AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > January > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIt’s time to let Vick go
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Say goodbye.
Forget about the unparalleled athletic ability. Forget about the Green Bay game and the Minnesota game and all of the other games we’ve imagined in Fantasyland. Forget the gut shot the team is going to feel when the salary cap is obliterated. Forget marketing ventures, jersey sales and ticket sales.
The diminishing potential of Michael Vick tomorrow is no longer worth the reality of Michael Vick today.
Say goodbye.
Now.
Arthur Blank talks about a “Falcon filter” that his players must pass through. Well, Mr. Blank, filter this: Your quarterback is no more ready to lead a football team to a Super Bowl than Jeff Spicoli was to lead the Ridgemont High debate team.
Vick has a $130 million contract. He has lucrative endorsement deals (pending) that alone could feed and clothe small countries. Yet, he tried to sneak a fake water bottle that appeared to have been used to conceal marijuana past airport security.
Let’s put the debate on pot usage aside for a minute. What, Michael Vick couldn’t afford another secret spy bottle and dime bag when he got back home? (Quoting Spicoli as he smacked his head with a shoe: “That was my skull! I’m so wasted!”)
It’s never pretty when arrogance and stupidity collide. With Vick, it has collided too often.
This isn’t about the revelation that one pro athlete possibly likes to get high. Here’s a news flash for you: A lot of people like to get high. Quarterbacks. Plumbers. Your precious angel who just got his college acceptance letter.
Rather, this is about all of the crucial things that Vick lacks after six NFL seasons, and 26 years on earth, and endless reminders about his visibility from the most image-conscious owner in sports: Maturity. Leadership. Common friggin’ sense.
There is a point at which you say, “Enough.” Vick just stumbled right past that point, while trying to get through Miami airport security on his way to a free Air Tran flight (a company that slaps him on billboards).
This comes after a 7-9 season, during which Vick seldom took any responsibility for the ills of the team. He took criticism so well that he gave the finger to home fans.
He ducked several opportunities to defend coach Jim Mora after the season-ending loss in Philadelphia — and whether you believe Mora deserved to be defended or not is beside the point. Leaders step to the forefront. Leaders take the hit.
The file has become too thick. Vick should be trying to impress a new coach, Bobby Petrino. Given the way the last two seasons unraveled, he should be more worried about how to evolve, not how to escape. Taken separately, incidents can be minimized. Collectively, they’re like falling bricks. Training camp this season opened with a Web site running a picture borrowed from the “MySpace” page of Vick’s girlfriend. It showed Vick sitting in a limo, holding what was alleged to be a joint. Vick said it was a small cigar. If he got the benefit of the doubt then, he doesn’t deserve it now.
A woman claimed Vick gave her a sexually transmitted disease. She sued. Vick claimed innocence, but he settled out of court. His legacy? A video game company, Midway Games, liked his clinic alias, “Ron Mexico,” so much that it has a left-handed quarterback playing for the “Washington Redhawks” named “Mike Mexico” on its football game.
There have been guilt by association incidents, most notably when a member of Vick’s traveling party was caught taking a watch from an airport security checkpoint.
Tired of it all? Imagine if you were writing the checks.
Charges have not been filed against Vick. It shouldn’t matter. Vick hasn’t grown up and there’s no reason to believe he ever will. He has had enough time.
When critics pointed to his stats, Vick used to point to his record as a starter. That was the correct thing to do. He was 23-12-1 through 2004.
This year when things fell apart, Vick pointed to his rushing record and increased touchdown passes. Excuse me? His record as a starter the last two years: 15-16.
Vick has talent. But that’s not what his position is about. Quarterback is about all of those intangibles that you can’t measure at the scouting combine.
If Vick has those intangibles, they’re hiding in a mysterious cloud of smoke.
I’m tired of waiting.
The Falcons should be tired of waiting.
Say goodbye.
Permalink | Comments (532) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By Sean
January 18, 2007 09:50 PM | Link to this
Bye bye Thug
By RA
January 18, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this
You know Schultz,
My father had a saying. “It is better to sit and be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt.” In other words, shut up and quit hatin.
By jeremoney
January 18, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this
Well said. Vick is not a leader and never will be.
By AVinnieD
January 18, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this
I want to know the exact cap hit if he is traded. Can anyone give me that number? Then I will make a decision on who I think should be the QB.
By Rich
January 18, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this
Stupid man
By Tommy Lee Maddox
January 18, 2007 09:57 PM | Link to this
Yep Schultz. You are correct. Mike should be out of here. What a pity - but much like Herschel, folks in the NFL just do not know how to use his talent. As for the dope issue, he should be booted.
We see it all the time: talent wasted.
By Jon
January 18, 2007 09:58 PM | Link to this
Very true, very true. Unfortunately Arthur and Rich are quite blind to the truth. Or else it’s all a smokescreen.
By Monte Watson
January 18, 2007 09:59 PM | Link to this
Amen…Jeff,I’m glad someone in the sports media has what it takes to say the obvious. This town deserves a lot more than some immature kid that refuses to grow up.
Thank you
By Ol' Dead Bird
January 18, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
I am so proud of you, Jeff. Never have I agreed more heartily with your writing - he, Michael Flick is a thug. I’ve said it for 3 years - he’s a thug. His non-chalant, carefree arrogance in the many fourth quarters this year when the team was trailing has gotten on my last nerve. He’s a good reason, despite all of Arthurs efforts, to not like this team. Let’s see what you’re made of Arthur.
