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?
By clg in the atl
January 18, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
ummmm whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? You bandwagon jumpers make me sick—-just can’t wait to spill your venom. Why do you think they hired PETRINO, eh? To coach Schaub?? I don’t think so—- AND—-this season is not ALL MV’s fault. Get a grip ATL- each time something negative happens you go to the extreme-Schultz your comments are ridiculous!
By Dwight Schrute
January 18, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
Jeff - Thank you for saying what needs to be said. I know Mr. Blank will read and appreciate the sentiments expressed.
By kennyb
January 18, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
If he does stay, he might be a good punt returner!
Unfortunately for Mike,the QB position requires intelligence.
Good luck in Oakland!
By Mothball
January 18, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
This is about sheer stupidity, not whether it was blown out of proportion, unfair, biased, racist, cast the first stone, or whatever other ridiculous arguments can be made to support this fool.
This is about a multi-million dollar, face of the franchise complete fool who is so arrogant that he feels he can do anything at anytime without consequence.
It is a pity that the team that I was raised to adore is “led” by a fool.
It’s hard to believe anyone could be this stupid. It’s a shame really.
By your daddy
January 18, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
dump the loser…
By vickville
January 18, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
What a shame…Arthur Blank has done nothing but support his team and Mike Vick. And how does he get repaid for his support? What a slap in the face to Mr. Blank and the fans of the Falcons. We already know how Vick feels about the fans that pay his salary when he showed us his middle finger. Now we know how how feels about the man who signs the check. Vick’s true colors have begun to show for a few years now. It’s time to pull off a Herschal Walker type deal and move forward without Mike Vick. I have been a Vick fan since his Va Tech days, but his time in Atlanta has past him bye. Oh yes, that Walker trade Dallas made worked out pretty good for them…Adios Vick. You had your shot here…
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 18, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
Congratulations, Mr. Schultz, you have written the worst article of the year so far. (Granted, it’s only 18 days into the new year, but still…)
Vick is an idiot for trying to sneak weed on a plane — he deserves a six-figure fine and possibly a suspension. Anyone trying to defend his actions needs to give it up — there’s no excuse for it. But not only would letting Vick go because of this offense be a terrible football move (in relation to the team on the field as well as the salary cap), but it would fly in the face of the precedent that NFL teams have set up to this point. Ray Lewis, the murde… I mean, the obstructor of justice, not only kept his job but is the face of a playoff team this year. You really think all the things Vick has done up to that point (keeping in mind that this is his first criminal offense) even approaches that?
If this was the first hit to his image he’s ever taken, I wouldn’t be supporting any punishment by the Falcons. But since this compounds the herpes and the “dirty bird”, the Falcons would look foolish not taking any action. I don’t think this particular offense is even as harmful as flipping the bird to the fans, but his offenses put together warrant some response from the Falcons’ organization.
Here’s a sane and fair solution to this problem — fine him half his signing bonus from this year, and make it clear to him that any more hits to his image will result in having to battle Schaub and Shockley for the starting QB job. Vick seems pretty confident in his job security — shake that confidence, and I think he’ll get his act together.
But releasing him for getting caught with weed? Looks like Schultz is the one who is smoking.
By Bob
January 18, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
You are right on Jeff. Darn shame that Mora Sr. got raked over the coals for speaking the truth about Vick.
Picture this - Michael Vick and Al Davis together in Oakland. What a pair that would make lol! Trade Vick for the first pick and draft Calvin Johnson. Imagine Matt Shuab throwing pinpoint passes to CJ……Oh well, a guy can dream, can’t he?
By fizzbob7
January 18, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
1) schaub was charged with felony assault and settled out of court.
2) vick hasn’t been charged with anything and the incident where he flicked off the aggravating fan in teh black shirt was IN DEFENSE OF HIS TEAMMATES (crumpler was being yelled at because he dropped a few passes that day)
3) at worst, he’s been accused of giving a woman herpes (nothing was ever confirmed other than her accusation), he flicked an assinine fan off after a frustrating loss during a frustrating losing streak, he got busted trying to carry a trick water bottle with marijuana residue in it. that’s not a body of work any thug would be proud of. and as it stands, the third thing doesn’t even exist yet.
ATL doesn’t deserve professional teams. they’re just another sports-dumb city that is full of itself.
By i love arthur
January 18, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
POTHEAD VICK. BIRDIE VICK. THUG VICK. IGNORANT VICK. COACH KILLER VICK. HORRIBLE QUARTERBACK VICK. MUST BE CUT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By lawrence rutt
January 18, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
Mr. Schlutz, Your comments on Michael Vick were right on the money and I commend you for stating the facts. It’s about time that the fans of the Falcons and Atlanta finally say get rid of Vick. Football is a team sport and it involves a 52 man roster but it’s also about chemistry and leadership. Michael Vick can run there is no doubt when his feet hit the ground watch out. But a QB is he central figure on a team the leader kind of like the motor in a car. If the QB isn’t up to the job or unable to handle it the car won’t work either will the team. So he has been the most successful QB in Falcons history but is 7 games a season satisfaction? Playoffs, Superbowl championships that is why the game is played. One man can change a team look at Drew Brees, the saints were the bottom of the NFL for years. It’s the same team as last year minus Vick’s cousin A. Brooks. Drew Brees came in to NO and had already won in SD and was a QB who understands an NFL offense and defense. This year they are winning and swept the Falcon’s. Tom Brady took over for Drew Bledsoe they win, Vince Young takes a college team no one respect the Texas Longhorns and showe the universe it is sometimes a one man team. He had been doing his running and passing for three years at Texas and beat USC with his legs and arm. Michael Vick doesn’t have that fire in him anymore and it shows in his productions. Vince Young has a team that is 41 million under the cap with no talent and only won three games the year before and traded their franchise QB. Now the QB of the future has arrived he knows when to run and to pass and he has always played in a shotgun offense. No talent on his team and the Falcons are loaded with it. Maybe it is Vick he wants to be Mr. everything and not be a member with more than one star. Where is T.J. Duckett, Peerless Price? He isn’t the leader you need for this franchise and he needs to go unless 7 wins is what you want every year. Those are the facts and everything else you say doesn’t make sense you are defending Vick. 19 TD’s how many INT’s has he thrown for the year? Compare him to Vince Young, Drew Brees or anyone who has been in the NFL the same amount of time and Vick is behind the power curve.
Other teams have realized it’s time to start fresh, Steelers, Cowboys, Titans to name a few you the Falcons can’t let go of Vick and his I love you finger.
By JockEwing
January 18, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
Its over after 6 years. Sorry folks, but Mike Vick will not be here come next fall.
You heard it hear first, its already being handled in the front office. Trust me, I know, I am a Ewing!!
Lets not look a gift horse in the mouth and cut bait now while we can still get something for this guy.
By Unicoidawg
January 18, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
Imagine that the Falcons had one of the greatest ever, only to trade him away in Brett Favre. Now they have the biggest thug ever and they won’t trade him. Well after 31 years of watching the falcons, should I expect anything less. Mr. Blank quit babying him and get rid of him…… Let Schaubb, Shockley or the guy on the corner of Peachtree be QB we’d be better off….
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 18, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
And no, this is not a racial issue. Getting caught trying to sneak weed on a plane? That has nothing to do with race, it’s just stupidity, regardless of who does it.
By GTA
January 18, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
You forgot to mention the fact that he didn’t even show up to a Press Conference explaining why it happened. Why should Rich McKay defend him time after time when he does stupid crap like this? To the guy above, Drew Brees became a probowl quarterback because he finally developed into one, if he did that out of competition he woulda sucked in NoLa this year, but he didn’t. Drew Brees is on another level than Michael Vick, he’s a positive leader who’s smart and doesn’t act like an idiot on and off the football field, those two names shouldn’t even be mentioned favorably in the same paragraph.
By Dustin
January 18, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
Mr. Blank, hopefully you or someone on the falcon staff has read this blog and now understand that we are all tired of Vick’s exploits. Let’s see what we can’t get for Vick and let see what happens. It is what the fans want and probably what the team needs. Oh, Good job Jeff, great article.
By Brian
January 18, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
Ok, so does anyone notice that every time VICK is interviewed he is HIGH.. I know some people are “SLEEPY”.. but c’mon.. I can spot a pot head from a mile away.. Lets cut the loses, and wait for Brian Brohm (for you guys that didn’t know.. he is the QB at Louisville)
By Doug
January 18, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
He’s not a thug he’s a moron and he’s got to go
By BirdFan420
January 18, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
The Falcons will go 13-3 next year with Vick at the helm, and Arthur will give him an engraved lighter for Hannukah.
Give the man a break and let him be human. He’s 26 years old, he puffs a little herb, WHO CARES? Get over it.
Yeah I know, leadership and all that. Whatever. People with an agenda to bash Vick will find ways to further their agenda, and this just gives more fuel to those flames.
Guess what, he’s not perfect, and neither are you. You just don’t have a thousand watt media flashlight pointed in your face 24 hours a day and a fickle fair weather bandwagon jumping half racist fan base ready to pounce on you for the slightest mistake.
By Tommy
January 18, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
I am against all drugs and all people who use drugs. After saying that let me say this, if the falcons were in the playoff’s this weekend 99.9% of the people on he would be defending Mike Vick. I hope this has brought him down a few rungs, throwing birds at the fans and smoking dope isn’t cool. The NFL has a drug plan. I hope he gets tested. Drugs stay in the system quite a while, in the hair for yrs. if he fails suspend him.
Maybe the new coach can turn him and the team around. A 12-4 season will take alot of heat away and sure make people forget FAST past failures, ask the BEARS.
By Vic
January 18, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
To BirdDawg
Are you sure you went to UGA in 1978? The only reason I ask is that you made a serious error in your BLOG. You said something that could not have happen in 1978 at UGA - it may just be an honest mistake - but do you know what I am talking about?
Second, I suugest the Falcons QB position be WIDE open next year - best man wins - Vick, DJ or Schaub. By the way I watched Schaub play many college games and he might be a good NFL QB, but none of us will know if he does not get a shot - the same goes to DJ who is a first class person.
By drsoul
January 18, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
We now are going to be able to see who the man ‘Arthur’ really is…as there seems to be two rotten eggs in the Vick family, there leaves no doubt as to the future of ‘7’…what will really be interesting is to see if Blank is really good for his word or who shows up !!!! he is as much over his head as Vick and this may well be the turning point of where this franchise will land down the road…
By Dave
January 18, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
You can’t fix stupid!!!
By BirdDawg
January 18, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
Unicoidawg,
I know they’re smoking the ganj in Unicoi. Unicoi, I bet you’ve toked, I have. I was young and dumb.
Once again, although I wash my hands of Vick and will no longer support him, calling him a thug is ridiculous. Once again, the only QB on this team who actually represents the definition of thug is the QB who committed assault. And his name is Matt Fraud.
But enough is enough with Vick. Although I smoked pot, and lots of it, as a kid, when it was time to grow up and accept grown-up responsibilities, I stopped. Vick should have stopped this behavior the second he was drafted.
So I, his biggest defender, wash my hands of him.
By DamnTheMan
January 18, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
Guess Vicky can’t read the signs at the airport any better than he can read defenses.
Dump this retarded thug wannabe and let a real QB that can hit his receivers start for the Falcons.
And all the jock-sniffing fanboys that think Vicky can do no wrong should watch the Pats /Colts game Sunday to learn what a real NFL QB looks like.
By BirdDawg
January 18, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Vic, yes, if I can remember, we were on quarters. Jeez, my mom always said all of that pot would come back to hurt me one.
By Beretverde
January 19, 2007 09:52 AM | Link to this
“COACH KILLA” now TEAM KILLA… what’s next… OWNER KILLA? GET GONE IDIOT!
By BUSHWACKER
January 19, 2007 09:53 AM | Link to this
TR you are an idiot, TOM BRADY won 3 SUPER BOWLS before he was 26. I bet your 56 and still smoking weed you moron!! If Mike Vick was white you’r run him off long ago you racist!
By Andrew
January 19, 2007 09:53 AM | Link to this
Have thought for years that this guy was nonchalant, immature, and overpaid. He should be catching passes and returning kicks.
By Dare
January 19, 2007 09:53 AM | Link to this
Jeff you are completely wrong. Given up vick will be giving up the most popular athlete in the city’s history (more popular than dominque) Giving vick up will set the falcons 10 years back. On the football field vick had a pro bowl year, he just does not have the talent at receiver other qbs do. Blank if you are a man of any smarts, you keep vick talk to him and let him read all the negative headlines and use that as motivation
By Beretverde
January 19, 2007 09:56 AM | Link to this
Not a “Coach Killa”….if Blank keeps him around he is grooming him to be the “FRANCHISE KILLA.” Gosh… Rankin Smith wasn’t this bad, was he?
By BPD
January 19, 2007 09:58 AM | Link to this
I’ll take an only slightly less talented QB with integrity, as well as leadership and decision making ability over a high-priced, self-absorbed, unprincipled underachiever any day. As for the former, Matt Schaub should fit the bill nicely.
By BUSHWACKER
January 19, 2007 09:59 AM | Link to this
MR BLANK, The expression on RicH McKay’s face says it all!!! Let him do his job or sell the team!!! It’s obvious the GM is ready to get rid of your punk quarterback.
If he can’t remember to get rid of the bottle before he gets to the checkpoint, how is he goiing to read defenses and make the right decision in 3 seconds on the football field!!
HE CAN’T, HE’S TOO STUPID!!!
By VickSux
January 19, 2007 09:59 AM | Link to this
Get rid of the Fing canadien!
By KOS
January 19, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
I love mike vick as a player, but all bs to the side, this writer was on point with a lot he had to say and if ATL wants to see the Super Bowl any time soon… A definite change is needed, and Mora just might not have been the problem.
By Matt
January 19, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
do I agree with the absent minded decisions that vick makes? NO!!!!! But to think that schaubb is the answer for the team is ridiculous! He is only a temporary fix!
Oh yeah…it seems funny how everyone wants to bring up decisions that vick makes a throw him under the bus. Am I mistaken, but did schaubby get arrested for being involved in a bar fight a few years back? good decision there too!!!!
By James
January 19, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
I have a great idea. Anyone who ever bought a Michael Vick jersey should donate it to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or whatever organization will accept it. Better yet, donate it to a downtown church where it may be given away. That way we will spot Michael Vick jerseys worn by denizens of junkies, drug pushers and street hustlers across our city. It would be a very fitting fan base for our so called sleexy, thugged out “quarterback”. All the number 7 jerseys roaming our downtown streets will be the perfect reflection of the persona of the low life trash that we have taking snaps. It is increasingly embarrassing being a Falcons fan and season ticket holder. As an NFL fan base we will surely be viewed as bottomfeeders.
By Pro football sucks!
January 19, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
When will all of these cuddling Atlanta fans REALLY put the heat on the classleess - and clueless - Michael Vick? In any real sports town, this guy would have been given the gate long ago, for no other reason than he is a poor excuse for an NFL QB. Wonder if Blank asked Vick if he needed a lighter during the “stern talk from management.” $130 MM my a*! What a joke!
By B
January 19, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
The only thing wrong with Vick, is that if you are an Atlanta fan you are forced to cheer for him. It’s embarrassing. Kind of like American’s being constantly embarrassed by G. Bush. A little week, big deal. Should he go? No. Is it hard to root for him? Yes. Will he dominate once his team is healthy, he gets real recievers, and gets a good coach. Petrino? Maybe.
By Ron
January 19, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
The article makes perfect sense. So what if Vick gets high? That’s not the point. It’s that he is stupid and arrogant enough to try to sneak it past screening officials at the nation’s most drug-conscious airport. On the airline he endorses. This is a guy who makes 13 million a year (who could easily buy more when he gets home). A guy whose already tarnished image is - or should be - more important to him than anything except his health. What a mental midget he is. A sorry excuse for a human being. And he’s supposed to be our leader for the next four years? We’re stuck with this stupid, grinning retard. And here’s what kills me: if you call him on it, if you call a spade a spade, his defenders call you a hater, or a racist, or worse. He is dividing this town’s local sports fans down the middle, along racial lines, when he could have united us. What a loser. This guy sucks. Please, Mr. Blank, get him out of here! We’re sick of him and his classless act.
By Shane
January 19, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Good article and I agree with you Jeff. Who wants a stoner leading your team? Not me. And after all these incidents, I just want the Mike Vick experience to go elsewhere. Let’s put in a real QB and allow Petrino the opportunity to start on a clean slate. If not, and things don’t go well, we will be back to square one. Is it Vick or is it the coach? I for one would like to be rid Vick.
By Rhett Butler
January 19, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Has anyone thought about the fact that Mike very well may have flown to Miami with that bottle? And that he probably departed from Atlanta with that bottle. Good job Hartsfield-Jackson.
Also why in the world would he choose to carry-on an item that might even slightly had the chance of coming into contact with an illegal drug? Especial the MIAMI airport…..Ya’know MIAMI…..one of the biggest drug importing cities in the U.S, which probably has more Drug Enforcement Agents per mile then ants. If he got busted….in say….podunk Iowa airport….I’m might say bad luck…..but MIAMI?
By Scooter11
January 19, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
If nothing else, what must be a record number of blogs yesterday and today.
By BPD
January 19, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Matt, It’s one thing to make a mistake- everyone does at one time or another, both professionally and personally. But Vick keeps making them OVER and OVER and OVER, both on and off the field. As for Schaub’s ability, if he’s only suitable as a temporary fix, how come so many other teams are waiting in line to acquire him?
By jean
January 19, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
Next time my 2 boys ask to wear their Mike Vick jerseys to school or anywhere, I’ll say no way. I don’t want them wearing anything representative of that idiot. I’ll have to find some Warrick Dunn jerseys or Brian Finneran jerseys instead, stand up guys who work hard. I can’t believe that fool is the face of this franchise, that says it all.
By Will
January 19, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
In response to the writer who said Vick got paid for his ” potential”, heres a news flash. You get PAID for PERFORMNCE, not POTENTIAL. I have to say this too. With all the talk of many urban youth looking up to or even idolizing Vick, this makes him even more of a role model. Warrick Dunn is a great example of a role model, so is LAwyer Milloy, Rod Coleman, D. McNabb, Steve McNair and the list goes on and on of GREAT African-American men who are the ultimate perfromer and role model. Lets STOP making this a race issue and realize Mike Vick is a thug, apoor QB, and move on without him.
By Jack Jablin
January 19, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
While I think this is a fascinating, well-written article, I have to point out a few things:
For one thing, Randy Moss was not booted out of Oakland for saying he smoked weed once in a ‘blue moon.’ He was not kicked out of Oakland after he couldn’t save the Raiders.
Beyond that, Daryl Strawberry was not blackballed from baseball, and he actually did a potentially-lethal drug.
The point is this: Athletes do drugs. Sports is the Entertainment industry. The more and more we pray to the sports gods and treat our athletes like royalty, the more they will abuse their time on the top.
Yes, Michael Vick is an idiot, and he should be fined or suspended for his actions. However, that wouldn’t be in keeping of how the NFL has dealt with substance (non-steroid) issues in the past, and it would only happen in a perfect world.
Cheers, Jack Jablin
By DARTE
January 19, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
For all of the Vick haters that think the Falcons can do better without him need to think back to a couple of years ago when Vick broke his leg and Schabb was the starter we had a losing season. It aint the quarter back, its the injuries and the small offensive line along with Mora telling Vick to just sling the ball the last two games. If Vick leaves the team the fans will leave and nobody would care about the Falcons anymore.
By ET
January 19, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Excellent commentary…congratulations.
By Sam Cerritos
January 19, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Excellent assessment of Michael Vick’s situation.
Arthur Blank should be ashamed of himself for paying him so much money when Vick is nothing more than a below average QB.
If the Falcons are serious about becoming a regular playoff contender, they will dump Vick and use his salary money to find a better QB.
By falconclaws1221
January 19, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
how hypicritical, like everyone . who reads this artical has never experimented with pot——-yea right you hypricrats let him who has not tried cast the phone…
By Joe V
January 19, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
Michael Vick Is nothing more than a rich hood…And if Atlanta has any sense they will get rid of him..Good call Jeff..Smuggling drugs now? Give me a break..Its a shame he has wasted the talent…
By James Brown
January 19, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
It’s time to cut bait…One less Coon in the Dome. Now with the hit to the cap how much MORE will Blank move up ticket prices!?!?!?!?
By Jose
January 19, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Finally a wrtier at the AJC has the guts to tell truth… I agree it’s time to move on and get rid of Vick. Ever heard that guy speak on the Air Tran commercials? He can’t speak English, so how could he ever lead a team???
By Blue...
January 19, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
Yeah let ‘em go, but first hurt his feelings by the falcons making him sit out a 4 game suspension for DRUGs. Listen Folks. A bunch of us have kids that have posters of michael, and look up to him. DO YOU want your kids to look up to a premiscuos,marijuana,bird shooting figure. I know I don’t. If Blank does the right thing and gets VICK outta town, we need to hang up posters of mr. Blank for cleaning up Atlanta a little more.
By Kyle
January 19, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
I agree with Mike, Vick should be traded away for a draft pick, hell trade another person with Vick if we could trade high enough up to get Calvin Johnson. Another year drafting a WR? I’d do it for Calvin - Everyone knows he’s capable of playing in the NFL and won’t be a disaster like the last couple of draft picks…
By eddiedawg
January 19, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Vick is a loser….run him out of town….yeah, I am white, but this has nothing to do with race…..I want a winning football team, and could care less if the QB is from Kenya…Vick has lost me and a whole lot of black people as well, so QUIT THROWING IN THE RACE CARD! THIS DUMBASS IS SUPPOSED TO BE READING DEFENSES?? HE CAN”T READ A SIGN AT THE FRIGGIN AIRPORT!!
By Wilbur
January 19, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
If Vick stays, everyone with season tix should wave Mexican flags from the stands at him until he loses it again and Arthur is forced to dump his a$$.
By Dee
January 19, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Hey JB , one of us coons will be doing your girl , daughter, or mom soon!
By TheBSK
January 19, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
While I agree that Mike Vick (like so many other of our youth) are extremely ignorant for killing themselves with the poison of illicit drug use, I don’t necesarily agreee that he should be traded…If you were to cut, release, suspend or fire every PERSON in this country who takes a toke every now and then, that role would be as long as the road from Macon to Atlanta…IF he should be traded, it’s because he is not an NFL quarterback, and probably never will be. And as for the “great” fans and the owners in the Atl., in short you are CRAP fans, who don’t show up, who are fair weather and your sports history reflects that…So don’t be crying, talking about what you deserve…My guess is, you are getting that (with Vick) right now…
By ShantheMan
January 19, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
Why all this focus on Matt Schaub? Yeah, he’s shown some signs of being a capable quarterback, but if the Falcons were smart, they’d unload Vick and start giving DJ Shockley some reps. Sure, it would take him a couple of years to be truly ready for the NFL, but I think he’s the real quarterback of the future for the Falcons—-give the man some snaps!
By tenndawg
January 19, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
I can’t belive you morons are trying to turn this into “race” issue. The guy does not have the brains to play quarterback. He has gotten by on running, and the defenses have figured this out. Add his complete arrogance to the equation, and it comes down to the fact that he needs to go. As fars as the idiot posting that “no black players will sign with the Falcons”, you are living in your own little “victim” world. The person that I want to see most have shot is DJ Shockley. He has the brains, “QB” ability, and integrity/dedication to lead this team to victory. If he doesn’t pan out (but I believe he will), then we look for another quarterback. I don’t care is he’s Chinese, white, black, or Arab. As long as he can play the position and stay out of trouble off the field.
By LADawg
January 19, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Everything else aside, Mike Vick lacks desire. He may be the second coming of Einstein, but with no desire he will never be more than a promising QB. My enduring image of MV, in spite of the occassional great plays, is of him sitting alone on the bench while recovering from his leg injury in Mora’s first or second season. It was understandable in his first or second week of the recovery but by week 6 or so he should have been on the sideline with his coach using his down time to learn the new offense. It is not that he wasn’t intelligent enough to learn Mora’s offense, he had no desire.
