AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > July > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDid Vick know what was going on?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Just ask yourself this question: Do you think he knew what was going on?
For a moment, let’s forget about the 18-page indictment, which names Michael Vick 51 times. Let’s forget about the cooperating witnesses and the double-secret sources that claim Vick funded, operated and actively participated in training dogs, fighting dogs and executing dogs.
Is there really any way possible that he didn’t know?
Can a person be that oblivious? These are his friends. This is his house. Did he go there, even if rarely, and NEVER look out the back window and say, “What’s with those little black houses in the yard?” Did he never see any dog-training equipment? Or blood splatters? Did he never notice receipts for medicine or vet visits or “rape stands” or pry bars or, like a million bags of dog food?
Did he never once travel to this house of horrors on Moonlight Road and think, “Man. Sure is a lot of dog poop around here.”
He knew. Of course he knew. And that’s enough.
The Falcons are trying to figure out where to go with Michael Vick. Try this: Run in the other direction.
No more coddling. No more enabling. No more spinning. Just go.
The NFL may or may not suspend Vick before his trial. But owner Arthur Blank and this little enterprise of his shouldn’t wait for the mother ship to act.
Suspend Vick if you want to look tough and send a message to fans.
Announce Vick is going on an indefinite leave of absence if you want to seem compassionate and supporting, as if he was dealing with some rare disease or family emergency.
Just pick an exit strategy and move on.
He knew. Of course he knew. And when you know, you’re not just a good guy surrounded by bad people. When you know and do nothing, you’re one of them.
I don’t want to hear about due process right now. Would anybody in any other walk of life be allowed to continue working if these charges were leveled against him by the federal government?
A police officer being accused of assault would be put on administrative leave.
A truck driver accused of reckless driving would be suspended, pending charges.
A teacher accused of having an affair with a student would suddenly disappear.
If Blank doesn’t know what to do, he should ask himself this question: If this was a guy selling hammers at Home Depot and not your star quarterback, what would be your first move? I’m guessing it wouldn’t be a directive, “Go sell more hammers.”
This isn’t Mayberry or some backwoods county filing charges. This is: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. MICHAEL VICK, a/k/a ‘Ookie,’ ” and three lesser-known bottom-feeders.
The federal government doesn’t hand these things out like parking tickets. Read the indictment. It’s detailed. It names manners of executions, amounts of wagers, even names of dogs.
Did I mention Vick was referenced 51 times?
If the Falcons don’t act now, let’s call this what it is: They want to win games. It wouldn’t be about letting the legal system play out, or standing behind Vick, because that’s certainly not what team’s initial statement read like (we’ll get to that shortly). It would only be about seeing Vick first on the depth chart and Joey Harrington second and Blank thinking, “Oy.” It would only be about thinking Vick can get you to the playoffs and Harrington can’t and maybe people will talk about something other than page 17 of the indictment: “In or about April 2007, PEACE, PHILLIPS and VICK executed approximately 8 dogs that did not perform well in ‘testing’ sessions at 1915 Moonlight Road by various methods, including hanging, drowning and slamming at least one dog’s body to the ground.”
For all of the club’s talk about the “Falcon Filter” and serving the community, doing nothing would prove the Falcons to be as shallow as any other franchise.
Just guessing: If this were a backup lineman, not the quarterback or the franchise cash machine, there would be no hesitation.
Do nothing and this should be the Falcons new slogan: “Do the right thing — when it’s convenient.”
The Falcons’ initial statement embraced generics. It referenced the indictment being “troubling,” the team being “tested,” officials being “disappointed,” but franchise being “prepared to deal with it.”
There was no, “Michael is innocent,” or, “We’re behind him.” The closest was the final sentence: “Our plan is to continue to do everything we can to support our players and coaches.”
They’ve got other players. None are named in a federal indictment. Stand behind them.
Permalink | Comments (177) | Categories: Jeff Schultz
Comments
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By Patrick
July 19, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Well said Jeff. Let’s move on from Vick. We have to play Harrington next year and maybe pick up a QB in the 08 draft.
By D
July 19, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
it’s terrible that so many bigots want to make this into a race thing, it’s not. to those dogs that were treated like they were in an SS prison, color meant nothing to them, just ‘why?’. why? are they treating me this way? what have I done? I’ll work harder to be a better dog, if you let me. that’s all they were thinking. and to say Vick’s only responsibilty to this is the fact that he just happened to be hanging around with the wrong people and they burned him, well, that’s just ignorant and big cop out! none of this would have been possible if Vick had not financed the whole thing. he empowered everyone living there and hanging around there with financing. it started there, and could not have started without his financial investment. a pit bull doesn’t make a man, cruelty can only be expected from the weak.
By Killa
July 19, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Agreed. Get MV out of here. We’ve stood around and waited for him to “break out” long enough. Next thing he will be breaking out of is jail.
By chgfalcfan
July 19, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
guilty till proven innocent ay Jeff? You are a disgrace to your profession.
By Anita Brakee
July 19, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Boycott Home Depot until Arthur Blank stops acting like his name -Blank!!! I could not conceive of wathching Vick the Dick and enjoying the game. Have the Flacons considered road games? The fans will love the chance to give it to Vick!
By Diogenes
July 19, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
An open letter to Mr. Blank:
My two sons, ages 10 and 12 (who, by the way, since it inevitably will come up, attend a happily integrated school, and know and care nothing about racial politics) threw away their previously-much-beloved MV jerseys night before last. They did this wholly of their own accord.
