Sports Columnists

By John Locke

August 15, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

How must it feel?

It feels like he is much richer than all you suckers!!!

By DJ

August 15, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

Mark…what a cheap shot article…while I’m disappointed in Michael Vick like most Falcon fans , was it necessary for you to pile on. Let the guy move forward to the next chapter in his life with some dignity. This article cheapens your value as a writer. Get a life.

By deekay

August 15, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

MR. VICK YOU DESERVE EVERYTHING THAT IS COMING TO YOU AND MUCH MUCH MORE I HOPE YOU FIND CHRIST LIKE EVERYBODY DOES IN PRISON MAY GOD FORGIVE YOU

By Jimmy

August 15, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

He may have $ now, but wait 10-15 years. He will be a shell of a man, slinging crack on the corner. I can’t wait!

By LJ

August 15, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

VICK is gone and BABINEAUX is next. Both will be very deserving of the punishment they receive.

The Falcons however are one cursed franchise. Not even Arthur Blank can save them. It’s hard to believe how bad we have been for so many years of the franchise’s 40 years. At least Atlanta fans have not adopted the “lovable losers” role like the Cubs’ fans have. Heaven knows we could have!

By Rick Finch

August 15, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

And NONE of his riches are going to be able to get him out of this…

By luckydog

August 15, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Mark, you act as if this guy was Joe Montana and YA Tittle rolled into one. But he wasn’t. He was just a highly touted draft pick who’d compiled a mixed record in several seasons of work. Some great plays, some awful plays. He led one of the most inconsistent, rythym-less offenses in the league. Some winning seasons, but never the big playoff run. Yes, Arthur Blank (and Nike and AirTran) had made Vick a hot merchandising item, but as a top-caliber NFL quarterback many of us were lukewarm on him before this mess.

By Joshua Barlowe

August 15, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Even with all his money, I’m sure he’s quite miserable.

One day people will learn money does not = happiness.

By Jeff Huckaby

August 15, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

Mr. Vick has shown us all that it is chacter, or lack of it that is the true essenace of most all of our problems.This is a sad tale that must be told to every young personbecause it is not just about dog-fighting and football. It is about lifeandthe choices youmake.

By Thomas

August 15, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

To John Locke: If/when he’s suspended, Vick will owe the Falcons $28.76 million. There’s no way he has that much liquid money. Who’s rich now?

You’re the only sucker here.

By TONY

August 15, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

Michael, as a person I feel sorry for you. but I hope they throw you in prison for a long long time.. Those poor dogs suffered at your hands.. Shame on you..

By Scott F. Shaw

August 15, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

John Locke is an idiot…

By Morris

August 15, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

Hopefully he comes to his senses and gets the rest of life together whether that includes football or not.

I’m guessing though, that right now he is clueless and sorry for nothing more than gettng caught.

There are a lot of immature people in world. Unfortunately for Vick, his immaturity was out there for all the world to see. The price fame.

By jt

August 15, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

So let me get this right. I am supposed to feel bad for this guy? He was making millions for playing football…a game!! But that wasn’t enough so he went out and made money by injuring and killing dogs. And I am supposed to feel bad for this guy? Not a chance. I hope he does fight this in court, ends up guilty as hell, and then rots in prison. Not a snowballs chance in hell I am going to feel bad for Michael Vick. He dug his own grave, let him lie in it.

By BigDawg

August 15, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

Nice column Mr. Bradley; I heard about your column this morning on the Mike and Mike show. Its just sad to hear that someone as talented as Vick could throw it all away because of something so utterly stupid. Hopefully this whole thing that Vick is going through, will be a lesson to all the athletes, from whatever league, that they aren’t invincible and can’t get away with anything and learn accountability…

By jt

August 15, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

So let me get this right. I am supposed to feel bad for this guy? He was making millions for playing football…a game!! But that wasn’t enough so he went out and made money by injuring and killing dogs. And I am supposed to feel bad for this guy? Not a chance. I hope he does fight this in court, ends up guilty as hell, and then rots in prison. Not a snowballs chance in hell I am going to feel bad for Michael Vick. He dug his own grave, let him lie in it.

By A-Town Vet

August 15, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

This article is completely inappropiate. I think this is about as low as it gets when it comes to the AJC’s reporting on a individual. Mr. Bradley, How would you feel if all your dirt was uncovered and judged before the world. This article is trash and reflect not only the author but the editor as well. If Vick is guilty or cops a plea whatever punishment is dished out he deserves but the amount of hate written from columnist and so called fans reguarding this matter is ridiculous.

By Kink

August 15, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

The same things that brings us down, will bring us up again! Bottom line is Mike will be back on top again - can’t keep a good man down. I’m sure he will pay for his mistake and be forgiven, just like others in the past and those to come in the future! Mike is still the MAN for along time to come. Mike don’t let them steal your joy! Keep your head up!

By Rawhide

August 15, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

With what he has done, his $$$ will be dwindling,……no more endorsments, and his future earning in the NFL in doubt.

