Sports Columnists

By 49ers

January 24, 2007 09:56 AM | Link to this

I do not recall where McKay ever said Vick was guilty of having drugs in the bottle. They only stated they were not happy with the situation because Mike could have avoided the whole incident by not having the bottle in the first place.

Let’s be honest with ourselves here. If Mike Vick would have stood in front of the media, how many of us would have believed he was innocent? Probably not many if you are honest with yourself. So why should he stand there and answer the questions? I would wait until the evidence came back, then be as professional as possible and move on with the situation by putting it behind me. It amazes me how the media stations here say “We are the Official Station of the Falcons”, but then they accused their players of criminal acts before having facts.

Mike Vick is owed an apology by everyone who ripped him before having evidence. This just goes to show you how some races/class of people are treated- Guilty until proven Innocent, not the other way around.

By Joe

January 24, 2007 09:56 AM | Link to this

You have officially taken over Terrence Moore’s position as the most worthless gossip columnist on the AJC. Write an article that matters! Your position on this issue is useless because it’s old news. Miami has dismissed the incident and our starting quarterback is here to stay.

By davidb

January 24, 2007 09:58 AM | Link to this

I hope Petrino can get Vick to realize the opportunity he has. he has the talent but he needs to be a leader.

Sometimes it takes a firm hand, especially with previously coddled athletes. Go Birds.

By Observer

January 24, 2007 09:58 AM | Link to this

Those bottles can be used to hide any type of valuable.

The simple truth is that someone saw a young black man with it, then assumed it was for illegal purposes. That someone then went into a garbage can to inspect it. They erroneously claimed it to be drugs.

The press ran with it, again giving plausibility to it because it involved a young black man.

When the young black man told his white employers that it was not drugs they did not believe the young black man.

They held a press conference, failing to say, “let’s wait until the facts come out, it may not be what is being reported.”

Instead we learn it was a “very stressful” meeting with the young black man being doubted regarding drugs by his white employers. Yeah, there was “stress” in that room, for sure.

Pundits continue to harp and suggest things to sway public perception. There is a concerted effort to slander, to affect their primary purpose: to negatively impact the young black man’sability to earn his large salary.

Many people — particularly white people — resent black men who earn more money than them. It hurts them to the core. Most of this righteous indignation about a bottle that could be used to carry jewelry or cash in luggage is seated in the pervasive jealousy many people have about wealthy people — and particularly wealthy black men.

That’s the bottom line root of all of this whole so-called “controversy.” It is a manufactured, overblown slander job that has legs only due to submerged and overt racial intolerance and jealousy.

By theedge56

January 24, 2007 09:58 AM | Link to this

The combination of events seem strange for sure. People are taking the no charges to mean there is nothing there. Basically there wasn’t enough to press charges and even if that secret compartment was chocked full of weed it still is a minor offense. As the 2 Lives Stews said where there is smoke there is fire on the subject of Mary Jane. All of that aside that is not what the outpouring of emotion is about. It is the poor decision making involved in the whole thing. The original column was on that very subject: decision making. I want Mike to lead this team and his teammates need him to be an unquestioned leader on and off the field. I don’t care how he dresses or wears his hair. He needs to develop that leadership quality and become a person of substance. I know he won’t be traded or much less cut. I want better from the whole team including the front office. From the McKay press conference you can read between the lines and Mike knows he made a mistake. He and God know what he did and it is not my place to judge. Take a hold of this team and lead them to the promised land. The decision not to trade Schaub is another boneheaded move. I think he is going to be a good QB in this league and having him around as insurance is a good idea. Mike’s running makes him susceptible to more injuries than you typical NFL QB. But, if a deal isn’t made for Schaub this year they will lose him and get nothing in return.

By PoliticalMan

January 24, 2007 09:58 AM | Link to this

It seems like the Falcons org is just as inept as their thug QB.

By carman563

January 24, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

When is everyone going to catch on ?, its so obivious, Vick is a circus act, the falcons are a circus team, Blank is a circus owner, everyone loves a circus, Big money in a good circus act, need i say more ?/ thank you !, i feel so much better now !

By bird fanb4mv

January 24, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

I did not jump to conculsions about M.V. and his water bottle. But most of the media in this town did. Including M.V.’s so called supporters i.e. McKay& Blank. Smelling like marijuana and actually being marijuana are to different things. You all owe this man an apology.

By Loafer

January 24, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

If our Thug wins I don’t care if he’s high all year long!! But the deadly combination of losing and being stupid is a recipe for disaster!! I wear a #7 Jersey at every home game but for the life of me, I don’t know how you cure being stupid. Good Luck Petrino!

One more question…….Grossman, Manning, Brady & Brees…what do they have in common?? Yeah, you know!! winners baby!!

By Blankety Blank

January 24, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

The Falcon’s “stakeholders” are owed an explanation of the past weeks events whether marijuana was involved or not. The behavior of Vick and the Falcon’s management is only leading to more speculation. Own up to whatever it is - even if it is just a blotched public relations job - and put this story to rest, Arthur.

