17th, 2009
12:08 am
Barbara there are still slave owners living in this nation? I’m shocked!!!! Tell me where I can find them so I can forgive them. You TWIT!!!
And trust me SWEETY if black folks were not a forgiving people we would never have progressed this far as a nation. Its apparent you have been totally tuned out to what has happened in this nation over the past 30-40 years as race relationships have greatly improved; although ignorant numbskulls like you want to turn back the clock.
And since you want to go down that road. There is a Democratic congressman by the name of Robert Byrd who represents the state of W. VA. who has served in Congress for many years now. He was a former member of the KKK, but, Black Americans in that state faithfully voted for this man for years. And the Blacks in AL forgave George Wallace. And Blacks across this country have forgiven many racists and segregationist who did everything in their power to harass, murder, rape, and torture Black people in this country.
Don’t you EVER presume to tell us who we need to forgive; when the blood of our ancestors have been soaked in the soil of this nation all because we decided to to turn the other cheek and did not render evil for evil.
Christine
August 17th, 2009
12:13 am
Anyone who could do what he did is just evil. He is a monster, and spending time in jail isn’t going to change who he is deep down. You can’t cure “evil”. He is only saying he is sorry so he can resume his career. He lied all the way though this thing and I have no doubt he is still lying. I hope he brings the Eagles lots of bad karma.
judge
August 17th, 2009
12:17 am
For vick supporters, here are some pictures u guys must see:)
http://stephaniehyde.net
Charlie
August 17th, 2009
12:19 am
So Marie, “We” should never tell “you” who to forgive? I guess that is the point.
Fred
August 17th, 2009
12:25 am
Chemdawg, why shouldn’t that night have followed him OUT of the NHL? Why do you think its ok that the felon Dany Heatley should be playing but Mike Vick is supposed to have some EXTRA punishment on top of what the judicial system ruled? Please, A human being is dead and the person responsible is making his millions and not tripping, he’s not writing apology letters to the editor of the AJC to the fans of the Thrashers and he didn’t stand up and tell everyone how sorry he was and cry about it…he most certainly DID NOT…yet you have twits here thinking Mike VIck is supposed to come to their trailer and personally ask for their forgiveness like they walk on water…and you have the audacity to suggest its quite ok that Heatley didnt serve jail time..because he was so remorseful and all…yeah, I guess killing your best friend IS a downer.
Charlie, yes I’ve driven over the speed limit, and if I kill somebody in the process, I expect the full punishment of the judicial system. Now i dont know who Matt Johnson is…I assume you mean Matt Jones, but why are you asking about why a receiver hasn’t signed a contract yet? Marvin Harrison is also available..and there are veteran running backs still unsigned too, Warrick Dunn, Edgerrin James and Shaun Alexander to name a few…so what’s your point? Vick played a position for which there is a market…and according to every single NFL player that’s seen him, he is in 1999 Va Tech shape, so what’s your point again? Matt Jones is a good athlete, not an incredible athlete, that’s why he’s waiting for someone to get injured and he’ll sign. His drug habit gets a pass even though drugs have done far more damage to american society than dogfighting EVER will, but hey….he gets a pass!
Jim from Waukegan
August 17th, 2009
12:26 am
I’m a dog lover. Mike Vick has been involved with dog fighting supposedly since he was eight years old. He wasn;t drunk or high when he commited these cruelties. It was a voluntary act unlike Stallworth, Little, etc. He has been punished. He says he sorry. But…..let his actions speak louder than words. Keep doing the public service announcements against dog fighting, but also donate at least 10% of your new hefty salary to animal causes to put some real weight behind your “regret and guilt” for the horrible cruelties that you;ve been a part of. That will convince me that you have reformed and deserve our forgiveness. Jim from Waukegan
BugKiller
August 17th, 2009
12:27 am
Mark, you are such a bleeding-heart. It’s amazing that someone as old as you are can be so incredibly naive.
Michael Vick is a SOCIOPATH.
These people do not feel remorse. Their brains are simply incapable of that kind of human emotion.
Michael Vick took FAMILY DOGS, dogs his CHILDREN would play with, and threw them into the dogfighting ring, watching his fighting dogs tear these poor, sweet creatures limb-from-limb, LAUGHING about it the whole time.