Marcus Vick, Sr. a.k.a. “Michael Flick”
By marvin
January 18, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
The falcons are lucky to have Michael Vick, especially since the rest of their team sucks. Now, they’ve got a college coach who doesn’t know anything about the pro game. If Michael keeps getting this grief from fans, he should head to another team like the Raiders, who understand that players need to relax off the field with some weed now and then.
By Jack
January 18, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
AMEN Mr. Schultz! You are probably correct on the point that urban kids will still idolize him. Even more reason to provide these kids with someone that DESERVES being idolized! Warrick Dunn is a great example of a winner — both on and off the field.
Since his arrival in Atlanta, Mr. Vick has been about Mr. Vick, and to this day — including today — Falcons management has appeared to be an enabler.
Candidly, hope that Falcons management asks themselves the following question over the weekend: Would I follow Vick, and if so, why?
Sadly for the franchise, do not think you want Vick as your poster boy!!!!
By Gus
January 18, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
This may not be pleasant to hear, but it is the truth. The longer the Falcons stick with Vick, the longer they will remain the “long suffering Falcons”.
By TR
January 18, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
It’s funny how the media (YOU) attempts to influence the decision of owners and the NFL in general. You all have been on this rampage to get Vick out of Atlanta since the season ended. First and foremost Vick is 26 years old and still acts like a 26 year old. We all know the background of these kids and the lifestyles they were accustomed to living—and the one they now live. Vick has a lot of pressure and responsibility for a 26 year old. You speak as though you expect every QB in the league to conduct themselves the same—just won’t happen. And why all the focus on how much Vick gets paid? Vick got paid based on the potential he has and how he performed up until that contract. None of us is going to know what’s going to happen tomorrow. Do you? Another thing, Vick’s winning percentage went down the tubes when we brought those bunch of clown coaches for the past three years in here—that’s why his record has steeply declined. Get a life Schultz, your opinions don’t mean much of anything. Try and influence all you want, but if Arthur lets your silly articles influence him, then he’s not a man who makes his own decisions like I thought. Oh and I guess your all american boy Schaub would be just the person to lead this team to the Superbowl? NOT!
By Paul Hamilton
January 18, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
I admit I was a Vick defender and thought he seemed to be a decent guy, but for some reason he just doesnt seem to have a clue. You were right on the money about arrogance and stupidity colliding, nice example your setting for all those kids Mike. Time for a change.
By Rico
January 18, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
Mr. Blank…Please cut your losses and let’s play some team football. Vick needs to go!
By Dave
January 18, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
Nobody is perfect and I don’t think that Vick has ever pretended to be perfect. I would imagine that the bottle in question will mysteriouly disapper from the evidence room in Miami and all will be forgotten. Remember, MONEY TALK$ (O.J., Robert Blake) and Vick has lots of money.
By virgil leonard
January 18, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
You know its real easy to judge someone in hind sight.
By TR
January 18, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
Some of you speak as though you have a say in what happens to Vick…how naive.
By Hey RA
January 18, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
That isn’t your dad’s saying and you didn’t type it right. “It’s better to be thought a fool, than to open you mouth and remove all doubt” Vick needs a dynamic downfield attack and no more of the west coast BS. HB Run, QB draw, PA rollout and PA bombs should be our offense. This was our offense with Reeves, and sadly Knapp was less imaginative than Reeves—-almost impossible. Vick gets one more year to show he’s a QB, then you trade him to Oakland or Detroit and give Schaub a chance.
By in sanity
January 18, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
res-i-due. residue.
Was it a dumb move? yes.
Is vick particularly bright? no, he makes poor decisions.
Schultz, the Falcons, and MDPD are blowing this ridiculously out of proportion.
I mean, if he had a documented history of alcohol and drug abuse, and lying under oath we’d elect him president and start Schaub. Carrying a bottle (Mike Vick: Terrorist; note the warning on the billbo -… oh wait) and then throwing it out really, really, really doesn’t seem all that significant.
Merriman used steroids, got caught (not w/ residue, but w/ it in his system) and he was elected to play in the ProBowl.
All this proves is that he really isn’t that bright, his girlfriend is a certified moron, and a few folks are looking to throw Vick under the bus rather than an unproven NFL head coach if the season goes poorly.
I am NOT going to apologize for Vick’s lack of leadership at times, but wth? The receivers caught NOTHING. NOTHING. Injuries tore apart the team. Mora really didn’t bother me but Knapp was an IDIOT. Clearly, considering this, Mike Vick’s waterbottle was the reason for the lousy record the past two years. Cheese us crisps (the snack food that dies for you), this is bullcrap.
If this was the straw that broke the camel’s back, then it really wasn’t much of a camel to begin with.
-Right. The one thing that will definitely make ATL better is cutting a guy whose contract would impose salary cap hell on the team for the foreseeable future.
-What do G. Bush and Vick have in common? WMD claims. (weaps/weed of mass(media) destruction or white male dipstick, your choice)
It’s the offseason. It was residue. Get a real job, Schultz. Maybe the AJC can track down Miami-Dade’s Inspector Gadget of the trashcans and get some real reporting done.
Spleen!
By El Guapo
January 18, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
Agreed 100%
By Clay
January 18, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
HERE HERE!!!!