By ATLien in Oklahoma

January 24, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

I used to have a similar bottle back in the day. For a while I used it to store my cash, then I realized the possiblities of it.

Vick smokes pot. Vick brought some fine Georgia green to Miami to share with his little brother.

If you honestly believe that bottle was used for something other than Marijuana or Hashish you are probably smoking some when you processed such an irrational thought.

DONE.

By TC

January 24, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Observer, you’re an idiot.

By honest_abe

January 24, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

this whole vick discussion is futile. both sides are firmly entrenched in their opinion and nothing can be said or DONE that will change their opinions.

unfortunately, SOME people have decided to add the racial element to this issue.

carefully read the rest of the posts here thoughout the day and you will see that the vick apologists are the ones that are instigating fights and bringing up that tired race card. most people here in atlanta don’t give a damn if the quarterback of the atlanta falcons is black. they criticize vick, but these same people have the utmost respect for professional african american quarterbacks such as mcnabb, mcnair, moon, even youngster vince young. it’s not about color folks except for the few moronic people that come on here. it’s about getting a quarterback that is dedicated to getting better as a player and as a LEADER. someone who is maturing and shows his maturity. someone who always looks prepared and like he cares on the sideline. someone who puts thoughts into what he says. someone who thinks about the repurcussions of his actions. someone who not only wants to win but dedicates his life to being a winner both on and off the field.

i don’t care if that guy is black, white, green, yellow or even a girl ( ok maybe not a girl) but you get my drift.

it’s like atlanta has gone back 100 years and now it’s whites against blacks. it’s despicable and every single one of you knumbskulls should be ashamed of yourselves. this country has come along way to keep playing the stupid race card. lets move forward people and lets stop being the laughing stock of america!

By roger

January 24, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Well, if he didn’t do it, why didn’t the “black man” come forward? Simple is that too, take some initative and speak up for your self, my so called “black man”! Reason is that he thought he was caught and just wanted it to blow over, any idiot can see that, or even a “black man” can see that!

By CQ

January 24, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Trade Schaub to the Bears fortheir 1st and 3rd picks. Get a safety at #10, OT with the Bears pick, then Irons with the 2nd round pick

By Gene

January 24, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Since the firing of Dan Reeves, I have watched the Falcons soap opera with the same amusement as I watch “The Office.” From Vick’s well documented adventures, to Mora’s tantrums, to Arthur Blank parading Vick in a wheelchair on the sidelines, the franchise has become a joke, and the latest installment is as absurd as anything Dwight would do on the TV comedy. The US is at war, and young men and women Vick’s age are dying on a daily basis. Airline security is a necessary part of that effort, yet Vick thinks that he is above these regulations that apply to everyone else. He badgers an underpaid security worker who is just trying to do her job. I think that the word is “entitlement.” Some very strange things are going on here that have reflected badly on all parties. The whole problem could have been avoided if Vick had just tossed the bottle in the trash.

By Tom Miller

January 24, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Carson Palmer vs Mike Vick

The Bangles are trying to out due the Falcons in becoming the Oakland Raiders of the East as a couple of their “gangster hip hop boys” have gotten themselves in little trouble lately. But there is a huge difference in these teams. You see, the QB, or shall we say, the leader of that team, has come out in public and criticized such behavior from his teammates.

However for the Falcons, our QB and so called leader is the one who is displaying such behavior because he happens to be one of those gangster hip hop boys.

Vick is a disgrace to his team, the NFL, the black community and to his family (and I use that word loosely).

After 6 years the “hype” had become a bad joke for the fans.

By Topdog

January 24, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Hey Jeff Schultz, Let it go. You falsely accused Vick and you were wrong. Now you are trying to justify your mistake by coming up with another out-of-blue story of why he didn’t proclaim his innocent. This is a no win situation for Vick (in your eye) no matter what he does. Jeff Schultz, give it up. Let’s talk about how the Falcon going to win next year……with or without VICK.

By BZ

January 24, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

The reason he hasn’t said anything is that there isn’t really anything good that can come of it. Is he innocent? Legally - yes. Factually - probably not. By that, I mean there had probably been some pot in the bottle at some time, hence the smell.

Thus, he can’t come out and say “I did not have pot in my possession”. If he says “I had pot -it was a mistake, etc.”, then he also does no service to himself or the organization. In fact, the only people that would be served by his statement would be those in the media that make a living by commenting on such things. (No offense intended - I enjoy reading your product.)

Simply put, about the only thing he can do now is just lie low and stay out of trouble. If he can do that, and can work hard to apply himself on the field, then all this will be long forgotten. There’s nothing he can say that really changes things at this point. All that matters are his actions from here on. Time will tell.

By Cruzin

January 24, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Jeff, very good column. Those being critical are not reading it carefully. Your point that McKay and Coach Petrino were displeased is the key. If Vick had nothing illegal in the bottle, those two would have said that, and would have stated something to effect that we are standing by him. Rather, they indicated their displeasure with Vick. That leads me to the same conclusion. They didn’t feel comfortable with Vick’s explanation, and again your point, why didn’t Vick come out and say he was innocent? He ran making it seem like he was guilty.

