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!

By Hazel

August 15, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

Micahel Vick had it all…and he made the choice to risk at all for the sake of what? Money? He did not need it? Fame? He had that too! The fact hat he is more infamous than famous is because he decides to participate is animal abuse and torture in a so-called sport followed only be the morally bankrupt.

Vick is not the victim here. The dogs he fought and killed ….the fans who believed in him….the team he trusted….he abused all…and deserves the contempt he is now being shown.

By KP

August 15, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

This is not a black or white thing. This was a despicable act carried out God knows what kind of people. Mr. Vick and his friends need help. It all needs to stop here and begin again or the price he will pay will be his soul.

By Realistic

August 15, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

I typically dont comment on articles written by wannabe athletes whose only way to get near a jock strap was to become a reporter. This is such a cheap shot article. A year ago you were kissing his *ss to get an interview and now your piling (including the other jackass reporter Terrence Moore). While I dont understand what possessed Mike V to get involved and caught nor doe I condone what he did, he made a mistake, plain and simple. He will do his time and he should be allowed to continue to NFL career. Secondly, to throw under bridge for dog fighting. There has been worse, much worse (Ray Lewis, Jamal Lewis, Leonard Little, etc)

However, I find how the Falcons are treating Vick really interesting. Great franchises stick by there players during the good times and bad. Look at the Yankees. Did they turn there back on Daryl Strawberry or Dwight Gooden? Didnt the Bears try to help Tank Johnson? You guys can go ahead and booboo on Vick now, but dont be surprised when he re-surfaces and destroys the Falcons in the same manner Deion did in ‘94.

By JK

August 15, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Brillant article. As an opinion piece it was very well written and thought provoking (as the number of responses on here have shown). I do get tired of people relating this to God, the Bible, or any spirituality. Saying that those who have an opinion about Vick have no right to express that opinion is wrong. WE all pass judgement on others everyday. Whether it be about someone’s driving skills (or lack thereof as is often the case), or something more serious as is the case with MV. MV made a mistake. He will be judged by men, and ultimately will end up paying some price for his lack of judgement in choosing his friends. No one else is liable for the company he kept. No one else is liable for the choices MV made.
This is not a black/white issue. It is a right/wrong issue, and in this instance it appears as if MV is wrong on some level. I also heard about this article on Mike and Mike in the Morning, and had to look at. We haven’t to this point recieved such a thought provoking article from our local paper here in Norfolk. Keep up the great work.

By mountain jim

August 15, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Mark and the AJC are milking Mike’s transgressions for every page view they can muster from it…

I hope MV serves his (likely upcoming) debt to society and gets another chance someday to show he can be a good NFL QB.

I would however like to see all these folks (including the ajc writers) who are so sanctimonious about dog fighting give up eating animals as well, then you would not be such hypocrits, throwing stones at MV while the BBQ juices drip down your faces.

By Chris

August 15, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

To those who like to say Vick’s boys are untrustworthy, or are just “sell outs” turning their backs on Vick:

When this whole mess began in April, did Vick take any responsibility? No. What did he do? He hung everyone else out to dry. He blamed his family members and his friends, and said he had no idea what was going on.

Vick sold his boys out first. One good turn deserves another. Karma’s a beyotch, huh?

By Johnny FALCON

August 15, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

WHATEVER…THE ONLY THING I’M INTERESTED IN NOW IS…HOW DOES THIS STUFF EFFECT THE SALARY CAP?

By chris2112

August 15, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Pop, you are right. All of us rednecks admit that we want to see the black millionaire put away and have his money distributed amongst all of the white prople. You know, we have ways of doing that.

YOU ARE AN IDIOT. WAKE UP AND GET WITH IT.

We are a world trying our best to get together. Black, white, red, yellow, whatever color, and it is people like you that can’t get around the past and just move on. Your heritage is important and should be remembered, but positive things happen to positive people and as long as you remain in a negative mode, you, your family, your friends and race will remain behind everyone else. Get in the game.

MV was brought down by people just like you. You should be the first person to reflect and look inward and see what is wrong and where changes need to be made. You are as ignorant as MV is. Remove yourself from your element and “attitude”, get in the game and become a productive team player. Quit being a disruption.

By Falcon Fan

August 15, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Just wait until the IRS goes after him for not reporting the earnings he won in the dog fights. If he thinks this will be over with a plea and a sentence 1 year sentence deal then he is sadly mistaken.

Then Virginia and the other states where he won money fighting dogs will also go after him for not reporting the earnings on his state income tax returns.

After the attorneys are finished with him for those there won’t be a whole lot left.

I have also heard that the companies that he was payed to endorse and the NFL contract itself calls for repayments if clauses of the contracts are broken, like committing felonies and other acts that place those organizations in a bad light. I am sure they are going to go after him for what they can get back.

It looks like his money days are over and he probably won’t have busfare home.