Perhaps the idea behind hiring a college coach, is to come up with an offense that even a red-shirt freshman can grasp. That will be great for the unmotivated Vick, but I’m not sure how it will play out for the Falcons TEAM.
By Doug
January 19, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
The Falcons rely too much on Michael Vick. In becoming a focal point because he is fast and agile, a team disappeared. Talent does not equate with leadership. Leaders share responsibility and surround themselves with other leaders. They enable others to be better. Michael Vick doesn’t have a clue how to do that. It isn’t about a fake water bottle. It is about inspiring others to be better. In standing in awe of Vick’s speed, I don’t play better. I play better when I feel a part of the team. A team succeeds when players offer their strengths to overcome the weaknesses. The Falcons need to find team players, including the quarterback, who enjoy the limelight if it is there, but who know there is no limelight unless they help others play well. Michael Vick is not that kind of player. It is too much about him whether he really wants it that way or not.
By mo
January 19, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
I am upset and angry about the whole Vick issue too. It was stupid and I am thinking that this is the absolute last thing the Falcons needs.
I am also happy how the Falcons handled it, though. They had a closed door meeting. They laid it into Vick with Petrino there. They did not react to him with kid gloves, like he’s untouchable. That’s GREAT! I hope it wakes Vick up to show him that he needs to stay away from the clubs and fast life and just live a quiet life and stay out of the press.
But for all of you guys who actually think that he should be TRADED over this, or even how the last season went, is crazy, and I am happy that you all don’t own any franchises. Last year wasn’t Vick’s fault. He did not have accuracy problems last year. The receivers dropped too many passes.
Vick made some dumb mistakes after games and in the offseason, but he had a good season last year, if you just look at his performance.
But to call him a “Thug” (defined as “Bully” or “Ruffian”) because he tried to bring an Aquafina bottle that may have been laced with weed in a secret compartment is just dumb yourself. It is called “making an error in judgement”, or what we call acting stupid.
Marcus Giles had a fight during a football game. Now he could be called a “Thug.”
By dannotdan
January 19, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
How can all of you Vick haters blame Mikey for this latest incident in Miami.
Any Falcon Fan can see this was bad coaching (Petrino should have never allowed Vick to fly commercial high), Bad Play calling (Vick should have handed off the bottle before passing the security checkpoint, walking through security with unauthorized contraband is so easy to defend). Bad Blocking (one of Mikey’s “posse” should have picked up the TSA blitz and taken the guy out. Bad receiver play (Vick was stuck with the evidence while no one got open and was forced to run with it……….and if he passes the bottle the receivers would have dropped it anyway.
How can you blame Mikey he is the only Falcon making news keeping the team in the headlines and making news, the guy is exciting.
And talk about great character did you see Mikey step up and take responsibility for what you haters may see as poor judgement. Well he didn’t have to it’s Blanks job to deflect problems away from his beloved Mikey.
By Dave
January 19, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
I think it’s great that some people on this thread are behind Vicky-poo no matter what. He could p** in their Cheerios and we’d still hear “ohhh it’s his upbringing, he’s the best thing to happen to the falcons”. This article says it all. He is a liability. His role as Quarterback to the Atlanta Falcons is his JOB! A $130 million dollar job with tons of extras! And he’s too stupid to act like an adult and lead this team to victories. He does not get it, and I personally don’t think he cares. It’s been said before, he’s a thug. I’ll never forget our loss to Chicage in 2005, it was like 20 degrees outside and Vicky-poo was bundled up on the bench. He had the look of someone who didn’t want to be there, it was then I knew we were defeated. Our team leader bundled up with that childhood “I’m cold and want some hot chocolate” look on his face. I work for a living, and sometimes I sure as hell don’t want to be there, but I perform. It’s time to get this underperfoming loser out of Atlanta. He should not be the face of the Atlanta Falcons.
He is not a winner.
By ga_tech_92
January 19, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
Well said. You are correct that individually taken, his “incidents” are not that big of a deal, including the water bottle. However, taken in mass and in the timing that they happened, in the total picture…….it’s not acceptable for “THE leader” and “THE franchise player”. Trade him for some draft picks, play Schaub or Shockley and see if they know how to be a leader and manage the game in crunch time with the benefit of whatever we can get from trading Vick to help the overall team.
I’m sure some will IGNORANTLY call me a racist, because I would like to trade Vick (who cares that I’m suggesting Shockley get a chance instead). It’s about the health of the team. Vick is a cancer at this point with diminishing returns…..the team needs good draft picks and salary clearance. Trade him for picks and salary cap…….this will improve the team overall and we get to see some of the young QB talent we have. They will have learned how NOT to be a leader from Vick, so hopefully they will do the RIGHT things…the intangibles. Being a rushing leader from the QB spot is great, but the intangibles count for more.
By george
January 19, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
I agree with your assessment of the Vick situation. It’s time to trade Vick to the Raiders, get their draft picks, and get Coach Petrino the players he needs to win!
By fans
January 19, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
No the team would loss a lot of fans and plus what the frist thing come to your mind win u think of the falcons VICK. He make this team
By kwame
January 19, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Sure Vick’s done something stupid, but so have many other athletes. The problem with us as fan’s of the game is that, we where hoping for him to be some sort of superhuman. He’s a regular guy just like everyone else, and he’s going to make mistakes. The real problem is us trying to judge him, who are we to past judgement on someone. Just remember someday judgement is going to get past on us too. Maybe you should take a look in the mirror and if you really like the person you’ve become.
By BeFrank
January 19, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
I think we need to plan for life after Vick. We need to develop the other quarterbacks on the squad to see what we have. We also need Vick to have a “good” year while we look for trade partners. We should be able to plug a lot of holes on the team with the trade of Vick.
By Tim
January 19, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Go online today and read some of the buzz surrounding a true pro football player / leader that is going for his fourth ring: Tom Brady. Compare these two players, and ask yourself: does MV have what it takes to take us to the promised land in the NFL? Sadly, you will conclude as I have…MV will never take us there. He does not have the character.
By jed
January 19, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
All money hads done for Vick is improve the quality of the drugs he obtains. Nothing will ever give him class or a sense of right or wrong.
By BUSHWACKER
January 19, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Hey DEE, the only person you will be doing is yourself!!
By KB
January 19, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Talk about bad judgement, why would Vick fly Airtran? Talk about taking chances. Here’s a guy who could be “flying high” in a Lear Jet, yet he takes “Value Jet”.
Does it really comes as any suprise to any of us? You can take the man out of the hood, but not the hood out of the man.
Maybe the Raiders is a better suited organization for Michael.
By Rook
January 19, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Look, I could care less about the Falcons or Vick but I will say this; I had the opportunity to hang out with a bunch of the Falcons (trust me, I could really care less) after a charity gig at the request of one of my girl friends, a couple of seasons ago. There were a few of the players who seemed like class acts and gentlemen, like Warrick Dunn and Matt Schaub. Then, there were quite a few who acted like retard thugs, like Mike Vick (I won’t go into details about his behavior) and DeAngelo Hall (who, in short, pulled his member out and tried to place it into another of my girl friend’s hands in the parking lot). I guess that’s what happens when you give someone the world on a platter who isn’t ready for it; they can buy everything on this planet except class. Take it for what it’s worth, Mike Vick is portrayed as a saint by all the marketing companies, the Falcons organization, and his PR people. But, I’ve been around a lot of celebrities in my life and Mike Vick is not a leader or a role model. He’s someone who’s milking everything he’s got and could care less about any of the rest of it. Trust me, if you had a chance to see him when he’s out of the spotlight, you damn sure wouldn’t let you’re little kid wear his jersey.
By george
January 19, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
It seems the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Now we know were his brother gets it from . The difference is Michael got through college. His true colors when things are going bad come flying out. But we all agree that football is a business and they make to much money on his jersey to give him up . He also makes 23 million in 2007.
By Rodrick
January 19, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
Michael Vick makes one bonehead decision and you guys want him gone. That’s a shame. Here is the most electrifying quarterback in the NFL and you guys give him a small margin or error becasue he ex coach and his high school philosophy didn’t work. Michael Vick deserves better and will get better and win another franchise a superbowl. Atlanta on the other hand will continue ot be an average franchise at best without no real nfl superstars. Matt Shaub is nothing and will never be nothing. Black qb’s in the NFL are always under a microscope and will continue to be. Brett Favre had a serious addiction to pain meds a few years ago, but most white media outlets still proclaim him one of the greatest and now don’t even mention that. This is still unfair america where some people still have an unfair advantage in life and some have to work 10 times harder just to be above average by you guys. If Bobby Petrino can develope a scheme for Vick and utilize both his gifts in a way that no one offensive coordinator could that’s fine, but with rumors already of him bringing his guys from louisville into atlanta via trade and draft i already see the writing on the wall. Mike I’m glad to see you go if you go, and I hope you go somewhere that gives you more of a chance to develope as a qb and a person.
By Bill
January 19, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
Michael Vick seems like a decent enough guy. He has made a number of mistakes, mostly minor, but what 25 year old hasn’t. The real questions are: Is he a leader? It does not appears so. Does he make good decisions? Not off the field, on the field is questionable as well. Is he earning his salary? His record speaks for itself. $130 million for mediocrity seems a bit much. Is Shaub the man? maybe not, but this does appear the time to start over and rebuild.
By B. CLINTON
January 19, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
VICK FOR PRESIDENT!!!!
By B
January 19, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Vick! Come to the Raiders we won’t HATE!
By True ATL fan
January 19, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
I seriously cannot believe what I am hearing. This may have been the dumbest article I have read in this paper. What city in this country bashes their own teams and players like these fake a* “Atlantans”. Half of you never didnt grow up here and don’t know what’s its like for all of your teams to be bad year after year after year while weenie cities like Green Bay and Tampa Bay win world championships. Just about all of you losers smoke weed and drink as well. You want to trade one of the best players in the game…for what?? Oh I guess Matt “Jesus Christ” Schaub is onna step in and be our savior? Get a life or go back to wherever it is you are from and stop bashing the real natives’ teams.
By Marion
January 19, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
I would hate to lose him but he is not a leader.He doesn’t take resposiblity for anything.I don’t care what he does in the off season as long as it doesn’t hurt the team.To all that defend him: what happens if the league tests him for something and he fails? He’ll be suspended and he won’t be playing anyway. What could we get for him? #1 pick maybe? I would take wins over Vick as he is anyday.
By Bob Barnwell
January 19, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
I agree 100%. Bad judgement, bad guy…Nike would be wise to dump him…The Falcons should too….
By Matt
January 19, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
My idea is a little more devious — make him work for his money. Make him have a keeper, make him come in to work with Bobby P 12 hours a day, have him work with pr team, make the whole team wear conservative suits, require Mike to address the fact if he has an addiction.
He will not do any of this — and I’m hoping that, similar to TO’s contract with Philly — there are professional and team detriment clauses in his contract that can make it easy to dump him and his salary.
Also, just one note about your write up Jeff — his money is going to small countries, not to buy them clothes by to bolster their drug economies :)
By Legaleagle
January 19, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
It is past time to let this thug go! It’s in his blood, just like his brother Marcus, he thinks he’s bullet proof, and couldn’t care less about Blank/Coach/Falcons/Atlanta…SAD BUT TRUE!!!
By R. WILLIAMS
January 19, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
I wonder if they would trade Mike & me to the same team.
By chipdip
January 19, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
At least now RON MEXICO and the falcons have found a new way to score next season….replace the end zone pylons with bags of doritos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By S. Holmes
January 19, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
What is the problem here? For gosh sakes bench him TFN with a BIG fine and one option to a trade. And to determine what you would be giving up look at what you have! A winner?? As we speak he’s a looser, 15 & 16. A great guy & adopted Georgian??* The *track record is littered, including a lawsuit from a woman who claims she knew him as “Ron Mexico” and he gave her herpes. Ron Mexico??? Anybody can’t come up with a better handle than that needs 5 years hard labor in Practical Creativity! How bout, he’s a team leader and the guys look up to him? Gimme a break, Crumpler & Dunn have more character in their little fingers. And finally is he dedicated to the fans? The finger says it all. Lastly, the fine should be as big as the League allows, and if you plead leniency citing all those players using steroids and other drugs, as far as I know not many of them were “consuming” on airplanes. Oh yeah, the option. Make him a free safety. He’s an average quarterback, and too small & injury prone to be a running back. At safety, with an attitude transplant, he could be one of the all time greats/sk
By barry
January 19, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
So what,Vick got caught with an empty bottle with a supposed smell of marijuanna in it. A supposed smell of marijuana stated by a security guard who got ticked of at Vick’s attitude of not wanting to give him his jug. If there was something really bad and/or illegal that he done and/or got caught with, he would have been arrested. For some of you knuckleheads calling for Vick’s head and accusing him of something before he is convicted of nothing showns your IGNORANCE in this matter. It appears you have your on hidden agenda of wanting to put Vick in a bad light. Vick is not a bad person. If many of you look around at your own families youwill see Vick has done less in his short life than them.. What I am hearing on this blog is JEALOUSY over the amount of money he is making. Those people need to be Shot. What Vick has done has nothing to do with football. This young man is one of the best and unique quarterback in the NFL. If we lose such a quality player, this team will return just like it was before he got here. And you all know what that was like. IT WAS NOT PRETTY. I believe having Vick here has spoiled many of us. It has spoiled me to the point that I want more of what he does on and off of the football field, barring anything major crimninal, which he is not that type of person. Therefore, stop the ACCUSING over minor things as if the man committed MURDER. This is NOTHING. Allow this young man to grow up just like you did. Do not let the JEALOUSY over how much money he makes cloud your judgement. That is the GODLY and RIGHTEOUS thing to do.
SSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHSSSSSSHHHHHHH!!! This is a SECRET from us FALCON FANS. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!! GO MICHAEL VICK AND GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!
Ringold
By Bird Brain
January 19, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Rarely can I bring myself to agree with you, but in this case absolutely. The Vick experiment needs to end. New coach, new game plan, new QB-Schaub! We have a potential Manning or Brady waiting in the wings, now give him his chance.
By Matthew at the SLC
January 19, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Here’s the thing, no matter what, Matt Schaub is not the answer at QB. Those of you who think he is, well, y’all are the ones smoking pot. I have to agree with some of the other bloggers who have come out and presented FACTS against Schaub. He hasn’t won anything in the NFL. His passing percentage is abyssmal. He played poorly against Philly’s third string defense. What among those facts tell any of you that Matt Schaub is nay better than the other Falcon back-ups who’ve flamed out?
Matt Schuab is all wrong for this style of offense. He could have been moderately successful in the horrible Greg Knapp’s scheme, but Matt Schaub does not have the down the field armstrength to suceed in Petrino’s scheme. He’s always been a West Coast QB. Joe Montana didn’t have the armstrength to suceed in a down the field style of offense, that’s why he was perfect for the West Coact Offense. Matt Schaub is a dinker and a dunker.
The Falcons need to concentrate on a QB for the future, and Matt Schuab is not it. DJ Shockley has a 10-times better arm than Schaub. I’d give him a look. And I’d also draft a QB, either this year or next (Brian Brohm, maybe?) to battle Shock for the right to be our next QB. Drew Brees is short, same height as Shock. Shock can succeed in this league, because of his arm, his smarts, and his athleticsm. I’d much rather see him than the weak-armed Matt Schaub anyday.
I agree with that Matt Schaub may very well turn out to be just like Doug Johnson, a complete and utter fraud. He has done NOTHING to earn any love from you people. You can’t find any facts that proclaim that Matt Schaub is anything else but the next Falcon back-up QB failure. Also, getting rid of Vick is not doable. From a salary cap perspective, it’s suicide, and will render this franchise non-competative for years in the free agent market, and possibly prevent them from being able to sign draft picks. So you fans who are football stupid need to realize that.
By Vince
January 19, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
For years we’ve been hearing that the jury is out on Vick and he doesn’t have a big enough body of work to judge him on. That is no longer the case. We now know that he is a talented player, but not necessarily a quarterback and definitely not a leader. He is immature, feels a sense of entitlement, and the best thing for all involved would be to move him. Unfortunately, with his contract, we’re probably stuck with him for another year or two.
By drooo
January 19, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
I’ve always been the biggest supporter of Vick, but I can no longer take it!!! Cut his butt or trade him!!!
It takes a lot intelligence to be a great QB (Peyton, Brady, McNabb), to able to read defenses, and motivate your team. But if you’re stupid enough to try and sneak a ghetto water bottle with marijuana thru the airport during a time when water is banned because of a bomb scare; that just proves that you’re not cut out for the job. You’re officially in the category of an Iverson, Moss, and Owens… great athletes that are too stupid to win with their teams.
We lost out on LT and Drew Brees for Vick, cut him now so we season ticket holders are not reminded of the big mistake.
By SNY
January 19, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
RushingQB,
I think that you are the one that needs to grow up. Yes, IF what they say is true, Mike was wrong. But tell me, have you never done anything wrong and stupid in your life. You are convicting him before he even has a trial. I hope that you are not a judge in real life. You absolutely just don’t like the guy. That’s okay but let the owners and the courts deal with Mike, you need to busy yourself trying to fix you.
Mike Vick hometown (Newport News, VA) fan for life!!
By Jace
January 19, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Apparently 130 million dollars isn’t enough to buy mj when you get to Miami… So our great ATL quarterback tries to go all James Bond with his Aquafina water bottle??? Has Vick ever seen James Bond??? You put it in the WATCH!!!! But I understand his pain… He was flying to Miami… and its REAL hard to get drugs there…
Trade Vick for TO :)
Seriously though… Kids look up to these guys… They all want to be Vick while they are playing football during recess… Its sad… Leaders put the team first and don’t get caught with illegal substances at airports… What does Atlanta, the NFL and the rest of Georgia want? A leader or a partier?
By Madden King
January 19, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Vick gets traded, my black people boycotts the falcons and quits going to games, there are black outs in Georgia and you can’t watch the games Matt Schaub’s jersey and other merchandise doesn’t sale, Arthur loses alot of money because he’s lost the black fan base in the state, Vick goes off and wins 3 Super Bowls in 5 years, Vick becames the second black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, and the Falcons move to L.A. HOLLA! SO LONG FALCONS! GO VICK, I STILL GOT YOUR BACK HOMEY!
By Blake
January 19, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
You are the man Schultz! Enough of this crap, Vick is a joke to Atlanta… how about a couple years back on Monday Night Football when the announcers asked how he managed to have two girlfriends in Atlanta? Without hesitation, he answered “Two Cellphones”. He is joke to this city. And by the way Mike… liquids are not allowed on airplanes anymore, just in case you have not figured that out.
By Morris
January 19, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
The “thug” and “hood” comments are a little over the top. At best we can say is immature and naïve from obeservation since known of us know anything about him personally.
By jdrone01
January 19, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
I agree with this statement “It’s never pretty when arrogance and stupidity collide.” And that’s why I stopped reading this article.
By Chuck
January 19, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Your JACKASS
By Vawildone
January 19, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
TR C’mon man!Yes you did have a couple of good points, the age thing, the reposibility thing. However, that should be no defense against being ignorant and making bad decisions. He has been given the opportunity, maybe he should try to use it wisely. Oh and the Matt Schaub comment, your sick, Matt shaub is a hell of a QB but it appears your riding the Vick train. Schaub is a pocket passer, big, strong and patient and accurate. How could you not like that in a QB? Do your research and try to give a little credit to a QB that has not had a chance, like Vick.
By Steve
January 19, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
As I look at this, the vote against Vick is 76%. If you don’t think that vote, sponsored by the hated media, has an effect, then you have been out in the woods too darn long.
By Jay
January 19, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Just think the Falcons could have gotten Tomlinson and Brees if they didn’t make the Vick trade.
By Rich
January 19, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Would have to agree in cutting our losses, as it the team/city is losing from his decision to waste his talents. This habit of his really explains his inconsistent performance - Arthur Blank you probably owe Jim Mora an apology call - as Vick being high during games might make Knapp’s offense less than effective.
Let’s review: NFL QB 1st Ring Starter Age Big Ben 2006 23 Brady 2002 24 Aikman 1993 26 Vick NONE 26
By Kent
January 19, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Look at his brother. This is an issue that runs in the family. Please trade him to the Raiders ! Look at the history with that team !
By Deez
January 19, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Hey Fans:
You’re right, Vick does make this team. He makes this team underachieve and wallow in mediocrity. Would you rather have a team that makes the playoffs, or a perennial 8-8 team with a QB that breaks off some exciting runs?
By Tom
January 19, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
The dope issue is way bigger than Vick. They all should be booted for using any type of drug even once, as we would be if our employers found us using them. But the problem is that the NFL would cease to exist - maybe a few kickers and punters would be left, and probably a few of the smarter players like Manning and Brady, but the majority of the idiots like Vick and Williams would be gone. All that money and he can’t give up the reefer for a few years while he plays?
By IT IS WHAT IT IS....
January 19, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
I read the blog on a regular basis, sometimes I comment sometimes I don’t. When I read it (blog) it reminds me that racism is alive and doing very well in Atlanta, “the city too busy to hate”.
Who cares if Michael Vick plays for the Falcons or any other team again, who cares that he got caught with an alleged illegal substance, that’s Mike Vick’s problem let him deal with that.
Society puts entirely too much emphasis on athletes and celebrities and their personal lives. Make sure you have your own house in order while you’re worrying about what’s going on with Michael Vick.” Have you hugged your child today are given them any encouraging words? Did you make sure you told a love one that you love them today?
For those of you with multiple comments on the blog, use some of that same time, energy and “intelligence” and write a letter to your “THUG” of a President and ask him to end the murdering of the sons, daughters, mothers and fathers in Iraq. In Iraq they could care less about Michael Vick, the Falcons, Arthur Blank or that damn water bottle. They are over there fighting in a senseless war so that Americans/Atlantans can be “free” to make comments in the blog because they have a problem with a black athlete who makes too much money playing football or a white athlete who doesn’t make as much money playing football, but he’s a good guy on and off the field.
What about the fields where American soldiers are dying on a regular basis? Look at us, with our cocky President, who also makes too much money, plays with the lives of American people but is considered an MVP?
People/Bloggers these are the last days, you best get your house in order…
By PLEASE CUT VICK
January 19, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Vick should be traded to the Panthers, Mr. Blanks, please trade Vick to the Panthers. It would be great for the Falcon Fans, season tickets would be available, single game tickets would be available, you could lower the price of tickets, you would never have to worry about selling out the Dome and hurting peoples feelins that can’t get tickets, The numersous TailGate Party’s would disappear and traffic would be better, and your Jersey sales would go down, so Please Trade Vick!
Signed, PantherFan4Life
By CJ2
January 19, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
We need a kicker. So how about Vick for Oakland’s Sabstain Janikowski?
By Rich
January 19, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Just amazing the racism still spewed in ATL. Vick is thrown under the bus for having residue that APPEARED to be related to marijuana, and Schultz takes the opportunity to throw out every cliche regarding black QBs as do the people replying…lack of leadership, thug, etc….and sees the opportunity to get rid of him. You know what? Atlanta as a sports town doesn’t deserve talent like he has…see the Hawks!
THE MOST “POPULAR” PRESIDENT OF MY GENERATION ADMITTED HE SMOKED POT, BUT VICK GETS CAUGHT WITH “RESIDUE SIMILAR” TO POT AND HE’S A CRIMINAL? WHAT A RACIST DOUBLE STANDARD!!
You people just don’t know Michael Vick….without him the Falcons will return to what they used to be…the laughingstock of the NFL that nobody talks about except when looking to see who will have the worst record and the #1 draft pick. Ask Alge Crumpler about Vick’s leadership and how his teammates feel about him. Alge basically said the Falcons would be nothing without him. Vick HAS many times taken the blame…”saying WE have to play better and that starts with me”.
Without Vick, you’re looking at a 3-13 or 4-12 team that is irrelevant and never talked about in a positive way by anyone…PERIOD. Be careful what you wish for. With that offensive line, Matt Schaub won’t last 3 games.
