Sports Columnists

By Bushwacker

May 22, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

I gotta believe whatever caused McKay to trade Schaub is part of a bigger picture out of anyones control that gives an opportunity to a great person who deserves a chance to lead this team. People say Vick sells seats,I promise you if we are winning the seats will be filled because we would rather come watch a good person lead us to the Super Bowl like DJ anyway.

By Truth

May 22, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Vick is the Anna Kournikova of football.

By Old School Al

May 22, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

The problem with Vick is he was born too soon. Can you imagine this pampered thug actually being on a team coached by Lombardi; Halas; Brown; Landry; Stram; Shula; Walsh; Ditka or Vermeil? All of those guys won NFL / Super Bowl titles with quarterbacks who had much less fanfare and were paid much, much less than the clown in this town!

By The Commish

May 22, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Arthur Blank continues to mock the collective intellegence of the Atlanta sports fan(s). Brokering a meeting between Vick and Goddall was nothing more than a pre-emptive strike to barter for leverage against future public relations nightmares. Who knew it would be this quick and under such disguisting allegations? They are a pair of losers stuck in a bad marriage that is collectively tied to M-O-N-E-Y!

By Wally Wing Back

May 22, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Dump this immature on-and-off-the-field disaster Vick; take the salary cap hit; go 0-16; draft early entry TB Darren McFadden from Arkansas with the first pick; and run the damn single wing! By the way, some NFL personnel guru (Read: another moron) will take a shot at “turning Vick around.” Mark my words.

By GatorFan

May 22, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Hayden Fox - Why you we put you and another jealous, racist bastard in a pit?

By jt

May 22, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

i used to think vick was okay, even after all of the allegations, accusations, and findings. but after i saw an interview of him on espn, my opinion of the guy has fallen off the map. he’s a cocky arrogant piece of scum that thinks he is untouchable. the scary part is, he might be right. he was quoted saying that regardless of what happens, people all over the world are going to love mike vick…who says that?! and on top of that, when he was asked if he was going to be exonerated of the charges, he just smirked and said no comment like he was above such a question. personally, if he is involved in this, i hope he goes to jail for a long time…better yet, put him in a hole with a couple of those dogs and let them have at him. anybody that would endorse, or even be a part of organized dogfighting isn’t worth the crap my dogs leave in my backyard.

By Big Wal

May 22, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

If don’t have anything positive to say, just shut up. When Vick leads the Falcons to the playoffs again for the 3rd time in 6 years, which has never happened in Falcons history, you all will be saying how great he is.

By Dr. I.Q.

May 22, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

A friend of mine went to the Falcons at the Fox gala.

He said the 2006 highlight video lasted 32 seconds.

By Jim Crow

May 22, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Jeff Schultz and the rest of you KKK members need to get over it.

By Don Imus

May 22, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

I kind of like the nappy headed boy.

By Thug-a-Licious

May 22, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

When Vick leads the Falcons to the playoffs again for the 3rd time in 6 years, which has never happened in Falcons history, you all will be saying how great he is.

The only way Vick is taking the FALCONS to the playoffs again is if he gets a job as the FALCONS Team Bus Driver after he is (FINALLY) waived from the player roster.

In which color do you think Vick would look best:

Home Depot Orange?

County Jail Orange?

Federal Prison Orange?

As a fan, I’m thinking about getting Vick’s next uniform personalized and want to place an advance order.

By boots

May 22, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Vick is destined to disappoint on the field and in his personal life.

And, that’s really sad for one with so much potential.

By Jane Doe

May 22, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

It’s funny how everyone seems to forget that NFL stars are sometime drug addicts (Brett Favre), wife abusers (Rae Carruth, among others), cheats (pick one), steroid users (pick one), etc. Personally, I think the dog fighting thing is ridiculous. At the point in time when these same people make am uproar about repeat sex-offenders and child murderers, will I began to give a care about a dog fight! Pick and choose,people please! An animal is an animal is an animal. Who goes hunting? Do you think the deer really wants the buckshot in his neck? What about fishing? Just because you throw the fish back doesn’t mean that fish wanted that hook in its gills! Oh right, that’s legal, so it’s OK. Whatever, man!

Further, Michael Vick isn’t a Thug. While our caucasian relatives LOVE throwing THAT word around, riddle me this? Any KLAN wear in the closet, bubba?

Lay off Vick…last time I checked, it takes both OFFENSE and DEFENSE to win a championship.

By Peerless' Mama.

May 22, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Ya’ll behave.

I’ll have Peerless talk to Portis. He knows him.

By Brenda

May 22, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Get off the race card. It has nothing to do with black or white, it has to do with character.

By 1492

May 22, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Hey Thug-a-Licious:

Maybe grand wizard red would work for you, bubba?

By Dr. Doom

May 22, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Jane Doe,

You are just a dumb a$$ b!tch who is willing to defend Vick at any cost. Dog fighting is a brutal cruel punishment to the dogs! You obviously never seen one before and if you did you would know what we’re talking about. Fishing for food is different than having two dogs juiced up on steroids so they can fight each other to the bloody death so stop creating excuses to support Vick once again.

By Thug-a-Licious

May 22, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

1492 - No, Thank You. I loathe ALL racist and similar oppressive organizations such as yours, but I am incredibly flattered and thank you for your most generous solicitation of me during your latest membership drive. Besides, I’m not really a very nice person, so neither your red or white garments would work for me.

On a more personal note, do you like to cuddle?

By Sexy Back

May 22, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Brenda,

Wow, you must be the best person in the whole wide world. Never lied, cheated, gossiped, used foul language, slept around, huh? But of course not, you are the moral pillar of all things Vick, and for that matter, us poor, characterless supporters of Mike. GET OVER YOURSELF!!! It’s about race and it’s about class. We live in the United States, sweetheart, it’s ALWAYS about race. It’s just that now, it’s not in your face like the sigh that reads “COLORED” at the water fountain.

