AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > July > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNo way Vick plays for Falcons again
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
He’s gone. Whether that means for the season or forever in the NFL is debatable, but this isn’t: No way Michael Vick ever plays again for the Falcons.
No way Michael Vick ever can play again for the Falcons.
More specifically, given the ugliness and the intensity surrounding his dogfighting indictment, no way Michael Vick ever should play again for the Falcons. The fact that the NFL ordered the beleaguered quarterback on Monday night to stay away from training camp was the beginning of the end for Vick in Atlanta.
If nothing else, Vick is guilty of stupidity in the first degree. He says he wasn’t aware of illegal dogfighting in this case, but it happened on his property in Virginia for five years. Plus, most of those involved were from his boyhood “crew” that he regularly swore allegiance to despite the criminal past of its members and warnings from former coach Dan Reeves.
He’s gone, all right. Even if Vick loses his mind during the next few days by not taking the deal proposed by the league, players union and Falcons officials that would give Vick a lengthy paid leave of absence, he is gone anyway. If he ignores the deal, he will be suspended by the league. All you had to do was listen to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello reemphasize over the phone from New York that commissioner Roger Goodell is obsessed with doing whatever it takes to “protect the shield.”
Translated: Image is everything to Goodell and league owners.
“I mean, it’s well understood that the commissioner has a key role in maintaining the integrity of the league,” said Aiello, referring to NFL commissioners in general but to this one in particular. Despite less than a year on the job, Goodell’s nickname already could be “ruthless,” especially when it comes to discipline.
Added Aiello, while sifting through the league bylaws on his desk, “Detrimental conduct, the commissioner is authorized to take appropriate steps as he deems necessary and is proper in the best interest of the league or either professional football.” Aiello kept sifting, before saying, “When anyone connected with the league or any member thereof is guilty of any conduct detrimental either to the league, its clubs or to professional football …”
Aiello didn’t finish.
He’s gone.
If Vick doesn’t go by himself, or if Goodell miraculously turns soft, the Falcons should just cut him. The $22 million salary cap hit they’d take over the next two years would be less than the financial hit they’d take from lost advertising and ticket sales with a PR-damaged Vick on their roster.
It doesn’t matter whether or not Vick spent a millisecond watching pitbulls gnaw at each other for sport. It doesn’t matter whether or not he participated in the electrocution, drowning, shooting, hanging or crushing of losing dogs. It doesn’t matter whether or not he threw money toward the activity. It doesn’t matter whether or not he had knowledge any of this was happening. You won’t succeed as an NFL franchise with a heavy dose of turmoil in your world. It’s bad enough if the focus of that turmoil is a wide receiver such as Terrell Owens or a cornerback such as Pacman Jones, but if it’s a quarterback, forget it.
Worse, for the Falcons, Vick already was the most polarizing force in the history of Atlanta sports. You can blame it on his uneven play as a dramatic runner with an erratic arm combined with his hip-hop ways. Now you have this dogfighting mess with animal rights protestors fuming, active and growing from Washington D.C. to Flowery Branch. You had one U.S. senator shaking and screaming his disgust with Vick and dogfighting on the floor of the Capitol. You had another U.S. senator proposing legislation to end dogfighting and urging the NFL to get rid of Vick.
Even if Vick finds a way to make puppies fly by joining the five percent of those who ever have beaten the feds, he’d become the Falcons’ O.J. Simpson in the eyes of thousands or millions — an African-American with lots of money who had the audacity to get away with something.
Imagine the barking from coast to coast, and then imagine all of those empty seats at the Georgia Dome.
Oh, he’s gone.
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By ATLien
July 23, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
Terrance Moore. I sure do hope you get that job at ESPN that you’ve been lobbying for, with these pathetic blogs, so that YOU TOO can leave Atlanta! Moron.
By CB
July 23, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
You hit the nail on the head. Let’s hope Blank finally makes a wise decision as team owner, and steps up to the plate in the next day or two. If not, it will be a close race as to who has made more bad ones in the last 5 years, Michael or Arthur.
By CB
July 23, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
You hit the nail on the head. Let’s hope Blank finally makes a wise decision as team owner, and steps up to the plate in the next day or two. If not, it will be a close race as to who has made more bad ones in the last 5 years, Michael or Arthur.
By Batidea
July 23, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Through all of this, this tidal wave of disgust, the chapter is coming to a close - I can take 1985 - David Archer as the QB and not making the playoff even though we started 5-0-1, I can take Bobby Herbert, Billy Joe, Steve Deberg, and #12 Chris Chandler any day of the week. Hope is desire that for 7 years has caused many to sit on the edge of their seat…come Thursday a new generation of the Atlanta Falcons will begin…The Bobby Petrino era - a man who has taken a system and not a player and been succesful - go Falcons, good luck Mr. Vick - in your next journey, I hope you are prepared for it.
By howstupidcanyaget???
July 23, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
I mean really,, just how stupid can one human being be ?? The guy was making more money than needed, or deserved, and he goes down in flames not from his roller coaster pro career, not from his never really proven attraction to Ganja, not to his “Ron Mexico” alias,,,but to dog fighting !!! DOG FIGHTING !!! What a low rent, punk arse, gansta piece of carp lifestyle to get involved in !!!! Could he not find something, anything else to do with his spare time ??
What a friggin idiot !!!!!
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 23, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
Terrence,
Good article I’ll only take exception to the very in when if they were to keep him seats would be empty. I would bet that seats are going to be regardless of the NFL or Falcons choice and in that case why not go ahead and rid yourself of him. What is so ironic is the game against Houston in the Dome when Matt comes back as the opposing starter. My how things have changed since last April!
By jerry
July 23, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
you know it is very sad. i could not wait each week to see vick in action. i love the atlanta falcons. i wanted vick and petrino to prove that mora was an idiot coach. i was so exicited to see the falcons play the colts on thanksgiving night. wow. this was going to be the year. now this! why vick. why did you have to be like this! this hurts so bad. the yahoo power rankings have us last (except for the raiders). LAST! i want to cry. i thought two years ago that jerry jones would give anything to have vick. he had no quarterback,and we had vick!!!! now, we have only reject quarterbacks and vick is gone!!
By Chris
July 23, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
WOW. You mean I pretty much agree with what you say? Vick needs to never play in the NFL again and be thrown in jail for what he did. I wish the other thugs and gang members would stop ruining sports!
By gary
July 23, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
O.J. still lives a better life than most Americans do. Other than his pride, this wont phase Vick.
By JF
July 23, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe it, but I must agree with Mr. Moore. Good riddance Vick!
By Sims, Warner Robins
July 23, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
I honestly don’t know how you could play him again. Whether he did what is alleged, ‘he did it’ in the public’s opinion. THAT has probably determined his fate already. He’s such a great talent, maybe the best we’ve seen, but at this point you HAVE to save your image. He’s a grown man and knows the difference between right and wrong. With the history involved you’ll have to admit that you see a pattern. And a pattern indicates his character. It’s most unfortunate that the Falcons are better off without him. So long, Mr. Vick.
Great article, Terrance.
By Larry
July 23, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Didn’t we all know that Terence couldn’t pull it off without the race excuse?
Congratulations, Terence, you at least made it to the 3rd from the last sentence—that’s progress!
Otherwise, good article!
By A-Town Vet
July 23, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Moorew you are and idiot.How can you say it does not matter if he is guitly or not. It does matter. If he is guilty i am quite sure he will get what he deserves, God has a way of making sure that happens. If he is not guilty you want the man to lose his job because of false allegations.
By Pfunk
July 23, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
I would like to see what the Vick supporters say.
And please people make your comments intelligent.
A+ on this article. Next stop for him is jail and maybe CFL.
By dr soul
July 23, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Probably the first column that you have ever written that has substance beginning to end.. there is nothing else good to come from an association with Vick, but I do not think that the arrogant and egotistical attitudes that bond that Blank with this thug, will we see Blank be smart and do the strict business move..he does not have Bernie to lead him through these type decisions anymore and he has proven totally deficient on his own.. this transcends anything that the law will take care of in the case of the Falcons and it is time to rid the total embarrassment from this franchise..hell, take Blank with him and really stand up..!!! there are just too many bad associations to overcome and we have gone too far down the road with Vick and not one hint of change in him or how Blank handles these situations… if you continue to feel this strongly and support him, Arthur, just simply adopt him and move him in your home, sell the Falcons and give us all some relief…
By mj
July 23, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Good for the NFL to stand up and do the right thing. Get your defense team in place Michael and prove your innocent. Then come back and be the leader you should be. ” Oh, hes gone “. Where are you Arthur! All that hype and talk about character and players that make our town better. If you gonna talk the talk, you had better back it up, even if its Michael Vick.
By Brownthrasher
July 23, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Moore, you and Al Sharpton’s opinions really don’t matter much to anyone.
By Earl
July 23, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Terence, I was with you all the way until your comment about “an African-American with lots of money who had the audacity to get away with something”. Do you think it is possible for “white folks” to just believe that a rich QB got away with something because of his fortune and fame? Clearly it will be a racial issue with the Black African-Americans than it will be with White African-Americans or white Americans period. Right is right and Wrong is wrong. Period.
By Gene
July 23, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Vick had a chance to do something worthwhile with his money and influence. Instead he chose to be a Gangsta, and that is exactly what he is going to end up being after the lawyers have picked his bank accounts clean and he serves his prison sentence. There is something to be said for Karma!
By 100% Proud Black Man
July 23, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
They just hate to see a black man with money.
By popcornular
July 23, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Terence. We’ve had enough of this guy. Get this scum the heck out of here before he implodes and takes the whole city with him.
By curtis
July 23, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Apparently puppies do fly. Terence Moore has just posted some discouraging words about: Michael Vick!
Check outside, because I thought it would be a snowy day in July!
By Tez
July 23, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Regardless there will be empty seats at the Dome without Vick! He infused life into our franchise but without him he kills the franchise. What if, Vick is exonerated of all charges in 8 months. It is inevitable that NFL teams would line up for Vick. It would be Deon winning championships with SF and Dallas all over again. It is sad to say but perception is what dictates companies reactions. Companies expect employees to be loyal no matter what with playbooks and integrity but, If there is one question on the side of the employee there is no loyalty. Michael Vick is by far the dumbest person I’ve ever seen before. But I believe everyone looks up towards heaven once in a while and says God have mercy! Thank God he grants it! Too bad we can’t! Don’t give me the crap about flipping birds or hidden compartments. There are plenty of atheletes that curse and flip at crowds all the time. And absolutely nothing came from the hidden compartments. I just hope these people that are screaming for blood will one day open there eyes and say “I need mercy.” If you are lucky someone will be there to give it to you.
By Kerry smith
July 23, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Great article…Lets hope they give DJ the starting QB job! Go Dawgs!
By Todd A
July 23, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Good.Don’t let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya.
By Cindy Ausmus
July 23, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Thank God someone is finally saying what needs to be said—VICK IS GONE!!!
By John
July 23, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
You have hit the nail on the head from day 1. Another great article.
By val
July 23, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
I can not even put into words how overjoyed I am that Vick has been ordered to stay away from training camp. Yes, I agree that this is the end of Vick! Thank goodness and now maybe the Falcons can build a football team that the state can be proud of!!! It would be nice to aquire some more players like Keith Brooking. I am sure there are others he just came to mind first. Vick was not even that good of a quarterback!!!!!! Nah, Nah, Nah, Hey, Hey goodbye Vick!!
By Joseph Davis
July 23, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
It’s time for us to put the michael vick era to an end, I really supported this guy in the past, but this is too much, We as a city just need to move on, and focus on developing joey harrington and D J Shockley this year. Maybe we can get someone else next year, but this season is not over and we as a city need to get behind this team.
By garey
July 23, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
I think they ought to put Mike Vick and his brother Marcus in a dogfight and let them kill each other. The Vick family is a blight on society.
By Clyde
July 23, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
Terrance your the reason why sports journalism in Atlanta is the worst in the nation. You need to realize that you can’t call a man guilty without giving him a trial. Point blank. They need to fire you for ignorance. Your job is to give us news that is fair and balanced. So why don’t you write a column on what will happen if Vick is found not guilty? Oh I forgot ignorance is in your blood.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Juno1977
July 23, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
Are we really talking about “DOGS”? You would think Vick got caught up in some kiddy porn.
By me
July 23, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
With Vick gone the Falcons can move on as a team and Atlanta can move on as a city. I have never scene a player divided a city by race, like Vick did.
I would like to see Blank remove the entire Vick era, by going back to old helmets and uniforms.
By Creed
July 23, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
I’ll never forget the night of the OJ chase. I laid awake that night so sad for the man that I cheered for and liked so much. I feel the same today about Vick. So sad. I just hope I don’t end of feeling about Vick like I do OJ. What a shame.
By gdawg
July 23, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
Nothing else the Falcons can do but dump Vick! And you’re right, guilt in court or not, Mike Vick will NEVER play for the Falcons again.
By Chad-GO ASPCA!
July 23, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
So where’s the outrage for Babineaux as well? Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that Vick won’t be representing my team until he sorts out his legal issues but I think Babineaux needs to join him. Let’s not forget he’s also facing felony animal cruelty (albeit locally not fed) and carries a 1 to 5 year sentence and $15,000 fine. Send him packing too Arthur Blank or you are being extremely inconsistent!
By Madness
July 23, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
If Vick is gone; Arthur Blank, where is my season ticket refund for 2007?
By Top Dawg
July 23, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Matt Schaub: Please come back!!!
By Blaze
July 23, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
You people are just plain stupid. Once the guilty ATLANTA FALCON Mike Vick beats the rap and wins 8 in a row, You will all be wearing a number 7 jersey and so will your wife.
By Rick
July 23, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
As a diehard Eagles fan here in Philadelphia, I know how disruptive it was having Owens on the team. He literally took the joy out of watching football for me. I popped a bottle of champagne when the Eagles finally benched him and got the added joy of watching the Eagles make him a nonfactor in three matchups with the Cowboys last year. Hang tough, Atlanta, this too will pass.
By David Lee
July 23, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Vick is going to make a helluva QB in the prison league ala The Longest Yard. But then again B. Renolds may out-smart him.
By TampaGator
July 23, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
What are you trying to say, Terence. Are we white people yet again making up something to downgrad yet another African American athlete (did we just make up this horrible story…along with all the other horrible stories that seem to follow Mr. Vick everywhere he goes)? As a lover of man’s best friend, I would take any Border Collie I have met over the sorry excuse for a human being named, Mike Vick, any day of the year. We can only hope he is gone…for the sake of the Falcons, and for all the African American kids who wear the Vick jersey in our deeply troubled society today.
By Seminolefan48
July 23, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Mike is a 27 year old man who should be held accountable for the choices he has made just as any other adult should be held accountable. The NFL, Falcon organization and the other 51 players on this team or not responsible for Mike’s choices. Just like my mom, dad, brother or friends should not be made accountable for the choices I make. As a season ticket holder I hope Mike is innocent and will be found innocent. I wish Mike only the best………..
By Madness
July 23, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
If Vick is gone; Arthur Blank where is my season ticket refund for 2007?
By andy
July 23, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Excellent column!
This is one of the happiest days of my life…thank you Mr. Goodell!
By dr soul
July 23, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Probably the first column that you have ever written that has substance beginning to end.. there is nothing else good to come from an association with Vick, but I do not think that the arrogant and egotistical attitudes that bond that Blank with this thug, will we see Blank be smart and do the strict business move..he does not have Bernie to lead him through these type decisions anymore and he has proven totally deficient on his own.. this transcends anything that the law will take care of in the case of the Falcons and it is time to rid the total embarrassment from this franchise..hell, take Blank with him and really stand up..!!! there are just too many bad associations to overcome and we have gone too far down the road with Vick and not one hint of change in him or how Blank handles these situations… if you continue to feel this strongly and support him, Arthur, just simply adopt him and move him in your home, sell the Falcons and give us all some relief…
By BigA
July 23, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Im with JB, I can’t ever remember agreeing with Terrence. But in this case he is right. Michael Vick was too stupid to be a successful QB in the NFL. He is fast but he got sacked more times then Peyton. From the stories I’ve heard he was just as bad picking winning dogs as he was finding open WR’s.
By smith
July 23, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Guilty until proven innocent!
By GP
July 23, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Good article, not sure we needed the “Rich African AMerican” dig at the end. This has nothing to do with race but alot to do with character and judgement. I keep hearing give Vick his due process. In the legal system that is correct he should get his due process. But as an employee the NFL and the Falcons do not owe him due process. If an employee, any employee including Vick, brings this much embarrassment to the fold it is the their right to let he or she go if they want to. Think about your job. If you had this much smoke surrounding you after being told to fly straight would your employer keep you? No due process needed. Not in the real world, not in the NFL.
By The Truth
July 23, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand all the fuss here…Vick has been overrated his entire career and would never lead the Falcons to a Super Bowl. I, for one, am excited to see him on the verge of unemployment…finally this franchise has the opportunity to progress. Harrington isn’t a bad quarterback, and I think Shockley could be every bit as good as Vick was last year. Unfortunately, defense wins championships and until we get that phase of the game straightened out, we’ll continue to be 8-8 or 7-9. It’s time to move on…even if that means letting go of the hip hop/dirty south atmosphere that the Dome has become!
By KZ+Guy
July 23, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
I agree 100%. Vick will not play another game for the Falcons. I believe he will sit out the entire year. If he is not serving time in the big house the following season he will be playing for a West coast team.
By Creed
July 23, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
David..I didn’t compare the two crimes. I compared my disappointment and sadness to Vick and OJ.
By Bill Robinson
July 23, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Saw you on Hartman, Terrence. Excellent piece, keep up the good work. This Virginian and Atlanta sports fan is disgusted with the likes of Vick.
By Mike from Alabama
July 23, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
I have been a big fan of Vick since his great game against FL. State back as a hokie……then when my Falcons got him, I just knew that we had finally gotten a player that would take us over the top (ie…..nfc championship game). However, I hat to agree with Moore but his days with the Falcons has just ended…. Vick and the Falcons must part ways as he proved he can’t lead this franchise or any other one for that matter….. I for one feel cheated by Vick and totally let down by the so called face of our team…. Time for us all to move on and i hate that fact….
By Matt
July 23, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a Vick supporter from the day we drafted him (white male, by the way). I’ve always had his back even when I was the only one out of my peer group to do so. Vick has had so many chances to do good, and he has blown every one of them. He has betrayed the fans and the city, and I am done with him. Falcons, finish low, draft Braum high. This is the only hope for our franchise.
By forwhatitsworth
July 23, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
well, really, it all comes back to Schultz’ column from last week: DO YOU THINK HE KNEW? ummm….yeah. he knew. the narrower legal questions will play themselves out, one way or another, and, in the interest of basic human decency, they’re beside the point. I couldn’t care less whether he’s convicted, whether he gets paid or not…what I want to see is, for somebody to do the right thing- not because it’s better, or worse for business, but because IT’S THE RIGHT THING. HE KNEW. And, if he knew, he can’t play. At some point, the tired old spin about, “good guy, bad friends” is just nonsense. Period.
By Tee frpm Florida
July 23, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
This article speaks the truth about Michael and the Falcons. It is really to bad that Michael could be linked to something like this. I really feel bad for Mr. Blank and the Falcons.
By Buck
July 23, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
Of course all of you Clampetts agree with Moore. Personally, I hope the sorry Falcons lose every game this year. Including pre-season games!!! Vick will shine in another NFL city once he beats this case. I promise you he will have the last laugh and I wish (based on this so called “fan base”) that he had never come here in the first place because Jed hated him from day one. And the sad part is he can’t begin to tell you why.
By GT Adams
July 23, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t surprise me that a city like Atlanta has the position that even if he is found not guilty that he is deservingly ruined from his career. I hope that if he is guilty he is rendered punishment that is harsh and representative of deterrence and the magnitude of his crimes. I am not prepared to say that being stupid to the first degree is reason for a massacre even without hearing his plea entered in court. I apologize for having faith in the presumption of innocence and having the wisdom to see how he is no more than a means for overzealous lobbyist and interest group to reap financial rewards from having a famous defendant. I have been a member of PETA and the unique thing that I have noticed was today how my email box happens to have an email soliciting money to help combat the Vicks of the world. For all of you that say that owning a home that he doesn’t live in easy the rubber stamp on guilt I would love to see that same outcry for all of the home owners in your city that house drug dealers. I want there world to be destroyed even if they claim that they didnt know that dough boy that rented their home in the SWATS paying his rent 8 months in advanced but had Mcdonalds on his rental application as his means for employment. Just like much spin thats out here in every facet of life you fall right into the trap. Lets think of the facts that you know. He owns a house that dogs were found and equipment for breeding dogs were present. Thats all you know. You don’t have any video or proof that Vick was ever their or had any part of it. You have circumstantial irresponsible reporting that you run with because its easy to believe. Oh yeah on fox a few years back they reported their were weapons of mass destruction. In Duke these players raped this black girl. The black eye Atlanta gets is for being in bed with special interest groups that is looking to profit from a celebrity much like the Falcons profited on Vick for the last few years. And now without fail you are quick to throw him under the bus with out hearing one credible piece of evidence. But its easy for a city with such rich history of ethical and humane treatment of any creature, human or other.
By Lane tucker
July 23, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
hey Terence
have you forgotten that Vick is an Afro American and you are supposed to stand by him
have you finally gone soft on us?
By Madness
July 23, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
If Vick is gone; Arthur Blank needs to refund my season ticket money for 2007.
By Bobby Colton
July 23, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
Vick isn’t going anywhere. Leave the man alone. The Falcons need him to reach the Superbowl. Go Falcons and Vick.
By dakast
July 23, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
Wow, looks like everyone has forgotten about the whole idea of “innocent until proven guilty”…..didn’t you guys learn anything from the Duke Lacrosse scandal?
By Joe
July 23, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
Great article! And great responses! I can’t wait for the day that Vick is ejected permanently from the NFL. We have to look after our four legged friends. This may just put the horrendous nature of dog-fighting in the open and it will slowly be eradicated from existence. Men who hurt animals, women and children aren’t men, they’re cowards—-YOU ARE A COWARD MICHAEL VICK!!!!
By genius
July 23, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
As much as I hated to call it 3 months ago, I told you folks that Vick was history. The other events were just the smoke waiting for the fire to burn through. The scary thing about it is where it may all lead yet with the Federal investigation, i.e., other places in Virginia, Virginia Tech, who knows. There is more to this than has been revealed yet. It is normal for folks to defend their hero, sometimes no matter what they do. But you folks will have to put on your logical thinking caps, forget race and look through the eyes of right and wrong. It is time for Atlanta to cut their losses and move on. Remember, as the Bible says, “The Law will judge us; you break it and it will come to get you. No escape, now matter how it appears that you’ve gotten by. Doesn’t matter if it is Vick, Robert Blake, O.J., you can go on and on. The Law will judge us all. Pray for Michael Vick and his family; pray for the dog folks as well. Let us all learn from this horrible mess as it may all get very ugly before it is finished. Pray that Vick does not do something really stupid this week.
By Bobby Colton
July 23, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
Vick isn’t going anywhere. Leave the man alone. The Falcons need him to reach the Superbowl. Go Falcons and Vick.
By Experience
July 23, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
14 Falcons Season Tickets on E-bay! Anybody need some? I do not have confidence in a team withou Vick
By andy
July 23, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Whether you make $6 per hr or $6 mil per year how many of your employers wouldn’t ‘encourage’ or force you out of the office if you were in the same situation with the same charges as Vick?
BTW- If you think our legal system is based on ‘innocent until proven guilty’ and ‘I’ll just tell the truth and everything will be just fine’ you are a clueless idiot who watches too much Judge Judy.
By Jeff
July 23, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
I’m surprised - Moore is not screaming racism.
By Beverly
July 23, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
To 100% Proud Black Man ….does that mean that a Black Man with money can get away with anything and the rest of the world is suppose to keep our mouths shut…otherwise it’s racism? Who’s the racist? I don’t care what color a person is that is into dog fighting…they are thugs without souls and need to be punished. Vick needs to be sidelined and hopefully kicked out of professional football…for good.
By Priscilla
July 23, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
I am a HUGE falcons fan and yes a Michael Vick fan also. It tears at my soul to think of him having been involved, BUT I still believe in innocent UNTIL proven guilty; and that’s in a court of law NOT in the court of public opinion. I have a dog myself and he’s my baby, I can only hope that Michael has learned a valuable lesson: sometimes you have to leave the past in the pasts, friends included. I hope when its all said and done, these allegations are proven untrue, not only for Michael but for my beloved city of Atlanta and my falcons too.
By noneya
July 23, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Yep, it’s official Innocent until Proven Guilty no longer exists… One thing you said that is funny though is “The $22 million salary cap hit they’d take over the next two years would be less than the financial hit they’d take from lost advertising and ticket sales with a PR-damaged Vick on their roster.” Before Vick came how many tickets were the Falcons selling? It will just go back to the old days. All the fairweather Falcons fans will jump off the bandwagon
By All Atlanta Males
July 23, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
I refuse to watch any more coverage of this story until Erin Andrews is on the scene in Flowery Branch.
By dr soul
July 23, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Goodbye Vick and good riddance and take your surrogate dad Arthur with you..he is as guilty or moreso of the bad name of this franchise… now we see who the really built Home Depot and the logo is not ‘AB’.. NFL, be smart and rid Blank along with Vick…
By Chip
July 23, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, I hope you do get a job at ESPN or another national outlet one day. This was a well done piece, even if it does anger those without morals.
By SaintsFan
July 23, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
Great article! I’m glad the NFL did the right thing, and now it’s time for your owner to cut this thug. As a Saints fan in Louisiana, we share your pain, but we’ve also seen that a smart new coach surrounded by higher character players can turn things around in a hurry. Plus, Petrino knows plenty about a pretty good QB prospect from Louisville available in next year’s draft, eh? So, give DJ the ball, support your football team this year, and don’t give up on your season before it’s even started! Remember, who expected our Saints to win last year? Lastly, who ‘dat dumb enough to sign Michael Vick? Why - Jerry Jones, of course! Now there’s a match made in Hades! :)
By ATLGirl
July 23, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
Great article! I agree with everything Terrance said. I am extremely disappointed that a young athlete such as Vick with so much to offer has been such a PR disaster. Not only for himself, but for the team and the city. He obviously didn’t learn his lessons from previous incidents. But I, like many others, have grown TIRED of Mike and his stupidity. It doesn’t matter whether or not he is guilty of this latest mess. He needs to GROW UP! Right now, I don’t think Vick is capable of being the leader that this team needs. And that’s a shame………
By Robert
July 23, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Good column Terrence.
Vick is done.
Many Americans want nothing more to do with him or with any franchise or company that employs him.
Innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt applies to the burden of proof required for the state to impose a penalty against Vick in a criminal law proceeding.
That is not the standard required for private citizens to ostracize Vick in the marketplace by refusing to do business with companies that continue to contract with Vick.
To clear his name and restore his now ignominious reputation in the public eye, the burden of proof is on Vick to show that he was not involved in any way, shape, or form and had no knowledge whatsoever of the events and black huts in Surrey Co. That burden of proof on Vick is significantly higher than merely creating reasonable doubt to be found “not guilty” (but not necessarily innocent) in a felony legal proceeding.
Everyone in America can see the evidence of the little black huts and black fence behind Vick’s house in Surrey Co. There is no he-said/she-said with respect to those black huts. As landlord, if Vick visited the property even once, he had to know that something strange was occurring. With the obvious and immediately apparent evidence of the black huts, even making assumptions in a light most favorable to Vick, at a minimum No. 7 had to know that something weird was happening on his property. However, he did nothing as landlord. Other evidence at trial may be even worse for Vick.
OJ Simpson was never convicted beyond a reasonable doubt for killing his ex-wife and Ron Goldman. However, Americans have decided to vote with their pocketbooks and wallets to treat OJ as a pariah and avoid hiring him to work on any football analysis or as a celebrity endorser of products.
The same situation holds for Vick.
The Falcons and Nike can lay low and hope this situation blows over. It won’t.
In the end, Arthur Blank’s and Nike’s bosses, the consumers, will decide Vick’s fate in the marketplace through voluntary economic decisions.
Many of those consumers have had enough of Vick showering consumers with the finger and acting like he is above all behavioral standards.
If the Falcons and Nike continue to endorse and support Vick by issuing a blank check on his behavior and by providing him financial income, then consumers will vote with their dollars in the marketplace on the propriety of such poor decisions.
By joey harrington
July 23, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
hi everyone. i would like to let you know that i plan to help the falcons finish last this year. thats right.. i am white and i suck!
By Chip
July 23, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Folks, you need to learn the difference between “not guilty” and “innocent” before you sprout off.
By james
July 24, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Things may look bad but if I were Mike I would ask for out. Players play for the ultimate reward, which is Superbowl Championship. Right about now Chicago would be a perfect fit. Mike go to Chicago and get yourself a few rings, and enjoy life.
By George Holman
July 24, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
You are right, without question. It is time to move on, and the sooner that Blank realizes this the better for the franchise and the community.
Bring on Joey Harrington.