By Ed
January 19, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
Outside of SW DeKalb who cares about Vick? Do you see him on TV in ads? No, that would be Peyton Manning you see doing television. Vick isn’t articulate enough to talk in front of a camera. Vick is the Paris Hilton of the NFL; big bucks and press but he never delivers, he is all hype. With this said, be careful…the black community, for whatever reason, has decided Vick is the role model they want so watch who you criticize, they’ll rip you apart. It’s okay for them to blast Brady, Manning and Farve…but oh lord don’t say anthing about Vick. Look at Vicks stats, his passing ability is less than that of a decent rookie quarterback. Also, if you wonder why he does stupid things, check out his college grade transcripts, the man was never a candidate for med school had his football career not panned out, he is about as dumb as a bag of dirt.
By mart
January 19, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
I’m a little taken aback with the above reader’s comment that the substance in the bottle was only “residue” and thus no big deal. What does he think resulted in this residue? What was the substance before it became residue?
By James
January 19, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
Schultz, you are taking this way to far. He has made a couple of mistakes like we all have, but our mistakes are not magnified. The Falcons have had more drop passes from recievers in the past 3yrs than any other NFL team. So you have to take that into perspective as well as pocket protection. So you have to factor in all of the aspects of football and not just the person. But I understand, this is a great topic so people can read your article which is good. Maybe the team as a whole needs to humble themselves. Look at all the talk from Hall and everyone else in the beginning of the season, then injury, poor covering, mis reads that leads to NO PLAYOFF on any TEAM in the NFL.
By Ajamu
January 19, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Has he been charged with anything. To those who call for Vick’s ouster it is pretty obvious that they are not about winning. That is typical of Atlanta fans who are satisfied with one world series, a good run against Boston in one NBA playoff series and a tall white quarterback who stands in the pocket when the game is already decided. What YA’LL gonna do when Schaub gets hurt because he can’t escape an ineffective offensive line. Make excuses as usual. YA’LL don’t know a winner when you see one. It’s so sad. Bunch of whining losers. You will get what you deserve.
By let's get russell
January 19, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Let’s trade Mike to the raiders where he would fit in and get their #1 pick and get Russell, let Schaub start next year…..Russell will be great and Vick looks like a Raider! Go Gators!
By scott
January 19, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
Jeff, You know as anyone Michael Vick will not be traded or released due to the salary cap structure of the NFL. So you and everybody on this board that is so righteous that they can cast stones needs to get a life. I pass more people from the “right side of town” coming down GA 400 and can see more “birds” than at a city park. The gate Sugar Loaf Country Club had a prostitution and drug ring in PGA paradise.
I can go on and on but simply say that we all know there are 37 guaranteed reasons why MV 7 will continue to not only be a Falcon but be our starting quarterback. Look at the SD Chargers when they had Brees and Rivers, a NFL team can not invest that much money for someone to sit on the bench. Too bad for all of you Vick haters because Vick already has the high priced contract, your boy Scott Mitchell (I mean Matt Schuab) will be the one traded.
By Big T
January 19, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
Remember?
Schaub court date set for February
Former Virginia quarterback Matt Schaub will appear in court Feb. 18 to face misdemeanor assault and battery charges, WINA reported yesterday.
As reported in The Cavalier Daily, Schaub, now a backup with the Atlanta Falcons, was allegedly one of three people who assaulted a 19-year-old on the Corner District on Nov. 6. Schaub was arrested that night and released on his own recognizance.
According to WINA, Schaub’s attorney was in Charlottesville General District Court yesterday to set the date for his appearance.
—Compiled by Christopher Jones
By Dr.Doom
January 19, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Steve,
You’re a complete dumb a$$. Its not the hated media’s fault you imbocile. The media loved Vick, too much even. This is Vick’s inability to make sound decisions and behave himself like a true leader. Put your bottle down and stop making excuses for grown men!!
By john
January 19, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
As a diehard Eagles fan I hope the Falcons keep him. They will never have to worry about HOTLANTA ever making a run in the playoffs, if he ever manages to get them there again. He is typical of so many other superstar athletes with incredible abilities from so early on. They are treated as princes in high school, kings in college, and by the time they reach the pro level they almost feel godlike. Why should he feel the rules apply to him? They never have in the past.
By Magneto
January 19, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
James:Why don’t we just tuck Vick over our shoulder and burp him while we’re at it. You threw out more excuses than ADAM. Grow up whiner.
By honest_abe
January 19, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
hey matt@slc: hmmm maybe your analysis of matt aka fraud is correct.. then explain to me the wide spread interest from other teams?? why is he widely considred the best backup in the league? why is minny willing to give up a first rounder for him? executives around the league (football people, troy aikman) all say matt aka fraud is going to be a helluva damn good player in this league. this isn’t even about schaub so i don’t know why people take shots at him. like he’s the one that made vick take that bottle on the plane..LOL.
i told all of you vick apologists that you can scream till your blue defending him (i used to do the same)but mike vick don’t give a damn about you.
i told all of you that mike vick was still just an immature, little kid. he’s yet to grow up and accept the vast responsibility that comes with the territory of being a quarterback in the nfl. you are the spokesperson for the team, your actions are magnified and scrutinized. what you say will be looked at from every perceivable angle. it was wrong of him to come out and say the things he did in the HBO interview. it’s not what a leader does. you dont’ throw your offensive coordinator under the bus, no matter how incompetent he is, during the middle of the season. it shows a lack of class. then the birdie incident.. followed by his comments after the season about “how it wasn’t his fault” they didn’t make the playoffs. now i’m not saying what he said was wrong. but as the leader of the team you cna’t make comments like that. you say you lose and win as a team. and that you had just as much responsiblity for a team’s failure as everyone else!
mike vick is a phenomenon that has regressed. i see a kid that came into the league and lit it on fire. he got a massive contract, surrounded himself with the “wrong” people (even though he kept it real! lol) and basically got more lazy!
ya don’t know how much of a playbook a qb can memorize always high.
defend him all you want. i know of no other quarterback in the nfl who makes as many bone headed decisions as mike vick, BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD!
By Reality Check
January 19, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
I’m from Atlanta which is alot more than most of these “people” can say. I’ve been a Falcon fan since Bartkowski and Alfred Jenkins. OK. Give the “people” what they want. Get rid of Vick. Let him go to another team and when he wins a superbowl …hmmm like Deion. However, don’t start Matt Shaub. Trade him. Get quality players for both Vick and Shaub and start DJ Shockley. Come you “so called” Bulldog fans. Wouldn’t it be better for the city to start a QB who started for UGA, a college here in Georgia.
By midnite
January 19, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
Vick is immature and has shown he has no self control. I hate to get rid of such an exciting player, but the time has come. Mr. Blank should cut his losses and show #7 the door. Vick is no different than your average person who smokes a little. Why would he jeopardise his career for pot? The same reason most abusers put booze and drugs before everything else in life including spouse, family,job, and health. Mike ain’t gonna change folks what you see is what you get. What a shallow individual.
By suleiman
January 19, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Mr. Shultz. I’m afraid you and your readers are missing an important point of emphasis—the secret compartment in the bottle was empty. The authorities can’t even say definitively that it contained marijuana, which is why they’ve only said it had a residue that “smells like marijuana.” This means they are speculating on what could have previously been in the bottle, not what was actually in it. Moreover, this is precisely why its been deemed a low priority case by the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Truthfully, it seems like he was more interested in keeping the water bottle because of its novelty and not because of its contents. I think if he was caught with a pound, ounce, quarter ounce, dub, dime, or nickel bag, you’d be right on the money. But its a little harsh to advocate trading him over an unidentified residue that “smells like marijuana.”
By Mark
January 19, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Dump the thug. Kids look up to atheletes, and this nog is certainly no role model. You can take the black out of the ghetto…..
By Al
January 19, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
They wont trade him as long as he sells jerseys and put people in the seats. But we will never win with him. He’s just not that bright. Am I the only one that has noticed that every year he’s been here coaches say the same thing “Were cutting the playbook down this year to help Vick out.”
By Barry
January 19, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Vick, not only is a coach killer, he is a franchise killer. I’m a Dallas Cowboy fan and have seen the effects of low moral standards, criminal behavior destroy a once proud team. Michael Vick is basically Quincy Carter with more speed. The quicker you can cut your losses with this malefactor, the better. Try to pull off a blockbuster trade like our Herschel Walker deal with Minnesota. When you have a moral degenerate like Vick, how can you trust him? How can you trust the future of your franchise to him? You will rue the day and look back upon your time with “Ron Mexico” as your quarterback as a curse. The more the organization “enables” this fraud to continue, the longer it will take to recover. Michael Vick is like a millstone around the neck of Atlanta. He reeks with insincerity. You are a fool to allow him to be the face of your franchise. He is nothing more than a ticking time bomb. What a joke, what loser. Michael Vick not only is a loser on the field, but a loser in life. Maybe you feel that you have made your bed and have no option, but gain some respect, cut the cancer out of your team. He is a malignancy growing everyday. Cut off the arm to save the body. Atlanta has so much potential and the fans deserve a quality product and not the finger. The Dirty Bird, Michael Vick, Liar, Drug Addict, Sexual Predator, Gangsta, Quitter, Loser, Future Felon. He should be voted, “Most likely to share jail time with Ray Lewis”. The choice is yours, make a stand for what is right, let the convict go. Do the right thing, gain respect, move forward with a plan, and win with class. Good luck from a fan of another team, who saw Vick quit in the final moments of the Cowboy/Falcon game. I’d rather have my butter-fingered young quarterback, who actually cares, than idiot who tries to sneak dope through airport security. WAKE UP!
By Marcus
January 19, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Was I the only this year that saw the first round draft pick receiver drop pass after pass after pass that was directly in their hands. Too any leader this would be frustrating. Mike leads by example. He plays hard in every game to point of exhaustion. What the league minimum salary? More than what an average person will make in 20 years. That should be motivation enough to want to make every catch, make every block and to win games. Take break Mike Vick, you deserve it brother.
By tenndawg
January 19, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
Madden King, you are an absolute race-baiting MORON! You are obviously looking for any occasion to make black people victims. First off, who the hell are you to speak for all black fans, and the fact none will attend games if we get rid of Vick? What race do you think the 80% of the rest team is? They are black, and nobody is calling for them to go. Dunn and Crumpler are two absolute class acts. Nobody but you gives a s!!t that Vivk is black. Maybe you can go have sit down with Cynthia McKinney and figure out how blacks are the victims of the global warming thing that whites are planning.
GET A LIFE!
By Magneto
January 19, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
midnite: Good comment again! You’re on a roll!
Vick and his brother should go back to grade school and learn some manners.
By OriginalFalconFan
January 19, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Jeff, you’re right on the mark. I’ve been saying it since last season…get rid of the juvenile wearing #7. This year should be ample evidence that the baby in cleats should go. His behavior on and off the field has been embarrassing, juvenile, and filled with thuggery. It’s time for the ‘hood to clean up it’s act in Atlanta. The first step should be trading the bad apple. Get what you can in future draft choices and select young men of talent AND CHARACTER!
By Ken
January 19, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Boot the thug! Possibly trade him to Oakland for the first pick. Then we would have the first and tenth pick. Schaub is way overdue for his chance with much more brains. He will pick up the new system light years before Vick could!
By Big Dee
January 19, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Schultz you are an IDIOT, first off, just becasue Mora got canned, you white folks are all upset BOOOHOOO!!! Cry me a freakin river. Mistakes are made and forgiven, you forgave Mora for his comments, and his coaching ability. Vick was not smoking, he had a bottle that he through away, they could have picked up any bottle from the trash and say it was his. There are no camaras in the trash can. I am sure there were several bottles that looked like the one Vick had..Hummmmm ever thought about that? No, you need to be GONE from the AJC.
By AJ
January 19, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Vick may have had a career year being with his TD’s. But throw into that mix his 17 turnovers and his 45 sacks which usually came at game changing opportunities and it’s a wash.
Trade him to Oakland for a player and their 1st pick and draft Calvin Johnson!
By Michael
January 19, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
It’s a greek travesty. Mike has a lot of talent and potential but you have to look at his past and see if you really think if after 6 yrs in the league he will change now. I’m not saying Schaub is any better but in the limited time he has played he has outperformed Vick, and he is a cheaper option, allowing us to use that cap space to get free agents in other places of need.
By e.b.
January 19, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
First off, to John- The Eagles fan —-why are you on a Falcons message board? Oh, you answered your own question; The normal Eagles fan is very stupid, so this is why you’re here. Now onto Vick. People, there are bigger and WAY MORE important issues to deal with. We’re talking about a little marijuana residue -big deal. Honestly, he’s a kid. He’s going to make mistakes. He’s not carrying a gun like Steven Jackson or other players in the NBA. His pit bull didn’t get loose and bite people in the neighborhood -like Joey Porter. You need to understand, this stuff happens all the time. Because Vick is a high profile athlete, and hated by a ton of whites, it shows up in the headlines. This is your chance to pile on Mike Vick. Good luck. Okay, so what happens in his personal life, the whole Ron Mexico thing, big deal. It doesn’t concern us. Flipping the bird to fans, I’ll give you that one. Vick sounded sincere when he apologized. But to crucify him over this crap, you people really need to get a life. He’s the Faclons QB, I’m a Falcons fan, and I’m going to deal with it.
By Regi
January 19, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Its amazing that everyone is making a few incidents Vick has been involved in to be a career destroyer. Let’s see, I dont think any of the ‘so-called’ sports writers had anything to say about Brett Farve’s pain killer addiction, or Mark Chimmuil (sp) little romp with teen girls in a hot tub, or Jeff Garcia’s hub bub with fighting playboy bunnies. I didnt hear you or any of the other sports writers making a big stink about it. Brett Farve was made out to be a hero, for being an addict. These guys are human. Its the media, sports writers, and fans alike that put them on a pedistal. Doesn’t mean anyone should lose their job. And, if a quarterback is under-developed, then you should look at the coaching staff. That’s what quarterback coach is for; thats what a head coach is for. the last time I looked, there were 11 men on field on field, all playing towards the same goal. Even more so, there is a bevy of coaches, on the sidelines, directing the game, calling the plays, making the decisions. Get off Vick. Without him, sports writers wouldn’t have anything to talk about.
By M.J.
January 19, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Man, i remember when doubted me. And they said all i could do is make the highlight reel….Yep here i im six rings later laughing at those guys. Keep your head up Mike.
By VT
January 19, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Funny thing here, and that is I do not see any of you people here starting at QB. The local news does not even know who you are, or report on what you all are somoking in your personal time, so why are you judging anyone. I’ll tell you why, we are all jealous of Vick. Put him on a team that has the recievers like Manning does in Indy. Recievers like Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison and you will see Vick as a Super Bowl Champion and MVP. Vick never once downed his recievers this year publicly though they held the worst drop percentage in the league. Let’s not even talk Offensive Line that causes him to have to escape the pocket and run for a record for rushing yards by a QB. You all need to look at the team around him.
By VT
January 19, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Funny thing here, and that is I do not see any of you people here starting at QB. The local news does not even know who you are, or report on what you all are somoking in your personal time, so why are you judging anyone. I’ll tell you why, we are all jealous of Vick. Put him on a team that has the recievers like Manning does in Indy. Recievers like Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison and you will see Vick as a Super Bowl Champion and MVP. Vick never once downed his recievers this year publicly though they held the worst drop percentage in the league. Let’s not even talk Offensive Line that causes him to have to escape the pocket and run for a record for rushing yards by a QB. You all need to look at the team around him.
By dannotdan
January 19, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
To: Blank, AJC Editorial Staff
Blank do not ever speak of the falcons in terms of character and integrity again, your actions tell us you have no regard for either.
AJC Editorial Staff do not allow Blank to ever speak of the falcons in terms of character and integrity without challanging them.
Blank stop making McKay look like an idiot: quote McKay “I met with Michael this morning, the coach did, we clearly expressed our displeasure, had a pretty frank discussion about it,” McKay said. “Internally, we will deal with the issue. It’s something we should deal with, and we will deal with.”
“We stressed it to where I feel like he understands where we are,” McKay said. “I think [Vick] understands how upset we all are that this situation occurred.
After 6 years in the league do you really think it is necessary to explain that it is bad to smuggle drugs through airport security.
Petrino if you really are in charge of this team (CEO for the players) what do you do with Vick. Do you take charge or do you let Blank handle it. What would you do if one of your Louisville Players were as dumb a Vick? Can a college coach handle Vick or do you get steamrolled like Mora before you.
I believe you do nothing, this is the Blank/Vick show and you are just a supporting player………………get out while you can.
This team is a joke.
By e.b.
January 19, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
First off, to John- The Eagles fan —-why are you on a Falcons message board? Oh, you answered your own question; The normal Eagles fan is very stupid, so this is why you’re here. Now onto Vick. People, there are bigger and WAY MORE important issues to deal with. We’re talking about a little marijuana residue -big deal. Honestly, he’s a kid. He’s going to make mistakes. He’s not carrying a gun like Steven Jackson or other players in the NBA. His pit bull didn’t get loose and bite people in the neighborhood -like Joey Porter. You need to understand, this stuff happens all the time. Because Vick is a high profile athlete, and hated by a ton of whites, it shows up in the headlines. This is your chance to pile on Mike Vick. Good luck. Okay, so what happens in his personal life, the whole Ron Mexico thing, big deal. It doesn’t concern us. Flipping the bird to fans, I’ll give you that one. Vick sounded sincere when he apologized. But to crucify him over this crap, you people really need to get a life. He’s the Faclons QB, I’m a Falcons fan, and I’m going to deal with it.
By seve
January 19, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
coach killer how aboutfranchise killer. I just took my Mike Vick fat head down out of my kids room. I told him he does drugs and my 7 year old kid agreed he had to go!!!
By e.b.
January 19, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
First off, to John- The Eagles fan —-why are you on a Falcons message board? Oh, you answered your own question; The normal Eagles fan is very stupid, so this is why you’re here. Now onto Vick. People, there are bigger and WAY MORE important issues to deal with. We’re talking about a little marijuana residue -big deal. Honestly, he’s a kid. He’s going to make mistakes. He’s not carrying a gun like Steven Jackson or other players in the NBA. His pit bull didn’t get loose and bite people in the neighborhood -like Joey Porter. You need to understand, this stuff happens all the time. Because Vick is a high profile athlete, and hated by a ton of whites, it shows up in the headlines. This is your chance to pile on Mike Vick. Good luck. Okay, so what happens in his personal life, the whole Ron Mexico thing, big deal. It doesn’t concern us. Flipping the bird to fans, I’ll give you that one. Vick sounded sincere when he apologized. But to crucify him over this crap, you people really need to get a life. He’s the Faclons QB, I’m a Falcons fan, and I’m going to deal with it.
By Kim
January 19, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick is just part of the bunch of thugs in the NFL. I was in my car yesterday and talk radio had the Mike Vick situation all over it. My 9 year old son looks at me and say’s ” Dad, what happened to Mike Vick”. So I explained to him that just because one of his childhood idols plays a professional sport does not necessarily make him a good person. What a Shame!!!!!!!!
By ga_tech_92
January 19, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
I hear some people say “getting rid of Vick is not doable. From a salary cap perspective, it’s suicide, and will render this franchise non-competative for years in the free agent market, and possibly prevent them from being able to sign draft picks. So you fans who are football stupid need to realize that.” I guess I’m football stupid then, so please enlighten me. How is it going to kill salary cap to trade someone for draft picks. When you trade someone, the NEW team pays the salary I should think. In which case, we are off the hook for it and free to sign some OL and DL and Dbacks. If the problem is “we can’t trade him, because no one will take him” then that clearly supports the feeling that he isn’t good enough. If the problem is “we can’t trade him because no one will pay that full salary”, then again, it clearly supports the feeling that he isn’t good enough and killing our salary cap in terms of VALUE. Please enlighten me as to why we can’t trade him. This is an honest question, not supposed to be sarcastic.
By ik
January 19, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
I feel Vick should go also. It would be stupid to let another Brett Favre (a.k.a. Matt Shaub) go just becuase Arthur Blank can’t admit he made a mistake by giving Vick that ridiculous contract. Give Matt the shot to play, i quarantee the Falcons would at least be in the playoffs every year. C’mon Blank, make the right decision, trade Mike to the Raiders who are full of thugs, they will be glad to have him. That way, we get the 1st pick in the draft & would be able to keep Matt Shaub who should have been the quaterback all along.
By dannotdan
January 19, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
To: Blank, AJC Editorial Staff
Blank do not ever speak of the falcons in terms of character and integrity again, your actions tell us you have no regard for either.
AJC Editorial Staff do not allow Blank to ever speak of the falcons in terms of character and integrity without challanging them.
Blank stop making McKay look like an idiot: quote McKay “I met with Michael this morning, the coach did, we clearly expressed our displeasure, had a pretty frank discussion about it,” McKay said. “Internally, we will deal with the issue. It’s something we should deal with, and we will deal with.”
“We stressed it to where I feel like he understands where we are,” McKay said. “I think [Vick] understands how upset we all are that this situation occurred.
After 6 years in the league do you really think it is necessary to explain that it is bad to smuggle drugs through airport security.
Petrino if you really are in charge of this team (CEO for the players) what do you do with Vick. Do you take charge or do you let Blank handle it. What would you do if one of your Louisville Players were as dumb a Vick? Can a college coach handle Vick or do you get steamrolled like Mora before you.
I believe you do nothing, this is the Blank/Vick show and you are just a supporting player………………get out while you can.
This team is a joke.
By SHAUN
January 19, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY CORRECT! I ALWAYS SAID, PUT HIM ON THE OTHER END OF THOSE PASSES AND MAKE HIM A GOOD RECEIVING OPTION! CUT YOUR LOSSES AND START SCHAUB IN A REBUILD MOVE. HONOSTLY, WHO SOULD STOP VICK AT THE OTHER END OF THOSE PASSES, HMMMMMM, NOBODY!
By Dr.Doom
January 19, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
I hope you all can see why there are only a few black Quarterbacks now.
By jeffrey mitchell
January 19, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
everybody is talking about what mick vick did. what about the sin’s you are doing every day. so no one have the right to put mick vick down because they need to look at their self first. that go for the owner and the fans!!!
By Jerry
January 19, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Here is the problem:
1 Blank, the city, and our entire pop culture driven society glorifies the kid the day he gets here….before he has done anything to prove himself…and it continues for years! 2 Taking the kid out of the ‘hood’ does not guarntee taking the ‘hood’ out of the kid!By ik
January 19, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
I feel Vick should go also. It would be stupid to let another Brett Favre (a.k.a. Matt Shaub) go just becuase Arthur Blank can’t admit he made a mistake by giving Vick that ridiculous contract. Give Matt the shot to play, i quarantee the Falcons would at least be in the playoffs every year. C’mon Blank, make the right decision, trade Mike to the Raiders who are full of thugs, they will be glad to have him. That way, we get the 1st pick in the draft & would be able to keep Matt Shaub who should have been the quaterback all along.
By Blankety Blank
January 19, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Vick has been sold to the world and especially to Atlanta as nothing short of the Second Coming. Is it no wonder that it has gone to his head and to ours? He compares himself to Superman. We go to pieces each time he proves he is not. It is a cliché, but it is true: the bigger they are, the harder they fall. Let’s pray that Vick gets the mentoring and guidance to become the man and the player we imagined - be it in Atlanta or elsewhere, and that at the same time ask forgiveness for judging another and for our own transgressions.
By Mark Fuller
January 19, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
Schultz, you hit the nail right square on the head. I was a Vick fan until this latest episode but not anymore. Blank should fire this guy immediately. He is an absolute embarasment to the Falcon organization, to the city and children everywhere. If Blank or McKay have any morals they will tell Vick to pack up his stuff and go. I’ll take Schaub or Shockley either one over Vick. Maybe Mora’s dad was right when he said “Vick was a coach killer” or perhaps he should refine that statement to read “Organization Killer”
By Reality Check
January 19, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
I’m still waiting to hear from the “so called” Bulldog Nation to support one of their own: DJ Shockley. What’s wrong? Some of you can support the Gators in the National Championship, but you can’t support your own in the NFL playing for the home team? If the Bulldog Nation supports Schaub … hmm. Addtionally, don’t give me the experience factor. Schaub has only started and/or filled in on how many NFL games? Let him and Shockley fight it out. Can I get an Amen from the Bulldogs? Maybe not.