By kingfish
January 18, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
Yes, it is time to let him go but some of the blame belongs to the money-grubbing owners. They share some of the responsibility that allows today’s athletes (kids) to make this ridiculous amount of money and then expect them to handle the spotlight and the money. Here is a kid that was out of the Projects in eastern Virginia and was catapulted into fame because of his unusual talent but inside he was just a hurting, confused individual that wanted to make it big, help his family and give the black community something to be proud of. Only God knows if he can still do that but it is possible. Probably the best thing for him, the atlanta fans and the public is to start over with another team. He should take responsibility for his actions and if guilty, should pay the price. But don’t judge him as a human being; if so, then judge the corrupt, greedy owners of the falcons and the other owners who want the profit at any expense. It is time for all of us to look in the mirror and acknowledge how jaded and corrupt we really are.
By Rico Suave
January 18, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Schultzie,
You need to shut your piehole…
After every article you only push yourself closer and closer to territory uncharted for a columnist in this city…..Terrance Moore territory where just about nothing you say can be taken seriously….
As the old saying goes, an empty wagon makes the most noise, and this article proves that your wagon is empty and has been for a long long time……
By ATL
January 18, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
like the article good points..
By Brandyman
January 18, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
It is clear now why Vick is unable to learn the offense and is unable to read defenses…he is constantly in a fog. The little gray cells in the brain are in la la land. No wonder he is unable to make correct decisions at crucial times during the game…he is not cabable of thinking clearly. Have you seen him during a post game interview? He’s like a deer in the headlights. He is barely able to put an intellingent sentence together. Get rid of him now! See if Al Davis will take him for their first round pick. It will be interesting to see what Mr. Blank does now at the moment of truth. Does he sweep it under the carpet or does he face it head on with integrity and cut out this cancer that is destroying his franchise.
By marvin
January 18, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
VICK HAS SOME DEEP SEATED PROBLEMS. IV’E NOTICED RECEIVERS TEND TO GET OPEN AND CATCH BALL,S WHEN SCHAUB IS Q.B. O.L.BLOCKS BETTER.VICK IS TOO MOODY LIKE CHILD ON PEE WEE TEAM. GO WITH SCHAUB.SCHOCKLEY WILL BE MOBILE Q.B. OF FUTURE.BLANK SWALLOW PRIDE VICK NEEDS TO GO.SHOULD HAVE DONE BEEN GONE.
By Jimbo The Fan
January 18, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Yeah, get rid of vick for smoking a joint…good call! Then what, put Matt “The Better Choice” Schaub at starting QB….to do what? Stay out of trouble and go 6-10 for the next three seasons??? Get a grip folks, Vic is the QB of the Atlanta Falcons…today and tomorrow!
By NEW JERSEY FALCON
January 18, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
I don’t care….just win football games. That’s all that matters. I want wins….
By Davidb
January 18, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
If I thought Vick would ever be a championship QB this incident would be upsetting. He’s not …so it’s not. If it leads to the falcons making a change it may be the best thing that could have happened.
By Taylor
January 18, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Let’s give Vick one more shot.
Think about this: Did Vick have any incidents like his recent ones under Dan Reeves? No. Reeves wouldn’t put up with it. I’m sure Petrino will get into his head and not only fix his off the field problems, but his ability to lead and become the best QB in the NFL.
Mora probably smoked it up with Vick and let him do what he wanted. Reeves or Petrino won’t put up with it!
By randy
January 18, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
THEY NEED TO DUMP VICK! LET DJ SHOCKLEY HAVE A HAND AT QB! WATCH THE FALCONS ROLL. KID IS SMART, HAS A STRONG ARM. FALCONS ARE TO SCARED TO LET SHOCKLEY PLAY. HE IS A WINNER!
By The Willster
January 18, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
It’s really hard not to agree with Schultz after Vick continues to screw up over and over again. I dont know what his problem is. The man needs to stand up and be a quarterback and a leader, not some thug . He has proven that he can do this, but he wont. There hasn’t been one incident that he has been involved in where he has dealt with it like a man. NOT ONE!! Looks like Schaub is definitely getting some snaps now….LOL…..What an idiot…..
By KRIS
January 18, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
I will sell every falcon ticket I have to opposing teams fans as long as that pompous, arrogant and gutless jerk is quarterback. He could not hold Tom brady’s jockstrap. Hey Vick-wach some footbal this weekend and see how the quarterback position is REALLY played.
ON AND OFF THE FIELD!
By 90 mile north fan
January 18, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
some times i agree and sometimes not,this time your spot on.but i dont think falcons management cares what you and i think thats the reason vick knows he can get away with all his crap.once a thug all ways a thug
By stevew
January 18, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
i am just amazed at the attitudes of the Vick defenders. oh, yeah, i ain’t hatin’, i’m just looking at the facts. i was energized when he was drafted, thinking that the suffering might finally be over. but enough is enough. why don’t you folks stop kissing Vick’s a__ and grow up.
By Falcon Hopeful
January 18, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Very well put Mr Schultz. The QB position is as much about intergrity and leadership as it is about talent.
It is time for him to go.
By william
January 18, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
you’ve been w/ajc forever. best thing you’ve ever written, & i like your writing.
By Nikki
January 18, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of Vick’s act. It’s getting old. As a STH, I was willing to give him one more season to get it together. After the Miami after “water-gate” I don’t know if he has even next season in my eyes.