Do you seriously believe that of all the players in the NFL, that Mike Vick is the only one breaking the law???

Again, GET OVER YOURSELF!!!

By John

May 22, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

As always a black professional athlete is guilt until proven innocent. The judicial proccess needs to run its course. As far as Cailfornia Congressman calling for the NFL to do something… The congressman need to concern himself with bringing our troups home, tackling the under age drinking that’s going on on the California Campuses, and stopping the FBI from profiling anyone that doesn’t look like him.

By Gandolf the White

May 22, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

THUG is the word that best describes this #7 ‘playa for Atlanta.

The definition is “an aggressive and violent young criminal”.

Doesn’t that sound like that young man you call Quarterback? Is dogfighting not a violent undertaking? Aren’t Pitbulls banned in some areas? Is “maryjane” a part of the Thug image? So, win with your thug, Ron Mexico,if you can.I am going to watch the Colts with the finest QB ever to play the game repeat, and pray that my Dolphins find some hope somewhere.

By Jane Doe

May 22, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Dear Dr. Doom… wow, that’s why you’re single! Love you too, babe!

Further…you didn’t mention the deer hunting? Why is that? Oh, cause when you go hunting for deer, you leave the carcass in the woods, right Bubba? Isn’t that just a cruel????? You can’t been an animal activist and hunt deer…kind of hypocritical, huh?

And you have seen a dog fight? Right, on TV?!?! Cause, it you actually attended a real dog fight, you’d be just as bad as mean ol’ Mike!

I’m waving to you with my middle finger!

By Gandolf the White

May 22, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Vic has lots of character, all bad. As for race, he’s a pretty fast thug. I think he would win one with anyone on the Falcons!

By Harry

May 22, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Schultz- you’re still not funny and your not a good sports writer. Do your research, it’s spelled Boras.

By 1492

May 22, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Dear Thug-a-licious:

I thought you needed something to go along with your redneck! By the way, just because Fergie attaches “licious” to her name doesn’t make it cool!

Love and peace!

By falcondawg

May 22, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Hey, Old School Al. I believe Dan Reeves would’ve been a good coach to keep MV on the straight and narrow. When we got that good ol’ boy Moron, er, I mean Mora, Vick went from being a modest, low key and tremendously talented potential star to a complete self obsessed, conceited thug.

By Brenda

May 22, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Sexy Back, I made a simple statement, character is more important than color and I believe that to be so. Obviously you don’t. I will not attack you personally, since I don’t know you, and will accept you personal attack on me as your standard rebuttal to anything you don’t agree with and not take it personally since you also don’t know me.

By Derrick

May 22, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Jeff, It’s amazing that you’re allowed to continue to write these racist stories in the PAPER!…You’re pathetic dude and you and the people who allow it MUST be part of the KKK….that’s the only reasonable explanation.

By Dr. Doom

May 22, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Jane Doe,

Stupid a$$ b!tch. Watching a dog fight from a distance is not illegal, sponsoring it is. I don’t know if Vick did or not, but if he did, he should go to jail.

P.S. If I’m single it won’t be for long because I know I can have your black a$$!

By Jack

May 22, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

What crime has he been convicted of? When has he been aggressive? When has he been violent?

Would Bobby Cox be considered a Thug? He beat up his wife. Chipper Jones knocked up a Hooter’s waitress while he was still married…is that OK to do? What does that say about Chipper’s character? Isn’t that Thuggish behavior?? Diffent day, different woman?? Brett Favre was a COKE HEAD!!! Does that make him a Thug?? It’s criminal behavior to use illegal drugs.

By Jason J.

May 22, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

I’m not one to say that race has nothing to do with all the Vick bashing, I’m sure for some people it does. But for anyone to say that Vick has been a model citizen has got to re-evaluate their value system. If Peyton Manning had done everything that Vick has allegedly (I still believe in innocent until proven guilty) done, 85% of the Vick bashers would feel the same about him as they do Vick. That leaves 15% of them as flat-out racists. Also, it’s not just the allegations but the attitude that Vick has displayed throughout his career. He is the most reclusive, sheilded plyer in the league. Why is that? Is it because he’s shy? Arrogant? Maybe the Falcons brass believe he’s not a good representative for the organization for one reason or another. Of course, Dog-fighting is a DISPICABLE act and if it’s proven he paticipated he should be kicked OUT of the league and forced to donate his remaining contract to the Humane Society. I’d say the same if it were Manning, Brady, Dunn, Crumpler, Petrino or Polamalu. Leave the race discussions for the racists, I prefer to look past those things and see the true nature of the person.

By SexyBack

May 22, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

It wasn’t a personal attack on you, Brenda. It was a response to your statement about character. Since you wanted to make a comment about character, I assumed you are the person without any question to theirs. If you take the statement I wrote personally, maybe you shouldn’t post comments on blogs.

Again, GET OVER YOURSELF.

By MamaManners

May 22, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

You People Leave 1492 Alone! Don’t You Know You Shouldn’t Pick On Those Of Us Who Have Special Needs?

By Gandolf the White

May 22, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Jack,

Lack of a conviction doesn’t mean lack of a crime. He is a QB,albeit a poor one, he better be aggressive. And flipping off the crowd, oops! I meant his crowd, considered aggressive? Violent? Sponsoring Dog Fights? PLEASE!

Bobby’s too old to be considered young. Larry “Chipper” Jones would fall into this category. Brett Who? Didn’t Atlanta trade him? Because he like to spend too much time partying in Buckhead? Answer that yourself!