By roger

January 24, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Quit bringing Schaub in the discussion, it isn’t about him, it is about Vick! Don’t care who the QB is going to be next year, let’s take of the problem we have now, Vick, poor decisions and lack of leadership ability. The Falcons will never get to a SB with him.

By gary

January 24, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Try as you will, but this is not a race issue. This is a class issue. Any ordinary citizen, given the same set of circumstances, regardless of their gender,race, or religious preference, given this heightened state of fear, would have been detained, strip searched, and generally harrassed in the name of national security. Here in lies the real problem of today. As Peter Tosh sang “We got to fight this apartheid”. PEACE!!!

By June Jones ran me off

January 24, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

LET IT GO JEFF!

By BUSHWACKER

January 24, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

why are you removing my messages????????????

By Larry J

January 24, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Schultz, you are pitiful. Last Thursday, you said he should be gone. You said the Green Bay and Minnesota games were “imagined in Fantasyland.” You made comments about Vick getting dime bags in Atlanta. You certainly were doing the very thing you are denouncing here - unjustly accusing him.

Why should he or anyone at the Falcons discuss this - especially with you? It’s a non-issue. Maybe Vick knew that the entire time. Maybe the organization’s “displeasure” was with Vick putting himself in a situation like that rather than anything to do with the possibility of marijuana (which you believed to be fact just a week ago).

You media guys are pitiful. You jump on a bandwagon, and when the wagon gets pulled out from under you, you find something else to whine about.

By BUSHWACKER

January 24, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Does it make you feel powerful to play with people like this, you post their message for a few minutes then remove it. Wow you are real important,, NOT!!!!

By Peyton Walters

January 24, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Jeff, you are right. Law enforcement in south Florida saw this was going to be a media circus over a few flakes of pot and decided they did not want to deal with it. It’s as simple as that. The character/leadership issue remains.

There, I’m using my real name and a legitimate e-mail address now. Can I get posted now?

By Topdog

January 24, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

To RON, You are a ‘hata’…………

By EW

January 24, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

I guess when you’re perhpas the most overpiad overrated QB in the NFL this is how you make headlines, unlike Manning who makes headlines by bringing up his team from being twenty-three points behind the Pats and Brady. Atlanta wants a thugged out corn row wearing blinged out urban QB and you have one. But you will NEVER have a superbowl win with him, NEVER. Observer get some cheese to go with all the whine.

By Al

January 24, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

I find it hard to believe that people are still talking about this. I hate to use the race card, but if this were someone of a different race/stature I doubt that it would really even make the news. If it did, when the official statement came down, it would be the true “end of story.” (Look at the Perdue land deal/tax savings issue.) As far as the water bottle is concerned, it wasn’t a contraption created by Vick to hide something, it was a “diversion safe” (feel free to google that). The diversion safe is perfectly legal, and comes in many types. If I were Vick, or someone of that stature, I too would probably use something like that, because I am sure that there are those that would like to get his cash, keys, or his “bling.” We seem to forget that celebrities are not exempt from simple, senseless crimes such as carjacking, pick-pocketing, jewelry/purse snatching, etc. Before we jump to conclusions, we should think about what we do to protect our own valuables.

As far as the silence is concerned, unless my TV, radio (air and satellite), and internet connections have all been taken over by fake spokepersons, I do believe that I heard that Mike Vick has been cleared, no charges will be filed, and no discipline will be administered by the Falcons or the NFL.

If only someone had been willing to look at ALL OF THE EVIDENCE BEFORE PROCLAIMING GUILT, Pete Williams would not have spend 22 plus years incarcerated for a crime he DID NOT COMMIT! Let’s learn from our mistakes!

By laofer

January 24, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Mike Vick and his huggers have been saying how bad Rex Grossman is…Mike VIck has worse passing stats than rex grossman. please get rid of him, he is a thug and a lousy qb

By SRF

January 24, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Sharon -

This news flash about Schaub is from 2004.

2004 !!!

He was just out of college and he got into a barfight.

Do you know how many college kids get into a barfight every year ?

The falcons told him “Grow Up” and guess what - he did - no more incidents.

Compare that to the person who keeps popping up in the news…

By jc

January 24, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

OJ got away with it too. He also was not innocent nor exonerated in the minds of the public. I think smoking weed is fine, but unfortunately our teetotalling society thinks it’s somehow worse than legal drugs like alcohol or tobacco that kill exponentially more people every year. Either way Vick has shown a level of immaturity and frankly stupidity that is unbecoming of both a franchise player and a team leader. “Getting away with it” doesn’t cut it when you’re the highest paid member of an offense with the worst passing stats in the entire league.

By VickBeliever

January 24, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

You guys are sad to continue to carry this gossip on. Vick does not owe anybody no apology my goodness he is a football player, not the leader of our country. Give the man a break because all you haters will be back on his jock in August.