Once his playing days are over, if they are not already, it won’t be long before it’s all gone and he’s doing whatever to earn a buck,….kinda like those washed-up, has beens that used to take roles on The Love Boat 25 years ago.

He had it all, but he blew it to look “cool” around his latch-on, gangstah pals. He should have left ‘em behind.

What a moron.

By jeff k

August 15, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

If Vick pleads guilty or is found guilty at trial, he should serve much more than just one year in jail. When he gets out, I could not root for my football team, nor would I watch their games, if they signed Vick. I just cannot bring myself to root for people like Vick, Pacman Jones, et al anymore.

By SharonH

August 15, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

Oh shut up…..

By J-Money

August 15, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

Very powerful article Mr Bradley. I almost felt bad for him until i realized he did it all himself. Very well done

By CR

August 15, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

Let’s not forget that Mark Bradley is Perfect. Everyone that wishes ill-will on Vick is Perfect too. “He without sin cast the first stone”

By DL

August 15, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

I agree with DL. This article should be filed under “stories I wrote but shoulda kept on the shelf.” I generally admire & respect your articles/opinions but this was a low blow. I’m sure MV feels liks poop, sure he knows he’s in the dark, sure he knows his career is all but over, but let’s not beat a dead horse to death. I still like you Mr. Bradley but this was a low blow no doubt about it. We’re supposed to be a forgiving people. Everyone knows what he did was wrong but let’s not forget our HUMANITY and brotherly love.

By DL

August 15, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

I agree with DJ. This article should be filed under “stories I wrote but shoulda kept on the shelf.” I generally admire & respect your articles/opinions but this was a low blow. I’m sure MV feels liks poop, sure he knows he’s in the dark, sure he knows his career is all but over, but let’s not beat a dead horse to death. I still like you Mr. Bradley but this was a low blow no doubt about it. We’re supposed to be a forgiving people. Everyone knows what he did was wrong but let’s not forget our HUMANITY and brotherly love.

By Shelly

August 15, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

Could anything be more sad or stupid? Why are so many plagued with making poor choices? Specifically, the rich and young. Why wasn’t 130m enough? Why wasn’t a promising career enough?

Ultimately what purpose did it serve? Why is brutalizing animals okay? What kind of person condones that by financing that kind of cruely?

I feel sorry for Vick, I do. I hope he’s innocent. I hope when he visits the house he purchased that those involved made sure that everything related to dog fighting was stored, packed and locked away. And when Vick walked in he was simply in the presense of family and friends.

I feel sorry for Vick, because in the court of public opinion he’s all but convicted. But in the grand sceme of things, does it really matter? Although Vick’s a household name today, the public won’t care a year from now. Because unfortunately this world is made of crueler people doing crueler things.

But I do feel sorry for Vick. Could anyone be more stupid or sad?

By Grampus

August 15, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

Vick is a product of our times and our rush to anoint as a “role model” anyone with athleticism and the money to show for it.

It is even sadder that he apparently believed all the hype and in his own invincibility.

Go back to college, Mike, get a degree, do something positive with it, and become a real role model.

By Rawhide

August 15, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Hey CR????? Does that mean that since NO ONE is without sin, we can’t put criminals behind bars???

Does it means we cannot express our opinions and thougts about criminals and criminal activities???

Quit twisting the Bible in an attempt to justify supporting a criminal.

By Sugar Ray

August 15, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

Bradley’s article is definitely a cheap shot. The “electronic lynching” of Vick needs to stop. We still don’t know all of the facts and he is innocent until we hear otherwise. Vick is no Hitler, Stalin, or serial killer like Ted Budy, David Berkowitz or Jeffrey Dahmer. Let the chips fall where they may and let him move on with his life.

By Eternal Optimist

August 15, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

I must say that I was and admittedly am still a Vick supporter. Though I despise what he has done (knowing that some of it is probably not totally true) I still support the guy. If my brother killed someone for whatever reason he would still be my brother and I would stand beside him. “Loyalty” people. Through all his faults we forget that this is the man who single handedly brought respectability back to our Atlanta football franchise. We are all so quick to judge, so quick to condemn , but what do we have hidden in our closets. Guilty or not we as a society should be ashamed of the way we turn on the ones we support. If guilty, and it’s beginning to look like he was, (of at least some of the charges) he should be punished but the punishment the guy has taken from everyone from the media, to his so-called friends, to the Atlanta fans, (you know the ones I’m talking about),AJC writers. I guess it would make us feel better to treat him like he treated those dogs. And we call ourselves people of God. This is definetely not an example of that. I am really dissappointed in you Mark Bradley. I expected something like this from Terrence Moore.

By 5

August 15, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Vick didn’t want to go to Syracuse since he did not want to be the next Donovan McNabb. Hindsight is 20-20, but too bad Vick may end up leaving a legacy of his own he probably meant not too.

By chris2112

August 15, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

This may be the best article to ever grace the AJC. Well done Mark.