By pride
July 24, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
WHO IS TERRANCE MOORE & ALL THESE WHITE RACISTS TRYING TO PERSECUTE ONE MAN. I am tired of my race being a negative target (always). This feeling generated when I visited two of my favorite websites and all I read about was VICK and what an awful person he is for fighting dogs. Granted Vick has allegedly done some illegal things by fighting dogs. Since I am not a dog lover, I can’t empathize with the mass of white people trying to single out this man for activities that were probably created by their own kind. Chris Rock said, ‘If it aint white, it aint right.’ If it were Payton Manning allegedly participating in dog fighting, this would have been a small slap on the wrist. Look at all the white political leaders that get caught committing adultery & sleeping with the same gender, but the national media will only broadcast this for a week or two before it begins to simmer down. White people stick together… they do not bash their own kind too much. Look at Bush, the most idiotic president in our life time, but no one is trying to vote him out of executive office for sending our troops to the wrong country for combat. If it were Barack, he would be condemned & voted out of office in a special election. Thank Goodness Vick’s fate is not in the hands of UNCLE TOM TERRANCE MOORE & YOU BUNCH OF RACISTS
By Steve L.
July 24, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
Terence, Terence, Terence. You were THIIIIIIIIIIS close…you almost made it through a column without throwing down the race card.
And that’s a shame, because it was a good column. You hit the nail on the head—there are forgivable sins, and then there’s foul, reprehensible behavior that no ordinary person (myself included) is going to tolerate. Maiming, torturing, and killing dogs for amusement and profit puts Michael Vick in the sub-human category.
But you couldn’t leave it there. You had to play the “race” card by suggesting that the only reason Vick is being ostracized by society is, in your words, because he “is an African American with lots of money who had the audacity to get away with something.” If you were a reasonable man, I would ask if you really thought Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, or Brett Favre could survive an ordeal such as this. But I already know your answer, because I already know that you only see the world through one prism—that of race.
By Alan
July 24, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
Terence, I couldn’t agree with you more. The voice Mike Vick is hearing in his head today is the fat lady singing, it’s over for one Mr. Mike Vick. For those who said all along that Vick didn’t have enough between his ears to lead a NFL team, well Vick….you proved them to be right. Vick is poison to the team now, he is toxic. You’re not hearing anything positive coming from the Falcons camp, all you’re hearing or reading about is the dog fighting charges. There’s no way Vick didn’t know what was going on his property for five years. Loyality to a player is one thing, blindfaith and just being stupid is another; the man just didn’t know about it, he was heavily involved in it. Vick has more worries than just not playing football, Vick very well may go to prison. He is facing a tough new head of the NFL in Goodell and will be facing a federal Bush appointed conservative judge known for courtroom fairness and handing out maximum sentences. It’s time to clean the league up and get rid of those like Pacman and Vick who can’t appreciate having the world handed to them on a silver platter.
By ATL1
July 24, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
I agree that it looks bad for Vick right now. However, I have a problem with Terrance saying that it doesn’t matter whether Vick is guilty or not, he’s done because of public opinion. What an IDIOT. Why do our senators have enough time to talk about dog fighting. Shouldn’t they be doing more productive things like trying to get gas prices lowered and minimum wages raised?
By Lloyd
July 24, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
Just one question for everyone. Is what Vick is accused of worse than Kobe being accused and tried for rape? Kobe played during and through his trial or do you all feel dogs are more important than women?
By Ulice
July 24, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
To me, this attitude that Vick has done the ultimate wrong is full of hypocrisy.
Question. What is the difference between
Nothing! They are ALL Blood Sports. Most of these men will have permanent disabilities from these activities.
All I am saying is how you feel about one of these topics, you should have the save feelings about all of these topics.
I am not for or against Vick. I am on the side of the truth.
—Ulice
By EddieKang
July 24, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
You people are so foolish to say throw him out of the city, and off the team. So what when another team picks him up with a decent pass blocking line and wide receivers to catch the ball. Understand this people will still frequent the Falcons game whether he plays or not. They have done it before he was here and after. Go ahead white or black fan give up your sit it’ll have an adverse effect either way. If whites give up their season tickets then blacks will buy them up, and if blacks give up their tickets then whites will buy them up eventually leading to what they want the stadium to go up 85 north. Yes this is yet another race issue whether we want to address that or not. Seems like to me that Ray Lewis continued to play in Baltimore after his legal woes, and Brett Favre’s drug addiction didn’t stop Green bay from excepting him. I guess since you guys wanted Matt Schuab so bad we’ll show this guy here in Atlanta. And most of you guys coming on this blog with so much to say are transplants not even native Georgians. So stop polluting the water. I still stand behind MIKE VICK.
By cg
July 24, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
As an African American Reporter, you of allpeople should know the injustices done to OUR PEOPLE. You are acting no better then Clarence Thomas. Whatever happen to INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. If he did it then he should be punished. If he is INNOCENT then he should be left alone.The same people that are calling for his head now are the same racist ones that never wanted Atlanta to have a African American QB. Remember Renfro? He was better then the 4 Qb’s that follow him but did he get a chance. Same with Barry Bonds. Has he been proven Guilty. I think he use but until it’s proven, leave him alone. Finally, I haven’t seen anything in your articles about Genelow Wilson, MR. AFRICAN AMERICAN REPORTER. Another injustice done to a man of color and what about being arrested for riding a MOPED with a suspended license. Are any of those event fair. IF THE ATLANTA FALCONS CUT MIKE VICK, ALL AFRICAN AMERICANS SHOULD CUT THE FALCONS. LETS REALLY SEE WHERE OUT $$$$$ COUNT.
By dturner
July 24, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Great Article A+
To all the MV fans:
Ya’ll claim that he is innocent, that his cousin, and family members were doing stuff at the house that he was not aware of…. Come on ! Answer 1 question, if you can…. How come the cousin and none of his family members were arrested with him and the other 3 ?? How come cuz Broddie is not a part of the indictment ?? Could cuz Broddie be one of the witnesses against Vic to save his own as* ?? STAY TUNED…..
And if you can answer, please do so
Bring on Joey Harrington !!
By #1 Vick supporter
July 24, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Will you all let this play out in court? This is all hearsay, show me some footage of him doing all this! Beyond a reasonable doubt is the slogan, and I see doubt in this case. Let’s not forget the police were looking for drugs in the initial raid of the property. They found none, but they seized some dogfighting equipment! Come on, they were trying to get him for something. But I have faith in the judicial system and Vick will be exonerated.
By Dee
July 24, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
Don’t hate lets the court jugde the man. What ever happen in this case the Atlanta Falcons needs Vick once he leaves they will drop to the bottom on the less performable teams of the NFL. NO VICK NO ATLANTA FALCONS FOOTBALL TEAM.
By Susan
July 24, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
This has been bad for Atlanta, however I live in Surry County. We aren’t looking too great right now. Living in rural America has always had it’s perks.
By mrs brown
July 24, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
Because we have a leader in the White House that we tolerate that breaks laws and sanctions killing in a war, we can tolerate a quarterback who can right his wrongs.
By Lewis
July 24, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
I think it is time for the NFL to make a general policy statement that says “If you are indicted by any type of grand jury, you immediately (and without all this discussion of race/intelligence/politics) are placed on a paid leave of absence”.
This presents an even handed policy that also protects the player, who really is “innocent until proven quilty” while sending a strong signal to the public that the NFL is about heroes and fans.
Who would pay for the leave of absence? I think that the NFL is quite rich enough to set aside funds for this.
If the player is indicted by a “second” and different grand jury, then the league policy should be that the player is placed on leave of abscence at 50 percent…
This supports our players, who are innocent until proven guilty, while letting all the rest of us talk about FOOTBALL and not “what should we do”…
Can we get Billy Kilmer to come out of retirement? Kilmer’s spirit and Petrino’s system should be unstoppable!
By dturner
July 24, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
Please people, I hope that all the people that are against MV shows up for the games and let Arthur Blank knows that he made a great decision and that the fans will be behing Joey Harrington 100%- when the introduce Joey, let all the fans know that we appreciate him !! Dont’ let MV win this by not showing support for the team once he is gone !!
By cwilli
July 24, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
First and foremost I didn’t know we had a crystal ball reader on the staff of the AJC. Second of all I’m not saying Vick is innocent nor am I saying he is guilty. What I am saying is let the judicial system work. I think it’s awful that you say he’s gone believe me he may be gone from the Falcon but some team is just sitting in the cut waiting for his release. We all make mistakes, let him/her who hasn’t made a mistake cast the first stone. If Vick in deed did this you don’t drag him through the mud you educate him as to what he’s done if in deed he has done anything by showing him abused pets, volunteering, speaking engagements. I think the people of P.E.T.A as well need to go somewhere. As I scanned some of the perticipants on yesteday with there leather belts and shoes on. And I want to touch on the game of football it’s barbaric if you think about and it’s humans and no one is protesting saying anything. Get a grip. And Terrance get an idenity.
By jd
July 24, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
Good riddance. Unfortunately, the NFL commissioners taught Vick how to treat his ‘players’. Didn’t 60 minutes just have a show about how the players are treated when they are done - and injured?
By Herb
July 24, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
Mike Vick has been a joke to the City of Atlanta since he came here. It’s time for us to “Flick our Vick”. It is a real shame, because I feel that he does, or did have talent, but NEVER to the degree portrayed by the media. I am a former season ticket holder that may reconsider if he is really gone. Some made a big mistake by making him believe he was Mr Falcon. A trip to the Georgia Dome was Vick, Vick, Vick, all about him. Have a nice time in prison.And in closing, RACE and his “rough” childhood has noting to do with his actions. He has been treated like royalty since the day he hit the campus at Virginia Tech.
By Jerry
July 24, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
I think Mike Vick could take the field for the Falcons in the future with the support of everyone if he learns from this and does things to improve his image as to doing things to destroy it. Here’s a way I could except Mike back as qb for the Falcons. Thursday, plead guilty, take his probation, pay his fine and be suspended from the NFL for a year. Distance himself from his destructive ways of the past and gain some respect. If I were in his position I would ask for forgiveness for being involved in the brutal dogfighting world and never again be involved in it. A hefty donation to Peta wouldn’t hurt. I have an autistic granddaughter and she would tell him “you need to improve you social skills”.
By sportsmommy
July 24, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
Maybe Vick can play for the Georgia Force…
By Jack
July 24, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
Some Questions:
1) Are you so obsessed with football that you can only care about how many games the Falcons win? If Vick were torturing and killing children would you still say you don’t care as long as he helps the team win?
2) Should all African-Americans “stand by” African-Americans no matter what they do? Does that mean Rev King was wrong when he dreamed of people being judged by the content of their character - not the color of their skin? (aren’t you a racist if you stand by a person of your race no matter what?)
3) Can you back up and see that Michael Vick either A) engaged in heinous behavior (torturing and killing innocent animals) or B) he condoned (allowed this to continue for 5 years) the torturing and killing of innocent animals.
4) Can you understand that eating a hamburger or hunting is NOT the same as beating an animal, or starving them or hanging them, or choking them because they lost a death match.
5) Can you understand that this is not about a part of “black culture”? (sick) White people have been dogfighting for 200 hundred years.
The essence: This is NOT about race, its not about the Falcons, it’s not about the “man” going after a famous black person. It’s about whether as a society we hold people accountable for cruelty of shocking proportions.
David Tant is a white man serving 40 years in jail at Lieber Correctional Institution for dog fighting. Why should Vick be given a pass because he plays football. Or because he is black?
The NFL should not wait for a court of law to convict Vick. A court of law does NOT determine innocence. A court of law determines if a group of people (jury) vote guilty or not guilty. Not guilty does not mean innocent. It means they simply did not vote to convict.
The NFL can determine if Vick engaged in this barbaric behavior. They cannot put Vick in jail but they can determine that he should not be allowed to play in the NFL.
By Elaine Zimney
July 24, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
Way to go Terrence! Thanks for standing up for what is ethically/morally right!You are dead on! Let’s don’t get too comfortable until the NFL and Blank actually suspend/fire Vick. Come and DEMONSTRATE on Thursday, July 26th, at Flowery Branch, Ga. from 1:30PM-3:00PM for the opening day of training and let your voice be heard. Hopefully there will be 100’s of us with signs asking to “Sack Vick”. I WAS a Vick supporter,but this was the final straw! What a waste of such wonderful talent!
By RB
July 24, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
Jersey #7 for the Atlanta Falcons is officially retired, who would wear it ever again? The stench is permanent forever.
By Ryan
July 24, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
Great article, only one problem Vick is not going to federal prison…..Atlanta is a great football town with great ideas. Lets cut the only real superstar we have in town and let someone else get him for free. Secondly what itiot really wants to cut a $122 million investment so he can go to another team and possibly win. If he goes to the conference championship with another team all will be forgiven because this is America and he is not OJ Simpson. (OJ killed a white women) Great comparison, I’m glad I don’t live in Atlanta or read this paper. You are going to sell alot of tickets to see Joey Harrington behind center. This article was a joke just like the indictment.
By the way I’ve been to Falcons games and our concerned fans sure consume tons of hot dogs and burgers. I think they should take a trip to a slaughter house before they pass judgement on Vick.
By tjs
July 24, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
outside of former Steeler Bam Morris, and the North Carolina receiver have any other NFL players spent any significant time in prison ? I doubt M. Vick will get more than a fine, and one of the electronic bracelets. I doubt he will be a Falcon, but someone else will employ him…I hope T-Mo goes to ESPN…..
By JT
July 24, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
It makes no difference whether Vick is an African American or not - the sheer volume of evidence against him is astounding.
Vick has repeatedly demonstrated that he believes himself to be superior to other human beings and that he is above the law. The Falcons owner, staff and the NFL have all acted as very poor role models to a “bad boy” in need of guidance and ostrasizing. It finally went too far.
Vick could have murdered an adult in cold blood and he would be less vilified than he is now facing. To torture and murder defenseless (yes, ultimately defenseless against human intervention) animals…the only thing he could have done that would have been viewed equally reprehensible would have been for him to rape and/or murder a child.
Is Vick deserving of the vilification?
Yes. I believe he is. Here is a man who has everything that any other man, woman, or child in this country (and many others) would love to have: fame and fortune - what does Vick do? He shuns the high road. He eschews being a good role model in favor of continuing with the “thug” life he knew growing up with his “crew” in the “hood”.
You can take Vick out of the ghetto, but apparently you cannot take the ghetto out of Vick. He apparently doesn’t want to leave a criminal life behind him. So let him suffer as other criminals do.
Leave him out to dry.
By Geoff
July 24, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
I actually agree with Terence on this one. What’s wrong with me?
By JT
July 24, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
I will say this: despite all of the allegations and charges against Vick the Slick, the fans will start screaming for his return once the Falcons start to lose. Not only did he fill the seats, he won games. It’s not his fault that he had to deal with idioitc coordinators over the past three seasons (that’s right, I said it, Mora wasn’t THAT BAD). He’s one of the winningest quarterbacks in NFL history. So go on ahead Falcons, release him, cut him, whatever. But just know that there is some team out there clamoring for his prodigious talent. And when he beats you single-handedly in your own building, don’t say I didn’t warn you. All I’ll have to say is this: I TOLD YOU SO.
By wjb
July 24, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
In the past, I have always tried to read your articles and understand where you are coming from. Here again, I am yet to understand why you are still writing for AJC. But I see why. You are just like the rest of them. You are deciding this man’s future and not the court. I have to agree with everything GT Adams said in his article. I could not have said it better without re-typing everything myself. Therefore, I will start with this: Mike Vick deserves his day in court. Just like everyone else regardless of race or prosperity. You are giving this small organization like PETA the little power that they shouldn’t have to set out to ruin a man’s life. We are not talking about a rape or a murder of a another human being, we are talking about an animal that is known for killing. That most people train to fight. Why haven’t you mentioned the fact that there are many TV shows and ads that promote the hunting of deers, ducks, turkeys, etc. Are these not considered innocent animals? Is PETA out to stop this process? Are you? I don’t think so. Using Mike Vick’s name get’s you a little more publicity, correct? What about the rape that occurred in the home that Patrick Kearney owned. Have you decided that his future was over in the NFL?
I am a HUGE Falcon’s fan and have been since the early 80’s. I have never seen a man that brought so much excitement to a team like Mike Vick. Unless the Falcon’s plan on loosing EVERY game this season, suspend Mike Vick and we will see who will actually feel the raft of the league’s action.
By SF
July 24, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Was it injustice to suspend the entire Duke Lacrosse season? Can we let the system work like it is supposed to and not make a rush to judgment. This isn’t about personal conduct. This is about frustration with what many believed would be the premier QB that never panned out. It is an excuse for fans to ask for a change. I can’t make a rush to judgment over an indictment based upon the word of thugs and deadbeats pointing fingers to save themselves. Maybe Vick blew it, maybe he did not, but the last I saw was that this was football. He ain’t running for president here. Can we have a look at the personal lives of the rich SAWB owners if they are so worried about “branding?”
By Vick Fan
July 24, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Well Terrence, I’m sure you are well on your way to getting a sports commentator jobs on one of the major sports shows like ESPN. You disgust me and always have. From the beginning of Mike’s career with the Falcons you’ve done nothing but crucify him and his talent on the field. You and the rest of the racist Vick haters in Atlanta finally got what you’ve been waiting for. I hope Vick comes through this ordeal and turns his career around and make another team a hell of alot of money. But then you will move onto the next guy. I’ve heard you say things about him that are really cruel just to get your fat AJC paycheck. TERRENCE YOU SUCK!!!
By Luke
July 24, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
I have lives in the Houston area all my life and was a die hard Oiler fan and now a Texan fan so I “feel ur pain”. This issue is about Mike Vick. And yes, it is also about Falcon ownership. It is NOT about the City of Atlanta or its fans. The fans are not responsible for Vick’s behavior, Vick is.
Unlike a certain NFL city just north of Houston, Atlanta fans are a class act. Stay behind your team, much better times are ahead.
See you in September.
By SF
July 24, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Was it injustice to suspend the entire Duke Lacrosse season? Can we let the system work like it is supposed to and not make a rush to judgment. This isn’t about personal conduct. This is about frustration with what many believed would be the premier QB that never panned out. It is an excuse for fans to ask for a change. I can’t make a rush to judgment over an indictment based upon the word of thugs and deadbeats pointing fingers to save themselves. Maybe Vick blew it, maybe he did not, but the last I saw was that this was football. Can we have a look at the personal lives of the rich SAWB owners if they are so worried about “branding?”
By fanintexas
July 24, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
As a die hard Falcon fan in Texas, I am very emabarrassed. I just bought a new Vick Jersey to wear to my hangout on Sundays to root for Vick and the Falcons. I knew long before they released Matt Schaub they were making a mistake. They should have traded Vick for two or three pro-bowlers. Who can I possibly root for now, let’s see…Dallas? NO WAY. Go Joey and the the birds. Like they say in Tx, you can take the thug out of the ghetto, but you can’t take the ghetto out of the thug.
By Dubya
July 24, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Dog’s aside, the Falcons needed an fire sale for the offense anyway. Here’s to Brian Brohm!
By Roswell Ed
July 24, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
pride:
MVnegative7 has only one person to blame for this mess and it ain’t whitey.
Did I miss something? Isn’t Kobe african-american? That case is also a he said she said thing. If Kobe would have been caught with a rape stand in that hotel room I can gaurentee he would not have played!
Where did personnal responsibility in our society go. Read Mr Moore’s article. Vick is in this thing up to his eyeballs. You call him an Uncle Tom. Well being an Uncle Tom has got to be better than being a blind idiot who hates his skin color so much that he blames all his problems on other people.
Do you know the definition of racist? Look in the mirror. It’ll be staring you in the face.
PS Did I mention you’re idiot. Now take your race card and go home.
By T Man
July 24, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
the falcon organization and fans have been laboring under a false pretense for some time. Michael Vick was and is a gimmick..young, immature black player is happens to be fast as a rabbit and can throw the ball. You don’t become great in a couple seasons and you darn sure don’t compare him to the likes of Joe Montana, Fran Tarkenton, Johnny Unitas and other such truly greats whose reputation and feats covered years and years of performance. Arthur Blank and Jerry Jones indeed..both are gimmick owners.
By Alan
July 24, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
The opinions you hear in regards to this issue are heavily divided by race lines. Uneducated black people seem to have taken an apathetic view to felony crimes and obeying the law, all in order to be represented by someone they perceive as having came from the streets and project a certain image. I ask you, is there not enough crime already in your comuntities? Is there not enough young balck men going to prison already? What is it about the thug mentality that you seem to hold to such high regards? Mike Vick is the best you can do? Goodell has already suspended three other players for criminal ALLEGATIONS, Vick is no different. I guess for some of you with your thug mentality and your wannabe gangsta images killing dogs is no big deal. To law abiding upright citizens, it’s not acceptable. Where do you types draw the line? What isn’t acceptable? When I read some of the post in defense of Vick and his criminal behavior, you all help explain some things to me about human behavior. Bottom line: anyone who has labored through Vick trying to articulate a sentence, you realize just how stupid this guy really is, you know how stupid he really is by pizzing away all his endorsements and his salary. Finally the most overrated, overpaid and overhyped player in the NFL gets his justice. I just hope he and his crew never live by me and they stay in the same areas of towm his defenders live, we don’t need them or want them in my neighborhood.
By john
July 24, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Drop a rock in the water and watch the ripple effect. Vick has created a huge ripple for Atlanta and the NFL. Innocent or guilty, who knows. but, perception is everything, Vick has destroyed his career. The world was laid at his feet and he chose to throw it away, what a shame. I hope he invested wisely because he will need all the money he can get his hands on to pay this legal bill and live on. Mike if you read this, here is some good advise; If someone ask you to do something and you have to think about it, Don’t do it, because it is probably wrong. What a shame it ends like this!
By GMAN
July 24, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
What a nightmare for the Falcons, we traded away avery good up and coming QB in Matt Schaub and now we’re up the creek without a paddle and no QB. Vick is toast, Falcons should cut their losses as soon as he is formally charged. Only if we had kept Schaub a little while longer. 2-14 this season!!
By Peter
July 24, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
HA HA HA to all you that say we hate to see a Black man with Money….
I know a few Black men making Big money, one owns a couple of restaurants here in Atlanta, the other owns a rehab clinic and lots of property.
The first person has a son who is a close friend of mine for 20 plus years, the other has helped a family member become a man and a good citizen.
These are wonderful people who give back to their community, these are model citizens to emulate no matter what color your skin is.
Why don’t all folks follow the lead of these types of people……I wouldn’t follow the lead of a red neck killing and hurting animals………
HA HA HA to all you out there with their raciest overtures, get a grip on a reality check, look into your hearts, maybe our city can be a better and kinder place to live………
WE ALL NEED TO GET ALONG to survive as a people…….the race issue it only kept alive by anger.
By GT Fan
July 24, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
I am VERY tired of the race card. Why do some people always have to bring race into everything? Any reasonable person (i.e. not a racist) would have admitted a long time ago that race does not matter in this instance. By the way, this same logic applies to most instances where the race card has been used!!!
I want to know if we take the $22M salary cap hit even if we terminate his contract and get a prorated portion of his signing bonus back???
Terence……..please do a little investigative work for the fans and let us know the answer to this question. Thanks
By Cledus
July 24, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
I judged Mike Vick on the content o’ his character.
I found his character….. lacking.
Ergo, I dislike him because of his INSIDE, not his OUTSIDE.
I guess that still makes me a “HATER” or “RACIST” to you VICK SUPPORTERS, eh?
LET”S GO, FALCONS, a T-E-A-M that still plays a TEAM SPORT.
By Truth
July 24, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
“Innocent until proven guilty” only exists for the courts. Public opinion and businesses do not need to hold to that, especially when there is overwhelming circumstantial evidence.
I moved away from Atlanta, but I cannot tell you how sad it is to see how racially divided it still is. Yes, there are some white bigots still. But the black race peddlers have cried wolf so many times now that a whole generation has become poisoned with hate. And more whites become bigots after seeing this black-on-white discrimination.
Atlanta, I pray for you. And I’m not even that religious.
P.S. Give DJ a chance. He was a class act at UGA, and is a true winner.
By BOOKMAN
July 24, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
For all the people that are saying this all of Vicks problems are hurting this city is wrong. Most people in this city is going on with there life. If anyone out there that wants to give up there seasons tickets call me. If vick is not the quaterback here in ATL. he will be somewhere else, and I’ll be there supporting him.
By Billy
July 24, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
If Harrington is our QB, I’m afraid we might 6-10 at best.
By Blind Homer
July 24, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
My dream of Vick taking my beloved Falcons to the Super Bowl didn’t end in some dog pit in Virginia. It ended last season when he quit on his team and flipped off his fans. Good riddance. God bless the Commissioner and God bless the Atlanta Falcons.
By carman563
July 24, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
VICK IS GONE ! SO IS SCHAUB,HARRINGTON CANT CUT IT , LONG LIVE SCHOCKLEY !< GIT UR DONE !! GEORGIA ALL THE WAY
By Roswell Ed
July 24, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
The comparisons of MMA and boxing to dog fighting are rediculous.
In the first place the man chooses to fight.
In the second place:
If you lose in the ring MV7 isn’t waiting for you later with a bucket of water and electrical cords!!
By James G
July 24, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
Between Pride and Mr. I type in capital letters cause I am an idiot DUKE, I am not really sure who is the bigger Dumb-Azz. First of all Mr. Moore you did pull the race card at the end and excited Mr.I wish I were still in Africa chasing Lions barefooted with Plates in my lips and bones through my nose PRIDE…. that was for you Duke…! We don’t owe anyone anything and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.. that might be why 85% of the NFL are Black… so good on ya… be happy with the outcome. I would hate to see Mike Vick go but if convicted he will get what he deserves. As I am a loyal Falcon fan, what I fear the most is him coming back to Atlanta with a different team and pulling another Deion Sanders on us.
Good Luck DUKE and Pride I know you secretly love each other…. say it aint so… lol True Falcon Fan
By Not a Fan, Just my Opinion
July 24, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Whether he knew or not. The bottom line is his career is over. This is not a black or white issue. He should have been aware of what was going on at a property that was in his name. Bottome line. The only thing that puzzles me, is Dog Fighting is illegal in VA, but beastelology is not. Something is wrong with laws. Humans can’t fight dogs (which is in a dogs nature to do) but Human can have sex with dogs if they choose too. Somebody please explain that. None the less, Vick made this path for himself, now he has to walk it. Sometimes, in order to progress in your career, there are some things and even people that you have to leave behind. Whether it be family or otherwise. Had Vick made that decision before now, he would not be in this mess. I hope he has learned a valuable lesson.
By Katie
July 24, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Vick couldn’t play in the beginning he was just an exciting player. I bet Atlanta hate they traded Shaub.
By 4 Justice
July 24, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
I am a true diehard Atlanta Falcons fan even before Mike Vick; after the draft of Vick, I had so much hope for the Falcons. However it seems that everyone has convicted him before he has had his day in court. What happened to innocent until proven guilty? We have lay persons criticizing Vick for not professing his innocence or making a statment, this is exactly what a criminal defendant should do - excellent legal advice.
You have Senators focusing on this when they should be focusing on the loss of troops in Iraq. I am repulsed if Vick was involved in the treatment of these animals, but let’s see what the evidence is before the rush to judgment.
Now because PETA is putting pressure on the NFL and the Falcons they are changing their tune from last week and now considering suspension before a conviction(Let’s see PETA is selling Anti-Vick para on their website, so how credible are they - profiting on the travesty)
Remember: He is innocent until proven guilty and Billy Martin, Esq. is an excellent attorney. Don’t forget the Duke Lacrosse players - they were completely exonerated.
By Ms. P
July 24, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, who put you in charge of the Falcons, I guess you have to say what ever to have your face out there. What happen to innocent to proven guilty! I guess Mr. Moore is just perfect! Okay its wrong I am a dog owner and do not believe in cruelty to dogs. But no one knows what the truth is until it really comes out! I think all the season ticket holders “REAL FANS” need to go out their and protest also! “INNOCENT TILL PROVEN GUILTY!” I really feel sorry for the guy if he is not guilty is life (FOOTBALL) is being pulled away from him.
By Be Reasonable
July 24, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
I have just one thing to say. I’ve said it once and I will say it again. “I don’t condone abuse of animals but at the same time, I don’t agree with a human being losing his job or being jailed because of them.” Vick has been found guilty by a lot of people before they even hear the evidence. This is insane, this is America. Innocent until proven guilty, right? Obviously not! A lot of you don’t like when the race card is pulled, but IT IS WHAT IT IS! There are a lot of Vick haters out there. How many of you remember the Thrasher hockey player who was driving under the influence and killed his teammate in Buckhead. Where was the rallying of MADD and you so called people who are all for justice. How can the race card not be a factor in this case? A human being died in this case, NOT AN ANIMAL. Whose life is worth more a human or an animal? Society/PETA, etc. have been allowed to go too far in pushing there beliefs forcing laws to convict people. I know you love your animals. I owned a few in my lifetime but if someone had harmed one of them, I would not demand they be jailed and especially lose their job. A hefty fine (depending on the case), yes. But come on people….TBC!