Go DJ! Go Shaub! Just go, Mike Vick!
By Don KeBallz
January 18, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
Like I thought, another writer hating on a very talented athlete because he has made a poor decision off the field. Who cares???! If he were a white ballplayer JS probaby writes how MV should seek “help” or “direction” but no, lets just throw him out with the garbage.
By Alex
January 18, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
For those who say “give him a break, he’s 26…”, Mike Vick is a father. He’s got a child. What kind of example is he setting? Do you want your kid wearing a number 7 Mike Vick jersey after all that’s happened the last 2 years with this guy? At what point does Vick stop getting a free pass?
When does it end, for all of you Mike Vick apologists? Does he have to be involved in some night club shooting, someone has to die, so you’ll stop defending this man?
He is not a leader. He never will be. Dan Reeves gave him a book on leadership, and Vick admits that he never read it!
As a falcons fan first and foremost, I don’t want someone of that character representing our city and our team. Color doesn’t matter here, why can’t he act like a Donovan McNabb, or Steve McNair?
Enough is enough. Trade Vick to Oakland for their first round pick and go with Matt Shaub in 2007.
Jeff, I normally don’t agree with you, but this time, you are right on the money. Well said.
By free
January 18, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
You folks looks negative to right about and I’m sick and tired of it. You want something to right that really matters? Right about how this dumb a* President got us this mess we are in now and all money he’s wasting a war fighting enemies those poor solider can’t even see. Right this….
By WHY!
January 18, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Why is that every white QB is so smart and every black QB is so athletic? Schultz,you like so many of the good ole boys will never admit it but you guys really think the QB position should be reserved for the white male period!
By Jim
January 18, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Two years ago I was continually bashed on these blogs for maintaining that Vick was not and would never become an NFL quarterback… period.
Sadly for all of us us in Atlanta, Vick has once more proven that he is nothing but a glorified punk who happens to be able to run through, around, over and past almost any NFL defenders… at times.
Let him go? There is no question, only how much can you get for him… Call Al Davis…. he loves punk thug football players and there are a few others who would salivate to put Punk Michael in their backfield…
Enough Michael … and moreso … enought Arthur… admit you were wrong and trade the ingrate…
Jim
By GS
January 18, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
What do you get when you cross ghetto and $130M, you get VICK!!!
By BigdaddyJ
January 18, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
What this really is, is Mr. Blank ready to show some leadership and character and do the right thing - let him go. Morality Mr. Blank. If you show that this is ok be aware the fans are not going to back you. Sorry you were that suckered into to Vick and gave him $100 million. Do the right thing and show some COURAGE!
By Ol' Dead Bird
January 18, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Hey TR: I bet you love Shirley Franklin, too. Get a clue - it’s not a black/white thing. Michael Flick needs to get his head out of the hood.
By JR
January 18, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Amen. Being a winning quarterback is about leadership and being a team player. Fail! Being a worthwhile human being is about judgement and integrity. Fail! There’s always a second chance for failed quarterbacks and failed human beings. It’s time to give him that opportunity somewhere else. If Vick ends up in a celebrity rehab, we’ll have the best indication that Arthur Blank is unwilling to admit a big mistake and do the right thing for this franchise. By the way,I challenge the usual dimwits to find a racist comment in this opinion.
By Jesse
January 18, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Trade Vick and keep Schaub
By WHY
January 18, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Brett Farve used pain killers. Like the man said they should have let him go!
By EMPTY DOME
January 18, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Fans generally tolerate a great deal…But when you start flipping them off and repeatedly damaging the image of the team and everyone associated with it, then the less Fans want to be a part of it. Blank is a shrewd salesman and clearly understands this.
So, TR…Fans vote with their wallets. And an EMPTY DOME means Vick will be dealt with one way or another…Nothing naive there.
The only naivety present on this board is if anyone thinks that Vick will be QBing the Falcons on opening day ‘07…Because he won’t.
And really virgil leonard…HINDSIGHT? You’ve been reading too much Terence Moore. Everything VICK has done was done with FORESIGHT, which in his case clearly isn’t 20/20. I guess even a multi-million $$$ contract can’t take the HOOD out of the QB.
By The Chief
January 18, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
The Falcons and the NFL should have an absolute zero tolerance policy on any illegal substance abuse. One time and you’re forever done. These guys are playing a cotton-picking GAME and the lowest paid players probably make, what, six times what the average American makes. They are all grown up, they know they are in the most visible sports organization in the western hemisphere, they’ve all heard to “just say no.” If they can’t decide between 600K per year and a dime bag, be done with them.
That said, the least MV7 has done is had a run-in with the law. Possibly, arrogantly, and recklessly, he has broken it. If so, send him packing and bar him FOREVER from the sport. Strike his records from the books, and move on.
By Drew
January 18, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
I lived in San Antonio during the Dennis Rodman years. We were very happy to be rid of him and the associated nonsense. I’m starting to feel the same about Vick.
Such an embarrassment to our city.
By Chris
January 18, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
4 million dollar mess for San Diego…Marcus Giles is a THUG!!!
By N GA BOB
January 18, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
GET RID OF HIM if there’s any value left.
By DL
January 18, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
I agree - I am tired of spoiled, immature atheletes that are hoods. Send him packing, Atlanta will never win big with him.