They are the current and future fans of your franchise. If you allow this thuggish cretin to continue to be the face of that franchise, do you really think they will continue to be your fans? WHAT MESSAGE WILL THAT SEND TO THEM?
Just asking … .
By Airheadmotorcycle
July 19, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
You’re absolutely right, Jeff. I am disgusted to my very core. Do the Falcons know how many dog lovers there are in the US? This is huge. Michael deserves his day in court, but if he really did this, anyone who stands behind him now will face a public image problem for a very long time. Just wait till all the dog lovers have their say. Dog lovers v. Atlanta Falcons…they don’t stand a chance.
By Jan
July 19, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
I can assure you that if Vick is playing, I will not be watching. I hope that Arthur Blank suspends Vick. He should be suspended without pay but if that is not legally possible the least that should happen is his suspension. If he is found not guilty then reinstate him but if there is the smallest possibility that he is guilty of brutally murdering and injuring any living creature, I wouln’t want my team to be associated with him in any way.
By kathy
July 19, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
this makes me so sick…..the atlanta falcons should get rid of him and he better go to jail…i am looking at my sweet..sweet pit bull right now and can’t even imagine what went on….where can we email arthur blank..mayber if enough of us do that it ewill make a difference..what else can we do about this..the laws for people abusing dogs are insane…that’s why it goes on…..
By Mike
July 19, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
They have to sit him. I have already gotten one petition from an animal rights’ organization to ask Goodell to suspend Vick. There will be more. If the Falcons let Vick play even one snap this fall, they will be cast as endorsing his sordid behavior. Say what you will about the lunatic fringe of the animal rights movement (PETA, most notably), but mainstream America is so repulsed by this indictment that the Falcons will suffer a devastating p.r. hit if they let Vick play.
By Adam C
July 19, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
You’d have to be an idiot to think Vick didn’t know, regardless of how invovled he was. The fact that this goes on, betting on the lives of a dog, gambling on the death of a dog, is barbaric. The fact that this is a growing activity is frightening, it’s 2007 and some people think there is nothing wrong with it? How can the NFL and it’s players (Clinton Portis) defend this behavior, and how can society tolerate it?
By Lisa Simmons
July 19, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
He deserves nothing less than the animals he tortured, abused, mutilated, and terrified. Michael Vick is pure evil.
Do the right thing, Atlanta Falcons. Do the right thing for the city, but most of all, do it because it’s the right thing to do. Send this wicked brute to prison to live in the caged hell he deserves.
By DOGS
July 19, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Jeff who are you you are a no body and a bottom feeder paper boy. you want Vick gone lone before now . I am a season ticket holder and want to see him play. let the court speak . you need not speak about because you and the AJC has had agenda to outcast VICK lone before now. You push hate and venom on vick because you want blue eye to play QB in Atlanta. And if you say you don’t have a agende you are lying . YOU and AJC Sport hate VICK but that is your problem. we need some more sport writer at AJC that don’t have Issues with the Falcons and vick. The dome is full not because of clown like you Jeff. I will buy Ticket just because of haters like you Jeff. Buy you a team and you can get who you want clown. We should not have a reporter like you and some of the staff at AJC sports because you ARE BIAS as HELL!!!!! Vick has dome some wrong thing but so have you and other sports players. You and the haters are so self righteous . Get the log out of your eye before you talk about the speck in someone Else’s eye clown!
By One Voice
July 19, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
I have a question for Arthur Blank: How much money have you payed to have a dog wet down and electrocuted in the past couple years? How much did you pay to have a dog slammed against concrete until its skull was fractured? How much to have one strangled?
Face it Arthur, you wrote the checks and those checks are what payed for these atrocities. You have a choice. You’re either okay with it or you’re not, and if it’s not okay for you to pay for animals to be killed for fun then you must cut Vick.
By Mark
July 19, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
To those that keep screaming “Innocent until proven guilty”, just because you get a Not-Guilty verdict doesn’t mean you are innocent. Just ask OJ. It’s a small but important distinction.
To Jeff’s point, I agree. Vick knew what was going on and even if they can’t prove it in a court of law, I want him gone. I will not support the Falcons as long as he is a part of the team. My wallet will be guided by my conscience.
By ran
July 19, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
I am so sick and tired of you people that happen to know for sure that Vick is 100% guilty in all of this. For all you know the cw’s in this case are all liars. Give me a freaking break; I hope to God that you’re never brought up on charges that you haven’t been able to prove are true are false. That’s why we have a judicial system. If Vick is found guilty of these charges then he should pay, but please let the judicial process play out before you start slinging mud.
By Suchates
July 19, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
‘Diogenes’, that’s a good one!
By mountain jim
July 19, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Jeff, I think your examples of suspension prior to determination of guilt are flawed.
Drivers, police, and teachers accused of crimes that (if allowed to continue), pose strong risks to human life should be suspended from their jobs which involve potential public endangerment.
A pro football player accused of what Vick is - while it’s reprehensible if true he is not and has not acted as a danger to the public and thus deserves his day(s) in court.
Innocent until proven guilty is what America is about and it’s what I believe in - what you are advocating is just modern-day lynching based on a federal indictment which has not even begun to be proven.
If he is guilty or pleas guilt to end this mess sooner, then fine, the Falcons can get out of his contract and replace him, until then, I disagree with you and this column.
