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Monday, November 27, 2006
Apology won’t satisfy all fans
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons quarterback Michael Vick apologized repeatedly today for flipping the double-barreled Dirty Bird to Georgia Dome fans following Atlanta’s 31-13 loss to New Orleans.
Vick, who almost certainly will be fined by the NFL, seemed genuinely sincere in his apology and said it would never happen again. He said his actions were prompted by a fan was heckling his team — not just him — and he let his emotions get the best of him.
As contrite as Vick was, some fans won’t forgive him. Vick didn’t go Ryan Leaf on rival taunters in Carolina or Green Bay. He made his gesture to fans who buy tickets — tickets prices were raised last spring — to support a team that is reeling in a big way.
The good thing for Vick and the Falcons is that their next two games are on the road, at Washington and Tampa Bay.
Should Atlanta win and Vick play well, a lot of the acrimony and hard feelings will subside. However, losses and poor play by the quarterback will compound the issue and No. 7 won’t be feeling the same type of love he’s received in this town when he comes running out of that tunnel Dec. 16 against the Dallas Cowboys.
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