AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > August > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USVick listening now
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
At least for the moment, Michael Vick is embracing the tens of supporters that he now has over the millions who once existed in his world. To that end, he is quietly attending a little church near his mother’s home in Chesapeake, Va. Even before his mea culpa this week after he pleaded guilty in a Virginia federal court to charges related to dogfighting, the 100 members or so spent recent weeks singing and praying over the Falcons quarterback at the altar in an attempt “to scream the demons out of him,” according to a famous visitor.
It’s a start.
So there is hope.
Since Vick says he has become a Christian while evolving from NFL star to convicted felon, we’ll summarize his plight in biblical terms. Instead of the King James Version, we’ll use the standard NFL translation: He was sacked for a huge loss, but he still can score a touchdown. It’s just going to take a few more hits for a guy who kept ignoring his blockers.
Blockers, prophets, advisers. Same thing in this case. Vick had so many folks trying to push him away from idol gods, but he ignored them. Now, he has to reap what he has sown. Still, courtesy of his confession from the heart, he has shown contrition, and he has asked for forgiveness. Repentance remains, but only because he didn’t listen to his ever-present voices of reason earlier in his career. He heard a couple of those voices during the summer of 2002 in Greenville, S.C., where Vick huddled for the longest time with an icon from the civil-rights movement and an Atlanta columnist after a Falcons practice during training camp at Furman University. What started as a conversation of two became a trio after Andrew Young waved for me on the far side of the field to join them.
The discussion wasn’t about the intricacies of the draw play. The discussion was about what Vick needed to do to avoid becoming another professional athlete with lots of money and notoriety getting embarrassed — or worse — before flashing cameras and live microphones. The discussion was about how he needed to use professionalism on and off the field. The discussion was about how he needed a spiritual rebirth.
Through it all, Vick used his ears more than his mouth.
So what happened?
“He became guilty of ghetto loyalty,” said Young, the former Atlanta mayor and U.N. ambassador, sighing on Wednesday with the memory. For instance: Soon after that huddle, Vick joined Young and other athletes for a trip to New York to help those needing wheelchairs via something called Wheelchair Charities. That’s when Young told Vick, “These are the things that you have to keep on doing. And, actually, if he had gone to trial, some of those guys had called me, and they were preparing to come to support him.”
Then Vick became larger than life on the field and the rest of life around him became insignificant beyond his crew. It was one of his crew members who stole an expensive watch in his presence after they went through security at the Atlanta airport. In the midst of it all, his crew was hanging and drowning dogs.
Young sighed again, saying, “I’m in Africa quite a bit, so I lost track of Michael for a long time. I did not follow up much with him, but he expressed an interest in learning how to do the right things, and he is a bright kid, but he has no background and no support network. That’s why [during that huddle in 2002] I was trying to help him to realize that, all of a sudden, he is a star and a celebrity, and that’s a heavy burden, and you can’t carry it alone. You need a support network around you.”
Enter that little Virginia church, with missionary work in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Mozambique. Instead of sending money, clothes or food, the members go to those countries with farm machinery to help the citizens grow their own food. Vick’s mother, Brenda Boddie, lives next door to the church secretary, and after becoming that famous visitor to the church earlier this summer, Young suggested to church members that they invite Vick to attend.
Before long, Boddie was in the pews, along with her son.
“I mean, I don’t believe anybody hardly in the church has ever been to college, but they’re just common-looking people that are maids, and they work in laundries, and they just do simple things,” Young said. “They have the spirit, though, and they ain’t playing. They’re having church. When they get through screaming and shouting over you, something’s going to change.”
That’s the hope with Vick.
There’s that word again.
Hope.
Permalink | Comments (124) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Terence Moore
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Larry
August 29, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
Judge one’s behavior, not his words, as behavior never lies.
We’ll see!
By vp
August 29, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
Do you have anything else to talk about, I am so sick an tired of you talking negative about a young man that has made a mistake come on what have you done. Lets talk about Brian Nichols who has killed HUMAN! In BROAD DAYLIGHT! God is a forgiving god and Michael has to grow through something to see the Bigger Picture Enough is Enough!
By vp
August 29, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
Do you have anything else to talk about, I am so sick an tired of you talking negative about a young man that has made a mistake come on what have you done. Lets talk about Brian Nichols who has killed HUMAN! In BROAD DAYLIGHT! God is a forgiving god and Michael has to grow through something to see the Bigger Picture Enough is Enough!
By Meezy
August 29, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this
And a racist / atheist comment will be coming in 5,4,3,2, …
By albert
August 29, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
MICHAEL VICK’S RECENT APOLOGY WAS A NON-APOLOGY. I NEVER HEARD HIM SAY HE WAS SORRY FOR RUNNING A GAMBLING ENTERPRISE INVOLVING DOG FIGHTING. I NEVER HEARD MICHAEL VICK SAY HE WAS SORRY FOR KILLING AND TORTURING ANIMALS. I AM SORRY FOR THE THINGS I DONE? WHAT THE HECK DOES THAT MEAN? SAME OLE SONG AND DANCE RON MEXICO, NO REDEMPTION FOR YOU. YOU JUST DON’T GET IT DO YOU MICHAEL?