By Ralph
January 19, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Jim Mora, Sr was right! Jim Mora Jr is glad to be elsewhere. Justice would be Vick and TO on the same team!!!
By john
January 19, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
I was over Vick 2 years ago. So much potential sitting on the bench. Bring on Schaub and DJ.
By uno
January 19, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Guess I was right about CK7 all along!
By scott
January 19, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
I forgot about our poster boy Matt Schuab was actually ARRESTED, I missed the excess coverage and the numerous blogs. I guess his ARREST for whipping up on a 19 year old college boy is not as important as an empty water bottle with alleged contents. (Did I miss the report that said weed was found on M.Vick) I wonder which one of quarterbacks is truly a immature thug? The one found with a empty water bottle with an alleged residue or the GROWN MAN HANGING AROUND A BUNCH OF COLLEGE KIDS AND PICKING FIGHTS. Just the facts, not an opinion.
By frenchy
January 19, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Anyone that knows what marijuana smells like has smoked it. Anyone that knows what the residue looks like wishes they had more to smoke!
By Samuel Gilmore
January 19, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
RA:
No one is hating. I as an African American male, am tired of these spoiled pampered athletes; especially Vick. All he and his brother (Marcus) done is majored in being “THUGS”! We as a sports loving nation and society, need to stop worshipping these thugs, and hold them accountable for the same standards, ordinary citizens; deal with daily. The Atlanta Falcons have invested Ft. Knox, in this guy, and what has he delivered? Nothing but embarrassment and excuses. CUT HIM NOW!!!
By CW Moss
January 19, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Fellows….This will be Vick’s biggest challenge of his LIFE. He will no longer be put on a pedestal with our new coach! He will compete and have his best year ever!!!! Everyone needs a JOLT in their life to wake up sometimes. There is NO excuse for his behavior! My son has his rookie jersy and is devastated but also feels he will not let him down again. Matt would get murdered as our starter and would not make it past GAME 2!!!
By Onslaught
January 19, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
Big DEE and all of the rest of you whiners making excuses for Vickboy: Its not about comparing him to us. Of Course no one is without mistakes, but we’re not getting paid $130 million dollars to bring a championship to this city. All of your blind support is the reason people like Vick don’t have any personal accountability because they don’t have to when whiners like you make excuses for them. Vick is an idiot, and his continued embarassment to this city must come to an end.
By atl_falcon
January 19, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
I agree it’s time for vick to go(atleast at the qb posisition),we should be gratefulfor what he’s done. Do not forget the s—t hole this franchise used to be before he came. we went from a horrible team, to an average team. And every year we are in the middle of the running. I grateful for what Mike has done, and now that we have the tools, i think it’s time for Matt Shaub to take us to the next level. Vicks salary cap is to high so he want be traded or cut. but maybe this incedent will give petrino the incentive he needs to put Vick some where else. RB/WR
ps. vick for 1st round pick (yea right) as much as i would like to see it, cj won’t be wearing a falcons uniform next season. we should go for a running back (adrain peterson) or a offensive linmen (Joe Thomas)
By M.J.
January 19, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Man, i remember when doubted me. And they said all i could do is make the highlight reel….Yep here i im six rings later laughing at those guys. Keep your head up Mike.
By scott
January 19, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
How many of you idiots are going to keep re-posting your message. Maybe you should but down whatever you are smoking.
By Magneto
January 19, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Reality Check: The bulldog may possibly not commenting because this isn’t a bulldog blog and that would be off the subject. Secondly, Schaub is the backup so why should they do that? Finally,Your statement is designed to insinuate racism but it might be easier for you if you would at least wait until someone answers your question before you respond to them. That way your positon will have some relevance.
By scott
January 19, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Where the blog when Mr. Blank had to settle his “sexual” suit filed by a former employee. - I guess I missed that one too.
By James
January 19, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Those of you who want/expect Vick to be traded or cut, it’s simply not possible. A $23 million cap hit probably wouldn’t even allow the Falcons to sign their own draft picks. From a foxsports column: “But Blank is paying Vick like Peyton Manning. If they dump Vick, the salary-cap hit would be $23 million. Now, they could arrange to spread that hefty number over two seasons and lessen the blow. But I don’t think Petrino will jettison Vick. He will make him compete and force him to work hard. That has been Vick’s biggest problem. He doesn’t keep late hours studying film and doing everything necessary to become a complete quarterback. If you are being paid like Manning, you should work as hard as Manning. I’m not expecting Vick — and neither is Petrino — to play like Manning, but he needs to grasp his limitations and work hard to correct them and make himself a better quarterback.”
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6345494
By Dr.Doom
January 19, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
M.J.
We read your irrelevant post the first time.
By Joey
January 19, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
Jeff, great piece of journalism. I was one of the ones opposed to essentially trading ladanian tomlinson and drew brees from the begining. look at them. class all the way. vick is trash. he thinks he’s bullet proof. i am curious. aren’t you worried that terrence moore will start calling you a bigot because you spoke about the evil ways of vick? from what i understand, terrence moore’s dream is to change vick’s diaper and hold him till he goes to sleep.
By Nick
January 19, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Here is what would solve the Vick dilemma. Get Mike Singletary on a plane to Atlanta. This would be the best investment (for Mike Vick) Art Blank could do right now. Get him (Singletary) face to face with Mike Vick. If Vick listens and heeds, he will be headed in the right direction. Singletary could say things to strongly influence Vick to get his act back together(including accountability). Please, Mr. Blank, take this advice. You can thank me later.
By Rico
January 19, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
mike vick is not the entire team. he should be a leader, but he can not do it all on his own. everyone has a job to do, if everyone does it right games will be won. i don’t agree with blaming him by himself, if at all, for something the whole team is responsible for. in case you didn’t know there are cigars that look like joints and blunts, not to say that is wasn’t a joint because i haven’t seen the pictures,but, he could have been telling the truth. if he did have an std that’s his business that’s between him and whoever he may or may not have given it to. he should get checked out treated and move on. i’m not trying to justify smoking weed or smuggling it through an airport, i’m saying if the league is going to punish him they should punish everyone who has been in this kind of trouble. i’m pretty sure if you’ve people yelling and cursing at you when you’ve had a rough night you would want to do something back wether it’s verbal or physical. nobody is going to take lightly whenever they’ve tried their best and failed and have thousands of fans booing and cursing at them. it’s hard enough just knowing that everyone is expecting so much from you as it is. i believe he should be punished but not cut from the team.
By Mick Vick
January 19, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Dang Yall be hate’en!
By NS in Kennesaw
January 19, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
To those Vick defenders, I see your views. But don’t you think that he must take responsibility to his own act as well? He needs to wake up to reality and stop hiding behind those stats.
A good wake up call would be to trade him now. As long as we keep him and put up with his acts … he will never elevate himself to be a true professional football players.
On the otherhand, it puzzles my mind to think that a highly successful bisunessman like Mr. Blank would offer $130M contract without any clauses that push Vick to perform. Or perhaps there are those clauses - - but he is still thinking and rethinking about it.
By Darth Vader
January 19, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Toni,
Why would we discuss the President? Do you know what type of blog you’re on? This is a sports,Falcons blog, get it?
Go relieve your guilt for voting for Bush elsewhere!!
By South Ga Fan
January 19, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
One Super Bowl in 40 years…the Falcons are not the Cowboys. Before the Vick years, mediocrity is something we prayed for, now it disgusts us. We should thank Michael Vick for giving us a reason to be angry when our team fails. Years ago, Falcons coverage ended shortly before the chorus of “Auld Lang Syne”. Now, it’s front page material. Perhaps, Michael Vick isn’t the answer and will never take us to the Super Bowl. So what else is new. If you were Arthur Blank (the check writer), would you bank on fans buying tickets to watch Matt Schaub go 7-9. I’m afraid this one is going to come down to simple economics.
By Mike Schindler
January 19, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
What’s more important to Mr. Blank, selling tickets and merchandise or having a winning team? The Falcons will never go anywhere with Ron Mexico at the helm. He is not a leader. He is only out for himself. Let’s at least have give D.J. and Matt a chance to compete for the starting job. Ron Mexico would make a great Raider. Let’s make a deal with Al Davis for a #1 draft pick and get this loser out of town.
By Dr.Doom
January 19, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Nick:Why do you blacks keep bringing up Singletary? He was good on defense 22 years ago! San Fran is not a top ranked defense so what good would that do Vickless? You people love living in the past!
By Anti-Celeb
January 19, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
Screw the grass and the Miami-Dade Police Department, where are the Feds in this? Didn’t he exhibit suspicious behavior by acting like he was married to a liquid filled container - of a size that exceeds highly publicized permissible limits? Why was he allowed to proceed and the container examined only after he had disposed of it? Do you think one of us would have been accorded this courtesy? Does “body cavity” search strike fear in anyone? Talk about teaching humility. Maybe they should give him one retroactively.
By EINSTIEN
January 19, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
WHAT YOU GUYS (NEGATVE VICK HATERS)GOING TO DO WHEN THIS THUG,INGRATE,GHETTO SUPER STAR LEAD YOUR BELOVED FALCONS TO THE SUPERBOWL,AHTUR BLANK HAS BEEN MAKING MILLIONS FOR YEARSOFF PEOPLE MAKING NEGATIVE COMMENTS LIKE YOU GUYS ARE MAKING EVERY DAY,THATS WHY HE IS RICH AND YOU ARE ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN WISHING YOU WERE IN VICKS SHOE,stop hatinAND GET READY TO CELEBRATE
By Larry J
January 19, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Did I miss the part where they’ve come out and said the substance was definitely marijuana? Oh, that’s right. They haven’t.
And, Jeff? The Green Bay and Minnesota games weren’t “imagined in Fantasyland.” They happened. Atlanta won those games, and others, for one reason - Michael Vick.
By lisa
January 19, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
To all you PERFECT falcon fans,
who in the world are you going to see on sunday… who is filling the stands on sunday..when he got hurt most of you faith fans stopped going to the games. at what point are you ALL going to realize this is a business and very much about dollars and cents… as longs as he keeps bring BLANK his dollar.. that nonSENSE you are all taking is a mute point…
By Anthony
January 19, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
I have been a Mike Vick fan since day one,but the fanatic in me has deminished each year. We know that winning is a “fix all”, but we are not winning so my opinion is scewed. Mike is a “me first” type of guy. He does not respond to criticism well, he’s immature,and does not show leadership skills. He is a great athelete with great skills. He does not seem to be improving his quaterbaking skills it’s almost like he’s gone as far as he can as a quaterback. Will he ever get a team to the Super Bowl? I don’t think so. He may be on a Super Bowl team but I don’t think he will be the one to lead them there. They say that you can’t compare Vick to Manning or to Brady or to any other quaterback in the NFL because he is so diffrent from them, that his style is so unique that he will never play like those guys, that his stats will never rival theirs. There is one other thing that you can’t compare to Vick, their leadership ability . One other thing you can compare, their salaries. “Grow up Mike you still have a chance to become a great NFL player, don’t take your blessings for granite”. If Vick were to be out of football tommorow he would go down as one of the biggest BUST in the history of the NFL.
By BS
January 19, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Enough is enough. It is time for Mr. Blank to cut his losses. Trade and get something for him before he has no value whatsoever. He is becoming a CANCER to the organization.
By Red Foreman
January 19, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Ive got you a finger,vick. It points your A$$ right out the door.
Trade this POS gangsta thug!!!!!!!!
Send his Ignorant B__ A back to the ghetto were he came from!!!!!
By ron
January 19, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
Trade Vick to Oakland for their first pick in the draft.They want a quarterback and have the 1rst pick. Use the pick to get Calvin Johnson. We have 2 good quarterbacks that can get the ball to him.
By Mark Richardson
January 19, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
People tend to forget that Vick is entering his 7th season. He is hardly a bright, young prospect full of potential anymore. A seventh year player is considered a veteran. And what has he accomplished? He beat Green Bay at Lambeaux in the playoffs. He got to the NFC title game in 05. He’s a good rusher. So, in seven years we have 1. beat GB 2. NFC championship game 3. good rusher. Big deal -
Trade him and start Shaub before he becomes a star on another team.
By Joey
January 19, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
those of you defending vick, you are probably not very intelligent and work a menial job. probably eat fast food 3-5 times per week, and gripe because the “po-po” is out to get you. get a life, contribute to society and stop being a drain on resources. you also probably believe that things are owed to you, that you don’t have to earn anything. you people defending the criminal acts of a “role model” for children are sick. you need to go to college (get a student loan, don’t expect me, the tax payer to pay for it)get a real job not asking “would you like frys with that” and take some responsibillity for your life. this ‘vick’tim card is old. here is how it is, you are to follow the law and not break it. if you do, you get punished. no breaks are ‘owed’ to anyone, PERIOD! because vick is a ball player, that doesn’t exclude him from the laws that ‘ordinary citizens’ have to follow. and shocking thing, you have to follow the law too! imagine, you are shoplifing, knocking off a liquor store, or trying to buy some kronik and you get busted by the police. do you scream that you are being unfairly excluded? if you do, than i completely understand you defending vick. you do it because you are guilty of the same offense. MORONS!!!!!
By Rob G
January 19, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
Question for all of you: What do Vicks habits and passes have in common?
Answer: they most of the time end up high and in the wrong place
By Najeh Davenpoop=-shoot
January 19, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
Hey Kim, that’s because your kids view race the same way you do. They learn to be Racists at home, the good old fashioned way.
By Ed
January 19, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
I think this article is on target. I heard a coach say once to a teammate, “Son, you know, you just can’t fix stupid.”
By JMG
January 19, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
I would want him traded out of Atlanta
he did something stupid but I have never heard of someone being charged for a container that used to or may have contained an illegal substance, he didn’t have an once or any amount on him there fore I doubt if there will be any charges and the Falcons have always struggled
Id like to know why like who behind the scenes is really controlling the team , why they waste good players (regarding many who have worn the Falcon uniform)
By Reality Check
January 19, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Thank you Magneto. Nice name. Marvel comic book villan. Interesting. Last I checked, DJ was a backup as well, eventhough he is the third string. Wait, wasn’t Brett Farve the third string that “people” keep crying about because he was traded. My comment insinuates racism. Hmmm. Define racism. How does my comment insinuate racism? In the same vein as your comic book driven name, like Spider Man once told a guy… you don’t know what I look like under this mask. I may think Shockley will do a better job than Schaub, and don’t tell me the Bulldog Nation doesn’t read this blog. Your turn.
By haha
January 19, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
All of yall are wasting time making comments on something that you have no effect over if he stays fine If he leaves fine. The defense will still suck! If you want to get rid of someone get rid of sorr ED Hartwell and John Abraham those two are damaged goods! At least vick set a NFL record of some type hes at least on the feild! Blame Vick for the entire team when he only plays one postion! What about them sorry recivers and sorry Meangalo. Get off Vick becasue you dont like him personally and talk about the real reson we are no good not about how he makes so much mmore money than you to play a game and you cant stand it!
By Joe Renati
January 19, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
Great article Jeff! Out here in the S.F. Bay area,I feel the same way about Bonds.Differant sport,same problem.
By RAD
January 19, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Coach Cancer Team Cancer Never will be a Leader. An doh yea I remember the days before Vick, I think we went to a super bowl. Vick comes along and likes Dan Reeves….then doesn’t like Dan Reeves.. then throw him under the bus… needs new coach…likes Jim Mora….Needs receivers, gets plenty of 1st rounder..can’t throw a touch pass…can’t see 2nd and 3rd receiver decideds to run to quick…Can’t tuck a ball in…now does not like new coach Jim Mora…throws him under the bus…Throws his receivers under the bus…Say F#@$k you to the fans. I could think of 130 million other things to spend my $$ on.
By Drow
January 19, 2007 01:00 PM | Link to this
I thnk that Vick should take a step back from the weed, but it’s no different from the teams doping a star player up to have him on the field the next Sunday. As far as the Falcon letting Vick go, I say let him go and the next season he will pick and run the Atlanta defense a part. Also, as the last comment was made get coaches in the system that are going to make play calls that are going to use this quarterbacks’ strength and it’s not just running. I hope this new coach isn’t a conservative play caller, because if so we will be in for another fast start, but awful ending.
By BPD
January 19, 2007 01:00 PM | Link to this
To all you folks questioning the wisdom of starting or trading Matt Schaub: I have been a do or die Falcon Fan since the days of Bartkowski, Alfred Jenkins, and June Jones, so I have some perspective that comes with years of disappointment and bad decisions. I can’t help but remember a time when many of the same things in question about Schaub were being raised about another quarterback. The Smiths, being the perennial football geniuses they were, decided to trade him, and the rest is, as they say, history, but not for the Falcons. For the Packers. That QB’s name was Brett Farve. Don’t let history repeat itself!
By Regi
January 19, 2007 01:00 PM | Link to this
Its amazing that everyone is making a few incidents Vick has been involved in to be a career destroyer. Let’s see, I dont think any of the ‘so-called’ sports writers had anything to say about Brett Farve’s pain killer addiction, or Mark Chimmuil (sp) little romp with teen girls in a hot tub, or Jeff Garcia’s hub bub with fighting playboy bunnies. I didnt hear you or any of the other sports writers making a big stink about it. Brett Farve was made out to be a hero, for being an addict. These guys are human. Its the media, sports writers, and fans alike that put them on a pedistal. Doesn’t mean anyone should lose their job. And, if a quarterback is under-developed, then you should look at the coaching staff. That’s what quarterback coach is for; thats what a head coach is for. the last time I looked, there were 11 men on field on field, all playing towards the same goal. Even more so, there is a bevy of coaches, on the sidelines, directing the game, calling the plays, making the decisions. Get off Vick. Without him, sports writers wouldn’t have anything to talk about.
By Larry
January 19, 2007 01:00 PM | Link to this
It’s time for Mr. Vick to grow up and accept responsibility for his actions!Mikey showed the Atlanta fans what he thought of us at the end of the game, the game is over, it’s time the owner showed him the door! If you want to send that message to Artie, don’t go to the games and don’t buy the Falcons junk like a jersey with #7 on it.
By Karen
January 19, 2007 01:02 PM | Link to this
The Falcons got rid of the wrong person. Jim Mora wasn’t the problem, Michael Vick is. Vick is a mediorce qb at best. He can’t read defenses, and I don’t care what coach you bring in, as long as Vick is the qb, the Falcons and their coaches are destined for failure. Now with incident, Vick has shown us all that is no better than his brother, a street executive and trouble. Arthur Blank needs to re-evaluate Vick’s position on this team. Maybe the Falcon’s can renew their “Dirty Bird” image. Vick sure has helped it along.
By David
January 19, 2007 01:02 PM | Link to this
To Dr.Doom, the media still loves Mike Vick. I hope by media you don’t mean the Atlanta press. We could have all pros at every position and there would be whining about the color of the uniforms from the Atlanta Press. And for all you racists on both sides, shut up! When will we ever get to the point of people just being people.
By CRYSTAL
January 19, 2007 01:02 PM | Link to this
i think the man deserve another chance, but it’s disappointing to see these about mike,because my son looked up to him as a sports hero.my son play football and states he want to be like mike.need to be a positive roll modle for the children.
By michael dada
January 19, 2007 01:03 PM | Link to this
i understand why people should be mad at vick for but from what i just read, i will say some of the comments made about him, are racism comments, because a guy did something don’t give anyone the right to call him thug. how would the guy feel if i called him a white pig. not because a guy is black is a thug or a bad guy. i can say from a football point of view he hasn’t done much to write home about but plz people, you did to think before you write anything about someone, because it is wrong to call people names black or white. jeff i agree with you, but why can’t we wait and see what he can do with the new coach.
By Morris
January 19, 2007 01:04 PM | Link to this
If you were told repeatedly that you are “..the most exciting player in the NFL, and if the boss pushed you around in a wheel chair, and if you discovered that if you could be dismissive of your coaches and “poof” they were gone, and if you were making $140 million and only had to work at half speed, wouldn’t you be an arrogant, self-centered jerk with an “eat me” look on your face all the time? At the same time wouldn’t you want someone to rescue you from yourself? Let’s hope someone does.
By midnite
January 19, 2007 01:13 PM | Link to this
For the life of me, why do many of you say Vick is being hounded and has not done any wrong. Why is pot illegal? I wish I could answer that question for you. Alcohol is a much worse drug in terms of human toll. Y’all need to stop telling Mike it is ok, stop telling him he is persecuted because he is a minority. Its not true. Mike wake up before its too late, and realize there is more to life than getting high, having sex, and hip-hop “To whom much is given, much is required”.
By Hard
January 19, 2007 01:14 PM | Link to this
Does anyone think that he’s not a “coach killer”. Old man Mora was right. This qualifies him for the title “Team Killer”.
By TSA
January 19, 2007 01:15 PM | Link to this
3–1–1 for carry-ons. Thank you
By Apocalypse
January 19, 2007 01:15 PM | Link to this
Toni,
Who are you talking too?
Will you please go to the living section? I’m sure they have blogs concerning how to clean your house properly or something.
By john
January 19, 2007 01:15 PM | Link to this
AS the Scarecrow siad in the Wizard of Oz ” If I only had a brain ” This is further evidence of a lack there of in Vick. We need a leader on and off the field. Send him to Oz !
By larry
January 19, 2007 01:17 PM | Link to this
sick of vick sick of vick let him flip off some oakland fans what a joke smoke it somewhere else boycott home depot till vick is gone
By rucrazy
January 19, 2007 01:17 PM | Link to this
I listened to the news reports about Mike Vick and the suspected marijuana residue and i am curious if Miami airport retrieves all the thrown away water bottles from the trash for further inspection. I am not excusing Mike and his behavior, it is embarrassing for him..I’m sure, his family and the Falcons team. But even the Miami police are not treating this as a priority. Frankly, I am more afraid of the people riding around here with that legal drug in their system (alcohol), one that is readily served both in the airport and on airplanes.
Let us also not forget, that this is a job for Mike Vick and the other NFL players, and like any employee, there are times we may fall short of what is expected of us. Fortunate for most of us, we don’t have to have our short-comings played out to the media or masses to judge us against their lilly white (nothing racial) behavior and reputations.
This has nothing to do with his (Vick’s) upbringing or background as was mentioned multiple times in the blogs. I just moved from an area where kids drove Mercedes and BMW’s and lived in million dollar homes, yet had no more home training then kids growing up in the ghetto. Also working in corporate america, i have saw drug use among many and not all came from “those thuggish backgrounds”.
Let’s let Arthur Blank, the Falcons coach and GM, and the Miami Police handle Mike Vick. There is no need for our added opinions. That’s all they are.
i wonder, if we were playing in the conference championship game this weekend or headed to the SuperBowl would all these blogs read the same. One thing i am learning about Atlanta is that we have so many fair weather fans. We were all quick to be angry at Vick when he flicked off the fans, but you have to question yourself, if this is a team that you love, WHY would you be booing those players that make up that team… why not instead be angry at some of the fans behavior. When the team is winning.. we think Vick and the other players are phenomenal. Lose a game and Vick and the other Falcons players are suddenly at the receiving end of the fans wrath. It’s a game that is made up of wins and losses and unfortunately we can’t all be #1. We all know football is supposedly based on skills and strategy, but sometimes it is just plain luck. (I am sure Seattle didnt expect Romo to mess up that field goal kick, and suddenly find themselves given another chance to continue toward the SuperBowl). We have all saw teams fall to other teams that were supposedly less skilled, Atlanta to Detroit, Dallas to Detroit, Chicago to Miami, Indianapolis to Houston, hell even Pittsburgh (last season’s Super Bowl winner)to Atlanta..this season is over, we now have a new coach, and an upcoming new season we need to be focusing on. There were a lot of things that went wrong this season, but it is behind us and we need to move on. Placing blame and pointing fingers is getting us nowhere. Look at New Orleans, a team that had one of the worst records in the league last year (partly due to being displaced by Hurricane Katrina and being on the road for their games), yet this has not stopped their fans (many whom were failed by their home town and are still looking for permanent residence) from rallying behind them and now look where they are. They sold out the Superdome and are one step from the Superbowl.