By Jane Doe

May 22, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Dear Dr. Doom… do you really think I’d tolerate you calling me b!tch? Not on your life. That’s grounds for Lorena Bobbit justice, friend.

Further, when there is a bust at an illegal dog fight, the cops arrest EVERYONE, sponsers and attendees. So, either you’re a LIAR or just plain ignorant of the law. It’s illegal all the same!

By Pit-Bull

May 22, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Like Vick has said so many times in the past: It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, It’s the size of the fight in the dog………I guess we didn’t know just how literal Vick was being.

By 1492

May 22, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Mamamanners,

Don’t need any help, very mentally capable of defending my POV. By the way, the capital letter should only be on the first word of the sentence and proper nouns, OK?

By Jack

May 22, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

But Mike performs on the field!!! He gets the “fans” in the stands, right?? Brett was traded for lack of performance. Can the same statement be made about Mike? No. If Arthur is going to fire Mike, he needs to do a complete overhaul of the entire team. It takes a team to win a championship, not just one man. Is he supposed to play offense AND defense? If he puts 35 points on the board, and then the defense can’t stop the opposing team’s offense, is that Mike’s fault, too? You folks need to look at those championship teams…they have it in SPADES. Excellent offense and exceptional defense, superb coaching,etc. How do the Atlanta Falcons organization match up to the teams that win the Super Bowl? It’s failure that should be spread around to the ENTIRE team, not just one man.

By Dogfighting is not illegal in GA

May 22, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Maybe you rednecks should cry to YOUR representatives………..

FROM THE AJC Q&A SECTION ON THIS SUBJECT:

Q. What kind of discipline could Michael Vick face?

A. He could face felony charges with punishment of up to five years in prison and fines, according to Virginia law. Ironically, Georgia is one of two states where it is not a crime to attend a dogfight and/or possess a dog with intent to fight.

By other people see that Schultz is an idiot

May 22, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

EDITORS NOTE: This story concerning Michael Vick first appeared on BASN back on January 25th. Given the recent developments, BASN has chosen to re-run this story to reflect on the past and present incidents.

“Charges have not been filed against Atlanta Falcon quarterback Michael Vick. It shouldn’t matter. Vick hasn’t grown up and there’s no reason to believe he ever will. He’s has had enough time.

— Jeff Schultz, Atlanta Journal Constitution. “We are an organization that prides itself on not having off-the-field issues. 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.” — Rich McKay, Atlanta Falcons’ GM.

NEW HAVEN, Ct. — There are times when some of us media folk are a bit too quick to become judge, jury, and executioner when a story breaks. Even when incidents become plastered in the public before they’re proven by facts, there are still too many of us that as Axel Foley likes to say “Fall for the banana in the tailpipe”.

We live in an age when folks know who the “Runaway Bride” is, but don’t know the name of their child’s teacher. We’re too busy checking out “reality television” while the real reality is happening right before our eyes. Sadly, a shock jock like Wendi Williams can be considered somewhat more influential in the black community than intellectuals like Dr. Michael Eric Dyson or fellow BASN writer Dr. Boyce Watkins.

The Michael Vick “incident” last week became the latest in another continued series of misinformation and knee jerk reactions that have become all too common within and outside of the sports media business. It was originally reported last Thursday that Vick reluctantly surrendered a water bottle to security officers at Miami International Airport that smelled like marijuana and contained a substance in a hidden compartment.

The bottle was found to have a compartment that contained “a small amount of dark particulate and a pungent aroma closely associated with marijuana,” a Miami police report said.

The compartment was hidden by the bottle’s label so that it appeared to be a full bottle of water when held upright, police said. He was not arrested and was allowed to board an AirTran flight that landed in Atlanta before noon Wednesday.

Despite the non arrest, it didn’t take long for the media to do a public flogging on Vick.

The above quote from Jeff Schultz of the AJC was just a random sampling of the kind of backlash that appeared in several local and national reports about the incident. Most folks had Vick traded by the end of the weekend. Needless to say, 2006 wasn’t a stellar year for Vick and the Falcons on and off the field. The team went a disappointing 7-9 and missed the playoffs for a second straight season.

In November, Vick made an obscene gesture toward his hometown fans who heckled the team as it came off the field after a 31-13 loss to New Orleans.

Vick would later apologize, pay a $10,000 team fine and donate another $10,000 to charity. It seems that the airport incident was enough fuel to give some media wags the ammunition to disparage Vick more in print and have him banished from the team.

But this past Monday while we all were still reacting to the conference finals, a unfunny thing happened. The “smoking gun” was found to have neither smoke or be a gun for that matter.

Lab tests on the bottle found no evidence of drugs, according to a memo released by Deisy Rodriguez, an assistant state attorney.

“Based on the lab’s findings, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office is not filing criminal charges,” Rodriguez said in the memo, adding the bottle is no longer considered evidence in an investigation.

So, were there any public apologies? Any choruses of “oops, my bad” by the media? Of course not. All we got was deafening silence and shrugged shoulders. In many ways, this was just another “he fits the description” incident.

But instead of waiting for the entire event to play out, the media’s knee jerk reaction was to paint Vick as Public Enemy No. 1. Damn his reputation mind you, just look at the final resolution as “Hey, they just made a bad mistake”.

I know some folks will say, “Well, he a public person and should be used to that kind of scrutiny”. No disrespect, but scrutiny is one thing and character assassination is just something else.

We would have hoped that after all the many incidents similar to this that have happened over the years that we in the media would have learned not to jump the gun.

Sadly, it’s just another constant reminder of just how far away from “reality” some of us really are.

As a member of the media, I’m not too of a proud man to say “Mike, we’re sorry. I hope we don’t allow this to happen ever again”.

NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Tony McClean is a reporter/writer for the Black Athlete Sports Network. You can hear his sports commentaries every Saturday morning at Noon on “Sports Talk” on WCLM-AM 1450 in Richmond, Virginia (www.WCLMradio.com).

By Gandolf the White

May 22, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Jack,

There is much more to performance that the ability to run. That is all the #7 player brings to the game.

Other teams, such as the Colts, the Eagles, the Patriots. have Quarterbacks that are leaders on and off the field. When is the last time Donovan or Peyton flipped off the home crowd? Tried to get through security with a questionable “jewelry” container? Created an entity for the purpose of raising breeds of dogs that, other than fighting, have limited appeal?

Part of the reason the Falcons are not a winning franchise is they have too much money wrapped up in #7. Blanks took a chance on the franchise when he gambled all the cash into this “thug”. Look at the antics of his brother. The apple never falls far from the tree.

By DerekRichards

May 22, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

In 1966 I attended my first Falcons game and remained a strong fan until Jerry Glanville became coach and turned the team atmosphere into a circus which seemed to proclaim, “It’s all about me.” When Glanville left, I became a fan again, albeit a dispassionate fan. I haven’t actually attended a game since 1991 — not that I wouldn’t attend if someone paid me enough money — but the Falcons were the team I always pulled for when occasionally watching on television. When Mr. Blank purchased the team I began to get interested again, watching games on television, hoping that somehow the curse of never having back to back winning season would be lifted. But this past year I realized that I did actually live in Indiana for two years and that there is another team. In October of 2006, I became a Colts fan. I’m white, but lest someone suggest I’m pulling away from the Falcons because I’m racist, the Colts have a fine man who is a leader for a coach. His skin is black, but that doesn’t matter in the least. Tony Dungy is a good leader and I’m sure attempts to be a good man of character. A football team will never rise above the quality of its leadership. Dungy has a fine quarterback who also displays the effort at showing character. What the Falcons have is someone at quarterback that I hope no one would want to emulate. I would hope Mike Vick to turn it around, but there are too many strikes against him in his current setting. Perhaps a new scenario with a new team with give him opportunity to start afresh and give him the strength to dump the so-called friends. That’s what we would hope for Mike, but the probability of his turning his life around here is fairly slim. We hope, but deep down we believe our hope is nothing more than wishful thinking. Cut your losses, Mr. Blank, and bring up the type leader that good people will follow.

By dawg_gone_truth

May 22, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

why is it that when a black man does something that it be such a dang crisis situation? If this was Payton Manning fighting dogs it would be made the next great thing for white folk. All these racist talking all they trash about how uneducatod this man is he went to a fine school and made the grades. White folk hate to see a rich black man so they do whatever it takes to brang him down. Get over it and go ride Payton and Bretts jock.

By Enough

May 22, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

No one is defending Mike’s acts if he has actually done soemthing. It’s just guys like Schultz with an obvious ax to grind. Man did your wife call out his name in the middle of the night or something. Its the way the media puts a spin on every word. Fox 5 called that a interview, give me a break. Vick was just pointing out how there are a few media folks who blow things out of porportion, and those that liked him before still feel that way. So what he is a little cocky, heck you have to be to be an elite QB. BP will get things ironed out, Vick will be back in the pro bowl and Schultz will be writing an article on why Vick used the wrong fork at the pregame dinner. The AJC is just like Fox news when it comes to sports, fair and balanced, yeah right!

By Jack

May 22, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Can you blame him for flipping of the home crowd? Or not talking to the media?

The Falcons’ failures are that: the Falcons. The ENTIRE team is responsible for how the last few seasons have ended. This is Mike’s personal life and has nothing to do with his performance on the field. If he sucks at QB, Arthur should let him go. It should be about job performance and not all this personal stuff.

As far as people saying he’s a poor role model…why would any actor, socialite, athlete, or singer be a role model for anyone, let alone children??? If parents allow their children to exhibit bad behavior, it’s the parent’s fault, not some dude on a TV screen.

Gandolf, do you honestly think that once that $130M is freed up (when and if Vick is traded or released) that the team would improve in a season? What established NFL athlete would play in Atlanta, knowing how fickle the fans are, and how intrusive the media is? Not one…we’d have a roster of fresh faced newbies and 4th string benchwarmers.

Not much of a Super Bowl winning thing.

By Enough

May 22, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

The AJC needs a fresh crop of writers. People who are more in sync with todays happenings and athletes and entertainers. The older writers are anti everything and everybody. At least get some writers who are able to be critical yet can relate to modern day athletes. Also, what are we doing to address the Grady situation, depth charts, who is our starting running back. The AJC is losing its appeal. You keep writing repeated gossip and rumors to drum up interest but its getting tiresome. Why would any athlete want to come play in Atlanta? Make that black athlete. Do you guys ever print any of the Falcons and Vicks accomplishments. The man became the first QB to run for 1000 yards and you all spin it into a negative. JS, don’t know what happend with you, you were funny and kinda bought a different flavor than Bradley, Moore and the old school Bisher. Now you seem to be on a mission, hoping for validation and the ability to say I told you so. You do not want Vick to make it to the field because you know under BP you will be proven wrong. You are trying to finish him off in the court of public opinion. Let the man make or break himself on the football field. Stop using the AJC to grind your ax!

By MamaManners

May 22, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

1492, Bless You Child. Would You Like Some Nice Cookies And Milk? You Are Welcome To Come Over And Watch Cartoons. Bless Your Little Heart.