By Ed
January 18, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
I agree he needs to go, but as Blank has shown with increasing ticket prices on the heels of a losing season. It’s all about the $$$$, and for that reason he’ll go down with the Titanic. We can only hope Vick gets a 4 game suspension. That will allow Shaub to practice every day with the 1st team during training camp, and start 4 games. If he does well….then maybe us fans have a chance of seeing a REAL football team and not a sandlot pickup game.
By Chuck Uga
January 18, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Jeff and others, You are nuts. Getting rid of Vick would send this organization into a downward spiral. Who would replace him? Schaub?! Please. The Falcons are looking up as it is at New Orleans and Carolina. They are close to being a 10-6, 11-5 team and in the playoffs (but so are the other NFC South teams). It’s all about the schedule and the injuries. Get Vick a decent threat at WR and you will see a very strong team in 2007. But get rid of him because some of you have your panties in a bunch?! Absurd.
By Joyce
January 18, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
Some people in Atlanta just don’t get it, when you hold a position of responsibility, you must take responsibility for your actions. Michael Vick is the leader of the Falcons, stop making excuses for him. His primary focus is obviously not the Falcons or football. What a waste of talent!
By Ron Mexico
January 18, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
Why is everybody always pickin’ on me?
By Vick's middle finger
January 18, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
all you haters need to stop…Vick is da man…he owns the Falcons so Blank and Mckay sit down and shut up..with out Vick you and the Falcons aint nothing…shults you shut up this is Vick’s town…we gonna change the name to Vicksboro…Vicksboro Falcons has a ring to it….all you haters know that if Vick leaves they wont win no more games with that redneck hick hillbilly Matt shaub pretendin to play qb…only reason they harassin Vick at the airport anyway is becaiuse he is a prominent black man…if he was white they wouldnt even checked his water. I think da man has earned his right to smoke all da weed he wants…as long as he plays good.
By Madden King
January 18, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Yeah lets get rid of Vick and be right back down in the toilet of the NFL right along with Arizona. This organization and city has lost for so long you would think that these fans and the only newspaper in town would have his back and support him but they don’t. This is the soul reason why Atlanta will never have a championship team in any sport everytime Atlanta has a franchise player they run him out of town and they win a championship somewhere else and my team is right back at square one of being no.1 trash. Atlanta is cursed, since the city got burned down back in the slave days it has and always will be cursed. I do believe that Vick is going to be traded, he is going to demand it and he is going to go to a team that is a QB away from winning the Super Bowl and he is going to win the Super Bowl the same year he leaves. The Black men in the NFL knows that the city of Atlanta has always been a great place to live because we are the majority but the state of Georgia is a horrible place to live because the good ole boys are alive and well. I have a eary feeling that Vick is going to be with Baltimore. Mark my words if Vick gets traded, there will never be a high profile player of color ever signing with the Falcons ever again. The black players are going to stand together and make sure of that, first Deion now this. HOLLA! GO FALCONS! GO VICK I GOT YOUR BACK NO MATTER WHERE YOU AT!
By Don KeBallz
January 18, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
Rest assured Vick is laughing at all you dumb a$$ bloggers who are typing in your mamas basement becasue you have no girls who can stand you. Now turn off the computer, go to sleep and get ready for your morning shift at the Waffle House. Haters!
By Chris
January 18, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
Your right N GA BOB. Marcus Giles needs to go he has a bad shoulder and he is punching people at football games. Trade him before his value is nothing. What a thug and his brother.
By Satch
January 18, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
HE HAS A 130 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT! WHAT THE F*CK IS HE DOING FLYING AIRTRAN?!?!?!?! HE COULD TAKE AN OUNCE OF GRASS ON A PRIVATE PLANE IF HE WANTED TO. WHAT A GENIUS!!!!!
By John from Dunwoody
January 18, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
LETS GET RIGHT DOWN TO THE POINT AND TALK ABOUT RACISM. I AM A RACIST BECAUSE I AGREE WITH THIS ARTICLE. GET RID OF MICHAEL “THE THUG” VICK.
By Rico Suave
January 18, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
Jeff,
As the old saying goes, an empty wagon makes the most noise….you’ve proved in this piece that your wagon is empty and HAS BEEN EMPTY FOR QUITE A WHILE……
By Fred
January 18, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Just damn, you must be a racist. You are white and Vick is black. Everything you say is because you just “hate” black people. I mean this IS Atlanta so it MUST be this way. Oh and by the way, I am purple so I don’t have a dog in this “race war” that Atlanta is perpetually waging. I just laugh at it. I also have been a Mike Vick supporter (changed from a MV detractor when he played at VT and got hype for playing nobodies his whole college career). I “gave up” on him when he quit the game a couple of weeks ago. He walked off the field with a minute or two to go and surrendered. What a “leader.” He couldn’t lead a pack of starving dogs while holding a package of steaks. But then Blanc can’t seem to hire a coach either. Nice pair. mike will take the cash and Blanc will give it away. Wonder how I can get in line to get some of that cash……..