By jj boyd

August 15, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley, I find your column to be anything but piling on. Perhaps some young athlete in the Atlanta area will read this and realize that no matter how high you soar in sports there is no height beyond the reach of the law. As a Chicagoan I miss the days when we had sports writers with such insight. Keep up the good work. Ps Mike and Mike turned me on to your column

By Princess

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

LEAVE MICK VICK ALONG AND GET A REAL JOB. EVERYBODY IS SO FAST TO TURN AGAINST HIM BUT WHEN HE WAS ON THE FIELD FILLING THE DOME UP EVERYBODY WAS HAPPY NOW HE HAS GOTTEN HIMSELF IN A BAD SITUATION AND EVERYONE WANTS TO TALK TRASH ABOUT HIM. WELL LET ME SPEAK FOR VICK AND TELL ALL YOU HATERS TO FOCUS ON GETTING THE YOU GUY OUT OF JAIL FOR RATE AND THE FEMALE AGREED. TALK ABOUT THE DOCTOR WHO KILLED THE WRESTLER. TALK ABOUT WHEN O’JAY WAS FOUND INNOCENT. RAY LEWIS STILL PLAYING FOOTBALL AND ALL THE OTHER FAMOUS PEOPLE. LEAVE VICK BE!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU VICK

SIGNED A REAL BLACK WOMAN

By Baller12

August 15, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Who would want Michael Vick on their team????? Those same teams who went after Terrell Owens…..Jerry Jones would hire Vick in a heartbeat…..The Falcons are the ones who lose in this situation and I hope the city is ready for Black Sunday…..The team has lost all of it’s luster without Vick….Harrington who????? He couldn’t lead a team to the nearest water fountain….Wait until the rush/blitz is on and you ATLiens will see what you missing in Vick….Am glad the Falcons are kicking him to the curb because one day he’s going to come back to the GA Dome and run all over the sorry azzzz Falcons……Mr. Blank the days of the GA Dome being packed to capacity or over…..Hopefully your tenure with the Falcons will be too…….. Goooo Vick….Serve your time and come back and punish themmmmmmmm…….The Falcons are zero without Vick and Dunn and anyone else who don’t want Vick on the team will see what they are as a team without him behind center…….

By Tyrone

August 15, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

How must it feel when the SCLC failed you and did not support you as they said they would?

By Pago Pago

August 15, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

vick will be back in the NFL next year!

By Chris

August 15, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Hey Eternal Optimist, what “loyalty” did Vick show to his teammates, owner, coaches, and thousands of fans that paid good money so he could sign a $130 million contract?

Where was his “loyalty” when he flipped off the fans?

Where was his “loyalty” when he got caught with the water bottle, was photographed smoking a blunt, and skipped his appointment with Congress?

Where was his “loyalty” when he was engaging in criminal enterprises that affect everyone associated with the Falcons?

A “loyal” person would’ve stayed out of trouble and carried themselves like a responsible individual. Ookie is only loyal to himself and his boys. He picked the wrong team to be loyal to.

By Disgruntled

August 15, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Mountain Jim, this is the south. BBQ is a vegetable.

By Frederick

August 15, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

I can’t understand why there is talk of a lifetime ban for dogfighting. And a player for the St. Louis Rams kills someone while drinking and driving and still plays in the NFL.

By Charles

August 15, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Any honest thinking person could easily see that Michael Vick and the white power system, Atlanta media, did not see eye to eye. I said that any honest thinking person could see it.

After the falcons games, win or lose, Michael Vick would delay his press conferences. The press would respond by turning the cameras on prematurely. Mike Vick would be observed fixing the first of two earrings in his ears; an obvious defensive provocation. Mike Vick shooting the bird at disapproving fans would be the last of many defensive moves made against the white system of power. Whatever follows should be considered an aggressive assault on Michael Vick by the white power system.

There is much more to life than what the five senses, seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting gives to human beings. Fortunately, it does not come from Arthur Blank, teammates, fans, crew, federal government, etc. The God of Israel gives it to whoever is worthy.

If Mike Vick’s defensive struggles were to prevent the white system of power from taking his soul as it has done to most of his brothers and sisters in America, he may have scored the most important victory in his life. If the white system of power is attacking him because they have purchased his soul, he is simply getting what many of his brothers and sisters are getting in prison and general society, rich or poor.

Caution! Understanding on this level takes more than seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching. You must be worthy.

By Scott

August 15, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Matt Schaub, where are you??

By darren

August 15, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

People are always doing stupid things risking what they have, some people fight dogs, some drive drunk, smoke illegal substance, and cheat on taxes. If you get caught doing any of those things you can go jail. Mike will pay the price for his crimes and maybe he can go on to live a productive life.

By Whitey

August 15, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Hey “real black woman,” if I were Vick and wanted to have someone speak for me, I would at least choose someone who was literate. Your written skills reflect your level of ignorance.

By Thomas

August 15, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

What a great father he must be.

By Artie

August 15, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

A lot of good $$$ is going to do him while is a$$ is sitting in prison. Not to mention the fact that he will be jobless when he gets out since no team (in its right mind) would take on the PR hit to sign him. I mean he’s no Ray Lewis!!!!

By Chris

August 15, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

To those who talk about “piling on” and “judging” and “he who is without sin” and yada yada…

You’re the same fools who line up to protest against George Bush, call him a liar, a warmonger, a terrorist, and so forth.

