Live from the Dome: A former prince returns to the city
The midfield reunion we've long awaited: Arthur M. Blank and Michael Vick. (Photo by M. Bradley)
Michael Vick has returned to the Georgia Dome. He jogged on the field at 11:24 a.m. He received a polite round of applause. (There weren’t many folks in the stands yet.) The first person he approached was Jimmy Cribb, the longtime Falcons photographer. The two embraced.
“He told me I always took good pictures of him,” Cribb said, “and if I got anything good today to send them to him.”
Then came the long-awaited meeting with Arthur Blank. (See above photo, shot by someone much less professional than Jimmy Cribb.) And then Reggie Roberts, the Falcons’ VP of communications, walked over to Vick. More hugging ensued.
Roberts: “He told me he missed being here. He misses the city, misses the Dome. He said he was crying on the bus ride over.”
Along those lines, here’s a snippet of an as-told-to article Vick did with David Fleming of ESPN The Magazine. Here’s Vick speaking his mind on, of all things, the Dome:
“I’m looking forward to going back to the Georgia Dome. I may not do much. I may not even play in the game. But just having the opportunity to be there and maybe have a chance to talk to the Falcons owner, Mr. Blank, before the game — that would be a great thing for me. I spent many a Sunday making that crowd go wild, and I appreciate all those fans. They were great. Man, I miss [those] days.”
In all the furor over Michael Vick, one truth kept getting lost: No matter what he did, the guy’s still a human being. And now he’s again a football player. We don’t know much he’ll play today, if at all. And we don’t yet know — it’s only 11:45 — how the crowd will be. My guess: Warm toward Vick, warmer toward the Falcons.
Speaking of whom: The home side is up against it. Here’s the inactive list: Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Michael Jenkins, Sam Baker and Harvey Dahl. That’s five offensive starters out for what is a game with massive playoff ramifications. (The Falcons and Eagles are tracking the same wild card.) The only consolation, and it’s slim: Philly is missing playmakers DeSean Jackson and Brian Westbrook.
And that’s why a 7-4 road team is a 5-1/2 point favorite over a 6-5 opponent. You never see that in the NFL, but today seems a day where form could take a hike. The Falcons are undermanned, but there’s almost a last-stand element to this one. Meaning: On this given Sunday, the desperate club could just lift itself by its bootstraps.
And I’ll be here to watch and report, as we say in the trade, with one difference: I have permission from AJC.com higher-ups not to make this a live chat, but because the day has started on a bright conciliatory note I’ve decided to open the floor for comments. Should we devolve into our usual volley of back-and-forthing, the live chat will go away and will not re-open. It’s your choice. Thanks in advance.
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1,246 comments Add your comment
preston
December 6th, 2009
3:48 pm
Big Ray- now you are getting even more ridiculous…..do you honestly think that I am about to engage in this nonsense with you? I love these blogs and the opportunity to express my opinions and shoot the breeze…..but dude, it aint that serious.
The Dogfighter Returns
December 6th, 2009
3:48 pm
This franchise continues to find ways to be pathetic. The ONE TIME we went all in, mortgaged the future to make a bold move, and the guy we drafted #1 turned out to be an underachieveing thug criminal who by his own admission didn’t spend time working on his game like the top QB’s do. AND STILL, that guy is back in our house today, outplaying our guys, rubbing our face in the fact that he screwed us.
Congrats, Vick fans. I’m sure you will be happy now.
We will finish under .500, again. Do we come back with Smith, Malarkey and Van Gorder to try it again next year? My confidence in this franchise continues to get kicked in the nuts everey time there is a ray of hope. I’m almost done after 30+ years…I can’t take it anymore.
—
dude what kind of a fan are you? man up and suck it up. didn’t your mama and papa tel you there will be days like this? Dude don’t give up after thirty years. You know the falcons will beat new orleans next week.
IlliniDawg
December 6th, 2009
3:48 pm
JSS: I’m not mean-spirited. But like “Steven” above, I’m concerned about race relations in my home town. Are you seriously blind to this?
Big Ray
December 6th, 2009
3:48 pm
VOR ,
Exactly. But so many people just DON’T get it. You DON’T build a perennial contender in a single season, or even in two. Not even if you have enough money to sign a bunch of big name players. Ask the Redskins or the Raiders.
I feel sorry for anybody who wants Dimitroff or Smith out of here. It’s just not going to happen this year. We’re in rebuilding mode. People are so funny. They talk trash after an 11-5 season, and talk about how we had such an easy schedule. They then say we’ll suck this year and go 4-12 because the schedule is that much tougher. Here we are at 6-6, and they’re b!tching about us not winning, after losing several key starters to injuries. WTF….
Sid
December 6th, 2009
3:49 pm
if you could read Gonzales face: “what the heck was I thinking coming here to this mess” he is a class guy playing for a side show.
darrell starks
December 6th, 2009
3:49 pm
RED MAN WILL LEAD US 2 THE SUPER BOWL I PROMISS YOU HATER OUT THERE.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!
Jimmy
December 6th, 2009
3:49 pm
Preston:
You were defending Vick’s inappropriate actions by saying he meant them for a “couple” of fans.