By Kudzu

January 24, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

It’s amazing how much Coach Petrino looks like Coach Mora in todays sports page…lol

By Hollabackdumbazz

January 24, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Mike Vick is the face of the franchise, he’s also the dumbest player in the NFL. What a proud day to be an Atlanta Falcon. 137 million dollars for a crack head loookin’ fool. PEACE

By GT Champ 90-n-4ever

January 24, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

The Observer made a number of points that few will acknowledge as valid for reasons mentioned in Observer’s comment. Where there is smoke there is fire? Does this count for smoke that never existed? Some of you see only what you wish to see - Or what you are told to see. Simple conspiracy theory questions do not justify slanderous words. One should apologize as it is appropriate to do so in this instance.

By Nathan Ballinger

January 24, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

In a dream world, Vick is not talking becuase he has decided to grow up and devote his off time, as all great quarterbacks must, to football, to film, to technique, to being a great quarterback and maximizing his potential.

Alas, we all know the truth… he’s not. Let’s trade him, take the hit and let Bobby P. work some magic with Schaub.

By Loafer

January 24, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

The Schaub article is over three years old. Vick has done more stupid things in the last 90 days than Schaub has in his life.

Vick’s a stupid, drugged up thug who can’t win football games. He quit on us this year and now I’m paying more for my season tickets. About the only other thing that could go wrong is we draft another first round receiver who can’t catch.

By BraindeadQB

January 24, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Is be da leader of da team, you know whut Im sayin

By blah

January 24, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Prior to the test of the substance, the following facts pointed to marijuana possession:

(1) He was carrying a bottle with a hidden compartment

(2) The hidden compartment contained a dark particulate

(3) The dark particulate smelled like marijuana

(4) Vick offered no alternative explanation for what was in the bottle. If you’re really innocent why not tell the world what was really in the bottle when you were initially accused and say that you’re confident that the tests will prove you to be innocent.

(5) The photo from Vick’s girlfriend’s myspace page last year showed what looked a hell of a lot like a joint in his hand.

The following facts pointed against marijuana possession:

(1) Would anyone who knew they were carrying marijuana make a big deal about keeping a bottle that contained marijuana? Who really knows. Some people have bad judgment. Nate Newton voluntarily opened the back of his van for police, when he had several garbage bags filled with pot in there.

I think that prior to the test the conclusion that one could draw based on the evidence was that Vick was probably carrying marijuana. This was really the only conclusion one could draw. Any other conclusion would have been poor journalism.

You wouldn’t be thinking too logically if you were to blame the conclusions that reporters drew about the situation on something other than the facts of the case.

By Excuses

January 24, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

To: Observer 9:58 am- get a life you racist! If Vick was a white man it would still be a crime to attempt to slip something like that pass security.

By BUSHWACKER

January 24, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Apparantley Blank controls the editor of this column and makes him remove comments that are negative about the franchise.

Gutless !!

By theedge56

January 24, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

WHy do people have to go name calling? What is with the hillbilly stuff? Matt Schaub is a thug there you happy. I hope he learned from that incident and makes better decisions. There is no skin color conotation with the word thug. Romanowski is a thug Kyle Turley is a thug. With Schaub it is a non-story NOT because he is white but because in 2004 he was even less than the lowly back up QB he is now.

With the high profile position of QB, the highest salary at the time of the contract, and the francise player more is expected of you and more attention is paid.

It is not front page news when a drunk on the show cops goes off during his arrest but let Mel Gibson do it and we all know about it?

Can a black person be a hillbilly? If not then your are a racist yourself! To remove the speck from my eye you must first remove the log from yours!

By Olde Guye

January 24, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Thug is an over used word, and used in the wrong context most of the time at that. Besides, in the thug pecking order, Schaub would rate higher than Vick because he has an actual arrest record whereas Vick does not. If Vick were a real thug would he tolerate that? I think not.

By bushwhacker

January 24, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

They’re removing your messages because you’ve been BUSHWHACKED

By Gman

January 24, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

So much for freedom of speech, looks like posting the truth is unacceptable on these boards. A black person can get on this board and call me a hillbilly b/c I don’t like Vick, but if I say not liking Vick as a QB makes me and all other folks that complain abt his performance a racist in the eyes of many black folks, well thats just unacceptable and the message gets pulled……

By Miss KB

January 24, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

SHUT UP ALREADY!

By June Jones is a homo

January 24, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Falcons need me to come and straighten this team out with my run and shoot up heroin offense.

By vickisick

January 24, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

schultz….you went overboard with the “let him go” discussion. think about the cap hit and the ramifications of trading mike vick. the falcons are of national relevance because of this man. he deserves support from our fans. yes, he needs to be a better leader and mature on and off the field, but bashing him and demanding a trade doesn’t do the falcons organization any good.

asking for a trade will just encourage mike to want to leave, and we’ll be stuck with the same old falcons with chris miller and billy joe tolliver under center. i would rather have the excitement of mike vick.

mike is the best thing to happen to this franchise and intelligent fans realize that. if you run this man out of town, you will not live to see the next season.

