Sports Columnists

By Georgian in exile

November 20, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Betcha Saban fires up his team for Auburn by quoting Sen. Blutarski: “Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? No!”

By Eric

November 20, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

No truer words have ever been written! Vick should sue his lawyers.

By Gobbles the Turkey

November 20, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

By Vick going in early, maybe they’ll give him time served. If Vick is out by training camp, he WILL play for the birds again. He is a DARN SIGHT better than ANYTHING the Falcons got out there now!

By ATLien (of straightfromthea.com)

November 20, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Amen…

By Howard

November 20, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Jeff…now you’re cooking with your column…no politics…nothing but great writing designed to poke humor at the clowns in sports. Which brings me to Nick Saban…do you think ‘Bama fans still worship the ground this chump walks on? Reckon 90,000 suckers will show up for the 2008 spring game? Saban and now Les Miles…are living proof that no matter how incompetent you are as a head coach, if you have the talent…you can win. Both proved that in spades…and Miles is still proving it…at LSU. Most of these coaching “geniuses” are all too mortal when faced with a normal head coaching job…not lucky enough to stumble into a situation like LSU. Face it Jeff, me and you could coach LSU…just put on a sexy white turtleneck and white cap and strap on a headset and walk up and down the sidelines while our assistants and players did all the work and got us the glory! When will America wake up to the farce these coaches are?? Example…I’d like to see Bill Billichek in charge of the Dolphins or the Falcons or the Jets for one or two seasons.

By Rin Tin Tin

November 20, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

The only people dumb enough to believe that Michael Vick will EVER play another down for the Atlanta Falcons are Michael Vick fans.

By Big Papa

November 20, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

The thing that irks me is Martin’s “statement” that Vick’s voluntary, early entry into the slam is yet another example of how “he has taken full responsibility for his actions from the beginning” I’m suprised no one caught this. Truth is Vick denied everything, every scandal until it was obvious his house of cards was caving. Oh Mr Martin with the fancy cuff links, didn’t Vick deny ever visiting the Virginia property and wasn’t it the cooperation of his coveted homeys that led to his guilty plea. Then he smokes a doobie while out on bond. Get ready Mr. Vick, I think you are looking at more than 12-18 months. I think Vick’s premature check-in is because he is scared s**! Not because he has any remorse for abusing those defenseless animals. If he shows up in the NFL again the public will be there in huge numbers-to run him out. He’s done. He should salvage any bucks he can after the Falcons and the banks have their way with him then crawl into a hole.Scumbag!

By Mark

November 20, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Blank would rather sell the team than play Michael Vick another down….ITS NOT HAPPENING….MOVE ON!!!!!

By VickstheMan

November 20, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Vick was railroaded by bad lawyers and crooked prosecutors. He should have hired some real criminal lawyers and fought the charges all the way to the Supreme Court!

By Concerned Falcon Fan

November 20, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Everyone seems to believe Vick has NO possible chance of returning to the birds. It seems to me he is doing everything he needs to get the good graces back from his public decided conviction. Oh well, its over, they win. Still doesn’t change the fact that if Vick ever suites up again he will have more supporters than before. Sure there will be your expected protestors outside, but if the Falcons are able to even sit Vick on the bench it is guaranteed that Vick’s name will be chanted through the whole dome. As Harrington is sacked and Leftwhich continues to stink, Blank will have no other choice but to give the fans what they want. Vick must return…

By kick start

November 20, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Who cares anymore?

By Roswell Ed

November 20, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Good job Satan maybe next time you can bring up the Holocaust while trying to rally your troups.

“We’re being persecuted like the Jews, boys.”

Now get in there and fight fight fight!!

Alabama lost to a team that lost to 1-10 No Texas. What are y’all paying him a win this year?

This reminds me of when Mr Free Shoes himself printed out t-shirts that read LET’S ROLL! after 9-11.

Both were REAL classy.

Send ‘em both over to Fallujah for about a week and see if they use those analogies again!!

Playing football requires a lot of sacrifice but no where near what our brave men and women are sacrificing for this great country of ours!!