There is NO DEFENSE for what he did.
No are no mitigating circumstances.
The way Vick treated this club, his teammates and this city was inexcusable.
Fans wanted Vick to be our QB. We needed him.
He threw it all away.
His behavior today…as if he has gotten some sort of redemption or payback…it is inexcusable.
Classless.
Just another chapter in the nightmare that Vick has been for Atlanta.
So yeah…when you defend him…you make me sick.
PMC
December 6th, 2009
3:49 pm
Mark, Please do a column this week detailing all the inadequacies of this franchise. It would be interesting to see just how bad they’ve been.
Same Old Falcons would be a good title.
FalconsHeroZero
December 6th, 2009
3:49 pm
“Falcon 8211………….
Its not BVG, its ur offense buddy, Redman wouldn’t be 4th string on any team in this league, yet he is the backup on this team. Awful.”
____________________________________________________________________________
No, it’s the defense.
They were not good in preseason too.
Too small upfront. If they are small they should be able to be quick enough to reach the opposing QB.
They had a surprising offense last season, and were mauled with the secondary barely holding-on – after making numerous mistakes.
George
December 6th, 2009
3:49 pm
How in the H3ll can these people cheer for a scum bag, looser, piece of crap like Vic?!! Makes me sick, those people ought to be banned from the Georgia Dome for life! He killed dogs, and caused a ton of damage to your beloved Falcons and you cheer for him?? Makes me Sick!! Now I know why I only go to UGA games now and sold my Falcons tickets, not because of the team, but because of the fans who go to the games…
skippy
December 6th, 2009
3:50 pm
Hey, Philadelphia has a punter!
darrell starks
December 6th, 2009
3:50 pm
TELL THEM BIG BROTHER RAY.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!
PMC
December 6th, 2009
3:50 pm
You could have 50 years here. This city can’t build a perennial contender in a half century. Aparently there just aren’t enough decent players in the world……
Men vs Boys
December 6th, 2009
3:51 pm
When you play other quality teams in this league, you’ve got to up your game. I guess that is too much to ask of this team. What am I saying? Of course it’s too much to ask, This is the Falcons!
PMC
December 6th, 2009
3:51 pm
we may never play a meaningful game ever again in history much less in January.
darrell starks
December 6th, 2009
3:52 pm
COME ON GEORGE DONT GET MAD CAUSE VICK THREW A BOMB, THERE NO NEED FOR THAT ON THIS BLOG.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!
Sonny Clusters
December 6th, 2009
3:52 pm
Mark, can you see Arthur yet?
Martin Luther
December 6th, 2009
3:52 pm
Lots of Vick Nick Wick fans applauding for Philly/Vick Nick wick?
What a city? Hope some you so called Atlanta Falcon fans move to Philly where you may belong; because your no Falcon fan. Oh yes, dont forget to cary Shirley “YOU GOIN’ TO BRING OUT THE PHILLY IN ME ” Franking with you!!!!! Birds of a feather flock together ,HUH!
falcon66
December 6th, 2009
3:52 pm
Ryan, Turner, Jenkins, Dahl, Baker, Douglas, Jerry, Williams. Too many injuries to key players. And some folks have even said Redman was not that much of a drop off? I seen the first game the Falcons eve rplayed and have seen most since. No matter what, I’m glad we have Blank, Dimitroff, Smith and Ryan. The battle was lost today, but the war will be won. We are still headed in the right direction.
mitch
December 6th, 2009
3:52 pm
George –
The same way people cheer for Bobby Cox, who beat his wife
Falcon 8211
December 6th, 2009
3:52 pm
hell the tv people are so bored they are talking college ball can’t blame them though
@ @David
December 6th, 2009
3:52 pm
@David if I’m not mistaken, the words “properly structuring a sentence” would be a dependent clause, and as such would indeed require a comma.
Does anybody know? It’s a more interesting discussion than the game at this point.
Mark Bradley
December 6th, 2009
3:52 pm
Blank is on the sideline, arms crossed.
Von
December 6th, 2009
3:53 pm
Matt “Choke” Ryan
A “Franchise” qb doesn’t become a cheerleader with the season on the line
This is a very good point!!!!!!!!!
Big Ray
December 6th, 2009
3:53 pm
Vick has two touchdowns on the day, one rushing and one passing. Will Reid use him more, now?
The way the Eagles have used him has been absolutely shameful.
Having said that, their future is CLEARLY with McNabb, as it should be. Ours rests with Ryan. Case closed.
At least Vick got back into the NFL, back to earning a paycheck. I don’t think it will get any better than that, but it’s better than the alternative.
Men vs Boys
December 6th, 2009
3:53 pm
Snelling is a ball player though.
preston
December 6th, 2009
3:53 pm
Jimmy you can chill out too……..I am not going to engage in a tit for tat spat with you about my opinions about Micheal Vick….you have every right to like or dislike him personally…….ok, do you feel better now?
Falcon fan forever
December 6th, 2009
3:53 pm
It’s time to stop blaming injuries, free agency, and all other factors for loosing WAH WAH WAH. It was very plain and simple lack of preparation (Coaching is completely to blame). First trial should be removing OC and DC from the team period. RUN THE FALL FOUR TIMES IN A ROW. Against a number 9 defense in the league. ZERO CREATIVITY.
