Falcons

By Vick = Loser

February 4, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Typical. I hope Vick is the water boy for the Falcons when he gets out of the big house!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 4, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

He’s gonna need that money for the lawsuits he’s getting slammed with from left and right.

Can he pay half that bonus to the NFL in exchange for them dropping his suspension?

As for the Falcons, well, it’s not like they were spending their money properly anyway. $24 million for Bobby Petrino? $6 million for Byron Leftwich? I’m sure they won’t be missing Vick’s bonus money.

Keep your head up, #7.

By To read the news ...

February 4, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

… one gets the impression Vick has spent every penny he’s ever gotten his hands on. I don’t think the Falcons were ever going to collect one of those pennies.

Oh, and in your blog the word only was misplaced. You wrote, “Vick only has to pay back $3.75 million of the $20 million.” It should be Vick has to pay back only $3.75 million.” Without all the technical reasons, just remember, move the word only as far to the right as you can and have it make sense, and that is where it goes.

By Buck

February 4, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

As a Falcon fan, it hurts we don’t get the cap room back.

But as a law student looking to specialize in labor law and arbitration, it’s refreshing to see that the judge ‘got it right’ in terms of legal precedent and did not allow media pressures to affirm the previous ruling.

By Tim

February 4, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

These guys (owners) are supposed to be good businessmen. How did they get rich to begin with? I don’t think you can give someone money and then want it back later unless the contract specifically states that the money acrues along with the contract. But if the owners fronted it and he spent it, the owners are the fools.

By NATIVE

February 4, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

I’m sick of hearing about this idiot.

By NCR

February 4, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

The Falcons need that money if they really want to compete. This franchise will suck for the next 3 years easily, if not more. More 4-12 seasons to come.

Mark my words, we’ll be back here in 2 years with another new head coach, “cleaning house” all over again.

Just pathetic.

By Danny

February 4, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Steve, does this means the Falcons are free to release Vick without salary cap ramifications beyond that caused by the Judge’s ruling?

If they don’t release him, does that signal they may consider keeping him (to play or trade)?

By Carroll

February 4, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

I realize this is off-topic, but after last night’s game, I REALLY REALLY wish we would’ve waited to talk to Spagnuolo before making a rash hire. You can just tell he’s got it all together. He will be the next Bill Cowher for someone….prolly Washington.

By I need $$$$

February 4, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Now take that $20 million and donate it to the Obama campaign

By Lynne

February 4, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Finally the union does what it is SUPPOSED TO DO…PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE PLAYERS.

By GeezGuys

February 4, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I hope the owners opt out. An agreement to protect felons and liars is a load of BS.

By ATLplayer

February 4, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

For the people that disagreed with the ruling…you are just plain haters. The system worked he is in jail but you haters aren’t happy. His dogs are living better than he is now but you are not satisfied. Justice has been served…but you people wanting more are just plain haters filled with hate. The guy MV7 deserves a second chance but you haters are filled with so much hatred that this story will never die. I hope you haters remember EVERYONE will have a judgment day in the end.

By I M FREE

February 4, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Typical AJC bashing. Too bad the big bad Negro Thug ONLY had to pay back 3.75 and not the FULL amount. We’re mad about that…now let’s do a poll and slant the story to again put a negative spin on this…. LOL, still mad that you didn’t get those Tapes from the Airport huh? Still mad that the 23 months quickly turned into 10-13…. Yet ongoing proof that the AJC-nile still is afraid of the…”Dark”

By Chris

February 4, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Oh look, a thug is getting special treatment again? That’s a shocker huh? Plus, he is a typical uneducated thug and probably spent most of his money so the Falcons never would have seen it anyway. It sure is amazing to look at white athletes vs. black athletes. 99% of the time when there is trouble (drugs, a shooting, violent crime, etc) the person is black. Unreal.

By Giants Rule!!!

February 4, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Jesus H Christ…Who Cares???

By Singletary

February 4, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

I’m still not clear on salary cap implications. How can we be “active in free agency” if we haven’t got so many shekels to rub together?