As an aside, during the water-bottle incident, you were also calling for Vick’s head and there was never any crime there was there? I think Vick must have treated you poorly in your sports-writing past and for you its personal.
By Vick Supporter
July 19, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
You are all acting like he pulled a ray lewis and murdered two people and by the way he’s still playing today. Vick will play this season but maybe not next. the falcons will go to the nfc championship game and lose. then hopefully people will be talking about vick huge improvement on the field instead of these charges which have not proven him guilty at all.
By JR
July 19, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Jeff, You’re right, it is about winning games…and making money. Let’s not forget what this league is about and what this country is about. If Blank thinks he can make more money with Vick around, he will keep him; if not, they may go in another direction. WHEN Vick plays this season and IF the team has a winning record, he’s not going anywhere. Its about money, not dogs…even though 75% of this country loves a dog like another human being.
By to 'DOGS'
July 19, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
no matter what others have done, DOGS, two wrongs will never make a right.
By atlhotboy
July 19, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
vick is the man, he will be cleared and we will win the championship. then what will yall say?
By Brian
July 19, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
I will not watch the Falcons while Mike Vick plays QB. If you bought a ticket, great, you helped finance dogfighting. Guess that makes me a “hater.” Damn right.
By Roswell Ed
July 19, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Jeff I couldn’t agree more with your column. What amazes me is that there are people out there who will condone this criminal behavior.
What horrible family raised these creeps to grow up to believe that there is nothing wrong with this behavior? People who get pleasure out of other beings pain is just right above pedophilia on the ladder down to hell.
I’m no animal lover. Heck I don’t even like dogs, but participating in the act of watching 2 animals tear each other apart just so you can prove your masculinity to yourself is so sick on so many levels that it is just mind boggling to me.
What a poor pathetic group of people. I guess if you grow up in a culture that promotes not getting disrespected to the point of violence then this shouldn’t surprise anyone.
This blog will deteriorate into a race issue and it has absolutely nothing to do with race. This is about a subculture in society whether they are black yellow green white or blue that has embraced a lifestyle of criminal behavior. The end justifies the means.
How can you justify this to your children? Look in the mirror and take responsibility.
Be man enough to do that.
MIKE WON’T
By Hateville AT AJC SPORTS
July 19, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
They are not going to set down Vick. and if you don’t want to want watch NFL foot ball there is nascar or the redneck game! This not about the dogs it about a black man playing qb IN THE nfl AT NECKVILLE USA GEORGIA. THE GUY THAT in nwa there is not a blog about him. Race is in all we do and jeff is lead cheer leader clown. I will buy a falcons ticket but not a paper From AJC!
By Michael
July 19, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Couldn’t disagree with you on one word, Jeff. Vick should definitely be suspended pending the outcome of the trial. If he’s innocent, there’s no way he could focus on football while trying to clear his name of federal felony charges. If he’s guilty, you don’t want him anywhere near the world “Falcons.”
As someone who kept supporting this guy despite what others said about his lack of passing skills and other things, this offseason really makes you sick. Jeff is right. If Vick truly didn’t know, how dense is he?
So, um, how about Joey Harrington?
By Diogenes
July 19, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
To “DOGS” and certain other MV defenders who post:
The vast majority of us are sick to death of you defending this scum based on specious, disingenuous, race-based reasoning.
When white sports stars and celebrities commit stupid, evil acts, you don’t see whites close ranks behind them because he’s “one of us.”
Please be advised that every time you do this, whites take blacks a little less seriously, and view them with a little more contempt. And that’s NOT a good thing, for any of us.
By Dumbing Down
July 19, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
“Coach Killer”… Maybe!
“Dog Killer” … Probably!
“Franchise Killer”… Absolutely!
By Dan
July 19, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
All the people talking about innocent until proven guilty just don’t get it. That is purely for a court of law and to decide whether or not someone is deprived of there freedom. A reasonable person cannot look at the facts and believe Vick did not know what was going on. Some folks blame the people around him, nonsense, a “posse” does what the money guy wants and says, not the other way around. He is unquestionably involved, and even if he beats this in court, remember a verdict of Not Guilty does not mean innocent.
By Hateville AT AJC SPORTS
July 19, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Jeff you are just like fox news you ask a question knowing it not a Question this is a statement from you Jeff. you are bias and you need to be gone. we need to boycott AJC or COX!
By J.C.
July 19, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
those that think Mike Vick is innocent, are probably dumb enough to believe that George Bush is a Christian, too!
By Moorebuilder
July 19, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
Michael Vick is a product of his tough environment while growing up. While he chose to rise above much of it with his work ethic and natural ability - his inability to completely let go of an incredibly dark side of his nature will cost him millions of dollars and much adulation if not his career. No one wins in this situation - Mr. Vick, the Falcons, the NFL, Arthur Blank, the city, kids and fans that idolized him, the abused animals. Forget the issue of race, folks. We are all losers in this situation. It is not easy to step up and out of one’s upbringing and Mike Vick nearly did and was an inspiration. Unfortunately one dark part of his psychology could not embrace a different way and we all will pay for it - most notably Mr. Vick himself.
By Father of Five
July 19, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
I pray Mr. Blank acts right away because I agree that the ultimate outcome is irrelevant. Plenty of guys beat the wrap - “not guilty” doesn’t make them innocent. It took 2 trials before OJ was convicted, and everyone knows his hands (and socks) were not clean. My sons and I will not support the Falcons as long as they continue to aide and abet Ookie. It’s a very tough call (we loved watching him play), but others clearly feel the same. We don’t know how dirty Ookie may be, but he’s proven to be dirty enough. And we all know it.