By RW

May 22, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

The best way to defend the defenseless is to cry racism. Let’s go through the checklist: drug abuser/user? Check. Evidence? Was until it “somehow got destroyed”. The cheating thing, ala Chipper? Not quite, but infecting women with STD’s is pretty bad. Violence? Dogfighting is pretty violent. Downright stupidity? Got it in abundance. Flipping off the home team fans, “Ron Mexico”, trying to board a plane with one thing that’s illegal supposedly hidden in something else that is illegal to carry on a plane. (Water bottles can’t be carried on airplanes.) Brilliant.

First off, to justify Vick’s bad behavior by saying anyone who criticizes him is racist is just making excuses for bad behavior. Second of all, why is anytime a white person criticisizes a black person, there are always plenty of people ready to cry racism? Even though Al Sharpton used the phrases “Hymie diamond merchants”, “White interlopers”, etc, try finding a white person that could get away with calling him a racist or race baiter or bigot. Or just a plain moron.

It’s not always about race. Bad behavior is bad behavior. Black, white, brown, yellow, if you break the law, make poor decisions, do stupid things, you should be held accountable. Jeff Schultz sure is getting on Vick a lot, but you know what? Vick just keeps providing more and more ammo. Every week it’s something else.

All you apologists who can’t see through the color of his skin, get over yourselves. He is continually getting into trouble and embarrassing this city and franchise and the NFL. I now live in Virginia, not far from Surry County, and whenever the talk comes to football, and I tell people I’m a Falcons fan, what do you think the next thing out of their mouths are? Always something about the embarrassment that is Micheal Vick. And football-wise, it’s nearly a consensus of the people I talk to that he’s not a good quarterback, and that he’d make a good wide reciever. But, I’m sure people on here will say I must be at Klan meetings when I talk football with these people. Only because that’s the only straw left to grasp at for Vick defenders.

By dawg_gone_truth

May 22, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

RW, Howcome you got to say, black and brown, you calling out african americans two times? that is typical white man trying to put more blame on blacks than anyone else. RW, it aint a race thing til white folks make it one. Rev. Sharpton apologized for his words and was forgiven, if you wanna put down him, just look at your prezident.

By Atlanta Burning

May 22, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

I LUV these threads.

A city totally polarized over Vick. Who was the idiot back in the 1860’s that said, “A house divided cannot stand”.

Let’s all laugh. Blacks will defend blacks regardless. And we get riduculed for calling you stupid?

By not a hater

May 22, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Bloggin: Fueling ignorance and hatred since 2001.

By Birdy

May 22, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Keep on fanning those flames, Shultzie. Make it a tag-team effort with your co-workers each and every day at the AJC. We’ve all got to pay the bills somehow.

Keep on regurgitating and agitating.

By Gandolf the White

May 22, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Jack,

$130 million will buy an awful lot…. but you have a point. I agree that MV7 is not the whole of the Falcon’s problem. That being said, $130 million should buy a player who is going to be a leader both on and off the field.

I don’t blame him for not talking to the media, but flipping off the home crowd? The Falcons stunk up the joint that night. Atlanta fans being what they are, do not tolerate failure.

Speaking of Atlanta fans, I was *insane * the night that the Big Unit threw a no-hitter and the so called “Braves” fans started giving him a standing ovation in the 7th inning! I was cussing and throwing stuff at my TV! I wanted him to get hit in the face with a monster from Andruw! Don’t love the opponent! I can see after the games giving him a round, it is history after all, but for the love of pete, boo that ugly son of a sailor until it’s done. He beat our home team Braves! Stupid fans.

By Bauza

May 22, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

dawggonetruth, you are a COMPLETE dumb@$$. “Brown” is in reference to Hispanics, like me.
Go Falcons!

By oh palease

May 22, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Birdy,

Come on, take ownership. You know Portis started the crap but did you mention him? Why is that?

By RW

May 22, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Thank you, Buaza, for reading with a clear head. And by no means was I calling out Hispanics, I included every color. Isn’t it funny, there were other things I expected an apologist like him to fight back on, but what did he fall back on? “THE WHITE MAN TRYING TO KEEP THE BLACK MAN DOWN!” It’s hilarious. As for Sharpton apologizing, maybe an apology isn’t enough. It wasn’t enough for Don Imus in Sharpton’s eyes, was it? So, an old white man makes a racist statement, and an apology wasn’t enough; he had to be fired. But as long as Sharpton apologized for his numerous racist statements, he can keep his job and remain a public figure. Can anyone say…Reverse racism?

By bong hits for jesus

May 22, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

It could be worse. Vick could be a drunk and a wife beater, but Cox already has that covered

By D-Cider

May 22, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

I am more concerned about that old man from California, Mantos, trying to get involved in the NFL’s business. Govt oversight? what kind of a BS committee is that anyway? Congress can’t pass a bill that doesn’t include millions for lobbyists and cronies, can’t address the oncoming trainwreck with social security or medicare, doesn’t know what to do about passing a bill on Iraq spending, but hey, look what is going on in the NFL, that is something they can fix! what a bunch of losers.

By Bauza

May 22, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

RW, no problems. We’re alright. I wasn’t raised to hate and have a perpetual chip on my shoulder.

Just an FYI:

There is NO SUCH THING as “Reverse Racism.”

Racism IS Racism, no matter who is giving and who is receiving.

I don’t like it when my friend & I, a caucasian, go downtown and get treated like 3rd Class citizens in certain areas just because of how we each look.

Also, Roberto Clemente, IMHO, is the greatest athletic figure ever, but I still love the Braves and Falcons.
Be Good!

By bong hits for morons

May 22, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

It could be worse. Cox could be a stoner, illegitimate father, venereal disease carrier (& spreader), bumbling idiot, pathological liar, selfish, inarticulate, poor leader, selfish, hated by approximately half Atlanta’s population, have ZERO credibility, selfish and have a hideously ugly hairstyle, but Vick already has that covered.