“He who is without sin” indeed…Like you people actually go to church. You saw that line in a movie once.

By Artie

August 15, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

BTW…GREAT article, Mr. Bradley!!!!

By jmt

August 15, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley, I know that everyone at AJC is smiling and all seems right with the world. Having a white quaterback leading your team nothing to report on Joey Harrington he is the “great white hope. I congratulate you on this wonderful story. This is the last time I will reply to anything that AJC or Atlanta has to say about Michael Vick. But I want to point out some things that never got brought out.

1. Michael Vick did not give the finger to Atlanta fans it was 3 saints fans who said things that made me sick. I had my grandson with me at that game. I wanted to give them more than a finger.

2 Waterbottle. When Michael got back from Miami airport the Atlanta Falcons made him take a drug test or I should say he volunteered to take a drug test and past the test.
3. The lie that he only gave $10,000 to Virginia Tech massacre he helped raise over $100,000.

1. The day he stood up congress he had just left Warrick Dunns Golf tournament.
2. How he got Nike to send over 40,000 shoes to the schools in New Orleans when the city was flooded and gave money . How he continues to give and give.

I know that this does not sell papers. Suppose this was a son or a brother or someone you loved. I think you would want some goods things to be said about them.

The jokes are so insensitive people are turning profits off of his misery, do you think God is pleased with any of this, not just the dogs but the way we as humans are treating each other. I doubt if anyone will understand or care what I am saying. I just think we need to pray, because it may be what people wanted to happen to Michael Vick but it is such a waste. Finally he does deserve another chance at life, we all do.

By Falcon's Fan

August 15, 2007 10:27 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 Why !!!!!!!!

August 15, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Im now an Vick supporter.On the field I was a fan.The support comes into play now that he is facing jail time. This is sad case b/c unlike others who write in, I think he is good guy and I hope he gets his life together. Mark, try to rember that everyone makes mistakes including yourself. I thank God that he always gives us more chances and Vick will have another chance also.

By Don't Care

August 15, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

If Vick seeks a plea to resolve this situation, would that be the same thing that Mr Blank did to resolve his sexual harassment case? He wanted it to end and Vick wants it to end this as soon as possible. His lawyers are trying to get him the best possible deal, so he can move on with his life. If he does not go to trail, we won’t know the true about what he did or didn’t do. The same as we don’t know the true about Mr Blank’s case. We will only know what he plead to end this. If anyone should understand, it should be Mr Blank.

By Mr. Jones

August 15, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Mr. Vick bought this on himself, but this article is in very poor taste. The AJC should be ashamed.

By JLW

August 15, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

I’ve read a lot of what everybody has had to say on the matter. And first of all let’s not put God in this mess. Your opinion is your opinion. MV is and was wrong in some form or fashion and he needs to step up and be responsible for that.

Now for everybody else, we need to be careful how we judge MV. Because the bible does talk about how we judge one another, is how God will judge us. So those who can speak to the facts do so, but other than that pray for him, pray for God’s mercy because we all could be in a position such as MV. And as someone posted prior to myself, we all have some demons in our closet. We’re just not famous or we don’t have a 130 million dollar contract. So let’s back off a little and let’s love one another.

“With love and kindness have I drawn thee”. That was Jesus!!

By Joey

August 15, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Princess, what language are you using?

By Matt S

August 15, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Scott, Houston.

By VICK FAN

August 15, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

BRING VICK BACK HOME TO THE GEORGIA DOME HE IS THE ONLY REASON WE ALL PURCHASE SEASON TICKETS WHEATHER EVERYONE WANTS TO ADMIT OR NOT. NOW VICK SHOULD SEE THAT THE PLAYER HATERS WERE JUST USING HIM TO THEY COULDN’T USE HIM ANYMORE. LIVE AND LEARN!! THE PIBLIC MAY HAVE CONVICTED VICK NOW WITHOUT A JURY BUT EVERYONE MAKE STUPID MISTAKES WHEN THEY SHOULD KNOW BETTER BUT SOME OF US HAVE TO LEARN THE HARD WAY AND THAT’S WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO VICK. VICK MUST LEAVE THAT OLD CROWED ALONG IF HE DIDN’T KNOW THEN HE FOR SURELY KNOW NOW. VICK KEEP YOUR HEAD UP LIKE TUPAC SAID IN HIS SONG. MR. BLANK, NFL, COACHES IF VICK IS GONE THEN SO ARE THE SEASON TICKETS HOLDER IN MY COMPANY & FAMILY.
HEY YOU PLAYER HATERS WANT TO BUY 30 SEASON PASSES?

VICK FAN

By Falcon Fan

August 15, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Hey Princess, don’t have children until you go back and finish school(take English literacy classes).

By Fred

August 15, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Everybody wants to hate Vick. All these people talking about he shouldn’t be allowed to play football anymore over this. It’s a player in the league right now who was drinking and driving and killed someone. Why doesn’t anyone protest about that? Oh and if he does get banned and go to jail. He comes home to MILLIONS!!! No matter how much people hate he is still RICH! He got caught up in being loyal to his so called friends who had nothing. Now his friends are the ones who may help take his career away from him. Some Friends!!