I’ll give you all one guess of what is seriously missing in MV’s life…..well?… God. This child needs direction and to dump his “attitude”. I hope other children/atheletes black and white learn form this and clean their act up. It will only make the world a better place for everyone else.

Mark, you, Terrance and some others there at the AJC all should send Michael a thank you note for all of the exposure you all are getting. This story was given some good air time on ESPN radio this AM.

By loyalvickfan

August 15, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP MICHAEL VICK. YOU STILL HAVE FANS THAT LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT. WHY DON’T YOU GO PROTEST YOUR PRESIDENT WHO ALL BUT KILLS THOUSANDS OF OUR YOUNG IN A SENSELESS WAR. HYPOCRITES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Marie

August 15, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Deekay and everyone else who is so self righteous, please tell me WHAT YOU DESERVE? I realize everyday how truly blessed I am and that EVERYTHING I HAVE God has given it to me (my intellect, wisdom, talents, job, house, etc., — its all due to him). And he doesn’t need any redemption from any of you only Jesus Christ can forgive and restore a fallen person. And that is my prayer for him whether he ever plays football or not.

Its been dismaying the number of people who are rooting for this man’s total destruction; one blogger says I hope he’s reduced to selling crack on the corner of a street — Wow that’s really intelligent.

And Mr. Bradley Mike Vick still has access to the only voice and heart that matters and that is Jesus Christ. There is not a friend like him and he alone is able to restore Mike Vick. So I earnestly pray for him and his defendants that they learn their lesson and use the rest of the their life in service to the “Audience of One” — the only one that truly matters.

By Jack

August 15, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this

Well written. The fact is, Vick was a thug on the mean streets of Newport News growing up. Only his football prowess kept him out of jail in h.s. and college. Obviously, he’s still a thug, involved in gambling and dog fighting! When is the NFL going to get upset over his gambling? Atlanta was NEVER going to the Super Bowl with Vick at QB! He’ll be a truly tragic figure one day… more tragic than he is at the moment.

By IceDogg

August 15, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

Vick’s fate will be the same as Mike Tyson…

Punk from the ghetto gets a shot at “Having it All”, makes hundreds of millions of dollars in a short time, only to self-destruct and end up living in a little apartment somewhere as a lonely has-been.

It doesn’t matter how talented a guy (or girl) is, or how much money you throw at them, if deep inside their still just a dumbass.

By Matt in Orlando

August 15, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

People…please…what Vick has done is horrible for a lot of reasons…probably the biggest one being that he wasted His Shot. How many times in life do you get A Chance? The Chance. Vick had his. And he straight up blew it. Whoever thinks he is “the Man” needs to take a serious look at what they consider a “Man” to be. Let me tell you friends…this ain’t it.

By Eddie

August 15, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

Vick deserves any and everything happening to him and more. Where are all the ones shouting he is innocent, he’s been framed, where are they now? Vick doesn’t strike me a person (sorry, can’t bring myself to say man)that will not fair well in prison. He has been protected and treated like he is special since his college days, always pointing a finger and blaming others for his actions. Oh sure, he’ll be The Man in prison to a thug crew there, they’ll treat him like he is still special, but to the rest of the real world and not a bunch of thugs in prison uniforms, he’ll be just another stupid sucker in jail, sent there by his own doings. How utterly stupid can one person be, well this article lays out just how stupid this moron really is. Now, it’s time to put this behind us and play ball. We enjoyed years of great football before Vick and will enjoy years more after him. Roll Tide !

By Barry

August 15, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

He4y Yall:

Oh the Bible is Oh so wise. In the Bible when David sinned God asked him who did he want to JUDGE him, man or God? David with his acquired wisdom requested that God Judge him. Now why did David do that. David did it because he knew that man and all his faults is unmerciful, wicked, bias, self serving, and any other things that attempts to glorify himself at the expense of others and God himself. If you read Tom Bradley’s account on Vicks demise, you can see David’s reason for not allowing man to JUDGE him. In the article there is an unmerciful spirit being exhibited in mocking Vick’s mistake of keeping and following dumb, ghetto friends who were hiding behind his money. Some of us are or have been in his shoes at one time or another. However, the percieved judgement in this article attempts top crucify Vick as if he will never again have a career in football. I vehemently disagree. Vick career is wide open. Even if he does some time, I believe he will still be young enough to continue his football career. A team will be willing to pick him up and use him, including the Falcons. Those of us who are JUDGING AND CONDEMNING Vick remember that is your role. We know how you will JUDGE based upon what is written in the Bible based upon David’s account. It is written in the BIBLE. David knew man is a WICKED JUDGE. So what can we expect from Tom Bradley. He is doing what the Bible said he and man will do in their JUDGEMENTS. But remember their judgements are not complete and it’s is far from God. God will make and apply the final judgement in this case not Tom Bradley. Who side are you on?

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! This is a SECRET from a “FALCON FAN”. TELL EVERBODY.