Otis Leroys - What in the heck are you talking about. See, this is what I mean “how is this going to affect tourist?” HOW STUPID!!!!
By The Sports Maven
July 24, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
The gambling issue has taken a back seat to the emotional issue of dog fighting but it is the one where there is a long precedent of suspending pro athletes. And it’s not confined to race. Heisman winner and Green Bay star Paul Hornung and Alex Karras of Detroit Lions were both kicked out of he NFL for illegal gambling even though it was not on their own team. Although gambling is generally accepted, it’s still illegal in Virginia and it’s time to heap this issue on top of Vick to ensure he doesn’t pull an O.J.
By Hume
July 24, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
What I find to be so deplorable is the number of African American bloggers here who defend Vick because a) he’s black b) because it’s a “black thing” to dog fight and whitey shouldn’t be able to say anything about black culture c) Vick is black and as such should be defended at all costs.
These are all the same type of people who scream and yell that white people should be forced - through whatever means - to treat black people the same as they treat other white people. However, I find it interesting that those same black people refuse to treat white people as well as they treat other black people. “Georgia still racist” refers to Terrence Moore as an “Uncle Tom” because he does not condone the criminal behavior of a football player. I wonder how loudly “Georgia still racist” would be objecting to Mr. Moore’s comments if Vick were white and charges were brought against him?
Where were all these black folks to defend accused Duke lacroose players (later found innocent)? Black folks were picketing and Jesse Jackson and others were demanding those boys’ heads on pikes.
Funny how when the shoe is on the other foot….
By PitBull without ear and eye
July 24, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
Remember the 70’s movie “Gremlins” I’ve always thought Vick looked like the leader of the Gremlin Gang.I was right, not only does he look like a Gremlin, he’s proven he acts like one too.
By Steve Barylick
July 24, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
I am a white male with zero racial biases, a football fan, and a person who believes in the justice system. That being said, our justice system has failed miserably in many instances for both white, black, latino and asian people. We as Americans tend to use public opinion to ‘judge’ others. Mr. Moore’s article highlights the trouble Vick is in… not because he is black, but because he has possible made awful decisions. And should pay the price. In earlier articles Kobe and OJ have been mentioned, along with ‘white’ politicians… let’s face it, OJ murdered hsi wife and Ron Goldman and got away with it. Kobe raped a woman and bought hsi way out of it. Politicians coerce or buy their way out of comprising situations every day, and the list goes on. How about the Catholic Church? pedophile priests? Ditto, they are teflon coated. Our country is in moral and social decline due to corruption, greed, ‘me’ ism and a general lack of respect. Road rage, family disintegration, unfair wages, CEO cheating and lawbreaking and more. What Vick did is just another blip on a long list of ‘wrongs’. As a fottball fan, I am saddened. As a person, I am angry. As a citizen I wonder when our country will wake up and recognize that we need better leaders and followers to get our moral and social compasses turned in the right direction. Black, white, latino or asian, we all must respect the law, and if not, pay the consequences.
By dahmane
July 24, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
When keeping it real goes very wrong!Mike vics life has played out like a dave chappelle skit!! The only diference its not funny!
By Be Reasonable
July 24, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
I have just one thing to say. I’ve said it once and I will say it again. “I don’t condone abuse of animals but at the same time, I don’t agree with a human being losing his job or being jailed because of them.” Vick has been found guilty by a lot of people before they even hear the evidence. This is insane, this is America. Innocent until proven guilty, right? Obviously not! A lot of you don’t like when the race card is pulled, but IT IS WHAT IT IS! There are a lot of Vick haters out there. How many of you remember the Thrasher hockey player who was driving under the influence and killed his teammate in Buckhead. Where was the rallying of MADD and you so called people who are all for justice. How can the race card not be a factor in this case? A human being died in this case, NOT AN ANIMAL. Whose life is worth more a human or an animal? Society/PETA, etc. have been allowed to go too far in pushing there beliefs forcing laws to convict people. I know you love your animals. I owned a few in my lifetime but if someone had harmed one of them, I would not demand they be jailed and especially lose their job. A hefty fine (depending on the case), yes. But come on people….TBC!
Otis Leroys - What in the heck are you talking about. See, this is what I mean “how is this going to affect tourist?” HOW STUPID!!!!
By Dana
July 24, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
I don’t know why I am so shocked to see that this blog turned into a race rant, but I am.
The man is an IDIOT. I have no idea whether he was truly involved in the dogfighting, and I’m content to wait and see after the evidence is presented. However, my opinion regarding his lack of intelligence will not be likely to change. I’d still feel this way if he were white. He is NOT a team player. He isn’t even a consitently good player at all. He has divided the team, shown little or no leadership, nor does he even seem to care! Leadership is a part of his job, and he isn’t doing it.
By FAN4VICK
July 24, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
I don’t agree with this article. You guys have convicted Vick before he even goes to trial. We the fans love Michael Vick in Atlanta. If Vick goes , the fans goes. Look outside the box at this situation and have an OPEN MIND. Vick is a registerd dog breeder for pit bulls. This is another attempt to destroy and dehumanize another person who has talent , money. fame. The fans will stay away from the game if Vick leaves Atlanta. Don’t be a hater.
By Live Free
July 24, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
The MEDIA is the damn problem along with PETA. Vick has not gone to trial yet the media is basically saying his is guilty. I can guarantee that if this were Manning this would be swept under the rug and PETA would be a blip. Where is PETA at horse racing, bull riding, slaughter houses, or chicken plants..no media coverage on that, I wonder why?
The media has played this story until they have made me sick watching any of these networks. I hope they do find him innocent just to shut these hypocrites up.
Those so called news readers have not one journalist bone in their bodies. They read the same garbage over and over and have not one damn ounce of common sense to say this is ridiculous to keep beating this to death. If this had happened to any one of you you would be angry and crying that you did not get a fair trial because of the media, no doubt.
By Big Ed
July 24, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Terrance,
You had me until you said “an African-American with lots of money who had the audacity to get away with something.” My opinion of this barbaric act would not change if this were John Smoltz, Alex Rodriguz, Ichiro, Yao, Payton, Tom Brady, David Beckham, etc. Your reputation precedes you. It’s always about race with you. The only difference here is that I have not heard very many people say they are SHOCKED as they would with the others I’ve mentioned.
By The Truth
July 24, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY
nuff said
By Be Reasonable
July 24, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
I have just one thing to say. I’ve said it once and I will say it again. “I don’t condone abuse of animals but at the same time, I don’t agree with a human being losing his job or being jailed because of them.” Vick has been found guilty by a lot of people before they even hear the evidence. This is insane, this is America. Innocent until proven guilty, right? Obviously not! A lot of you don’t like when the race card is pulled, but IT IS WHAT IT IS! There are a lot of Vick haters out there. How many of you remember the Thrasher hockey player who was driving under the influence and killed his teammate in Buckhead. Where was the rallying of MADD and you so called people who are all for justice. How can the race card not be a factor in this case? A human being died in this case, NOT AN ANIMAL. Whose life is worth more a human or an animal? Society/PETA, etc. have been allowed to go too far in pushing there beliefs forcing laws to convict people. I know you love your animals. I’ve had a few pets in the past but if someone had harmed one of them, I would not demand they be jailed and especially lose their job. A hefty fine (depending on the case), yes. But come on people….TBC!
Otis Leroys - What in the heck are you talking about. See, this is what I mean “how is this going to affect tourist?” HOW STUPID!!!!
By Denise
July 24, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Everybody just hush… there is no way in the world a human being should go to jail for doing anything to an animal.. A hefty fine yes and lots of community work (with animals) maybe.. but not jail.. That is ludicris. Then we all should be in jail for eating all the slaughtered animals that we do.. What he did was wrong but when did an animals life become more valuable than a humans. I have a relative that was murdered and his murdered got 5 years in jail… These are animals who wouldn’t know or understand or even care about rights. IF Mike did this he was stupid and wrong but he does not deserve jail and neither did the two young boys that put the dog in the microwave.. they need psychiatric help not jail.
By Brian
July 24, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
The city of Atlanta has to understand, this is not about whether he is guilty or not. This has to do with what kind of person Michael Vick is. Do you want this person leading your team and being the face of the franchise? I know I don’t.
The Falcons need to cut him now, and let him have his due process. If he’s innocent, great. He can catch on with another team and try to save his career. If he’s guilty, well the world needs ditch diggers too….
By BuzzDraft
July 24, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
Arthur Blank, when leadership was desperately needed, wilted into the shrinking violet he turned out to be. This was leadership??? He is a coward by forcing Goodell to take action on his behalf. He also has critically damaged the Falcons’ future by not finding Vick in breach of his contract Thursday, thus sentencing the Falcons to severe salary cap penalties in dead cap space the next few years due to Blank’s lack of decisive leadership.
Vick IS getting his due process. He has a court date to determine whether he will be imprisoned or not.
As for his occupation…
If you are a school teacher, a truck driver, a mailman, a secretary, an accountant, a mechanic, a waitress, a software engineer, a lawyer, an auto worker, or even a corporate CEO, if you get indicted by the Federal government, your employer will not allow you to return to your job until you clear your name, at best. There is no Constitutional right to employment, just a Constitutional right to a fair trial. If your personal conduct on the job or on your own time has brought embarrassment to your employer, you will be fired. That’s how the real world works.
Vick is not being denied the right to make a living, he has violated the terms of his employment and if he is fired, he is free to choose any number of other occupations just like the rest of society to earn a living. Nothing is denying him of finding a job to make a living.
Due process is your day in court. Vick WILL have that, and the outcome is certainly a hell of a lot more significant to his life than any termination from employment. I’m disappointed in him and all his apologists, but primarily Blank for his utter failure of leadership when his organization and city needed it most.
By dywhite
July 24, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
This is too funny. All we keep doing is judging and judging. Everyone on here has skeletons in there closets and if we opened them, you will be embarrassed. Of course we know, Michael Vick (guilty or not) has made some very bad choices in his life and career. But we are not his judge or jury. God is. And if he is found not guilty in the “legal” since and he knows he had something to do with harming animals, then he will have to deal with a higher power. I like Vick as a football player but some of his actions are in his hands. I can not judge him. If he gets a paid leave and then comes back, then we as fan have to except that. He is one of many athletes in major league sports (football, basketball, baseball, NASCAR, Soccer, Hockey, Track & Field) that have been in “major” trouble. Whatever plays out in court, plays out. If he is guilty he needs to go to jail for cruelty to animals. If he is not guilty, then he needs to change his whole life around and move on. Atlanta Falcons may not be the place where he will stay but whatever team gets him, they will have a great player. All I’m saying, is everyone is quick to judge someone else’s problems but do not look at their own. Get out of Michael’s closet and go clean your own out.
By Brian Brohm
July 24, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
Terrnece, Lets keep this in perspective. Ray Lewis was charged with Murder and pleas to a lesser charge. Not only does he stay with the Ravens, he goes on to be Defensive MVP and the poster boy for the NFL. Lets say Vick pleas to a lesser charge, why would he get harsher treatment than someone charged with murder?
Don’t get me wrong Vick is 100% guilty of being an idiot for putting himself in this situation, but its not any worse than what Ray Lewis did.
By Coop
July 24, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
Terrence Moore you need to leave the city. You and your media friends are making me sick. The media has pushed it so much that it made Goodell basically suspend him. Your blogs are worthless. I am supporter of Vick until proven guily. I notice how you like to add racial phrases. Are you confused of what you are? Maybe somebody need to give you a permanent leave of absence.
By D'Marcus Jefferson
July 24, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
I heard that Michael Vick went to the UGA football game and at kickoff when they do their illustrious cheer, “GOOOOO DAWGS SIC EM”…..he was waiting for the Pit Bulls to tear up UGA VI!!!!!!!! ARF ARF
By blove
July 24, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
you guys need to stop this is a new lynching the boy have not been proving guilty this is a black and white thing you all play like you are god get in the community and do something besides run your mouth terrence doesn’t know what he talking about mike vick is not guilty until you show me what piture he was in and other thing you say he done. why DA DROP CHARGES mike please find another team i am from alabama where they do dog track if a dog doesn’t win so many race they put them out. nobody protesting that all this about look lets see how we can get mike off the team well it is 2007 lets do a lynching back in the day they didn’t care if you were guilty or not if your black wrong person or right they hung you ask the trees where blacks was hung all because who they were or they was to big for there pants. let me see the photo word is not nothing.
By 56lady
July 24, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
It will be a very long time before the Falcons regain their integrity … Author Blank should have cut his losses when Dan Reeves was coach … with Vicks proven track record he would gain some character if he goes back to kindergarten to learn the first lessons in life … His poor mother … the shame she must feel … Now it is time for the Falcons to move forward with Harrington …
By Ray
July 24, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
“Birds of a feather flock together”. It’s an old adage, but it is true. Vick, as well as other NFL players, who hang out with thugs, and act like thugs, need to be gone!
I’m sick of the NFL, NBA, and other pro sports who draft these types of players KNOWING their sorry past. I’m also sick and tired of players in any sport getting “suspended” and not fired for good when they commit drug violations and other felonies.
I don’t care how talented they are, what they do off the field affects the team on the field.
By Ron
July 24, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Vick already was the most polarizing force in the history of Atlanta sports.
Precisely. I’ve said that on this blog several times. I’m just glad someone at the AJC finally agrees. Now, when Vick is gone, can we finally all just get along??
By OnceAFan
July 24, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
I am a long time Hokie fan and have enjoyed watching Vick every season since he first started at Tech. I thought that he was a well spoken young man with an athleticism that was virtually unparalleled at the time. He seemed to only get better during his college career. Then he turned pro and went to Atlanta. He suddenly lost his ability to speak intelligently and think rationally. He has been involved in alleged legal scandal almost the entire duration of his pro career. That was off the playing field! On the playing field, he never seemed to get better, never fine-tuned his abilities, often giving the excuse that his teammates were less than talented. I have long tried to overlook this handicap that has afflicted him since he moved to Atlanta, to keep the joy that I used to feel while watching him play, but now it is impossible. Whether he is guilty or not, it is all just too much; he has lost my respect.
His lifestyle has become overwhelming, quickly swallowing him whole. He had plenty of warning to get rid of these “friends”, that they would be his downfall if he stayed with them. But now, things have finally caught up with him, and he is most likely done. What team would be stupid enough to take on this liability if indeed he were declared not guilty? I know that I personally, as a fan, will not be taking him back. I supported him for too long as it was.
By totalpraise
July 24, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Michael Vick should be given his due process. If it were you or your loved ones in this predicament you would want the same rights. I think there are so many other important things going on other than dog fighting that we should be concerning ourseleves with (ie - soliders dying in a senseless war, gas prices, Genarlow Wilson, high school dropout rate, homelessness, unemployment, etc.) I am an avid Falcons fan and I will not support the Falcons if Michael Vick is no longer the QB. If Michael is guilty than I will be disappointed; but I will still like him. These are dogs for goodness sakes, not human beings. The problem Michael Vick has right now is - more people love their animals than they love the game of football. Let justice take it course!!!!!!
By carlos
July 24, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
It’s a shame a man in this country is guilty of a crime just by word of mouth. Truth be told the public always believes the worst in people and never the the good. Seems to me the public and the media need to relize there are important people in this country that have been proven to have done worse and they are still respected!
By Armond
July 24, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
This whole situation is sad. I agree dog fighting is wrong, even though I wouldn’t think twice about hitting a dog in the street instead of swirving and maybe causing a wreck. The sad thing is this world is so backwards. People care more about animals than they do about Humans. A child rapist doesn’t get this much hatred. We are so self righteous and act like we have not done anything wrong in this lifetime. If Vick was involved, I agree he broke the law. But Murders, rapist, etc get off easier than this. I blame the stupid economy and world for even paying athletes more than doctors, school teachers, and those who protect us and our belongings. Animal rights activist need to remember that God gave us dominion over all the animals.
By Macca Dave
July 24, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
I already know season ticket holders who are ready to sell off their tickets because they want nothing to do with the Falcons in light of this incident. It shows poor judgement in the hiring of Vick for just his capabilities on field, and not looking at the content of his character. His capabilities are questionable as he cannot throw from the pocket, which is vital. He can run the ball, but D.J. Shockley can do both. I think they are making a mistake going with this other guy to take Vick’s place. Shockley should be the replacement.
By Ignatius
July 24, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Race has nothing to do with it. SOmeone earlier cited Chris Rock, “If it ain’t white, it ain’t right.” He was also talkign about the million man march at one time. Someone said “I pay my child support, I see my youngsters, I spend time with my kids..” “Why do you want a reward? That’s what you’re supposed to do!” I also cite “To whom much is given, much is expected.” It isn’t about race, it isn’t about guilt (in this particular case), it’s about perception because like it or not, perception is reality. Would you rather your child look up to someone like Mike Vick or someone like Warren Moon, Vince Young, Payton Manning? There is no excuse for this type of behavior and even less of an excuse to condone it.
By SIG 2007
July 24, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
I am not a Vick fan. I don’t think he is best quarter back for Atlanta because he doesn’t care about Atlanta’s interest. He is a young male with new money. New money buys anything a young heart desires. In the world where pokimon is one of top cartoons, will Atlanta Fans or children really be affected by this alleged activity? Not really, there are Rooster fights where blood spatters the walls; kids soaked in chicken blood and in these country towns head of the KKK, Mayors, all other white collar cotton picking folks come out to bet on the best fighting rooster. If this was Joe Montana losing 20,000 at a c** figh this would not have made the news, covered up completely by good ole Americans. Some people stick together. Some people organize to conspire against another groups role models. How can someone get thrown out of there trade or career for being indicted by local, state, or federal agencies? This truly means in America guilty or innocent you wear the indictments charges for life. Even proven innocent, people will still grab there kids, hurry them off because that guy, that legend, allegedly killed his ex wife or some damn viscous dogs. Maybe Vick should have found a Chinese family in the area to dispose of the bodies.
By Truth
July 24, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
I read the post about T.O., and I was the same way. The guy was a great talent, but he was a cancer and not a team player. I celebrated too when he was benched, even though I knew it would hurt my team in the meantime.
Cut Vick, clean up your Atlanta image, and learn some frockin civility. Use your heads.
P.S. Thanks, McNabb, for not being a gangsta wannabe thug. You are a class act, and I’m proud to wear your number. Go EAGLES!!!!!
By Tired
July 24, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
I didn’t know the circus was in town. This is getting out of hand folks.
By Dee
July 24, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Terrance is your middle name Tom and do you have a nephew? Vick is innocent until proven guilty, quit trying to be politically correct, PETA is a corporate entity looking for big bucks from the NFL !
By Cruzin
July 24, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Excellent column! If one read it carefully, it makes perfect sense. It will take Vick two years to learn the new offensive system. He will be subjected to court dates, media coverage and other distractions that will prevent him from giving 100%. Unfortunately, the Falcons are left with a sub- par quarterback. I am glad I am not a season ticket holder!
By The Bobcat
July 24, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore
I hope someday that if you are being investigated for some wrongdoing, that you will get the same sensationalism that exists today. Even if I believe that this young man was aware of what was going on, I am prepared to let justice take its course. In your case lady justice only has one eye covered. This is not a matter of race, this is a matter of upbringing. As a youngster, I imitated Willie Mays and Luis Aparicio, however I looked up to my parents and family.
By Jones
July 24, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
“Dogs” is what it took to get rid of Mike Vick… WOW
Vick is kind of ignorant but should have known that a faction of this country opposes what he represents…Hip-Hop, fame, money, etc. and that they were watching his every move waiting for something like this to happen. It really is dissapointing to everyone, but especially to those that had a little belief in him. All we can do now is wait and see what happens.
By smile you on camera
July 24, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Mr Vick, please say hi while your visiting our beloved former mayor, Mr. Campbell.
By cg
July 24, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Mr. Stupid Scott. How well you forget. Even when the Falcons were within one game of the superbowl with Steve Bartkowski and during their winning season with Jamal Anderson and crew, they were not selling out home games. However, With Deion and Vick, the GA Dome filled up. Where was all your green money before?
By skip
July 24, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
“ATLien … blog entry July 23, 2007 9:40 PM.” You ended your observation-conclusion with the word “moron”. Were you name calling or signing off? ; )
By J.A.Moreland
July 24, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Mick Vick will play again, because he brings in the money. If the Falcons can not used him some other team will. Tarnish and stained but still a good athlete and money maker for a team. Sits are empty only when you are losing. What multi million dollar franchise is going to say we can not use him. Cindy Sheehan gave up and President Bush is still promoting his war (ops I mean fighting terrorism). Mick Vick needs a good PR rep. so he can quietly put this behind him like most tarnish athletes. I still would not let him dog sit for me….
By Robert
July 24, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
Question. What is the difference between: Dogfighting, National Football League, Ultimate Fighting Champion, World Wrestling Entertainment, [and] Boxing?
It is really very simple. The dogs have no choice. Humans voluntarily consent to play or participate in contact sports. The concept from law known as “informed consent” is the difference.
By Roger
July 24, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
I understand the severity of the allegations against Michael Vick and the other individuals involved, but the question I have is, “what is the difference between this and the Kobe Bryant case, with respect to Vick being allowed to play?” Maybe, since Kobe was accused of raping a human being, that was the reason he was not suspended and allowed to play, as well as attend all the required court hearings, etc. But to suspend Vick for his alledged involvement with DOGS????? Don’t get me wrong, I do not like any type dog and don’t condone what alledgelly has happened, but it seems we (society) tend to put more importance on dogs rather than on issues that matter - thousands of young men and women in jeporady every day fighting and dying for reasons unknow to them. Let the real court decide if Vick and the others are guilty and if so, impose punishment to fit the “crime”.
By Falcon Fan
July 24, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
For all of you that has turned on Michael Vick, you all should be ashamed. The man hasn’t been convicted of anything. I hope this turns out just like the water bottle incident so you all can look stupid for being fair weather fans. What ever happened to loyalty.
By CMD
July 24, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
It’s a shame that today in this country a man is guilty by word of mouth! The public is always ready to believe the bad about someone before the good. The public and the media need to realize there are important people in this country to have been proven to have done worse to human life but are still respected!
By An real Atlanta Native & Fan
July 24, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
I have never been able to get tickets to a Falcon’s game so since so many of you are willing to give them up now, please sell your tickets on ebay so I can go to the game. I love the Falcons as a whole, not as a one man team. We made it to the superbowl once without MV and we can do it again!
By Shame on you
July 24, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
I guess innocent until proven guilty has just gone out of the window. Keep in mind that the DA in NC was able to obtain indictments against the Lacrosse players, but as it turns out, it was a case of an overzealous prosecutor. I find it funny that everyone is now a card carrying member of PETA and are calling for his head, but I don’t see you at the dog track protesting the dog trainers who kill their greyhounds when they lose a race. This country is so overrun with hypocrites it’s no wonder we are the target of global terrorism.
By T. Hayes
July 24, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
Whether Vick stays or goes, Atlanta will suffer as a result. Vick made some bad choices, but overall, I doubt he’s a bad person. The even sadder part is that, were it another quarterback and not Vick, there’s a 98% chance that this would’ve been swept under the rug by now. Like it or not, he’s being persecuted so intensely because he’s a Black man who was great at doing what has typically been a white man’s job and he just happens to be a celebrity. It’s interesting that PETA isn’t fighting so intensely over hog fighting or c** fighting.
Only in America is an animal’s life held in higher esteem than a person’s life. America has truly gotten things screwed up.
By RPS
July 24, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
I agree completely with your comments. Michael Vick is a thug and does not need to be a part of the NFL. He should be banned for life and he does not deserve another penny in pay. It’s such a shame that so much talent is being wasted because of his stupidity.
By ball player
July 24, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Its funny now how so many people are on Terrance side now that he is talking about a black sports figure. Vick is innocent till proven guilty so why are all these angry protesters out trying to get him banned and for him to lose all his endorsements. Lets be real if this was Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, I bet majority of you would not act this way, you all would be supportive of them, but since its a young black QB with a lot of money you bash him and try to make Nike and the Falcons drop him, come on now tell the real truth about why you GUYS are really mad. He is black, rich and successful, and you can’t stand to see it. Not trying to make it racial but to be honest it is a race thing as far as people telling Arthur Blank and the NFL what they need to do to Vick, sounds like people are wanting him to lose money rather justice being served.
By Marc
July 24, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Why do you say he is the new OJ Simpson? Were the dogs in question his blonde ex-wife? I think your an opportunistic idiot and a true jerk. Go kiss a pitbulls balls. I still support Vick!
By The dirty Bird
July 24, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
All I can say, to all that think he should be gone. I am sorry you all fell like you have to use “Mr. Vick” as your mark for injustice in America. If you look at the facts, he was set up plan and simple. As Emmett said “He is not who they want but he will take the fall for it” Or what about the animal control officer in Virginia who has been to the property even with feds in there first 6! Attempts. He never saw anything and then was promptly fired for telling an investigator what he saw. As usual is cause of the spot light in this case people do what politics want you to do. Look at the accused to keep the focus off them and the facts. The fact that they showed up with 26 officers for a once of weed to pick up his cousin to search his house while he is not there to find what they put there to… See the pattern. I agree no one should be above the law but I only agree because the law is used to keep a cap on freedoms not to protect them. Killing animals is wrong but ending human life for Fid is just backwards. People hunt all the time and for sport. They pay for a license to do it, Mike did that… You buy your own gear witch is taxed, Mike did…..That and big time with 60 dogs so sorry they got there money on the front and now on the back end… now they want more or your life is over. It is not race here; it is money, publicity, and capital gain. This in not Jimmy Hoffa folks but there more interested in Vick here then in why our solders are still over sea’s. Think about it…. If Vick doesn’t play the dome will be empty anyway. My team won’t have cap space anyway for the next three years and the only thing to look forward to, as a fan is the #1 #2 pick for the next three years.
By Ray W.
July 24, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
I can’t fire this animal-torturing, poor-decision making punk Vick … But I can stop supporting the Falcons. And I can stop shopping at Home Depot. I’ve been a Falcons fan since their beginning and I’ve gladly spend a lot of money on them — through good times and bad. But if they keep this evil torturing thug, they’re going on without me. I can make good decisions. I can cut the Falcons … and I *can” cut Home Depot.
By TIFF
July 24, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
P.S. Mr. Moore as for Authur Blank’s character for not getting rid of Mike as soon as you wanted him to. Authur Blank, The Falcons and Mike V have done more for the kids of this city including “especially including” African American kids in a year than you probably have in your whole sorry life. Check up on the foundations set up by them. All you do is sit behind your desk and write trash, they get out and make resources available to make a difference in the communities of this city. And for this so many children in this city are better for it.
By snellvilleboy
July 24, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Terrance:
I have met you and spoken with you before. Despite what I may think of some of your stands, I believe you are correct in your assesment. Management needs to announce today at 4:00 he is being waived.
This will put the matter behind the team, maybe give them a mind set to do better this year.
To let this drag on out further will only tarnish the team, the city and the owner.
Just think of the reception Michael Vick would get at places like the Dog Pound in Cleveland. He is damaged goods and no matter how hard he tries he always will be.
The shame is nobody got through to him as to his responsibilities and if they tried he did not want to listen.
By kcr211
July 24, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Many people are complaining that the NFL, Terence Moore are not observing ‘innocent until proven guilty.’ Guess what? They don’t have to. Courts determine legal guilt. As most of you know, in a criminal case the standard for a finding of legal guilt is ‘beyond a reasonable doubt.’ It is a high standard for high stakes—Vick faces losing his liberty, arguably the thing most precious to man. People are condemned for things that they aren’t legally guilty for all the time. The ‘court of public opinion,’ to use the generic term, indeed has a lower standard than criminal courts, but the penalties—embarrassment, potential loss of employment—are far less than the courts would give out. Public outcry certainly has its place in deterring jokers like Michael Vick from doing bad things. It ought to have been a given in his mind that things would hit the fan if he were accused of involvement in something like this.
Non-legal penalties have their place in our society just as much as legal penalties do. It’s what keeps people from cutting in line and casually using racial slurs. Terence’s job (and ours) is not to avoid judgment until Michael Vick receives his due process. We can pass judgment just like a wife would on a husband who has lipstick on his collar, or a parent to a child who smells of cigarette smoke. All of this is part of the process these days. And it’s especially a part of what it means to live in the public eye.
By Zuberi Olushola
July 24, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Granted, Vick should have used better judgment, I did not know that he invented dog fighting although it has been around for centuries. Sen. Byrd has no credibilty. An Ex-KKK member has the nerve to call anyone “Barbaric” and has never made a whisper about the rape of thousands of children by Catholic priests? You tell me what is barbaric?
By bosh
July 24, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
hmm J.A. I guess we differ on what is a GOOD athlete. I prefer one that is consistant in doing what he is paid to do. One who follows the rules set down by his employer to further that team and their goal. Silly me
By Willie Jacks
July 24, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
This is still America, isn’t it? This is still “the land of the FREE and the home of the brave”—isn’t it? Michael Vick is INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY… PERIOD! Comparing him to O.J. Simpson is heinous! He is not a murderer. He’s not even charged with murdering dogs!