Mike failed a drug test and it was open book- he knew he was going to get tested.

What a moron.

He is on par with Steve Howe, Mike Tyson, and Odell Thurman on the DUMB ARSE scale.

Jackass after jackass will now defend the man and so now without further ado here come the jackasses:

By Good points, el Jeffe

November 20, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Valid points on Vick’s legal counsel. At this point, why not at least have Thanksgiving at home? But then again, maybe Vick is getting quality legal advice but continuing to make poor choices.

By Saban the mediocre?

November 20, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Saban’s record at Michigan State was OK, but not great n’est pas? His record at Miami was bad, no?

Maybe LSU made the coach rather than the other way around.

By crob

November 20, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Right in the money Jeff with the critique of MV’s legal representation. This is what I thought way before his situation spinned out of control. How in the world could any defense attorney worth his wingtips allow his client not to deal with state authorities before the feds had any thought of getting involved. If MV’s lawyers advised him to dig in and fight a federal case than they are either extremely overpaid or just plain incompetent…Oh well there are always people available to seperate a fool from his money…

By Steve

November 20, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Howard, Where was LSU on the national scene before Nick Saban got there? Anybody want to take a guess? One could argue they were the most under achieving program relative the their talent in the country. Give the coaches a little credit, including Les Miles for sustaining that success. Nick Saban was not hired at Alabama for this year only. Most pundits picked us for no more than 7-8 wins at the beginning. Bue, check the recruiting rankings for commitments to date and you’ll see that Alabama is near the top. If that holds true through signing day and in the coming years then Bama will be a Top 10 program on the field again eventually. Yes, the bloom is off the rose, but don’t underestimate the support Saban has.

By Biggy Smalls

November 20, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Concerned Falcon Fan, The only way Vick plays again is if Suge Knight buys a team. He will NEVER put on a Falcons uniform again. You blind idiots that continue to think Arthur Blank will allow him to represent his franchise after shoving it up his **s, really show the intelligence of his fan base. Go lift another 40oz. and watch some replays. That my brutha is the only way you see him as a bird again!

By OLD COOT

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

Boy I tell ya Schultz, your one dumb S*B

By squirrel

November 20, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

What is it with people in Atlanta having problems with addition? MV7 has already missed this season, he will be sentenced to 18 months in a federal prison, where there is no early release for good behavior( you serve 95% of your sentence in federal cases), which means he will miss all of the 2008 season and likely will be released right before the 2009 season. First point, neither Leftwich or Harrington will still be here in 2009 for us to boo. Secondly , Mr. Blank has made it known, especially with corporate sponsors, that Michale Vick will never again be associated with the Atlanta Falcons as long as he is the owner………so please stop with MV7 as a Falcon……That ship has already sailed………….and sunk.

By GeezGuys

November 20, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

I agree, Vick’s lawyers are dumber than dirt. Who would take on such an idiot trashy loser of a client?

By Gobbles the Turkey

November 20, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Who out there has NEVER made a mistake? Some people’s mistakes are bigger than others. After Vick has served his time, LET HIM MOVE ON. Vick used to hide the fact that this O-line is HORRIBLE. Vick can’t buy a break in this backwards city. He was running all the time(for his life), you people wanted a “pocket passer”. Not to mention the fact that that Falcons had the #1 rushing three years running. Now that you have these two (#13 & 4), you see how much the ruuning game meant. That being said, I wish they went with Harrington instead of Leftwich. Harrington is not a superstar, but he won’t LOSE games either. Leftwich is as slow as flippin’ molasses. He’s gonna get KILLED behind that line!

That being said, you people would rather have “this” than a humble, rehabilatited Vick?

Go back to the sticks, you country bumpkins. People “around Atlanta” has the be the most close-minded people in this country!

By MELO

November 20, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Why even get a criminal on your team?Do the Tonny Dungy due diligence plz and win with clean guys.