Ringold

By Mathew

August 15, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

I am (was) a fan of Vick for his awesome athletic ability, but now i have lost all respect for him. How in your right mind can u put animals in a pit and watch them struggle and be in pain and say oh that’s cool. So for anybody that fights animals of anykind i feel sorry for you. I am in no means a perfect person, but you do not subject pain to animals for your own personal pleasure

By Mark C.

August 15, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this

I don’t think this column is a cheap shot. It’s a reminder of how far and fast Vick has fallen. I think a lot of that has been lost in the all the indictment details, plea bargaining and suspension talk. It’s hard to believe we traded Matt Schaub in April to cement Vick’s role as the undisputed QB on this team.

By Mathew

August 15, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

hey loyalvickfan i hate bush too

By Mathew

August 15, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

hey loyalvickfan i despise bush as well

By Al D.

August 15, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Cheap and uncalled for. Kick a man when he is down. That’s you Mark.

By Big Dude

August 15, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

It looks like M.V. didn’t choose his friends too well. But we all know, Birds of a feather, flock together.

By Joey

August 15, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Well, one good thing came of all this - the new hair cut. Maybe the rest of the dred-locked players will get hauled before a federal judge soon and get new do’s like Mike.

By RA

August 15, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

Well, appearantly, Mike Vick broke the law, and in so much as that, he is the architect of his own demise. Still, I’ve never seen anyone pursued, dogged, and vilified as much as Mike Vick was. When he set records for quarterback rushing, word from on high was, “well, he shouldn’t be running so much.” When he won games, the word was, “well, they should have won by more, or his passing percentage should have been higher.” When the Falcons lost, it wasn’t because of injuries, bad coaching, or the absence of effective blocking. It was because Vick ran too much, or made a bad decision, or held on to the ball too long. Particularly in the eyes of the AJC’s finest, nothing that boy ever did was ever good or ever good enough, and it wasn’t going to be. I don’t know what the future holds for Mike Vick, but I hope, very much, that after he’s paid his debt to society, the rest of his future will be spent away from the haters and the naysayers that dogged him throughout his career, years that any Falcon fan will tell you were some of the most successful in the history of the franchise.

Mr. Bradley, on a personal note, you know how deeply the city of Atlanta and indeed the State is divided on this issue. It is most irresponsible of you to put this article Online because you are very well aware of the attitudes that it’ll bring out in people. One thing’s for sure, it’s not going to lead to an intellectual exchange of ideas. Put crap like this article in the newspaper where it belongs so that after your readers have gagged their way through it, they can throw it away with the rest of the trash.

By Bravo

August 15, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

Come on people, stop calling Vick a “kid” he is a 27 year old man who should take responsibility for his own actions. Instead, people are making excuses for him and claiming people are “judging” him. No. We are offering our “opinions” on his errors in “judgement”. Big difference.

By chgfalcfan

August 15, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

you are a disgrace to your profession. I guess you have never done something wrong either, only difference is your mis-givings dont make front page of the paper because you are a nobody. Whatever he did he deserves to be punished no question, but on the field he made a laughing stock of an organization an empire, do you really think Blank buys the falcons if he is not QB? You should really think about a job change.

By chris2112

August 15, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

And the irony lies in….

The last of MV’s riches will be taken from him by that scumbag ghangsta attorney he hired.

Can someone explain to me how MV actually graduated from VT? Is it possible to be this ignorant and get a degree?

And to you MV worshipers, open your eyes, he’s all hype. He’s not that good. He’s really not a good QB at all. He is a sensational athelete. There is a big difference between sellinf tickets and winning. MV’s a playa not a winner.

By martian

August 15, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Mark, unlike DJ, I do not feel you were ‘piling it on’…merely stating Vick’s rise and fall thru facts. For many of us the most fascinating part of this saga is how completely Blank was convinced that, besides being the most exciting QB in the league, Vick was so ‘squeeky clean’ on and off the field…hence one of the most generous and lucrative contracts heard of at the time. Alas, as time went by, Vick’s own behavior effectively stripped away the thin character veneer that had fooled one of the smartest men in the world. Vick may rebound from this with another team, but as long as AB is owner of the Falcons you can bet your last dollar that Mr. Vick has played his last down as a Falcon.

By Mark

August 15, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Mark it’s a truthful article. I just hope Mike can learn from this and grow spriritually and turn his life around. It’s not about making money, because money can’t take you to heaven. If he can learn from this and start doing God’s will then he will be alright.

This is a good thing because sometimes God has to purge a person from everything that disconnects that person from HIM. GOD may be breaking Mike down so he can focus on HIM. If that means taking away the one thing that Mike loves doing, which is football, then it has to be done. Mike may have thought he was invincible and possibly a god.

God has to power to show us who GOD is!

By Dan

August 15, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

If he pleads guilty expect the Falcons to go after all the money they gave him.

If he goes to jail he’s unable to play and therefore in breach of his contract.

And then there’s the IRS.

I hope Vick’s mother saved up because Michael may end up in jail and broke.

Now when parents tell their kids how staying friends with the “bad kids” can ruin their life they just have to tell the tale of Michael Vick.