At best, he’s charged with transporting them across state lines for fighting purposes. That’s it. And as for dogfighting in general, since when did it become more barbarous to watch dogs fight than to watch men pulverize earch other in a ring?
Everyone scoffs at those who enjoy the sport of dogfighting, then go home and watch two men pretty much kill each other in an octagonal (or rectangular)ring where there’s no holds barred. Hypocrites! Take the beam out of your own eye before you go trying to point at a piece of lint in your neighbor’s!
By kennesaw E
July 24, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
This Vick thing will turnout however the corrupt government wants it to. So not much of a comment on it for me. But one thing I do know. If that PETA bunch throws blood on anybody wearing a Vick 7 jersey. You think that pitbull fighting is ugly, just wait for the a* whooping them PETA folks will get. And do those PETA folks have jobs.
By Jones
July 24, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Is this really about Dogs??? LOL!!!! I didn’t think so!
By bosh
July 24, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
LMAO at the water bottle incident…yeah that was a joke. Meaning it was covered up sorry but not one bit of it made sense and the story changed with the changing of money. If you believe that was nothing. I have a barry bonds drug test to sell ya!
By Countrydawg
July 24, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Thank you Mr Moore for finally getting one right! Michael Vick is a disgrace in every sense of the word. There is no way I can support this organization until they get rid of this thug. Michael, just walk away…(he needs to take his buddy Jimmy Williams with him)!
By Bushwacker
July 24, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
To BLAZE and all the other BLIND VICK SUPPORTERS. Forget about Vick, you all need to take a hard look in the mirror at yourself and remember this:
” No man is as blind as one who chooses not to see”.
I pray none of you have kids, because you and them will probably end up in jail some day right beside Vick.
And anyone who says Vick is the only reason the dome sells out, I believe we’ve sold out every game since Dan Reeves was hired in in 1997 and HE took us to the SUPER BOWL with Chris Chandler as QB.
I promise you Petrino every other player on the team will say we DO NOT NEED VICK.
By Roswell Ed
July 24, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
If I used to support MV7 and now I don’t does that make me a racist?
What happened? Did someone slip me a racist pill?
Keep taking up for the boy(no racism intended- his actions show he by no means is a man). The more we know the dumber you look.
I know when to cut my losses.
If you were smart you would too!!
Sometimes when you’re digging yourself into a hole the best thing to do is put down the shovel.
It doesn’t mean that you are a trader to your race. It means that you sobered up. Unlike Ms Lohan.
By Surrounded_by_dolts
July 24, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
folks!
every employer has the right to suspend or terminate you if they feel your behavior negatively affects their company.
i know that if i were under indictment, i’d be shown the door, because of my public profession.
and for you ding-dongs who don’t think killing animals is wrong because we’re meat eaters: dogs aren’t being eaten after losing a fight; and here’s the biggie: IT IS ILLEGAL TO CONDUCT DOG FIGHTS…but not cattle for use in the food industry.
duh.
an interesting study: it was found that children who torture and kill animals had a higher incidence of becoming murderers. there’s that whole thing about ignoring the sanctity of life thing…..
whether vick is guilty or not does not mean he’s still entitled to his job. his employer has the right to determine whether or not his behavior is up to code. maybe the nfl has better sense than the nba, or other leagues…don’t know, don’t care. i do know that after the ron mexico foolishness, the stupid water bottle incident (if it had nothing in it, why not show it to them in the first place, as an innocent person would have?), and his continued stupidity truly demonstrate how americans need to look to people other than sports figures for their idolization.
Illegal is illegal, folks. conduct codes are enforceable. too bad greedy boy vick didn’t remember these easy tenets.
By Greta
July 24, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Zubria, you excuse Vick by saying well they did worse. Wow that must work well on the playground the old “your momma wears combat boots” is the only one better.
By Dave
July 24, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Hey Be Reasonable…Danny Heatley was NOT driving under the influence, he was driving way too fast for conditions. He was not drunk, that’s why MADD didn’t raise a fuss.
By Rio
July 24, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Great way to keep your job Terrance by finding someone guilty before trial and going along with the racist masses. Although I am a dog lover and owner just when did a pit bull become the sweetheart of the dog world. Most are not trained to fight but how many countless times have we heard of people being mauled by these animals. Personally, I hope Michael Vick leaves Atlanta for a town that does not support public lynchings. By the way Mr Moore, have you noticed how many of your “crew” disagree with your last comment concerning African Americans with money, they turned on you as quick as a pit bull and accused YOU of playing the so called race card.
By Lex Luthor
July 24, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Falcon Fan,
If the water bottle only had gold in it, then why did he try to throw it away?
By jag count
July 24, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
if the falcons and our caucasian neighbors think that they can get away with saying the things you are saying on this blog then you are wrong. Blacks are the largest consumers of apparel that athletes advertise and we represent 70% of the tickets purchased at the dome. If mike vick is not treated fairly and given his chance in court there will be hell to pay in the ATL.
By Marc
July 24, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
I will support Vick the Falcons and Home Depot. Innocent until proven guilty…to hell with the rest of you retards. The real crime is happening in Iraq. This is BS!! I say lets picket those idiots over at PETA friggin’ losers!!
By Be Reasonable
July 24, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
ALAN - You have issues. You’re saying the African American bloggers’ who have posted a comment “are uneducated”. You’re an idiotic to assume such because someone supports Michael Vick.
By Clay
July 24, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Let this be known - Vick, no matter if found guilty or not, is guilty by association with the bad people who ran an illegal dogfighting and gambling operation. Without a doubt, MV7 knew that this was against the law and should have not enabled his family and friends to have this operation on HIS property.
Having said that, MV7 is also guilty of not being of the character that the face of a franchise requires. After 7 years of being a pro athlete, he still portrays an image of a thug and not a polished citizen. Examples include his appearance, his speech, and his attitude on the sideline when things are not going well.
I was a huge MV7 fan, and always thought “This year is the one where it all comes together”. I go to Falcons games. I watch every other Falcons game. What I will not be watching is Michael Vick as an Atlanta Falcon because Arthur Blank is too smart a businessman to let his investment in the Falcons be further tarnished and devalued.
By jp
July 24, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Due process means nothing when the media wheel has a say in it. There is a culture of people who dont like M. Vick because of who he is and I dont necessarily mean character wise. Due to that fact alone, Mike has and is still scrutinized very heavily sometimes unjustly. Bad systems and dropped passes by receivers has hurt him on the field and a few bad choices has hurt him off the field. However, some of the bad choices I feel were only bought to light because of the heavy scrutiny he receives. If all of our choices were aired, a lot of us would seem worse in comparison. My hope is that with due process, Mike is innocent and though public opinion wont change, I hope that he gets a chance to infuse energy once again into a city that lacks energy.
By Greta
July 24, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
uh willie your whole argument went down the drain when you referred to OJ as a murderer. If you are saying that you are only guilty if a court says you are. OJ is innocent. you might want to rethink how you argue if you are going to double speak yourself. And uh yeah he is charged with killing dogs. you might consider reading the indictment and read about what they did to the dogs that performed badly
By Ted
July 24, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
It will be a relief when Vick is no longer an Atlanta Falcon… and the media can refer to Vick without the Atlanta Falcon anywhere around his name.
Cheer! for the great city of the southeast, Atlanta.
Cheer! for the Falcons.
In a blink of an eye… people will then ask, “Michael Vick who?”
And the Falcons… are a team, players, coaches and an organization… not any single person. Hitch ‘em up a notch and have the greatest year! Only 10 to twelve plays can makethe difference between 6 and 10 or 10 and 6! The Falcon Team can do it!
“Vick who? WASn’t he the inconsistant runner with the erratic arm quarterback. Intelligent? He thought a quarter back was the change from a dollar. The few thrills… and all the losses were NEVER worth him!”
By Terri
July 24, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, it obvious you do not like Michael Vick. I am not from Atlanta but I do read the AJC often, and I am amazed at how bias you are. I believe Michael Vick will definitely play football again for the NFL. Now, Mr. Vick was indicted on some very serious charges, but it isn’t like murdering a human being, molesting a child, etc. I believe that Mr. Vick is a total idot for a lot of things that he has done, but I think people need to realize that we all do dumb things sometimes. Now, what he is accused of is very serious and deplorable, but remember, he is only accused. I find it funny that so many people think because he is an athlete and well paid that he should be a role model…. my question is why? I would not want my children to look at athletes, actors, actress, etc as role models, accept for the skill that they have, not because they are athelets, actors, etc.
By A Savannah Girl currently living in Houston, Texas
July 24, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Vick should NEVER be allowed to play in ANY sport ever again. He should be forced to suffer some of the pain that he inflected on those dogs, and so should his “buddies”. Atlanta, boycott each and every game until the owners get the message. America will not put up with this type of horror and hate of God’s creatures.
By Shame on you
July 24, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Ball Player I agree with you totally. Actually Peyton Manning has been in trouble and no one mentions it. He exposed himself to his female trainers and the trainers sued. Manning Sr. paid to settle out of court. The matter was swept under the rug, and the media has been directed (and they have complied) not to ask questions about it because Peyton will not talk about it. And folks on this blog have the nerve to say this isn’t racial???
By Marc
July 24, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Pitbulls are bred to fight. Like you all that are bred to hate.
By outkasted
July 24, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
oh well the falcons just lost me as a fan. no vick on the field means welcome back to the 80’s for the falcons.
By Rudy
July 24, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Sad for the Falcons and sad for Atlanta. Arthur is a fine individual who is saddled, at least temporarily, with a rich, spoiled, immature, player who cannot appreciate that he has been playing with a hand grenade for five years and it just exploded in his hand! Mike has no less potential now than he had day one. However, he has no possibility of overcoming the negative press this whole mess has created. Several years from now we will see Mike Vick on one of those “where are they now?” shows as a down and out, flat broke, alley dweller. It didn’t have to be that way.
By Greta
July 24, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
marc, you do know that Arthur Blank isnt in charge of home depot any more right?
By JD
July 24, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Innocent to proven guilty? HMMMMMM!!! I am not one to pull the race card but this has it smeared all over it.
Brett Farve (drug addict), Micky Mantle (ties with the Mafia), Scotter Libby should I say more. Give a person his day in court.
We have only heard from the prosecutor’s side. I say if PETA can put pressure on the NFL and Falcons to make Vick take a leave of absence. I say we support Vick by not going to the games until Goodell and Blank make the right call. Until proven gulity!
By julia west
July 24, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Whatever happened to “innocent until proven guilty”? Didn’t another Falcon’s player have a woman raped in his home? What happened about that situation? Those PETA idiots, what about starving women and children? And last but not least, Terrence Moore is an idiot, always has been, always will be.
By chris "boomer" berman
July 24, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
I got a new ESPN nickname, Mike “EXCON” Vick.
By Greta
July 24, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Lex, You mean he was HIDING something. NO WAY!!!!
By Vick Supporter
July 24, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
KENNESAW E! I’m with you on that. If anyone, and I mean ANYONE attempts to throw anything in my direction they better watch out. However, when a PETA supporter acts like that they are cowards about it and you never really know who did it. COWARDS! Don’t hide like the KKK. Step up. I will be wearing my “V” jersey.
By Shelle
July 24, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Please tell me how the city’s image is being tarnished by this?
By MiDdle FaNga ZuP
July 24, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Our season is going to SUCK!! To be honest, being able to see No. 7 do some of things he’s done on the field, coupled with what he has the potential of doing, week-in and week-out, is the reason I’ve been a season ticket-holder the past 3 years. Vick’s image has been marred to the point not even an acquittal can help him. Falcons or not, I just hope the man gets a chance to continue playing professional football. He’s a phenomenal athlete. And when Michael Vick’s having a good game, he makes it a great one.
Peace be with you #7
By Peachy
July 24, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Now I have read this blog from beginning to end and Mr. Moore has a point but honestly, not one person who has posted knows the truth of whether he was involved or not…all we know is that it happened on a property that he owned and leased out, that’s it!!! So basically, every one of you is making the man guilty before he is even tried in front of the court of law and that’s wrong. Now if he is guilty, he should be punished to the fullest extent of the law but if he’s not, suck it up and deal with it. Yeah, Vick has insurmountable issues but hey, don’t we all??? The only thing I believe that he’s guilty of is guilt by association. He should choose his friends more wisely.
Bottomline, let the courts handle the matter and stop being the sideline judge and jury because once again, we only know what the media tells us and not the whole story.
By tama
July 24, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
kelvin are you saying that blacks must all think alike? That they must be like the borg and if they aren’t then they are wrong and bad. WOW how much more racist can you get to believe that all of any race should adhere to only one belief and have no opinion other than what is approved by the group. Sounds almost….well….borgish
By jeanE
July 24, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
Hell must be freezing over, because I agree with every word from Terrence Moore. I am so sick with what Vick has done to this team & this city, it’s disgusting, HE’S disgusting but it’s so unfair to the Falcons & Atlanta. And spare me the innocent until proven guilty - the Feds don’t get involved unless someone is guilty up to their eyeballs. Vick had everything & I was willing in the beginning, to get behind him & I did. For years, I defended his erratic play and seemingly bad work habits. But all of those off the field incidents started adding up & even before this last mind blowing scandal, I was done with him. That’s it, no more. I’m behind the team, but I could never root for that man, ever. I won’t let my sons wear their #7 jerseys EVER again & when they ask me why, I say, Mike Vick is a bad man who’s done horrible things. I would rather live & die with Joey Harrington running this team, at least we could hold our heads up high. What a waste, Mike, you had everything & you blew it. It’s over. The end.
By Cujo
July 24, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
C’mon…this isn’t the Duke Lacrosse case, or the John Mark Karr “confession”… Vick will easily be convicted of involvement in these barbaric activities. This is a Federal indictment, with plenty of evidence. And just wait until these cockroaches start turning on each other, trying to cut deals and save their own hides. Hiding behind the “innocent until guilty” line is politically correct, but morally bankrupt. In fact, the only time the word “innocent” should be used in this case, is when describing the murdered and tortured dogs.
By Buck in the NW
July 24, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
I posted some time back that I was just glad he was tour QB, not ours, the Seahawks. I was lambasted! I’m still glad he’s your problem but having been born in Ga. it hurts to have the name of my Home State capital drug through the mud like it has been.
By Kitten
July 24, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
I for one would love to see a time that the race card isn’t played whenever one of our own gets into trouble. His race had nothing to do with the crimes that he allegedly committed.
MV will have his day in court but we as a people must realize that we have to answer to the law regardless of the color of our skin.
By Diane
July 24, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
Denise you are about the stupiest person I have witnessed to attempt to articulate a thought in quiet some time. Please tell me your Section 8 house is not in my beautiful neighborhood or that any of your illegitimate brood are not robbing my house while I am working. You said there is no way a person should go to jail over anything they do to an animal. Did you noice that your brain was in the toilet this moring after your bowel movement, did you notice that before you flushed? You and Resonable and a few others on here have no idea what it’s like to obey laws and rules. You have latched onto this wanna be hip hop thug idiot and you follow him like he’s actually a person with half a brain. Where was the support for the Duke Lacrosse players convicted in the black press and on black radio long before a trail? Where is Jesse and Al here, in the Vick case? If those two know they can’t make a dollar off this, I am sorry but you thugs worshippers better get a new hero. Vick is going to prison and people such as Denise will serve a life sentence of stupidity. Sad thing is that it appears that the the only measurable thing coming from SW DeKalb and NW Fulton is crime and stupidity and nothing to actually contribute to our society. You people just don’t get it, do you. I ask, is it genetic? An inferior Chromozome? God help the intelligent members of your community to show some of you the path to being law abiding citizens, something that apparently has escaped many of you all for decades, or worse….generations. I give up, you’re too lacking in gray matter to explain anything to.
By Pamela Williams
July 24, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
I think it is ashame that this is happening to Michael and embarrassment for the Falcons. Michael Vick had everything going for him and because of the poor choices he has made. He is now going to have to suffer the consequences. I hope he will learn a very hard lesson from this by being careful of people whom you associate yourself with. It’s time for him to grow-up and stop acting so immature. I however feel that there are other Michael Vick’s in the world and possibly one day the Falcons can get another great all around quarterback like Vick.
By Billy Jack
July 24, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
What happens if Vick and his attorneys meet with the U.S. Attorney and agrees to cooperate, throws himself at the mercy of the Feds, and accepts a reduced plea. Vick pays a heavy fine,(no jail time) agrees to make public service announcements for the Humane Society and PETA, and states that he didn’t realize how serious his activities were and asks for forgiveness. Resolve this situation and move on!
By NorthStar
July 24, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Well, maybe now I can finally afford a ticket to the game! After Vick is found not guilty, he should be asked to be released from his contract and play for a city that appreciates him!And what the hell does O.J have to do with Michael Vick?!
By Ron
July 24, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
When a famous black man does something blatantly wrong by any decent moral standard, why do so many black men stubbornly stand behind him, calling his detractors “haters” or “racists?”
I work in a large public place, and when O.J.’s verdict was read, we were all gathered around the radio. When the verdict “not guilty” was read, I watched in dismay as all my black friends jumped up and cheered.
Why? Why would they be so happy to see anyone get away with such a heinous crime? Just because he happens to be black?
Face it - this is the true definition of racism. Until this attitude among young black males is rectified and reversed, this plague will continue to haunt our society.
By Ben
July 24, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
Give Shockley a shot at QB.
By T. Hayes
July 24, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
For those “fans” that are leaving if the Falcons don’t get rid of Vick, you were NEVER truly a Falcons fan to begin with…you were a Vick fan. Like it or not, Mike Vick is only ONE player on the team. He is NOT the entire team. Get that through your head. So, yeah, take your fareweather self on…you’re not welcome anyway.
For those of you screaming so much about the dog fighting charges that Vick has been indicted for, are you EQUALLY upset or even more upset when priests molest children repeatedly and get away with it OR when relatives molest children and get away with it. Are you JUST AS vocal when a little Black kid is raped or molested as well? Or do you care more about the animals than you do about the humans? A dog is NOT a human…no matter how much you dress it up and pamper it.
In America, someone forgot to tell the public that you’re GUILTY until proven innocent…especially if you’re a rich and successful Black man.
By InTownGal
July 24, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
I am ALWAYS amazed at how quickly the race card is thrown in Atlanta. It gets sooooooo old.
Don’t hate the person, hate the act. I cannot contain my hatred when something defenseless is abused: (e.g. children, elderly, and that includes animals).
The evidence is overwhelming, so read the indictment. Keep in mind folks this is a FEDERAL indictment, and they don’t play around. This entire situation is insulting to the people of Atlanta, and someone of his morality should not be the face of anything in our city or anywhere else for that fact.
Oh, and for those who do try and compare ultimate fighting, boxing, etc. you are not very bright. PEOPLE who engage in that type of behavior do so by CHOICE! Animals are forced into these behaviors via cruelty and brutality and die as a result.
And, I am really sick of the innocent until proven guilty crowd. Please use your brains…this guy is a complete joke, no matter what his color is, or how much money he has. I hope a pit bull bites him in the azz!
By libby
July 24, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
I heard it described the best today. This controversy is not along racial lines, it is along IQ lines. When you read these comments, this is so true.
By StandupGuy
July 24, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
I don’t know Terence. I think you might be acting opportunistic on this one. I hope things work out for you professionally, because you hung a young Black man out to dry so more people would read your column. You stinch of assimilation is all over this article. When you fall, your community will be here to welcome you back.
By Dictator
July 24, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Old boy Terrance Moore, here you go again. I can always depend on you Uncle Tomming it out.
By StandupGuy
July 24, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
I don’t know Terence. I think you might be acting opportunistic on this one. I hope things work out for you professionally, because you hung a young Black man out to dry so more people would read your column. The odor of assimilation is all over this article. When you fall, your community will be here to welcome you back.
By James Holland
July 24, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
I told y’all the FLACONS should have kept DUSTY BONNER insteaf of VICK in 2001. Now DUSTY is General Manager of the Louisville Horseman.
By Vick Fan
July 24, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Everybody is calling for Vick’s head. Everybody is saying he should be kicked off the team. Everybody is saying he is an idiot.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY????
By bosh
July 24, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
J.A. If your question was supposed to prove something, I suggest you go back to debate 101 and take a few lessons. And it was DAMN good! Considering your ability to debate and understand what makes a good employee, I hope the state check you received got you through the week!
By maurice
July 24, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Poor Vick. He is an example of psychological racism. He has done nothing more than what is in the history books that occurred to indentured servants, jews, blacks and the numerous wrong doings to make this country what it is today. Secondly, what about hunting for sports, killing animals for pleasure and ego…same thing. We all are guilty, so let him have his day in court before you judge him. Lastly, man can judge a flea, let god do his work.
By Traceman
July 24, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
I just hope that all of these “Falcons’ supporters” show up to the Dome and support the team when Vick is no longer there to create excitement. 80% of those who want him gone will not go to games when the team is not winning. I have been a season ticket holder since ‘95 and I have seen how little support this team gets when we are not winning.
By ????????
July 24, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
IT TOOK MIKE VICK TO FILL THE GEORGIA DOME SINCE “PRIME TIME” LEFT. SO WHAT ARE THE PLANS IF VICK DOESNT PLAY?
By Terri
July 24, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, it obvious you do not like Michael Vick. I am not from Atlanta but I do read the AJC often, and I am amazed at how bias you are. I believe Michael Vick will definitely play football again for the NFL. Now, Mr. Vick was indicted on some very serious charges, but it isn’t like murdering a human being, molesting a child, etc. I believe that Mr. Vick is a total idot for a lot of things that he has done, but I think people need to realize that we all do dumb things sometimes. Now, what he is accused of is very serious and deplorable, but remember, he is only accused. I find it funny that so many people think because he is an athlete and well paid that he should be a role model…. my question is why? I would not want my children to look at athletes, actors, actress, etc as role models, accept for the skill that they have, not because they are athelets, actors, etc.
By ACorn The Third Party Supporter
July 24, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vick play this year. In pro sports, it’s what you can do on the field that’s important. There is someone to buy your way out of the other issues. Pro sports fools naive taxpayers into building billion dollar stadiums while our infrastructure crumbles. They promote murderers (Ray Lewis), drug runners (Jamaal Lewis), wife beaters (Mike Pittman among others) & steroid freaks (Bonds, McGuire & Sosa, Palmero among others) as heroes to America’s youth. The parents buy the kids the $200 tennis shoes & jerseys. Comanies line up to give them bushels of money. I don’t see an end to this twisted worship. I think Vick should be rubbed down with raw meat & put in a pit with a dozen fighting pitbulls to let him experience first hand what the dogs are going through. If he survives, then lock him up for life.
By Be Reasonable
July 24, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
DIANE - Just like most of “you people” you hide behind blogs like this to express your hatred. The only reason the Duke Lacrosse members were in the news so much is due to an over zealous DA/Prosecutor trying to get attention and he got caught as mentioned in the news. Now he will possibly be prosecuted. As for your so-called beautiful neighborhood. I am pretty sure that others who feel like you about your suburb can rest to sure that is a child molester lurking somewhere in one if not more of the homes in your area. So who’s the thug?
By rugby
July 24, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Not only have the birds lost their franchise qb but they traded away their “best” qb now the franchise is reeling. the days of half full stadiums are upon us again. I hear Bobby P. is secretly lobbying to get his old job back at Louisville!
By Barbara
July 24, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Oh, I hope you’re correct, Terrence.
Barbara Beard Atlanta
By Toni
July 24, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
As an Atlanta Native. We realize that image is the key to this city. We will turn our backs on anyone who comes here and think they can tarnish our city. We have our problems, but one thing we do have is our PRIDE. If anyone from anywhere thinks they can come here thinking anything different. You will eventually fade away and go back where you came from.
By Phil
July 24, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Change the uniforms back to RED and call up the SWAMP FOX!!
By bosh
July 24, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
t hayes are you as idiotic as your pathetic post makes you sound? Your questions are moronic at best and pot stirring at least. Do you care that people are raped if you care about dogs? Give me an effing break. Are really stupid enough to ask questions like that and make assumptions that because people care that dogs are treated like this they don’t care about black children being raped? Good lord you are ridiculous.
By Kinja
July 24, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Whether Vick is released or not, whether he takes another snap under center or not, whether he throws himself at the mercy of the court or not, it does not matter. He has further tarnished the image of this struggling organization, and it will be a long time before it recovers.
It’s a shame that one player has served as the face of the team for so many years, especially when there are players on the Falcons who should be celebrated for their skills, and community service.
Warrick Dunn anyone? The man is going to make the 10,000 yard plateau with a style and grace rarely seen, but what will be remembered about the 2007 season is Vick, and that’s a shame.
By Paula
July 24, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
First let me say that I do not advocate dog fighting. I think it is barbaric and inhumane.
Most Falcon fans agree that Mike Vick has not done a great job as the QB for the Falcons. We had very high expectations. We thought we’d have a championship by now. Let’s say hypothetically, the Falcons were the Super Bowl champs. Would the city still be calling for him to leave the team. Be honest.
By Mr. Gilley
July 24, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
Idiots, Racists and Ignorant People!! Wow! I guess a BLOG let’s you express how you truly feel… But I will say this, it is about race.. Not the charges of Dogfighting but the conviction he is receiving in the media and in the city. People have turned on Vick from some time now, even if this is his first time ever being indicted. His demeanor isn’t clean cut and comfortable with people, so they call him a thug. Such a Shame but I know I won’t watch a Falcons Game if Vick doesn’t play. Only because of the injustice that is shown by the racists fans and biased media. Moore you make me and other Black Journalists look bad by not following the Basic Rules of Journalism, which is to remain OBJECTIVE, REPORT FACTS and AVOID HIDDEN AGENDAS. Albeit this is a blog, you are going on television and venting about getting rid of Vick as if it is your personal duty when he hasnt been convicted and his first time ever being indicted or running in with the law on something of a serious nature. Terrible…You have lost all my respect!!
By Michael Cooper
July 24, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Wow! Just like that with not trial, conviction, or hell even pretrial.. You guys kill me, let the legal process run its course. Until then worry about your damn job…
By LawGuy
July 24, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
wow, innocent until proven guilty really means absolutely nothing in this country anymore. terence and the rest of you people would strip a man of everything he has before he is even convicted…you all should be ashamed to call yourselves Americans
By bigsherm
July 24, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
Has anybody here … seen my old friend D.J. Shockley? Can you tell me where he’s been …?
By Ulice
July 24, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Gumbo,
The truth is they are ALL Blood Sports. Don’t be offended with me for telling you the truth.
Cows don’t have a choice before they are slaughtered.
Pigs don’t have a choice before they are slaughtered.
So your point is????
So because these men who participate in a sport are that cause permanent disabilities this justifies the sport?
Tell that to Mike Websters family. Tell that to Andre Waters family.
Like I said earlier, for those who are opposed to the allocations against Vick, then those people should be equally opposed to the NFL, WWE, Boxing, and Ultimate World Championship Fighting.
You will not solve problems with hypocrisy.
—Ulice
By DENNIS
July 24, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Years ago I said I would never read Terence Moore again. Well, I lied. I read your article today & totally agree. It’s a shame that your trade-mark racism had to come out at the very end. Bye bye for a few more years!
By mark
July 24, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
TERRANCE, WHETER YO BELIEVE IT OR NOT IT DOES MATTER IF SOMEONE IS GUILITY OR NOT. INCLUDING YOU I AM A MICHAEL VICK SUPPORTER. IF HE IS GUILITY THEN HEGET WHAT HE DESERVE. IF NOT HE SHOULD CONTINUE HIS FOOTBALL CAREER AND WITH THE FALCONS. SOME PEOPLE IN ATL WANT TO BE SOPHICATED. ATL SUPPOSED TO BE AN INTERNATIONAL CITY. YALL CANT WRITE ONE SENTENCE MIN ABLOG WITH SOMEONE BEING RACIALLY. GROW UP. UP YOUR MINDS. I SUPPORT YOU MV. AND GOOD LUCK TO YOU.
By steviejockey1
July 24, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
I been saying from day 1 … The Falcons will never be anything with Michael Con - VICK!!!
By MIZZ JONES
July 24, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Michael Vick hasnt even been convicted. Its funny how everybody jumps to name calling ..”Thugs & gangbangers” I’ve never seen or heard any professional Black sports player admit to being affiliated with a gang. Just as I’ve never seen any white players admit to being in the Klan. And what exactly is the definition of a thug? The way a man dresses, the kind of music that he listens to..what?? For Black people to take Vick’s side simply because he is Black is also wrong. But I get what you’re saying, would they be going after him as bad if he werent a Black pro-baller; probably not. No one was complaining when Vick was lining their pockets, but hey thats how they do you. If in fact Vick was involved in the dog fights, he should be prosecuted by the law, not by the media & a bunch of idiots who dont even know the man on a personal level or the facts of the case. I still belive in innoncent until proven guilty. As far as OJ Simpson, they shouldnt even be compared. OJ didnt even acknowledge himself as a Black man until he was on trial. He was an abusive spouse; and we all know what the outcomes of domestic abuse can be. Im a Black woman, but im not gonna jump on someone’s side just because they’re Black. Vick keep your head up!