By cara

November 20, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick’s lawyers failde to protect him from his on stupidity. Should the lawyer have been there to put on the condom for him before he passed along herpes to that chick? I guess the lawyer should have arranged to have dogfighting become a legal sport too. Oh, why didn’t that lawyer grab that water bottle at the airport? Why didn’t the lawyer cremate those dogs and burn the pictures and kill off all of his dogfighting friends so that there would be no more evidence? Shucks, why didn’t the lawyers just clone a smarter version of Michael Vick and send the dumb one off to Nepal or something? Those darn lawyers never get the job done!!!

By BringBackVick

November 20, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

When Vick serves a little time in the pen for this minor thing, Arthur Blank needs to get on the phone and beg Mike to come back to the Falcons and pay him a lot of money for all his trouble. They suck with Joey Harrington, and if Vick doesn’t come back, I may not go to another game!

By DOG LOVER

November 20, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

VICK IS STILL ON THE ROSTER!!!!!

HE DIDNT KILL A HUMAN!

HE SHOULD PAY HIS DUES AND GET BACK ON THE FIELD AND PLAY SOME DIRTY BIRD.

MOST FALCON FANS MISS HIM AND WILL FORGIVE HIM.ALL OTHERS CAN SUCK AN EGG. I DONT CARE WHAT YOU SAY. VICK YOU DA MAN YOU DID SOME VERY POOR/BAD THINGS,BUT YOU SHALL BE FORGIVEN. ALL THE VICK HATERS DONT WANT TO SEE YOU BACK,BECAUSE THAY ARE GAY. SERIOUSLY ALL ARE GAY. THAY WANT A GAY QB. SO SHUT UP YOU EGG SUCKERS. VICK WILL RETURN,AND YOU WILL STILL BE GAY. SO GO VICK GO MV7 IS THE MAN

By Vince Lombardi

November 20, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

And Arthur Blank passed on Ken Whisenhunt why?

By cara

November 20, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

X Out Vick,

I’ve always wondered if you guys could type with that hood on. It’s nice that you have these boards to hide out in because you would never say that to a black person face to face. Toodles!

By MV7 fan

November 20, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

MV7 has really hurt you fans, it’s so obvious from reading your blogs.

Maybe he’s trying to come to terms with himself and his situation and don’t want to wait any longer. Anticipation is a SOB.

After all, he’s the one doing the time, for his crime, not you.

Last I check he didn’t ask for your opinion.

We really think something drastic had to happen for him to leave Atlanta and God has a way of relieving things for the Good of those who Love the Lord!

You all are a good reason he needed to leave Atlanta! You all are so perfect, that we think you’re in the wrong place, maybe you should be in heaven.

And if any of you think he won’t ever be able to play in the NFL.

You need to check yourself! Maybe not for Atlanta, which is a blessing!

But he’ll play again, I promise you!!!

By squirrel

November 20, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

From Gobbles the Turkey “Harrington is not a superstar, but he won’t LOSE games either. “….

Oh really I guess those 3 picks that went the other way for touchdowns , including the two in the season opener don’t count?

On the Vick situation,,,,, you said” After Vick has served his time, LET HIM MOVE ON. ” I believe most of us are more than willing to LET HIM MOVE ON, we want him to move on and keep going………….amybe you should take your own advice and ” LET HIM MOVE ON”

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 20, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

A good column from Jeff Schultz? What’s next, a thunderstorm?

By Concerned Falcon Fan

November 20, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

I will admit my comments are unpopular. But given the track record of the Falcant’s right now. How will Blank get rid of Vick without losing MORE money. Will he trade him away? (We forget how much money his contract is worth) Maybe, depends on what deal Blank can score. The truth of the matter is nothing is definite. Blank has to wait and see like everyone else. We quickly forget people like Moss and Owens were clubs have taken chances on “damaged goods” and have turned out to be the best decisions for their respective clubs. This is the land of second chances, its proven rehabilitation does work in some cases. Go Falcons!