By What Goes Around Comes Around

August 15, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

The old saying is an old saying because it is true. “What goes around comes around.” Michael will get the chance to go back to his roots, broke and selling crack in the hood. The cycle is complete. He has finished the cycle all because it is true that “you shall reap what you sow.” Too many bright stars (and most of the rest of us) may learn throughout life but it is vitally important that those in the public spotlight and “to whom is given much is expected” seek the right counsel to make sure they never cross the wrong lines. I wish we did not have to see such reversals in people’s lives but it happens over and over again as a reminder that universal truths are still universal truths. These truths could not apply more than when someone inflicts pain and death upon others, people and animals.

Of course, I wonder where his parents were in his and his brother’s childhood. Maybe that would have been the key in this situation… One can only wonder.

By If_It_Aint_Black

August 15, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

The racist people in this country sucks! To RACIST NEGATIVE PEOPLE, dogs matter more than human life. Human life is more valuable. In other countries, dogs are an entrée. Just like Christ Rock said, “if it aint white it aint right.” Vick will be okay and this just furthers separate blacks from whites. This is not about VICK, this is very much a racial issue.

I ENJOYED THIS Person’s POST:
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 bigfish

August 15, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

He broke the law and punishment will follow. No one should be happy about this situation.. and piling on / personal critisim is not a christian way to treat people… even criminals.

His lawyer is another story. what a load of crap ..

“I stand by Michael Vick,” Meachum said. “He’s a good kid in a bad situation. I’m a dog owner, a dog lover. I would not be involved in this case if I didn’t believe in him.”

He would not be involved in the case if Michael Vick did not have money.

Self inflicted wounds take the longest to heal.

By furylll

August 15, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Once a thug…always a thug. Even VT wants 2 dis-own hin

By Chris

August 15, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Hey Charles, the white man won’t take Vick’s soul. He doesn’t have one. He tossed it out the window long ago.

Maybe he’ll find it in prison. In 2 years, Ali Shabbaz will emerge from prison with a love for the Koran, and you’ll be able to buy your Minnesota Vikings Shabbaz jersey on NFL.com.

By Fed Up ATLien

August 15, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

As far as the writer of this article, he must have been dying to write something, so he figured he’d write this; the most crappy article I’ve read from Bradley. Heck Bradley probably has autographed Vick memorabilia at his house. I’ve kept my comments to myself for a while but I’m fed up. It amazes me how some of you people, intelligent Atlanta residents, sound on this blog. A lot of you were on Vick’s jock when things were good; remember 2004 NFC playoffs in Green Bay? 05’ and 06’ decline was not Vick’s fault. I’m an ex football player and I know that Football is not a one man sport. Montana, Elway, Brady did not do it all by themselves; therefore stop crucifying Vick for the Falcons fall. The majority of you all are only going by he say she say stuff. Yes he may have known about the dogs, but who saw Vick put his hands on a dog and strangled it? I own a dog and I feel bad that there is such a sport, Dog fighting. Let the man have his day in court or accept his plea deal, or whatever. That’s the reason why you pay taxes, to have a justice system. None of you have the right to judge anybody. A lot of you have Mike’s jerseys in your closets and your children wore them too; and plenty of you got skeletons in your closets, “FREAKIN HIPOCRYTES”. Put aside that this is a criminal case, it is clear that there is a lot of discrimination(racial and social). People who don’t have money are hating, and non blacks are doing what they do best, kiss your azz when things are good and play Judas when you make a mistake. Just when I thought Atlantans were loyal fans, I guess I was wrong. Regardless of what everyone feels, regarding the outcome of the case, I will always support Vick. He is human, not perfect. He did put a smile on my face and on some of you ignorant pricks’ faces. Love him or hate him you sat there on sundays watching him. Blank will more than likely cut him, but he will get picked up by an owner when it’s all said and done. It’s amazing how one’s good deeds disappear when one errs(which is human). By the way, the falcons players do support Vick but they wont come public because they do not want to be anybody’s target. I know a lot of you will refer to Dunn’s comment, which by the way was totally misconstrud by the media and some of you. You all make me sick, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. GO VICK

By David

August 15, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

I give all DOGS more respect than michael vick. My hope is that he suffers for the rest of his life never plays football again and spends a LONG time is jail with the rest of his friends.

By Joey

August 15, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Charles, you are scary.

By peace

August 15, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

GOD COME BACK NOW!!!!

By Told-U-So

August 15, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Interesting to see all MV’s ‘boyz’ copping plea$. “Dam*, y’all, I thought we wuz tight!?” Guess there just aint no ‘Brotha-hood’ in the ‘Neighba-hood, lol.

By Snook

August 15, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

“Everyone makes mistakes”???

Right. Good one. But not everyone commits felonies.

Vick is trash. Good riddance.

And where’s all the folks saying he’s innocent? An innocent man doesn’t ponder admitting guilt.

By Decatur Sean

August 15, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

You writers got what you wanted. Vick is out, and the great white hope is in. The falcons… be 2 and 14 this year. Go figure? Thatssss Greattttt!!