By Drkhorse
July 24, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing that no one, ie. the media, NFL, Falcons front office, etc. seem to disregard the “innocent until proven guilty” clause we in america are supposed to live by.
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
test
By Ronniw
July 24, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
T. Moore, once every 5 years or so, you write a good article. I thought this might be it, but you just couldn’t keep from playing the race card yet again at the very end of the article.
Thanks for helping to keep the racism mindset alive.
By sarobi
July 24, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
You guys are all hypocrites.
I’m a female, and not a football fan per se, but I seem to recall that a guy by the name of Ray Lewis sat in jail for months, right here in Atlanta, for the murder of a HUMAN and then went right back to Baltimore like it was all a bad dream.
What happened to innocent until proven guilty? And I just love to hear about the league’s and the owners’ integrity.
Give pensions to the older players, and then talk to me about integrity.
By LOOK AT THIS FROM THE NFL'S PERSPECTIVE
July 24, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
The NFL is a multi-billion dollar worldwide business. They don’t particularly care about the Blacks of metropolitan Atlanta - they are 0.1% of their market audience. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t guess that Blacks aren’t responsible for even 15% of the NFL’s revenue.
If destroying a large part of a franchise’s fan base means protecting the NFL product as a whole, they will! And that is exactly what they have done. Arthur Blank has just realize you can’t fight the NFL - the NFL OWNS what he thought was his little empire: the Atlanta Falcons. It is an NFL franchise. Your local McDonald’s isn’t allowed to have an all-barbecue menu, and the Atlanta Falcons will not be allowed to play Mike Vick (at least this year, and more than likely, never again).
By Shun
July 24, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN, CAST THE FIRST STONE….
None of you people speak on behalf of all residents in Atlanta. God forbid if anyone research your history…imagine the skeletons that will POP OUT!!! Most negative comments on this and other blogs are from people who didn’t like Vick to begin with. This is just the perfect excuse to spat bitter and racially motivated comments.
By Karen
July 24, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
It is so sad to see people such as Mr. Moore sit is judgement of others when they have no clue. It is easy to be on the outside looking in on a situation and stating opinions. But they are only opinions and narrow-minded opinions at that. Everyone is Atlanta is so quick to judge and not willing to wait for the total outcome of this situation. Oh and Mr. Moore’s other comments on FoxAtlanta this afternoon regarding the Michael Vick is the first hip-hop sports star, I personally would like to know what that means exactly and when did hip-hop become a part of this indicment? Mr. Moore quit laying blame to a culture that you have no idea what it is really all about.
By Patrick
July 24, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
T Moore God have mercy on you. How can you prosecute a man who havent even been proven guilty yet? I say of course if he is proven guilty then ban or suspend him but how can you do it with out justice. That’s why we have a freaky court system. I am one of the biggest Vick fans ever but it is amazing me of how they are just killing this man before his day in court. An indictment does not mean you are guilty it literally means a crime was taken place. He is a scapegoat. If Roger suspends him the NFL will be going downward with giving people before they are even proven.
T Moore you are one of the most horrible writers, you always show the negative stuff, none of the positive. Without Vick you really will see the Falcons lose more and the dome will still be empty regardless.
By Jeff Roider
July 24, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Well done Mr. Moore.
An excellent commentary.
We can only hope Mr. Blank reads this and acts upon it.
By $10 season ticket
July 24, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Are Joey Harrington jerseys on sale now ?
By shawn
July 24, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
It’s not that serious evertbody doesn’t feel the way most of you fools do. Vick is the only reason everybody I know likes the sorry a** Falcons.Keep your head uo Vick.
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Just a few points.
1) I’m not sure that Terrance Moore meant this as many of you are taking it. I think he very well could have meant, as he always does, that it doesn’t matter if Vick is right or wrong, because he is black he is doomed. (Of course, this would ignore that african americans are givin every advantage in soceity today, but then again, we’re talking about Terrence Moore).
2) You aren’t entitled to a presumption of innoncence in the workplace as so many on here seem to think.
3) I feel sorry for you that say “they are just animals”. You have no souls.
4) People are often entitled to the benefit of the doubt. But one reason you don’t screw up every 6 months is to maintain that. Vick through away any benefit of doubt, in terms of public opinion, awhile back.
5) Vick simply wasn’t all that good, a marginal starter in the league and would never had lead us to a Super Bowl.
By san
July 24, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Terrence Moore has always been anti-Atlanta Falcons for years. Moore is not from Atlanta. He loves to see the Falcons loose so he can write articles like this peace of sh..trash. He needs to go slither back under the pond scum slime rock he came from. He is a first class jerk! Moore, whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? How many skeletons do you have in your closet? Moore is a Hag Fish!
By Guilty until proven otherwise
July 24, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
What ever happen to the drug raid at Vick’s house? Did they find any drugs at this location? Was that a bogus search? Why did the judge allowed another search after the first one was a waste? Since they didn’t find any drugs, why did they search this property again? Will Vick also be charged with the RICO law next? Why did the Feds charge Vick and not the state? Why is the media only showing 50 percent of the whole story? Whatever happen to Patrick Kerney and the alleged rape in his house while he was there? What ever happened to that atlanta hockey player who killed someone while DUI? Altanta should stand beside Mike Vick.
By thehandleher
July 24, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing how just a few years ago Kobe was accused of sexual assault and the NBA didn’t rush to judgement on whether he was innocence or guilty. Matter of fact, they continued to let him play. But I guess since Kobe doesn’t look like he’s hip-hop or gangsta, it doesn’t offend you racist idiots. Let the facts be heard first before you go casting stones morons.
By Guilty until proven otherwise
July 24, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
They would not print my comment!
By Bobby Joe
July 24, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Michael Vick is a thug, just like his brother. Both are scum.
By Bobby Dowell
July 24, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
You got it right.. and I’m glad you said hip hop cause if a white man write this he’s caled racist, but dog fighting is glorified by some of the well known the hip hop artists.
By T. Hayes
July 24, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
I really hope that all of the folks who are against dog fighting, animal abuse and are PETA supporters are also vegetarians (meaning you eat NO animal flesh at all). Otherwise, there are a LOT of hypocrites around here.
For those of you accusing people of “pulling the race card,” please realize that this is America and race is ALWAYS a factor. Whether you admit it or not, RACE IS A FACTOR…especially in this case.
For those of you screaming that Vick is a bad role model for children, if your child looks up to a celebrity for a role model, PLEASE assess your skills as a parent because you are OBVIOUSLY lacking.
In America, “Innocent until proven guilty” only applies to certain members of society as many people are clearly showing in the case of Michael Vick. I wonder if Tom Brady, Brett Farve or Steve Nash would receive this type of reaction if they were indicted for the same thing…
By David
July 24, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
What I want to know is: what does Lester Hayes have to say about this? And isn’t there a parallel story about the Big Red Machine or the Golden Dome?
By DWYNN
July 24, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
ISN’T IT IRONIC THAT JUSTICE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN THROUGH BEFORE A VERDICT BY SO MANY HAS BEEN PASSED. THAT GUILT CAN BE TRANSCRIBED ON A PERSON BEFORE A TRIAL. THIS YOUNG MAN MAY OR MAY NOT BE GUILTY ,BUT, VITRIOLIC RACIALLY TINGED ENUNCIATIONS OF WHAT I WOULD ASSUME ARE WHITE ATLANTANS WHO ENJOY SEEING A GIFTED BLACK ATHLETE GET SOME FORM OF COMEUPPANCE IS PATHETIC AND SHOWS THE DIVIDE IN AMERICANS IS NOW HIDDEN BEHIND THE VEIL OF A KEY BOARD AND A COMPUTER, THE TRUE YOU ALWAYS AVAILS ITSELF. YOU HUNT ANIMALS ,I.E. DUCKS, QUAIL, DEER, BEAR, MOOSE,BISON, ANTELOPE AND A MULTITUDE OF OTHER ANIMALS,WHICH WE KILL IN WHAT CLEARLY IS AN UNFAIR FIGHT AND DISPLAY THEM ON A WALL, AND CALL IT “SPORT”. BUT AN UNPROVEN ALLEGATION OF TWO DOGS FIGHTING IN A MORE EVEN VENUE CAN DENY A MAN THE RIGHT TO MAKE A LIVING, AND, LYNCH HIM BEFORE A TRIAL OF HIS PEERS. LETS MAKE SURE BEFORE YOU FIND GUILT , YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND THE CLOSET TO SEE IF WHAT LOOKS BACK IS RIGHTEOUS AND YOUR CLOSET HAS NO HIDDEN AGENDA BECAUSE FELLOW READERS YOU SHOWED YOUR COLORS.
By Greg J
July 24, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Virginia is not the only state that dog-fighting takes place in and Mike Vick is not the only participant. So if he is indicted, there should be hundreds of more arrests to come. I wish readers would not be so quick to judge, because that is when you make errors in judgement. Think this through, and PETA, go fight a “REAL” cause.
By DB
July 24, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
The bottom line is Michael Vick is entitled to due process under the law. Once the case goes to court then it will be determined if he is guilty or not guilty. MV has made a lot of bad choices and will have to live with the consequences. But until his day in court; he should be allowed to remain in the ATL.
By ELVISINKY
July 24, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
I love Atlanta. I’m from Kentucky but lived in Atlanta from 85 to 86.
I’m a huge Braves and Falcons fan all my life even when both teams sucked i never flinched to wear my teams out in public.
So with the nice words out of the way here are my two cents on Vick.
I’f i was forced at gun point to (a) wear a dress and walk through a jail or (b)a Vick jersey in public id go for choice (a).
I do not and will never support PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals)but i will not ever watch nor support my Falcons while they have a player on the roster by the name of Vick, nor anything associated with the Falcons.
I used to count the days to Football season so i could watch my Falcons on fox. I’ll be turning the channel now.
Mr.Blank i urge you to trade,toss, shun yourself,the great city of Atlanta and the Falcons of Mr.Vick.
By Randall
July 24, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
What irritates me the most is we let a guy like Shaub get away, he’s got potential like a Brady at New England or Montana. I advocated trading Vick to Oakland for thier no. 1 before the draft. He’s never been anything but flash, not the type of guy who can think on the go. If he can’t run he’s lost, he just won’t learn what to do. Atlanta has the two most over rated professionals in the history of professional sports, he and Andruw Jones. Fortunately Jones is gone after this year.
By Jennifer
July 24, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Here’s how we need to look at this. As a home owner of a rental property myself, if I never check on my house in (Paulding Cty) or it’s occupying tenants and the feds come to my job telling me a drug ring has been run from MY property with MY name on the title and deed…what do I look like telling the feds I had no idea?????
1-I am still responsible for MY home and MY tenants that I let live there. So yes I deserve the indictment and any charges that come along with it. Just because I am in another city or state doesn’t relieve me from MY responsibility as a home owner. I recently leased my home. They have/had a pit bull. Under no circumstances did I even consider leasing my home to them with that dog. Not b/c I don’t like dogs, I have my own, but b/c I know I can’t monitor my house on a daily basis so I am not leaving ANY room for trouble. Before the ink was dry on the lease they had their pit bull adopted. It’s called BEING RESPONSBILE….And it’s not a race or age issue. I’m a 27 year old black woman and I KNOW BETTER!!!! It’s about being (here’s that word again….RESPONSIBLE for your actions and taking the consequences if you’re not)
2-The feds are not going to buy the story of I didn’t know…..At the VERY LEAST Vick has shown he’s an idiot and a poor business man if he “truly” didn’t know what was going on for FIVE years in HIS home. And selling the home shortly thereafter SCREAMS guilt even if he isn’t. So in my eyes it’s not so much the issue of did he or didn’t he participate. He enabled, and that’s a FACT NO ONE should be able to discount or glaze over. Should he be innocent until proven guilty? Absolutely (on the aspect of his particpation)….HOWEVER he has already proven he’s guilty on not being responsible for his property.
3-I’m personally not a Vick fan. I’m a transplant to the ATL area from Jersey (14 years ago). It’s not because of his talent ability that I’m not a fan, more than he’s always been very arrogant and cocky. It’s not a good look on any man of any color. It’s not attractive period. He has thug syndrome. It doesn’t matter how much money he has, he will not do right and if he does it will quickly be overshadowed by something STUPID that he can’t get out of his system. You can not take the thug out of someone who does not want to drop the lifestyle. So please stop being so disappointed in this man and start expecting this type of stuff to happen. It will continue until he’s ready to change his life and the people surrounding him and hopefully this is an expensive lesson for him.
By The Truth
July 24, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a Falcons fan since 1977 and I know Michael Vick was an asset to this city and team.There has been a 3 year wait on season tickets but all of a sudden they are available on all levels. Where is all that love and support for the Falcons? Vick was the built-in excuse for everthing.He was to snap the ball to himself, block for himself,throw the pass, catch the pass and score.Oh I forgot kick the extra point.
By Tee
July 24, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
Look you even if you hate the guy or not yo still need to let the legal system do it’s job. If Vick is charged then yes he needs the book thrown at him. But if he is not charged then he needs to get his job back. That’s like if you were at work and someone said that you stole some money but they have someone else on picture for doing it. Lets be fair about the matter at hand. Kobe, and Ray Lewis all played while their trails were going on for RAPE PEOPLE AND MURDER HELLO!!!!! Do i think he had any knowledge of what was going on YES but do i think he was there when everything went down NO. But still lets let the legal system work first before we push people under the bus!!!
By JustThinking
July 24, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Just for accuracy sake…Blank should do a poll of actual falcon season ticket holders and see how many holders will renew their season tickets if Vick is no longer a Falcon? The only reason the dome is full is because of Vick. If Harrington is it?????no thanks, I want a refund.
By Shell
July 24, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
My predictions: Falcons start season 0-6,people blame Vick for it. Vick is found not guilty or charges eventually dismissed. Harrington benched after six games. Vick moves on to another team with an Oline, Defense that can stop the run,receivers who can catch, and wins a couple of Super Bowls while at the same time knocking the Falcons out of the playoffs.
By To whom who has no sins
July 24, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
To all who have no sins, yes this is a very bad thing, but it’s common in a lot of cities and neighborhoods, dog fighting, lets be real!! And a lot of those people love their dogs, but they fight them, abandom them, and even kill them. Not to say it’s right , but it’s real and have been going on for years. The military has dogs to help find the enemy, help protect the troops, but abandon them in the mist of war to fend for themselves, owners goes on a safari to hunt an animal that he’s not eating,in the name of sports. We kill all types of animals each day but PETA has nothing to say, Whats cruel hunting a duck, rabbit ,wild dogs, or killing a dog you think is not worth keeping. I don’t kill anything, don’t hunt, and brake for squirels, but lets just think first, before we just throw Vick away, WHOSE PERFECT IN TODAYS WORLD ? Answer: NO ONE, they killed the only perfect person we ever had, lets think people.
By Falcn Fan in Cali
July 24, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Ok… I have not commented just so I would not get worked up.. Ooops too late.
Let me say first that if Vick did do this and it is likely he did, then he should be punished and likely move on to the next town. If nothing else he knew this was a felony and he refused to disassociate himself from that and deserves to be booted out.
HOWEVER HOWEVER HOWEVER…
You people kill me. It’s not just you Vick haters who are thrilled that he may finally leave town. It’s you PETA loving, so-called dogs-are-as-important-as-people crowd. I do not get how conducting an activity that leads to death of animals (and pit bulls are animals and dont deserve to be called dogs) all of sudden is the most horrible, inhumane, disgusting thing a person can ever do. Are we talking about shooting up a club? NO. Are we talking about sex with kids? NO. In this case, are we even talking about drug use or drug distribution? HECK NO!
Meanwhile the same people who cry about all the dogs Vick may have had a hand in destroying will later on today pick up your rifles off your gun racks and proceed to murder (NOT FOR FOOD OR ANY HUMAN NECESSITY) deer, birds, fish, squirrels, and God knows what else just so that they mount it on your walls I suppose to show who’s the dominant species?
How is that different from what Vick did? Is it because money’s involved? Is it because somehow hunting and fishing for sport has class and dog fighting doesn’t? You self-righteous people make me sick!
With that said, the damage has been done and it highly likely that Vick has played his last game for the Birds. Still wearing his jersey to the sports bar. Costs too much to replace!
By john
July 24, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
You got rid of the QB for the future with the Falcons. You could have had the #1 draft choice and a future hall of fame reciever. Vick had already given all the evidence needed for the value of his character. Own it. The writing was on the wall. Are you really that surprised? Not
By David
July 24, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
You’re only “innocent until proven guilty” in a court of law. In the court of public opinion - aka the real world, if you look guilty, then that’s what you are. It may not be fair but that’s the way it is. Perception is reality.
By Dink
July 24, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
In 7+ years of living in Atlanta I, for the 1st time, agree with Mr. Moore. Most likely won’t happen again for a long time.
Since this story broke last week I have been amazed on 2 accounts. The backlash from the Vick beloved and the Ignorance of those alike.
Vick is a less than adequate QB who has made the playoffs a mere 2 times in his time as the starting QB/RB. You state him to be the greatest with his 54% completion and 76 QB rating.
You Vick lover’s who buy his merchandise so easily forgave him when he flipped you all off at home. Made excuses for Ron Mexico. And bought in to his lies about his “secret” jewelry compartment.
But, Mike beat the Packers in Lambeau during the playoffs when it was below 32 degrees…
You all bought high and will now sell very low where it comes to anything related to the conVICK.
Maybe he couldn’t make the congressional hearings most because he was busy making a decision on a dog’s life that underperformed.
And, DJ Shockley??? Why? He would remind you of Ookie. A scrambling inaccurate QB who likes to run…
By GOGTGO
July 24, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
Here’s what should have happened! Vick should have been traded to Oakland for their #1 pick. We could be sitting now with Matt Schuab and Calvin Johnson and probably Randy Moss(who Oakland GAVE away to New England. U get rid of the virus in Vick and have a SUPERSTAR at wideout in Calvin with a pretty good “game’ tutor on the other side. It wouldnt matter who was QB with those two!
By WC DAVIS JR
July 24, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
YOU NEED TO KEEP ALL OF YOUR COMMENT TO YOURSELF.LET THE MAN EARN HIS LIVING.YOU NEED TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR YOURSELF.I’AM A M.VICK FAN AND WILL ALWAYS BE ONE.IN YOUR EYES HE GUILTY AND HAVEN’T BEEN TO COURT YET.IF THE FALCONS DON’T WANT HIM OR YOU DON’T WANT VICK TO PLAY IN ATLANTA YA’LL WILL REGRET IT.
By G Spot
July 24, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
The Truth; you said one thing correctly; if Vick COULD throw to himself, it would be the only person he could throw to accurately.
By t.moore's stupidity
July 24, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
you are nothing but the kkk’s b***……..
By Paul
July 24, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
Do ya think maybe Lindsay Lohan could get about the same treatment as Michael Vick?
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
Two more points:
1) I’d rather go 0-16 than have some one as embarrasing to the city as Vick is lead us to the Super Bowl (which wouldn’t happen because Vick simply isn’t that good). Oh, and anyone who didn’t think Vick was embarrasing to the city even before this incident simply has a lot different standards for characther than I do.
2) I liked this quote from an NFL insider who knew Vick and many others in the NFL. “Vick’s problem isn’t that he hangs around bad people. He IS bad people.”
By Kathy Drake
July 24, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
This affects me greatly having rescued many dogs, suffering and dying and restoring them to health when possible…the thoughts of people intentionally causing suffering to these noble creatures is almost beyond belief. I have to say I cried…yes cried. Our creator entrusted us to ” be good stewards of his beautiful creation.” How we have failed in this regard. A more noble and loyal creature as the dog cannot be found. Yet man in his ego and blood lust has inflicted such a travesty on this beloved animal. A dog will endeavor to be all things to its owner even go to its own death. What a responsibility we have to honor the faith and trust placed in us. The outcry is that Michael Vick is being made a scapegoat…so be it….if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, waddles like a duck, it probably is a duck. May his example start a momentum going to return our society to civilized values with regard to all creatures. Look into the eyes of those dogs…they started out as innocent puppies, just looking for love and a master to serve for their lives and look what they got…how can one not cower in horror at the abject cruelty…it is a disgrace. if you don’t cry at the “Zena” story posted on this site…something is really wrong with you. In the end, she kissed the hand that finally brought her relief from suffering and torment..how tragic for this creature and for all who are forced to fight instead of love and bring joy.
By T. Hayes
July 24, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
A vigil was held for the dogs killed in the ring. Have vigils also been held for the thousands of chickens that are killed and served at various restaurants and in millions of homes daily? Was a vigil held for all of the seafood killed to become someone’s dinner? Were vigils held for the quail and deer killed during hunting season?
If vigils are being held for dead animals…a HUGE vigil should be held EVERY Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor day when many people grill tons of meat for eating when they could have easily eaten a non-meat meal.
In about 2 years…most of you will have forgotten all about this and moved on to another subject…
By #1 Vick Fan
July 24, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
Come on people get real. Sit down and really think about what you are writing. How can you compare what Vick is being accused of to what OJ and Robert Blake were. They were accused of murder of another human being, not of a dog. Get real, maybe you don’t like him, or his style of play on the field, but to compare the two crimes is obsured.
By Ulice
July 24, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
BT,
The dog that WINS the fight gets rewarded. That dog gets the best food for a dog, is treated the best out of all the fighting dogs. I am not advocating this is right, just stating the truth.
Are you implying that the disabilities the men in the blood sports (i.e., NFL, WWE, Boxing, and Ultimate World Champion Fighting) are not painful?
Mike Webster, Daryl Stingly, and Andre Waters(self inflicted gun shot, autopsy showed he would have been a vegtable in a few years) all died because of sustaining injuries by participating in the NFL.
Once again, your point is….
The only person that has a legitmate complaint, is someone that has NEVER participated as a fan or athlete any any of the sports mentioned earlier.
Like I said earlier, you do not solve man made problems with hypocrisy.
—Ulice
By Shell
July 24, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
To JMD, True ,I could care less about some dogs. Its people starving and living under overpasses everyday, what are you doing about their suffering? I at least drive past and throw them a couple of dollars when I can. Do you? Do you give a damn about about the suffering of the defenseless creatures who have been tortured and endured horrific pain in Iraq, based on, what we all know now, were lies? Do you? You need to get your prioritie straight. I dont care about black or white other than that with the black QB I could sell my tickets at a premium, and with the white QB it will be hard to give them away.
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
“You people have your priorities in the wrong place. I mean should the dogs be fighing, no, is it cruel, yes it is. But when you have judges turning pedophiles, rapists, and murders loose after a few months in prison and they lock up a man in S.C. for 40 for dog fighting? give me a f’n break. Yesterday in Connecticut a Judge turned loose man that raped a 7 year old multiple times. Where the hell is the outrage for that??? Where are the people with signs outside the judges house or courthouse, where are they at? Yall are more worried about dogs than human beings? God thats just not right. Get on the high horse about somethign that matters instead of image and a dammn dog.’
LOL, I always love this ignorant logic, i.e., there is a more important cause therefore, by necessity, this cause has no importance. There can be more than one cause braniac, and one doesn’t have to be to the exclusion of another one or more important one.
By Ken
July 24, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
While I have NEVER been a real Vick fan, I am a little disturbed by the fact that he is being hanged prior to the trial even starting. He should take his leave as offered and sit in the shawdows. As smart human beings , we MUST be careful about guilt by assocation. I DO REALLY THINK he is in deep do-do but let wait and see.
By Troy
July 24, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
I do not agree with Terrence Moore column. Moore and all the other yahoo’s have already convicted Vicks of the Atlnata Falcons and found him guilty before there is a trial. Lets suppose Vicks is innocent? Just because there are indictments against him does not mean that he is guilty of the charges. Lots of men ahve been indicted and found innocent. Some have served prison time and later to be found innocent. So lets suppose that Vicks of the Atlanta Falcons is innocent of evrything other than keeping bad company. So why do all of you Georgia hicks condemn Vicks of the ATlanta Falcons without knowing if the allegations are true is beyond me.
By G Spot
July 24, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
Come on, Robert…do you really think that the Vick lovers know what a narcissist is? Dumb it down a little please!
By bibb county
July 24, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Man listen Michael Vick is convicted by a bunch of informants… Then the police have no edvidence, no pics of Vick holding any dogs, no pics of Vick giving anybody no money for the dog fights, this is just a bunch of he/she say… This is more of a black/white thing to be honest and i hate to say that… Patrick Kerney had a gurl rapped while he was home and it was only talked about one day.. Bush has killed over 5,0000 troops for riches of his own benfits, and look gas has people making life desicison at the pump.. UFC fighters bash each other senseless on national tv that shows, blood, broken bones, and hurt people and its ok.. Its only ok because the government gets there portion.. Man leave Vick alone and stop bad mouthing that man he made a careless mistake and we all make mistake no matter what your position is, whether you are a judge, president, etc we all make mistakes….
By TIFF
July 24, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
I feel like many of you true Americans on this blog, not blacks Americans-not whites Americans just true Americans. We should not be putting down each other with racial slurrs. Because we are the only ones who think a person rights to a fair trial should be protected. It’s the others who don’t believe in a mans constitutional right. I believe this to be true—this has nothing to do with dog-fighting this has to do with what this man has in his pocket and the fact that they have nothing. Some people even people of ones own race will turn on you when you have this much money and the admiration of thousands of fans. I know people all over the world who think Mike is a superb athlete. I would never think of watching the Falcons if he was not a part of this team. People like Terrance Moore and the rest of these nasty, name callers don’t like that. That’s what make them so angry, no one will ever admire them the way they admire this man.
By Brad
July 24, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
Thanks for a great article. You are not my favorite from the AJC, however you are honest and to the point with your facts and opinion. It is a sad day for Mr. Vick, maybe he will be a better person when this is all behind him. Thanks again….
By ELVISINKY
July 24, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Oh my…….I can’t get over some of the other posts.
Just how many strikes does Vick or any other well know person get ?
Vick has had several issues each one happening one after another and even worse than the previous.
I was a Vick supporter since day one. Vick the savior of my Mighty Falcons.
That was then this is now.My Vick opinion is that he is overrated and over paid,the latest member of the National Felons League.
Vick is a gifted football player who has come up short on the field and even shorter on the field of life.
the lord blesses fool’s and idiot’s and there are those amoung us that are doubly blessed. times 7
By Mary from OH
July 24, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Bravo Terence, you hit the nail on the head!
As for Nike, this company continues sponsoring Vick, even though he faces federal felony dogfighting charges. Nike stopped plans to roll out a new line of Vick shoes, but that’s just a feeble punt, since they continue selling his other four signature lines. He is a completely unsuitable role model, and a terrible reflection on Nike as a responsible company.
By Telly
July 24, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
Terrence, keep on with articles like this and you just might get that job at ESPN, that is if you first take a speech class. Mike Vick should leave all you hillbillies in Atlanta and go to a city where his ability on the playing field can and will be appreciated, get a few super bowl rings and live happily ever after.
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Ulice, no offense, but that’s just ridiculous logic. Humans CHOOSE to participate in these sports and aren’t drowned or executed if they lose. Nor is there ever any intent on a fight to the death. Come on man.
By Sugar Ray
July 24, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
It appears the NFL, media, and half of Atlanta have convicted Vick before his day in court. You would think folks would show some restraint after the Duke lacrosse team case. I guess it’s the in-thing these days to disregard the legal process and hang a man. As boxing promoter Don King says, “Only in America.”
By GP
July 24, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Didn’t John Rocker lose his job for just words? Where were the Michael Vick backers then? Did he get his due process? No, he did something stupid and correctly lost his job becasue he embarrassed the team and the city.
By bryan
July 24, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
The curse of the smith’s is alive and well.We had the most sought after back up in the nfl(matt schabb) ,and traded him months before vick is no longer going to be the quarterback.does anybody remember the team that had brett farve before he became a superbowl winning future hall of famer.Oh we got to keep Chris miller
By Debbie Swafford
July 24, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
I don’t agree with prosecuting anyone before they get their due process. It’s not fair in this or any other instance. Let him play ball!
By Eric
July 24, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
Moore, you are an idiot. You are just like the rest of them who wants to condemn Vick before there is any prove of his guilt or innocence.
By tls
July 24, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
Football is just as barbaric, violent and degrading as dog-fighting. You have players injured, maimed for life and sometimes even kill all to get a ball over a goal line. You have rich families who literally own the teams (thus the players, it is institutionalized indentured servitude). Yes these palyers can opt not to play but for many of them this is all society has groomed them to be able to do.
Michael Vick has not been found guilty of anything, yet his entire life is being turned upside down by the league and by the Falcon’s owner.
By NorCal
July 24, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
I’m not from Atlanta. I live in San Francisco. However, I have spent an enormous amount of time in the South and would move there in a heartbeat given the right job opportunity. My best friend from GA sent me a link to this article.
For the sake of Atlanta residents and the South in general, I would hope the Falcons do the right thing and terminate this despicable excuse for a man. If not, the stereotype of people from the South being unintelligent and simple-minded will be forever validated in the minds of the rest of the country and the world.