By DOG LOVER

November 20, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

X OUT VICK WHATS UP WITH THE WHITE JEWISH TALK YOU AZZ HOLE YOU MUST BE A CHILD.UNDER THE AGE OF 18.I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT KIND OF TALK FROM A CHILD.JUST DONT KNOW BETTER. IF YOUR NOT A CHILD IF YOUR AN ADULT I THINK YOU SHOULD RETHINK THE WAY YOU THINK AND TALK/TYPE. AND GROW UP YOU IDIOT.

By Cynthia McKinney

November 20, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

It’s all a conspiricy. Da Man just tryin to hold us down. Reverend Al shouldn’t stand for this. I mean, the boy only gave a few ladies a life long disease, put pictures of himself smokin a blunt on his web site, themed his myspace with a rap tune that speaks of violence against women, did a few majic tricks with his water bottle, funded a major dog fighting operation, murdered 8 dogs, denied it all until his home boyz caved, and then smoked a blunt in spite of Judge Henry’s bond instructions. Come on people, let the boy play. When he gats out da slam he will be totally re-habitchuated. Don’t yo all know the prison has some good programs to help young men turn it around?

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 20, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

People are really overestimating the long-term public fallout from the Vick case in my opinion. Arthur Blank is first and foremost a businessman, who realizes that the only surefire way to get butts in the seats is to win games. If he brings back Vick after his jail sentence and the Falcons become a playoff team again, do you really think anyone other than the PETA nutcases are going to boycott the Falcons? I understand why people think Vick will never return to the Falcons at this point in time, but I’d like to see what public opinion looks like in 12 months when Vick’s been released from jail and the Falcons have endured another terrible season in 2008.

And if Vick’s lawyer was any good, he would have told him to come clean before the indictment, so that the gambling accusations wouldn’t have come to light. Or at least be the first of the four co-defendants to plead guilty. Vick’s pretty much going to have to be the Frank Lucas of dogfighting to significantly reduce his sentence at this point.

By DOG LOVER

November 20, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

I LOVE DOGS I ALSO LOVE VICK I FORGIVE HIM LET HIM PAY HIS DUES IN PRISON AND LEARN A HARD LESSON

LET HIM PLAY BALL BLANK

By Ryder

November 20, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

“We’re being persecuted like the Jews, boys”. Great comment Roswell Ed. I’m sure Saban probably would’ve thought to use that with Auburn coming around.

One of the better JS articles. Vick’s lawyers were incompetent in this whole matter, and had they told Vick to come out with the apology back in April a lot of this backlash would not be as bad in my opinion.

I’m sure if they were white he would’ve come out of this with a lighter sentence.

That should fill the soon to be racial quota that will fill this blog soon enough.

Once again great job JS! Way to give props to the Thrashers as well.

By the way everyone, notice how the Hawks are no longer getting love now that they’ve settled for only moral victories instead of actual ones?

By trottinghometudd

November 20, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

TO HOWARD:

CMR IS NO FARCE SONNY BOY!!

By FALCONLOVE

November 20, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Reading the comments here…one would forget that this is the bible belt…the Redemption of Michael Vick is better than the Rise and Fall of Michael Vick, this man has lost everything that a person can possibly lose for his crime…When he serves his sentence, its time to restore hope to this franchise and doing what is right

By DOG LOVER

November 20, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

WHAT IF MIKE VICK REALLY THINKS HESES A CAT? HE HAD TO FIGHT THEM DOGS OR RISK BEING PUSSIFIED BY HIS OTHER CATS.

SOUNDS STRANGE HUH? DOG CAT WHATEVER HE DIDNT KILL A PERSON.ITS NOT GOOD , BUT HE DIDNT KILL A HUMAN. LET HIM PAY THAN PLAY

WE LOVE VICK JUDGE GO EASY ON MY BOY. I WANNA WATCH THE FALCONS AGAIN SOMEDAY.

By Curious George

November 20, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Will all the VICK and BONDS Supporters get all mad, riot, burn down their own neighborhoods and steal a bunch of TV sets and ‘throwback’ football jerseys when their two “Heroes” are sharing a federal prison cell with Bishop Eddie Long?