By Joey

August 15, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Vick Fan, please proof read your comments before posting. Please!

By Bravo

August 15, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Princess, please go back to second grade and learn how to write a sentence. Maybe then you can get a real job and a real life. By the way, the fries are ready.

By Brian

August 15, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Although I do not condone Vick for his mistakes, I also believe you should never kick a man when he is down. Mark Bradley, you’re a real piece of work and this article is a piece of trash. I’m cancelling my subscription!

By Make me laugh

August 15, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Hey you all saying this is about race, do you know how hard that makes us laugh? When you put your hands up your backside and pull out an excuse, is race the best thing you call pull from that nasty thing? You ghetto dwellers never cease to amaze me.

By Mike

August 15, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

If Arthur Blank had asked my opinion in the beginning, and I never would expect him to, I would have advised not to draft Michael Vick. He is not an NFL franchise quarterback. Vick can run around the college players, but pro ball is all about drop-back quarterbacks, not scramblers. Yes, he is an exciting player, very talented and perhaps the best pure athlete in the game. But not at quarterback. Vick will win a lot of games, excite a lot of people, but will not win championships. The truly great teams, the playoff-calibur teams, know how to defense him, and we have seen this come to pass over several years. Vick is not a rookie any longer. He is not still trying to learn the system. He is at the peak of his career - what you see is what you get. And what we see and get are no championships.

As to Mike personally, what a tradgedy. Yes, he had it all - had it all and blew it. Just for being stupid. I have no sympathy for him. Why didn’t the Gods strike my legs with a lightning bolt and give me a chance to play a boy’s game for a living and make millions. Let Mike shovel some of the s* I do for a living and let him see what life is like for all of us here in the real world.

His crime was terrible and unforgiveable. On behalf of all dog owners and dog lovers in this world, as far as I am concerned, they can wet him down, hook him up and plug him in.

By Stones

August 15, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

To everyone with the “…cast the first stone” or “what if all of your dirty laundry was aired…” comments to Mark Bradley, remember that as far as we know, Mark Bradley has not committed a felony, particularly one with details as heinous as Vick. If he did, his “dirty laundry” surely would be aired. And it’s Bradley’s JOB as an editorialist to write thought-provoking articles and express his opinion, whether you agree with those opinions or not.

By Lane

August 15, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

All you people who hope Vick goes broke and wish him out the league. Not going to happen at least with the being broke. So go and hate that someone rich and black accused of crime will probably either get probation or get less than a year. And as far as the Falcons go they have never even had back to back winning seasons. Since they went to the super bowl Vick is the reason the Dome was packed. Now everyone has turned their back on him. HE will get through this even with all the hate. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I hope he gets another chance to play and I hope it isn’t the Falcons. When he was running around making plays he could do no wrong. He makes a mistake and you turn your back. Does anyone really believe Joey Harrington is the answer? Or better yet that the Falcons have enough talent to compete with the Saints? HE is better off being on another team.

By Chris

August 15, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Um, Vick Fan, I have season tickets. My family has had them since 1966. In case you’re unaware, that was quite some time before Mike Vick. So this tired “no one will come to games without Vick” nonsense has to go.

The REAL Falcons and football fans will be there. Hopefully, the people who WON’T be there are the fools hootin’ and hollerin’, waving towels over their heads, and yelling obscenities with little kids nearby.

I hope you get rid of your tickets. Sell them to someone who gives a damn about the Falcons, not just about 1 guy. There are 53 players on the team. Surely you can root for one of them. Vick isn’t the only black guy on the team, you know. Pick another one.

On a different note, I think I’ll be adding a Harrington jersey to my wardrobe this fall.

Also, to those standing by Vick: he doesn’t give a damn about you. Why support a man who couldn’t care if you lived or died?

By steve

August 15, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

hopefully this will be a lesson to not only vick but to all those who aspire to be like him in every way. the lesson is “you are not above the law. nobody is. that’s what this republic is all about.. “rule of law”. if vick can redemm himself in character and mold himself into a positive role model for others heading down the same miserable path of gangsta, tough, thug, wanna be’s, then his life will be of some value. if not, then he will be forever lost.

By Lex Luthor

August 15, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

More money more problems

By terrell

August 15, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Warrick also said that it would be great to have Mike back. The way you guys are tearing this man apart when he is already at his lowest point is as yall say, BARBARIC. Bradley, Bisher, Moore, werent yall around during the civil rights movements? I’ve never heard any of you speak on how BARBARIC those days were or when Hosea marched in Forsyth only to be hit with stones like he was an animal. And this happened in the 90’s for crying out loud. Was that not BARBARIC? You guys really make me sick! I dont support the killing or fighting of dogs but this is getting rediculous.

By Traceman

August 15, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Mark, just when I think that the AJC can’t sink any lower, you guys manage to do just that. I find it APALLING at the GLEE that you and many of your brethren at the AJC seem to take from taking shots at Vick. This is a SAD story of a person with so much potential falling down. Sure, a lot of his fall was of his own doing but that still doesn’t make his fall something you should CELEBRATE.