By Al Fretta
January 18, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
I am a life-long GA native and Falcons fan since their inception. Even though all of the painful years under the Smiths I managed to always maintain hope and interest. I had hoped Blank would bring change…he has succeeded; for the first time in my life I only feel disdain for my hometown team to which I can no longer relate. The water bottle that broke the camels back…
By Doug
January 18, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
Madden King Playing that race card again
By Please
January 18, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
All you freaking do gooders! Who gives a crap what he does in his spare time. Its not that big a deal, everyone knows athletes are spoiled brats, heck we do the spoiling. Just let him and Schaub battle it out on the field. Who amongst us haven’t indulged. I think the real issue for Schultz is the big contract. Never do you hear white athletes contract mentioned when they miss step on or off the field. I challenge anyone to say differently. To get rid of the man is insane. I didn’t see anyone calling for the steroid linemans head. Just let he and Schaub battle it out, if Matt is the man and proves it on the field so be it. But to terminate someone over minor little stuff is insane. If found guilty, punish him accordingly but not to please jealous middle aged surburbanites. Its the real world and athletes live in it to. Treat them for what they are and stop all the pedestal crap and we wouldn’t have this problem. Look at the comments, its about the money given to a young black man. Heck we all would do silly things if given that much loot! Just over reaction. Stupid, extremely but the white and uncle Tom black jealousy is too much to take!
By Jeff
January 18, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
Schaub is looking very good right now…get rid of the gangsta!!!
By Paul M.
January 18, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick is not a QB but a RB! He needs to learn how to be a professional QB! How about Tom Brady? Here is the solution to all suffering Falcon Fans: Abandon Vick, the dysfunctional owners and management and cheer for a professional organization. Try the NE Patriots! You can do it, I can help!
By MR.BEN AKA MR.PRO SPORTS
January 18, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
HE WHO HAS NEVER SINNED CAST THE FIRST STONE……….
JUST AS I THOUGHT.
IF MIKE VICK IS TRADED GOOD BYE TV RATINGS, GOODBYE MARKETING VENTURES, GOODBYE FALCONS, GOODBYE PETRINO, GOODBYE MCKAY, GOODBYE TICKET SALES. WHO PUT SEATS IN THE DOME ?, NOT THE WIDE RECEIVERS, FALCONS WERE BLACKED OUT BEFORE VICK STARTED.
IF ANYBODY WANNA TRY ME IN DEBATES COME ON AND BRING YOUR A GAME, I ADMIT HE WAS WRONG, BUT DON’T GIVE HIM AWAY.
WAIT I DONT KNOW THE FACTS, SO I TAKE THAT BACK, THE USUAL, GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT IN THIS COUNTRY. THINK !
LETS VOTE BUSH OUT SINCE ALL OF AMERICA THINKS HE IS SENDING OUR KIDS INTO MURDERS VALLEY.
JUST AS I THOUGHT……..
VICK HATERS LOOK IN THE MIRROR.
TWO PEOPLE IN LIFE, THE CAUGHT AND THE UNCAUGHT………
TURN ON THE LIGHT AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING………
By Big Mo
January 18, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
RA, TR, and Rico Suave are racist. It’s people like them who are setting us hard working black folks back 40 years.
By Paul
January 18, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
Much is expected on and off the field of a QB with a $130 million contract and Vick hasn’t delivered. You think he heard boos this year???? Just wait until he steps on the field next year. It’s time for the Falcons to cut their losses - literally.
By Don KeBallz
January 18, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
John from Dunwoody typing in all caps means you are yelling , correct? Read Webster’s and see the defin of “THUG” you moron. It probably has a picture your minister wearing his sheets from the last Klan rally….
By temeca
January 18, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
All these slugs trying to defend vick just kill me. He could stab somebody in the back and they would still defend his sorry a*. And to the guy who says no blacks will sign here i say good. If thats the kind of people they are i dont wont em.
By rw
January 18, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
One word says it all….AMEN!
Mr. Blank, now you have the ammo you need to get rid of him. DO IT for your organization, your fans and your city…we deserve better.
By Keith
January 18, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
You hit it dead on. The Falcons will never achieve greatness with Vick as QB. Fun to watch? Yes. Team leader? No. The latest incident on top of giving his fans the “Bird?” I say he needs to take a hike, get a real job. Smiling after he loses the game while the fan in the stands wonders why he just paid $50 to watch mediocrity. Someone needs to knock him down a notch or two. Frankly, I’m tired of his BS. If he stays in Atlanta, I’ll become a Saints fan.
By Tha'Hammer
January 18, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Jeff so very well put. Enough. Enough already. Vick I am SO tired of waiting for you to grow up son. I have given you every benefit of doubt for so long, and yet you keep coming up with ways to confound those of us who really want to see you and the Falcons do well. Your decisions (both on and off the field) over the last few years leave me no choice but to officially give up on you. Son, WTF are you thinking? Or do you just think that you are “MIKE VICK-SUPERSTAR” and that this entitles you to do whatever the heck you want, and damm the fallout? And for all you “brothers” out there that want to holler about us haters,(“you know we white boys just don’t like vick cuz he’s black and we are jealous of him”) it ain’t a question of color but of commitment. 140,000,000 boys thats a lot of zeros. I would challenge anyone on this blog to tell me that you couldn’t step up, fly right, and be a real man for that kind of money and adulation? Pleeeeze. I say time to give Schaub or Shockley a chance to carry that mantle and lets see what happens. Until then, I’m done.