By lucky
August 29, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this
AMEN…..Get A Life and Leave Mike along DAM LEAVE MIKE ALONG PLEASE……
By Gary Harrison
August 29, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick did reheprehensible things; things all of us judge and condemn him for. So have we all - we just haven’t been caught or seen the light. If Mike has truly met Jesus - the ONLY One whose forgiveness matters, and if he truly has repented, I forgive you as Jesus does, Mike, and offer you my prayers as a brother in Christ, a fellow Son of the Living God. Welcome to the family, Mike. God go with you.
By Thomas
August 29, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
It is amazing how fools like Vick jump behind Jesus when squeezed! This dude is a stone looser and it is time for the Falcon fans to get with the program and loose this chump!
By Charles
August 29, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this
I like how you are now softening your stance after you threw Michael Vick under the bus. Ultimately, this is just a dumb article. I think your colleage Wooten enfluenced this column when he recently wrote a more balanced piece. I guess he should be thanked because you were probably had some sort of writers block to add to the block that impedes fairness as you and others gave former Thrashers player Danny Heatly contributed to the death of his friend due to his immaturity. And is it fair to indirectly hope Vick can’t play in the NFL when this blows over while Martha Stewart got a pass when she violated the stock system that most people have to play in fairly? She returned to her kitchen where she once stuffed collard greens in a turkey and claimed it to a southern tradition?
I can’t wait until things return to normal when you were the most hated writer in Atlanta. Only this time, I will not support you in anything.
But think about this
By joe white
August 29, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this
T once you when you open your mouth you stick your own foot in it. Are you a christian? If so how would you like someone to question your faith? As i said before you suck and your papper sucks, vick made a mistake he is not god and either is you so we should judge him like that. And to parents I coach little league you should be your kids role model, not someone else. Stop telling your kids to be like someone else,because you have the biggest influence on your kids.
By CNote
August 29, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
You what Terrance you can give it up ESPN is not going to hire you. You are stuck at writing this riduclous articles on a sport you obviously know nothing about. Vick will rebound and in a huge way. It is apparent that you are not a Falcons fan let alone a football fan because if you were you would know that Professional football in Atlanta pre-Vick was horrible never seen on local TV and tickets you could buy for $1.00. It appears that with the absence of Vick guess what you can get Falcons tickets for $1.00. Arthur Blank is a business man and a smart business man would not be pressured to get rid of the only player that sell tickets and keep the doom sold out since his arrival. Therefore, Terrance you need to stop chasing your dream of become an ESPN employee because it will never happen. In fact, it has been a pleasure looking at ESPN without seeing your face and I bet they haven’t call you lately for an editorial. They just used you because they needed an Afican American male who was aganist Vick and they found they found one in you.
By albert
August 29, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
EDITH, your profanity is un necessary
By runc
August 29, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore thank you for writing a positive article concerning Mike Vick. I hope that he truly have the heart and strenght to make a change and be the man that God called him to be. I remember getting side tracked in my 20’s and it was my relationship with God that turned my life around. Many people accepted his apology but was annoyed about him talking about Jesus. It does not matter if others believe he is not sincere or if they do not believe in God. This decision that he has made is between him and God alone, not the fans or the haters. He said it and I say it “It’s the right thing to do.”
By Mike in Montgomery
August 29, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
Another excellent article Terrence. You have been spot on with this issue from Day One.
Michael has talked the talk this week, now he must walk the walk. You tell us you are a changed man and sorry Michael, well now it is put up or shut up time.
You have done some things that are nearly unfogivable Micheal, but American’s are a forgiving person, now you just have to earn that forgiveness. The question: Are you capable of doing that, or once again are you all talk?
By hedidit
August 29, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
He makes me sick and so do you stupid supporters. Did it ever occur to you to show some morality and respect the LAW! He’s a thug. Of course he’s remorseful, he just blew $130 million.
By chipdip
August 29, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this
GOD doesn’t give a flying @#$% about VICK!!!!!!!!!
By NASCARfan
August 29, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this
What I love is how people try to deflect what Vick is done by pointing to someone else’s worse sin or worse crime.
Guess what, vp? Wrong is wrong, so pointing to someone else’s greater wrong doesn’t make what Vick did right. What he did wasn’t a “mistake” as so many of apologists say. It was an active choice, a choice he made many, many times. If you believe in God, then you know to God, ALL sins carry the same weight. A sin is a sin is a sin; there’s no such thing as a little or a big sin in God’s eyes. They’re all the same.
Stop being an enabler, vp. Stop making excuses. Stop pointing out the motes in other’s eyes to try to make the beam in Vick’s eye look smaller.
Vick has taken a good step, and I really pray he is sincere. God will know if he is not.
I’m not sure if he deserves to play in the NFL again, because unlike many of the people who’ve been blind supporters of Vick (and I was one until I read the indictment), I realize (and I think Vick now realizes this as well) that playing in the NFL isn’t a RIGHT. So no, the NFL doesn’t ever have to let him play again. Kind of like they don’t have to take true sophomores out of college if they don’t want to. Kind of like Augusta doesn’t have to admit women if they don’t want to.
Bottom line, I hope he is sincere.
By truckstop
August 29, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this
Terrence, its amazing the AJC hasn’t fired you (gotta be Affirmative Action).
By albert
August 29, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
MICHAEL VICK FOUND JESUS AND PROMPTLY OVERTHREW HIM BY TWENTY YARDS
By Kiki
August 29, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Terence Moore, for not passing judgement on Michael Vick in your column. It is strange to me that so many detractors argue that Mike’s decision to turn his life over to God is the most glaringly dishonest part of his apology. In my opinion, it is the most believable thing that he said. If my father, grandfather, cousins, closest friends, and mentors all turned their backs on me in my greatest time of need, I imagine I would look elsewhere for support as well. I myself am not a very religious person, but even I can understand why he would need a source of hope right now.