You and your sick brethren at the AJC (yeah you too Terence) won’t stop at condemning his behavior, you take it to the next level of trying to INFLICT PAIN on him as an individual by using your venues to “rub it in.” You poke him with the needle asking him how it feels to have had it all and lost it. How the hell do you THINK it feels? You also try to “profit” from his demise by trying to be as sensational and ourageous as possible in hopes that you will get your “15 minutes of fame” on CNN, Fox News, ESPN or any other national outlet that will have you. The spirit of this column is akin to me TAKING PLEASURE in watching Harmon Wages demise related to his drug issues.

By AMEER

August 15, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

inappropriate article by an idiot writer…

By Chris

August 15, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Actually, I heard on 680 that Vick only has like $4 mil or something in the bank. Apparently he’s been all over town trying to borrow money for his legal defense.

Dude is damn near broke (comparatively). After legal fees and fines, and since he will have no income from either the NFL or endorsements (unless another team signs him when he gets out), he’s not going to be rich.

It’s awesome that people say, “Well, he may be a criminal, but he has more money than you!”

Money’s great, but I’d rather have things like pride, integrity, and a clean criminal record. Like having money means it’s OK to be a criminal and act like a moron. Idiots.

Remember: if you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything. Homeboy sure did some falling, that’s for sure.

By smiles

August 15, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

WAIT UNTIL THE NAMES OF THE OTHER NFL PLAYERS COME OUT SEE HOW YOU FEEL THEN BECAUSE ITS COMING AND YOU WILL BE SHOCKED AS TO WHO IS ON THE LIST SOME OF YOUR GOOD OLD BOYS ARE ON IT. YOU ALL WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW. ROGER GODDELL KNOWS IT AND IS PRAYING HE CAN GET MIKE VICK AND HIS FRIENDS NOT TO RAT THEM OUT. RICCO ACT IS BIGGER THAN MIKE VICK. THERE IS SOMEONE BIGGER THAT THEY WANT AND IT IS COMING. SEE IF AJC REPORTS THAT.

By Sarah

August 15, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Will someone, anyone… please pass out a few books on grammar to the Vick supporters on here. How can one go to school and still rape the Kings English like some of you do? Your lack of language skills is nothing less than frightening, to say the least.

By Artie

August 15, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Wow!!!! Are all of Vick’s supporters grammatically challenged idiots?!?!

By David

August 15, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Big Fish, I agree with your message. Mr. Vick has created his own mess, and now he will have to do the time.

Fact is that he deserves much more time than he will receive. His decision to fund this deprived activity of dog fighting is pathetic. Too bad Arthur Blank was stupid enough to pay him such big dollars, so now he can pay high dollar lawyers for a defense he does not deserve.

Mke Vick should have to face the music and do some serious hard time. Maybe now society will see how sick dog fighting is and and the other low lifes that watch this just might get a wake call they could be next.

Anyone to find this activity enjoyable is very sick and belongs in the slameer next to mr. Vick. Then maybe the guards could have a little fun with all of these misfits and put them into a pit to fight each other. At the end of the day they would see Mr. Vick is a cowardly puke just like all of his “homies” that watch dog fighting.

Now that is how I really feel about this.

By Snook

August 15, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Stop using RACE as an excuse to why your life AND Vick’s life sucks right now. Step up and accept PERSONAL responsibility for what happens in your life.

Atlanta is truly a sad city.

By J-E-T-S

August 15, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Answer: T Brady, D Brees, M Brunnell, J Campbell, D Carr, J Cutler, D Culpepper, J Garcia, D Huard, J Kitna, D McNabb, S Mc Nair, E Manning, P Manning, T Romo, C Pennington

Question:How many NFL QB’s threw for @ 1000 yds or more and had a higher QB rating than “Hype Vick” (75.7 RTG)

By JR

August 15, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

If he’d had any common sense he would have admitted he had a dog kennel and participated in dogfights right away. Instead he comes up with the excuse that he didn’t really know what was going on up there. Be a man for once in your life Michael and admit to everyone and yourself that you messed this whole thing up and then you can get on to the next stage of your life whatever that might be. JR.

By Jan

August 15, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

It amazes me that so much time has been spent on the Mike Vick case. I am also surprised that the case involving the referee betting on games he called has not been headline news. Do we even know how much money was made or lost because of his actions? d How do we know it was only him? I read about people wanting Vick to serve years in jail for arranging and training dogs to fight. Amazing that the woman who shot her husband in the back in Tennesse only served a few months in jail but we as a people don’t seem to care. I don’t see any protested out about how unfair her sentence was compared to what most people get for similar crimes.

By MiDdle FaNga ZuP

August 15, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

What’s now happening to Vick was bound to happen… things done in darkness always seem to come to the light, some day. This is MV7’s day. This is his Cross to bear. I’m an Atlanta Falcons fan. I’m a season-ticket holder 3 years running. But I’m also a Michael Vick fan. And as a fan, I am truly upset over what has transpired. I’m going to miss loosing my mind because a play just broke down, and #7 is headed towards the pylon in a blur. I hope Vick plays again. He messed up, got caught, thus there are the repercussions. But I wish him the best. I know he wishes he could take it all back. As a fan, I feel betrayed. But as a person who’s not perfect, I feel his pain.