By Mary from OH
July 24, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Troy, I know folks close to the investigation - Vick has nailed the lid on his own coffin. The Feds don’t hand down indictments unless they have STRONG evidence against a person(s).
By Me vs. Hypocrites
July 24, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
I can not believe the amount of outcry you can get over Vick and completely ignore so many others. Where was the cry on the Senate floor when the wrestler goes on roids and killed his family? Where is the investigation into wrestling or the congressional hearing on the abuse in that sport? Where is MADD against Ms Lohan who is out of rehab two weeks and arrested again. Where is the call to get studios to stop putting her movies out and never hire her again as an actress? I missed that one I guess and she has a movie coming out this Friday just for kicks. Now all of a sudden the whole world cares about pit bulls. Same dog that couple of months ago basically ate a poor Korean woman on her morning wall when it got away from a twelve year old. Let’s not forget the man in St Louis that got off a bus and was attacked by two and lost his left arm. I can’t believe all the pit-bull lovers of the world now that they have come out the closet. Such hypocrites. Some people can get a license and go hide in the woods and shoot Bambi and Smokey the Bear just for fun and that’s ok. I guess PETA only cares about certain animals. In closing I thought the principle of this country was that you were innocent until proven guilty. Back to the days of a witch-hunt and hangings in the town square.
By To whom who has no sins
July 24, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Mr. Vick, God loves you, and he loves all of your haters also, I am a fan of yours and Atlanta Falcons, have been for over 30 years, but I love God more and his Son is more than anything we have ever could understand, He can and will foregive you for all, no matter what you are accused of , if you did it or not, He will always LOVE YOU. You are , and mean more to him than dogs, cats, or anything else here on this earth, he set us above ALL. May his peace be with you thru it all, and peace be with your haters also. RLM This is someones life we are talking about, no matter how much money that can be earned or lost, it is still life. Judge not unless you want to be Judged. People are more important than animals, but God above all else Loves us all. And I mean ALL of US !!!
By mitch
July 24, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
the difference is, those who participate in the blood sports make a conscious decision to do so, the dogs dont get such a choice. stop with the lame comparisons. and yes, peta does campaign against hunting as well. those who hunt are just compensating for a small penis. but I guess there is an inter-species competition to be won. Innocent till proven guilty doesnt apply in business. An accoutant is accused of embezzling he is dismissed period. Vick will be treated by the justice system accordingly. A private business doesnt have to have such considerations. He doesnt have the right to play in the nfl. he does have the right to a fair trial and will get one. He has a hyper competent attorney who will see to an adequate day in court.
By vronc
July 24, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Didn’t Ray Lewis get indicted for murder but was acquitted. How quickly we forget that people lives were lost, but he’s still playing NFL. Even if he did not actually do the crime but he was an accessory to it. This shows how much americans value animals more than humans. If this happened in another county what the heck about the dogs. One less animal. men do have dominion over hte animals. If I was Vick I would say f_all this and take the money and run. Resign from football and live the life of luxury because they will pay him handsomely anyways.
By Bryant
July 24, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
OK here we go again. People what do we know about this case other than what the media has reported and what was alleged in the indictment(ALLEGED IS THE IMPORTANT WORD). Lets just wait until all the facts are revealed in court before we rush to judgment again and end Vick’s career becuase we heard he did something. No one in this blog was there at the dog fighting events and I seriously doubt that anyone knows any of these people involved personally, so I don’t feel we can come to a fair judgment about the case before all the facts are revealed from both sides. True enough his career is in the spotlight and Vick must be very careful about who he surrounds himself with but right now every one is just coming to a premature judgment. (Pass this along to PETA). So before you go out marching and protesting just think to yourself what do you really know about his involvment. Thank God our justice system dosn’t work this way.
By Shelia Colvard
July 24, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Hi Terence, I guess innocent until proven guilty does not apply to everyone. Dog fighting is more serious than murdering citizens, selling drugs, taking drugs, abusing spouses and other crimes against humanity. When Ray Lewis helped his friends murder a Falcon fan and Atlanta citizen, and then help cover it up, where was your outrage and contempt. Michael is young and did what thousands of people do everyday. If they are going to press charges against him, then do the same for everyone involved in dog fighting in the whole country whether or not they are found at the actual event, like Michael.You are the worse hipocrite that ever written an article. I hope you never have to choose a life between an animal and a human. We know who you would choose. If Michael is found guilty then he should be suspended, but if the commissioner is allowing murders, drug dealers, and abusing to continue to play football, then why not Mike. Hate the game and not the player.
By milt
July 24, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
the difference tls is that football players make a choice to participate. the dogs dont have such a choice and to compromise them for your entertainment is barbaric and makes those that enjoy it sociopaths. what the hell is wrong with all of you? are none of you sophisticated enough to make that distinction? geez. I would love to be in such servitude for all the money they make.
By G Spot
July 24, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
tls; wow, you really make it hard to refute your logic, but I’ll give it a try. As me and several others said before, football is CHOSEN by the participants; dogfighting is not. Also, just because you can say or spell indentured servitude does not mean you know what the heck it means. Here is part of the definition, “Typically the employers provided little if any monetary remuneration; however, they were responsible for accommodation, food, other essentials, and training. Upon completion of the term of the contract the labourer sometimes received a lump sum payment such as a parcel of land or tools and was free to farm or take up trade of his or her own”
You are right…this sounds JUST like the NFL.
By Pat
July 24, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
THIS IS SUCH A GREAT ARTICLE
You hit all the nails on the head. Even if he is or is not guilty of this crime, it is just giving the city of Atlanta and even Georgia a bad name.
By Pastor Carl McRae
July 24, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
Vicks issues are the same as many other people who come to believe their own press. When we glorify and deity frail humanity, there is the propensity for them to think themselves a god. They become prideful and arrogant; they think themselves beyond reproach and surround themselves with cowtowing bloodsuckers who are more willing to eat the crumbs that fall from their masters table than to speak truth to power and tell the emperor that he is butt naked! Someone much brighter that all of us once said the pride goes before the fall! So yes, Vicks will fall and deserves. My prayer, though, is that the divine lesson is received deep in his spirit and he is allowed to someday be come to his senses, realize the err of his ways, learn the true gifts of humility, lose some losers (even those with the same last name), redeem himself by sponsoring sort of animal rights activism shelters and return to the God of his youth. The ultimate gift of coming to these mind boggling, life altering painful moments of truth in our lives, is to really COME TO the truth—a truth that is overwhelmingly painful, but one which ultimately makes us free!
By ha ha
July 24, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
Todd Smith I want to thank you and others for great post. I said something similar in another blog but they deleted it. It is amazing to me that people are this upset about dog fighting but dont say anything when women get raped and kids get molested. I didnt see this kind of coverage in the news when the lady in florida was rapped by 10 young boys and made to perform sexual acts on her own son. I saw a 2 minute story on the news about it and it was gone. A white player commits a crime he makes a mistake. A black player commits a crime and he is a thug. What a freaking joke. Terence Moore I honestly hope your stuttering lisp having a&& get that job at ESPN you have been trying to get these past few months by making up things and basically making no sense what so ever. With that being said you would fit in perfectly with the other clowns at ESPN. Every time I see you on there your bashing somebody and making up the dumbest things I have heard in my life just so you can be on tv. The funny thing is nobody in Atlanta likes you or agrees with you most times. I pray they cut Vick so he can go to another team with a better fan base and win some games. When he is gone and the dome is empty and losing game after game people will truly see it wasnt all Vicks fault. The sad part is Vick will get blamed for the team losing although he isnt on the team anymore. When he gets off like he probably will and goes to another team I think I will go celebrate and laugh at the people who jumped the gun
By dtruth
July 24, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Football aside Vick has been an idiot decision maker in his personal life. Now lets clarify American society and it’s selective way of instituting justice. George Bush and his truly gangsta crew steal two elections, start a unjust war, kill thousands of young American soldiers, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi’s and the whole world is wanting to hang Mike Vick for allegations. Typical American double standards.
By Vichael Mick
July 24, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
A man is innocent until proven guilty in the criminal justice system but the fans and management are free to form their own opinions as to his relative guilt or innocence. THAT’S the American Way.
Guess what, in the eyes of the fans, Michael Vick is guilty of betrayal.
You want your season ticket price back? Sue Michael Vick. He’s the one who caused the team to lose its relative value.
One last thing. In what culture is dog fighting not only permissible but highly valued?
By stephen
July 24, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
man terrance, you must want the falcons to return to the basement in the nfc huh? just go to espn and get it over with. i don’t know what vick did to you, but the jealolusy is just pouring out of you. i still support you mike. regardless.
By InTownGal
July 24, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
T-Hayes, Please know that you are not an especially bright person. You are trying to compare entities, (dogfighting vs. UFC) and people who eat meat but don’t condone dog fighting? Really?
The facts are: there was a fighting ring, exercise equipment, rape stand, dead and bured dogs, multi-state involvement, etc. on Mr. Vick’s property, (Read the indictment) and you can’t blame the media for that.
But, b/c of your ignorance, you play the innocent until proven guilty card, while the rest of us are just racist, bigots who love to eat meat and fight dogs FOR ENTERTAINMWENT. You also play the “race card” SO well. You and people like yourself is what will make Atlanta to continually be a VERY racially charged city, not the white gal like myself who goes to work everyday and minding my own business…BTW, would you like some salsa for that HUGE chip on your shoulder?
By DrReason
July 24, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
My God, are Michael Vick fans really this stupid? The guy had a dog-fighting facility on his property with over 20 pit bulls. He had an arena style pit for fighting matches. There are two witnesses who have already supplied video tape of Vick himself conducting dogfights to the DA.
The sick part is, even if you are some whack-job who likes dogfighting, Vick took it a step further. If a dog lost he would personally drown it, hang it with a noose, electrocute it, or simply leave it to die in the ring. The only people who I have ever heard of being this completely mentally deranged were Ted Bundy and Jeffery Dahmer. Both of them tortured animals before they moved on to murdering people.
I’m bewildered as to how stupid a human has to be to think that Vick might actually be innocent.
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
The Falcons need to get Culpepper, play Shockley, or maybe get Pat White next year. It appears that most white people aren’t going to support a person who tortures dogs and most black people aren’t going to support a whith quarterback. Maybe this would resolve the issue.
By James
July 24, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
Way to go Atlanta, Mike vick over Matt Schaub. You got to be kidding, enjoy another losing season.
By A Real Fan
July 24, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
Just be careful my lukewarm fair-weather Atlanta fans. Don’t be so quick to condemn and judge. Your faults and sins will soon find you out and you will be looking for someone to sympathize with you and there will be no help in site. Vick is the greatest athlete to ever come to Atlanta, with the exception of 1 or 2 other athletes in our sports history, no one athlete has heightened expectations and given us a chance to win like him. I will support him all the way no matter the outcome, because that is what a real fan does. Atlanta will continue to be perennial losers because of its terrible hypocritical fan base. Not to condone dog fighting, but if hunting, bull fighting, shark fishing, wild-life slaughtering, etc is considered “JUST” a sport, then dog fighting is also. Remember, Vick is not a murder, and it is not because of Vick that we have endangered species laws. And if you can cry over dog, then you damn well better cry over the spilled blood in Iraq while you sip your morning coffee. And for the record, every act that Vick is being accused of, electrocuting, hanging and shooting a dog have and is being committed against humanity. Our president just signed off on a hanging just a few months ago…NOW BOOWHO ON THAT.
By Pastor Carl McRae
July 24, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
Vicks issues are the same as many other people,including many preachers, who come to believe their own press. When we glorify and deify frail humanity, there is the propensity for th0se whom we deift to think themselves a god. They become prideful and arrogant; they think themselves beyond reproach and surround themselves with cowtowing bloodsuckers who are more willing to eat the crumbs that fall from their masters table never daring to speak truth to power and tell the emperor that he’s butt naked! Someone much brighter that all of us once said the pride goes before the fall! So yes, Vicks will fall and deserves to do so. He also deserves our prayers and the promise of redemption. So my prayer, though, is that the divine lesson is received deep in his spirit and he is allowed to someday be come to his senses, realize the err of his ways, learn the true gifts of humility, lose some losers (even those with the same last name), redeem himself by sponsoring sort of animal rights activism or shelters and return to the God of his youth. The ultimate gift of coming to through these tests, these mind boggling, life altering painful moments of truth in our lives, is to really ‘COME TO’ the truth—even a truth that is overwhelmingly painful, but one which ultimately makes us free!
By John B
July 24, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
I read the indictment itself. While Vick’s name appears mainly as a “sponsor” of the dogfights in the first 17 pages of the document, near the end he is named as one of three men that participated in putting 8 dogs to death by various means after they performed poorly in a training session. While I hope this part of the indictment turns out to be false, it almost doesn’t really matter if Vick participated in the killings. He knew about them, or so it is alleged, and that is bad enough. But beyond that, he mere participation in the ownership of the kennel and his betting on the fights is enough to put his butt in a very serious sling. I think Moore is right. He never takes another snap in Atlanta, and maybe never anywhere.
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
ha ha, please tell me where you got the data that the people who are opposed to torturing dogs “don’t say anything when a woman is raped or a child is molested.” I think it would be interesting to peruse. Thanks in advance.
By Keep it real
July 24, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
Man, I can’t believe dat you would sell out one of our owns, one of our brothers. You must be under somes pressure to side with da white man. And, I’m gone…
By Scott
July 24, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
and they traded away Schaub…..this generations Brett Farve.
By G Spot
July 24, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Ha Ha; Terrence may have had the distinction of saying the stupidest things ever said…until your blog. Congratulations to the NEW king. OOPS…I just read “Dtruth” post. You just got dethroned. Right, dtruth…it is Bush and his gang. They stole the election, started a war for oil, etc. Go call Jesse or Al, because you have obviously been oppressed and held down by whitey.
By Ruthless One
July 24, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Some of you people are really stupid! What the hell does this have to do with George Bush and the War in Iraq and race is general? Everything always has to turn to race and how the white man is the root of all evil. Give me a break.
The same people that are getting mad at others for starting their column with “I can’t believe I agree with Terrence Moore” are the same ones turning this into a political bashing.
You are the same people that bi@$h and moan about the leadership in this country, but do not even cast a vote. How bout stepp’n off my nuts and letting me breathe a little.
I have always been a Vick supporter, but it is hard to bypass the actual facts. Okay, so their isn’t any pictures of him joining in the fighting of dogs. (That we know about) Good! I am glad. But, what we do have is a house he bought and has visited (even though he said he didin’t)where this was taking place.
If you get pulled over in a vehicle that you own and a passenger is carrying an illegal substance……guess what? You get in trouble for it too. Come on….who in their right mind would own a house and not know what is going on there. That is just irresponsible which pretty much sums up this whole situation.
For you others getting p** about abandoning Vick is abandoning the team….you are retarted too. How about supporting the actual team over one player who is ruining the reputation. Oh by the way the team comprosises of many different races…not just the oppressing white man.
By laurie g
July 24, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
I was a Vick supporter from day 1 at Va Tech. What a let down-his behavior has gone from bad to worse & don’t get me started on his brother. For those who think that race is even a factor, look at Tony Dungee then compare—it is just a matter of human decency & class. Either you have it or you don’t.
By HotDawgette
July 24, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
I hope that you are correct and Michael Vick is gone. It’s not a matter of African-American vs. White or big time athlete vs. regular joe or even, as some of the ridiculous comments I’ve read indicate, a matter of a “lower animal” equality issue. It is a simple right vs. wrong. Vick has shown repeatedly that he does not know how to do the right thing. From flipping birds to carrying his “water bottle” onto the plane to his involvement with this morally reprehensible, horrifying cruelty to animals. It is simply wrong and he has no respect for anyone or anything else and does not deserve to continue to be the “face of the Falcons” or any other team, city or organization. He should be ashamed, but I’m sure he isn’t.
By charlene
July 24, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
I pray that the writer never makes a mistake.It is so amazing that a player can use drugs in the NFL and be allowed to return,but one that has not been convicted of a crime is not allowed to play.I ask what type of message are we sending.I ask why is it legal to race dogs for profit.Why is this practice not done away.Mr.Moore since you are so perfect,is one not allowed to make mistakes in this world and some of us make the wrong choices as adults as well.I am so glad that you are not God.If Mike is guilty,I pray that things work out for him.Mike know that God will forgive you.
By Shelia Colvard
July 24, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Whether you fight dogs, sell drugs, murder citizen, or abuse your spouses they are all choices made by NFL players. My point is which choice is the most severe. In my opinion murder is the worse, but the murderers get to play anyway. If Michael Vick is not allowed to play, then I will definitely not buy another Falcon ticket because the best part of the Falcons will be gone. Suspend him, then forgive him and then “Let’s Play Football”.
By Paul
July 24, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
I find myself shaking my head in astonishment that I actually agree with most of what TM has written in his blog. (This has never happened before and will not likely occur again!!!) Mike needs to take his show to some other town. That said though, if Ray Lewis can revive his image after his posey was involved in a murder in Atlanta following the Super Bowl, then I think MV can eventually save his career. I’m not saying it will be easy and it probably won’t be in Atlanta.
As the saying goes, “more money than brains”.
Way to go MV!!! Dahhhhhhhh
By Ali
July 24, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
You may have a point but this is a traggedy. Ray Lewis was on trial for murdering a “HUMAN BEING” and I don’t remember a fraction of this publicity. He was eventually found innocent and is today the face of the Baltimore Ravens. Kobe was just on trial for RAPE, I don’t recall any Senators advising David Stern to be firm. If Vick is found guilty of the crimes, he should suffer the consequences. In terms of his image, it does not appear he will be afforded a second chance like Lewis and Kobe. If you didn’t know any better, it appears the public is more sensitive about the mistreatement of dogs than they are PEOPLE. This takes “Man’s Best Friend” to a whole new meaning.
By GT
July 24, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
Just for kicks, suppose Blank was tired of over paying Vick. He really was having lots of problems on and off the field before this and people were seriously saying they should not rid themselves of the second string quarterback we may need him the way Vick is playing. Now let’s say Author felt stuck with this quarterback that was losing his value and knew for a long time about this closet dog fighting stuff. I mean how anyone outside Ray Charles could not have known. Let’s say he knew about it for a while but held it until the right time and took care of the problem himself of an overpaid underperforming player. Vick goes to prison; Blank is out of this awful contract and can go on the market for a real quarterback to complement this new coach. The Falcons were never going to advance pass neutral without ridding themselves of Michael Vick what a great solution.
By VickDaMan
July 24, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
Has Vick pleaded guilty or something? Some of you people to get a grip….these things are all allegations and the ONLY reason Vick is being brought up is because his status and it was his house…the WHOLE indictment is hearsay if you read it not one picture,video, or even written document has vick participating it only lists Vick name as sponsoring the dog…but yet a person who has a criminal record themself is credible…give me a break. Vick will be innocent and he will play this season! Men accused of rape and murder still play professional sports today because they were found INNOCENT the world moves on…i still support Vick until verdict!
By Todd Lindsay
July 24, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, I think you are an idiot. I have read your “race card” articles for so long it makes me sick. Now you want to flip flop. Why? Does Michael Vick make you look bad as an African American. Well get over it. A bad decision is something that people make. Bad decisions don’t make people who they are. Please do us all a favor and quit!!!!
By G Spot
July 24, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
Real Fan; You are right. I’m sure that the president signed off on a hanging for no reason. Just some guy, enjoying his life…and the president said hang him. YOU like many others, just don’t believe in personal accountability. It’s all the white man or republicans’ fault!
By BeBe KID
July 24, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
If nothing else, Vick is guilty of stupidity in the first degree. He says he wasn’t aware of illegal dogfighting in this case, but it happened on his property in Virginia for five years. Plus, most of those involved were from his boyhood “crew” that he regularly swore allegiance to despite the criminal past of its members and warnings from former coach Dan Reeves.
Stupidity versus bad judgement, Terrence, what harsh words that you use. I would love to investigate your background when you were in your 20s. I bet $1,000.00 on the black pit bull that I would find many STUPID things that you have done and it is evident by your articles that in many ways you are still stuck on STUPID!
By G Spot
July 24, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
ricaninatl; your last line said “I don’t get it”. From reading your blog (is that English, by the way?), I have no doubt that you don’t get it…nor will you ever. Thanks for making the Vick apologists (sorry for using a big word) look so stupid.
By Ignatius
July 24, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
I don’t see anything in the articly written by Mr. Moore asking that anyone find Mike Vick guilty or not guilty. I son’t see any calls pitting grand wizards and uncle tom’s against black panthers. I don’t see any comments ranking dog fighting with rape, murder, or the transgressions of anyone other than Mike Vick. Lik eit or not, Mike Vick was made the face of the Atlanta Falcons. With that comes a responsibility to act in a manner consumate with that blessing or curse. At issue is not innocence or guilt (in a legal forum), it is the probability of shortly forthcoming events and actions taken by business interest (the NFL in general, the Falcons in particular). Any loss of life or dignity, particularly for those unable to defend themselves is horrific. Mike Vick was blessed with much, but he had the freedom to choose his own path as we all do. Just like preachers, politicians, or any other figure in the public eye, he is held to a higher standard than the common man. I honestly don’t believe Mike Vick should be ostricized from the Falcons because of the dog fighting incident (although felonies are serious business) but rather I expect Arthur Blank to make a decision as to his future with the Falcons based on the cumulative incidents. So far as prejudice, everyone is prejudice, it is almost a primal instinct. The only way it can ever be defeated in any fashion other than just for the cause of political correctness, is to look at people objectively and with a blind eye. “Redneck”, “Unlce Tom”, “Whitey”, “Thug”, the list of labels is as endless as narrow imaginations and lazy minds. The only difference between a racist or a thug and a racist or a thug with $100 million is the $100 million. Like that comic genius Ron White says, “You can fix a lot of things, but you can’t fix stupid.” I always hoped my kids would grow up to judge a person, any person by his merit, not his race. You can’t help what you look like, but you can help what you is. I am a huge Mike Vick fan, but I think his effort as the Falcon’s franchise player has been a terrible failure. OK, y’all can go back to fighting with each other now, why don’t you do shirts and skins for a while and drop the black and white crap though?
By ha ha
July 24, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
G spot please work on your jokes because they are not working. Was that the best you could do? RIII… Sobecat I get my data from the news. I dont see this kind of outrage when those things happen. If you say you do then your truly tricking yourself. I see short stores about those issues but this dog fighting issue has been front page and leading the news almost daily. I see what your trying to do but it isnt working. Once again where was this kind of outrage when the woman in florida was rapped by the 10 young men. How about the guy in maryland who got off for raping the little girls. Where is the outrage for the more important issues. You know where it is . No where because people seem to care more about dogs than humans right now which tells me all I need to know about this country but hey people can keep ignoring that and keep asking for Mike Vicks head.
By jimbob
July 24, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
If Mr. Excitement goes, so goes the franchise. If he stays, your claim is the organization will loose fannies in the seats thus loosing money. If he goes, you put a pathectic product on the field and loose fannies in the seats. Stand by your man Mr Blank, it’ll be better to have him suit up for you and make dollars than play in another stadium and make dollars. Remember American sports fans are quite forgiving and have love to root for a winning team. They also have a short memory. Ride this wave out and it’ll payoff. If you give in you’ll be looking to sale your franchis at a loss.
By simsink
July 24, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry, did I miss the trial? Apparently Vick has already been tried and convicted in a court of law and I missed it.
By Gary Beckett
July 24, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Any fool who can defend Michael Vick has issues. This isn’t a black or white issue. It’s a human issue!
Everyone is accountable for their actions. Sure, people make mistakes. They can be forgiven, but they still have to pay for their mistakes.
But forgiveness comes after they have to admit they made one. Michael Vick is scum. I’m sure he thinks he’s a victim. He should be drummed out of football and thrown in jail for 20 years.
The NFL, NBA and major league baseball all have problems and it starts with overpaid, undereducated, ignorant scum bags athletes who are adored at all cost by people who put sports ahead of human decency.
By NRA Proud
July 24, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
If you total the IQ of Mike and Marcus together, would it be as smart as a bag of hammers?
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
I love how people say that torturing animals is a “bad decision”. A bad decision is putting too much sugar in the cake mix or having that one extra drink that gave you a hangover lol.
By SuperstarSmarti
July 24, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Vick should fear for his life. Dummy
By SuperstarSmarti
July 24, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Vick should fear for his life. Dummy
By Notdtruth
July 24, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Yo, Dtruth… We’re not talking about Bush and Iraq on this blog..Go to demsareretards.com for that… Slick Vick is gone, go cash your food stamps and get over it.
By KHen
July 24, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Terrence,
Being an Atlanta native and Falcon fan, I knew when I saw this on the news that Vick was GONE and would never play for the “IMAGE first Falcons”. You are on the money with this blog. I really do hate to see ‘another on bite the dust’.
Thanks
By Charmin
July 24, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
We be putting up with too much violence in our community. We need good men. Vick just a male, not a man. He needs to be shamed.
By Catresha
July 24, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
I have never seen such hateful people in my life. If it would not have been this dogfighting thing, it would have been something else. The real shame is that you all don’t care about the animals, you only care about getting rid of Michael Vick. Every since he has been in the league you people have just been looking for anything to get him out of here. I am just sorry he gave you ammo. You wonder why Atlanta has such sorry franchises. Everytime something happens that you fake fans don’t like you are ready to ship people out (example: Jim Mora). You probably want Arthur Blank out too (remember the stupid sideline issue). Atlanta will continue to have loosing franchises with fans like you. Keep doing what you’re doing “Billy Knight” and the Falcons will soon follow.
By Carol Brown
July 24, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Who cares if he’s African American? I don’t—what he has been involved with is absolutely unacceptable to any humane being with an ounce of decency in their soul. His ethnicity is completely and totally irrelevant.
By Mr. Impartial
July 24, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
To all naive Atlantans,
I have seen some of the most ignorant comments on this blog by people of all colors, black, white, etc.
The race card will be forever relevant as long as there is racism in this world and especially this country. you cannot deny it and it’s very sad. and that’s what we are seeing here.
Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? You have convicted the guy without even having a trial.
Moore, you are a moron and if ANYONE convicts without due process, you are morons too. I really pity you all.
But there will be a day when the most High will come and gather HIS wheat into the barn and burn the chaff with unquenchable fire. Repent, do not let it be you.
There is NO SEGREGATION in Heaven, only in Hell who are hateful people like you all who don’t love thy neighbor, all neighbors. I will pray for you all…………….
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
Ha Ha, if those events didn’t get as much coverage, though I believe they got more on everything but SportsCenter, it is because there isn’t any debate as to what should happen to those who committed those offenses. You see the difference?
By Tyson
July 24, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
I think in this case, and at this point, it’s not a matter of guilt or innocence’s. It’s a matter of image. Like an uncle showing up drunk in front of his nephew’s teenage friends and humiliating himself. Pretty soon, the embarassment out weights the companionship. Even though you may still like him…you don’t want that image to represent your “family shield”. I too hope these aligations are not true. Not only for Vick, but for anyone! However, I must say, the image that is being portraited by Vick and his family.. does need some cleaning up.
By KHen
July 24, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Simsink,
It doesn’t matter if Vick is convicted or not, HE WILL NEVER PLAY FOR THE FALCONS AGAIN. That’s how it is in Atlanta.
I like Vick on the field but as for Atlanta, its over.
By TRUTH BE TOLD
July 24, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
This is the best thing that could ever happen to Mike Vick.Atlanta does appreciate nor deserve an athelete of his caliber. This whole issue is not about WHAT was done but rather WHO did it. The point is continually made as to why he would risk his career and all the money he made on dogfighting. Where did the notion come from that dogfighting is an activity only enjoyed by “ganstas, thugs,and low lifes”. This is an activity that has roots in some of the most affluent circles in this country. Just like back in day when “White families” rich and poor alike would gather to watch the lyching of a black man ,dogfighting has the same following. It is ludacris to think that this is an urban phenomenom or that only low life people participate. Again it is not What is done but rather who is doing it. White males go to “Gentlemen Clubs” to watch exotic dancers while their Black counterparts go to “Strip Clubs” to watch strippers. Same thing, different interpetation of what is going on. 5 or more white males hanging out in public together is a “group of friends” 5 or more black males doing the same thing is a “gang”.If Mike Vick were some clean cut White male athelete say Patrick Kearny we would have taken him at his word and no more would have been heard about the incident. I know this is not what we as progressive thinking Americans want to think but it is the reality. This is how it is and until we are ready to be honest with ourselves there will always be the perception of the “African American” being persecuted by the White Man.
By reza
July 24, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
I have a simple and a fair solution for Micheal Vick. He would torture his dogs if they did not perform well. Let Mike Vick play football for the Falcons if, he performed well it is ok if he did not peform well,hang him, put water on him and electrocut him and slam him on the ground exactly the same way he did to his dogs for not performing well. Justice is served. If the law allows ofcourse.
By VickBeliever
July 24, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
I really hope that all of you are accused of doing something that you know nothing about and have to suffer before the truth comes out and your name is dragged through the mess in a negative way.