I count myself among the ‘tens’ of supporters Vick has left. I am also an animal lover, having volunteered in animal shelters, and even adopted a shelter cat myself. Yes, it is possible to love aniimals, and still not condemn Vick to the fires of hell for what he did. He is trying to redeem himself, and that is good enough for me. I will hang onto my number 7 jersey for the day when he plays in the NFL again. Keep your head up, Mike. We are rooting for you!
By Eian
August 29, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
Arthur Blank is a racist, who uses people to make money…Vick help make the Falcons watchable, Mr. Blank stood behind him when it was profitable but left his side when it was not. If Mr. Blank wants the community(especially the black community) support, then he needs to atleast show support to his young QB who made a big mistake. There is such a thing called forgiveness. if Mr. Blank does not show that, then the back lash will be forth coming. If you cut him it will be preceived it was because he was a thug, the same thug you called part of your family. Just because you have rough stone in your family, you do not just cut it off….you encourage and help him get back to the man you caem to love and admire. After all, isnt that what we really want are kids to learn. Forgiveness. Vick did not hurt me, or any other person in that manner, he migth have let us down, but I bet he has brought more joy than pain to the Falcons fans…..
By NASCARfan
August 29, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
Chipdip, no… YOU don’t care about Vick, but God does… he even cares about YOU, too. Interesting how that works.
Don’t presume to speak for your Creator.
By albert
August 29, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
WHEN MICHAEL VICK IS READY TO GIVE A “REAL” APOLOGY, I WILL FORGIVE HIM. A REAL APOLOGY WILL STATE IN PLAIN ENGLISH WHAT HIS CRIMES WERE. NOT MISTAKES, MICHAEL, CRIMES. YOU DID NOT MAKE MISTAKES MICHAEL, DROP THE LAWYER TALK. TELL ME YOU ARE SORRY FOR YOUR CRIMES AND TELL ME WHAT YOUR CRIMES WERE, SIMPLE
By albert
August 29, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
MICHAEL, YOU SAID YOU WERE NOT HONEST AND FORTHRIGHT WITH GOODELL AND BLANK, NO MICHAEL, YOU LIED TO THEIR FACES. PEOPLE ARE PAYING ATTENTION MIKE,STOP USING LAWYER LANGUAGE
By Falcon49
August 29, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
Guess what guys!!! He is not coming back ! He made a mistake! No matter what kind of mistake it was. HE BBROKE THE LAW! He had us all fooled for six years. He really sucked me in like all of you! Not anymore! HE is gone and I am glad of it. I have been a Falcons fan for 33 years. Glad the cancer is gone. He will never be a falcon again!Thank god! Let’s quit talking about him and move on! There is a game Friday night and I will be there!!!!! Go Falcons!!!!
By Doglover
August 29, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this
UNCLE TERRENCE,YOU ARE REALLY STARTING TO GET ON MY NERVES! LEAVE MIKE ALONE!
By albert
August 29, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this
GAMBLING IS ENOUGH TO BAR MIKE FOR LIFE FROM THE NFL. ON TOP OF THAT HE DROWNED AND HANGED DOGS
By Charlene
August 29, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
Amen Eian! Arthur Blank sucks! Welcome to reality black people!
By Falcon49
August 29, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
Eian,
Are you a freakin idiot!! Do you think NFL football will not survive in Atlanta just because Mike Vick is gone! Please! I am white and am so sick of hearing about the poor black man being held down. Maybe it is time you told some of the black thugs in sports to quit acting like idiots! Footabll in the Atlanta will be fine. I bet you just run your mouth and don’t even go to the games! Idiot! Act like a real man. Warrick Dunn,Alge Crumpler are real men! True examples of honorable Atlanta Falcons! Eian you freakin IDIOT!!!!!!
By Swatguy
August 29, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this
Terence I doubt you read this but Thank You. You have called Vick as it was and you called on him as the solution . You called him to give it up and apparantly many other have. Many others just dont and will not Get It. I applaud Vick as he grows in Christ. I applaud you for calling him out and always telling it like it is. As Mike Vick grows in Christ he will realize, when GOD welcomes him he already is redeemed. Only GOD matters. Mike walk in faith brother, it is well.
By Roberta
August 29, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
Thirty years ago, one of President Richard Nixon’s most trusted aides, Chuck Colson, went to prison for his role in the Watergate scandal. Because of that experience, Colson turned his life over to God. Soon after his release from prison, Colson started a prison ministry that is still active today. He made a difference. Vick could do the same. In my opinion, rather than trying to get back into football after he serves his sentence, the best thing Vick could do would be to become an ambassador to high schools and colleges all over the country. His example—far more than lectures from coaches, teachers, preachers, and even parents—could get the message across that long term success depends as much on outstanding character as outstanding talent.
By A Turner
August 29, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore you are what we call a dangerous Black man….not in the sense that put fear in the non black America because you are educated, rich and well spoken…you are dangerous because you are a modern day uncle Tom that will do all you can to be accepted by white America. We blacks laugh at you in your face….others smile at you then say “what a stupid f@#$ when you turn your back. This has nothing to do with Vick and the dogs….just wanted to remind you of how stupid you look every chance I get.