By Johnny Neptune

November 20, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

I’ve been saying the exact thing for several months. If I’m paying thousands of dollars to a bunch of lawyers to keep me out of jail, how in the hell can either one of them say on national TV that they didn’t see something coming, I just don’t understand that one. If anyone has half of a brain, don’t hire any of Mike’s lawyers.

Martin Luther King once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in moments of challenge and controversy”.

You’re now witnessing the fiber Michael Vick’s fabric.

By Mack

November 20, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

I think you are a awlful columnist Schultz. If you would sometime think before you write I would probably have a little more respect for you as a writer but I don’t. What happened to Vick is all HIS DOING. Like always he probably thought he could get out of if it (allowing his friends to take all the blame) but he gambled and lost. When you gamble and lose you end up going to prison, simple as that.

I have never seen as much hatred coming from columist as I do the AJC Sport Journalist with the exception of Bradley. I do believe that you get some satisfaction of seeing Vick fall

By Gobbles the Turkey

November 20, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

SQUIRREL

Did you NOT see the las two games Harrington started? And when he came in last game? What Vick did was a HORRIBLE thing. It was just more public than anyone else’s.

You have had rapists, drug users and pushers, wife and girlfriend abusers, homicide victims and accusers money launderers, etc. in the NFL. Vick will NEVER win humanitarian of the year, but he DESERVES a second chance

“LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE” Isn’t that what MOST people feel in this backwards city and state?

By Heath

November 20, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Schultz - Have you seen the point spread for Sunday’s New England-Philly game? It’s at 22 last I heard!

By Rocko

November 20, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

I almost never agree with Nathan Davenport, or whatever her name is, but she’s right about people’s reactions later to what goes on now.

People will remember the dogfighting case after Vick is out, but the outrage will have faded to a level that would allow him to play again.

By Doggit

November 20, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

I would rather lose with JOEY than win with VICK

By Derrick

November 20, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Vick supporters should save their goodwill for someone who truly deserves it. Six years of lies, gambling, torture and killing. Vick is pure evil — a guy who gets his jollies holding a dogs head underwater while it kicks, struggles to breathe and goes limp in his hands. What a big, tough football hero. Bad lawyers or not, Vick deserves everything coming ‘round the mountain his way. Good riddance. Lifetime ban from the NFL. Maximum prison sentence.

By Dan

November 20, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Just a quick comment that should be obvious. It is every bit as racist to support someone solely due to there race as it is to disparage them due to their race.

By Just Chillin'

November 20, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Good observation Jeff. I said a long time ago that those had to be bout the dumbest lawyers and PR reps that anyone could have. I see players like Jason Williams getting off of obvious MANSLAUGHTER. I see hockey players getting off for VEHICULAR HOMICIDE. I see player like P. Kerney have woman RAPED in his house and get off. Need I go into the host of other high profile personailites and there run-ins with the law.

Now this!! I sure hope that for the sake of competent and sane people everywhere that A. Blank contacted Vick and his attorneys after that Felony Assault administered by the Bucs this past Sunday and was like, “PLEASEEEEEE start your term and we will work something out for you. You lied to us and that is why we didnt have your back from the beginning. But after reviewing the state of this franchise, you need you MV7.”

Ahhhhhhh. Wishful thinking, huh?

By Silver Fox

November 20, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Vick earned and will receive his reward for being an idiot, a thug and a criminal. If the NFL allows him back in then they themselves or fools. Mr Vick and the likes of him in sports have been pampered and covered up for. Remember Pete Rose. He is still paying the price for engaging in a criminal activity.

By america in the south U.S. REDNECKS

November 20, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

A lot of us would welcome vick in a flash. He is a football player no more no less. Hater will hate that what they do. But any GM looking for a good player a game changer will look at Vick. Any team that want to win will take a change on vick. If you listen to the hate mob Randy moss would not be in new england T.O would not be in Dallas great player with skill win. One other thing Hate sell the dome would be full the media and hater will try there best to throw him under the bus but as a busi ness man vick will bring you cash. As you see this team is nothing with out Vick. People say no way vick come back I say Blank knows dollar and cents and the hater did not bring him any money to the table any ways. People will pay to see him come back. Take a poll people that buy season ticket will pay to see him come back. The haters don’t pay a dime may be a nickel any way to see the games. Vick is pure cash and we live in america where cash is king.