By Kim

August 15, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

I must say that having read the comments above, I am very dissappointed. It appears to me that Michael is guilty until proven innocent. Yes, it looks as if he is guilty, but come on.. Did he KILL a HUMAN BEING. I know of murderers that get more sympathy than Michael is getting. And to the reporter, why but it on so thick. Don’t you think he knows what he has done and what he must face. It sounds to me that you and many others are relishing in the fact that he has fallen. I am Michael Vick’s number one fan. Anyone that knows me can attest to that fact. And though I am dissappointed in what he has done. I hope that one day he will be able to come back from all of this and become the great quarterback we all know him to be. Mike, if you are reading this… KEEP YOU HEAD UP!!! Face whatever comes your way. And know and trust that with God by your side you will come out of this situation a better man. You are going to be o.k. God has gotten you through a much worse situation and he will continue to carry you. You will always be my number 1 quarterback.

I will not be watching any football until he returns. The fun is gone without him.

By ghost rider

August 15, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree…Witness Marcus Vick! Between these to clowns they don’t have the smarts to run the shake machine at the local Dairy Queen. Vick’s headache is growing. All the home boys have turned on him. What the feds are holding over Vick’s head now are gambling charges…If convicted that could mean a lifetime suspension. If he ever wants to play football again he’s going to have to plea to a sentence of 1 to 2 years…It ain’t pretty, but he can acquire some new friends, and new tatts, and when he gets out and squints into the sunlight he’ll be thirty years old!

By David

August 15, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Point well made. Mike does not live in the real world.

Mike should be happy when his performance yielded losses he was treat more humanely than the dogs that lost. I agree with the idea, maybe some should have plugged in a cattle prod and laid on mike vick while wet and see how he liked it.

Mike Vick is a loser. Fooling Arthur Blank in to thinking he was worth all of that big money is a joke. Mike Vick is no Super Bowl QB.

Mike Vick is a thug with Thug like behavior. Now Falcon fans get over it.

By pkt

August 15, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick has/had more money and fame than most of us will ever know. But at heart he is a thug. He did not make a “mistake”- he deliberately set out to fight dogs to the death and to painfully kill those that didn’t fight. Who is really the “animal”? I think an appropriate punishment would be to smear the dog fighting owner with some good ground meat and then let him fight the dogs that he would have sent to their deaths.

By Anonymous

August 15, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

People say not to kick the man when he is down…

May I remind you that we are talking about a person who took part in dogfighting and if that was not enough, kicked, punched, strangled, electrocuted and drowned a dog when it was “down”.

Let him see how it feels.

At least this is verbal abuse he is receiving. I don’t think he would be in as much trouble if the worst he did was verbally abuse his dogs.

Oh well, let the justce system work its course.

By outside lookin' in

August 15, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

ATL is definitely NOT too busy to hate. in fact, that’s ALL that comes from a lot of you!!

and MB why would you not post DUNN’s corrected quote?? ‘cause YOU TOO are too busy hatin’!!!

man, i’m glad i left that supposedly morally correct, bible belt yet hate-filled place called ATLANTA, GA. a lotta you are stuck in time and STILL DO NOT have a clue!!

By Snook

August 15, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Hey JAN:

If that woman who shot her husband in Tennessee played in the NFL, YOU WOULD’VE HEARD more about that story. But she doesn’t. Vick does.

Duh.

By lowdown

August 15, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

BRADLEY,

THIS IS A VERY LOW ARTICLE FOR A COLUMNISTS.

AND FOR OTHERS, IT IS FUNNY HOW YOU SAY THIS IS SOOO BAD, BUT MANY OF YOU DON’T DO ANYTHING TO HELP OR PREVENT ANY OF IT. YOU JUMP ON THE LATEST BUZZ BUT THEN DISAPPEAR INTO THE SUNSET AS REALLY “NON-SUPPORTERS” OF ANY EFFORT TO PREVENT DOG FIGHTING OR ANY CRIME.

MOST, INCLUDING BRADLEY, ARE ALL MOUTH/WORDS AND NO DEEDS = HYPOCRITES!!!

By Kathy

August 15, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick is proof positive that you can take the man out of the ghetto, but you can never take the ghetto out of the man.

By Argene

August 15, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Yo man - why you be puttin’ a brotha down. You jealous of my brotha’z man - you white boy. Yo homie, keep it real and on da’ down low - ya know, dough? Peace out dog.

By Stat

August 15, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

There are a lot worse things in this world to give so much attention to than this man having a dog fight…an animal was killed…though it is sad… it still shouldnt be put on the same pedistal as a humans life. I just dont think its worth all the press. let me ask everyone a question…Do you feel a dogs life is just as valuble a childs life? If anyone of you answers yes you really need to look at yourself as a person

By RBM

August 15, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Excellent Job Mark…Lets remember Vick’s quote via his lawyer 20 days ago: ” I look forward to clearing my good name.” Vick is too much of a coward to speak direct to the people. I hope he does go to prison…Why he may actually be forced to work for a meager living like the rest of us. What a looser…I already bought each of my three dogs the $8 chew toy, but they have not arrived yet.