By Rock
July 19, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
Will somebody please explain to me how a football player is dangerous or harmfull to the general public because of his indictment for dog fighting. I thought this country stood for innocent until proven guilty. I guess I was wrong
By Larry
July 19, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Innocent Until Proven Guilty vs Guilty by Association…
The Right of all Americans is to be shrouded by the cloak of innocence until proven otherwise. With that being said my father repeated told me when I was in my teens that “if you associate with people who make bad decisions, you can be guilty by association”. I would always nod my head to the affirmative when asked if I understood and to this day reflect on that statement frequently. It may come to pass(dropped by # 87) that Michael Vick is able to extricate himself from the grips of the pending Federal charges against him and his associates. However, the “backlash” this situation has created will taint his reputation and diminish any significant accomplishments he may achieve as an athlete or as a person. It is unfortunate that in a time of great historical importance (Iraq, Islam, Disease/Famine in Africa and Immigration issues) that we are fixated by someone who obviously hasn’t given much thought to his immediate associations, let alone his position in the grand scheme of things.
Go Falcons, take the Hawks with you!
By D-Cider
July 19, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
A police officer being accused of assault would be put on administrative leave with pay If he were a Catholic Priest in LA with a history of sexually molesting children, he would pay a bunch of money and never stand trial.
If he were a Congressman, he would still be a Congressman. For all the outrage about dog fighting, why is the Great state of Georgia the only state in the nation where it is currently legal to both attend a dog fight and to possess or breed dogs with the intent to fight?
Oh, and this is same great Federal Government that flushes our tax dollars down the toilet, convicted Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean for shooting a drug smuggler and sentences them to more than 10 years in jail while also failing to secure our borders. And is also filled with a bunch of political appointees that are basically hacks (take a look at FEMA) or elected representatives that become convicted felons and get to draw a nice, fat pension at the tax payers expense. In total, American taxpayers pay over $480,000 each year to Congressmen convicted of a felony.
Do I think the Falcons should cut Vick? Why not. Joey Harrington is a much better fit for a team that has a history of losing and will never, ever win a Super Bowl.
Btw, it looks like the NFL says Vick can play. So for all the other noise, I think he will be the starting QB for the Falcons.
By Roswell Ed
July 19, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
Vick supporters.
Hitler wasn’t all bad either.
The trains ran on time.
By Tez
July 19, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
no room for compassion I guess… I heard they did further DNA test on the animals and it was a cow fighting ring. There are no laws against fighting cows so all charges are suppose to be dropped… :)
By POD
July 19, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
THOSE DOGS WERE HUNG, DROWNED, TORTURED AND A NUMBER OF OTHER THINGS BUT SO WAS MY ANCESTORS. THE FEDERAL GOV SHOULD BE SPENDING TIME AND MONEY ON CONVICTING THOUSE PEOPLES THAT ARE WALKING THE STREETS TODAY. IAM PRETTY SURE 99% OF THE PEOPLE THAT COMMENTED ON THIS BOARD HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO HAVE TREATED PEOPLE OF ANOTHER RACE JUST AS BAD AS THESE DOGS. I DONT HEAR ANYBODY CRYING ABOUT SLAVERY, AND HATE CRIMES. IT DOESNT MATTER HOW LONG AGO IT HAPPENED, JUST REMEMBER HUMANS HAVE BEEN TREATED MUCH WORSE. THIS IS AMERICA VICK IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GULITY.
By Mike Kenn Rules
July 19, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
Hateville at AJC,
Nascar is no longer a redneck sport, many folks of different races and creeds have taken to the sport of auto racing. This matter is not about being an african american quarteback in Atlanta, just look at how loved DJ Shockley of UGA is by Bulldawg fans and how Joe Hamilton is loved by Tech fans. Also, please look at who we consider to be our sport heros here in Atlanta: We all love Nique and Hank. We will defend these individuals to the death, just listen to how people responded to Finnebaum’s article on Hank. Plain and simple most of us are in shock of the accusations of Michael Vick. Here he is the most popular sports figure in Atlanta, millionaire, he has the world at his finger tips. He throws it all away with his actions. Our reaction would be the same for any person, no matter what their race might be. Now you might say what about Danny Heatly; well, in my opinion he received a greater punishment then any jail time. He has to live every day knowing that he killed one of his best friends and the memory of his friends lifeless body forever burned in his memory. That is true punishment.
By leesmith
July 19, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Jeff. If people believe this about southern racism, as some obviously do, then perhaps the falcons could trade Vick. I’m sure many teams in the more enlightened north would love to have him. What a joke. No team will want this horrible, vicious, revolting, disgusting man. A previous post said it best. This man is pure evil. And please spare me all the innocent until proven guilty BS, If you really believe the Feds just made all this up, you really are deluded.
By Davis
July 19, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Jeff,
“If this were a backup lineman … there would be no hesitation.” Er, um…* Did you forget about Jonathan Babineaux?* Blank has taken no action against him.
Also, in case you haven’t realized, this is not any other profession - this is a professional sport. Talent wins out. Look no further than Leonard Little, Allen Iverson, Ron Artest, Kobe Bryant, Daryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Ray Lewis and Tony Martin (who beat a federal charge), to name a few.