By Doug
January 18, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Atleast get someone in your posse to carry the water bottle for the love of god hw dumb can one man be
By KC
January 18, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
Michael Vick has been called “the most exciting player in the league”. Excitement on the field? How about 13 interceptions in 2005 and 2006? Excitement off the field? Flicking off fans, Mexican herpes clinics, porting pot through an airport. We need a smarter player than this! We need a leader not some bozo - who struggles to understand the playbook. Forget exciting. How about replacing exciting for “winning”? Critics will tell you that Vick is the most overrated player in the league. They are right. Let Vick go.
By prechrchet
January 18, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
I think letting Vick go would be the best thing that ever happened to both Michael and the Falcons. Getting cut loose would get Vick’s attention in a way that nothing else would do. Don’t get me wrong, he is a gifted athelete, but until he gets his head screwed on straight, he’s no good to anyone.
By TR
January 18, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
Hey EMPTY DOME…obviously you’re talking about the space between your ears being the empty dome. Because that’s the only empty dome going on.
By temeca
January 18, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
Lets see if Arthur Blank really means it when he talks about having players who are good for the community. You know all that horseshit we have been told. A big part of Mora getting fired was him saying on the radio that he would go to another team if asked. OHHHHH how horrible that was. OK Arthur now we have Ron “Middle Finger” Mexico trying to sneak reefer on a plane. Are you still gonna try to tell us how you are all about having quality individuals on this team? Lets just see what happens.
By Mike
January 18, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
if it takes us having a black qb for us not to be racist I would like to put in my request for McNabb…or how about Vince Young. Nope we are stuck with Vick, because like Madden King said this city is cursed. every one like to point out that Vick is the winningest QB ever in Atl…that may be true with the likes of Jeff George, Chis Miller, Bobby Hebert, Billy Joe Tolliver, and all the other guys who ended up here due to the fact this is the only place in the world that would start them. Vick is not going anywhere, and it is not due to his talent, or his leadership…it is due to the fact that he sells merchandise. This team is all a business to Blank and Mckay and those who think that Vick will ever be traded are smoking the same stuff he was. All this stuff that they preach about character applies only if you are not Mike Vick. I would love to see Vick leave for a high draft pick and Calvin Johnson end up here in Atlanta…now there is a superb athlete with character…and guess what he is black. I am so sick of anytime that people have anything negative to say about Vick they are made out to be a racist. How about this stat…Vick as a starter 39 carreer wins…out of those 39 only 5 were against teams that finished the season with a winning record…..all of you that are saying that Atlanta would suck without Vick have obviously not been paying attention the last couple of years. Tiki who was known for a long time for his fumbling career wise has less fumbles than Vick and played behind even worse lines than Vick has….how about that stat…or how about rookie qbs like Young and Leinart doing in their first year what Vick has failed to do yet…learn an offense…I could care less who is the qb here…as long as we are winning…which we aren’t.
By robert
January 18, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this
Hey please. Im sick and tired of racist idiots like yourself trying to turn a serious problem into a racial issue. And having the audacity to call people of color who dont agree with you Uncle Toms . Why dont you go back to school and become part of the solution rather than more of the problem.We are talking about a man who makes more money than most harvard grads growing up and being a responsible adult. Im sure you dont understand , sadly niether does he!
By Vic
January 18, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
It was a few weeks before the 2001 draft, I was driving home from work and listening to ESPN radio when I heard that the Falcons (Dan Reeves) had made a trade with San Diego for the rights to draft Mike Vick. Hearing this news I was elated, Mike Vick was the hot guy, who had the year before gave Florida State the biggest scare of their season in the National Championship game. My son and I attended the Vick’s first pre-season game the next year, Chandler started, but we came to see Vick who came in the game midway through the 1st half. In Vicks first year as a starter I bought my son a $500 autograph Mike Vick jersey from the Atlanta Falcons Store.
Fast forward six seasons later, I think Vick has worn out his free pass as the starting QB. (granted to all QB’s drafted so high - see Leaf, Couch, Plunkett, Bartkowski, etc).
I suggest the Falcons open the QB competion up to Schaub and DJ and see if Vick sinks or swims. Many QB’s when challenged like this step up, Bart was benched for June Jones, San Diego drafted Rivers and then Drew Brees became a probowl QB.
Bottom line: Challenge Vick with competion and see how he performs - will he sink or swim - that will be the true test of his character.
By T
January 18, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
you know, if Vick would have been caught with some weed in a bag or something “normal” because he forgot about it… That would be understandable and most everyone could let it pass. But, when you take the time to buy a water bottle with a secret compartment… you deserve everything that comes your way. Should he not be on the Falcons anymore? I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision. But Mike is starting to act more like his brother than the brother who preached to Marcus as wiser elder. Has anyone thought that maybe Mike doesn’t want to be with the Falcons anymore??? could be, it would explain his behavior of late. Just a thought.
By mr,p
January 18, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
ALL YOU VICK HATERS NEED TO GET A LIFE YOU WANT TO CRY ABOUT SOMETHING CRY ABOUT THAT LINE THATS NOT BLOCKING THAT DEFENSE THAT HAD NOT PUT PRESSURE ON ANY Q.B THAT WE PLAYED THIS YEAR AS FOR YOU SCHULT YOU NEED TO TAKE A CHILL PILL VICK IS BEST THING THAT HAPPEN TO ATLANTA SPORTS IN YEARS.BUT YOU WOULD NOT KNOW THAT BECAUSE YOU LEAD THE HATERS.VICK IS HERE TO STAY.IT’S ABOUT THAT CHEESE MAN CHECK OUT THOSE #7 IN THE STANDS AND ON THE STREETS YOU’LL GET SOONER OR MUCH LATER.