By jp
August 29, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
Dear TM,
That was a very encouraging and hopeful column about Micheal Vick! The Judge in this case will hopefully use this rare opportunity to have a world renowned superstar make a difference for others less fortunate! A man can be broken but the spirit can not! The power of prayer is very powerful so let’s just all get together and do just that for MIKE! Our prayers will hopefully be answered and redemption will follow.
JP ATL
By chipdip
August 29, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
I got your CREATOR HANGIN’!!!!! I BOW DOWN TO NOBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!UP THE IRONS….MOTORHEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Redemption
August 29, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
Terrance M, you are a disgrace to the human race!
Terrance M, you are a disgrace to the human race!
No one walking and talking should give you the time of day!
By dturman
August 29, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
Terrence Moore I am so sick of you and your sorry a$$ column. You are such a disgrace to the African American race. I don’t know much about you, but I do know that I cannot stand you as a person and everyone within my circle (professionals earning $100K+/year) feel the same way. Get a purpose-worry about your own religion & your own soul’s salvation. Who the he!! are you to always want to play judge & jury? Read my print—you are NOBODY that an African American with intellect gives a damn about. Start writing with substance because lately there is none in your text. I am a successful female that truly cannot stand YOU!! Michael Vick owes us nothing! He has to make peace with GOD & get his forgiveness. Once that is done he can move forward with his life no matter what people like you think. According to the bible, God will make his enemies his foot stool. To Mr. Vick, may NO weapon formed against you ever prosper-especially Terrence Moore!!!!
By andyk
August 29, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
Vick has spent 5 years lying about his behavior to everyone including family. Kind of a coincidence that he claims to have changed only after he was backed into a corner. The man is a sadist who enjoys watching animals tear themselves to pieces. I doubt this has changed overnight.
By albert
August 29, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
ARTHUR BLANK SAID THAT MICHAEL VICK WILL NEVER WEAR A FALCONS UNIFORM AGAIN. NO IT ISNT WISHFUL THINKING, IT IS FACT.
By andy
August 29, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick: sadist, sociopath, liar, convicted felon.
By Forgiveness
August 29, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
Mama say: You know where you’ve been, but you don’t know where you’re going before you leave this world…. It may be you next week and if you have children it may be them. Harden not you heart.
I’ll be waiting for Vick to come back like never before!!!
By Kidding Me?
August 29, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
Yeah, mean old racist Arthur Blank…making that poor Michael Vick take that $130 million and doing everything in his power to support him and guide him along the straight and narrow, only to be lied to and have the organization that he owns look foolish.
Yep, he’s the bad guy in all of this. Good call, Eian.
By black
August 29, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
Moore you are a fool. You and Tucker are the biggest fools. You are playing on this to uplift your career. You will never be accepted in the black community or any community. You are a loser. The two of you should quit your job. I know you have down something wrong in your life. it’s over now. let’s move on. You are trying to get to ESPN, but do me a favor and get a life. IDIOT
By Rick in Warner Robins
August 29, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
Yeah, yeah, yeah…he got religion…and the tooth fairy truly lives. The entire apology/religion thing is nothing more than a ploy his attorneys put him up to. You’d do the same thing if you were facing sentencing from a judge and trying to influence the sentence he or she is about to hand down.
By Anthony
August 29, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
Poor Albert, give it a break. I’m sick of reading you every other paragraph. It doesn’t matter what Vick says or does it ain’t gonna please everybody. He broke the law and needs to be punished. If he does what he is supposed to do in the eyes of the law and the NFL then we as people need to forgive and let the man try to make something positive of his life. Remember Danny Heatley? It seems to me he got his own teammate killed and never went to jail and is still playing hockey. Like I said he broke the law and let the law deal with him. I’m also white so you can’t throw the race card at me. I just try and see it as what the Bible says to do. Get the splinter out of your own eye before you start trying to get the beam out of mine.
By Honesty
August 29, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick: sadist, sociopath, liar, convicted felon.
By katonya
August 29, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
What happened to that hockey player that was drunk driving and KILLED his playmate? A HUMAN——Is he doing anytime? He who is without sin let him cast the first stone!
By Charlene
August 29, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
FALCON49 aka ARCHIE BUNKER Mike will be back and YOU can’t do a damn thing about it. I know YOU HATE IT but it is inevitable like death. And guess what? Regardless of what uniform he wears, YOUR white a@# will be watching! MO MONEY, MO MONEY, MO MONEY for mike!
By Anthony
August 29, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
A Turner, I agree with you on the T. Moore outlook. It makes you look just as bad when you can act one way to a persons face and then another way when you turn your back. We call that being a hypocrite. I don’t see how your any better than him. What U think?
By Dawgs2007
August 29, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
Vick is gone from Atlanta. It is over, done!
These stories about Vick will soon decrease until it is a minor sidenote. The Falcons will be fine.
The Falcons now have a TRUE QB to operate Petrino’s offense. Vick would have never improved on his passing. It was time to move on anyway.
Once the season starts, Vick will be all but forgotten. There will be new stories and headlines.
Vick can make a comeback elsewhere. I have a feeling the Falcons will carefully check into all new players before drafting them to weed out the THUG element.
Starting by not re-signing D Hall!
By HJ
August 29, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
I don’t know what’s more ignorant, Terence Moore’s assumption that only uneducated people attend church or some of the comments from people about Vick’s sincerity. It’s true actions speak louder than words, but I assure you that the majority of Vick’s critics are hypocrites.