If Vick is guilty, he will get what’s coming to him.
Oh, and by the way, if the Falcons cut ties with Vick, they will not field a competitive team until at least 2010.
By Hateville AT AJC SPORTS
July 19, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
Half the people on this blog don’t buy ticket. If you want to leave go we have a line ready to get in. most are just hate filled . W has had over 3000 killed for lying and the self righteous see no wrong in that so many hypocrites! Vick is the wrong color . and you can cry it the race card. when you hear it’ not about the money it’s about the money . The same goes for race when you hear it’s not about race it’about race read our history of Georgia and the USA. if you are of color in america you are second class in the heart and mind of a lot of people. Because some where deep in there hearts they feel like that. The LAW is for the people of color and the poor. The rule is for the rest! But to you Vick you need to clean up because the haters will not rest “am I right Jeff Schulz”. you clown and hipcrit!
By Junior
July 19, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
To Michael Vick supporters:
The affinity between Americans and their pets is amazing. People who mistreat “Man’s Best Friend” are considered to be the scum of the earth. This is a prime example. Americans have a things for dogs, and someone will be punished for this. These people won’t stop coming for him until he goes down. Don’t waste your time arguing with these people.
By Junior
July 19, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
To Michael Vick supporters:
The affinity between Americans and their pets is amazing. People who mistreat “Man’s Best Friend” are considered to be the scum of the earth. This is a prime example. Americans have a things for dogs, and someone will be punished for this. These people won’t stop coming for him until he goes down. Don’t waste your time arguing with these people.
By Jeff Otto
July 19, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
My letter sent to the Falcons:
I am a 31 year-old lifetime Atlanta Falcons fan. Until today. I am from Atlanta and currently live in California. I subscribe to the DirecTV sunday ticket and superfan (almost $350) and watch the games each week loyally. I own plenty of falcons merchandise, including a doormat that sits proudly outside and two Michael Vick Jerseys.
As a dog lover as well (I own a four year-old Doberman Pinscher) my allegiance to the Falcons has entered a state of limbo. My Vick jerseys will go in the trash or on Ebay. My doormat is being put in storage. My DirecTV package will be cancelled. My NFL Team? Who knows, but until Michael Vick is released, I can no longer stand by my beloved Falcons.
This needs to happen quickly and an example needs to be made. The evidence is overwhelming, and short of a miracle confirming Vick’s innocence, this man must not be allowed to represent the Atlanta Falcons (or for that matter the NFL) ever again.
I’m sure this is one of many letters being received today, but I hope with each mounting number the message is plain. We cannot and will not support the team until Vick is no longer a part of it. And if he plays a single future game in a Falcon uniform, personally I will have to seriously consider ever cheering for the Falcons again.
Sincerely,
Jeff Otto
By to Rock
July 19, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
ok, Rock, I will explain, many serial killers, murderers and sadistic people, got their start torturing and killing animals. and these horrific people didn’t even stoop so low as to be betting on it. when you torture another living thing, when cruelty becomes acceptable to you, you start losing parts of your soul, your humanity. you become a little less compassionate, a little less kind, and caring about something or someone else, slowly diminishes. it’s one of the course tht people graduate from on their way to getting their PHD in cruelty. and unless those dogs are volunteering for this assignment, it’s wrong. it’s wrong because dogs are one of God’s creatures, they do hurt, they do have feelings, and they think. and if you even believe a little bit in God, he accepts killing an animal humanely to sustain your own life, but it is written that the knife should be very sharp when sacrificing an animal in this case, so as not to bring undo suffering to the animal. but no where will you find any one of high moral values accepting or even minimalizing cruelty. can’t see God condoning it, can’t see Ghandi or Mother Theresa condoning it, etc., but you could find people like ol’chuck manson that wouldn’t have a problem with it, john wayne gacy, wouldn’t have a problem with it. I hope that has helped you to undersatnd why cruelty is just plain wrong, and how it can dull a person’s morals and possible lead to worse things. I hope that your heart grows enough to be able to show kindness to others and to the animals of this world.
By falcon guy
July 19, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Sometimes in life you have to evaluate your surroundings and realize that you are screwed no matter what you do. Then you have to ask yourself, “which outcome allows me to feel good about myself?” When applied to Arthur Blank and the Falcon’s situation, the solution becomes crystal clear. Mike Vick was involved in dog fighting to some extent that allowed the feds to get an indictment against him. Whether it is to the level that warrants a conviction is irrelevant. He knew something, he owned property that allowed these activities to be carried out. At the very least he’s guilty of criminal negligence for owning property that these things happened at and he did nothing to stop it. That’s the naive view. The realistic view is that he knew everything that was going on and he has lied to Roger Goodell and worse to Arthur Blank and the Falcon organization and fans. Blank must cut ties with Vick, even if it means the Falcons take a hit on the field and in the salary cap for a couple of seasons. Even if he releases Vick and Vick somehow gets off without prison time and then catches on with some other NFL team and wins it all, it still would have been the right decision. You can’t claim to embrace the community and have a Falcon Filter on which players are brought in to play here, and then justify keeping Vick around. That’s an insult to the fans and players like Warrick Dunn who make a difference (on field and off). The Braves have a real Filter. Blank should too.
Besides, Vick isn’t just going to be in trouble for the dog fighting….he’s eventually going to be indicted on charges of gambling and tax evasion for betting on and winning at dog fights without reporting the income. Those charges are easier to stick than anything. It got Capone when nothing else did. So Vick is going down.