The guy that had it all and threw it all away thanks to his dead beat cousin and “loyal” friends.

It will be like Ryan Leaf but worse. MUCH worse.

By Kelley

August 15, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Great article.

What a waste of God given ability Michael Vick has become. He will forever be the poster boy of how bad choices can destroy your life. It should be a lesson to all that no matter who you are, you are responsible for your choices.

Vick is responsbile for his choices and has no one to blame but himself; but what about the Falcons? They should assume some of the responsibility for their failure to step in and mentor Vick. Instead, they turned they back on his past offenses (Ron Mexico, the water bottle, flipping off the fans,etc.) with absolutely no consequences whatsoever. I hope Blank has learned his lesson that no one player should come before a team, and that it is the organization’s responsiblity to provide leadership to these young players on how to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

If Blank needs an example of how to run an organization that set high standards for it’s players, he should look across town to the Braves. The Braves organization (thanks to JS and Cox) run a first class organization that mentors players in conducting themselves in a professional manner. Players in a Braves uniform know that if they do some of the things Vick did (especially flipping off the fans) it would not be tolerated and they would not be around for long. More than anything, the players on the Braves know the team comes before any one player.

Vick made his bed and know he has to lie in it, but I think Blank should take some time to reflect upon some of the opportunities he and his organization missed to guide this talented young man and show him the consequences of bad choices; rather than cater to his every need.

By tiredofvick

August 15, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

Great article. I must admit he was really stupid to throw away everything he had for something so simple as dogfighting. He has made his bed now it is time for him to sleep. Dangit, and I really liked thaat young man too. Ah well, Let’s go Joey!!!! Go Birds!!!!!!!

By Jimbo

August 15, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

How could Mr. Vick be that stupid? It’s mind boggling. Throwing away everything….. stupid, stupid, stupid! And for my African American friends out there….NO this doesn’t have a damn thing to do with race. I would think the same if he was a lilly white golden-boy. It’s not a race thing every time a white person criticizes a black person that has done something so obviously wrong! Also, I’ve seen a few idiotic comments comparing dog-fighting to hunting. It takes a true ignorant dumba@@ to make that comparison.

By Pop

August 15, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

You have 3 co-defendants who admit to KILLING the dogs, but you rednecks are more concerned about Mike Vick…GIVE ME A BREAK!! You Bigots don’t give a D&MN about pitbulls..lol You only want to see a black millionaire go to jail because OJ is walking the streets…lol

By Ten

August 15, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

It is so easy to pile on when someone is down. I hope all of you sitting high up on that pedestal continue to live your perfect lives; Mark Bradley included. Yeah the man messed up, but does it not make you all cowards to kick the man while he is down?

By tc

August 15, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

You people that are mad at the author of this article seem to have directed your frustration at the wrong person. He’s a columnist for the local paper. He’s paid to give his opinion, and this is a thought provoking, well-written column. You should just realize that your hero did this to himself and stop blaming the Feds, the Falcons, the courts, and columnists. They are just doing their jobs. The lesson is to not put athletes and celebrities on pedestals they’ve never earned.

By Bennett

August 15, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Mark,

This article brought more joy to my day than you’ll ever know. I just wish the feds would take their “deal” off the table & make this “homeboy” stand trail. He’d get 3-5 no question. The beautiful part is he’s definitly going to prison. I sit in section 117 where Vick’s family & “crew” sit several rows in front of me. You can always identify them b/c of their ill tempered comments & the fact that Brian Finneren’s beautiful wife always grabs her purse & their baby when the Vick clan arrives. It will be nice to have the Vick posse gone for good. He’s going to make some 315lb man very happy on the inside.

Thanks again for laying it all on the table.

By jimmy Etheridge

August 15, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

We all make choices in our lives. Michael Vick had a talent and an opportunity most men from any walk of life would have given their eye teeth to have. He chose to live and act as a thug, and to engage in criminal activities. He got caught, and now he must face the consequences. I have no sympathy for him whatsoever.

By Mark

August 15, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Mark it’s a truthful article. I just hope Mike can learn from this and grow spriritually and turn his life around. It’s not about making money, because money can’t take you to heaven. If he can learn from this and start doing God’s will then he will be alright.

This is a good thing because sometimes God has to purge a person from everything that disconnects that person from HIM. GOD may be breaking Mike down so he can focus on HIM. If that means taking away the one thing that Mike loves doing, which is football, then it has to be done. Mike may have thought he was invincible and possibly a god.

God has to power to show us who GOD is!

By Million

August 15, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Your comments are just that.Im still waiting for the truth to come out about the case.But there is something else that puzzles me.Why is there so much about dog fighting?Dont answer yet let me tell you.Its still happening has yet to be changed which is very very sad.First they protest thats cool,then they show up at his home,cool.But where were these people when a young adult gets hit by a drunk driver or killed by violence? Here’s the thing no one even cares that Mike Vick is only three fifths of a human,but at the same time people are giving a dog more respect than a human being,that still shows where we are on the food chain as people below a dirty dog,have a good one BROTHER?