GET THE CHECKBOOK OUT TD, time for some decent free agents.
skippy
December 6th, 2009
3:54 pm
PMC, we’ve played in many meaningful games, I don’t know how many times I’ve heard ” with the win against the hapless Falcons, so and so have clinched a playoff berth!!
4thQuarterSurge
December 6th, 2009
3:54 pm
My sources are saying Charlie Weis will be head coach of the Falcons in ‘10.
J williams
December 6th, 2009
3:54 pm
Maybe the Falcons can run the clock out.
MCook
December 6th, 2009
3:54 pm
I can’t believe Redman is still in there.
The Dogfighter Returns
December 6th, 2009
3:54 pm
How in the H3ll can these people cheer for a scum bag, looser, piece of crap like Vic?!! Makes me sick, those people ought to be banned from the Georgia Dome for life! He killed dogs, and caused a ton of damage to your beloved Falcons and you cheer for him?? Makes me Sick!! Now I know why I only go to UGA games now and sold my Falcons tickets, not because of the team, but because of the fans who go to the games…
—-
dude the goal is to make you sick. Those folks just want you to be sick.
come on the falcons suck. those folks should be commended for showing up and enduring this embarrassment without putting paper bags on their head.
they just want to make you sick. ignore them.
Big Ray
December 6th, 2009
3:54 pm
Jimmy ,
Forget it. Weak minds go silent in the face of facts. Every time….
Arthur Blank
December 6th, 2009
3:54 pm
Thank you Falcons for dedicating an offensive effort to me, my family and my last name.
Meanwhile...looking ahead
December 6th, 2009
3:54 pm
What are the odds that Blank will release a statement asking the media to respect the principle of privacy as far as any questions related to the game?
tmac
December 6th, 2009
3:55 pm
It sickens my stomach to see the fans in Atlanta cheer MV like he is a hero.
For those who disagree w/ me I ask you to name another athlete in any sport who disrespected and hurt their teammates and organization as much as MV did?
Thankfully and by the grace of god the Falcons recovered and did not fall into the depths of dispair… but to see everyone from A. Blank (pregame) to the fans in the stands cheer and revere MV makes me want to move from this town. (MV still owes the Falcons over 7 million dollars… and that is a low estimate)
This place will never be anything as long as people see skin color alone and do not hold the individgual responsible for their actions. PERIOD
Kenny
December 6th, 2009
3:55 pm
Isn’t it true that the Falcons have never had back to back winning years?
JTH
December 6th, 2009
3:55 pm
The Falcons will still win 9 games. If they don’t I’ll sing the GT Jackits fight song on this blog. Mark it down.
FalconsHeroZero
December 6th, 2009
3:55 pm
Correction:
if you could read Gonzales face: “What the heck were The Falcons thinking trading for me! They have no defense!”
Remember, TE Gonzalez refused this trade from The Chiefs this time last season.
That was not a move of a team which was supposedly, “In The Process”.
TG only has 2 more seasons left, and it may become a s sad, sad, story.
Falcons staff contradicted themselves.
I think they became to enamored with the possibility of Ryan making a Pro Bowl in his second season-instead of building the defense with their money.
Falcon fan forever
December 6th, 2009
3:55 pm
SORRY RUN THE BALL FOUR TIME IN A ROW AT THE 1 yard line is what I meant to say….Pathetic.
Sonny Clusters
December 6th, 2009
3:55 pm
Think Arthur is feeling the love?
GA Girl
December 6th, 2009
3:55 pm
Dogfighter,
Because that’s what we do. WE are forgiving. We’ve even forgiven you for your snide remarks!
OldFalconFanNC
December 6th, 2009
3:56 pm
This is painful to watch after watching the Falcons for 30 years. BEYOND THE MOUNTAIN of injuries it ALWAYS SEEMS that no matter who the coaches are the FALCONS are ALWAYS being out coached. Todays train wreck is just another example. Just hurts to watch.
ATLFALCON
December 6th, 2009
3:56 pm
Falcon fan forever: Fire the coaches? Really? We played this game with an entirely second string team. Coaching is not the problem. Maybe we can bring Petrino back? Hmmmmmm yeah might want to rethink that statement.
Sonny Clusters
December 6th, 2009
3:56 pm
This has to be like Lowe’s coming in and selling twice as many hammers.
Cedrick (Arlington, TX)
December 6th, 2009
3:56 pm
The Dogfighter Returns,
Continue only going to UGA games they gonna lose a lot next year too!!!
81Dawg
December 6th, 2009
3:56 pm
How many Falcons will blame the injuries today as why they got beat rather than taking personal responsibility for their own ineptitude. That goes for coaches and players.
Steven
December 6th, 2009
3:56 pm
To the Philly organization – We will not soon forget your shameless effort to exploit the Michael Vick situation. You’ve played on the sympathies of our city’s simpletons. We won’t soon forget.
yoda
December 6th, 2009
3:56 pm
MB…..you think Peterson & Abraham have any gas left?