By bong hits for Jesus

May 22, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

I think Cox has done an excellent job as a bumbling idiot and overweight boob, who is also poor leader and generally over rated considering his chances to win a world series and wind up each October making excuses. But, considering the ATL and its history of losers and the fans that are willing to accept any level of success as the holy grail, I can certainly understand why a bunch of chumps still defend him. BTW, Vick said he wasn’t going to cut his hair until he won the super bowl.

By RW

May 22, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Lol, you’re right, Bauza, about no such thing as reverse racism. Thank you for clearing that up. I used that phrase to further make my point, but you’re absolutely right, racism is racism.

Bong hits, okay, even if Cox has that covered, does that justify Vick’s bad behavior and somehow make it OK? Drunk/drug addict/abuser, are all the same. As far as the wife beater part goes, give Vick time, Cox still has a good 40 years on the kid, ;). Just kidding. By writing that about Cox, are you trying to keep the white man down? No, you’re pointing to his actions, same as others are to Vick. Not racist to do that, is it? A person’s actions speak to their character, does it not? In a quarterback, don’t you want someone of good character that can make good, sound decisions? On or off the field, has Vick proven that?

By the way, my favorite ball player for the last 10 years or so has been Andruw Jones. (I think that’s changing this year with the way he’s playing, though). That brings up another point: everyone’s quick to bring up Chipper’s bad behavior as some kind of justification for Vick’s bad behavior, along with Favre, Cox, or any other white athlete they can find, but nobody’s brought up the controversies that Andruw, Furcal, Mutombo, and others have been involved in. Why is that?

By Jay

May 22, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Schultz is a jerk…just like most of the media. If you don’t agree with their views…then you’re stupid or a neanderthal. Their opinions are the only ones that matter in their little world. Most of these jerks are the biggest hypocrites…take a camera and notepad and follow them in their life and see how sleezy some of them are.

This whole Vick-gate has gotten out of hand. Clearly…there are pockets that want to see Vick go down…no matter how it happens. I’d just like to see some of these mean-spirited, cold-hearted people that want his head on a platter have to face this type of scrutiny in their personal lives. I’d give anything to be on the jury at their trial so they could see how it feels to have so many people against you for no reason. But fortunately, I have a heart and a brain…and I know that’s wrong. Too bad many in the media or some of these sucky fans don’t realize that.

By Satan

May 22, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Take another bong hit Jesus. With idiots like you out there it won’t be long before my right hand man Vick and I take over the world. HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA

By Get A Life Loser

May 22, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Dear Sexy Back,

 It's not all about racism in America.  Racism is used by minorities to have everything given to them instead of them going out to earn it themselves.  Ya'll have found a loophole in the government and find ways to try and force your dominance in society instead of earning it like the whites do.  Everything is racist this and racist that, but when have you ever heard a white person whine about a black man calling him names, or a white man saying it's the black man's fault I'm can't make it in this world?  Get a life, and if you have something to say then let's meet up in person and solve it like two men, instead of you just carrying the torch like your sorry counterparts in Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.  You'll see both of those losers in hell for using the word or God to propel them into stardom.  how about you take responsibility for your own actions instead of blaming everyone else.  Go look up the speech Bill Cosby released about the African Americans.  Maybe you'll half way understand everything coming from one of your own, who is a respected man in the so called 'white man's' world.

By RAY

May 22, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Hey Jay No reason? Get your head out of whereever it is and answer these questions: Why does Vick recieve mail at the Va address? What does he need w/syringes? If not dog figthting, there are only a few other reasons why he would need needles. Why does the Humane Society of America say they have known of his involvement “FOR SOME TIME” How does Vicks colon smell?

By Realist

May 22, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Sorry that last thread had not a thing to do about Vick, and I apologize. We outta dump that piece of trash and get a real quarterback. I wonder how much Tom Brady would cost Atlanta, 130 million? That would be a worth while expenditure. Vick’s family is like this. Can’t you see the relation between his brother Marcus, obviously his cousin, Michael himself, and no telling what hasn’t been caught that they’ve done. When are you supporters gonna open your eyes and realize this is a re-occurring problem. Not just a first time offense, but the 3rd, 4th, or 5th. Would you want your own children hanging around this horrible influence or a gentleman that leads a team instead f sinking it?

By Roswell Ed

May 22, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

If I think nice things about black guys like Bill Cosby, Clarence Thomas, Condi Rice, Wayne Brady and Colin Powell how can I be racist?

Those are some really swell negros!

By Braves Fan 79

May 22, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

You Blacks that defend Vick just because of his race are idiots….your the same ones that were blind enough to say “OJ Is innocent!” Im a white guy…and if a white guy did something stupid id say “that guys a idiot” not…”hes the same race as me…so he must be ok”.
If it was a perfect world we would of traded vick to the raiders for the top pick and got Calvin Johnson. But its not….so go falcons…and if vick gets hurt i hope they give DJ a chance. See while i hate dumb niggs like vick and pacman jones (who takes 80 grand to a club and throws it at strippers not expecting it to get taken!!??) a dumb nigg. Thats who! I do like respectable black pple and think DJ and calvin johnson are 2 examples of such.

By RAY

May 22, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Hey ros ed and braves fan I hate vick too, but I also hate the Klan. Take your hoods off

By Upset Season Ticket Holder

May 22, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

Do I believe there are race issues in the U.S. today? Of course. But, I feel as a white man, who has never hunted in his life, and owns a dog he adopted from the Humane Society, and who owns 2 jerseys (Warrick Dunn, a fine HUMAN BEING and DJ Shockley, a fine HUMAN BEING (and Dawg)) I take offense at the notion that I am a racist b/c of my belief Vick at least knew something was going on at that VA property. Yes, Vick is innocent until proven guilty, but I have the right to feel that what was going on at Vick’s property is awful and I do not condone it. When I spend $500+ for season tixs in the upper deck, I have the right to be disappointed that some of that money is going into Vick’s pocket (if he is found guilty). If they determine he did not have anything to do with this, then good for him. But I do not feel like I am a racist for not supporting him while all these various “incidents” happen to a man who represents the city I am from and the team that I love! That is my right.