By D
July 19, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
get ‘em Roswell Ed! it brings up a good point, though, these guys have done something cruel that even Hitler wouldn’t do, ‘cause Hitler was a dog lover!
By john moon
July 19, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
If the Falcon QB was white and was a Ga Bulldog I would still Feel the same way get rid of him. I have been a Falcon fan from the start. I am 54 and this has not one thing to do with color, but if they hang on to Vick I will not watch the Falcon again! For those people who always play the race card, you need to look at your self maybe you have some racism in you
By jay
July 19, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
just another sad chapter in the sorry history of my beloved falcons. it never ceases to amaze me how EVERYTHING blows up in our face and NOTHING seems to ever go our way.
By VickDaMan
July 19, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
Its funny how people get on the high chair…..America is the most hypocritical country period…you people will fight for what you feel is wrong or right..forgive who you want to forgive and judge those before you know the FULL circumstances…making judgements before all facts are known is outright ignorance….and NO all the facts arent known which why we have TRIALS.
Also…For the people yelling boycott this i wont watch Vick if he plays….PLEASE…you watch many more shows with people who have commited worse crimes in fact you probaly hang around some so cut the nonsense and come back to reality. For all of you saying what kind of example are you setting for the kids…cut the crap….you yourself dont even set a good example! Before you criticize someone…KNOW ALL THE FACTS!
By dr. elsbree
July 19, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS EVER OWNED A PET…… PLEASE HELP
[http://www.hsus.org/]
Go to the “Humane Society’s Homepage” to send the NFL commissioner a special note regarding this horrific crime.
Help the HSUS hunt down the pieces of human garbage who participate in this senseless act.
As humans, it is our responsibility to protect and care for animals…….
By Mike Kenn Rules
July 19, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Hateville at AJC,
You are right, we made dog fighting and c** fighting illegal to target people of color. We made moonshine illegal to target rednecks. We put inforce RICO regulations to keep the italians in check. We made drinking and driving illegal to keep the irish in checking. I could go on and on about this, but I will leave the rest to Hateville.
Love,
W
By Native ATL
July 19, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
I agree with Jeff. Bottom line is he knew what was going on and allowed it to continue. Race has nothing to do with this issue. It is purely a matter of right and wrong. Humanity and inhumanity.
With regards as to the FALCONS (not the NFL)allowing him to play; as a coach and a team, how do you prepare for and start a season with one QB knowing that at some point (most likely about mid-season)he will be off attending to a lenghty legal issue. MV’s trial will most likely be set in the next 90 days and we all know it will not be over in a day or two.
You have to assume that and move forward. This means determining another starter through training camp and running with him into the season until the whole mess is cleared up one way or the other. My only hope here is, should B. Petrino be the coach I think he is, that D. J. Shockely be given a chance to compete for the #1 spot.
As a native born Atlantan, I have watched the Falcons since inception. I am personally offended at the entire situation and embarrassed for myself, my city and my team. I think that the NFL’s current position is taken only to allow Mr. Blank to do what I feel an individual of is caliber and integrity should do-suspend MV until further notice. If this does not occur, I feel the NFL will act quickly and decisively based on the apparent messages sent on previous players decisions.
Do the right thing, Mr. Blank. Regardless of the $$$ involved, do what is best for the city of Atlanta, the fans and the team.
By David Duke
July 19, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Until Vick is gone, go to Lowes. Don’t buy anything frome Home Depot!
By NASCARfan
July 19, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
I did a very good job of tuning out the Falcons during the 1999 and 2000 seasons. Everyone just needs to find something else to do while the game is on.
You can still follow the team by reading about the game, but you do not have attend the games or buy anything Falcon related.
Protest by turning off the T.V and spending time with your kids while the Falcons are on. When thay are off go watch REAL
By NASCARfan
July 19, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
I did a very good job of tuning out the Falcons during the 1999 and 2000 seasons. Everyone just needs to find something else to do while the game is on.
You can still follow the team by reading about the game, but you do not have attend the games or buy anything Falcon related.
Protest by turning off the T.V and spending time with your kids while the Falcons are on. When thay are off go watch REAL PLAYERS when the Colts and Pats are on.
By ballgal28
July 19, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Well, Jeff…you wrote what I’ve been trying to say…I’m a big sports fan, an support the Braves…I’ve never been a Falcons fan and when Vick came along I pretty much laughed at the draft pick…if you watched him in college (where you get a degree…oh, Vick never finished) you should have known then what type of guy you were getting…then his brother having the trouble that he went through…sending him to speech therpy so that he could communicate while in the huddle (great education he got at VT)… then, the water bottle issue (as someone mentioned that we got all over Vick and there was nothing from that) my question, what are you doing with a fack bottom bottle anyway, knowing you can not get on a flight with a water bottle anyway…just a thought…then he used a hand gesture towards HIS fans when they booed him…didn’t even visit his old school when they went through a tough time…and now this…he has some sort of responsibility for the actions on HIS property…he stated that he did go by the house - come on, you have to notice something…
Well I think I’ve said enough…I just hope if he is found Guilty that they hang him from his balls…and if Not Guilty best of luck to him, just hope he can live with himself as a dog killer…
By James
July 19, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
From the “Poor House” to “Our House” to the “Dog House” to the “Big House”! He must go! #7 will always remind us of the seven ways he knows how to kill dogs (fighting, electrocuting, shooting, hanging, drowning, slamming and I bet one more we don’t know about).