I have two last comments; to the fans (i use that term loosely) that are saying they will sell their tickets to opposing team fans or threatening not to buy tickets for the upcoming season, why not just GIVE UP your tickets, in case you haven’t heard there is a waiting list. Might want to add that prior to Vick coming to Atlanta, a waitlist was not heard of or necessary for the Falcons, tickets were practically being giving away. Also you should speak to the man and his family that have had season tickets for 40 years, I am sure they have seen the good, bad and ugly of the Falcons. Yet none of it has kept him and his family from buying their seats every year. I for one, am one of the ones waiting to buy season tickets and would love to have an opportunity to have your seat(s).
Second comment is to the people of Atlanta; i often read these blogs (most ridiculous) when something controversial comes up, racism always is brought up in the comments..along with with unnecessary racial innuendoes, HOW can we be so concerned about the Falcons or football which I might remind you is a “TEAM” sport, when we as a city seem to be so divided.
I love football and i love the Falcons, winning or losing this is my home and this is my team. Not every state or city is lucky enough to have major leagues teams in them. Be happy and stop the b*ing!!!!
By Darth Vader
January 19, 2007 01:18 PM | Link to this
Hey Toni,
Question:Why don’t women wear watches?
Answer:Because there’s a clock on the stove.
By John
January 19, 2007 01:18 PM | Link to this
Not yet Schultz. Not yet. Vick is way too talented a QB to toss aside for his collective transgressiions to date. Unsaid in your “toss the bum out” recommendation is who takes his place? Schaub? Talk about a leap of faith (as you referred to Blank’s long-term investment in Vick).
I like Matt as much as the next guy (albiet exclusive of his pale pigmentation - which is more than I can say for a lot of the mopes who post on these blogs) but he’s hardly proven himself as a starter in the NFL. Vick, warts and all, has shown that he is capable of great things.
Facts are facts and Vick is building quite a resume for himself as one clueless, arrogant, undisciplined and selfish (i.e. immature) individual.
I think a previous post to this blog mentioned that the Falcons organization expects too much of the Vick they plucked from Va Tech after growing up hard in Newport News. A PR-obsessed team in a like-minded league needs to send their debutantes to finishing school before tossing them to the high society wolves. The Falcons brass was remiss in not prepping Vick for his off-field role.
And let’s be honest, the reason we care about the behavior of off-field Mike is because on-field Mike isn’t meeting our expectations. Maybe off-field Mike is living down to the expectations of many. And that’s a shame. In more ways than one.
By crs
January 19, 2007 01:18 PM | Link to this
This guy is no leader, he whines about personnel, yet turns the ball over atleast twice on average per game in a league where turnovers are the difference between winning and losing. This ain’t VT, Duke and Wake aren’t on the schedule. Vick is a six year pro. In a lot of ways he has regressed as player as he got caught up in what the fans and media thought he should be. Will it shock me if it turns out Vick is a pothead, no, I have suspected since his VT days. Make no mistake, if he wasn’t more talented, you probably couldn’t tell much difference between him and Marcus. Will things get better because of Petrino? I doubt it. The falcons made a huge mistake in caudling and babying him and in given him a huge contract before he really accomplished anything. That is on Blank. The best thing that could happen to the Falcons would be for one of the ego teams like Dallas or Oakland to make the mistake in trading for him and the Falcons getting a full draft class ala Ricky Williams or Herschel. The pot is the least of Vicks problems, he is not great at reading defenses, has difficulty with touch passes and clearly does not put in the time either on the practice field or in watching film and prepping. Some people have compared Vick to Dominiquike Wilkins but Wilkins loved the game, played with passion every night and worked hard on his game. Traits Vick does not have. The quarterback can not be a divisive figure, he has to bring the team together and inspire his teammates. Instead of b*** and moaning about the recievers and the play calls, he should have been working extra with the wideouts and working harder to execute the plays that were called. Vick at this point is a failure. The falcons need to shop him and hope someone bails them out.
By Dallas
January 19, 2007 01:19 PM | Link to this
Your comments have nothing to do with hate as others have indicated. The quarterback position requires all of the things Vick has not displayed. I want a winning team in the Falcons with winners on it and that means winners on and off the field. Sure, he made a mistake, but the fate of the Falcons future shouldn’t rest on his shoulders because he has shown that he can’t handle it. Remember, ” you can hide class, but you can’t shine s**t.”
By atlanta fan
January 19, 2007 01:20 PM | Link to this
this is sad stand by your qb and the team
By Kate
January 19, 2007 01:25 PM | Link to this
Undoubtedly Michael Vick has talent. He wouldn’t be playing for Atlanta or have been offered as lucrative a contract as he received. However, there is a time when you have to say enough is enough. Think about it, for any of us working in the real world, no matter how capable or talented we are at our jobs, if we pulled some of the things Mike Vick has pulled we would be fired in a heartbeat. Imagine your bosses reaction if you were to give the bird to one of your customers or clients because you didn’t like the way they were speaking to you.
Again, the question here is not whether Vick is talented or what we “owe” him for his talent. His arrogance is costing the fans, the team, and the city way too much.
It is sad to me because I believe if Vick lost the attitude he could rise to amazing heights. Something his little brother also could have done, but ruined during his short-lived career at Va. Tech as a result of (shocking) giving the crowd the bird and then stomping on a Louisville player’s leg during the Gator Bowl.
In my opinion, the Falcons should have fired Vick - not Jim Mora.
Oh and Toni, Schultz’s comments are not hate-filled, they are the truth. And I am trying to figure out what kind of relevancy your words have considering they have nothing to do with football. Other than maybe, “we are doing the damn thing.” Who’s words are hate-filled now?
By dave
January 19, 2007 01:26 PM | Link to this
I think Onslaught said it best. Well done.
By Ant from the BX
January 19, 2007 01:26 PM | Link to this
Please go ahead and trade Mike Vick. Because if you all think for one second that Matt Schaub can take the Falcons any further, then you all must have had a hold of that water bottle before Mike did. None of this would be an issue if not for the fact that Mike Vick is a black quaterback. You whiteys in the south have never embraced him from the beginning and were always looking for an excuse to run him outta town. Its not like the Falcons were winning anything before he got there anyway. So let him go and quietly suffer through the losing.
By 1st and 6
January 19, 2007 01:27 PM | Link to this
I saw the poll and it show a lot of mad people at MV. I believe that if that Miss USA or Universe or whatever get a 2nd chance MV also need another chance. If he is really guilt about what the police said, he need to straight up. Not many people have the chances he get(NFL star, HUGE SALARY, etc.
By PAC-MAN
January 19, 2007 01:27 PM | Link to this
I believe that Mike Vick will be reprimanded for his poor choice in the airport. At a time when every security in every airport is already on edge because of events that have happened overseae and abroad,he should have complied with the officer and thrown the bottle away. For those people who say get rid of him, don’t be so quick to jump on that bandwagon. Vick is not the sole reason for the mediocre performance of the Atlanta Falcons. The organization as a whole is responsible,from Arthur Blank to the last man on the roster. If he had won a Super Bowl since he has been here, then the public outcry would not be as strong. Let’s just see what happens,and remember before you criticize someone,walk a mile in his/her shoes. Money makes us do crazy things,people. Thank you.
By LMM
January 19, 2007 01:27 PM | Link to this
I will tell you what is a lot more stupid than sneaking a joint through security. Signing a ten year 130 million contract with a player who is obviously immature, just due to his age, and who is unproven as a pro.
Stupid is as stupid does. We will trade Vick, and like another “immature” quarterback traded by Atlanta to Green Bay, he will go on to prove himself a more mature and superior player, with a better record than the Falcons. You can count on it.
By Hair
January 19, 2007 01:29 PM | Link to this
Miami has not determined that the particle found was an illegal substance. Futher more we don’t know if the container belong to MV. He is not a thug! I quess there is a lot of thugs out there because most of you smoked pot. Thank God you have nothing do with the hiring or firing for Falcons. Mr. Blank keep on believing in your QB. All of it sounds like jealousy. No one should be role models for your kids except YOU! That’s why you all pass the job to the athletes.
By Brian O'Brien
January 19, 2007 01:29 PM | Link to this
Sigh….yeah, I’m afraid it’s time to cut the cord. The latest incident, while not that egregious, just proves that Michael is short on common sense and good judgement, two things that are supposed to be a requirement for an NFL quarterback. Sure he’s talented, sue he has potential. But as someone once said, “Potential means ya ain’t done nothin’ yet”.
By Psack
January 19, 2007 01:31 PM | Link to this
SAD DAY FOR ATLANTA
This incident will be dragged thru the media for the next 8 months. He made a BONEHEADED mistake. He has LET DOWN HIS SUPPORTERS and GIVEN HIS HATERS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF AMMUNITION
I feel sorry for Art Blank he loved this man and Vick let him down. Vick made a huge mistake but I am not so sure you throw the baby out with the bathwater….unless you get a hell of trade offer.you cannot take that salary cap hit…NO NEED TO COVER A MISTAKE WITH ANOTHER ONE!!
By Miller D
January 19, 2007 01:31 PM | Link to this
Jeff,I totally agree that what Mike did was just stupid and there is no excuse for it, but trade him? No,I don’t agree. Atlanta pro teams are known very well for trading players that are not the model citizen. Every time an Atlanta player/coach makes the headlines we want to trade them. We seem to be more concern about how nice of a guy someone is rather than how much someone can help our team / teams win a championship.
By claude
January 19, 2007 01:31 PM | Link to this
Dang! yall jus hate’en cuh he bleck, If dis had been a white doo you had not even no bout it. Yall scrimnateen.
By GATA
January 19, 2007 01:31 PM | Link to this
The kid made a mistake, big deal. He will be suiting up for the Falcons next fall and winning games. What will you say then? He’s not going anywhere.
By Big John
January 19, 2007 01:32 PM | Link to this
Just got home from work and read you post TR….are you stupid or what?
Mike vick is acting like a 26 yr old?yeah right……maybe a 26 yr old thug.I have supported Vick all along until now,you say look at where he came from?….that is a cop out…..I bet nearly all if not most players came from poor families black or white,you mention shaub as “our savior”…..what do you mean by our? I do not support shaub as the starter at all….a better passer than vick yes,a better starter no….he has never won a game.DJ on the other hand deserves a shot,he’s a passer first a runner second. Lets trade shaub for a first round pick and see what DJ has,sign a has been veteran as a backup and draft a late round QB to groom in case DJ doesn’t work out.That said,give petrino 3 yrs and the Falcons will be flying high with or without Vick!
By Big John
January 19, 2007 01:32 PM | Link to this
Just got home from work and read you post TR….are you stupid or what?
Mike vick is acting like a 26 yr old?yeah right……maybe a 26 yr old thug.I have supported Vick all along until now,you say look at where he came from?….that is a cop out…..I bet nearly all if not most players came from poor families black or white,you mention shaub as “our savior”…..what do you mean by our? I do not support shaub as the starter at all….a better passer than vick yes,a better starter no….he has never won a game.DJ on the other hand deserves a shot,he’s a passer first a runner second. Lets trade shaub for a first round pick and see what DJ has,sign a has been veteran as a backup and draft a late round QB to groom in case DJ doesn’t work out.That said,give petrino 3 yrs and the Falcons will be flying high with or without Vick!
By Target Zero
January 19, 2007 01:33 PM | Link to this
I like Vick and Vick was wrong and dumb for doing that . But Jeff Schultz to have the report from miami in the paper before he is charged. That’s over kill you went over board.
By OhioBuckeye
January 19, 2007 01:33 PM | Link to this
And, to me, THIS is another reason why it is so ridiculous to pay athletes so freakin’ much money — they don’t deserve it!!!
I’m not an educator, but I think that money like that is much more deserving of teachers.
By R@
January 19, 2007 01:34 PM | Link to this
Vick’s a joke. Not a leader. A has-been. I’m betting Blank and his management team are running scenarios right now wieghing all options and the main one is how to rid themsleves of Ron Mexico and not break the bank. Vick is a short-timer with the Falcons. Blank has had enough and will cut his losses. Vick is a loser and I don’t believe Blank will let his money and future with the Falcons be held hostage by a loser like Vick. It;s just a matter of time before Vick is someone else’s problem. What a dummy - had the world at his feet - I guess it really does run in the family.
Blank … show him the door and the sooner the better.
R@
By ga_tech_92
January 19, 2007 01:34 PM | Link to this
Still waiting for an answer…
I hear some people say “getting rid of Vick is not doable. From a salary cap perspective, it’s suicide, and will render this franchise non-competative for years in the free agent market, and possibly prevent them from being able to sign draft picks. So you fans who are football stupid need to realize that.” I guess I’m football stupid then, so please enlighten me. How is it going to kill salary cap to trade someone for draft picks. When you trade someone, the NEW team pays the salary I should think. In which case, we are off the hook for it and free to sign some OL and DL and Dbacks. If the problem is “we can’t trade him, because no one will take him” then that clearly supports the feeling that he isn’t good enough. If the problem is “we can’t trade him because no one will pay that full salary”, then again, it clearly supports the feeling that he isn’t good enough and killing our salary cap in terms of VALUE. Please enlighten me as to why we can’t trade him. This is an honest question, not supposed to be sarcastic.
By dannotdan
January 19, 2007 01:35 PM | Link to this
To: Coach Petrino
Just in case there was any uncertainty during your telephone interview (I took Vick to my western retreat for a weekend, you got a telepone call) so you know this is Vick’s team and everyone else is expendable.
When you were told by Blank that you may not speak to the press concerning Vick’s latest incident and that he (Blank) would deal directly with Mikey concerning any punishment (ha) you should not have been surprised.
Get used to it, collect your money and fall in line. It took Rich McKay a while to learn that in Atlanta it is all about Mike but since he bought into the Vick Experience (drafting WR at every turn in a effort to find someone that can make our little QB look good) he has enjoyed the figure head position and comfort of knowing that winning means nothing here.
Keep smiling, keep talking about Vick talent and let Blank and Vick drive this thing over a cliff.
By larry reed
January 19, 2007 01:36 PM | Link to this
first of all, commentators, analysts, sportswriters etc. are drastically overpaid for their opinions. fast food wages is what they should get. every water cooler and couch are full of unpaid people with opinions. JS is no better. granted vick hasn’t the talent of brady, brees, or manning, none of them had to suffer through three offensive coordinators. atlanta has never really appreciated the falcons no matter who’s been the quarterback. remember bartkowski? What about when the falcons did make the superbowl? so now the layers are being peeled back and vick is revealed as an illusionist. oh now we see he’s not that good. now your fantasies are crushed. problems and all, vick is the falcons QB. while JS’s penny comment is marked up, don’t blame the falcons management or vick for their failures. vick can only carry out the gameplan given him. everyone, fans, and media are to blame for making vick more than what he is.
By Frank
January 19, 2007 01:38 PM | Link to this
Vick is the empitamy of a losing QB. He had a good season a couple of years ago and gets him the contract that is way too big for his britches. Get him out of the position that is supposed to lead the team. Put him somewhere that he can just run and break his own rushing records. He can through a long ball but he is not smart enough nor mature enough to lead a professional football like he has been trying to. He is too much of a lose cannon that he doesn’t even deserve to lead a team like that. You say get rid of him. He is too much of a dynamic player to just get rid of. Put him in a position that he doens’t need to lead the team but do what he does best and that is RUN. That is all he needs to be doing and not TRYING to be a QB. Those are my feelings about that.
By Big Daddy in Dville
January 19, 2007 01:39 PM | Link to this
6 YEARS OF BAD DECISIONS OFF THE FIELD, BAD DECISION ON THE FIELD, TOO MAY SECOND CHANCES, TOO MANY SPENT RECEIVERS. MR. BLANK, IT IS TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE.
By truth
January 19, 2007 01:40 PM | Link to this
If you care to read this please pay attention and comment on it. For all of you saying that Vick is from the “hood” or “ghetto”, please, dont assume things. He is from the Hampton area in Virginia. Not even close to being a “hood”. Now I am an HUGE Vick supporter but I will admit that was a very stupid move. There is no excuse for it. He made a very stupid move. But can you honestly imagine if the stupidest thing you did behind closed doors was blasted across the airwaves and over the internet? If you were to be honest with yourself you know that some of us would have much more severe and newsworthy things to talk about. Dont cast a stone. He is a good quarterback and if they were in the NFC championship game and this happened sometime after they were eliminated this wouldnt be that big of a deal. Just like Merriman. He was having a “lights-out” season so people didnt call for his head. This is whats wrong with America today. A young person makes a mistake and we are so quick to write them off as a bad seed instead of helping them correct the problem and giving them another chance.
By dirrtybird
January 19, 2007 01:40 PM | Link to this
Schultz,
I would like to see the article you wrote when Bobby Cox was beating his wife, or when Chipper Jones was cheating on his with a Hooters girl. Remember when Andrew Jones was called into the Gold Club investigation? Did you call to “cut them loose”? Is Vick obviously stupid and need a babysitter? hell yes. Does he need to be traded, so that we can have a less talented QB who probably smokes weed also? Hell no. What a knee jerk reaction to the situation, before you even find out what the facts are. Here’s a newsflash, an alarming number of athletes and people in general are smoking weed. Not too many of them are stupid enough to try and get on a plane with a dime sack though. It’s time for Mike Vick to grow up a little, but it isnt’ time the Falcons to dump him. Remember that Ray Lewis was accused of stabbing 2 people to death and was the Super Bowl MVP the next year. Kobe Bryant was accused of RAPE! and led the league in scoring the next year. Mike Vick got caught with some weed. That’s just stupid, not dangerous. Remember that Bobby Cox beat his wife and still has a job. Bobby probably smokes weed too, and I would bet money that Schaub is toting the khush around as well. Get Vick a babysitter and let’s start learning the new playbook. Winning erases everything. Ask Kobe Bryant and Ray Lewis. Funny, I don’t think they got traded.
By Farmboy
January 19, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this
Six long years at the helm, the playoffs are here and Vick is sitting home trying to figure a new way to get a joint thru airport security…Arthur, get rid of this thug now. You people in Atlanta….all this talk won’t do a dam thing….STOP BUYING TICKETS…that is the only way to get Blank to listen. I guarantee that will get the job done. I say let’s boycott this team…I know I am.
By A True Fan
January 19, 2007 01:42 PM | Link to this
Atlanta fans are nauseating. No wonder you guys dont have a successful history in sports. This thing is about championships not who and why a player made the news.
By Big John
January 19, 2007 01:43 PM | Link to this
Gata how many mistakes does the “kid”….26 yrs old I might add deserve?
By hmmmmmm
January 19, 2007 01:50 PM | Link to this
Seems that Arthur and Michael are the same two peas in a pod…..
By John
January 19, 2007 01:51 PM | Link to this
I hear ya Schultz, the kid is f-ing up, on and off the field. I have to say to give him next season with a new coach and a new offense. Lets face it, if the Falcons were winning this would not be the big deal that it currently is. I think the past coaching staff didn’t really allow him to lead the way he can. As for him not taking the blame off of Mora, I wouldn’t have either. Mora was fully to blame for the 2nd half of the season.
A winning QB is easily forgiven for things like this. Lets give Vick ONE more chance to win. After that I’m bailing on him with the rest of you.
By Matt
January 19, 2007 01:53 PM | Link to this
Vick vs. Schaub
trade Vick and the Falcons will have the same record or worse. Then what will you guys be talking about?
By Casual Observer
January 19, 2007 01:56 PM | Link to this
Everyone should stop jumping to the conclusion that MV was toting a little dope because there was a green leafy pungent substance in his aquafina. Maybe it was just thyme in a bottle.
By Wilbur
January 19, 2007 01:56 PM | Link to this
Ron Mexico is a disease ridden drug fiend.
By kush
January 19, 2007 01:58 PM | Link to this
You’re dead on! Vick is a thug and needs to go. Blank will ride Vick all the way to the poor house. I wonder who is the bigger idiot….Vick or Blank!!!
By Paul
January 19, 2007 02:00 PM | Link to this
How did he not get arrested? In this day-and-age of heightened security and increased rules and regulations?
Talk about entitlement — if the same thing happened to any one of us we’d be sitting in the joint right now wondering if we’ll ever see the light of day again.
He should be sent to the joint for stupidity alone.
By Mailhot
January 19, 2007 02:00 PM | Link to this
As far as the weed goes, who cares, for all the people who are oblivious probably 50% or more players in the NFL smoke weed. The real issue is the play on the field. He is not a leader, but a hell of an athlete. Can he handle Bobby Petrino’s offensive playbook? Hell No. Give him one, thats ONE year to prove himself. If we do not go to the NFC Championship, Smoke him.
By Paul
January 19, 2007 02:01 PM | Link to this
Farmboy… if they trade Vick, no one will buy tickets anyway.
Go ahead, trade him… you can enjoy 8-8 seasons the rest of your life with Matt Schaub and DJ Shockley.
I’ll be watching Vick play with my new favorite team’s jersey.
By Dante
January 19, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this
This is a shame between donavon and micheal they seem to get the worst criticism i wonder why , they are winners where ever they play high school to the pros. Name a top receiver with sense (T.O) thatthey have played with and name a feature runningback.?? You see vick and the falcons needed the d and the receiving corps to step up he can only do so much if the team as a whole were beter it would be way harder to key in on him like defenses do but we will see in 07
By Steven
January 19, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this
Im gonna have to agree on this one except on the fact that Mike Vic is a waining superstar. I believe its time for Vic to get out of Atlanta and get behind a decent team. Cuz let’s be real Arthur Blank isnt the greatest coach you’ll ever find i dont doubt his coaching abilities cuz 7-9 doesnt mean you such but it aint a winning record either. Now Vic has had some decent running behind him for the past couple years but his receiving corps has been terrific (NOT) im think algie crumpler was probably the best set of hands on the team at tight end. We all know vic can run am i right? well that’s because we’ve never seen him in a good pocket. His line can just not seem to come through for a man that could take them so many places if givin more than three tenths of a second to get the ball off. And dont even get me started on the atlanta defense. but neway i think it is time for Micheal Vic to pick up shop and leave town but not to fade into nothing as a washed up QB but to find a team where he can put his talents to good use. So in closing id just like to say… GO BEARS!
By Joe
January 19, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this
I hoped Mike would be a positive influence on Marcus. Looks like he is following little brother down, down, down.
By Ray
January 19, 2007 02:10 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see any of you jive asses catch a Mike Vick pass! Doesn’t look like his Receivers can. Bet you didn’t think of that. Where is Dan Reeves when you need him. I guess college coaches are cheaper to get. But don’t tell Jim Mora that. Beat em up Mike Super Bowl or Bust!!!!
By killer
January 19, 2007 02:11 PM | Link to this
OK, I once thought there may be just a few damaged synapses. Now, I’m convinced there is no gray matter between those diamond studded ears. Sadly, that is the guy leading your team on the field! Whoo!
By Tiny Tune
January 19, 2007 02:11 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick should stay in Atlanta, I know he’s immature at times but he’s a good Quarterback he just need some good talent round him. There is always gonna be nawsayers like the dude who wrote this column. I bet if the incident at the airport didn’t occur we wouldn’t really be talkin about this. I really like how he plays, he has a full arsenal he just needs to throw the ball more.
By Tiffany Jones
January 19, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this
I think it’s time for Mike to release the BAD BOY IMAGE and become a gentleman. How many of you weed heads are calling the kettle Black? We were young, smoked weed, went to work high, worked like champions. It’s time to destroy the Bad Boy image, terminate his publicist, change associates, apologize to his teammates, and major lifestyle modifications. I’m a Vick fan, but he needs the support of those who love and care about him.
By nativefalcon
January 19, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this
Great Article Jeff I totally agree,We don’t need a STONED QB.