By america in the south U.S. REDNECKS

November 20, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Jeff you are a frist class redneck and you hate well!

By no id

November 20, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

First of all Vick will play again in the NFL, if not the falcons he’ll be playing somewhere..believe that..whatever the case is, vick has supporters and vick has non supporters but as much as i and many people (more than 200 i add) would love to see him again in a falcons uniform, it should’t happen..this city and these so called writers would continue to throw stones at him like this was a public lynching forever..and one thing i hate is when people say things like “the only ones that want vick back are the uneducated black folks that have nothing else to do or the thugs that attend the falcons games wit there do rags on and vick jerserys”…statements like that lets us know that we still living in a divided state..

..today they love you, tomorrow they hate you

By DCBirdsFan

November 20, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

To all that think Mike Vick will be back to the NFL sooner rather than later..it’s not happening. The NFL said his official supsension will not begin until his prison term is done so you can forget the ‘08 season. Somebody will eventually sign him but it won’t be Arthur Blank. Also, it’s not all his attorneys’ fault, MV didn’t even think to hire and attorney until the Players Union called him after his indictment in July and told he needs to hire a lawyer.

By John

November 20, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Why do you presume the lawyers failed to warn Mike Vick of potential blood tests?

More likely he ignored the wqrnings.

By Elmo

November 20, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Yeah Jeff. We all know that you hate Saban.

By DCBirdsFan

November 20, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Another thing to the people that keep saying that MV is better than anything they have now…yes that’s true they really suck now. But they’re not paying Petrino 5 mil a year for nothing. They’ll get better but it might take another season..AB made a big mistake by building a franchise around one individual so this is an opportunity for him to start over. I was huge MV fan and still am a huge Falcon fan, but MV let this team down in a big way he didn’t just get caught.. he violated Federal Law and NFL rules for six years. He should be able to play again at some point just not for the Falcons he has done enough damage.

By Edward R. Murrow

November 20, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS: Those who are STILL blindly supporting the disgraced and now-FORMER Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick have now officially surpassed the agricultural staple sweet potatoes as the most UNintelligent, INarticulate, UNeducated forms of life in the State of Georgia with their latest racist, ill-conceived commentary in defense and justification of the confessed and conVICKted dog murderer, drug addict, illegitimate father and illegal interstate gambling operation ringleader.

We’ll have further updates on this unfortunate story as Mr. Vick’s followers continue to demonstrate their lack of intelligence and even elementary-school-level communication skills on the AJC Sports Blogs.

By Capt

November 20, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Vick should sue his lawyers????? Give me a break. Vick is a low class thug that threw away multiple millions of dollars, for what…..dogs that fought and he didn’t even take the money he won. What a moron. What a useless human being. Comments like he was a man kids looked up to make me want to vomit. He can throw a football….yea yea yea…that qualifies him for saint hood according to some of you idiots. If he had kids looking up to him then that speaks of bad parenting…oh no father at home…that is standard. So as long a thugs come out of the getto and make millions with the only talent they have then this group of young thugs will continue to embrace the mindset of….” I am gonna play B ball, or football or boxing or track and me…I’m gonna be a millionaire.” OK big boy…hold your breath….I say take all the publicity that Vick has gotten over the past year and shut it down. Don’t mention him again in the media, let him fade away or better yet let him rapidly go away. I hope that by now, after less than 2 days in prison, he has changed his name to Shirley and walks bowlegged. Michael Vick…..what a pathetic excuse for a human being.

By realtalk

November 20, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

I love how all you rednecks believe that you have a greater understanding of the law than an accomplished group of attorneys.