By LeftyGa24
January 18, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Please AB!!!! GEt it thru your head, MV Will never have the Smarts nor throwing ability to take us or you where all of us Falcon believers wants to see us be!! I cannot ever believe in Michael Vick ever Again as a leader that will take us to the Super Bowl. Where in the World are we gonna ever find recievers with soft enuff hands to catch a missile that has no direction? Everybody needs to understand if M.V had touch we would be in the play offs. He just Does’nt have it; bite the bullet and cut the strings while we have a chance or %*%^&^$%%^%$^%^%#%$???? We need a leader not a spaced out rich no caring wanna be ;; help us please ARTHUR CUT THE STRINGS AND GET HIS BUTT OUTTA TOWN !!!!! NOW
By Tom
January 18, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Shaub and Shockley are class acts. Vick is not. Cut him and keep the other two.
By chaney
January 18, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
I don’t think so!
By Jack In Macon
January 18, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
I don’t care whether Vick is black, white or a zebra, the guy is not a quarterback and never will be a quarterback…and now he’s proven he’s a dumbass. As a Falcon fan for the last 37 years, I just want to win. I don’t care what race the quarterback is. Oh yeah, reading this blog, I’m struck by how racist the blacks are in Atlanta.
By kg
January 18, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
I have been a Vick supporter and think he’s got huge potential. Unfortunately, this incident has brought me to the same conclusion as Schultz. Trade him now while we can still get something for him. Oakland would love to have this guy, especially now that his image fits theirs. I say trade Vick for their second and third this year and first round pick in 08 and they throw in their first round pick from last year, the Safety and Moss. I think that deal is doable.
By BirdDawg
January 18, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
I’ve been the biggest Vick defender on these boards.
Now I wash my hands of him.
Sean, I do have a question for you, though. Matt Schaub was picked up for assault his rookie year, does that make him a thug, too?
Or am I a thug because I smoked more pot than Kelso, Foreman, Hyde, and the rest of the dumb@$$es on That 70’s Show when I was a teenager in the 70’s.
How about you, Sean? I bet you’ve toked a few bowls in your lifetime. In fact, did you know Sean that since 1970, about 66% of all teenagers have tried the sweet, sticky ganja at least once?
And I KNOW that all the rednecks on these boards have, and probably still do. Besides racists, you can also find plenty of good ole’ boy potheads in Forsyth, Lumpkin, and Dawson.
Now, I am not hypocrite. Yes, I smoked pot as a teenager, and that’s where it stopped. When I got to UGA in 1978, I stopped smoking. Okay, after 1st semester, I stopped. Two things happened. One, I met my beautiful future wife in December 1978, and she did not agree with that form of extra curricular activity (though she did have a fondness for beer). Two, I almost flunked out of UGA. I was able to pull out a 3.2 when I graduated, but if it weren’t for that first semester, I could have done better.
Okay, here’s the point, which has taken a long time to get to. I smoked Pot. I can guarantee that our own Jeff Schultz lit up a bong or two in his lifetime (don’t deny it Jeff). And I know a great many on these boards who are hypocrites and will call Vick a thug are still toking.
But people like me (and I believe Jeff) stopped. We grew up. We took responsibility for our lives when it was the time. When Vick declared for the draft as a 21 year-old redshirt Sophomore, that was his time to let go of his old ways. That was his time to stop smoking pot, stop hanging around with his old posse, who are now the guys bringing him down.
But he didn’t. That is why I wash my hands from him. Whether he wants it or not, embraces it or not, demands it or not, he is in a position of leadership with this team, and the money invested in him made him responsible for much more than himself.
But I will not label him a thug, as so many hypocrites will. He’s done no more than me, which I remind everyone, he hasn’t been charged with. But just like I trust my eyes and my instincts about Barry Bonds being a roider, I trust my eyes and ears now that Vick hits the bong.
But if he’s a thug, than so am I. And so are 66% of you, your children, your sisters and brothers, your grandchildren, your AJC Colmnists, etc. The word thug that you want to throw around about a black player still carries horrible, pathetic, ignorant, and hateful racial undertones.
Once again, Sean, thugs are people who assault, maim, commit bodily harm to, and kill other people. Michael Vick doesn’t fit that profile. But there is a QB on the roster who has been picked up for assault and recieved his fair share for jock justice for it. And his skin is as lily white as mine.
And as for Matt Fraud, I am not sold on him. I refuse to jump on his bandwagon, as he has yet to win any NFL game he’s played in or started. In fact, Matt Fraud was thoroughly outplayed by NFL third-teamers. He should have thrown 3 INTs in that game, against NFL third-teamers.
So I say, even though I would now have no problem in trading Vick (even though it is patently impossible given his salary cap number), Matt Fraud has done nothing to prove that he is anything more than the next Doug Johnson. And for all the love that Matt Fraud is getting from Chris Mortensen, remember, Chris Mortensen also was in love with Doug Johnson, too.
So this leaves us a problem. This QB draft class is thin. Next year’s will be better. Brian Brohm will be available. So will Colt Brennan. The Falcons need to plan for the future. Matt Fraud is not it. Michael Vick is not it.
Heck, why not give Shock a shot?