By FalconsFan
January 19, 2007 02:13 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick provides too many problems and NOT enough on-field success. Forget that first year…ITS LONG GONE. These last few years hes had time to bloom and show his true potential and lead a team to the playoffs and a SuperBowl. Has he done that? NO! So please lets move on! It’s time to give someone else a shot! Namely, Schaub! Later VICK! GO GIVE SOMEONE ELSE A HEADACHE!
By Jim P.
January 19, 2007 02:14 PM | Link to this
Bad Coaching or A bad QB?
Only time will Tell. Dan Reeves, Jim Mora, Now Bobby Petrino. If Vick does not become the QB that he should already be by the end of next season, then I would consider trading him. He cant keep blaming the coaching staffs. He will have to put the joint down and point the finger at himself.
By Jim Zahradnick
January 19, 2007 02:16 PM | Link to this
First, I agree with your assesment of the Vick situation….I just hope when you cut him loose he doesn’t end up in Tampa!!! Second, and what should be of more concern to Falcon fans, is your point about the salary cap. While I understand Mr. Blank has more than a handful of short-term concerns, he should start taking a hard look at his GM. Rich did a fine job of getting out of Tampa just before his Princeton math put the Bucs in a salary cap hell. He can blame Gruden all he wants to, but the reality is that Rich was very good at spending money and finding a convenient way to duck out when the bill came due. You have been forewarned Mr. Blank…check the numbers twice!!!
By Siler
January 19, 2007 02:17 PM | Link to this
All of you all need to shut the hell up. What we have here is a simple case of indirect racism. You all holler about this thug stuff when you probably smoke weed to. Michael Vick is an incredible football player who has brought life back to the once forgotten football franchise that is the Atlanta Falcons. So like him or not he’s staying and if I was him I would tell all of you hater’s including Mr. Schultz to kiss my black a*.
By fatz
January 19, 2007 02:19 PM | Link to this
musicians, artists and actors have problems with drugs all the time. why would you expect a pro athlete to be any different? they’re basically entertainers. think about it- a lot of them grow up in single parent homes in dangerous places, then because of their athletic (not necessarily academic) talents they become “gladiators” in college- they have room and board provided (but don’t really have any money), and go out and display their skills to the worshipping masses. the time constraints on them and the limited exposure they’ve had as kids to “careers” other than sports keep them from taking classroom time very seriously. and the school administration and coaching staffs basically “wink” at the purely nominal aspects of their “student” experiences. so they roll the dice on the big casino of pro sports, and some of them hit the jackpot (Lord, i wonder what happens to the kids that don’t get there…). so now they are still insulated from what most of us would call a normal day, and they have periods of intense physical and mental pressure, followed by lots of free time. and, oh, they have lots of money. WHO, pray tell me, has taught these young men how to handle any of this, how to transition themselves from the wildness of youth to the responsibility of adulthood. You can’t expect Michael Vick to act like a board member of Home Depot. People got to learn somewhere. if not from their parents or parental figures, if not from books and schools, then from life experience. and that includes screwing up…..
By Greg
January 19, 2007 02:19 PM | Link to this
First, let me start out by saying that I am a Falcons fan and a Vick supporter. In fact, my almost three year old son knows one number in football and that is that of Micheal Vick. In fact if he sees football on the TV, he immediately says “Go, Mike Vick!”.
I, too, like many other fans, am disappointed with the outcome of the season. Additionally, I feel that Vick has been missing something over the years under Mora. In fact, I could not believe when Vick took himself out of the Dallas game with the playoffs on the line. Personally, I always thought of Vick as a determined player who would never give up. He did it in the National Championship game against FSU and his first couple of seasons starting here. Something is lost.
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been excited. The Falcons brought in a great offensive mind to work with Vick. When the Falcons decided to bring in Mora, they might have taken for granted Vick’s ability to carry the offense, as why else would you bring in a defensive coordinator such as Mora. Now, we have Coach Petrino to mold an offense around Vick.
The feeling of hiring Coach Petrino reminds me of the Falcons going to the Super Bowl against the Broncos. I was excited. So excited, that I could not sleep. I am watching ESPN and see the scroll bar with the news on Eugene Robinson, and I am deflated. That is how I feel now… DEFLATED. Thanks, Mike!!!
By Unicoidawg
January 19, 2007 02:19 PM | Link to this
Birddawg, sorry it took so long to respond…But to answer your bet from above, No Sir, I have never smoked pot or cigarettes for that matter!!!!! Never have never will, but that is just me. Am I saying Schuab is the best choice…….nope but something has got to give. This kinda crap is not gonna cut it. Trade Vick and get somebody….Heck anybody
By Rickster
January 19, 2007 02:19 PM | Link to this
To rucrazy. Man I don’t know you and you don’t know me. But you have stepped up and put a voice on this blog that’s still ringing! If the people here on this blog can stop a mominute and just listen to what you have said in your post, I mean really listen, the meaning a nd passion of this entire issue would be put rest. I agree whole-heartedly with everything you have said. If trhe truth be told, your words and your passion are dubious even far above the very words of the person that started this blog session. I hope everyone hears what this person is speaking to this town. I’d like to use an analogy that I think fits this situation quite similarly. First of all, let me say that I hate illegal drugs. Always have and always will. But, I have a brother that’s been a pot-head, dope-fiend, crack-head, etc…. since he was 8 years old and snuck off down the street to smoke pot with the men at the firestation. Been in every jail, prison this side of the ‘bama state line and up the coast to the caroline’s. Matter-of-fact, he’s in jail down in Coffee county right now! But that’s my brother y’all! And nothing can change that. He has a problem that only he can overcome! My job is to support him as much as I can. Through love, prayer, and even going with him to session or 2 at the drug couseling center. Because he’s my brother! Family! A bond that ties us together. Kind of like the passion I have had for the football team that’s been here in this town since 1965 when the Smith boys snuck’em in here. The family of football! Players, coaches, owner(s), staff, administrators, all family! I bet if you look into the bowels of evry one of the teams that are still playing the game this weekend, I betcha they have that mentality. One of close-knit family! Supportive of each other. So much so that even their cities are affected by it. Sure, Peyton, Tom, Dree, and even Rex are good QB’s. Some even better thatn others. Back the thing that really drives their success is the closeness they have with their families. Team-wise and blood-kin. That, people of Atlanta, is how champions are made! If you want to show the rest of the Nation something, stop and think what it would mean to this country if Atlantans threw their arms around a Micheal Vick, or a D’Hall, or a Roddy White. What would the rest of this country say to that? Talkin’ ‘bout maturation? This would blow them away! If one of our own just totally blew it!. Totally messed up! We all do it sometimes. Or at least I know I do. What if we stopped riding this kid ( and that’s what he is you know - A KID!) and started saying, writing that we are going to stand by you Mike. You screwed up! You blew it! But we’re going to support you. Help you get through this thing so you won’t do this kind of thing again. I bet you Arthur’s going to do it. Rich’s gonna do it. And so will Bobby! He’ll have to pay for it sure. All screw-up come with a cost. Experience! The totally Ruthless teacher! But because of the support, because of the love, because we’re family, he next screw-up might not be so bad! That’s how champions are made, not born!!
By DataGuru
January 19, 2007 02:19 PM | Link to this
wow, let whoever has not ever made some stupid decision throw the first stone. All you Tampa, Philly and New Orleans fans need to quit commenting about the falcons, acting like Falcon fans. I bet you wouldnt mind if we got rid of Vick. Shultz, damn, it is quite evindent you are a good ol’ boy, There are bigger problems than Vick. Vick is the kind of QB we need, now that Mora is out we can finally see what Vick can do under a good Head Coach
By grady
January 19, 2007 02:24 PM | Link to this
Quit Hating — Brett Favre was/is a bigger doper than Mike Vick. Look at Peyton, he is the result of HGH that is why his shape is so odd. Leave Vick alone, it’s not his fault that these guys are seriously overpaid and screw off/up because they think it is their birthright!!!
By Shannon
January 19, 2007 02:26 PM | Link to this
Vick is not the problem with this team. Secondary, coaching, special teams, WR, OL, DL depth, etc are the problem. Vick’s 20 TD’s are good enough for 10th best in the league. If you add his 1,000 yards rushing to that it is hard to blame Vick for missing the playoffs. If you DO think he IS the problem, who would you want? Marc Bulger perhaps? He had 24 TD’s and only 8 picks this season. But he still couldn’t lead his team to the NFC playoffs. This is a team with a #1 overall pick at LT (Orlando Pace) and 1,500 rusher (Stephen Jackson) and two great (potential) HOF WR’s (Holt and Bruce). What was the result? An 8-8 season with a loss to lowly Arizona down the stretch. Teams can win with solid or decent QB’s (see Rypien, Dilfer, Brad Johnson, McMahon, Doug Williams, Hostetler, etc). And don’t give me they are all “leaders”. Brad Johnson was no leader and Dilfer was practically an outsider. If Petrino can get everything else working right the QB position will take care of itself. Vick has everything we need. Be patient. Remember that Peyton Manning has never even appeared in a Super Bowl and it took Elway 15 YEARS to win one. Brees or Carson Palmer have also NEVER appreared in a Super Bowl. NOBODY is calling for their heads. Ray Lewis was accused of MURDER and got less grief than Vick has over this stupid incident. And Jeff Shultz should be ashamed for bringing up the Ron Mexico story and trying to lead readers to believe he is guilty because he settled with the accuser. Haven’t we learned anything with the Duke rape case? Sometimes it is just easier when you have the option (Vick did) to pay and make it all go away rather than fight it out for months and put yourself and your family through so much trauma defending something that cannot be proved either way. Instead of worrying about this let’s worry about trading Schaub for draft picks and filling some holes. This team can win next season.
By Dante
January 19, 2007 02:28 PM | Link to this
I agree that vick had poor judgement but he is a winner and the only reason he reacts the way he does is something that you would probably have to be a black male to understand he is under an abundance of pressure and I think that he doesn’t handle it the best but he does handle it and just look at the team in a whole before pointing the finger no team wins because of just the QB John Elway had T Davis, Bret had Ahman Green and Holmgren and winning coach who is (Mora anyway), Brady has the best coach, and a solid D year in and out. Vick best coach Dan Reeves, best runningback warrick dunn , receiver Alge Crumpler, That is not enough especially when Kearny and Abraham got hurt it was a bad season with a mediocore team vick needs help just like any other QB. Trust me he is going to prove ya haters wrong
P.s the Coach is the leader is’nt he
By blah
January 19, 2007 02:32 PM | Link to this
blah blah blah blah blah….nothing changes….
By Vawildone
January 19, 2007 02:33 PM | Link to this
Fact:Matt Schaub is a pocket passer and has the physical traits of a real QB. Vick will NEVER take that team to a superbowl. Sure, Schaub is unproven but hell after six years of riding the pine behind Mr excitement and the die hard fans of the Falcons Schaub does not have a chance, I hope he does get traded, he deserves a chance. The Vick lovers just want to see his exposiveness and excitement, which is entertaining. It only sells tickets, jersey’s and the oversized foam number one fingers, but it won’t win them a superbowl. How many receivers does Vick need to go through and he has had some proven WR’s? How do other teams make good use of like a 7th round draft pics (New Orleans, Colsten)Oh they have a QB! He is a one man show, that’s it!
By Robert Samms
January 19, 2007 02:34 PM | Link to this
Time for Vick to leave Atlanta. We an’t about paying 136million to pot head losers. Falcons will never win with this guy. Trade him before the dope results come out.
By B
January 19, 2007 02:35 PM | Link to this
Good job Jeff. I’m still undecided but I’m over this whole Vick needs more time thing. Wanting someone to sack up and prove we want to be a winner in ATL.
By Antonio
January 19, 2007 02:35 PM | Link to this
Schultzie,
Great way to insite a riot. Now this angry mob is looking for a target. We lose Vick, now who do we get to QB that would be better? We don’t want to start over with a rookie. And Schaub is not the real deal. We all saw what he looks like against first-teamers. And calling Vick a “thug” is just code for you know what…thugs are violent, Vick hasn’t done anything violent. He’s had a few indescetions at inconvenient times. Everybody just needs to calm down and put the white hoods away.
By Sec 255 Season Ticket Holder
January 19, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this
Despite his recent issues, I don’t believe Vick will be traded. With that in mind, I wish all you Vick Haters would stay home like you did before he arrived so I can get better seats. I’m doing a bit better financially now and can afford better seats. If Vick is sent packing to Blacksburg, Atlanta will return to Sunday Blackouts.
… and by the way, Jim Mora Jr. is not “elsewhere”, he is at home.
… and by the way again, 130 Million smackers won’t make you mistake free, it will only amplify what you already are. Nor is it a reward for being a upstanding citizen obviously or a few of you first stone casters would get together and buy Blank out.
… and by the way one last time, what is going on in your households where the kids are looking past the parents to a gridiron superstar as their idol?
By Tex
January 19, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this
Mick Vick alone can’t take the Falcons to the super bowl. Give the guy a couple of good receivers and then see what happen.
By Miller D
January 19, 2007 02:37 PM | Link to this
I am so so tried of Vick vs Schaub. People wake up, Mike is our QB not Schaub. The same crowd that wants Schaub as our QB is probably the same Vick haters that wanted Doug Johnson. Oh, by the way, where the hell is he? He damn sure is a starting QB. I wonder why?
By me
January 19, 2007 02:38 PM | Link to this
I don’t see anyone complaining that Peyton Manning needs to leave. How many Superbowls did he win?!! They just pat his back and say better luck next year Mr. Great White Hope!!!! You guys would not be saying this if Vick was a white guy. I think people are mad becuse we (people of color) are taking your quaterback positions.
By CRYSTAL
January 19, 2007 02:45 PM | Link to this
i still think mike is a great ball player.maybe all of this nonscence and and hating about his misbehaving will open his eyes and he will think more clearly about the actions he take in the future.give the man another chance . i’m not supporting the misbehaving,but he deserve another change.people do make mistakes,i know you have mad them to sometime in your life.
By Tripp
January 19, 2007 02:45 PM | Link to this
Amen to Shannon, Schultz is just like everybody else, ban wagon first class> Vick sets career highs in TD passes, single season NFL record 1,000 rushing yards in a season and Vick is the reasoning to our deminishment, not to mention that he himself has rejuvenated our franchise. The Falcons have three WR that were FIRST RD draft picks and they couldnt catch a cold. So lets put 2 and 2 together, career highs in TD passes and rushing yards and the combination of our butterfingered recievers, how many TD passes would he have really thrown. Think about it; playing against a Mike Vick, are you serious?
By David
January 19, 2007 02:46 PM | Link to this
“Yessuh Let me dig into your brain, folks fallin like rain Property got me sellin thangs, guess I’m gon’ explain Jane is rolled up, no gangs be throwed up But still Andre got action, they Sweat like Keith, all on my teeth I take it upon myself to handle mine, thinkin that you Gots ample to do this have you shot I thought you knew this I’m crumblin’, no time for fumblin sellin my sacks watchin my back Wettin em up like splish, leavin em in a splash Of blood, the clock is tickin “BOYZ” from my block is missin I’m puttin it down like it be hot before we all get shot Got, only so much time in this “JERK” Bitter be claimin broke but I be sayin they pro-cras-ti-natin Settlin for less, bet’ be ready When they roll up in your nest and, sink one in your chest and Youse gone, up outta here for good Y’all be bobbin back and forth to let me know you understood Yeah, whassup
[Chorus:] There’s only so much time left in this crazy world I’m just crumblin’ erb, I’m just crumblin’ erb “BOYZ” can’t let “BOYZ” they don’t understand (what’s the master plan) I’m just crumblin’ erb, I’m just crumblin’ erb
[Verse Two: Big Boi] So check me out, see Once in a while when “BOYZ” be tryin to test me I gets frisky Grab a pint of golden whiskey then they swing but s** they missed me huh I’m gettin nice with them thangs, because I do like that You heard me on the radio and yes my man I’m true to dat I run my lyrics the way y’all wanna hear em And shoot my dice like it’s the brick the way that wall done flicks em “BOY”, so ring around the roses diamonds around my neck from flexin But I’m runnin “BOYZ” over like a ninety-fo’ Lexus, test it Ten millimeters count em “BOY” “DARN” high See I added a millimeter for y’all “BOYZ” doin crimes and drivebys Kiss yo’ “BUTT” bye-bye, sayanora suckers I flipped the script and turned the page ain’t scared of you “JERKS” Be boppin shots, like them “DIRTY WOMEN” be poppin “BOTTOMS” And I still be spreadin bullets like them freaks be spreadin cooties So look here “BOYZ, I’m Huntin Red October I said my s** and ran my lyrics and now my verse is over
[Chorus]
[Verse Three: Big Boi, Andre] Wooo! Big Boi Got a type of nugget, blunt box, it’s empty That’s where the erb be droppin, it’s simply marvelous time is tickin But some of that time when I be layin vocals in the Dungeon Sugar Bear and Mon be smokin ounces like it ain’t nuttin It ain’t s**, to take another hit so hit it Of the canibus seteva weed reefer yeah smoke “STUFF” It’s all day any til they label me deceased So fire up another one and smoke out and f*** the world peace
We, is gonna smoke out, until we choke out Like some merry men, cowards I be buryin Comin around my shop with that see nigga you gets nothin Just like DJ do the cuttin I be havin your posse duckin nothin but King S**, I am askin, sucka can you hand That player with the pepper throwin salt off in your game Sprinkle sprinkle “JERKS” don’t be cryin on me That stuff the sess be in my chest until I’m chillin in peace, yeah
[Chorus]
[Outro: Big Boi]
Ahhhh “SHOOT” now Comin in like two fat “FEMALES” sittin off on Corn Flakes Droppin these thangs like french fries in hot grease Big Gipp, Goodie Mob, P.A., OutKast The J-O-I, just to let y’all “BOYZ” know Forever pimpin never slippin that’s how it is That how it’s gon’ be, that’s how it was in the past That’s how it’s gon’ be in the futures “BOY” It’s all day eryday, so whatchu wanna do with it? Bring that “STUFF” on, knowhatI’msayin? Yeah “
By Tripp
January 19, 2007 02:47 PM | Link to this
Amen to Shannon, Schultz is just like everybody else, ban wagon first class> Vick sets career highs in TD passes, single season NFL record 1,000 rushing yards in a season and Vick is the reasoning to our deminishment, not to mention that he himself has rejuvenated our franchise. The Falcons have three WR that were FIRST RD draft picks and they couldnt catch a cold. So lets put 2 and 2 together, career highs in TD passes and rushing yards and the combination of our butterfingered recievers, how many TD passes would he have really thrown. Think about it; playing against a Mike Vick, are you serious?
By ga_tech_92
January 19, 2007 02:47 PM | Link to this
Still waiting for an answer…it must be a really tough question…no one seems to be able to handle it…taunt taunt…
I hear some people say “getting rid of Vick is not doable. From a salary cap perspective, it’s suicide, and will render this franchise non-competative for years in the free agent market, and possibly prevent them from being able to sign draft picks. So you fans who are football stupid need to realize that.” I guess I’m football stupid then, so please enlighten me. How is it going to kill salary cap to trade someone for draft picks. When you trade someone, the NEW team pays the salary I should think. In which case, we are off the hook for it and free to sign some OL and DL and Dbacks. If the problem is “we can’t trade him, because no one will take him” then that clearly supports the feeling that he isn’t good enough. If the problem is “we can’t trade him because no one will pay that full salary”, then again, it clearly supports the feeling that he isn’t good enough and killing our salary cap in terms of VALUE. Please enlighten me as to why we can’t trade him. This is an honest question, not supposed to be sarcastic.
By Jack
January 19, 2007 02:49 PM | Link to this
How much is Vick going to cost Mr. Blank and the Falcon’s franchise before they cut him lose? He was fun to watch the first couple of years — but this guy is not a leader; is not all that bright; now has baggage that is only going to get heavier; and who is going to buy Number ‘7’ for their kids to emulate?
If you were a member of the team, would you follow this loser?
This guy has proven that he has little respect for himself (herpes and now the pot deal), and no respect for Falcon fans (the finger incident).
Who really is going to pay to see this guy? You can see his type all you want on Stewart Avenue — for NOTHING!
By GF
January 19, 2007 02:49 PM | Link to this
Excuses are constantly being offered for Vick’s behavior on and off the field. Vick will never be able to assume a leadership role because he doesn’t have the faintest idea what being a leader entails. Falcons management has coddled him, protected him, and taught him all the wrong things.
The Falcons suffered through the years of Smith ownership. Now, the team must endure the Blank Era. Another sidelines coach with no experience in the sport of football.
Dan Reeves and Jim Mora are gone. How about getting rid of the other problem? Ron Mexico
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 19, 2007 02:51 PM | Link to this
Please stop bringing up race, this incident is about stupidity, not race. Vick could enter the league’s substance-abuse policy because of this violation, which means any further offenses would cause him to be suspended. There is a lot of racial hatred towards Vick in this joke of a state, but this particular incident has nothing to do with it.
For those of you who want Vick gone, will you sell your tickets if he stays? Because if you will, I may be interested in buying them, at a very discounted price…
By BillyBear
January 19, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this
Race and money, thats all any of you are bringing up. Ron mexico, flippin the bird, pot on the plane, these are not reasons for him to be traded or cut. I like many of you have grown tired of waiting for Michael Vick to maximize his potential as a quarterback and you are damn right for $130 million dollars I would fly as straight as an arrow, but thats not the point. If he had Tom Brady’s hardware most of you would be saying that he deserved another chance. It all comes down to wins and losses and championships. If you are tired of Vick make it because of his lack of rings but not because he makes so much money and doesn’t handle it the way YOU want him to. Michael Jordan whom most of you would say is the best of all times(i don’t agree) has six championships and is a notorious jerk and a*******hole, but you never hear about that in the media. Tom Brady is a well documented playboy (you think he hasn’t come across an STD or two? But with hardware it doesn’t matter what you do in you personal life. It shouldn’t matter for Michael Vick either. What does matter is he is not progressing as a football player the us fans would have liked. Judge him on his performance, not his personal life.
By ga_tech_92
January 19, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this
Still waiting for an answer…it must be a really tough question…no one seems to be able to handle it…taunt taunt…
I hear some people say “getting rid of Vick is not doable. From a salary cap perspective, it’s suicide, and will render this franchise non-competative for years in the free agent market, and possibly prevent them from being able to sign draft picks. So you fans who are football stupid need to realize that.” I guess I’m football stupid then, so please enlighten me. How is it going to kill salary cap to trade someone for draft picks. When you trade someone, the NEW team pays the salary I should think. In which case, we are off the hook for it and free to sign some OL and DL and Dbacks. If the problem is “we can’t trade him, because no one will take him” then that clearly supports the feeling that he isn’t good enough. If the problem is “we can’t trade him because no one will pay that full salary”, then again, it clearly supports the feeling that he isn’t good enough and killing our salary cap in terms of VALUE. Please enlighten me as to why we can’t trade him. This is an honest question, not supposed to be sarcastic.
By MarK
January 19, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this
The day Mora was fired, I said they fired the wrong guy. Vick should have gone. But, no matter what the fans say, and until they stop buying tickets, will management of any pro sports team get rid of the bad attitude, bad influence, bad etc…. players. My son wanted a #7 jersey, but I refused to get him one for Christmas because I told him that Vick was not a good role model for kids. I’ld say “Adios senor Mexico!”
By Archie
January 19, 2007 02:54 PM | Link to this
Vick did do something stupid but yes Schultz is overreacting. Also this leadership thing is way overrated. Was Trent Dilfer a great leader? Was Brad Johnson a great leader? Both guys were dumped several times but both guys have championship rings, maybe because they did just enough while playing on good teams. Viking fans want to get rid of Brad Johnson again. Tom Brady is not morally perfect and he will tell you that himself. Brady has openly said he likes porn, but as for the subject of Vick from a pure football point of view I have never been a fan and I prefer a dropback passer everytime to a running quarterback. Remember Peyton Manning literally showed his behind several years ago so stupidity is not something that just happens with Vick. I say let it be an open competition between Vick and Schaub and if Vick loses then let him go but if Schaub loses, understand you may have to let him go. The main thing Atlanta needs is a better defense and for Vick to improve his passing game and please let’s remember a whole lot of fans act stupid so the athletes are no better or worse,especially since Vick is around 26 or 27 years old. Vick may never win a championship but that puts him in the company of Kelly,Marino,Fouts,Tarkenton,Moon, and Cunningham. All of those guys are in the Hall of fame except Randle Cunningham. We need better sportswriters so that hypocrispy won’t be so ever-present.