LAUGHING, Mark!!!
These are not the actions of a man who has the ability to feel remorse, to feel empathy.
You know what Mike Vick feels?
The squeezing of his wallet.
Mike Vick knows he has NO chance of paying off his debtors without playing in the NFL.
So Mike Vick is doing what Mike Vick does.
He is LYING his @$$ off to anyone and everyone. He is being coached, very well, by new enablers like Tony Dungy, on how to appear remorseful, even though those of us who understand his sociopathic nature know he couldn’t possibly be.
Mike Vick is evil.
Sociopaths don’t belong on a football field. They belong in a high security mental institution so they don’t hurt anyone or anything else.
HE LAUGHED as his family dogs were brutally killed by his fighting dogs, Mark.
LAUGHED!!!
You have to be the biggest soft-headed, bleeding-heart this side of Arthur Blank to buy what Vick is selling.
He is EVIL.
MsDirect
August 17th, 2009
12:27 am
Mark,
I don’t think we saw the same interview. I was rooting for Vick, hoping he would show genuine contrition and turn this into the kind of exemplary “second chance” story Tony Dungy has been talking about.
Instead, Vick’s answers felt completely rehearsed, totally unconvincing. He had every opportunity to show real emotion and he never did.
Also, I have to say that James Brown conducted a real “softball” interview. If there was genuine emotion beneath the surface, he didn’t push hard enough to get Vick to show anything authentic.
Fred
August 17th, 2009
12:27 am
Hey judge, here is a picture you must see
http://store.philadelphiaeagles.com/Philadelphia-Eagles-Michael-Vick-Merchandise-_-143078439_PG.html
REALITY
August 17th, 2009
12:28 am
As a long suffering Falcons fan, I marveled at the athleticism of Vick.
I met him once right after the Green Bay playoff win outside his home in Sugarloaf Country Club. I always heard the reports that he was last to arrive at practice and first to leave. Now, for Vick to admit just that, that he WASN’T EVEN TRYING TO LEARN and IMPROVE!! That is what makes me sick! 130 MILLION DOLLARS and you don’t FREAKING TRY??!!??
It epitomizes ALL that is wrong with sports today.
Yet, Vick did his time…judgement is mine saith the Lord…so I wish him well…hope he truly has learned from his mistakes.
Famuan
August 17th, 2009
12:29 am
Good grief…its entitled Miss Anne’s like “Msdirect”….she didn’t see anything authentic….these Sarah Palin twits are just funny.
Marie
August 17th, 2009
12:31 am
Jim my man I will try to be nice, but, I HAVE HAD IT UP TO HERE with this nonesense about these darn dogs.
You stated:
A question for those people think vick should hv a second chance,
how about those voiceless dogs were killed and tortured by him,
DID THEY HV A SECOND CHANCE?
I have a question for you. Do the underperforming and unwanted dogs that are used for the Iditarod race in Alaska get a 2nd chance? This is a statement from http://www.helpsleddogs.org:
“Culling is a common practice among mushers. The Iditarod mushers breed many dogs, hoping to get a few who will be fast enough to race. According to an article in the Anchorage Daily News, “Killing unwanted sled-dog puppies is part of doing business” (October 6, 1991), most of the mushers cull by shooting their dogs in the head. An animal who is not properly restrained when the musher shoots may suffer an agonizing death. Mushers also cull dogs who are injured in the Iditarod, old but otherwise healthy dogs, or any dog who is not wanted for any reason. Musher Lorraine Temple said, “They (the big racing outfits) can’t keep a dog who’s a mile an hour too slow” (Currents, Fall, 1999).”
This is also true for greyhound dogs involved in greyhound racing. And it is true for the thoroughbred horses which are bred for horse racing.
The bottom line is this — people who breed dogs or horses for sport (whether its legal or illegal) do not form a bond with those animals. They are not COMPANION PETS to them; they are bred for entertainment and/or profit — nothing more, nothing less. Do you really believe they are going to pay to house, feed, provide medical care, etc., to a dog or horse that cannot bring them a profit?