By Trade Vick

January 24, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Season Ticket prices will go down, tailgates will be a thing of the past, Monday and Saturday night games will never happen in the dome again, Falcons Jersey sales will plummet, the team can return to their old 5wins 11 loses formula, and all you redneck b@stards will be happy!

By topdog

January 24, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Vick has 2 weapons, his arm, his legs and his mind.

By Famuan

January 24, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Here comes the “weapons of mass distraction” tactic….say it long enough, loud enough…eventually people will believe you. Give it up Jeff, the state attorney’s office did not reveal some sinister plot by Vick to thwart the FAA, Homeland Security and Airtran by putting some novelty water bottle in his carry-on bag. He was not arrogantly arguing with the TSA agent, he didn’t clown about throwing it away. He does not owe anybody an explanation except the people who have already gotten one.

By Topdog

January 24, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

PEOPLE, PEOPLE, why do you dummy keep saying vick will not get to the SuperBowl? Let not forget, he got as close as one game to the superbowl a couple of years ago. It would help to have the right supporting cast at the right timing to get to ‘the’ BOWL. You ‘haters do not understand football. As good as Dan Mareno was, he did not make it to the super bowl. Because you precieve Vick as a ‘THUG’, you say he can not make it to the BOWL. I venture to say that there are 30 more THUGS that won’t make to the BOWL.

By VickBeliever

January 24, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Roger your comments were dumnb this discussion about Vicks decisions making is ludacris. He made good decisions when he ran for 1,000 yards threw 20 TD’s and pass for 2,300 yards. NO OTHER QB CAN DO THAT…Vick is the man and maybe if you remove your hood you could see that.

By GT Champ 90-n-4ever

January 24, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Didn’t they said the same thing about Chicago and Grossman? That they’d never make it to the Super Bowl without him.

By DOM

January 24, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

AMEN OBSERVER!! VICK SHOULD ALSO DEMAND THAT MCKAY RESIGN END OF STORY.

WHY DOES BRADLEY CENSOR NON-PROFANE REBUTTALS THAT POINT OUT HIS COVERT RACIAL EDITORIAL (AKA “FRIENDLY ADVICE FOR VICK”) OR OTHER BLATANT SLANDER BY HIS BLOGGERS. ON THE OTHER HAND HE ALLOWS ANTI-AFRICAN AMERICAN SLANDER TO STAY ON THE BLOG. THE AJC IS GULITY OF RACIAL BIAS AND CENSORSHIP.

By maurice

January 24, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

A grown man doesn’t owe another grown man an excuse if that other grown man doesn’t sign his paychecks. Get over yourselves and stop worrying about what Vick does in his private time.

By mike

January 24, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

So much Vick hate in this city. Probably just plain jealousy since the man makes all that money and is a premier football player. Something Jeff and most of the haters will never be. Stop calling Vick a thug since you obviously have no idea what a thug is or where thugs come from and it aint Vick. Isn’t always interesting when someone does not act like someone else thinks they should then they are hding things or acting wrong. Maybe Vick needs some guidance but certainly you haters cant provide any clues. Hey Mick Vick get in your limo and go to the back and count your money while all the haters hate. Keep on trucking, Bro.

By Gene

January 24, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

In spite of all of this racial trash talking, Atlanta fans will embrace Vick when he leads the Falcons to a superbowl. His behavior is no worse than many other players in the league and better than some. Remember the gangsta, “Snake Stabler?” Stabler won, and that shortens people’s memories. Atlanta fans are among the most supportive when their team is winning. Remember the Braves in 1991?

By Fed Up!

January 24, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

I am tired of living in a society where we are guilty until proven innocent. Vick is not the first high-profile person accused but never charged of a possible crime. From my understanding, Vick threw the bottle away, and the Officers recovered it from the trash. Can any one posting a comment here tell me when was the last time someone followed them around the airport, waited for them to throw something away, and brought it to their attention just before you boarding a plane??? If the Officers accused him without evidence, who do you think publicized it? Even print media has a way of only printing enough information to “lead” the public to the conclusion “they” want us to believe. All we know is what we read here in the paper. I think Vick and the Falcons did a great job of not giving power to lies and accusations. Why do we need to defend our innocence and character from the law that is supposed to protect us from real criminals. “Some” of our Officers are more criminal than the ones they are suppose to protect us from. Somebody needs to speak up about the Accusers who are fishing in the trash for a story to publicize.

By CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN THIS

January 24, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Vick = Never Arrested

Schaub = Arrest Record

FACT….. Who’s the “THUG”

By gthmbt

January 24, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

The sad part for Falcons fans is that you have bought into the Michael Vick myth. The guy flat out cannot play the position. He is not a leader and will never be, plus he just isn’t a good enough quarterback to get the job done. All the other stuff id window dressing. Accept the fact the guy can’t play QB and move on.