By ed
January 19, 2007 02:56 PM | Link to this
David,
we all love the 311 lyrics.
By Michael Perez
January 19, 2007 02:56 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick would look damn good in a Raiders uniform.
Raiders 2007 *Going to be a great year for the silver and black!
By freethrow
January 19, 2007 02:57 PM | Link to this
It seems to run in the family, doesn’t it? His brother’s no great paragon of class, either.
By TiftDawg
January 19, 2007 02:58 PM | Link to this
Trade him to the Raiders- they love to take other team’s problems- for the first draft pick and choose Calvin Johnson. Schaub to Johnson. 2 problems solved.
By Frank
January 19, 2007 03:36 PM | Link to this
It is evident to most people that Micheal Vic is more hype than reality. Vic is not an NFL quarterback. Vic is not an every down running back. Vic is MAYBE a wide receiver in this leage. He could even be a fantastic kick returner. Quarterbacks are able to move the football with efficient and reliable passing. This man with terrible ethics and a huge salary doesnt deserve to be playing QB in the major league.
By Jacket
January 19, 2007 03:37 PM | Link to this
Hey Birddawg, Nobody wants to read your loser life story about you quitting pot in “78 when you married your sister! You stupid inbred loser!
By duh
January 19, 2007 03:39 PM | Link to this
The advantage for the player is that all signing-bonus money is guaranteed to be paid, whereas an NFL contract is not guaranteed.
There are drawbacks to signing bonuses for the owner, however. Because the bonus is guaranteed to the player, if the player is released, traded or waived, all of the bonus money that was being prorated throughout the length of the contract is accelerated to the present year. So, if our team released its star player after the third year of his contract (before June 1) for whatever reason, the entire remainder of the bonus, almost $6.3-million, will have to count toward the cap the next year (if the team releases the player after June 1, only the yearly $1.57-million will count the next year, and the remainder will count the subsequent year).
By tyrell
January 19, 2007 03:40 PM | Link to this
u guys are so funny! Most people smoke weed!! I can catch most of u on the weekends leavin the bar or club drunk and drivin home but thats ok right!! Michael Vick can smoke till he hits the clouds as long as he wins games!! But again his black rite? Matt Shaub was accused of assault yet no one talks about that and lost every game he’s played and ill blame the patriots game on the defense.Im 25 and I can think of a ton of people around my age that smoke weed and they all go to work and perform great, but they dont do it on the job.Goin through security was dumb of him but unfortunately most of these guys think they are above everything and we should take some of the blame because we idolize them!!
By Bartkowski Fan
January 19, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this
Everybody smokes weed. It is not that big of a deal. But, Schultzy makes a few valid points. Vick knows better. He is a city Ambassador. And if he uses poor judgement in life, how in Gods green earth do we expect him to make great decisions on the field? I think it is time for Vick to find a new role on the team or be traded.
By ga_tech_92
January 19, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this
I’m confused and don’t want to offend anyone. If it’s “ok” for strangers to call someone “KKK” or “Klan” or “Redneck Racist”, then what is it “ok” to call you that is similarly disparaging? Or is racism only one directional? Surely there is a name that is acceptable to you as someone who finds it acceptable to call other people “KKK” or “Klan” or “Racist”. What is the word for someone like you? That’s a very good question. If it’s not, then you’re a hypocrite and a fool…but…your not a fool are you? OK, then answer my question.
By Bill in VA
January 19, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this
I’m a long time Braves and lately a Falcons fan from southwest Virginia. But now that I see the team may be run by a thug, I’ll give Mr. Blank some time to lower the boom, but then, if it’s business as usual, I’ll move on to a different NFL town.
By zach
January 19, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this
Vick should go just for not fulfilling his potential. Six years in the NFL and we’re still talking about how a new coach will either utilize his skills or mold him into a pure passer is too long. He’ll never be a pocket passer. He’s nothing more than a glorified running back. Arthur Blank is a smart businessman and should realize he should cut his losses on his investment in Michael Vick. Bring on the Matt Schaub era.
By idiots read this
January 19, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this
http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/question644.htm
By Mike
January 19, 2007 03:44 PM | Link to this
As a loyal Falcon fan since Tommy Nobis made his first NFL tackle,I have suffered long with this long suffering team. However, the last two years of this Michael Vick is just about as long suffering as I can go. Mr. Vick is still very attractive to some other teams. Let one of them have him. Arthur, please cut your loses and start training Schaub, our real quarterback.
By Quick
January 19, 2007 03:45 PM | Link to this
Vick got paid based on the potential he has and how he performed up until that contract. Guest What White Boys who continue to talk about Mike Vick and how much he Paid >>> U don’t think they would pay U the same >>>>> OHHH My Bad>>>> NONE OF U CAN PLAY AS GOOOD AS VICK >>>can U >>> get over IT >>>>>
By BigB
January 19, 2007 03:46 PM | Link to this
I forgot, some of you bloggers (I would bet that you are probably of the caucasian persuasion) should be mindful of how you throw around the word “thug” when referencing athletes. It seems to always be used to describe black players, usually darker hued black athletes. Non black players often have similar or even worse behavior and I don’t see bloggers throwing around the word “thug”.
Maybe those of you that would throw that word around just weren’t able to get online when topics are thrown out about non black athletes. Maybe there aren’t many negatively perceived blogs about non-blacks. French guy head-butts another player, Janikowski is constantly drunk and even had ghb at one time, Romanawski’s name is never mentioned during T.O.’s “spit gate”, Favre was a pill popper, Lance Armstrong is an arrogant a* hole and has been suspected of being a cheat (just like Barry Bonds), Giles is brawling this past weekend, Nascar guys fight in pit row and hockey & baseball players fight all the time. Football and Basketball (majority black) and the word thug gets thrown around.
By Eric
January 19, 2007 03:48 PM | Link to this
It is the general acceptance of this type of behavior that has this city, this state, and this country in the turmoil that it is in.
We don’t need these kind of people in positions of leadership or role-modeling.
Plain and simple.
By I've Had It Too!
January 19, 2007 04:08 PM | Link to this
If Vick wants to hand his job over to Matt Schaub on a “silver platter” I say let him. I have had it with Vick’s stupidity. Vick knows w/o a doubt everyone in Atlanta would like to see him out of here and for him to continue doing these asinine acts lead one to wonder if he really gives a flying flip the bird! Well I have had it. I am a Falcon fan period. I am not so much an MV7 fan as I am a “team” fan. If Vick doesn’t care anything about the team - can his a$$. I hope Matt Schaub is taking notes on what not to do when he is the starting QB. We can only hope Vick will learn a lesson with his next team. Signed - Fed up.
By BUSHWACKER
January 19, 2007 04:09 PM | Link to this
RCIH MCKAY’S own words: McKay said. “I think we have done a pretty good job of bringing the right people in here so we don’t have to face these types of issues. We don’t like it. WE DON’T ACCEPT IT. It is not what we want.”
Well Rich,and I’m using your own words,if you keep Vick, then YOU DO ACCPET IT!!
By Rc
January 19, 2007 04:15 PM | Link to this
I think Vick should leave because the Falcons suck (and always have), but not because of his incident or his behavior but because they have been trying to keep Vick in the pocket and you so call journalist who started saying, he’s not a pocket QB is the reason. It would be to his benefit to leave. If you look at the start of his career, he was a moving QB.
By BUSHWACKER
January 19, 2007 04:15 PM | Link to this
What’s with the headline,Support for Vick remains strong?? Your own poll says 75% of the people say get rid of him!!
By i hate people that hate vick
January 19, 2007 04:15 PM | Link to this
YOU HATERS NEED TO GROW UP!!! MORE THAN 75% OF THE WORLD DOES DRUGS!!! IM GONNA DEFEND MIKE VICK CUZ HES THE BEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO ATLANTA SINCE TOMMY NOBIS IN 1996, AFTER THAT IT WAS STEVE BARKOWSKI IN 1975, AND THEN IT WAS AUDRY IN 1988!!! SO U VICK HATERS NEED TO GROW UP OR JUST GET IT IN YOUR HEAD THAT VICK IS BETTER THAN URE QB!!! VICK IS THE BEST AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST!!! SO GROW UP AND STOP BEIN JEALOUS!!!!
By AJ
January 19, 2007 04:50 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a Falcons fan for 34 years. I’m a white guy who owns a Mike Vick Jersey that I wore to games and don’t have a racist bone in my body. If race was an issue we would definitely be all over our receivers dropping the ball and saying the only reason we lost is because Finneran and Kerney were hurt. This has nothing to do with race. Those who keep bringing race into need to ask themselves who the racist is!!
By Jason
January 19, 2007 04:51 PM | Link to this
The NFL is for entertain & investments Not for our kids to look for role modesl.
By Rickie Vick
January 19, 2007 04:52 PM | Link to this
they had the best running game for a couple of years and can’t get a pass game going? He just needs to go, regardless of his poor judgment and stupidity. The current offensive structure does not match up to compete with the elite teams in the league even with the widespread parody. Bye-Bye - does he watch too many James Bond movies?
By Titothebear
January 19, 2007 04:52 PM | Link to this
If the substance is determined to be an illegal one, Vick could be charged with possession and with attempted smuggling. He’s an embarassment to the Falcons. If he didn’t tell the truth to Mr. Blank yesterday, and I mean the whole truth, he could be dumped and Mr. Blank could claim Vick has abrogated his contract! Vick needs to leave Atlanta. He’s been an abject failure here and he needs to go somewhere else and be a complete failure there. The NFL will scrutinize this whole episode and may decide to fine, suspend or, otherwise, punish Vick. I sure hope so!
By greg
January 19, 2007 05:10 PM | Link to this
Trade Vick and Schuab, Play DJ. and let him take this team to another level. OH I forgot, DJ. is Black,so that will never happen.
By Dave
January 19, 2007 05:11 PM | Link to this
It’s not all Vick’s fault - he’s got possibly the worst group of receivers in the history of NFL football (except for Crumpler).
But Vick is just not getting it done, and the sad fact of the matter is that if we let Matt Schaub go and keep Vick around with the same average results for the next 10 years, it’s going to come back and bite us in the a**.
Schaub is the real deal - we need to get him on the field before we lose him.
By C. McCant
January 19, 2007 05:12 PM | Link to this
Thank you Michael Vick for reviving the Atlanta Falcons. May you have success in all of your future endeavors.
By Pete
January 19, 2007 05:14 PM | Link to this
Everyone needs to stop debating the race issue. The simple fact of the matter is that Michael Vick is not a leader; and most importantly, not a winner. News flash: He also has absolutely no intentions of changing one iota in an attempt to become either!
By REALITY
January 19, 2007 05:16 PM | Link to this
How did this article go from the mishap of 1 player to a racial stand point? This shows the ignorance of both whites and blacks. The author didnt bring up race one time in his article so how did that become a focal point of conversation??
I smoke weed now and Micheal Vick smoking it does not make him close to a bad player or person, it just means sometimes his brain is not fully functioning or he might have forgotten that he is in the media’s eye at ALL TIMES. Either way it goes he is a GREAT player whether it is with ATL or another team, I will always be a fan of Micheal Vick whether he is smoking a BLUNT or “SMALL CIGAR”
As for the “GROWN” people we have on here “INTERNET BANGIN”… Grow up, mature, get some a$$, or some extra activites and realize that TRUE judgement can only be given by 1 spirit.
By reeses_peace
January 19, 2007 05:17 PM | Link to this
The next time you travel, make sure nothing you have smells like marijuana. If it does, you might wind up in the AJC and everyone in the City will recommend that you should loose your job.
Stop the Hate!
By ThugZrUS
January 19, 2007 05:17 PM | Link to this
All this is, is about race. You white people can’t stand to see a black player lead in a predominately white players position. As soon as trouble comes around you want to call him a thug, or say he can’t handle the pressure. Given the right circumstances, Vick would succeed. Maybe its not with the Falcons, but it certainly has nothing to do with Vick, cause he is the perfect quarterback for any team.
Stop hating on black people, and concentrate on your all American white quarterbacks like Romo, and Tom Brady, and who ever else cant hold a candlestick to Vick.
By onefive
January 19, 2007 05:17 PM | Link to this
I cannot beleive the Vick haters I’m reading about. All of you need to get a real life. I am not defending Micheal Vick as if he’s an angel but he’s not the anti-christ either. He is young and immature and last I checked , that’s not reason to burn him at the stake. he does need to make better off-field decision but so does evryone reading this colum. Football wise, He is arguably the best athelelte Atlanta has seen since dominique. His on field exploits have made the Falcons a team to watch.All of you haters who try make professional atheletes the moral standard for your children deserve what you get. Arthur Blanks is the blame for the Falcons on field desasters because of the coaching clowns he ask to provid a miracle. Mike Vick is the blame for his immature be havior and he ‘ll pay the price until he grows up. In the meantime and between time you Vick haters should hope that he leads the Falcons to Superbowl because he is the only chance at football glory the Falcon have . Do what you do Vick and don’t let the haters discourage you
By justanotherguy
January 19, 2007 05:17 PM | Link to this
OK, the majority consensus is that he should go - the sooner, the better, but we need to get something of value in the exchange.
Let’s move on to the financial impact, and what options the team has to minimize it.
By toshie
January 19, 2007 05:17 PM | Link to this
You people are talking like this is the first NFL player or any other athletic has done anything wrong. Boy you are bored for anything to talk about. Maybe you should clean around your own front door before you start cleaning around someone elses.
By Titothebear
January 19, 2007 05:19 PM | Link to this
If the substance is determined to be an illegal one, Vick could be charged with possession and with attempted smuggling. He’s an embarassment to the Falcons. If he didn’t tell the truth to Mr. Blank yesterday, and I mean the whole truth, he could be dumped and Mr. Blank could claim Vick has abrogated his contract! Vick needs to leave Atlanta. He’s been an abject failure here and he needs to go somewhere else and be a complete failure there. The NFL will scrutinize this whole episode and may decide to fine, suspend or, otherwise, punish Vick. I sure hope so!
By Yolanda
January 19, 2007 05:22 PM | Link to this
NEWS RELEASE FROM MIAMI NEWSPAPER
AP MIAMI: Ron Mexico has just announced his defense team for the upcoming drug trial slated for later this month in Miami-Dade County. It appears Johnny Cochran is being dug up and airlifted so he can represent Ron in what is being called “Dream Team II”. Assisting Johnny will be Jesse Jackson, Cynthia McKinney, Rev Al Sharpton, F. Lee Bailey, Spike Lee and yes, none other than OJ.
Representatives from the Cochran Law firm have indicated that Johnny will “Pull Out The Race Card” and claim that Ron is a black athlete who is being falsely accused of all accusations. Ron as most corrupt black athletes who emulate “Gangsters” and “Gang Bangers” are not required to follow the same laws as the rest of society. Johnny will show that Ron had a rough upbringing so it cannot be his fault. This poor boy is only 26 years old and how could he be responsible for having failing grades in school, infecting innocent women with herpes, allowing his friends to carry/use drugs in a car registered to him, have multiply children out of wedlock, enjoy hanging out at hip-hop clubs all hours of the night during the NFL season, showing an obscene jester to his loyal fans of all colors, dressing up and representing himself to the public as a “thug,” running around town with posse members who have criminal records, and last but not lease, having to continually post bail to get his brother Marcus out of jail.
See Johnny will show that Ron is a wonderful “role model” to all kids of the world. Ron Mexico is Superman, Not Superfly!!. Hey its ok to do drugs kids, its ok to break the laws & rules of society, its so “Cool” and “Hip” to dress up and act just like Gang Bangers, Graffiti Artist, Rap Stars, and Thugs who carry guns and spill blood/violence in your neighborhoods; and hey, why should a kid need to read when we have video games.
“If the thug image don’t fit, than you must acquit”
In a surprising move it appears Johnny will introduce to the stand the following “Character Witnesses” to show that Ron is a good member of society, a law abiding citizen with high morals, character, and represents his team and the NFL as a total professional on and off the field. He will show that Ron has the up most respect for the game and to all those who preceded him. This list of well known and respected citizens will include, but not limited to: Terrell Owens, Dennis Rodman, Randy Moss, Charles Barkley, Ron Artest, Whiney Houston, Bobby Brown, Ray Lewis Flavor of Love, Carmelo Anthony, Eminem, Queen Latifah, Kanye West, Darryl Strawberry, Snoop Dogg, Ice T, Allen Iverson, Michael Irvin, Ricky Williams, Tim Robbins, members of the Ziggy Marley band, membes of Ron’s posse, P-Funk, Terrance Moore, Barry Bonds, Howard Stern, Cheech and Chong, Ted Kennedy, Vanialla Ice and without saying, Marcus Vick. Videos of Tupac Skakur, Mizelli and Notorious BIG will be shown during intermission.
In another developing story, CNN has reported that the Miami-Dade County DA office is compiling a list of “Character Witnesses” themselves whom they hope will show that no matter what the color of your skin may be or how you were raised; you and you alone are responsible for your actions and how one represents themselves, their family, and their employer in society. The DA will try to show how very very sad it is how a group of individuals (i.e. trash, hoodlums) can allow their race to always take two steps back with every step forward. So far we have learned this character list consist of: Tiger Woods, Bill Lester, Hank Aaron, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Terry Holt, Marvin Harrison, UN President Annan, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Oprah, Warren Dunn, Senator Obama, Doug Williams, Bill Cosby, Steve McNair, Steve McNabb, Carl Lewis, Mike Singletary, Deacon Jones, The wife of the great Arthur Ashe, Sylvester Crooms, Lovie Smith, Michael Jordan, Denzall Washington, Lynn Swann, Jerry Rice, Serena Williams, Ali, Tony Dungy, Mark Jackson, Desmond Howard, Isaiah Thomas, Grant Hill, Derrick Jeter, Edwin Moses, Bo Jackson, Barry Sanders, Reggie Miller, Oscar Roberson and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
By paul
January 19, 2007 05:22 PM | Link to this
Quick question:
Are all TSA agents trained in detecting the odor of Marijuana or is that skill-set limited to current and former smokers?
By Jefferson Street Joe Gilliam
January 19, 2007 05:23 PM | Link to this
Love him or hate him, Falcons management finally has the excuse to dump this moron Vick. One would have thought that a 15-16 record would be enough, though. The real question is this: will Blank have the balls to do it or will he cave to the sale of #7 jerseys and contiue to transform the Georgia Dome into a 24-hour Tarzan movie?
By Titothebear
January 19, 2007 05:24 PM | Link to this
The laws, regarding illegal substances aren’t racist. They apply to everyone! So, why are some of you acting as if Buckwheat is being treated unfairly?
By Akagi
January 19, 2007 05:27 PM | Link to this
Vick isn’t as good as my QB because my QB is Jay Cutler. Jay=88.5 and Vick=75.7. Oh and Vick was just barely better than Plummer and where is Plummer? Some teams know when to fire people and some teams don’t. Atlanta is a team that doesn’t.
By Curly Lambeau
January 19, 2007 05:29 PM | Link to this
What the hell, the Falcons should go the whole route: Keep Vick and trade for Terrell Owens. Can you imagine the drama of following those two, ahem, lifestyles and the gems dripping from that pair of twin bulging lips?!?
By Grammer_Ref
January 19, 2007 05:32 PM | Link to this
FLAG ON THE PLAY!
5 yard penalty for too many run on sentences,
10 yard penalty for abuse of the comma,
and a
15 yard penalty for poor conjugation.
Please go back to grade school and master basic sentence structure before calling Michael Vick’s intelligence in to question in written forum.
By Traceman
January 19, 2007 05:33 PM | Link to this
I wonder if the same venom would have been aimed at “Buckhead Brett” Favre had he been in Vick’s shoes?
By Titothebear
January 19, 2007 05:34 PM | Link to this
The laws, regarding illegal substances aren’t racist. They apply to everyone! So, why are some of you acting as if Buckwheat is being treated unfairly?
By jack
January 19, 2007 05:35 PM | Link to this
put shockley at qb. he is the same physically as vick, but he has much more class, as he is a bulldog. shaub cant run, and nowadays, u need to be able to run.
but say vick stays:
Put Shockley at QB and put vick and norwood together in the same backfield. that is like west virginia on steroids. like having 2 pat whites, along with steve slaton. that would be so fun to watch, with 2 guys who can throw and all three can run. geeez that would freak some defenses out.
By King JEC IV
January 19, 2007 05:37 PM | Link to this
Trading or cutting Vick will banish the Falcons back to the dark ages of endless losing seasons. Schaub isn’t the answer. I repeat, he’s not the answer! Doug Johnson, anyone? How about the fact that the Falcons have failed to give him help at the offensive line position and the receiver position. How many dropped passes were there last year? Arrogant in the fourth quarter? Whoever wrote that is an absolute moron!!! He’s trying to make a play on his own due to the piece of sh*t line breaking down AGAIN!!!!!!!! I swear the other 10 guys stand around watching him and expecting him to make a big play!!! As for the weed incident, he’s not helping his image at all. This was the dumbest thing he could have possibly done! I agree with Schulz that he lacks common sense!! As for the ganja smokers on here, I have never smoked pot! Sorry. No illegal drugs have ever been in my system. I’ve never shot anyone the bird! Am I a goody two-shoes? Maybe. Nonetheless, Vick’s not being a leader. I’m younger than him and I think he should grow the hell up!! Vick needs a change of scenery. I also think he needs time as a backup to learn from a seasoned veteran how to lead and set a positive example.
By Traceman
January 19, 2007 05:43 PM | Link to this
I didn’t see all this fuss going on when Matt Schaub was charged with assault and battery after having 6-8 beers and then allegedly punching a guy in the face.
By Marcus Vick
January 19, 2007 05:46 PM | Link to this
I hope that all of you morons asking for my brother to get traded get your wish so he can go on to another team help them win while you losers will continue your great history of trading away/letting go of quality players that go on to do bigger and better things…….
p.s. Matt Schaub STILL hasn’t won a single game as a starter or relief and many of you on here act like he’s the savior or some kind of folk hero. He must have ya’ll under some kind of spell…..or ya’ll are on dudes jock…
By Drew
January 19, 2007 05:46 PM | Link to this
Should have gotten rid of him while his trade value was HIGHer (or HIGHest)
By Dawgs2006
January 19, 2007 05:47 PM | Link to this
Time to go buddy. Arthur Blank should be ashamed of himself if he keeps Vick now.
What a low-life THUG!
By Bronco Buster
January 19, 2007 05:47 PM | Link to this
I grew up a Bronco fan and as a young kid my hero was John Elway. I had the jersey, watched all the games with my Dad and looked up to this guy who was the QB of the only team I knew. How times and the game have changed? It did not matter of the color of his skin, he was the leader of my home team!
I now live in Atlanta and man I am trying hard to support the Falcons, but its hard. I’ve watched this team throw money and the whole franchise at this punk kid who barely threw the ball as a QB in college. This team puts up with the attitude, the gangster mannerisms, and the constant poor preformances for what?? I don’t get it.
By DbleD23
January 19, 2007 05:51 PM | Link to this
You people, including the writer, are stupid. The Atlanta Falcons are a trash franchise. They HAVE NEVER been successful so how in the world can Vick EMBARRASS them? 266 - 352 - 6, that is the Falcons ALL TIME record. A pitiful .404 winning percentage, one of the worst is sports from longtime organizations. THe Falcons have only had 7 winning seasons out of 41 and Vick was the QB for 2 of them. This franchise WAS NOTHING BEFORE VICK and will be NOTHING AFTER HIM. People say , “well he isn’t leading them to the playoffs”. Noone who cheers for the Falcons are used to the playoffs anyway. The Falcons do stupid stuff like take Keith Brooking instead of Randy Moss and sign crap players like Warrick Dunn and then think the team should win!?!? Please, you people really want to see the ‘black guy with all that money’ gone so you can go back to feeling smug with your white loser, just like every other white QB the Falcons have had. Remember, Vick is the best ever as far as winning and is a season or 2 or way from taking over in stats also.