By MVBO Supporter
August 29, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
I didn’t start out my life as a Falcon’s fan and without MV7 I probably won’t end it as one. My Brother thinks that that may be for the best. I moved to Lincoln Nebraska and the Cornhuskers became loosers. I moved to Tallahassee Florida and the Seminoles became loosers. Maybe with me gone the Falcons can become winners. They will do so without me.
Many people state that you are a fair weathered fan if you support one man. Well that’s me. I supported the Dallas Cowboys from 12 years old untill they got rid of the hall of famer coach. I liked the teams afterwards, but it was never the same. I even switched to the SF 49ers. There is too much talent and too many teams to be loyal to one even when they are dysfunctional.
I’ll be watching other teams this coming year. The Cornhuskers in College, the Lions in High School and the Jaguars in the Pros. Best of luck to those people that don’t stand behind their players. You forget…it takes players to make a team.
By Ed
August 29, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
Mike APOLOGIZED. It was sincere. He’s goung through hell, which he brought upon himself. Mike Vick will be OK. He’ss pay his debt. His apology covered everything in regarrds to the case. Let this man grow from his mistakes. He will be back in the NFL. “O woe to those who take delight in anothers despair”
By DHD
August 29, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
Hey Terrence…did something happen to Mike Vick lately? I heard something on ESPN during the Falcons game. What happened?
By andy
August 29, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
MIKE VICK: SADIST, SOCIOPATH, LIAR, CONVICTED FELON.
By andy
August 29, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
Terrence Morre did not make ANY assumption about “only uneducated people” attending church…he was QUOTING ANDY YOUNG.
Hey HJ, thats what those little sguiggly things that look like ” ” ” mean…ITS A QUOTE.
Guess you went to the same school Mike Vick did.
By Check Your Facts
August 29, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
Okay people…one last time…
Dany Heatley was speeding big time, stupidly, on a residential road, but he was not drunk.
He did kill a human, one of his best friends, in a terrible car accident.
That man’s parents stood before the judge and all but begged him not to send Heatley to jail.
In truth, I agree that Heatley got off light, but there really isn’t any comparison between what happened with him and the Vick situation.
By andy
August 29, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
Mike Vicks supporters remind me that for every reasonable person there are 3 who will buy a Pet Rock.
By TLWare
August 29, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
I am so amazed at seeing sooo many people enjoying someone’s else pain and misery I wonder how many of you would react if this where you or a member of your family. Remember the bible says judge not and you wont be judged.. We should be praying for Michael Vick instead of being gleeful of his downfall. One thing I know about GOD is when things look it’s worst. He always shows up with this great burst of Light. Michael Vick keep your head up and remember that GOD Is GOD.. He will bring you through this ordeal. Love you with the Love of the Lord And yes you have a lot of people praying for you. Not against you.
By Fred G. Sanford
August 29, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
Vick had me until he threw in the “finding Jesus” line. To me..thats all it is. Pull on the religious heart-strings of the public. Mike will convince me he is a changed man when he writes the Falcons a check for $20 million dollars..the bonus money he took under false pretenses. That is when I know the young thug has truly turned into a GROWN MAN. Until then, Ron Mexico, I ain’t buying what you are selling.
By Larry
August 29, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
dturman,
How many babies you got, girlfriend? Do any of them have the same sire?
By Darrin "The Vent King"
August 29, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
Goodness, I guess your fellow church members looking at you last Sunday like you had three heads finally got to you. It’s a shame the way you portrayed YOUR people on ESPN last week mocking us and poking fun at the fact we’re all just showing support for a brother lost and shooting sarcastic barbs at us here in Atlanta. If we don’t, you know “they” won’t, but I guess you’re more comfortable with “them” anyway. You’ve must have forgotten that up on your way up the ladder at your job Tom, oops I mean Terrance. You don’t have to agree with how we feel, but to rip the black community in Atlanta because you don’t agree like that was dispicable. Just like you told Mike, you reap what you sow. Remember that when they come after you one day, because you know they will. And I will be there to laugh my azz off when they do. You make me sick. And just to think, I thought I couldn’t despise you more than I already have over these past five years.
By whatQB
August 29, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
DAWG2007 is the TRUE QB Petrino that has now the same one that led Detroit and Miami to the SUPERBOWL or better yet the PLAYOFFS? I must have missed something.
By Brownthrasher
August 29, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
It amazes me how many people do not fear the Lord. Thou shall not use the Lord’s name in vain. Whether you believe in his conversion, believe these facts:
Team merchandise sales before Vick was $9,600; after Vick in 2004, $1 million. Season-ticket holders in 2000 was 20,000 and since Vick -70.000 (with a waiting list of 16,000)
If Arthur Blank is as smart a business man as he appears to be he will take head to Hammerin Hank’s desire to have Vick back in Atlanta.
Money talks; BS walks.
By SharonH
August 29, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Tens of supporters, huh? I guarantee you that he has more supporters than YOU. After this is over and the Hate Vick Bandwagon stops rolling, who do you think is going to give a rat’s behind what you think? You really need to find something else to talk about because with every subsequent post you reveal your deepening malice and ignorance. Give us all a break. PLEASE.