By Hateville AT AJC SPORTS
July 19, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Vick is on coach killer ,dog killer? Franchise killer (what) you don’t read the history of the smith family (clueless)(UGA GRAD)and the Falcons. Vick is the Falcons like it or not you just hate the guy!He will do good this year watch, not you haters. and all that don’t want that #7 Jerseys of superman i will tack them! you people are real hypcrites !
By Patrick
July 19, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
dogfighting aside. those people claiming that the birds will get to the playoffs this year are delirious. Even with Vick they will have a hard time winning games. We are replacing Kerney with rookie. 2 of our star defensive players will not play a whole season. We still do not have a receiver that is worth a damn (Joe Horn is an old man). Dunn is aging, who knows if he can continue to have as many carries this year. Do you really think this team stacks up against the Colts, Patriots or even the Saints. I am a falcon fan and was a Vick fan, but wake up to reality folks.
By Blank is Scum
July 19, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Notice how quickly Blank met (conference call) with Goodell. Before Godell took the Humane Society’s and others rap, Blank influenced his decision.
The real scum here is Arthur Blank.
By VickDaMan
July 19, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
also…..has anyone seen or heard of any videos or pictures of vick at dogfights? Hoow credible are the people who obviously have been to the dogfight to place Vick at a dogfight. The ONLY thing Vick is linked to is his HOME…had this been found somewhere else this wouldnt even be a frontpage articel on the local newspaper.
By ran
July 19, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
You’re absolutely right Junior. It’s absolutely sickening the way most Americans care more about their dogs than they care for their fellow man. Give your dog a big kiss in the mouth and tell them how much you love them. Give me a break…..
By Luke
July 19, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
People…
RACE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS CASE.
Dog Fighting = illegal, no matter how you feel about it.
If you don’t like it move to another country.
It’s not that hard to figure out, but if certain people want to use race as a crutch then that’s their ignorance. When minorities stop using race as a crutch then race becomes a non-issue. Minorities are perpetuating their own racial discrimination.
By Sicem
July 19, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
There is no reason to think that Vick didnt know what was going on up there other than the fact that a lot of times there is no reason to understand what he does on the field. At times he seems as lost out there as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. The guy cant make proper decisions on or off the field. The only option he has in his game is to tuck it and run because he cant think fast enough to make proper field decisions. In his personal life he cant think properly either! He knew what was taking place and he participated in it which makes him a sick individual and a poor choice for the face of the Falcons! The guy has got to go before he discredits the Falcons and our city any more! How anyone can defend his actions is beyond me! People the guy is a loser and you have to stop defending him at the risk of discrediting your own intellect.
By boots
July 19, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
My two sons have Michael Vick jerseys that I have paid a lot of money for. But money cannot buy or cover what it would do to my boys if I tell them to look the other way when it comes to crimes like this. We have to take a stand, and if I am a bigger man than Falcons management, then so be it. It costs me about $120. It will cost the Falcons more to let MV go. It will cost them MUCH more if they do not. I hate it, too. I want to be looking forward to Sunday’s with a prayer of winning. But you have to stand up for what is right, and a few years from now, maybe less, we will be glad the right thing was done.
I miss the days of stand-up guys like Van Note, Kuykendall and Kenn need to return. I also miss the days of winning football. With Vick, we have neither to be proud of.
By Vanilla Nice
July 19, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
attention black people: if you keep misusing the race card, and keep over-using it, as you are in this case, then in a few short years, any time anyone tries to use that crutch, people will just point and laugh at you. you are discrediting yourself to the point that when you truly need and deserve justice, no one will care. no one will listen to you, the boy who cried wolf. this is NOT what MLK wanted for you! and you should start respecting his memory and his dream, and you can start by not sticking up for every black person even when their wrong just becasue they are black, you can start by no longer whining ‘oh, poor pitiful me’. you can start by taking race out of your life and not judging white people by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
By David Duke
July 19, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Mr. Blank,
Prepare yourself to see loads of people with their dogs out in front of that miserable dome everytime the Falcons play in it!
By Sic-Bird
July 19, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Pod, Why do you feel so put upon, we treated are slaves very well, they stayed even after being freed. So put that in your pipe and smoke it stead what you using now!!!
By ScaryThought
July 19, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
If you are white Blank could careless about what you think regarding Vick. He is a very smart man and knows that blacks will support Vick regardless of how sorry a QB he has been.
It is very scary that blacks yield so much power and what it will eventually do to our society. Ask anybody if they would prefer living in an African city vs other places in the the world and see the stupid look you get.
By Elliott
July 19, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
Here’s the real question — why bother letting him play this year when he’s facing the Federal government, which wins upwards of 95% of all cases it brings? Even if he has a decent season, he’ll be in jail by 2009 for several years. The charges he faces carry a maximum penalty of 6 years, and there are still charges pending from the authorities in Virgnia. His freedom is in serious jeopardy, folks, and so is the remainder of his so-called career. The Falcons need to turn the page, and NOW, because the Michael Vick Experience has officially ended. He’ll be wearing an inmate number before he wears #7 for the Falcons again.