By Tag Applied For
January 19, 2007 05:53 PM | Link to this
Michael Vick is a simpleton and disgusting waste of flesh who make me ashamed of both my nation AND my race….
The FALCON Nation
The HUMAN Race
You know what I’m saying….
By Rico Suave
January 19, 2007 05:59 PM | Link to this
Schultzie,
If people should be banished for doing something stupid, you, Terrance Moore and the rest of the idiot columnist crew on here would’ve been gone YEARS AGO…….go ahead send Vick away and years from now, he’ll be in a growing line of players we should’ve never leave this city but b/c of morons like you Jeff and piece of crap articles like this……
p.s. change your name from the Atlanta Journal Constitution to All Junk & Crap b/c it’s all you ever write….
By minister lee
January 19, 2007 06:01 PM | Link to this
…and exactly how mature where some of you doubters at the age of 26, Blank just needs to reiterate what he wants to see from Vick, and Vick will respond…it’s kinda like a bad kid that doesnt get disciplined, he just gets worse and worse, but if Blank steps up like a owner should, and let him know…it’s now or you are outta here…Vick will step up.
By VFM
January 19, 2007 06:01 PM | Link to this
Finally, people are starting to get it that our “prima donna” QB is nothing but an egotistical “it’s all about Michael Vick” THUG. Hopefully, Arthur will wake up and face the fact that Michael Vick has no interest in the Falcons as a team, but merely as a means to showcase “The Michael Vick Show.
By Navigator
January 19, 2007 06:04 PM | Link to this
Traceman I have an answer for you. Matt Schaub got into a fight with someone at his college football game. MVick was caught bringing drugs into an international airport. Secondly Schaub is a bench warmer, not the starting quarterback. Don’t try to make this a black and white issue, because it’s not. This last problem, along with several other known problems, has gotten the management upset. At this point none of the management has said he wouldn’t be the starting quarterback, assuming he is not in jail.
By Arthur M. Blank
January 19, 2007 06:04 PM | Link to this
Dear Falcons Fans & V-103 Listeners:
This has just been some terrible, unforunate misunderstanding.
Michael is a wonderful, intelligent young man is terribly humiliated by being foolishly mistaken for a Reggae star by some small-minded airport workers.
He is like a son to me, and I know he is without flaw and has been sent to redeem all of us from non-winning football.
My staff has worked hard to prepare some fresh grape Kool-Aid to refresh each of you. It will help make each of better Falcons Fans and might make the players more accessible to you.
Best of all, it is our complimentary gift to you in thanks for your tremendous support.
Please drink it up now. We’ll always be happy to make more for you.
Proud to be the owner of YOUR Atlan-ter Falcons,
A. Blank Moi-chandising Genius
By Gatr Hatr
January 19, 2007 06:08 PM | Link to this
Absolutely…be gone with you Vick. You are a miserable excuse for a leader. I had the immense joy of explaining to my 8 year old son, who idolized Vick, what he had done this time. Kids looked up to you LOSER!
By VFM
January 19, 2007 06:10 PM | Link to this
Finally, people are starting to get it that our “prima donna” QB is nothing but an egotistical “it’s all about Michael Vick” THUG. Hopefully, Arthur will wake up and face the fact that Michael Vick has no interest in the Falcons as a team, but merely as a means to showcase “The Michael Vick Show.
By Anthony(Truth)
January 19, 2007 06:14 PM | Link to this
To see what I’m seeing in this blog it just wrong. People talking about the Peyton Mannings and Tom Brady, then jump on their bandwagon, because you are not wanted in Atlanta. How is a man a punk thug because they say he had a substance associated with weed with him. For all those who said that you are either white bigots or a person who has no knowledge of what is really going on. People always what to assume the worst, ya’ll need to be adults, the way some of you people shows ya’ll are even real sports fan, ya’ll are people fan, and if one person can change you love for a team, then you weren’t a real fan of that team. Schaub is a good quarterback, but you actually believe from preseason games, that he should be the starter, all that is, is hatred for Vick. Face it, Vick is going to be good and his play is going to destroy some of you wanna-be fans. Stop calling him stupid, what makes Schaub much smarter(I hope not the fact he is white). When are you Southern whites going to give a person not of your descent a real chance. Schuab has been in trouble with law, but hasn’t been big news as it is with Vick. Ya’ll say Vick is childish when you just make it clear that ya’ll are really the childish ones. Vick is no thug, because he is black, wear bears, and shines earrings and a chain that probably cost more than my house. Grow Up people. I wish the Falcons had more real fans.
By Miss Pop Quiz
January 19, 2007 06:19 PM | Link to this
* Michael Vick is which of the following? *
A .) Dumb
B .) Illiterate (Unable to read defenses OR airport signs with pictures)
C .) Diseased
D .) Dishonest and disrespectful of women and infecting them
E .) A better athlete than quarterback
F .) High
G .) Overpaid and underproducing
H .) Defended by people who are dumber than a sack of doughnuts
I .) More in love with MaryJane than football
J .) A waste to time to discuss
K .) An example of how your daughter could pick a WORSE guy to date
L .) NOT Donovan McNabb or Tom Brady
M .) Inarticulate
N .) Annoying to hear speak
O .) Ron Mexico
P .) Ignorant of the law
Q .) Looking out only for # 7
R .) An example of how young millionaires should NOT conduct themselves
S .) The future killer of Bobby Petrino’s pro coaching career
T .) Cut from the same cloth as his brother Marcus
U .) Better off someplace else
V .) An egotist
W .) User of poor judgement
X .) Too close to the owner
Y .) A distraction from Falcons F-O-O-T-B-A-L-L
Z .) All of the above
By Ima Hater
January 19, 2007 06:27 PM | Link to this
Yes, I am a Hater.
I HATE overrated, overpaid QBs who sink my team’s championship hopes.
I HATE selfish jerks like #7 who knowingly spread veneral diseases to various women WITHOUT warning them because he “don’t like to talk about it.”
I HATE Michael Vick because he has now sabotaged the careers of two championship-caliber coaches who tried to help him make the most of the talents.
I HATE poor QBs.
In sum, I HATE it that Mikey Vick plays for, and represents, my beloved FALCONS.
Frankly, I’m not very fond of ignorant, uninformed, jealous ghetto trash who want to call any one of us a “bigot” or “racist” or “redneck” or “hillbilly” for disliking a QUARTERBACK, either.
Mike Vick: Illiterate Under Center on an NFL Field, Illiterate In an Airport
Kids, DON’T Be Like Mike!
Study Hard, Stay in School, Stay Out of Jail and Say “No!” to Weed.
By ackshun
January 19, 2007 06:33 PM | Link to this
This is a serious moment for the Falcons leadership. This is the moment where they let everyone know whether one man is above this team. I remember a talented young cornerback named Juran Bolden who did something stupid and paid a heavy price for it. They cut him and I was proud of them for it. Now we’ll see whether they hold Mike to the same standard. Don’t get me wrong I like Mike and I have supported him here before. But the Falcons managed to make the super-bowl without him in 98. They could probably do it again.
If the Falcons management team doesn’t take decisive action on this, they will have no one but themselves to blame when things get worse. AND trust me things WILL get worse. Anybody else wondering how much time Mike might have spent at his neighbor Melissa Wolfe’s house.
By curtis fitzgerald
January 19, 2007 06:39 PM | Link to this
SRAIGHT UP!!!!!!!!! you got to be the dumbest sports columist in the world. And for all you VICK HATERS—————————————-WELCOME TO VICKSVILLE——-HOME OF THE 130 MILLION DOLLAR MAN.
By Don Raymond
January 19, 2007 06:40 PM | Link to this
Players used to smoke joints during halftime of NBA games a decade ago. This is the offseason. This is progress.
By midlomark
January 19, 2007 06:46 PM | Link to this
Send him packing. It’ll be good for both parties. Vick needs the slap in the face a trade or release will provide, and the Falcons need to go in a new direction, particularly w/ a new coach coming on board.
By Traceman
January 19, 2007 06:48 PM | Link to this
It is all about perception Navigator. Vick was alleged to have brought a fake water bottle with drug RESIDUE to the airport. Stupid, absolutely. But at worst, he is probably looking at a petty offense vioation that can be settled with a fine. Most likely, no charges will ever be filed.
As for Shaub, he alleged got drunk and punched a guy in the face during an altercation because the guy was teasing him. If Vick got drunk and punched a guy at a college football game, many on this board would be calling him a “thug” or a “gangsta” (wait, they already do that) and demanding that he be prosecuted. Shaub just “got into a fight.” Again, perception.
Vick did an incredibly stupid thing and he should be held accountable for his actions. If he loses endorsements, so be it. If the NFL fines or suspends him, so be it. He should be held to the same standard as other players when it comes the league’s drug/behavior policy, but not to a HIGHER standard that many are trying to hold him to in this matter.
Bottom line it is not necessarily a black and white problem but rather a problem that all the people who dislike Vick FOR WHATEVER REASON are trying to turn this issue into a matter of national security when clearly it is not.
By MOTEN A BAGBY
January 19, 2007 06:49 PM | Link to this
GIVE HIM A CHANCE AFTER ALL THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WAS A ALCOHOLIC AND USED DRUGS. AND THE VOTERS DID NOT START BOOING UNTIL AFTER 4 YEARS. JUST THINK IF BUSH HAD BEEN A YOUNG BLACK MAN HE WOULD BE DOING TIME.
By Akagi
January 19, 2007 06:50 PM | Link to this
Bronco Buster:
You should have stayed a Bronco fan.
As I said before, the Broncos cut their losses (Brian Griese, Jake Plummer) while Atlanta continues to make its losers the franchise player.
By minister lee
January 19, 2007 07:01 PM | Link to this
…and exactly how mature where some of you doubters at the age of 26, Blank just needs to reiterate what he wants to see from Vick, and Vick will respond…it’s kinda like a bad kid that doesnt get disciplined, he just gets worse and worse, but if Blank steps up like a owner should, and let him know…it’s now or you are outta here…Vick will step up.
By luke
January 19, 2007 07:04 PM | Link to this
Excellent article Jeff.
Those of us who aren’t blind homers, and realize Vick isn’t a good QB, can only hope that he’ll get traded next season because for sure he isn’t going anywhere right now. He’ll have to have at least one season of sub par performance under Petrino first before the magical word trade gets spoken.
Blank’s also a blind homer who loves Vick. It’s as obvious as the warts on the homer azzes that Blank’s hiring of Petrino was centered on how Petrino answered questions about Vick.
By Traceman
January 19, 2007 07:09 PM | Link to this
Question, where were all you so-called “Falcons fans” for the entire decade of the 90’s (excluding mid way through the Super Bowl season of course)? I have been a season ticket holder since I moved back to Atlanta in ‘95 and the Dome was usually no more than half full. Now, the Dome has a long waiting list for season ticket holders and the primary reason for that is Michael Vick.
Is he perfect on the field? HECK no! He needs to improve in a lot of areas. Among many things, he is horribly inconsistent as a passer.
Is he perfect off the field? HECK no! He has made plenty of mistakes and he deserves to be criticised when he makes those mistakes, just no more so than anyone else.
Vick is nobody’s role model at this point (or at least he shouldn’t be) but he has done a lot of great things for this franchise. I for one LOVE watching him play and I believe that we have a better chance to win with him at QB than we do without him. I also like the fact that he is exciting and he brings fans to the games who are not necessarily Falcons fans. At least the Dome is full.
If Vick is traded, I will still be a Falcons’ fan and I will still come to the games because I am a Falcons’ fan more than a Mike Vick fan. That will be true whether we win or lose. A lot of you will not support the team if we are not a playoff team no matter what you say. Believe me I KNOW because I lived it in the ’90s.
By easy
January 19, 2007 07:14 PM | Link to this
who doesnt like to get high?
By Falcon4Life
January 19, 2007 07:31 PM | Link to this
I don’t know what all of you Vick jock sniffers are complaining about. This is no different than when it was reported in the AJC on page 30 of the Sunday classifieds about Matt Schaub’s arrest for “thugging it out” in a bar leading to his arrest for assault. You remember that john from dumbwoody, titothebit^h, Ol’ Reb Bird and the rest of the confederate mafia discarded the white robes long enough to grace the falcons blog with their calls for Schaub’s head. Remember how back then, they called Schaub a thug and typed that we don’t need a QB of low character and morals as our backup, much less leading our team. I’m sure you all remember. They went so fas as to go over to the Jim Wooten blog and also demand that our coke sniffing, alcohol abusing, Vietnam dodging brokeback cowboy president be impeached because of his addictions. Now you see, it has nothing to do with skin color. So stop your “you’re all Vick haters” crying and grow up. There is no more racism in the world. Just sorry people that won’t accept their own failings. You don’t see white folks going around crying that they were passed over for promotions and college admission just because it was given to a black person, do you?
Oh yeah, and don’t even try to call me a racist because my father’s best friend is a nig…I meant black. He’s so close to our family that I consider him an uncle. Hey Uncle (Clarence) Thomas
By Falcon4Life
January 19, 2007 07:36 PM | Link to this
Ackshun,
You and Melissa Worth can only dream that Vick has spent time in her million $ trailer (you know the old adage, “you can take the white trash out the trailer park but you can’t…well you know the rest). Vick likes them “brown and round”. So tell your daughters that they can stop fantasizing about Vick and concentrate on something more attainable…like a black Duke basketballer.
By Bronco Busters
January 19, 2007 07:37 PM | Link to this
Thanks Akagi!
I understand the Falcons have other issues besides a lame QB as a leader yes, but just look at the great teams and how they seem to overcome adversity. I have to hand it to NE because they have overcome a lot worst than the Falcons this season to get to where they are. And Mr. Brees has been a great leader in sparking NO. And lets not forget about Gracia who steps in and leads Philly ever so close…. Hmmmm. Can you say professionalism, respect and leadership.
Mean while, the Falcons QB is hitting a bong with his posse in tow….
By Stacy V
January 19, 2007 07:39 PM | Link to this
Bad Grammer or not… funny as H@## Yolanda. Go Girl!!
By Fans with $hit for brains and sport writers
January 19, 2007 07:40 PM | Link to this
Jeff I did not see you doing #8 or #61 like you are lynching Vick now! get the sport writers hood out. There is no way you are being even handed about this. you are out to kill steal and destroy the man bar none. you are not trying to help but you or try to destroy. He was not charged and you are putting polls out to destroy the man. you did not write about Bobby cox when he beat the hell out of his wife. you did not put a poll out saying time to fire bobby cox Don’t bull$hit your self you are all out to get Vick. And as for the Falcons Management I would not talk to none of you guy at AJC because you are out to destroy people lives. You did not do schuab the same way you are doing Vick. Pull the old papers and see. no poll on getting # 61 when the league sent him home for 4 game. What he did was dumb but you are adding gas to it! What kind of standard do you have no poll on Bobby cox , no poll on schuab no poll on Matt lehr. Henry Arron did nothing but sport writer like you play GOD and destroy people . I hope you reap what you sow.I hope how you are doing Vick get done to you just more!
By harry g
January 19, 2007 07:42 PM | Link to this
We need to put all pot smokers in jail. If you know of anyone smoking pot turn them in. Bring in homeland security go thru Vick’s computer, break in his house. Pot is bad I remember Leonard Little was high on pot when he killed that women in a car accident whoops that was booze will thats ok he had a good season and good stats. Pot makes people violent and mean woops that is booze. Well it is against the law and without drug laws how would we manage to have 1 out of ever 4 young black man in jail. It is time to build more jails hire more policeman. Heil to Bush Heil to Homeland security. I fill safer already know that Airport security found traces of or an aroma of pot in is water bottle. And thank God for all the self richeous people writing in about this incident.
By Jason Rogers
January 19, 2007 07:45 PM | Link to this
This Sunday afternoon the so called “superman” and leader of our team will be in his Sugarloaf house smoking dope, snorting crack, playing video games, eating chees whiz & crackers, banging w******* and serving colt 45 to about 20 of his posse. His brother Marcus will come over with moe dope and booze and Mike will more than likely pass out from getting too baked by 4:00pm and have to TiVo the champioship games. Nice….
By Dave
January 19, 2007 08:00 PM | Link to this
I couldn’t agree more. It amazes me that Vick still has a starting quarterback job. He’s way overrated. Sure occassionally he scrambles around and makes a good play and makes it on sportscenter and he does have physical talent. But he doesn’t have what it takes to be a successful qb in the NFL. It takes pocket awareness, the ability to read defenses, good decision making skills, mental toughness, and leadership. A guy like Tom Brady has that. Vick does not have it. Vick will never win a super bowl, period. The Falcons should try to trade him, and just hope they can get someone to give them somewhat of a decent trade.
By Paul
January 19, 2007 08:03 PM | Link to this
It it look like a gangster,walks like a gangster, talks like a gangster, drugs like a gangster…Guess what?
By Falcon4Life
January 19, 2007 08:08 PM | Link to this
And Jason Rogers will be in the basement of his mom’s two-story trailer (i don’t know how they did it) flipping through his copy of the anarchist handbook, carving swastikas in his skin after frying his last two brain cells with his “breakfast of white trash champions” - crystal meth, while the tears run down his cheeks because it’s time for his drunk daddy to come down to his room with his foot long, 10 inch thick “toy” to play with his son for a couple of hours.
By latoya
January 19, 2007 08:08 PM | Link to this
I think Atlanta should get rid of Vick. We would love to have him in Jacksonville. We have some tall receivers that would be perfect targets for Vick. Last time I checked Vick was a human being and not God. We all make mistakes but like someone said earlier it’s not flashed on the internet 24/7. It’s funny when black athletes do something go it’s not flashed but god forebid they do something wrong it’s open season. Please Vick come to Jacksonville we would love to have a mobile quarterback.
By bob
January 19, 2007 08:09 PM | Link to this
BLANK IS IN LOVE WITH MIKE.
IN ALL MARRAGES, YOU HAVE TO FORGIVE.
BOTTOM LINE: ARTHUR WILL LOSE MONEY TRADING VICK,,AND ARTHUR IS A GUY THAT DOESNT LIKE LOSING MONEY!!!!
By SHIRLEY FRANKLIN
January 19, 2007 08:22 PM | Link to this
I can’t beleive that the stupid TSA figured out how the bottle opened.
By Fans with $hit for brains and sport writers
January 19, 2007 08:25 PM | Link to this
Vick to you need to change your game. For one cut your hair off and look like you did when they drafted you. Go and talk to some pastors in some church. Seek GodS help. Talk to the pastor at Green forest baptist church. What you are doing is wrong. You are going down the wrong road now. Please change. It’s hard being a QB in this town black or white. Vick you have got to want to change and to help your self. I think MR. Blank wants to help you but you must help your self. I am a senson ticket holder you are why I come to the games. You need to humbel your self get new friends. A lot of people are pulling for you. Work hard to make atlanta a super bowl team.Do what the new coach want you to do. you can do it put all of your heart in it. Mr Blank to you thank for being a great owner.Give Mike a Second chance. He must want to do good for you and this falcons team.Mike I know you can if you put your heart in it. MR. Blank has done right by you please do right by him!!
By reggie
January 19, 2007 08:38 PM | Link to this
Its amazing to me that so many of you blame Vick for two losing seasons. The problem with you “so-called” coaches and sports writers are, you can’t coach talent! That’s why you all will never be coaches. Let me give you a few Falcons players, past and present, who’s talent was never used to its fullest. 1) Warrick Dunn (Bobby Bowden was the only coach that used Dunn talents). 2) Tim Dwight (should have been used like Pittsburgh used Randall El). 3) Wallace Francis (should have been used like Pittsburgh uses Hines Ward) and 4) Allen Rossum (should have been used on offense as a decoy. As I said before, its amazes me that we have talent on this team and we’re not using it. Why? because the coaches we have had were coaches by talent, but in all truthfulness, they weren’t real coaches. And this is the reason why most of you want Vick out of Atlanta, because you all can’t coach talent. There should be no excuse with the talent we have that teams play us with 7-8 men in the box to stop Vick. If we had any coaches who could coach, we could have created formations (like Tampa does) to force team out of stacking 7-8 men in the box to stop the run. The is so much that I would like to say, but to keep it short. I am not crazy about our new coach, but I do like the fact that he design offenses based on the talent that he have verses conforming talent.
Reggie
By Ted Wright
January 19, 2007 08:44 PM | Link to this
Step back for a minute and look at the character of Michael Vick. If there is one key ingredient of leadership, it’s character. A leader must be consistent and dependable. This guy is getting paid over a hundred million bucks to perform 16 times a year on TV. If he’s too stupid to leave his dope at home, he’s not smart enough to be a professional quarterback. Ordinary people get fired for being busted with dope, he’s about as common and ordinary as they come.
Fire him Mr. Blank, or your words are just as empty as your trophy case.
By Carlitos
January 19, 2007 08:46 PM | Link to this
no comment i’m from mexico and i like that a NFL QB like marijuana becouse all american kids will like it to, so the narcs from mexico will have a better incom. and they will not sale that nasty stuf in mexico they will croos the border whit it and all the monkyes turn in to junkys an die hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
By Bob
January 19, 2007 08:56 PM | Link to this
I agree the Falcon’s should let Vick go! He isn’t a leader.He’s made to many mistakes. Thanks,Bob
By keeping it real
January 19, 2007 09:08 PM | Link to this
it’s NOT ABOUT Vick. IT’S ABOUT THE 130MILLION. IF VICK WAS MAKING 30,000 JEFF WOULD NOT SAID A WORDS. THE SO CALL FANS WOULD NOT CARE. Jeff HAVE YOU SMOKED ANY DOPE? I BET IF THEY LOOKED IN YOUR PAST YOU HAVE DONE SOME WRONG.WHEN YOU DO SOMETHING WRONG PUT A POLL ON THE NET ABOUT YOU AND HOW MUCH MONEY YOU MAKE. Jeff I BET YOU HAVE SMOKE DOPE. if ANY BODY KNOW IF JEFF HAS SMOKE DOPE PLEASE LET US KNOW ON THIS BLOG PAGE PLEASE!Hypocrite
By i want calvin johnson!
January 19, 2007 09:13 PM | Link to this
While ive thought all along the falcons should trade vick for the top pick and get CJ. I gotta stand up for him on this…..smoking green isnt a bad thing, and unless you dont drink alcohol you really cant talk s** now can you? Alcohol is worse than getting hi off green! and green is nothing compared to ice, powder, or acid! anyone who experimented while young knows this….its all you unexperienced pple that make your own judgments thou thats got it wrong, holand has it right….so does canada….no one ever got hi and robbed a gasstation! they sat on there couch and ate chips!
By Take one to know one
January 19, 2007 09:23 PM | Link to this
Jeff Schultz have you smoked any dope or still smoking dope. Any body know please tell us on this blog! poll how many know if Jeff smoke’s are use or have used any dope!
By remy
January 19, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this
How many more chances do you give a franchise player that continues to prove he is uncoachable, untrainable, and just plain wrong for the league? I don’t think Mike Vick is good enough for ANY team in the NFL right now. Actions speak louder than words, and presently, we’ve all seen enough from a guy that we probably all used to root for. Now at least one of his ex fans wishes he would just go away, not come back, and disappear. Our team is in a tailspin and since Airtran is one of Vick’s main sponserships,(and apparently he must always be so high) here’s a bad analogy: Would your company want a plane that could take off and fly faster than any other plane? One that had a stronger engine, and was built with more maneuvering capabilities, if in fact that same plane always ran, never flew on course, and was so misguided you’d never know if it would land in the right place, or crash? Think about it. Our team is in a tailspin right now because of this.
By Opportunity Wasted
January 19, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this
In defense of marijuana, an above poster wrote:
“no one ever got hi and robbed a gasstation! they sat on there couch and ate chips!”
And sadly, this is what Vick has been doing for the last t