By hehassufferedenough

February 4, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

I bet 95% of the people who have something to say about Vick couldn’t even handle the things he’s had to go through in life(i.e. his upbringing) in addition to dealing with what seems to be the entire world turning their back on him..This was his 1st and I repeat 1st legal issue..He’s been punished enough for a first offense..There are people who’ve gotten convicted of way worse gambling amounts than Vick and have gotten less time..There are murderers(i.e. PEOPLE who kill PEOPLE) not dogs who have received less time than VICK…HE HAS SUFFERED ENOUGH PEOPLE..He’s surving his time and when it’s done…he should be allowed back into the NFL immediately..he does deserve some time..but he DOES NOT deserve to lose his means of making a living…that’s called a second chance people…and I’m sure some idiot is gonna bring up his other little incidents that weren’t even legal matters and were trivial media issues @ best…

By EPG

February 4, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

GOOD!! Maybe, the Falcons will keep Vick now, since they can’t get the bonus money back. Vick should be out of jail by September.

Trade K. Brooking and The draft picks

By MV7

February 4, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Even in jail Vick continues to be a coach killer

By ChicagoPOW

February 4, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

It’s nice to see this kind of reporting - explaining exactly what the impact of the ruling is. I hope Falcons fans keep this ongoing “penalty” in mind as they consider the state of the team. Not only did Mr. Vick screw himself out of his career via his heinous actions, he screwed his teammates, his coaches, his owner and HE SCREWED YOU– the Falcon fan.

The journalistic report that would be fascinating in light of all of this, is one where the “utility” of each NFL team is measured by comparing the team salaries paid versus the salary cap. In other words, the Falcons pay X number of dollars to players who are actually playing in 2008 (where X=salary cap minus Mr. Vick’s contract, salaries of injured players, etc.), the Panthers pay Y, the Saints pay Z, etc. I know that kind of a chart would be a moving target, but it would be nice to be able to see exactly how much of a handicap the Falcons are operating with compared to other teams.

Regardless, thank goodness the relationship between the Falcons and Mr. Vick is moving farther and farther into the past. GO FALCONS!!!

By JBD

February 4, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

I think he should give it all back but then, Mr. Home Depot should have thought about that before he paid him in the first place. Football is no longer a sport, it’s all about who can pay the most for the biggest show boat. The thought of seeing Arthur Blank pushing an “injured” Mike Vick in a wheel chair still gags me.

By james

February 4, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Bless America….I wish they had did the same thing to that white hockey player that killed his fellow teammate

By ATLplayer

February 4, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

CHRIS

Spy gate is not by a person of color. That is just as bad as that cheating referee in the NBA that fixed games. So since they cheated and there is more to come out about this…are they thugs too? Look guy ALL races do stupid things stop being an idiot.

By Fed Up

February 4, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

I agree with Chris. If Vick had the money, why would be be defaulting on all these loans. The Falcons won’t see a dime of the $3.75 million.

Another broke-a* thug, wasting his life and all that freakin’ money. He has to sit in a jail cell thinking about losing over $140 million.

By Orlando

February 4, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Funny, I don’t remember Jacksonville and New England spending beaucoup bucks to build up their teams and look how successful they are. So too many people as usual think that money will solve the Falcons’ problems. Gee, that worked so well for the Redskins, throwing money at anyone who walks.

The thing is people, the best franchises are those who are able to build successful TEAMS. That means drafting and developing players who are able to work in a TEAM environment. That means having a coach who understands how to build a TEAM, and not some flashy name bought by free agency money.

The Atlanta Falcons will be significantly different next year, and I for one am excited!

By Brittany

February 4, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Oh yes - let’s make sure that Vick pays no serious consequences for messing up his life or the Falcons’ season. No bother, he’s probably already blown the money on his thug friends and bling bling lifestyle.

By Butch

February 4, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Yeah…those great unions. Full of honesty and integrity aren’t they? What about the person/player Vick was supposed to be. How about acting like a real man and honoring the contract he entered into with the Falcons. Yep, thank you for those unions.

By Bill Rogers

February 4, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

I’m just wondering, do you think Arthur has learned his lessons yet? I doubt it so maybe he’ll sell the team? Here’s hoping.

By susan

February 4, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Tha Falcons will probably take him back thinking (wrongly) that it will blow over. A punk is a punk is a punk

By samiam

February 4, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

The dude was wrong, went to jail and you guys are still hating.

Yes, he was very dumb for what he did, but get over it and move on.

By Mark

February 4, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Mark my words. Now that the money situation is resolved, look for Vick to be off the roster any day now. He’s an ignorant punk, and deserves everything coming (or not coming) to him. He will never wear a Falcons uniform again!

By smart

February 4, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

He shouldn’t have to pay it back. Know let’s see if the Falcon’s are foolish enough to cut him. I think not.MV7 will be back or if they cut him someone will scoop him up trust me.

By Giants 2008 SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS!!!