By Carol Brown
July 24, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
I am disgusted that anyone believes this indictment is about race, fame and/or money. This case is not about that. It’s about a human being (and I use that term loosely) who has tortured animals for money and enjoyment. He deserves everything bad that happens to him because of his horrific behavior.
By Larry
July 24, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
Excellent analysis. Vick is an employee of the NFL not a role model and can be fired at any time. The NFL is a business and not a haven for misfits and criminals. He is gone and all of those who apologize for him and blame others can go back whence they came.
By Nique
July 24, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Sad to see that the NFL backed off the original right decision they made to respect Vick’s Due process, & lees than a week after they stated that they would! Atl will regret letting him go from a talent aspect if they actually do, but the city will be happy! I personally am going 2 have a hard time routing for them as a franchise after they left Vick go (if they do) just as i did when the braves somehow couldn’t find money to resign there popular African American stars of the early-mid 90’s in Ron Gant & particularly David Justice. they ALWAYS FOUND A WAY TO WAY TO RESIGN CHPPER, SMOLTZ, & MADDUX. (& believe it or not Atl all of this is not pure coincidence) The braves lost my money & support then & the Falcons are well on their way to doing the same thing. I like all of these people who think that Vick is a discussing person & threatened to stop their season ticket purchases, will stop my purchases next year if they do in fact release Mike without letting this case go to court. It’s a shame that the thing that this country is supposedly based & built on (the constitution) stands for nothing in reality. It’s sad that someone as educated & as powerful as Roger Goodell doesn’t even see the tragedy in this & feels that he can overstep it in his regime over the league! It really is a shame! & don’t get me wrong, if he gets convicted then i have no problems with anything that happens to him, but until then, this is ALL JUST WRONG! I am not saying this is a strictly a racial issue & you people who say what’s wrong is wrong regardless of race, could not be more right! But they way that this is playing out in the aftermath & the way that Vick has never been accepted here in Atl does. But if they do release him before or after, i hope he comes back with another team & lights the Falcons on fire every time he plays them! Because make no mistake atl his career isn’t over yet & he will be a productive QB somewhere, & as sick as ya’ll claim he is, he taints our city’s reputation, & the falcons organization there are PLENTY of teams that will be willing to gladly pick him up after this scandal dies down a little bit & he’s been punished, watch!
By fairweathered
July 24, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
you know, I don’t know MV and I don’t watch the Falcons play—ever—however, I do hear the comments after a game and I think Atlanta fans are the most pathetic people in the world. You are a bunch of freak’n immature cry babies who don’t know what it’s like to be loyal. You people make me sick. I hope MV leaves this place and never comes back just to show you idiots what a losing team the falcons is and always has been. This is a blessing in disguise for MV to get away from you animals.
By Diane
July 24, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Mike should not want to ever play for the Falcons after the way they are treating him….he has not been found guilty people….You think he is worried when they clear him he make even more money….he WINS people…he is a darn good player….all teams want to win…there is no way the Falcons can make this up to him….they do not have his back in every since of the word…
By Diane
July 24, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Mike should not want to ever play for the Falcons after the way they are treating him….he has not been found guilty people….You think he is worried when they clear him he make even more money….he WINS people…he is a darn good player….all teams want to win…there is no way the Falcons can make this up to him….they do not have his back in every since of the word…
By russ in augusta
July 24, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
To 100% Proud Black Man… Vick should come to your district and run for Congress. I know you’d vote for him.
By Jennifer
July 24, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
I’ve supported Vick since day one. When everyone had anything negative to say about him I stood up for him because I believe he has the potential to be one of the best QB’s of all time. Dont get me wrong I am a huge animal lover but I will support Vick until he is found guilty because I am a falcons fan and I stand behind my team and all the players who on it. I dont want to believe Vick did what he is being charged with because if he did he let himself down, his team down and most of all he let his fans down and that’s no type of leader I want for my team.
By tired of it
July 24, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
Folks, the reason they are putting Vick out to dry is the political correctness that is now prevalent in this country. It doesn’t matter what color you are. Everybody is guilty until proven innocent,(Duke Lacrosse a prime example) and it will never change as the media needs their lead stories. As far as filling up the dome, I will be there just as I have since the dome opened as a season ticket holder. If you don’t show I don’t care. It will be quicker to be able to get a beer. Someone will buy the tickets you are giving up and I don’t worry about blackouts as I am always there. I hope Vick is innocent but I believe the damage is done. The pc police win every time.
By Mike Supporter
July 24, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Good bye “SOLD OUT” Dome
By not a Vick fan
July 24, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
These have got to be some of the most stupid, ignorant responses I have ever heard. Why not stick to the subject,a NFL quarterback with a great future has elected to live like a common street thug, flipping off the fans, putting jewelry in water bottle, (sure), and raising and abusing innocent animals. He gets caught and hopefully will be punished and his fans call it a witch hunt and an act of racism. How stupid. Do these low life realize that this whole thing came about because one of Vick’s cousins was caught with drugs, the house searched for drugs, not dog fight equipment, because the cousin was believed to be a dealer? This is an African American being persecuted by a White Man? Don’t think so.Or, should it just be forgotten about because he is black and has always been mistreated. I don’t think I would like to be in the same building (Dome) that these people are in, if that is the way they truly feel. The are scary.
By WhyRUpointing?
July 24, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
I agree with you Mychelfromatl lettin go of Vick would be the next big mistake of the falcon franchise. How much longer must we perscute people who haven’t even stood trial yet? Where you there in the house in Va. when they were dogfighting? How much do you believe that when you got money mofo’s stay on you like fly’s to s#!t? He got money and there is two things misery loves company and money! People of this town have faulted Vick for evrything wrong with the falcons and our City but he is only a man and in reality one man doesn’t play one a football field and he is not the only man in this city. Who are you to judge? take the log out your own eye first. Keep your head up Mike, And if they let you go F#@k’em move on I’ll still be a fan…
By Luv 2 Hate Me
July 24, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
To all the angry people whom are dog lovers. Let me get you up to speed and what’s not going to happen. As much as you would like to Mike released from the team. That’s not going to happen. Arthur is not dumb and he cannot afford to start over with another quarterback, invested to much time and money. What happened with Vick over the past 2 seasons wasn’t his fault and more the owners for hiring an inexperienced coach. If Vick fails at Bobbies coaching scheme then we’ll see another quarter back. People in a year you will forget this happened. Yes Vick will be found innocent because they don’t have case and he’s just caught in the mix. He will lay low for a year then he will resurface. Joey is decent but he’s no Mike Vick. During the year off Mike will promote animal safety and will start a fund. They will give the people what they want; it’s called PR cover work. People are just upset that Mike didn’t bring a championship sooner and they want him out of ATL. Remember 1 man cannot do everything and the team cannot function with out him. Bobby was put here to win a championship NOT to start over and groom a college quarter back. Arthur wants to win and he knows he cannot do it without VICK. So please get releasing out of your mind because it’s not going to happen.
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
I’d like to thank a lot of you. For the first time since it happened, I’m now getting a sense of how that jury was able to find O.J. not guilty. I really didn’t know the bonds were THAT strong.
By Manus
July 24, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Terence, at what point do we as African-Americans expect more from ourselves? Michael Vick, Adam Jones, Tank Johnson, Odell Thurman, etc. these young men reflect our people; not entirely, but they do. These problems didn’t start once these young men got to college, they started the day a coach, teacher, and parent(s) let them get away with non-sense. The actions of these young men cast an unsightly shadow on our young men and its time that we take back the education, discipline and raising of our children.
By daver
July 24, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
umm??? Ray Lewis participated in the murder of a human being. NFL starter!!! OJ Simpson put TWO HUMANS in the ground by himself, still walking around. All you people are WEAK!!! Dogfighting is a great sport like bare fisted boxing and drag racing. People (even some Americans) are dying everyday fighting wars, iraq or drug or whatever. Dogs get hit by cars are we gonna stop driving. YOu people need to find a hobbie or something to do besides complain. p.s. you will never catch me!!!
By VickBeliever
July 24, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Terrance Moore you are a different kind of person. But I guess we all have to learn how to say and do things to make the MAN happy which you are very good at it. Just remember this Mr. you are a Black man so eventually they will get you to.
By lisa
July 24, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
who are you to dictate if vick stays or goes. you better hope you don’t ever do anything to get locked up because if you do, someone may judge you just as harsh as you are judging vick.
By john
July 24, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
there is only one additional thing that vick can do that would be worst than what has already been alledged, and that is to lie to the court
By hrivnak
July 24, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
I actually agree with a Terence Moore column. This is an excellent piece. Hell hath frozen over. :)
By sam
July 24, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Vick was a running back playing QB anyway and the Falcons were not going to win anything with him behind center. And yes Mr Moore is right.
By O.J.
July 24, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
The people whining about Vick getting bad publicity and crying “racism” like little babies remind me of the black women cheering when O.J. got away with murder….like O.J. ever did or ever will give a d@mn about a black woman.
By srpc
July 24, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
reza, haven’t you people did that to enough black people already, just for maybe being somewhere you feel they shouldn’t be. grow up and get some morals, stupid!!! We are talking about a damn dog here.
By parker godwin
July 24, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
Once again, the Atlanta Falcons prove they are the most cursed team in the history of the NFL. No matter what we do, no matter what we try, no matter who we hire to QB, RB, WR or coach, this cursed team will fail. Mr. Blank, sell this loser franchise now and run! Run! Run and don’t look back! Or, like Lot, you’ll be turned into a pillar of salt.
By A real friend of Vick
July 24, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
Boy..there are some emotions here…..Believe me, if Vick is ONLY convicted of the whole conspiracy deal with the dogs, it will be a blessing The people around him in Atlanta know that that is just the tip of the iceburg when it comes to that man. Hopefully he gets the book thrown at him and learns a lesson or two. Lesson#1 - You can’t let the same people that lay up in your house all day and smoke weed handle your business and life decisions Lesson#2 - Be careful how you and your homies treat people and have treated people. It’s coming back to bite you know. Lesson#3 - You’ve tried everything else…try God
By Mack
July 24, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
I decided a long time ago to never bother reading your comments again. I changed my mind to read this about Vick. I agree with most of what you said for a change. But you didn’t let me down. You finally brought race into this too. I am a Falcon fan…..not a “White Falcons Only Fan”. Vick is a talented, gifted player. Most could care less what color he is. You should quit trying to write about sports and write for some underground hate paper.
By uncidon
July 24, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
The only thing GOOD about the Vick story is it’s overshadowing the Bonds story!
By SoSo
July 24, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
So it’s barbaric for dogs - wild animals that WE’VE tamed - to fight, but it’s okay for two humans to get in the ring and fight in front of fans for millions of dollars?
The good ol’ USA.
By Rod
July 24, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
I wish the world would get so worked up over starving kids, poor health care as we do with a ghetto football player who showed you his true colors from day one. It amazes me how we idolize these players when they are on top but the minute they stumble we want to throw them to the dogs. (Excuse the pun.) I have never been a Vick fan but I still have to remember he is a human who made a stupid, bonehead mistake that our justice system will surely make him pay dearly for. The bible says he who is without sin cast the first stone. I sure all of you can drop your pens (stones) now including the author if this story.
By Lionel Innocent
July 24, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
What do you mean by Hip Hop ways??? That is a stero typical foolish statement made by a headline grabbing journalist. So you mean dog fighting is worse than what happens on the streets of america everyday? Give me a break. White people care more about dogs then they do about people. You are just a sell out! Do you want to go on Ophra too??? Shame on you!!!! Shame on you!!!!!
By ha ha
July 24, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Sobecat I see where your coming from but my point was regardless of what people think those people punishment should be they dont even talk about it but yet dog fighting is a bigger issue than people actually losing their lives or being forced to have sex against their will BUT I do understand where your coming from.
By tyger
July 24, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Was the Commish asleep at the wheel?
David Stern looked a whole lot like Lil’ Bush this morning. Stunned, in denial and impotent - was he asleep at the wheel?
Is it because his sole focus has been on the evil blacks and their tatoos, cornrows and rainmaking, so much so, that he let the fox into the chicken coop?
Much like Lil’ Bush and his campaign of fear, its so much easier and acceptable to demonize poor brown people that the Timothy McVeigh’s of the world can drive right up to the front door and blow us all to smithereens.
Meanwhile, our so-called leaders grandstand, in front of Congress and the world, pounding fists calling the black man “barbaric” and hell-bound, yet theyre suspiciously silent on the angry lil’ leprechaun that commits the most heinous of acts in all pro sports.
Now, Vick is typecast as the face of pure evil, yet McDonaghy is in the witness protection program???
Who’s protecting Vick?
McDonaghy gets protection by those supposed to prosecute him and walks away to a secret location; while Vick has a “reserved place in hell”???
Is this another case of justice or just-us?
By Rod
July 24, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
I wish the world would get so worked up over starving kids, poor health care as we do with a ghetto football player who showed you his true colors from day one. It amazes me how we idolize these players when they are on top but the minute they stumble we want to throw them to the dogs. (Excuse the pun.) I have never been a Vick fan but I still have to remember he is a human who made a stupid, bonehead mistake that our justice system will surely make him pay dearly for. If Vick is guilty I cannot defend his action but the bible says he who is without sin cast the first stone. I sure all of you can drop your pens (stones) now including the author if this story.
By GunnerFlynt
July 24, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
The Falcons would be STUPID to release Vick. The only reason why I say that is if Vick takes Goodells deal for a leave of absence for one year and Vick gets his personal life in order, Vick can still be successful in the NFL. Why not at least give Vick a chance to possibly clear himself and play himself back into respectability. If we dont give Vick another chance it will be that the Falcons could have had Ladamian Thomlinson and they will end of with nothing. Vick has had SOME success in the NFL. Vick may not be quite as good as Peyton Manning just yet, but Vick managed to accomplish a few great things while he was playing for the Falcons.#1) Vick is the ONLY NFL QB to rush for 1000 yards in league history. #2) Vick is the ONLY NFL QB in history in win a playoff game on lambeau field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. #) Vick led the Falcons to the NFC championship game in Jim Moras first year as head coach of the Falcons. Its not like Vick is a complete bust. Vick probably spent more time in his dogfighting operation than he did learning how to play QB in the NFL and maybe that is why Vick hasnt made been much of a success in the NFL and why Vick has been such an underachiever. IF Vick were to disassociate himself from his criminal friends and concentrate 150% on football, I believe Michael Vick can still be successful, particularly in Bobby Petrinos incredible offensive system. I say give Michael Vick a year leave of absense, let him clean up his life and let the judicial system determine his innocense or guilt, then if Vick is innocent of first degree dogfighting or happens to luckily get acquitted of the federal dogfighting charges, then give Vick his final chance to be successful quarterback for the Falcons. Look folks, if OJ Simpson can get aquitted for double murder, Michael Vick can get acquitted for dogfighting. If Vick fails in his final opportunity, then Blank should cut him and give Vick his walking papers.
By bill wardlow
July 24, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Since the NFL seems to be doing a crack down on all problem players. They forgot something very important, if you don’t want that shield to be tardiness! If you are going to crack down on one player-then crack down on all players. It seems to me that I‘ve heard at least 20 or so DWI and players having illegally drugs in the news from this past year.
(Jamal Lewis) need I say more? Was not dismissed from the team or loss of pay, but could go to jail on his own time and remain on the team for the season.
No one has even mentioned the fact of spousal or girlfriend abuse or players that have been arrested for this. If we are going to put players on a pedestal of glass make them be responsible for all their faults.
One player or man cannot be the fall guy for the whole NFL. Players have a responsibly to their self, family and team. I’m not saying Vick should not be punished, But there should be more players in line.
By Ulice
July 24, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
@Sobecat
I have said, and I have repeatedly said that the reason why Daryl Stingly participated in the NFL BLOOD SPORT is irrelevant. IT DOES NOT MATTER!
His reasoning for participating does not change THE TRUTH that: Boxing, NFL, Ultimate Championship Fighting, and Dog Fighting are ALL BLOOD SPORTS.
If you have contempt for one, then (if you are person who is ruled by rational reasoning and the truth, you should have EQUAL contempt for them ALL!
This is all I am advocating.
Now, can we all get off of this “We are good people, and Mike Vick is the Devil on earth” soap opera.
If anyone of you (me included) have every enjoyed at least ONE of these sports KNOWING the impact it has on the participants, then this post (TO ME) should be BLANK!
Of course excluding those people who NEVER supported any of the pre mentioned BLOOD SPORTS.
With that, where do we go from here?
Name calling will not solve this problem.
Hypocrisy will not solve this problem.
—Ulice
By repent
July 24, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Great writeup Terence Moore. Looking for that big raise hey. Go ahead and impress mighty whitey. I bet you hate the Jefferson’s on tv. The Mighty Clouds of Joy once sang a song “Never look down on a man unless you’re pulling him up”. Problem is you are a typical journalist who sides with the majority of the audience. Remember there is redemption for everyone, Vick will recover from this, but you will go down in history as a punk! You feel comfortable in your office now but you too could be fired within the year! Remember don’t make a deal with the devil! Especially a blue eyed one. Repent while you have a chance…but do it to Michael Vick.
By Rod
July 24, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
How beautiful it would be if the energy we are extending on Vick situation was extended to poverty, education and poor health care instead of focusing on a uneducated football player who social background has contributed to his down fall. Our society has a tensed to idolize these players in their glory days but when misfortune strikes we throw them to the dogs. (Excuse the pun.) Not being a Vick fan, one must still remember he is human, one who has because of poor judgment and lack of social development made a mistake that our justice system will surely make him pay dearly for. No can defend Vick if he is guilty however, the bible says he who is without sin cast the first stone. I sure we all can drop our pens (stones) now including the author if this story.
By Dog Lover
July 24, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
I am selling T shirts that say:
“I had sex with Ron Mexico and all I got was the herpes.”
Anybody want to buy one?
I take cash only from Vick supporters.
I am also thinking about selling dead pitbull if any of you folks will share for me where you buried the bodies.
By hahaha
July 24, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
will it be the raider’s or eagles ?
By outkasted
July 24, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
i cant wait to see what this blog is like when the falcons are 3-10 like the good ole days….
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Tyger, the reason McDonaghy is getting treated as he is is because he’s admitted involvement and is cooperating with authorities. He’s going to prison, rest assured.
By Chris
July 24, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
I find the act of needlessly abusing helpless creature by dousing them with water and electrocuting them, slamming their bodies to the ground until they die, and shooting them in head for gambling to be just as vile as murder, rape, incest and any other major crime in the world. I just wish the sentences were more severe for the crime of abusing animals. I don’t think six years is nearly enough for what these losers did! Association with these types of activities is enough for jail time.
For those of you who don’t get it and are trying to turn this in to a race issue, you’re crazy. Even Al Sharpton sent a letter to the NFL Commissioner asking for Vick to be suspended. This is a horrendous crime against nature!
By katie
July 24, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
I would like to say that we should all realize by now that there is no such thing as” Innocent until proven guilty in a court of law”. The sad thing about it is the public convicts before you are even able to go to trail, all because some don’t like you and some do. No one is saying anything about the crime it self commited, the focus is all on Michael, I have seen anything on this blog about the other suspects, everything word is about Michael, as if he was the only person who has been indicted in this scandal. So is the blog about the crime or is it a blog for all the Michael Vick haters, did he flick some of you a finger? is that why you all have convicted him already? if so get over it, I am sure he won’t be the only one judging by your responses on this blog.
By Ulice
July 24, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
@GP
The person that is not reading with an open mind is you.
It is not a sport to you. Say that to the cousins of Vick. They believe it is a sport, and they treat it as such.
I am not condoning Dog Fighting, nor am I ignoring the disablities these men receive from engaging in these BLOOD SPORTS.
I am doing one thing, and one thing only, STATING THE TRUTH!
I said before, I have said repeatedly, and I will say forever, the reason the participants engage in this activity is irrelevant. IT DOES NOT MATTER!
Boxing, NFL, Ultimate Championship Fighting, and Dog Fighting are ALL BLOOD SPORTS. IT DOES NOT MATTER
This is the truth.
Now GP what are you going to do about this truth.
Calling me names will not change this truth.
Condeming Vick will not change this truth.
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
“i cant wait to see what this blog is like when the falcons are 3-10 like the good ole days….”
As opposed to 8-8, does it really matter?
By chuck
July 24, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
Anyone see the fork sticking out of Michael? I believe Mr. Vick is done. It may be hard to believe now, but in the end, the Falcons will be better off. He has proven to only be consistent as a distraction.
By Kay
July 24, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
What about the mistreatment of all animals EVERYDAY… Is Michael Vick the only individual who has “participated” in dog fighting…? Give me a break. What about innocent until proven guilty?
By David Duke
July 24, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Repent, you’ve been reading too much of the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Blue-eyed dvils/ Give us a break boy! terence has it exactly right. Mike Vick is done in the NFL!
By Bill K
July 24, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
By 100% Proud Black Man
July 23, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
They just hate to see a black man with money.
Whay total BS You Racist Moron! It does not matter to you what he did as long as you can use his race as an excuse. Vick is as big a PUNK GANGSTA as you are an idiot.
By black
July 24, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Moore you are a fool. An uncle Tom. This is all about stupid dogs that attack and kill kids. Who are you to judge anybody. print this. If Vick goes, then we will all go. The dome will be half full. Moore is trying to get a job on ESPN, but you will never get there by killing your own kind.
By howcouldthishappen
July 24, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
I agree Mr. T’Mo, I love the Falcons.I am a native Atlanta who grew up in Bankhead Courts Projects . I have always wanted my Falcons to be winners and I thought for sure that MV7 would take us to the promise land, however, my feelings have changed. Micheal is a thug, just like the guys and gals I grew up around and worked so hard to get away from. I have a seven year old who, ironically, plays quarterback on his football team in North Henry County and now he is disappointed and hurt by these allegations against MV7. I hope the Falcons let him go and the franchise can move on. Let’s go DJ.
By Clay
July 24, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Take a deep breath…remember the Duke kids that were convicted…oh…I’m sorry determined to be innocent of the rape charges leveled against them? Give Vick a chance to clear his name before he gets run out of town or the league. If there’s anything we learned from the Duke case it’s that not one of the reporters columnists or other persons expressing their “opinion” can place Vick at the house when the illegal activities were taking place. Let a real jury hear the evidence and decide whether his version of events is true or false. Let a real jury decide whether his cousins/associates are turning states evidence against him to avoid lon jail sentences for DRUG DEALING. Long live due process, a concept we all may benefit from, if one day if we are charged with a crime.
By Alan
July 24, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Great comments repent, you’re one stand up guy. You have the rasin size nutz to call out Ternece because he doesn’t subscribe to your ghetto culture thug mentality. I bet you’re the guy who picked on your school mates when they didn’t use ‘be’ as an active verb and they refused to dumb down to be black enough for you, I bet you called them an oreo didn’t you. I imagine you make fun of any of your race that doesn’t listen to rap mucic until your car vibrates; you have spinner wheels but you don’t have a 401K? Am I getting it right here, repent? Why weren’t any of the five women you had babies with worthy of you marrying them? Could it be if they were nasty enough to lay with your smelly swamp butt you wouldn’t have them as a wife, or is that part of your proud heritage not to marry your baby mama? Repent, do you not work because there’s just not enough respect in the work place for a proud black man. Do you live with your grandmother repent? Go ahead repent, blame all the ills and spoils of your community on blue eyed people and educated blacks that avoid you for fear of being lumped in with you. Enjoy your ignorance repent, it’s all you have.
By Dale
July 24, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
As a black-man, I’m so tired of so many ignorant black folks running to defend somebody just because that person happens to be black. We have a big problem in the black community and it’s called STUPIDITY. Mike Vick and many of the bloggers today are great examples of “Black Stupidity”
In my opinion, Mike Vick is a thug, he sounds like a thug, looks like a thug, hangs out with thugs and acts like a thug. Vick being a black man means absolutely nothing to me. He is just another dumb jock who would be on the corner selling dope if he couldn’t play football. It’s an embarrassment that idiots like the Vick Brothers can even get into a School like Virginia Tech.
Mr. Blank please cut this guy!
By Peta Dummy
July 24, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Yesterday, I killed a Deer with my brand new rifle, I also shot my race horse because he broke his leg and can’t race anymore, I then took a flight over to london jumped on the back of another horse and killed a fox during a hunt with the other “gentlemen”, I then went up to Alaska and clubbed about 6 baby seals (completly legal). Now to the Pit-Bulls (a dog breed that the majority of Americans “HATE”). Well after I did all this I attended a pit-bull fight and made a couple dollars. Well after all my other “adventures” wouldn’t you know I didn’t get into any trouble until I attended the pit-bull fight….. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
By logic
July 24, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
*By Robert
July 24, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
Question. What is the difference between: Dogfighting, National Football League, Ultimate Fighting Champion, World Wrestling Entertainment, [and] Boxing?
It is really very simple. The dogs have no choice. Humans voluntarily consent to play or participate in contact sports. The concept from law known as “informed consent” is the difference.*
So you’re abusing your dog everytime you take him/her for a jog/walk and he/she hasn’t verbally consented. Ever thought that he/she might not feel like it at the time?
By 2 Season Tickets
July 24, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
I have 2 season tickets for sale!!! Dirt Cheap
By Kina "Michael Vick Fan"
July 24, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Who made you and PETA judge and jury! I thought that is was innocent until proven guilty! What about all of these people being caught starving dogs and the smell of ammonia absorbing their neighborhoods!Oh, I forgot, there thought that there doing the right thing for the animal. It amazing how beastility and zoophilia is said to be perfectly legal in Virginia, but not dogfighting! This is an outright witch hunt! I LOVE YOU MICHEAL VICK!! The Falcons are over without #7!
By Sarah
July 24, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
AMEN Dale, you got it!
By randynFB
July 24, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
You heard it hear first; Shaub is the next Farve…the ATL QB curse.
By TSPEC
July 24, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
DrReason, does an indictment determine Guilt? Non of you idiots said anything about Scotter Libby (Idicted and found Guilty and Sentenced), but a Quaterback fighting dogs is more important than compromising the identity of a C.I.A Undercover Operative. I guess the courts get no respect!
By April W
July 24, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if Michael Vick is guilty or not, and would like to see him get a fair trial. That being said, Dog Fighting IS WRONG! To Ulice, who asked what the difference is between dogfighting and the NFL, Ultimate Fight league, WWE or Boxing, the difference is that in all those other sports, the fighters or players CHOOSE to be there, choose to put themselves in that position where they may be hurt. Dogs don’t ask to be put in a dog fighting ring and they certainly don’t ask to be electrocuted. drowned or otherwise tortured and killed if they happen to lose.
By dan
July 24, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Ulice take a chill pill my sister
By Well "Logic"
July 24, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Those poor Deer have choices each Hunting Season!
By cc
July 24, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
TM hopefully you get your much needed pats on the back from white Atlanta. Vick surely dug his own grave. I just can’t stand these racist fools talking like they are holier than thou. Only in Georgia can a teenage black man get sentenced for most of his young life for have under-age safe sex. Only in Georgia can the cops shoot an old Black lady and attempt to cover it up and nothing is said by the white community in her defense. Only in racist Georgia can the people hate a QB so much they would rather see Tammy Faye Messner take the field and play QB…..the day before she passed! I must assert Vick is stupid, but you racist Atlantans don’t even deserve him.
By tyger
July 24, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
If Mike Vick is found “not guilty” then, it is what it is, he’s not guilty, and should be allowed to carry on with grace.
If found guilty, he should be punished; probation, fine, public service announcements, etc.
Unlike Sen. Byrd, Vick is not SATAN, sorry.
By the way, where are Sen. Byrd and Kerry on the NBA gambling thing? Oh forgot, they dont demonize white guys, they get a protection program???
The PR is more damaging than the legal consequences, so the Falcons/NFL have to spin it.
So Vick has to stay away for now, it’ll blow over, and no one will care except PETA, who are global hypocrits.
Once NFL preseason is in full blast and the charges and punishments are clear (probation, fine, PSAs) then they can re-build Vick put the onus on PETA.
PETA can chastise any and everyone for our American way of life, they chose Vick b/c of his celebrity, but not the Kentucky Derby or the hunters in America b/c they are nobodys.
Why arent they following Dick Cheney around on his hunting trips, while he blasts “people” in the face?
The NFL and Blank have to have some balls, he didnt buy the Falcons b/c of Joey Harrington, it was b/c we had the most dynamic player in the NFL and had a chance to win it all.
Once Harrington falls on his face in pre-season, we kick up the anti-PETA bandwagon and get Vick back on the field.
This NBA McDonaghy thing works in Vicks favor, the white supremacists cant rationally justify destroying the credibility of a billion dollar industry vs. a lil’ bad PR over a dogfight.
PETA are opportunistic hypocrits and it will soon come to light as they are exposed.