By 911
August 29, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION:MIKE VICK,PEYTON MANNING,DEREK JETER,HANK AARON,BARRY BONDS,MICHAEL JORDAN,LARRY BIRD,MIKE TYSON,KOBE BRYANT ARE NOT ROLE MODELS,ARE NOT GOD,ARE NOT IDOLS!!THEY ARE JUST ATHELETES WHO ARE GOOD AT PLAYING SPORTS!PLEASE TELL YOUR DUMB LITTLE KIDS THAT YOU CAN ADMIRE THEIR SKILLS AT AS A PLAYER AND THATS IT!YOU DO NOT KNOW THEM OR WILL EVER KNOW THEM OFF THE FIELD.THEY DON’T OWE YOU AN AUTOGRAPH,HANDSHAKE,A HUG OR A PICTURE.ALL THEY OWE YOU IS TO BE A GOOD PLAYER ON THE FIELD OR COURT AND HELP THEIR TEAM WIN.PLEASE STOP LOOKING UP TO THESE ATHELETES,RAPPERS,SINGERS,ACTORS,PREACHERS,ETC BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST HUMAN, WHO JUST HAPPENS TO BE TALENTED IN THEIR FIELD,ADMIRE THEM FOR THAT AND MOVE ON,AND LIVE YOUR OWN LIFE.BECAUSE WHEN A PLAYER GETS HURT(BO JACKSON,KURT WARNER,ED HARTWELL,YOU DON’T LOVE THEM NO MORE,WHEN THEY CAN’T PRODUCE ON THE FIELD,(JOEY HARRINGTON,CHRIS CHANDLER,PEERLESS PRICE)YOU DON’T LOVE THEM NO MORE,YOU BOO THEM,CUT THEM,OR TRADE THEM.WHEN THEY GET OLD YOU DONT LOVE THEM NO MORE(ASK JERIMIAH TROTTER,OR ASK RETIRED ATHLETES LIKE MIKE DIKTKA WHO CAN’T GET BENEFITS AFTER THEY RETIRE,OR IF THEY GET IN TROUBLE YOU DON’T LOVE THEM NO MORE(ASK VICK,RICKY WILLIAMS,QUINCEY CARTER,O.J,AND MARK MCGWEIRE)BUT YOU USE TO CHEER AND LOVE ALL THESE ATHELETES UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS TO THEM YOU DON’T LIKE.
By Brownthrasher
August 29, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Black people are more forgiving and know that we are not treated equally. When Miss USA Tara Conner was accused of cocaine use, public kissing sessions with Miss Teen USA and random men emerging from her New York apartment Donald Trump stood behind her and let her keep her crown. But when Penthouse magazine published graphic photos of Miss USA 1983 Vanessa Williams with another woman she was forced to resign her position. If its white its right. So the only recourse blacks have is to retreat to the forgiving community that understands.
By real truth
August 29, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Message to dturman-I guess stripping does pay! For someone who claims to be a professional, and whose friends make over 100k/year your grammar needs work. Clearly you are a professional stripper!
By dave
August 29, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Good column, Terence. I don’t hate Vick, and wish him well. He made one of the most expensive mistakes in history and is paying for it. I hope he finds happiness wherever he winds up …
But it is time for the Falcons to move on. I am a Falcons’ fan first and foremost. I am ready to say, “Michael who?”
Vick will come back to the NFL as a Raider.
dave
By SharonH
August 29, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
And one more thing: since when did a sports columnist become the arbiter of all things moral? I thought your job was to write about who threw the ball where. We don’t need you nor Schultz’ observations about morality or courage. I am sick to death of your piety. Stick to what you know, bro.
By Vicksupporter
August 30, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
I don’t what poll you used, but the people that I talk to all agree that he deserves another chance. How many of you have never done anything wrong?
By Clay
August 30, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
Michael Vick apologists: Please give me your tickets. I’d love to go to the Georgia Dome and watch the Falcons play. I am so glad MV7 won’t be back in a Falcon’s uniform because I don’t want to go to the Dome in 2010 and see pictures of pit bulls with half of their flesh torn off on protester’s signs.
By John
August 30, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
I believe that Vick should be allowed to play for the NFL again. There are much worse offenses. I donot want him back in Atlanta because I donot like him as a quarterback. He is a poor passer. He has the right to redeem himself on the dog fighting issue.
By cynthia smith
August 30, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
yes, I think Vick made a terrible mistake but who haven’t there’s only one man perfect and that’ God and we all know it yes also think he should be punish for his acts but then again we all should be to everbody deserves a second chance.
By midnite
August 30, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
T-MO another good article. I know you’ve been getting hammered lately by the delusional Vick supporters. Keep speaking the truth and don’t worry about these “tens” of supporters and their unrealistic viewpoints.
Vick must do his minimum of two years in the slammer, and the indefinite NFL suspension. Hopefully by then, probably four years, he will be a changed man, and for the better. I hope he can repent, however I have my doubts. He may just be forgotten former athlete in that length of time.
For those who think “I’m sorry” is enough, you are weak. He must be held accountable for his immature and irresponsible actions. Forgiveness, to a man, is a process as is repentance.
By Judge Judy
August 30, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
MV is a F-I-R-S-T O-F-F-E-N-D-E-R, and will not spend a day in any Federal DogPen!
By lawa
August 30, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
Now that Ron Mexico has fessed up and found religion and said he’s sorry for getting caught, One question still lingers. If he hadn’t been caught, if none of his indiscretions had been brought to light, would he still be shooting a bird at his opponent whose dog was in the fighting pit while drinking from his James Bond hidden compartment water bottle wearing a stolen Rolex his buddy stole for him. The answer is yes. He would still be lying to Arthur Blank, the NFL, and his team mates. Character counts. Lack of character shouts volumes. We don’t need Vic representing our city and state. I hope he truly turns his life around. I hope this makes him a better man. Just remember, he did this to himself. Life’s lessons can be hard and in his case, expensive
By Jake Bogartis
August 30, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Of the hundreds of death row inmates in our country, the vast majority have found Jesus. Why then, you say, have they not transformed all death rows into churches??