February 4, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Mike Vick for finally getting a break in this case & to the judge for following the law instead of the court of public opinion.

By fatz

February 4, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

owners pay these big upfront bonuses to get around the salary cap. its good to see them choke on it. i have no sympathy for blank and company. Here is the issue- Vick is not refusing to play- he WANTS to fulfill his contract. the NFL commissioner and a few hundred prison guards won’t let him. So as far as I’m concerned, its mr blanks problem

By Chris

February 4, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Hey “ATLplayer,** what is worse? Cheating and winning a little money on the side and “spying” on a football team or killing 70 LIVE ANIMALS? You moron.

By JUNE_BABY

February 4, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

as previously stated, the A.J.C. COVERS DIXIE LIKE THE DEW. what can black people expect to hear from a newspaper that had a slogan like that, that prints any kind of filth about blacks they can find, that race baits in the way they present their stories?? and then prints fluff to make you think they’re fair and balanced! i’ve been aware of their bias’s for many years. remember, it’s not always what they say, but how they say it. old schoolers are aware how they play around with their code words. this is the same fishwrapper that tolerated and never complained about the maddox’es and talmage’s. nothings changed, they just code it in a different way now.

By TheTruthHurts

February 4, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

The falcons should keep him in contract and not allow him to play when he gets out of jail until he pays back all the money he stole….then they can relase him to another team….what a THUG!!

By Time served ...

February 4, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Good, let Vick go to another team & help them win a Superbowl. Then you all can hate on him some more while he continues to cash those checks.

What happened to paying your debt to society & getting a second chance at life? You people would probably be easier on him if he abused a human being instead of an animal.

I hope MV7 does his time and returns to the NFL with a vengeance so all you haters can stew in your own negativity while he moves on with his life.

By MrKnowGood

February 4, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why people are so upset that Michael Vick gets to keep most of his bonus money.

If there is one thing this season has shown everyone…MICHAEL VICK EARNED EVERY LAST DIME OF HIS BONUS MONEY FOR HAVING TO PLAY BEHIND OUR HORRIBLE OFFENSIVE LINE!!! 8-8 and 7-9 seasons would have been 4-12 seasons if Vick didn’t run for his life!

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 4, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Tampa Bay Bucs: 2010 Super Bowl Champions Michael Vick: 2010 Super Bowl MVP

But at least our team will be thug-free, setting a good example for Atlanta’s children.

Right?

Go Falcons.

By shane

February 4, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Is this even news at this point? who cares. Vick’s been punished, the season’s over, we’re all looking forward to next season - can we just move on now?

oh, and WAY TO GO GIANTS!!!! That was one hell of a game!

By carolyn

February 4, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

It amazes me that we, the public are so eager to itch and moan about Vick getting the right (as stated in the CBA with the employer) to keep the majority of his bonus monies, yet we keep our traps closed when it comes to big time CEO making billions, including huge retirement packages, even after having run a company “in the ground”. Since race has already been interjected into the blog, I will take it a step further and ask the question: “Does race play a role in the legalized criminals produced by big business?” Using Chris’s logic, “99% of the time when there is trouble (drugs, a shooting, violent crime, etc) the person is black.”, you bet it does. But that doesn’t seem to matter because in a systemic racist society he who makes the rules is the one who benefits most. Like in the larger society, there have been several cases of white athletes being drunk, on drugs, etc. and it is never looked at as harshly as when it is a black person involved. I’ve stated it many times in these ongoing blogs of the Vick case that this is why so many non-whites see the injustice in the Vick case.

By Chris is ignorant

February 4, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Chris,

Your comments don’t speak very highly of your upbringing. It’s a shame because I’m sure you were probably taught better. You are just as deep in the gutter as any other ‘thug’. I guess you didn’t know that thugs come in white (if not, take a look in the mirror).

By Lynne

February 4, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Speak Carolyn!!! Speak truth to power!!

By Dion

February 4, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

I hope the Falcons will just let this latest ruling stand. No matter what you think of Vick, no one can deny the economic impact he has had on the Falcons and the city. He is DIRECTLY responsible for generating at least 4-5 times the amount of money the Falcons are trying to recoup. Think about it. Season tix sales, luxury suites, jersey sales (prior to the indictment), concessions, parking, television revenue (MNF appearances), and the list goes on… Vick put more money in the pockets of Arthur Blank, the NFL and the city of Atlanta than most are willing to admit.

By Rita

February 4, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

How much more will they make him pay for these DOGS. I know and he knows what he has done was wrong, but his going broke over these, give him a brake…