By Another Tix holder

May 22, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

To Season Tix Holder Nice Post, do you plan to cancel your tix if Vick is shown to be involved? I do.I also plan to renew when he is gone.

By NOT BECAUSE VICK IS BLACK

May 22, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

I’ll be on the level with you Falcons fans:

I’m a 49ers fan.

HOWEVER, you people shouldn’t hate/dislike/rally against Mike Vick because he’s Black, but because he can’t play the position of quarterback in the National Football League.

By MIKE

May 22, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

FIRST OF ALL I WOULD START OFF SAYING HOW CAN YOU IDIOTS CONVICT SOMEONE WHEN YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE ALL THE FACTS.A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT WRITE IN THESE BLOGS DON’T GO TO THE GAME ANYWAY SO WHO CARES WHAT YOU THINK.I BET YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW WHY YOU DON’T EVEN LIKE VICK.IS IT BECAUSE YOU ARE SOME RACIST PIGS THAT IS MAD BECAUSE A YOUNG BLACK MAN IS 130 MILLION DOLLERS RICHER AND YOU CAN’T STAND THAT HE MAD IT THE LEGAL WAY.I GUESS U WOULD HAVE RATHER HIM MADE HIS MONEY SELLING DRUGS TO YOUR WIFE AND KIDS THEN YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN HAPPY FOR HIM.LET’S FACE IT THAT’S ALL WHITE PEOPLE THINK BLACKS ARE GOOD FOR ANYWAY.WHAT U SHOULD BE WORRYING ABOUT IS GETTING OUR TROOPS HOME SO THEY CAN STOP GETTING KILLED AT A DAILY RATE.YOU RACIST ARE SO SIMPLE MINDED U DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT REAL ISSUES ARE.

By Dont be an Idiot

May 22, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Come on NOT Because His color or athletic ability should have nothing to do with the issue. The real issue is whether or not he is guilty of being a sub human psychopath. His comments today were analytically very damning.

By RW

May 22, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

Wow, Mike, you convinced me. I think the all caps is what made your point so powerful. You have done more to prove my point than I have. If you think this is all about race, you’re delusional. Get over yourself. You’ve got the Stuart Scott Syndrome: You think anyone that dislikes a black athlete, for whatever reason, is just a “playa hata”.

By Sally Smith

May 22, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

I was always in favor of getting rid of Michael Vick, not because he was so corrupt which he is, but only for the fact that he was so ugly. Trade him for the Patriots QB and at least give us a hunk to look at and not some ugly erratic QB.

By Elrey Jones

May 22, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

My biggest beef against Vick is he is just too racist and ugly. Of course, his racism fits the racist black Atlanta population to a T.

By Noah

May 22, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Just wondering, if the Falcons had won the Super Bowl with Mike Vick this year, would it really be an issue??

The problem with Atlanta sports has always been the FANS. Fair weather, unsupportive fans. Just like Gandolf wrote, how the h3ll can the home crowd cheer for the opposing team’s pitcher?? Come on!!! Let the Falcons trade Vick and see how long it’ll be before the GA Dome is empty and Arthur couldn’t give away those tickets. You’d all say Arthur was a fool for getting rid of the best thing that’s happened to ATL sports in a long time.

Also, I wouldn’t take too much stock in what congress people say…they’re in bed with lobbyists, special interests groups, and big business (Dems and Repubs). The committee they should be forming should deal with the healthcare crisis, education, and other domestic issues. That just someone who wants some attention…it’s almost like McCarthyism of the ’50s.

By John

May 23, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

If you listen to Portis and Samuel comments, it seems that this goes on all the time. I bet you that holy Brett Farve has been to plenty of chicken and dog fights in his life. If this was him it would be a minor blimp on the screen right after he anounced that he was coming back for two more years. We all live in the south and a lot of these things go on daily. We don’t want to admit it, but it does. I like dogs, but I’m like Portis almost, who cares!!

By Typical Vick Defender

May 23, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

Keep on Hatin VICK you buncha HATERS!

Buncha cracker racists bigots jealous hillbilly HATERS! VICK aint never been found guilty of nothin and yall want to hang the man high.

Vick needz to be the QB cuz you white people have been keepin us down for 400 years. Itz time 4 us to get PAID yo! Yall cant stop MIKE V and it bothers yall!

Vick DA $130million MAN yo! Vick can get all the weed and WHITE B!TC#ES he wants and you racists can’t do NUTHIN abou it! None of yall!!!!!

Vick is 1 of the Gratest QBs Ever and Blank go broke if MV leaves town.

You crackerz will be back on Vick’s NUTZZZZZ again next year when he wins DA SUPER BO !!!

F* yall white people!! Yall aint no real FALCON fans.

Vick just GET PAID, smoke a little weed, bleed some lil doggeez, father some kidz and yall racists act like he killt sumbody.

VICK is innocent and AJC ESPN FOX SPORTS better report it right when VICK is cleared of ALL CHARGES!!!!

HATERS!

WITCH HUNT!!!

WITCH HUNT!!

Number 7 is DA MAN !!!!!!!!!!!! Watch Yo BACK MIKE!!! THe WITCH HUNT IS out to get U!!!

Let the HATERZ hate!

Just Keepin It Real When It Come to Mike Being Innocent Yo! Weez Just Keepin It REAL!

A T L yo!!!

A T L !!!!!!!