By Roy

August 15, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Dan,

You are a dumb azz if you think the falcons can take all of the money they gave Mike Vick…the only money they can get is probably the signing bonus. I guess you think Nike can go back and take the money they payed him too?

Sorry Buddy, Mike Vick will NEVER be broke…you might be, but he WILL NOT!! Even if he’s left with $10 million, it’s more than you or your family and friend will EVER see!!

That’s the #1 problem you peckerwoods have with Mike Vick, his $$$$!! Get over it, he will always be a black millionaire something you DESPISE!!

By Roswell Ed

August 15, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

loyalvickfan:

I’m with you on this one.

Why not protest all the car makers that sell you cars every year when they know that 50,000 Americans will die every year, and for what a trip to the grocery store?

Why not protest GOD? He put us here knowing that all of us would eventually die.

This is about a man who did a criminal act. He has not once in his life taken any responsibility for his actions.

Ron Mexico

Watches at the airport

Water bottle

Standing up congress

Shooting the crowd the bird

Dead dogs that he electrocuted, and beat to death littering his property

You and your ilk will never change. “It can’t be their fault. Society has done this to him/her.

What would he have to do for you to not be his butte boy?

I know-I know.

Not keep it real, and sell out.

Well honey he did sell out. To a life of being a thug and a bum.

Good job Mike. No one can ever say that you didn’t keep it real.

God I hate liberals.

By GeezGuys

August 15, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Oh, now the apologists are out of excuses. First it was “innocent until proven guilty”, and “let the process play out”, blah, blah blah. Now it’s “he’s still got money” and endless variations of blaming The Man, PETA, or whoever else you can think of besides Mike Vick.

Look, he’s a herpes-infested thug who ran a multimillion dollar operation to enjoy animals tearing each other apart. He’s going to jail. And if you think he’s playing anywhere in the NFL again, you need to ditch the crack pipe and move out of the ghetto.

On second thought, stay there, keep your lack of intelligence and morals away from the rest of us. We won’t miss you.

By Joey

August 15, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Yeah right, Barry. “Vick’s career is wide open.” He’ll get a shot with the Raiders (every bad-boy does), but even Al Davis will tire of the picketing PETA bunch and the dog lovers booing every Vick touch of the ball

By wendy

August 15, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

it is truly sad that a football player of vicks given gifts find pleasure in seeing animals fight to the death and if they don’t fight hard enough then brutally kill them or have your buddies do it. for make no mistake since it was vicks money paying for all of this he had final say on anything that was done i personally hope his days as a role model are over. he needs to have to work in animal shelters and see some of the horrible abuse alot of animals go thru then maybe he would learn that all of god’s animals are placed on earth to enjoy and be as they were meant to be. but, he would probably never understand any of this i feel sorry for anyone who’s heart is so cold.

By bushwacker

August 15, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

To John Locke, I would not trade places with Vick no matter how much money he has, and HOW MUST IT FEEL FOR YOU knowing you and Vick and all the VICK BUTT BOYS will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER BE AS HAPPY AS I AM TODAY, if my teams never win a championship it still will not take away from THE JOY AND HAPPINESS I HAVE TODAY lnowing that punk is GOING TO JAIL and to hear Warrick Dunn say NOBODY ON THE TEAM WANTS HIM BACK, this may be the greatest day of my life, THANK YOU LORD!!!!

By Ray Cyst

August 15, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

When the race riot comes, will you people please restrict your destruction to the downtown area (q.v. Rotney king in LA)? Do not travel to the nice clean suburbs and other assorted pristine enclaves to vent your frustration that a diseased deviant got what he deserved.

By Richmond girl

August 15, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

I am sorry that people seem to be directing their anger at Michael Vick specifically. I believe the anger should be directed more at the act of dog fighting in general. I do not condone dog fighting at all, to the contrary I raise dogs myself- inside my house as family members. If he has any information to offer on additional persons involved I would encourage him to “roll” on them too and take advantage of any positives he can get from that. It’s time as a nation to stand up and put an end to the horrible so called sport.

By Bill

August 15, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

“Cheap and uncalled for” ??? honestly?

To me, and countless others, what’s cheap and uncalled for is a millionaire that hundreds of thousands of young children admire and look up to having such a cold cold heart that he can take a loveable animal and torture and prod it into what he did… then on top of it all, if they deemed the dog ‘unfit to fight’ (READ, THE DOG WAS TOO NICE AND LOVEABLE) they killed it.

Personally I say don’t throw Vick in jail. He should be able to play in the NFL this year, and the first game he looses he should be watered down on the 50 yard line and electrocuted, the same fate that was put upon HIS stable of athletes.

Who knows, if he knew that was his fate if he lost, maybe he would turn into the QB the Atl. fans always thought he would be.

By reebok

August 15, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Great column. We all know that “money can’t buy happiness,” and in the case of Vick, it seems that all it did was allow all his worst charachteristics to manifest themselves…and there was always someone around to bail him out, because of his money/talent/fame.