I’ll just let Y’all ponder on that…
By Jenny
August 30, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Please find something else to talk about, you know, like the injustice of the six boys in Jena, LA. There are MORE than enough people fighting to put the nails in Vick’s coffin. True enough he made bad decisions and he understands that now. He will bounce back. This is over kill and it’s interesting that you feel the need to continue to beat this dead horse. They are going to make sure Vick recieves far and beyond the punishment for this case, they don’t need your help, boy. Answer this, why are you not covering the basketball ref and his corruption of the game? How about the fact that the hockey guy in Atlanta was drunk driving and KILLED his friend?! Vick was wrong, does he deserve jail time, the complete lost of his career? No! The problem is, he’s a guy from the “hood”, he wore braids, he was, “too cocky”, and he was paid too much money according to some people who still believe people of color don’t deserve that much money. He’s in the South and he didn’t stand a chance. He would have been much better off if he had danced around, grinned like a fool all the time and always remember and remind the masses that he is grateful for everything the good ole boys have done for him. I bet you would like that and so would a lot of these people who take so much pleasure of kicking someone when they are down. Notice the wide grins of those talking about this case, they love the fact Vick provided all they needed to make sure he’s destroyed. Now they don’t have to do the dirty work. Vick looks defeated and he has a long road ahead of him, charges still pending and perhaps financial issues to follow. Take the demon out your soul and figure out a way to help Vick. That’s what humanity is all about.
Vick, you can recover, you will recover if it’s in your heart. Many of us expect you to come back bigger and stronger. Learn from the mistake and come back standing tall, as you should. You haven’t even tapped into the true strength that lies within you. So many blessings to you and your mother. Your father can burn in hell.
By midnite
August 30, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Oh, he will get another chance, but he will do his hard time and NFL suspension first, you know in about four years.
You keep on believing that he wont do any time, the Feds don’t give a rip about first offenses. You “tens” of supporters do not understand reality.
He’s gone, move forward, just like the Falcons have. He didn’t even thank you few hangers-on in his rehearsed apology. He doesn’t give one iota for you dolts. Don’t you remember the finger he gave y’all.
By P-Low
August 30, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
I was really angry with you for a while. I read your article today and you started sounding like my Father sounded when I was young and paid no attention. As I became an adult and suffered a few consequences, I realized that my dad was right. Thank you. If you see Michael tell him GOD loves him too.
By CQ
August 30, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Im not a Vick fan and i was very disappointed in his actions. with that being said, everyone deserves to be forgiven. If you child made a a critical bad decision in life would you not forgive them and want others to give them another chance?
It easy to say Vick does not deserve another chance, but put yourself in the position of the mother or father of a child that has messed up in life.
By Sloan
August 30, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Ok, so here we go again with you morons saying Vick made a mistake. This WAS NOT a mistake!! A mistake might have been if he had attended a couple of dog fights and threw down a bet here and there.
A mistake is NOT when you completely fund and build a dog fighting empire that spans over the better part of 6 years. He played a major role in building a dog fighting empire, buying dogs, breeding/raping dogs, killing dogs, torturing dogs, fighting dogs, etc. These are not mistakes. These are choices.
By midnite
August 30, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Yeah Jenny Craig, it’s always someone else’s fault. What a hippopotamus, oops I mean hypocrite you are.
Danny Heatly didn’t have anything to do with your fallen idols actions. What does Heatly have to do with Vick? Why doesn’t Vicks father deserve forgiveness also?
Your hatred for white people is very clear. How do you expect forgiveness with that attitude? Maybe your illegitimate children can grow up to be just like Vick.
By MV7
August 30, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
If I hear another word about Vick…I’m going to P-U-K-E-!
By Gail
August 30, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
TO “Check Your Facts”, You are right, what Mike did in no way compares to what Dan Heatley did. Mike broke the law and killed dogs, Dan Heatley broke the law by speeding and killed a person. It is a sad day when a dogs life is more important than a humans life. God help us all!
By DB
August 30, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
Face it people unless he get’s banned Mick will return to the NFL, even if he’s not someone bigger and better will take his place (Vince)so get over it.
By CallMeWhatYouWant
August 30, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
IF YOU DON”T READ ANOTHER POST HERE, READ THIS ONE
I am a black male (48 years old). I have lived in Atlanta my whole life. I have a wife and three daughters and I WAS a big MV fan. I never supported him because he is black. I supported him because he was the QB for MY football team. And I don’t support him now. And I won’t be swayed to support him just based on the color of his skin. He acts are deplorable and beyond sick.
To my brothers and sisters out there who are supporting MV solely based on the color of his skin, I submit to you that if you need a cause to support, how about chew on these stats:
1 in 21 black males dies from homicide.
Homicide is the leading cause of death of black males age 15-24.
Black males, from ages 20 to 24, are murdered at a rate ten times higher than are their white peers.
Homicides account for 42 percent of black male deaths.
So, let’s get off the MV bandwagon if you’re there because of the color of his skin and let’s start uniting in a more worthy cause! Stop killing each other!!