By Eric

May 23, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

Mike Vick could have blonde hair and blue eyes and skin of solid gold and he’d still be a pedestrian qb and at best of questionable character. It’s a fact that has no basis in race.

By br

May 23, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Just so you all know, the Hawks will pick #3 and #11 in the upcoming draft. Anyways, commence Vick-bashing!

By Gene

May 23, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

On top of all of Vick’s shady adventures is the fact that he is an erratic quarterback, and he will never take the Falcons to a superbowl.

By JudasIscariat

May 23, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

The only question I have for Vick-bashing BLOGGERS is that if Michael Vick and his Falcon teammates bring home two consecutive Superbowl championships and the Falcons win back-to-back titles over the next two seasons will that be enough to STOP THE HATEFEST, LYNCHING AND WITCHHUNT AGAINST MV7?

By EnosSlaughter

May 23, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Im amazed and overwhelmed by the way Vick has been slaughtered through the media, you would have thought Vick was JACK THE RIPPER. The media has convicted Vick of dog-fighting before Vick has even gotten his indictment or before his dog-fighting case even gets tried before the Grand Jury. In America you are innocent until proven GUILTY. If you are Vick you are bashed unmercifully until you get up and defend yourself.

By FalconsforLife

May 23, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Think on these things…

You know, life is pretty funny. Vick’s issues seem to bring out the worst in people on both sides of the fence. Supporters and non-supporters alike feel the need to attack each other unnecessarily.

It’s really okay to have an opinion (whether you think dog-fighting is a crime, morally wrong, etc.), but when you make character assassinations because you are unable to socially identify with each other (or with Vick), it crosses the line.

The truth of the matter is, most people who dislike Vick are the ones who hate that the Falcons can’t seem to get into the playoffs or win a Championship. There’s this other annoyance that Vick makes 130m and is not leading his team to the post season (regardless of the fact that it takes a TEAM effort). Furthermore, Vick supporters have a need for Vick to be successful (no matter what Vick does in his personal life as long as he’s not beating on women, getting caught red-handed with drugs, DUI, murder/agg assualt, etc.) because he’s a black quarterback. You can read this blog and see the racial divide.

You have to understand the dynamics of this whole situation, because it involves money, race, envy, politics, and social differences just to name a few. I really believe Vick has knowledge or even participated in the dog-fighting issue. But I don’t care one way or another. I’m a season ticket holder and I just want my team to WIN! When it comes right down to it, don’t you? Does it really bother you that Michael Vick may or may not go to jail or get suspended from the team? And if so, then what? Will you sleep a litter better at night? What, your kids don’t have YOU as a role model to look up to? Aren’t other athletes out there?

Think on these things….

By GoldenRichards

May 23, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Thanks Falcons4Life for such a great BLOG. You seemed to hit the nail on the head. There are many dynamics being played out here. Politics are playing into with congressmen jumping into the frey to try and decide Vicks fate. Many people are envious of Vick because he is the highest paid player in the league. Some people dont like the fact that Vick wont address the media and stand up for himself or defend himself. Most fans feel that Vick should be performing up to the level of his contract, which he is not. There are also racial dynamics in the fact that Vick is black. Unfortunately, there is still a race problem in America and some people hate Vick because his skin is darker than theirs. In my opinion, that is a stupid reason to hate someone. Were Vick white, blond haired and blue eyed, he would certainly not be getting bashed 24/7 like he currently is. If Vick is the reason for racism being ceased in America after all the smoke clears from this Vick bashing I will say that it has been worth all the bashing. Im like you I’m a Falcon season ticket holder so the only thing I want to happen is for the Falcons to win. If the Falcons make the playoffs I am happy. If the Falcons win a playoff game or win the superbowl Im even happier. I really dont give a rats a$$ if Vick goes to jail because Shockley or Harrington will fill in admirably for Vick. The only thing I want for Vick to do is lead the Falcons to a winning season. Period. End of Story.

By FalconsforLife

May 23, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

GoldenRichards,

Maybe we can get other people on this blog to join us in our REAL FANS effort. I’m not only a Falcons fan, but I support all GEORGIA sports teams. What do you think about our Hawks draft selections? I think these two picks should serve us well…that is if Billy Knight will let-up on the forward position.

By Marcus Vick

May 23, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Hey guys lay off the harsh criticism. My brother is completely innocent. He in no way participates in dog fighting. There is no evidence to back up the claims. As for the letters addressed to M. Vick, those were mine. I am running the fighting circuit. Yeah thats right it was me all along. And the water bottle, that was mine too! Dont judge me! Ya’ll wish ya’ll could be me! Patrick Kerney had a woman raped in his house while he was there! That story was swept under the rug by all you hillbilly redneck inbreds. So get off my brothers sac and watch him carry your sorry franchise to the Big One!

By GoldenRichards

May 23, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

It appears that every time Dominique Wilkins (Hawks good luck charm) shows up at Hawks draft headquarters, the Hawks get very good draft picks. Wilkins is probably the Hawks biggest fan as well as their second greatest hall of fame player of all times. I thought Pistol-Pete Maravich was their best player of all times. I think the Hawks were fortunate and got excellent draft picks and now it is up to Billy Knight to work his magic and make the correct picks to lift the Hawks up from the ashes of obscurity and mediocrity. THE HAWKS SHOULD BE CONSIDERABLY BETTER THIS YEAR THAN THEY WERE LAST YEAR. Okay, commence Vick-bashing!

By Bong hits for Jesus

May 23, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

hey, satan, I could take you out stoned! Armageddon is right around the corner for you, buddy! HAHAHAHHAHA

By Bong Hits for Jesus

May 23, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

hey, satan i could take you out stoned! Armageddon is right around the corner for you, buddy! hahahahhaha