By gthmbt

January 24, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

The sad part for Falcons fans is that you have bought into the Michael Vick myth. The guy flat out cannot play the position. He is not a leader and will never be, plus he just isn’t a good enough quarterback to get the job done. All the other stuff id window dressing. Accept the fact the guy can’t play QB and move on.

By maurice

January 24, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Oh, and THUG? Do you all know the meaning? Seriously, get a dictionary and know the meaning.

By cityofdecatur

January 24, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

IT’S NOT ABOUT RACE IT’S NOT ABOUT POT IT IS ABOUT LEADERSHIP AND DECISION MAKING MICHAEL VICK IS NOT A LEADER HE’S AN ADMITTED QUITTER (see last game of last year) And we have all witnessed HIS POOR DECISION MAKINGALL THE RACE BAITERS NEED TO GET OVER IT AND ENJOY THE CIRCUS THAT IS BLANK\VICK

By howconvenient

January 24, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Coach Petrino, is it true, you’re considering offers from anywhere but here?

By person

January 24, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Observer:

Please stop playing the whole “Black man” card. That gets old. The sooner people stop calling eachother white people, black people, etc. the sooner everyone WILL be looked at as equals.

By steve

January 24, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

This team (?) is a non-stop comedic soap opera. The team (?) owner and general manager are laughable and the team (?)leader (qb) is pathetic. I’ll bet a dime to a doughnut the new head coach is wondering what in the hell he got himself into. This franchise is now the laughingstock of the entire NFL. Way to go, you bunch of goobers! If Petrino can make this team a winner he should be awarded an honorary doctorate of psychology degree! What a freakin’ mess…

By Darrin "The Vent King"

January 24, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

After re-reading how the AJC reported this story the first time, I can now see why even the most staunch Vick supporters (like myself) would turn on him or at least be dissapointed in the Miami incident. You guys totally misrepresented the facts and sensationalized the story to either sell papers or achieve what now seems like a personal agenda to have Vick escorted out of town. I read the ACTUAL police report on what happened and it did not sound like the article you guys wrote. And as for you Jeff Schultz, there is no excuse whatsoever for the way you responded with that dispicable “Time for Vick to Go” article last week. NONE! I was dissapointed myself, but have no right to judge him THAT harshly. Who are you? True it is suspicious having a bottle like that in the first place, true Vick must be guilty of something for I can not see how McKay would come out and say Vick was “very sorry” for what happened, but you had absolutely no facts to substaniate how personal you made your column appear. Let them explain that, not come up with your own personal theories, because they will never be unbiased. The AJC just lost points from me for that. I felt mislead the way the info was presented and now feel you all have an agenda against this man. I’ll admit I wish Vick would make some better choices as far who he hangs out with and the percieved lifestyle he carries on with for if no other reason than to prove haters like you wrong. I agree with an earlier poster who placed you right there with that lugnut Terrance Moore as the most biased over the top colunmist at this paper. You all couldn’t wait to rip MV7 and blinded alot of his fans with misrepresented info just to turn us against him too. For that I apologize to Vick because I saw my comments posted in the paper a couple of days later and admit I sipped the “fool-aid” when I wrote that and went along with the condemnation of MV7 and wish I had not done that. I took for granted what I was reading was true and was hurt because I’ve stood up against racist haters/sheep since he came to Atlanta and the article made it appear he was proving those idiots right. But like my mother told me once you can’t believe everything you read. I will NEVER forget her telling me htat ever again. I think this, no I hope this causes Vick to rethink how he does his thing from here on, because it is obvious the “South” has a problem with him not associated with football and you all can claim differently all you want but I’ve been a victim of this sterotyping my whole life and want so bad for Vick to show them and also young brothers that want to be like him that a hip-hopping type young black man can handle buisiness too. That’s what angered me about this, that it appeared he was failing at this. Now I hope as I have, Vick learns from this and grows up and realize the great gift God has blessed him with comes with great responsibility and he can NEVER let his guard down for haters are everywhere waiting to take him out so they can say “I told you so”. From here on out I will NEVER take for granted anything you all report on Vick because it is obvious you all have something against Vick and Atlanta as a whole. Shame on you Jeff and the ajc.

GO FALCONS!!

By Satch

January 24, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

People believe the media needs to apologize to Vick. I’m sorry, but the media reported the incident, the police report and the lack of any denial by anybody involved.

This is what you wrote Schultzy and most people do not have a problem with that. It is when you start adding your own opinion that sets you up for criticism. Yes, you are a reporter, however I hope you do not think you are above being criticized. The problem with most peoples opinion is that this is how THEY view everything.

When it comes to professional atheletes as soon as someone steps out of the box that a good part of the country sees them in they become the people that the MEDIA wants to crucify. However, what is ironic is that the pitiful excuse that you used in your article that “I am just the media” shows that you are no better than the people that you crucity. Please do not try to hide behind “I am just the media” and that you just reported the incident. Because if you just reported the incident your article would have been a lot shorter.