The most accurate historical antecedent for Mike Vick is Mike Tyson. A punk w/ great natural talent who blew it all and wound up as a joke.

By Falcon's Fan

August 15, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

I am impatiently waiting for the movie of the week concerning all this because it will be interesting to see who gets casts to play the various roles, especially Vick and Blank.

On a more serious note, I wish those who claim to speak for ALL Black folks in the ATL would contain their comments to being their comments alone. They, like I, don’t speak for any entire group of people. The ATL is a diverse city and all African-Americans don’t think monolithically.

The Big Question: Why plead guilty, if you’re innocent????? Especially since you’ve hired the best attorneys available to handle your defense. Oops…I forgot…it’s a BIG conspiracy!!!! Yeah right!!!!

Football is a TEAM sport comprised of individual talents…so go and continue to support the ATL TEAM.

By bushwacker

August 15, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

A TOWN VET what is ridiculous about society hating criminals???

By Charles

August 15, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

this article, if I can call it that, is nothing more than a cheap flame on Michael Vick. I can think of a dozen places to read such slanted hate, but I never thought I would read it on the AJC. Vick is an embarrassment to all of us, true, just like the writer of this article is an embarrassment to the AJC.

By MET

August 15, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

How can we take such pleasure in the fall of any person? while we may not like, agree, support of condone Mike’s porported activities, any of us can, have or will one day disappoint someone that love’s us…be careful what we cheer.

By tc

August 15, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Lady T…it’s scary that you think that way. You somehow equate wealth with ..what…virtue? Will you ever get tired of blaming racism for everything that happens that you don’t like? White America loved Vick’s talent and embraced him and heaped the riches on him that you now hold up as his ultimate saving grace. The fact that they react negatively when it’s discovered he’s a sadistic thug doesn’t make them racists. The fact that you immediately go to race to excuse the inexcusable shows that you’re the real racist. It sucks when you find out your hero isn’t what you thought he was. Try out the nove thought process of blaming the one who let you down, and not white people.

By bushwacker

August 15, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

your right pop we want vick to go to jail simply because he’s black, breaking the law has nothing to do with it.

By Mike

August 15, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

I’m not a Falcon or pro-football fan. This whole ordeal is a sad affair for everyone. When this is over, I hope people can forgive Mr. Vick and that he can show he is a valuable person other than being a football player. He will have alot work to do.

By Dan

August 15, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

It’s not anout race, or taking down fame, it’s not even about cruelty. It’s about not getting it and not having accountability for your actions. I don’t want to hear about the rough upbringing. He is 27 and has been the BMOC starting early in HS which means for half his life. His problem isn’t the mean streets, his problem is he always got what he wanted, and never much cared what anyone else thought. His quotes a month or so ago were telling. “Everyone loves Mike Vick no matter what I do”. Well what now mikey. Fact is he is a low class selfish punk. That fact has been hidden from the public for obvious reasons and to his great financial benefit. For his sake hopefully he wasn’t as foolish with all of his cash as he was with his other life decisions

By lk

August 15, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

It is truly sad that, given all the benefits of talent and opportunity, Michael Vick couldn’t make good choices. Too many people have given him a pass when he made poor decisions and now these choices have caught up with him.

We need to stop talking about athletes and stars who make news because of poor choices and highlight the ones that are doing good with their gifts. You mention Warrick Dunn. Let’s give him some publicity for all the charity work he does, for living a sensible life and not calling negative attention to himself. Let’s focus on a good role model for kids.

By ChiGuy

August 15, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

All this talk about the bible and man judging us vs God judging is all a bunch of crap. Fact is you have a highly talented, highly paid NFL athlete idulging himself and his friends in illegal activities. He gets caught. Now he has to deal with the repercussions of the press, the fans and the rest of the world. That’s the price you pay when you are one the faces of one of the richest competitive football leagues in the world.

In this day and age where many athletes comes from the ghettos of this country and are handed millions of dollars can something as stupid as this happen. We need to understand with the person comes part of the ghetto and part of what happens there and what flourishes there. Now they have cash to back up what activities they get themselves into. These are just the facts.

I am very impartial about this whole Vick scandal. I do on one hand love dogs an don’t believe they should have been put through the cruelty they did. On the other hand, we are innocent until proven guilty and MV has the right to fight this case.

In the end he is going to get what the people say he deserves and the raosd it’s heading down right now, looks very bleek. The country, PETA and all other animal rights activists are making sure the world follows suite on this one. Michael Vick I’m sorry man, but all your talent, all your crazy magician-like escapability, all your lightening quick speed unfortunately can’t get you out of this one.

Mike, you’ll be back. We’ll forgive and forget. America always does. Put it behind you, apologize, donate to animal funds, volunteer; all the stuff your are going to have to do. As long as you have uncanty talent, the NFL will always be there.

By DMC

August 15, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

The sad reality here is that no matter what happens to Vick, some team will pick him up when if and when he gets out of prison. Owners have gotten to the point where all they care about is putting fans in the seats. The only positive thing I can say about this guy is at least he is not Marcus Vick.