By Chicago
July 19, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Why any organization, football or otherwise would want to be associated w/ a person of that depth of moral depravity (taking a poor dumb animal and turning it into a killer for pleasure/sport) … my god what kind of a person is Vick … I hope he slinks off into a dark corner of the earth after he serves his rightly deserved prison sentence … he is no better than a child sex predator
By eagleman
July 19, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Great article Jeff. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the federal government doesn’t indict someone just for the sake of indicting them. They have a lot of stuff against him. Since 2000, the federal government has gotten guilty convictions of plea bargains on 99 percent of their cases. Vick doesn’t have much of a chance. All they have to show is proof of one phone call, one email or one recorded telephone conversation of him knowing about or participating in these events and he’s done for. Even knowing about criminal activity and not reporting it is a crime. Vick is a great player no doubt, but his head is just above water right now without much of a chance of getting out.
By Sicem
July 19, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
MR.Blank please cut out the cancer that is ruining your and our team. Most of us dont want to be known as the Thug team of the NFL and right now only you can do something about it. Get him out of here now and gain the respect of the decent fans! Also if you condone his actions you arent a respectful owner so please try and sell the team! We want a winning team that we can be proud of and what we have now is as far from that as it can get!
By D
July 19, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
there were free blacks that owned slaves in this country! blacks sold blacks to the white slave traders, and when the traders said they weren’t doing that anymore, then the blacks who captured prisoners from other tribes just executed them. every group of people has been mistreated at one time or another, every group of people have been used as slaves at one time or another. get over yourself!
By Mike Kenn Rules
July 19, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
If your “white family” did not arrive in the United States until 1935 are you still to blame for the problems of today’s people of color?
This ridiculous, plain and simple, Vick is being charged with a crime. A law that existed before anyone knew of Michael Vick was broken.
By Vick Fan For Life
July 19, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
All of you self-righteous people need to get over yourselves already! He who is without sin cast the first stone. None of you people are innocent. Can we focus on REAL news for a change? What about Iraq and Bush? What about global warming and high gas prices? Farmers slaughter animals violently everyday so that we can have protein in our diet, and no one is boycotting them. This is not news. Show this much outrage at our declining economy and education. Why are so many companies out sourcing jobs huh? Get passionate about REAL news so that we can have a better AMERICA!
Mr. Blanc, I am not a fair-weather fan. I will always support the Falcons because Atlanta is my hometown. There are many of us hometowners who will do the same. After this blows over and Vick is setting more NFL records than ever, then everyone will get back on the bandwagon. I am a true Vick fan, and I am not going anywhere. MICHAEL VICK I SUPPORT YOU BROTHER!!! KEEP YOUR HEAD UP! GO DIRTY BIRDS!!! May God bless us all.
By Ken Myers
July 19, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
Fans, ATLANTA SPORTS MEDIA, national sports media, and other media members need to remember this very well about the Michael Vick case. Vick is INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW. I know the court of public opinion, which most jounalists (sports and idiots like Nancy Grace of CNN Headline News) and fans believe in have already judged him guilty. How about this novel thought that would make sense; let the court system do its job without all the speculation to sell more papers and increase their beloved ratings points. I forgot; THAT MAKES TOO MUCH SENSE for the media abd fans to follow.
By ran
July 19, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
vanilla nice, stick to something you you’re qualified to talk about. It’s obvious you have absolutely no clue to what you are talking about. The only person that needs to take race out of the equation is you. I’m so glad that there are people out there that can seperate race from an otherwise ridiculous assumption on your account. People of color are absolutely fed up with all the disingenuous crap that spews out of your mouth.
By Joe Bob
July 19, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Dear Fans,
I’ve been a falcons fan since 1972. It’s time to unload VICK! This is not the player to coddle and covet.. that play should have been Patrick Kerney or Matt Schaub, both of which are now exited. I’m disappointed in Arthur Blank by not coming out and saying enough is enough! Release VICK!!! Joey Harrington can not lead our team to the Super Bowl but as a strong FAN I will stand by my team no matter what the circumstance.
By David Duke
July 19, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
There will soon be other charges brought against Vick. Surry County, Virginia, more tha likely, will charge him with crimes associated with his dog killing and fighting. Also, the Feds, undoubtedly, are looking at his restaurant to determine if it is being used for money laundering. The Falcons need to get rid of this dog killing, dishonest scumbag now!
By Gene
July 19, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Kennesaw Mountain Landis banned the Black Sox for life after they had been found not guilty in a court of law. Professional sports are not bound by the “innocent until proven guilty” principle. There is no way that Vick can perform while awaiting trial, and his presence will further damage the team’s prospects. Both the league and Arthur Blank are cowards, and their refusal to act will only compound the problem for the Falcons and the sullied NFL. Vick will perform to boos anywhere he plays, including Atlanta. He will spend millions of dollars on legal fees and likely go to prison. There are certainly money trails that will lead directly to Vick. Like “Deep Throat” said, “follow the money.” Vick and his “gangstas” are not bright enough to cover a six year criminal enterprise. Federal prosecutors brought down Scooter Libby, and Vick is small potatoes in comparison. I don’t think that the President will be granting any pardons in this case.
By Elijah McCoy
July 19, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
this mean ol’ world doesn’t owe any of us a damn thing. you have to get up and get out and make something happen for yourself, no matter how many roadblocks get put in your way. but if you want to have a pity party becuase some people who are dead now disrespected some of your relatives that you didn’t even know, you will live an unfulfilled and bitter life.
By JJ
July 19, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
the only reason they are after Vick is because he is black plain and simple. If you dont realize that you are clueless