By Sleepy4
July 24, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
The Falcons will be below Oakland without Vick. I became a Falcon season ticket holder before Vick, but about 60% of the current season ticket holders are there because of Vick. If Vick doesn’t play, the dome will be empty again and the NFL will probably wish to change their Monday night schedule (he’s the only reason a 7-9 team got 3 Monday night games in the first place). Joey is not the answer and neither was Matt (not with that OL). This is part racially motivated. Admit it! Whites in Ga. wanted to get rid of Vick long before these charges. Some of them could care less about dogs. They don’t have a problem with killing Bambi. Their motivation is to destroy Vick. LA got behind Kobe Bryant during his rape charge and he was allowed to play in ever game. The team even chartered a private jet for him. There are 31 other cities that will take Vick and he will lead them to a Superbowl (just like Bret Favre, Deion Sanders and Andre Rison).
By g_from_dooluth
July 24, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Reading this blog makes me ashamed to be a Falcons fan, or even an Atlanta resident for that matter. For those of you who believe that race isn’t an element in this have your head in the sand. This does not mean that’s the main issue, but it is a factor. And I’m not implying that all white people against Vick are racist, it simply means that there are people that are making conclusions about Vick based on how he looks and the color of skin. Its no coicidence that the Senator (Robert Byrd) making a huge deal about this is a former LEADER of the Ku Klux Klan. Hell, I’m black and I think he did a lot of what he’s accused of and should be punished to the fullest measures. If you are like me though, and basing your opinion on the facts, then you shouldn’t be offended…but please don’t insult the rest of us by saying an element of racism does not exist.
Growing up here, its no shocker that there are a long, LONG way from closing the racial gap. The “Whites Only” or “Blacks Only” signs aren’t hanging anymore, but we have done a great job of segregating ourselves without them. Look around you…whether its the college you attend, the bars/clubs you hang out, or even the malls you shop, the lines are still clearly divided.
I think that’s why I loved attending the Falcons’ games. All the race lines went out the window for those 3-4 hours and we all supported our team side-by-side.
Thatis what saddens me most about this whole situation…Vick had an opportunity to use his position to unite our city and close the race gap and instead he’s just poured fuel on the fire and given the bigots another chance to say “I told you so”.
By Kina "Michael Vick Fan"
July 24, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Sarah, maybe if you left the rally and open your eyes to society, you would see that Racism is real! I bet if his last name was Manning, we wouldn’t be prosecuted by the media! You can’t get over being BLACK!
By logic
July 24, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
*By Well “Logic”
July 24, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Those poor Deer have choices each Hunting Season!*
Another perfect example. LOL.
By rick
July 24, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
By Luke
July 24, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Well Terrance, you got what you wanted. You knew the racial dynamic and lite the fuse!
The beauty of your stradegy is that most of these people don’t even know they’ve been played.
PEOPLE, WAKE UP. Terrance is rolling on the floor laughing at the way some of you have debased yourselves.
By t-rock
July 24, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
You sports folks are real funny…everyone here ..well almost everyone is really need to take a look at what’s really going …on We good ole americans love pick and choose the easy battles. Why is it that we are able to choose which animals should have rights ..then again this is America we also were noted for choosing which americans should have rights…Where are all of the PETA FOLKS when all of your nice fancy restaurants serves up a nice beef steak or that mouth wartering piece of pork chop….believe it or not that beef was probably someones pet…is that an animal and of coarse gotta love those pretty pink pig pets…whose fighting for their rights…I am sure all of the University of Georgia Fans won”t quit going to the games if they found out that the coach was involved in a fun game of deer and or duck hunting…..and you know that scenario …DEATH….Come on folks people only go see the FALCONS for one reason..VICK.. Mike Vick is the falcons and I hope all of you stop going to the game so that I can buy a cheaper ticket…..and oh yeah that football that he throws so great is refered to as the pig skin …you think they really slaughtered porky… U go figure
By Not Lookin 2 Good
July 24, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
I hate Pit Bulls and the Idiots who own them. So in that case I’m a HATER.
Do they deserve to be forced to fight or killed? No.
Vic does deserve his day in court before we all judge (though it don’t look too good right now).
Suspension? I’d like to look at it as “personal time”. He needs to focus on these allegations and no distraction (for him or the Falcons).
Moore may be right on this one.
Letting Schaub go - DOH!
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Lets B Real,
I agree, I think the way the city hates Warrick Dunn, Joe Johnson, and Andruw Jones is just awful. I also agree with the black man having to prove his innoncence beyond a reasonable doubt. The way they almost convicted OJ of killing those two people after the obviously stole his blood and covered themselves with it was just awful.
By Bill K
July 24, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
Ulice - Big Difference !!!!!!!!!!!
Have you ever seen a NFL Player executed because he could not make the team? I am against Boxing and Ultimate Fighting, but at least the participants make the decision to get envolved - they are not bred simply to fight and then brutally killed. As far as “Pro” Wrestling - what a joke - How can anyone with an ounce of intelligence call it a “Sport”? Vick did not commit the ultimate wrong, he just did enough to lose his privlege of playing in the NFL (Not For Losers). I’m pleased that Goodell showed some common sense and has seperated the vermin Vick from the rest of the league until a verdict has been determined. As far as the attempt to link this to the Duke Lacrosse situation, a runaway local prosecutor and a FEDERAL indictment are as far apart as Vick and PETA! By the way, Dog Fighting IS a FEDERAL crime! Now lets see if Virginia has the stones to prosecute Vick on the state level.
By Tricy
July 24, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
I am a african american season ticket holder as well as a dog lover. The thought of what Michael Vick is accused of is disgusting but I do believe that he should be given a fair trial like any other citizen. I feel without Vic I have just wasted $750.00, most people are there because of Vic. Are the people protesting season ticket holders, I believe not. I know that him playing would be a distraction but Kobe was convicted of rape and his team and community supported him unti the outcome, what is wrong with Atlanta?
By Mr. Real
July 24, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
run vick run
By Dale
July 24, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
Rick, you are missing the point. Mike Vick is already guilty, first of all, these activities took place on HIS PROPERTY!, secondly he is guilty by assoication.
As a business owner, the last thing I need is an employee/contractor that I can’t trust…..and I don’t need some jury to tell me who I can and cannot trust with my money.
Mike Vick has proven that he cannot be trusted, and if a grown man making 18 million dollars a year cannot be trusted by his employer, that man in any other situation will be fired!
By Dionne Mahaffey-Muhammad
July 24, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
I am not siding with Vick’s behavior. He may well be involved with this crime. However do the charges and the proposed amount of jail time (if he is found guilty) a just punishment. We are talking about DOGS. And while they are also God’s creatures, do we value them over human life? They don’t contribute anything of substance that I can think of to society? However, those little boys and girls that were sodomized by Catholic Priests and clerty may have been more productive in their adult years had they not suffered the trauma of being sodomized by these serial molesters. Roman Catholic clerty were allowed to “pay-away” this molestation crisis - NONE of these men went to jail for RAPING CHILDREN. Yet we are trying to punish this brother over some DOGS. RRRRooooooFF, RRRoooooFF!!
By Georgia still racist
July 24, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
The direction this country is moving in is really troubling.
The media is nothing but a modern day lynch mob.
With the direction Bush has pushed the judiciary it is open season on all blacks, latinos, muslims,etc. including you…house ‘you know what’ Terrence Moore.
The indictment should have never been made public.
By Debbie
July 24, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Wow..Why don’t we just let our Justice system judge him..Why is it that our national and local MEDIA have already put him on trial and convicted him! I can remember Atlanta, when we were all so excited to have him. Buying his jerseys, cards, pictures, autographs, etc. How soon we forget! People are People, so instead of condemming him why don’t we stand as a city, keep our opinions to ourselves and not cast the first stone!!
By CVS
July 24, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Vick was a questionable QB from the day of the draft he had no brains mixed in with lots of athletic ability, typically only 1/4 of the recipe for necessary for success. He was trouble from the beginning with his passion for marijuana, woman, and pets. He needs to be shown the way to the door along with Mr. McKay who responsible for his evolution and the dissolution of Mr. Shaub his ever necessary backup, the doors might be built of different materials but both a terrible role model for kids and a terrible judge of talent and character must go! Mr. Blank your reputation is at stake.
By Dink
July 24, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
“Everywhere I go, all around the world, people still support Mike Vick. So regardless of what I go through people gonna love me.”
And all of you playing the oft-used race card validate the ignorance of this comment and the blatant insults his actions and speech have brought…
Some of these comments are funny in content. There are those of you trying to state now that not only are all of the white people, but, the ownership of Atlanta professional sports behind the racism in Atlanta. Do some statistical homework to offer prudence to any argument on racism in general.
Some of your own ignorance is blinding your sense of rational opinion. 60% of the population in Atlanta is black, yet, I guess only the 30% white are preaching from the tops of Mt Kennesaw and Stone Mountain on condemning a man to be found guilty and not be able to make a living because his crime was dispicable.
A dog is man’s best friend by many accounts. Vick had something to do with their torture and murder says the detailed 18 page indictment by the 90+% conviction ratio Federal Grand Jury…
“Innocent until proven guilty” still allows our free will to afford opinion. An informed opinion by blacks and whites alike…
By Hey Mikie
July 24, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
hehe I was thinking a good comparison between Vicks playing and the dogs fighting. When the dogs lost because they were not good enough to keep around they were shot, electrocuted, smashed, drowned, killed…where does that put Vick with his pathetic loosing play over the years where he is not taking the team to winning consistently and his best stat is running because he is quick not smart…???
By De`Angelo
July 24, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if Michael Vick is guilty or not, but i do know that as with any American citizen he deserves his day in court. The media has tried and convicted this man already. And as far as PETA goes, they stand to make quite a bit of money for thier organization based on all the Vick merchandise they are selling.
By Objective Lou
July 24, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Dear Kerry Smith, DJ would be a good choice and the only game he would be assured of losing is when they play in Jacksonville—Because as you well know Georgia QB’s don’t win im Jacksonville. Well, Once every 9 years they win in Jacksonville.
By Casey
July 24, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
For all you people saying if it were Peyton Manning or Tom Brady we wouldn’t be saying all this negative stuff, IT ISN’T THEM! That’s why we look up, and appreciate the people they are, because they are good decision makers, team players, and aren’t selfish. They’re young and rich, and you don’t see them going around making stupid decisions, or putting themselves in environments that could comprimise their wealth or integrity. That’s why we look up to, and admire these guys for being great role models. They take a hit when idiots like Adam Jones, Tank Johnson, and Michael Vick go out and do the presumable stupid acts they involve theirselves in and give all the good players a bad name. This isn’t the first or second times these players have been given chances, it’s the third, fouth, and hell tenth times they have had chances to correct their lives. For those who think they’re just dogs, it’s more than that. Their actions have affect on humans as well, with the situations they are putting theirselves and others in. If you want your kid to grow up and be like one of these losers then your a horrible parent and shouldn’t be allowed to reproduce and pass on your lack of intellegence on to a innocent child. Open your eyes and realize no matter what he did, that he broke the law and will be prosecuted. The federal government doesn’t make mistakes and only lost a total of like three cases last year out of the thousands they voted on. They don’t just innocently charge folks, they have good evidence that hasn’t shown it’s head yet, and they will do the right thing. If you don’t like America then get out and go to another country, where it’s an eye for an eye, and most of you would be blind, deaf, and dumb, without limbs. Open your eyes and quit being negligent to the situation at hand.
By Porter Jacobs
July 24, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Wow!!! It’s amazing to me how much this city let alone the country thrives on negativity. Now we have the unsuccessful T. Moore really trying to that next level by using Michael Vick’s Indictment….The man has not been convicted, but you want to castrate him….Where is the support and TRUE Atlanta Falcons FANS!!!!!
By Joseph Allen McWhorter
July 24, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Hey, terrance, outstanding article man. Everything you said makes perfect sense. And I couldn’t agree more. There is no way that Michael Vick can play in an Atlanta Falcon uniform anymore. If he did, there would be nothing but trouble for not only Vick, but for the entire Falcon organization! The Falcons and the city of Atlanta would lose total respect with the rest of the NFL and with the entire nation as well. And you know, it is just so sad that it has come to this. The Falcons traded with the Chargers about five years ago to make this guy the number one draft pick, truly believing that he was going to turn the dismal Falcons franchise into instant Super Bowl contenders and or winners. Vick was supposed to be such a good role model for young kids not only in Atlanta for nationwide. And to think that Arthur Blank made this guy the highest paid player in the NFL a few years ago just to see this horrible mess develop! Michael Vick truly ought to be ashamed of himself. He has let the entire city of Atlanta down. So many people praised him in the city. Now, it doesn’t seem that Atlanta has any one true athlete that fans can really look up to and respect both on and off the field. Maybe Andrew Jones or John Smoltz or somebody like that. Maybe Ilya Kolvachuk of the Thrashers. But, it is certainly obvious that the biggest sports star in the city of Atlanta in Michael Vick has forever lost his respect in the city of Atlanta and nationwide! And I also agree with another thing that you have been saying-Arthur Blank coddled Michael Vick way too much!!!! That is a major problem in itself! I truly agree, though. Michael Vick’s credibility and reputation in the NFL are now both ruined with this dogfighting debacle!! He is finished with the Falcons and it is sad. Maybe the Falcons should consider putting D.J. Shockley in as quarterback. At least he knows how to stay out of trouble off the field. And I personally think that the Falcons can have a very good season without Vick playing anyway. They now have a new coach and a new philosophy, focus, and sense of direction. Go Bobby Petrino!!!
By gpburdell
July 24, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
This rush to conviction is disturbing. Let the legal system play its role. If Vick is proven guilty, neither the Falcons nor the NFL will ever have to worry about him again.
By gentle
July 24, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
To all the HATERS: 1) How many of you would consider yourself to be “Christ-like?”
2) How many of you are educated beyond high school? (Georgians need not answer, I already know that answer)
3) How many of you have even been good enough to make it on a football field or any sports arena other than Bubba’s cow patch?
4) How many of you have ever visited a circus? (oh yeah, those animals just love having the crap beat out of them to entertain YOU)
5) How many of you take prescribed meds? (ever wonder how researchers know they work?)
Hypocrites!!!! Hypocrites!!!!! Hypocrites!!!
SHAME ON YOU
By AL G
July 24, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
I think you should get it the ring with a pit bull. This is one of the few articles I’ve read since moving to Atlanta several years ago that did not set back race relations 30 years. You’re a bigot, and your comments serve to propogate a racial divide in a city that has no need for such issues. Perhaps the one with the problem is you. Maybe you hide behind your fabricated race issues to cover up the fact that you are a terrible writer and an absolute idiot when it comes to sports commentary. Do our fair city a favor and step away from the keyboard.
By Let'sTalkAboutItAll
July 24, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
Terence, please write a column about the Kentucky Derby. Those poor horses being whipped down the track so rich white man can enjoy their winning. You could (in some minor sick sense) compare that to the whipping that salves took on their backs for years in this country. Yes, that’s right it don’t compare, but I’m trying to drive home a point. What about the dog races? You guys created Mike Vick image and now you are tearing it down fast. Who’s really sick…
By KJ in DC
July 24, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this
You so called “Falcon Fans” are freakin ridiculous! Every last one of you were riding Vick’s jock when he was taking them to the playoffs. Dodging tacklers and shaking folks out there cleats. ALL OF YOU!! Riding like a $2 lady of the night! (had to clean it up) This man hasn’t seen the court room and you’ve already convicted him of a crime that actually it’s illegal! Now you want him gone. No longer in a Falcon uniform. I’ve never seen such fairweather fans in all my life. This article sucks! Hateraide should never come into your column as a journalist. But I guess you missed that class Terence! Anyway, this has nothing to do with race. If anything, a bad decision. Let the man have his day in court, then pick sides. Until then, stop hatin!!!
By CDS
July 24, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
Vick is lucky. He should’ve been suspended for the season, or at least half of it. If it’s good enough for Tank Johnson and Pacman Jones to be suspended without a conviction, then it’s good enough for Vick.
Also, it sickens me to see how most of the Vick supporters don’t seem to care a bit about the team. The team needs to focus on the upcoming season, not this junk that Vick has done. Now with Vick out of the way, the team can concentrate on preparation.
You’d better believe I will be among the first ones in the GA Dome or on these blogs laughing if Harrington or Shockley leads the Falcons back to the playoffs. But what am I talking about? The majority of these Vick supporters will waste no time booing Harrington as soon as he steps on the field.
By Galeyin
July 24, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
Yes, Vick is done and will probably never play in the NFL again.
We are talking about cruelty to dogs for crying out loud? How ironic that the humane soceity expects humans who murder and rape children to treat animals “humane?” Cops are murdering innocent blacks in the streets of the US, where is humane justice?
By Sobecat
July 24, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
“Yes, Vick is done and will probably never play in the NFL again.
We are talking about cruelty to dogs for crying out loud? How ironic that the humane soceity expects humans who murder and rape children to treat animals “humane?” Cops are murdering innocent blacks in the streets of the US, where is humane justice?”
Um, what?
By Copper
July 24, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this
From an employer’s standpoint, it could look as though MV is involved and lied about it…which could cause adverse effects to a costly investment. I agree with Moore’s observation…the employer probably cannot stick with this employee as much or as long as some of you would urge.
By South Georgia boy
July 24, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
So,the Falcon leadership says that they will do the “right thing”. The “right thing” buisnesswise is to leave the status quo, and hope that this will go away. Morally the “right thing” is a no brainer—cut the dog fighter loose. Obviously, the Falcons and the NFL have taken the moral low road. This sends a message to the fans that the Falcon leadership and the NFL are moral bottom feeders! Arthur Blank, you lecture Vick on taking responsibility for his actions. You should follow your own advice, take responsibility for hiring this low life, and do the “right thing”. Forget the money, and show some moral integrity buy letting him go, or forcing him to retire.
By Falcons Fan since 66
July 24, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this
Remember: Any time you tell a kid they are great when they aren’t (to boost the ego) it starts. When a kid doesn’t have to study because they are great, it continues. When people have an inflated ego, more money than brains, and no maturity - this is what you get. When crimes are overlooked (colleges) and people look the other way (pros), this is what you get. The race doesn’t matter. The brains do. Do not disrespect the fans. He’s been indicted. There was enough evidence. Blank, get a hold of these highly paid primadonnas. Force them to earn their millions. Build us a winning team we can be proud of, not a disappointment. Since 66, I’ve been a fan through thick and thin. Time to quit embarrassing me. I don’t need to hear the snickers when I announce I root for the Falcons.
By s. dash
July 24, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
I disagree with your article Terence Moore. If Vick remains innocent, since our criminal justice system is built on the foundation that a person is innocent until proven guilty, he’ll be playing in a Falcons uniform this season. Moreover, as soon as Vick single-handily wins a game for the Birds, by either rushing for a big touchdown or throwing an amazing touchdown pass, the same fans condemning him will by praising him and claiming that they supported Vick the whole time.
Falcons fans need to be honest with themselves; if the Falcons fortunes over the past two seasons had been good, i.e. we had continue to make the playoffs and Vick had continued to show promise, then half the stories circulating around Vick would not be nearly as publicized, especially by those in the AJC who have oftentimes shown a propensity to leave their “journalistic neutrality” at home. When the home team starts to lose, fans and journalist alike often start criticize major and minor defects alike.
Don’t get me wrong, if Vick is found guilty, then he should get what he deserves, but since he’s still innocent, the Falcons should honor their contract with him, letting him practice and play, and the fans should hold off on judgment until the criminal justice system adjudicates him guilty.
In conclusion, the Vick situation, assuming that he stays innocent, should and probably play out like the Kobe Bryant situation from several years back. The Falcons should let him play and not comment on the legal proceedings, when Vick needs to go to court, they should let him go to court, and when the verdict and/or settlement comes through, Vick should be fully re-embraced by the team, and if the fans want to support him, they should. If Kobe can keep his Lakers purple and gold, after being charged with rape, a more serious crime than dog-fighting, then Vick should be able to keep his red and black.
By long time falcon
July 24, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this
ET, I don’t think you understand the gravity of this situation. Plea bargain for what? The feds have his a$$ nailed and since he is the big fish there is no one else to rat on. If convicted he is going to jail. This is not surry county indicting vick it is a federal indictment. The judge is a george bush appointee and known for giving out sentences that go beyond what is typically the mandate for an offense. If you watched the press conference and saw the sadness in blank’s face you know that he knows the feds have vick nailed.
After watching the press conference today I am now certain that mike vick will never play in a falcons uniform again. It was obvious to everyone that blank has finally given up on mike vick. The league has hired an independent investigator to find facts regarding vick’s involvement- HINT HINT -season long suspension without pay once they can show he violated the leagues player conduct policy. This will eventually help the falcons out because they can rid themselves of vick without salary cap ramifications. This is exactley where this thing is headed. Vick will never play for the falcons again. It’s a sad day for falcon fans, especially those like me who once had high hopes for vick and the falcons. Camelot in bloody ruin.
By David Duke
July 24, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
The position of Falcons’ quarterback is not a racial set aside. Vick was given the job, even though others out played him, and he’s now disqualified himself from having it now. He is a criminal and he’s going to jail!
By TrueFalconFan
July 24, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
I am a true Falcon Fan and will be until the day I die. I can’t believe all you idiots are convicting Vick before he has his day in court. Dog fighting has been going on for many many years among Whites, yes I said it. Now Blacks are being accused of doing it and suddenly it has become a major problem. If Vick is found guilty then he should be punshied. But let a jury decide that. Vick, Keep your head up. PETA, Go sit down!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By memorylane
July 24, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
Two words. Richard Jewel. The feds played the Atlanta media like a cheap violin in the Olympic bombing case. Jewel won. The media lost both money and respect. Vick might be guilty. Then again, he might not be. I’m going to wait and see.
By DHD
July 24, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
Terrance…you keep saying that all of these little things, like water bottle, flipping off the fans, etc. have led up to dog fighting. He did dog fighting long before those little things.
By keepitreal
July 24, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this
Moore get a damn life. You need to go write in another city because all you do is say negative things about everything to do with sports in this city. I don’t like to pull the race card but I have to. You are doing exactly what “they” want us to do to each other. Turn your back on your fellow bother before he has a fair day in court. Look in the mirror and remember no matter how hard you try to play on the other side of the fence you will still be a ……..
By Antoni
July 24, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
Vick should’ve known better. A celebrity, much less a black one, in the spotlight, cover yourself. Make sure you keep your background clean. The guy knew what was going on. But I don’t think he was involved.
Funny how people react to the indictment as if the information contained in it makes it an open and shut case. All I saw was a summary of what the feds say happened. YOU NEED THE EVIDENCE BEFORE YOU JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS.
By Alex
July 24, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
You are such a moron. You said on ESPN that Vick is the most polarizing figure in Atlanta history. I was born in the same hospital as a man by the name of Martin Luther King Jr. I’d like to think he was a bit more polarizing in his time. Furthermore, I’m so sick of people saying what Vick “did” is awful or disturbing. I’m never going to say that I’m disturbed by what someone did, if I’m not positive they did it. Why don’t you put your computer in a closet and bring it out once we actually hear a shred of evidence that links Vick to this crime.
By TC - Suwanee
July 24, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this
T - Tell it like it is! Tell it like it is! Facts, circumstances and consequences are basical principles that even my 6 year old plainly understands. Remember as well, Falcon fans and ATL citizens should also assess the facts and voice their opinion. AB is watching and listening very closely. By the way, would you not agree that this type of behavior only emphasizes how fortunate we are to have the likes of Warrick Dunn and Keith Brooking playing for our beloved Falcons…
By Juice Squeezer
July 24, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
Hey, I typed ‘FulCo”, not ‘F*’ !
By Patrick
July 24, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this
I think the NFL has taken the right position with Vick. This is a real tragedy, for Michael Vick, for Arthur Blank who has extended Vick every chance in the world, a tragedy for the image of the great city of Atlanta, the NFL which is at least pro-active in keeping a clean league and a tragedy for the poor animals tortured. maimed and killed at the hands of Vick and his “Crew”.
Now, is the time Michael Vick is held accountable, probably for the first time in his life, and now is the time for Mr. Blank and the Atlanta Falcons be done with this distraction and go about the business of football.
By Brew
July 24, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
Terrence You are truly Mr. Negativity. So much so that I swore not to read another article you write. Then I look up and you are on ESPN with the same crap. This is not a racial inssue. It won’t ever be one if people like you would stop trying to make it so. You either like Mike or you don’t. If it matters, I am Black and from Georgia. I bring that up only to let you know that I know what racism looks like and this ain’t it. This is Mr. Negativity trying to look and sound like he knows something. He doesn’t. He likes to hear himself talk. Please stay off of ESPN so I can enjoy the program.
By clinton pulley
July 24, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
Mr Moore, I find it discusting that some of your character to be even asked for an oppinion. Whether you are just down right ignorant or you just don’t get it. In this country people are innocent until proven guity, while watching you on ESPN make a fool of yourself I think you need to settle down. I seems that you have been hired to speak nothing but negative on Mike Vick. When Brian Kennedy asked you about your remarks that Vick will never play again you looked really stupid. Hey man the world knows that you are trying to build you personal credentials by bad mouthing Vick so let it go. For those of us who still believe in due process, you are just a small time reporter trying to gain some interest. As a matter of fact I shouldn’t even be entertaining guys of your status.
By rotomeister
July 24, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
Your article was one of the best I’ve read in the AJC and the following line really sums up why the Falcons should cut ties and move on: “At the very least, he’s guilty of stupidity in the first degree.” Thanks for calling it like you see it. I enjoyed the read.
By TrueFalconFan
July 24, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
I completely agree with cc, Sleepy4 and keepitreal on their comments. I could not have said it better myself. TM we already have everyone else against us, we do not need someone from our own race to put us down. Look at some of these comments, you will see what I mean. Remember, all of you that are pointing the finger at Vick, check yourself because you have 3 fingers pointing back at you. We all have made mistakes in life. Vick has not been convicted, Oh yes he has, by you and other media. VICK, once again in the words of 2Pac, “Keep your head up”.
By km
July 24, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
If someone will bet on or be involved in dog fighting what would stop them from betting on or being involved in fixing games? Just think about how many games the Falcons lost that they should have won. If I were looking into this I would definately be looking into Vicks’ other gambling activities. Or does he live by an ethical and moral code?
By KB
July 24, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Terrence,
I can understand your thought process in cutting M. Vick. Michael has made it verrrrry hard not only on himself, but the people who truly care for him. If he is cut because of the lousy decision making he has shown to this point, then I cannot have any sympathy for him. But the saddest part of all of this is the character of the court of public opinion of the so call Atlanta fans here.
I have never been so embarrased of the actions of most to the fans here. Every evil thought of what the South is all about has been proven true. The disgusting foul language that has came from the fans here is appaulling. I even hear not to long ago that fans wanted to get rid of Mark Rict because he could not beat Florida every year. I am agasted.
I understand that football is America’s passion. But come on, football is a sport. Where is this same passion for the clown who has put many families at many funerals because of his “the world wants to see America dead, so we got to take the fight to them” mindset in Iraq? Yes, Michael needs to take the year off and get some sense of morality to all of God’s creatures. But, I can rest assure that many of the same people who want to play judge, jury, and exacusioner know people who are in this dogfighting culture and do nothing about it. Where is this passion to see Michael thrown under the jail shown to do something then? If he is found to be guily in a court of law, then he show serve the time and make some amends to our four-legged friends. But if he is found to be innocent, then are you same people who are showing this unbirdle passion for justice going to make a public apology for your statements? I will watch and see.
By JAMES
July 24, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
I am just so glad that some of you guys are not God! It is so amazing that we can commit sin in our daily lives but, we can view an situation like Mike Vick and voice our opinion so quickly before listening to all of the facts. I am sure that this man made an mistake that he is sitting somewhere now thinking about. If all the mistakes that I made in my life, I thank God that he did not take me out without listening to my plea for forgiveness!!!!!!!!!!!!
By retrodaddy
July 24, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
I’d like to market this slogan:
The Atlanta Falcons
More concerned with putting butts in seats than winning championships since 2001 (and prolly longer)
By David Duke
July 24, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
I’m sure God will forgive Vick if he’s sincerely asked to do so. Perhaps people will forgive him too, after he gets out of prison!
By Remember Due Process
July 24, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
At this point in time, charges have been filed. This doesn’t mean that guilt or innocence as been established, merely that charges have been filed.
If we listened to the media court of opinion, we’d convict every Tom, Dick, or Harry without first giving them the RIGHT to defend themselves against said charges.
Michael Vick is, above all, a human being. And as a human being, he has the same rights as everyone else: to be innocent until PROVEN guilty.
Back in 1996, the Olympic Games hit Atlanta. There was an unknown security guard by the name of Richard Jewell. Mr. Jewell was doing nothing but attempting to fulfill a small dream of carving out a career in law enforcement. True, he was only a security guard, but he was happy. Next thing you know, the unthinkable happens: a bomb goes off at Centennial Park. Mr. Jewell, without regard to his own personal safety, ushered throngs to safety.
48 hours later, his name and likeness was plastered on the front page of newspapers across this great country of ours as the bomber. The media court of opinion had him tried, convicted, and executed without ever offering the poor man a chance to defend himself. As we now know, (GASP!) the media was wrong!!
So, please, let the courts do their thing and let the man be innocent until proven otherwise. I don’t even like football, much less the Falcons, but I feel that the man deserves the benefit of the doubt. Even OJ, with all the weight stacked against him, was found innocent in the end.