Grow up and start thinking like an adult and quit whining like emotional children. If you want to end the killing of unwanted dogs and horses which participate in animal sports then contact all the members of Congress and demand that they pass laws outlawing ALL animal sports. Until that day happens dogs and horses will continue to be killed in inhumane ways. Deal with it!!!
JW
August 17th, 2009
12:43 am
I have never understood what he did or why he did it. I am huge animal lover. I do believe at some point you have to say he has paid his price and gets a another chance. I did not think he could change his heart and really care about animals but as long as he did the work that is ok. I do think he has the chance to make a difference and after listening to him tonight I think he does feel something for animals. I hope so because it will make his message more powerful. I think he is sincere and deserves another chance. I think Vick is lucky to have Tony D has a mentor!
BugKiller
August 17th, 2009
12:46 am
Maria,
You’re an idiot.
I have “Had it up to here” with reverse-racists like you who point to other people’s bad behavior to excuse Mike Vick’s deplorable behavior.
I have “Had it up to here” with people like you who want to excuse every foul thing Mike Vick did because of the color of his skin.
I have “Had it up to here” with people like you.
And again, for the record, Mike Vick threw his family dogs into the ring, or bought rescue dogs from pounds, poor, defenseless family pets, that WERE NOT BRED TO FIGHT, to be used as “practice” for his fighting dogs.
Your words here are EVIL, Maria.
I think it’s high time you look into a frakking mirror and into your soulless eyes, Maria, and beg for forgiveness that you continue to support the kind of sociopathic evil that is Mike Vick.
I bet you knew OJ didn’t do it, either, huh Maria?
Tonnia Blount
August 17th, 2009
12:51 am
PLEASE!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!! LEAVE MICHAEL VIC ALONE. THIS MAN HAS LOST EVERYTHING GOD HAS SHOWN HIM FAVOR!!!!! HE HAS A CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT THIS TIME I HOPE THAT GOD WILL HELP YOU PEOPLE GET IT RIGHT
Terrell
August 17th, 2009
12:55 am
A lie is a lie regardless. How can you weigh a lie? How can you weigh any wrong doing? People continue to say if he wasn’t in the spotlight he wouldn’t be saying this or given a second chance. The guys he did this with got off easier than he did, and they weren’t anybody special.
I really do continue to wonder if this was anybody else (Brady, Manning, Brees etc…) and they apologized would we be so quick to say they weren’t sorry, or would we welcome them in with open arms. I think the latter more than the former
Marie
August 17th, 2009
1:21 am
BugKiller, I’m glad that made you mad — here are some more examples of dog cruelty in Alaska for you to digest. Good night JohnBoy!!!
[1] “Alaskan State Troopers served a search warrant at the home of a person suspected of shooting 18 sled dogs in Manley. The dogs, owned by recreational musher Chuck Parker, disappeared March 8.”
[2] “Three sled dogs killed, each shot three times with a rifle at point-blank range. Nome police have no motive or suspects.”
[3]Frank Winkler, a two-time Iditarod racer, was charged with 14 counts of cruelty to animals after an animal control officer, summoned by Winkler’s neighbor, found a crate of dead and dying puppies in Winkler’s pickup truck. Winkler, who claimed he couldn’t afford to take the animals to a veterinarian to be euthanized, allegedly bludgeoned the puppies with the blunt end of an ax. According to court documents, Winkler said that he shot some of the dogs, a “kinder” method, according to veterinarians, and was just following advice from fellow mushers.
[4] Jerry Riley, the 1975 winner of the Iditarod, hit and killed a dog with a snow hook, a large, sharp metal claw.
[5]In 1985, a musher was disqualified after he kicked his sled dog to death during the Iditirod.
BugKiller
August 17th, 2009
1:32 am
Again, Maria…
… explain to me how pointing to the wrong that others have done somehow excuses the evil that Mike Vick is?
If you can explain this to me, I will join you and OJ in your hunt for the real killers, you reverse-racist.
jameskpolka
August 17th, 2009
1:52 am
That’s a really intereresting argument — that Michael Vick’s Big Achievement are these Mea Culpa I’m So Ashamed and Sorry speeches and interviews. Mark Bradley asks us when we ever did something so brave.