By kwavon

August 15, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

How must it feel?

How must it fell mark u act like mike has been charged with murder or rape u mention all his friend’s (MIKE) has left or ran to higher grounds to save their own skin u also mention that mike’s teammates don’t come too his defense or the owner Arthur Blank has cut ties with Mike but all n all for them you ran were’nt Mikes REAL FRIENDS or his teammates and for the owner of the team it’s bussiness as usual and now for the NFL they are the one’s that will be hurt in the long run from loss revenue.Mike still has his REAL FRIENDS His MILLIONS and the most important thing he has his Family and God Carrying him. Mark I wonder how that feel’s?

Oh by the way U ever heard of Don Imas? I hear that He’s Comin! back.

Kwavon Bradenton,FL

By Gene

August 15, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Vick is an extreme example of a system that creates thare somehow different from the rest of us and not subject to the laws and constraints of society. It is really not an illusion. Vick’s brother is a good example. Most people who point a gun at someone end up in jail. Last I heard, Marcus was still at large in Miami. By the time Mike was in high school, he already believed he was “Super Mike”, and teachers and coaches treated him as such. College is a major event in a person’s life where the student is supposed to learn how to think and how to get along with others. Vick probably attended few classes at VA Tech and apparently learned nothing. He was never a team player with the Falcons. He criticized others for his erratic play and threw tantrums on the sidelines. Blank and Mora did nothing to curb Vick’s childish behavior. Perhaps the most ridiculous sight in Vick’s career was Arthur Blank pushing him in the wheelchair as if Vick was some kind of ancient boy king. In short, Vick had the maturity and intellect of an adolescent and a rather dull one at that. Vick probably finds all of this hard to believe. For the first time in his life, someone has told him he can’t do something that he wants to do. He expects some OJ Simpson-like exoneration, and it’s not going to happen. Vick is going to jail, and his football days are over, and the money stops. It is hard to be sympathetic, but it is sad.

By Disgruntled

August 15, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

I don’t think many are taking any pleasure in this. It is hard for anyone to rejoice in the misfortunes of another. This isn’t about race. This isn’t about riches. I, as I am sure many other Falcons fans feel, feel like we have been cheated and cheated on. Vick was “Superman”. The play with the knees off the ground against the Panthers, who can forget that? I thought it funny reading an article about Harrington giving his teammates high fives and geting excited with them. How often have we seen that in Atlanta? It’s a team sport, it’s part of a city’s personality. One can either take pride in it or it is an embarassment. I do feel sorrry for Mike Vick, but you have to pay the piper if you’re going to dance. I hate it for him, and I hate it for us. It is a tribute to the Falcons as a whole and our new coach in particular as to how they have handled this. With class. How long has it been since we’ve been accused of that? I do hope Vick gets a third second chance, but I don’t think it will be in Atlanta. Too much hurt. The worst thing about this is the ugliness it has shown within the fan base. We aren’t African American, we aren’t Caucasion, we aren’t Asian, we aren’t Indian, we are Falcons fans. We are read and black and we love seeing our guys light that scoreboard up. Let’s follow our team, wish Mike the best, put this behind us, and move on. It’s football season!

By Moses Woodruff

August 15, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Whereas I am disappointed with Vick being involved, ommission or commision, IT’S SAD THAT THIS COUNTRY HAS LOST IT’S PRINCIPLE OF INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. Thank God we have freedom of the press, but CAN’T WE HAVE THE DECENCY OF JUSTICE IN THE PRESS!

By dc

August 15, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

John Locke…you’re an idiot…i’m sure mike is more concerned about dropping the soap in the shower than with the $$ he has left at the end of all this….we might all be suckers, but you’re a #1 grade A moron.

By jackwalsh

August 15, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

I went to Wikipedia this morning, and looked up “Infinately Stupid” and Vicks face came up on the screen.

How can you risk all that he had,,all that he could have had, on such a moronic, low class, stupid,,, dare I say Barbaric thing as dogfighting.

I sure hope the Mike has learned his lesson, finally, about loyalty and chosing your freinds and cohorts wisely. He is going to need that skill when he is a guest of the Penal System.

What a moron !!!

By Rocket Austin, TX

August 15, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Vick you did it all to yourself. If perhaps you can quietly do your time and then make amends someone might take you as a running back one day.

Perhaps the first thing you need to do is to apologize.

By midnite

August 15, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Right on point Bradley. Thank God for athletes that “break the cycle”. Pitiful Mike Vick could not let go of his past associates, and ghetto gangster mentality. Even scarier is this handful of supporters that take Gods Word out of context and spin it to spew their own hate filled blather. Y’all will have to give account for that one day when you stand before Him. You “enablers” probably want your illegitimate children to grow up to be just like just like Mike Vick so as to “complete the cycle”.

By vickisdone

August 15, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

i love the article mark!!! anybody that didn’t like it…is a THUG!