By Mark Bradley

August 15, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

There was no glee in this column. There has been no glee in any column about Michael Vick these last few months. I like Michael Vick and am truly saddened by what has transpired. That was the sense I was trying to convey today.

By green bay girl

August 15, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

ENOUGH ALREADY Yes I too find this disgusting but I also expect the writers to act and write responsible articles,this was just over board. I have a thought on this. You the writers and the fans owners and the NFL help create this revolting person, YES YOU & US We hold these young people in such a manner that so many times they are allowed to act badly for way to long. Mr. Blank why do you and others not let players know if they start with bad behavior they are not going to play and if it keeps up they will be GONE GONE Why would any one pay someone who has yet to prove themselves. Both on and off the field. Lets take a step back. Stop letting them think they can do anything they want. Yes Mike Vick is a revolting person to me. I had a Rott puppy she was 12 years when she died I still cry for her. You have no idea how little respect I have for people like you. With all that talent and the best you do is treat some poor dog with all the meaness you can find. I feel for your family how heart broken they must be.* NOTE to you Mr. Bradley think of better articles to write remember you too have a special talent.

By Shar

August 15, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick understood that his extraordinary paycheck was for services beyond thowing a football. He agreed to become the face of the franchise, to provide the star power to draw people into seats, eyeballs to TV screens, a seductive siphon for merchandising dollars as well as sales of those products he contracted to endorse. He signed a code of conduct with the NFL that specifically enjoined him from bringing disrepute to the league through commission of felonies and, even more important, prohibited him from gambling or associating with gamblers.

Michael Vick ignored these commitments repeatedly. How can you spark fan loyalty when you give them the finger? How can you be the face of the team when you rudely blow off a Congressional appearance? How can you be trusted as a role model for the young Falcons fans when you pass along STD’s and lie about it?

The man had many opportunities to change his behavior but he chose not to. The dogfighting allegations are the final proof that he can no longer do anything more than throw a football, which is the least of what his $130 million was supposed to buy. If pride indeed goeth before a fall, he has a very long way to tumble.

The Falcons’ management bears some responsibility for this disaster. They have continued the pattern that Mr. Vick grew up with, bending the rules and intervening between him and the consequences of his actions. It would be understandable for Mr. Vick to feel uncomfortable with people who only know him as a rich, famous athelete, to believe that those from his past are the only ones who can be trusted to know the man inside. If he had been truly punished for the more minor infractions he committed with his “crew”, if he had been held to the same standard that the more disposable players and staff are, perhaps Mr. Vick would have accepted a need to change his behavior instead of expecting to be protected from the consequences thereof.

He’s a grown man who made bad choices and as such does not deserve pity, only regret for what he might have chosen to be. If something good can come from his fall, perhaps the NFL can mandate programs for the pampered and sheltered atheletes they employ to make absolutely clear the days of high school and college intervention are over, that adult behavior is expected, and provide specific steps and support so that these newly-minted millionaires can learn to protect their reputations, their freedom and their financial futures.

By bigeasy830

August 15, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Great article, of all the journalist in Atlanta, you have done a great job on this story from day one. You have been fair and have asked some very insightful questions and brought out some great points. It is better to be respected than liked. Mr. Bradley, I respect you and the work you have done on this story.

By TDE

August 15, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

There are times when I do not agree with Mr. Bradley, but you must look at this compelling piece with an open mind, and simply put - he “kept it real”

By blind followers

August 15, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

good article mark. mike vick is a thug that set this franchise back and set this city back. he is an animal that enjoys seeing dogs ripped apart to win a $1000 bet. stopped defended this guy people, i know your black he’s black and you feel like to have to but your a human being before your black. take your heads out of the sand dont defended bad behavior and understand that mark and many others are fed up with dealing with the baggage that is mike vick. check this out he enjoys watching this:http://www.usanimalprotection.org/gypsy100.jpg

By Allie

August 15, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

How does Vick feel? What about the countless animals that were tortured, maimed, killed and buried on his property—all in the name of “sport”? Poor Vick, he’s lost money and plenty of endorsements. Perhaps he should have thought about that before he decided animals were his to kill for money and “enjoyment.” He’s not an “idol” to be admired but someone who needs to see a psychiatrist to learn why he felt nothing knowing dogs (man’s best friend?) were being trained to be vicious killers. The dogs that suffered and died need pity more than he does. The other helpless animals that taught those dogs to kill need pity, not Vick. The children who were exposed to the brutal killing of pets, need pity, not Vick. He committed a crime. He broke the law. He needs to be punished like anyone else (that doesn’t have a “name” and millions) would be punished. I hope he realizes NOW that even animals deserve to be treated humanely. He may be laid low and may be full of regrets, NOW, but he was already in a gutter when he thought it was cool to earn money killing animals for “sport.” Sorry, Vick. I feel for the dogs, not you.

By Hoosiers

August 15, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

go to college, yea, like that is going to happen. MV is done! Maybe he & his bro, Marcus can start a business venture together.