I didn’t have to do anything so brave. I never tortured defenseless animals for sport, pleasure and profit.
Bradley should back up a bit and discuss what he thinks of animal torture. My take on Bradley is that we should all just move beyond that little unpleasantness so we can get to the important stuff: Michael Vick playing NFL football again.
What perversion would Vick have to have done for Bradley to say negative things about Vick? Disembowel girl scouts?
Grace
August 17th, 2009
2:00 am
904boy – that’s exactly what you are. A boy and not a man. Give me a break. A man / adult / mature human being is accountable for his actions and is responsible. “All he did…..” Yep. You’re a boy.
Marie
August 17th, 2009
2:12 am
BugKiller, please tell me where in my post did I excuse Michael Vick’s actions? And I certainly made no reference to the race of anyone when I referred to the Iditarod and Greyhound racing or to horse racing; so why you’re so agitated and accusing me of reverse-racismn is beyond me. And what OJ has to do with any of this — again that is beyond me. I haven’t HEARD from OJ since he got locked up. But the next time I talk to him I’ll tell him BugKiller said “he’s waiting for his neck massage.”
ronhos
August 17th, 2009
10:16 am
The trace of a smile throughout the whole interview gave him away. He is laughing at a gullible public that will allow him to reclaim his millions. How contrite would he be if Goodell told him his maximum salary would be $50K, or even the NFL minimum and no endorsements? Anyone can be contrite for $130 M +. Go back and look at the tape and watch his grin.
Voz de razon
August 17th, 2009
10:18 am
Money speaks louder than words in this world…
Angry at Michael Vick and the NFL? Then boycott them both.
Stop buying NFL merchandise.
Stop buying overpriced game tickets.
Stop watching the games on TV and listening on the radio.
Stop supporting this out-of-control sports culture we have created.
Only then will they get the message.
Stop being sheep, my friends.
Marcus Vick
August 17th, 2009
10:21 am
Anyone supports Vick is trash. Period. I suppose Charlie Manson deserves a “second chance” too.
What's Important
August 17th, 2009
10:23 am
Mark, it’s a good thing you aren’t an investigative reporter, apparently you’ll believe anything. By the way, are we going to hear anything about our actual Falcons today?
Marcus Vick
August 17th, 2009
10:26 am
http://www.officialvickdogchewtoy.com
willdave
August 17th, 2009
10:35 am
Another column on Vick? OK, I’ll play along.
Whether Vick was sincere or not, he was correct to express regret that he let down the one person who stood by him when he easily could have parted ways with him much earlier: Arthur Blank. Incredibly, Vick lied to the one man who had the power, resources and desire to help him. We can only speculate how this sad saga might have turned out if Vick had been honest with Mr. Blank when he asked him about the dogfighting.
George Holman
August 17th, 2009
10:57 am
As a life-long Falcons fan, I shared the distress and sadness over the entire Michael Vick saga. Let’s all be reminded, however, that we live in a nation of second chances. Vick has paid his debt to society, and I find him truly sorry and contrite. His actions will speak louder than any of his words, but I, for one, am a big fan and supporter of the “new” Vick. I say best wishes to Michael and thanks to the Eagles for taking a chance. I have become a new Eagles fan, except when they play the Falcons!
PMC
August 17th, 2009
11:01 am
I hope at the end of this it’s one of the best comeback stories ever.
You can’t change what has transpired but you can learn from it and you can come out a better person.
BUCK
August 17th, 2009
11:07 am
I you know read the you know transcript you know I really you know believe you know Vick you know feels you know bad you know about loosing all his you know money you know.
Sam
August 17th, 2009
11:08 am
I don’t believe him. I don’t NOT believe him. He has lost all benefit of doubt. Only time will tell. If is not sincere, he will screw up again….guarantee it. If his is sincere, his actions will speak far louder than his words on the interview.
Sam
August 17th, 2009
11:10 am
Yeah Buck, he sounds like a female black version of Caroline Kennedy……you’re such an idiot racist!
Atlanta Sports Fan
August 17th, 2009
11:31 am
Mike Vick has NO character as shown by his abuse of animals and his lazy work habits. Being a punk meant more to him than being a man of character. He has not changed.