Just like many atheletes are disliked I have grown to dislike the media. Part of the medias job is to be the worst kind of hypocrite and that is to pass judgement on people who dare to respond or who reponds then face becoming the writers personal whipping boy. Hey! just deal with the fact that you are no better than anybody else, we are all just human.

By rexgrossman

January 24, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Hah, I’m in the Super Bowl and I’ve got more TD’s and yards passing than your pot head does. Whose laughin now?

By David Reed

January 24, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

To Mr. Chambers:

Could you maybe play the race card a little stronger? You are truly a sad reflection of why Atlanta will never be racially united. Please take one minute to think of the security issues at the Miami airport, or any major airport. Then you would realize that any suspicious behavior by any black, red, green, white, brown or yellow man, such as challenging the disposal of a water bottle, would raise red flags. Anyone other than Michael Vick would have been detained, questioned, stripped searched, and jailed.

By Fair Reporting needed

January 24, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

This is a non-story please go and try to dig up dirt somewhere else. Shultz you are no more than a sensationalist reporter that is too lazy to go out and find a real story. I would not be surprised if Blank started cutting off AJC’s accesss to the players because of the agreesive way you have conducted yourself regarding this situation.

By To Excuses

January 24, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Vick was cleared of Any Wrongdoing, if you can’t respect the laws of the United States the border is wide open for you to LEAVE!

Vick wasn’t charged with anything and has NEVER been arrested

NOW Matt Fraud has had the cuffs slapped on him before!

By trock

January 24, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Tom Miller, alot of people smoke weed - regardless of color. I find “gangster hip hop boys” to be very offensive and stereptypical. You should definately go about commenting in a better manner…

By Blaney

January 24, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Yep, it is all about race. Just ask those privileged white guys at Duke.

By laofer

January 24, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Coach Petrino, is it true you have lawyers lookin for a way out of your new contract?

By Straight Shooter

January 24, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Jeff, you are such a hypocrite! Your article on MV was the gasoline on the flames. You threw stones, no make that boulders on MV and now you have your hands behind your back as if you are holier than thou. The first rule of journalism 101 is to get the facts straight or at least be accurate in your editorial content. You failed miserably. Are you man enough to man up and apologize to MV! Does the AJC hold you to the same high principles you spoke of that Arthur should hold to MV. Are the legal beagles circling the wagon hoping MV doesn’t sue for libel. And by the way, the screeners at the Miami airport were out of bounds for going in the garbage to retrieve the bottle. As a former screener, people can put knives and any other contraband in the garbage BEFORE the screening process starts. Man up. Apologize to MV for throwing him under the bus, and then Falcon fans can ask the brass to break the code of silence. Remember the old saying Jeff, it is better to be thought of a fool, than to write a libelous editorial and remove all doubt!

By ripme

January 24, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Good read Gene. Jeff you are right on the money and the poll is running 80% to let #7 go. Good luck to Colts and Bears-two good coaches-two good QB’s-two good teams-to bad Falcons have neither.

By tim

January 24, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

i am so sick of people conviently playing the race card. get over it !! the civil war and rights movement happened a long time ago. clear yourself of this hip hop, gansta mentality and start taking responsibilty for ones actions. QUIT PLAYING THE ANGRY BLACK MAN THING its old its outdated…tim

By Mike

January 24, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

After reading the preceding comments by both pro and con Vick fans, I must agree with the fan accusing Vick of being stupid. Since coming to the Falcons, Vick has set a tone for his behavior. Remember the watch incident, the civil STD case, the finger wave and now the illegal substance incident. If stupid was music, Vick would be a brass band.

By Danny

January 24, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Who cares why Vick was carrying a bottle with a secret compartment. Considering he wasn’t carrying anything illegal, is it really that important?

The conspiracy theory is laughable. Please, show me the guy who was willing to put his job on the line to destroy/manipulate evidence in such a high profile case.

And I don’t recall any of you calling for Peyton Manning to explain himself after he was charged of sexual assault. Nor do I recall such an uproar after Matt Schaub beat the crap out of some poor kid in Virginia.

Unlike Manning and Schaub, Vick has been cleared of any illegal activities. But like Manning and Schaub, Vick should remain silent. The test results speak for themselves.

By ApeHater

January 24, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Observer is the reason I am racist and proud of it. What a silly ape he is.

By RealQBrexgrossman

January 24, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Look at the stats you nut huggers, I’ve got better numbers than ol crack head

By FILLMORE BREWSKI

January 24, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

I know Vick will be on the team next season.Who knows if the 130 million is keeping him off the trading block ? I’m ok with an honest decision between Vick and Schaub but the tone comimg out of the organization seems to have reverted to, he’s our man right or wrong.It’s my opinion Vick isn’t the kind of person you can rely on to be self motivated.When Petrino was signed it sounded as if Blank was giving him the power to use Vick anyway he sees fit.I’m worried Blank could be meddling already as he clearly did with Mora.This could cause problems for Petrino beyond one player.To me if the coaching staff determined Vick would have the best value to the team moving around from h-back,wideout,and qb ownership should shutup and support the coaches.Let’s hope Mr Blank learned from the past.