By Gene
August 30, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
I believe that Arthur Blank bears great responsibility in this whole affair. First, he dumped the most successful coach in Falcon history for a hot dog who was nearly as immature as Vick. Then, he pays Billy Johnson to follow Vick around, fixing everything from parking tickets, to stolen watches, to STD’s, and probably dope-filled water bottles. Along the way, Blank dumps a first-rate quarterback because he detracts from Vick. Blank has set the Falcons back years. However, the Falcons may play their hearts out, with their limited talent, and have an ok year, in spite of Blank’s poor management of the team. Vick was certainly in need of a father figure—certainly not the childish Mora. Perhaps Coach Reeves could have been that figure. Vick obviously has limited intgelligence and likely has no idea what is really happening to him. He is finished as a football player.
By CAS
August 30, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, If you are so against sports in Atlanta and black altheletes in particular, why haven’t you left to a city that’s more suitable to your liking. Say, Boston or Fargo or any other city as long as its not Atlanta. Why would you want to be associated with fans of a city that so delusional about their Black altheletes? I guess our Caucassion althetes are excluded from your venom - Patrick Kerney and Dan Healy did much worst. One thing is for certain, Delta runs both ways as Mr. Grizzard would say. For those of you Yankees or foreign born - those that have not been in Atlanta since 1965 when the Falcons were started, you have not experienced the disgrace of losing each and every year. You have not had the City of your ancestry declared Loserville and knowing that it was true. Vick regardless of what you think about him brought a winning attitude here that us Falcon fans had never experienced. Again, Mr Moore take it from someone who’s family has been an Atlantan for 7 generations, if you don’t like my city leave my city.
By Chris
August 30, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
It’s amazing how people say he made A mistake. The man operated a criminal enterprise for over 6 years. He made SEVERAL mistakes. Felony mistakes at that. You people are disgusting. It’s going to be your children that rob me one day, and when we’re in court over your little bundle of evil holding a knife to my throat, you’ll just tell the judge, “He made a mistake, y’honor! He’s a good boy! He just went plum crazy and held a knife to a guy’s throat! It was just a mistake! Everyone makes mistakes!”
Go download a few more hoodlums so you can start your own four-square league.
By CQ
August 30, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
Heatley driving drunk is not an accident. Its making a poor decision that endagered the life of a person and could have killed more people.
A poor decision is also what Vick did.
By bc
August 30, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Come on, Elan! How can you call a man racist that ponied up $130 mil to a man who broke the law. It is time we all take a long look at people who violate law. We cannot excuse anyone for this. Let me ask everyone, if it was a plain old Joe who was busted for this terrible act would they get this attention if they lost their job? I think not. we have excused those who are celebrities for too long.
By Bigzz
August 30, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
WHY DO YA’LL HATE MR.MOORE SO MUCH,GEE WIZ.SOME PEOPLE SAY THE NASTIEST THINGS ABOUT PEOPLE WITHOUT REALLY KNOWING THEM. THATS VERY UNFORTUNATE AND NOT THE WAY TO LIVE YOUR LIFE. ALSO, TO KEEP IT SIMPLE, OF COURSE MICHAEL VICK DID SOME HORRIBLE THINGS BUT THE MAN IS 27 YEARS OLD AND HAS PLENTY OF LIFE LEFT TO REDEEM HIMSELF AND MAKE THINGS RIGHT, LET HIM BE ABLE TO DO THAT PLEASE. THERE IS 3 WAYS PEOPLE REALIZE THAT THEIR DOING SOMETHING HORRIBLE IN THEIR LIVES; 1, IS BY SOMEONE CLOSE TO THEM LETTING THEM KNOW THEY NEED TO CORRECT WHAT THEY ARE DOING; 2, BY REALIZING THEMSELVES THAT THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING HORRIBLE AND NEED TO CORRECT IT; AND 3, BY GETTING CAUGHT DOING SOMETHING HORRIBLE AND THEREFORE REALIZING THEY NEED TO CHANGE. EITHER WAY, IF THEY CHANGE THEMSELVES AFTER THE FACT, AREN’T WE ALL BETTER OFF REGARDLESS AND SHOULDN’T WE JUST BE THANKFUL THAT THEY DID CHANGE. LET THIS PLAY OUT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. I THINK MV WILL BE FINE.
By Chris
August 30, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Hey CallMeWhatYouWant, if “1 in 21 black males dies from homicide,” then how do “[h]omicides account for 42 percent of black male deaths?”
It seems to me that 1 out of 21 would be 5%. Call me crazy.
By D-Man
August 30, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
PEOPLE…SPELL CHECK YOUR COMMENTS BEFORE POSTING THEM…MANY OF YOUR ENTRIES ARE DIFFICULT TO READ FOR ANYONE WITH ANY EDUCATION. WRITE WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY, THEN READ OVER IT BEFORE YOU POST!!! PLEEEEEASE!!
By War Eagle
August 30, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
I am not a MV fan, but he should not be banned from NFL. He needs to serve his time and follow the time table of being signed by an NFL teaa. He will NEVER be a Falcons again.
By Akagi
August 30, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
CNote:
I seem to remember a Super Bowl that Atlanta went to and the QB was not wearing #7. Has #7 ever played in a Super Bowl? Oh and if the pre-Vick era was horrible, do you define 8-8 and 7-9 as good?
And if you are an African-American, please tell me what country in Africa you emigrated from.
By By Val
August 30, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
Michael Vick has done some thing very wrong,he made a public appology,God is no