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DEL.ICIO.USVick and Petrino must step forward
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Instead of where’s Waldo, where’s the coach and where’s the player?
Courtesy of another absolutely ludicrous incident involving Michael Vick, quickly becoming the Atlanta quarterback of the past instead of the future or even the present, the Falcons continue to show a lack of public relations savvy.
The coach has to say something sooner than later about this latest Vick Thing that occurred at Miami International Airport, and so does the quarterback.
They’ve said nothing.
According to Falcons spokesperson Reggie Roberts, it was “an organizational decision” to have only team guru Rich McKay address this latest Vick Thing, which means the Falcons still don’t get it. Earlier this season, after Vick flashed his one-fingered salute in anger at those jeering in the home crowd, he apologized quickly and often to anybody who’d listen. That was good.
This wasn’t: Former Falcons coach Jim Mora was the only coach, management or ownership type to speak on the issue. Since Vick is the face of the franchise (for better or worse), these Vick Things should produce an immediate response from all of those with a fancy office in Flowery Branch, along with Vick himself.
That is, until the Falcons get tired of these Vick Things and tell him to sprint left while they sprint right.
Although Bobby Petrino has spent less than two weeks with the Falcons, you can’t have a rookie or veteran NFL coach sitting in the shadows when his starting quarterback is under investigation for stuff like this: TSA agents said Vick allegedly tried to stroll by security at the Miami International Airport with a water bottle containing a secret compartment that held an undetermined trace substance and smelled of marijuana. The coach has to tell us his overall thoughts on the matter, along with his answers to the following: Since you have a no-nonsense reputation, how sizzling was your tongue during your first meeting with Vick on Thursday? Is he still your undisputed starter, or does this bring backup Matt Schaub into the picture?
Are you thinking about returning to Louisville?
Mostly, the quarterback has to tell his thoughts on everything. Vick hasn’t a choice for so many reasons, and let’s start with this: He has become the worst nightmare for a franchise that has been obsessed with its image for five seasons under owner Arthur Blank. You had that Vick Thing involving the disappearance of a security screener’s watch at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. You had that Vick Thing involving his alleged use of the alias Ron Mexico for a lawsuit that accused Vick of giving a woman genital herpes. You also had those other Vick Things — ranging from an Internet picture describing Vick as holding a marijuana “blunt”, to a $45 million lawsuit by a sports agent claiming that Vick reneged on an endorsement deal.
Vick has to speak about this latest Vick Thing because of all of those other Vick Things.
Then there is that leadership question: Is Vick one? He likes to claim as much. If so, he has to speak to show as much. Consider that quarterbacks traditionally are the kings of their locker rooms, and they stay visible no matter what their plight. Just look at the NFL’s Final Four this weekend of the New Orleans Saints (Drew Brees), Chicago Bears (Rex Grossman), New England Patriots (Tom Brady) and Indianapolis Colts (Peyton Manning). Only the erratic Grossman isn’t the clear leader of his team. Such a distinction comes from what quarterbacks do on and off the field, especially in adversity.
Adversity such as Brady continuing his magic despite new receivers. Adversity such as Brees overcoming career-threatening shoulder surgery to join the elite passers. Adversity such as Manning trying to win the Big One. Adversity such as Grossman trying to overcome himself.
All of that is in contrast to Vick’s self-imposed adversity, which needs to be discussed. By everybody, including the coach and the player.
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