By SEC 255 SEANSON TICKET HOLDER

January 24, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the conspiracy theory apology. I think this is the best he is going to offer. Let’s take it and run with it.

The original article calling for Vick’s departure was incomplete at best if not irresponsible. There are significant financial issues that would have to be analyzed and addressed before a bold move like this could even be attempted. These issues were not even hinted at, but then again, it is not his money. … and, if Mr. Shultz even attends the Falcon meetings on Sunday, his seats are comfortably close and comped.

I, on the other hand bought NO season tickets just to go to the Monday night game. I scalped the rest during and after the game to pay for the rest of my trip. Do I need to come forward to somebody? I don’t want to be labeled a silent thug.

By Will

January 24, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

I think the Miami PD and Solicitor’s office decided the case wasn’t worth pursuing, given the national backlash that would have resulted from the black community over prosecuting a prominent black athlete for possessing what might or might not turn out to be a few grains of dirt worth of marijuana. This went from being months to process and then all of a sudden they have a full lab report after one weekend?!?! Yeah, right. Someone in Miami applied common sense to the situation and said, “Guys, we have the Super Bowl in less than two weeks. We don’t need to go on a witch hunt against the most visible athlete in the NFL over a few morsels of dope.” End of case. Schultz is right. I just don’t believe the Falcons would have issued those statements if Vick would have been able to tell them, “It wasn’t anything illegal.”

By By a Falcon Fan in Miami

January 24, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Mr. Schultz, I still do think you owe Michael an apology. He was wrongfully convicted in the media via home paper by many including yourself who wanted him for some reason to be found guilty. I would assume to give Matt Schaub a chance at QB. Realistically, Mike was detained at the airport for having a fake water bottle, he bought in Miami while on vacation. Anyone with common sense should know if MV being a black man was stopped and detained, if anything was in that bottle (including a seed) they would’ve taken Mike to jail. Why should he throw something a way that he didn’t think was any harm to anyone including his self. A matter of fact, he told the TSA agent it wasn’t real when he was told he couldn’t bring 20 oz. liquid on the plane. After she told him they wasn’t sure what the liquid was, he trashed the bottle. There was no argument (witnesses present) just an explanation of the bottle being fake. I heard the reports in the media go from reluctant, refuse, argumentive and even smuggling. MV do not owe any of you an explanation since he is innocent. MV haters just want him to come out and say something so they could dissect every word he said and crusify him. Many of you would still think he had marijuana in the bottle. A bottle that is not made to hide drugs, but to hide anything you choose whether keys, jewelry, money, Id cards, etc. I guess because he is a black man he must’ve been hiding drugs. WIth drug test being so sophisticated in these times, if lab results could detect marijuana use from a string of hair follicle, I know if could give an accurate result on marijuane smell/residue or whatever else MV was accused of having in that bottle. And those of you who think that Miami PD was bought out READ MY LIPS, I don’t care if MV is a billionaire he is still a black man. TSA and Miami PD would’ve like to save their face. I appreciate them not waiting 2 to 3 months and planting something in the bottle (Remember the 92 years old woman in Atl. Bottom line MV is human and every hurtful thing that you all say you will have to give in account for, so please move on. This is spoil milk. Schultz find something else to write about, your articles are whack. I doubt if I ever read them again. Real fans love you MV, please remember this is still the south.

By GIVEMEABREAK

January 24, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

YOu go down to the KKK building and turn right, then you turn left at the burnt cross in the yard, Can a brother get some love around these parts?

By dan

January 24, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Watching and listening to ‘Jaws’ on ESPN explaining the complex procedures, reads and nuances a QB progresses through during each play is fascinating. Somehow I can’t ever see Vick ever developing to this point. What a bonehead.

By toshie

January 24, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Why can’t you people get over the bottle at the airport. The officials have moved on why can’t you. Why does Schultz want Mike or anyone else to comment on the situation. He only wants to say something negative about the situation. Schultz go jump in the lake if you can’t swim, but I think S* floats. We would still have a picture of you floating. Go Falcons!!! I’m glad the Falcons organization is smarter than some of you people that post on this blog.

By Wings of Victory

January 24, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Let’s see here…..How in the world someone could think Ron Mexico is a pot head… Just look at pictures of him in public. He emulates not to mention dresses just like gang banging thugs who think they are cool cats hip hopping their way to prisons. He cannot speak in a coherent manner nor hold a normal conversation during an interview. Plus he looks asleep in all his interviews not to mention sitting on the sidelines during games. Oh and let’s not mention the crowd (posse) he hangs with…. gang bangers, criminals and hip hop wannabes. Let’s see….his boys get popped in his car carrying drugs and guns…. yea, but Vick wasn’t in the car at the time. Oh and yes, there is bro Marcus who is his main man who we know is a Dope, guilty of being busted for drugs & guns, not to mention raping a 17 yr old.

There is a reason why they call it ” DOPE”.

By