The only reason he cried in jail was because of what he lost, not for the dead dogs he caused to suffer and kill.
He is just saying what he has to say to get an NFL paycheck. He would say UP is DOWN if it served his purpose. He is one sick mother.
YUP!!
August 17th, 2009
11:37 am
I wish the AJC writers would stop the Vick crap. He’s in Philly now! If you want to write about Vick move to Philly and do so there!
He’s gone so let him be gone!!!
Good luck Vick! I hope a 350+lb d-lineman you play against this year is not an animal lover or your new career maybe over sooner than later.
Greg's boss
August 17th, 2009
11:45 am
This guy reminds me of one of those idiots who won the lottery and then blew it all.
slow roller
August 17th, 2009
11:51 am
Vick is a Pot addict. He has not intentions to stop smoking Pot. Until he kicks the pot habit, he will continue to “take it to the white man”. He has never addressed this problem, but it is at the root of his sociopathic life. He is an addict.
David Granger
August 17th, 2009
11:52 am
I agree with you, Mark, in that Michael Vick said exactly what he needed to say and said it well. Now comes the part where he has to LIVE the talk, and that’s always the hard part. He’s starting over from BEHIND the starting line, and has to expect a lot of skepticism. He’s got to keep himself under control…no more flipping off the crowds, etc. He’s got to keep from being offended out in public (it would sure help if he stays away from the bars and clubs), and he’ll have to swallow some criticms without letting it push him to retaliation. Because of certain factors, he’ll have an easier time than someone like John Rocker did…but he’s still got a hard road to walk.
I’m pulling for him.
JB
August 17th, 2009
12:37 pm
Does anyone know if he was paid for the interview?
Chris
August 17th, 2009
12:46 pm
It’s one thing to wish Vick well in the future, and hope he redeems himself. I don’t agree, but I don’t disagree. It’s one thing to want to believe him. I don’t, but kudos to you if that’s you.
It’s quite another thing to STILL not understand what he did wrong, or why he was punished the way he has. It’s quite another thing to STILL support dog fighting, and try to compare and justify it to other felonies. It’s quite another thing to think that anyone who is against Vick is a white republican living in the suburbs. Ignorance. Breathe it in.
The best thing about Vick getting caught? It has decreased the demand for these dogs, and hopefully we’re on the way to stamping it out. Being part of your upbringing isn’t a good excuse.
The second best thing? It got us rid of Mike Vick. Atlanta has a QB that actually can read defenses.
Wilbo
August 17th, 2009
1:33 pm
Hey, Mark when you and Vick play baseball, are you the catcher or the pitcher?
Good grief, dude, I’ve never seen a man more obsessed with another man, except maybe Chris Matthews and Obama… Are you ever going to get over this and move on? Actually, maybe you should move to Philly.
Contrite or not, the guy still won’t be able to read defenses or hit the open man downfield.
Steve
August 17th, 2009
1:34 pm
I’m glad Philly is giving Vick a chance. I hope the Eagles didn’t pay too much for Vick. Based on the comments he made to 60 minutes (concerning his lack of commitment to his NFL team) I wouldn’t want to pay much for him (league minimum) until seeing he has indeed changed his ways concerning his play.
earldaddy
August 17th, 2009
1:56 pm
Yeah, and I suppose we should stop allowing martha stewart to sell sheets and towels at walmart, right? There’s a double standard when hate clouds your judgement. Very sad.
"Mr. Falcon"
August 17th, 2009
2:06 pm
I’ll bet Vick cried 135,000,000 tears in prison. He was mourning the loss of all those dead presidents. For all those people who defended Vick for dog fighting; I hope this interview opened your narrow minds. Vick admitted to brutally murdering dogs. However, he has now been punished under the law and is free again. Good Luck Vick!
shannyeight
August 17th, 2009
2:26 pm
i’m laughing @ the guy who says vick brought down a franchise.
last time i looked that “said franchise” had an 11-5 season.
seriously folks…get a life. buy one. do something meaningful.
slow roller
August 17th, 2009
2:29 pm
Vick is still a Pothead….which means he will get high Saturday night and play like a stoned idiot on Sunday, just like he did in Atlanta the entire last year. Why doesn’t anyway else call him on that?