By Poor White Trash

November 20, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

To X out Vick,

I agree with you all the way. They need to burn some of those TRAILERPARKS that people like you live in as well. I hate incest b******* like you walking around here with. But you know what they say X OUT VICK and THIS REALLY APPLIES TO YOU:

“YOU CAN TAKE THE TRASH OUT THE TRAILERPARK, BUT YOU CAN’T TAKE THE TRAILERPARK OUT OF THE TRASH”

HAVE A PATHETIC LIFE X OUT VICK. YOU POOR WHITE TRAILER TRASH!

By VicksPosse

November 20, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Vick’s coming back sooner, not later. The racist NFL owners can’t keep him down long when he gets out of the white man’s jail on phony charges that he was forced to plead guilty to. Go kill a deer and think about it white folks.

By virtueandvice

November 20, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Vick’s lawyer was not his problem. Billy Martin got Jason William off after he shot his limo driver with a shotgun while drunk and then tried to cover up the crime and get all the witnesses to lie for him. Michael Vick is just an idiot.

By gary acitelli

November 20, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Good grief, it isn’t about whether or not Michael Vick is better than who we have now as quarterback. It is about an admitted felon lying to his team, his team owner and to the entire city of Atlanta. It is not about whether or not he killed anybody, he didn’t. Everyone knows that. The Falcons do not want to put a bum in charge of their team. A bum who kills dogs for sport and places illegal bets on the outcome of pitbull death matches. The NFL is not going to let anybody who admitted to illegal betting near their sport. The Falcons are not going to let anyone stupid enough to figure a ten grand dog bet is worth risking a one hundred million dollar career play for them. The wins and losses don’t matter in this case. Vick has put this team in this humiliating position because of what he has done. Arthur Blank is no going to forgive him for the suffering of his team, his fans and his pocketbook. Vick is gone. Get over it.

By X Out Vick

November 20, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

PWT & other porch monkeys:

Rave, rant, complain, but continue to dance to our financial tune. Your kind will never be let into our financial level. Please continue to believe that the trailer parks are your targets. We get a chuckle out of your adolescent response. Just get paid to entertain us as galdiators and spend it back on the drugs, trash, women, and other schemes for us to get it back from you. We cannot expect a trained dog to demonstrate morals and ethics. Why should we expect it of Vick and you? Just get paid until we get tired of you then go to the curb to drink your cheap wine and malt liquor. Your kinds stink is hard to tolerate up close.

By OH-10 State

November 20, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Say what you want, but if any of you remember the press conference then you’ll also remember A. Blank saying we will make some dicession that will not popular to all people some will hate our decision, but in the end we will do what is best for the team. He MV7 will be back. Blank is a business man first and formost and he knows exactly what will need to happen to fill the seats again. Before Vick Sunday games were BLACKED OUT!!! after Vick SOLD OUT. Wake up people, and stop acting like your not still covering a lie that only your best best friend knows about.

By mike

November 20, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Well the Vick haters along with P** got what they wanted. MV in jail and the falcons right where they should be. Really a sad story compared to the dope fiend wrestler who murdered his wife and child. His buds went on Larry King saying what a great man he was and the doctor is now seeking permission to work another job. Mike was just a country boy trying to play football and doing the things a country boy does. No one told him how vicious the haters can and will be. Where ever he goes when he gets out, there still will be those who will always be jealous of his talents and the money. This is the country we live in.

By Nan

November 20, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

virtueandvice nailed it. vick is an idiot, pure and simple. he could have had a great life and he threw it all away. he might be back in the NFL someday but he’s never going to get those sweet endorsement deals again. he’ll be lucky to get a job playing back-up QB for some really lousy, bottom of the rankings, laughingstock of the country team like, I don’t know, maybe a desperate perpetual losers organization like the Falcons?

By sonnyliv

November 20, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

ITS HARD TO OVERCOME A DIRT STUPID CLIENT—NO MATTER HOW GOOD A LAWYER IS. HE PROBABLY LIED TO THEM TOO.

By BossLady

November 20, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick came from a place where he is a product of his surroundings and lifestyle. Generally, he would not know if he was getting good legal advise. To him the names meant something not what they knew about. How could he get good information when he does not know what to ask? My prayers go out to Michael and hope that he get his life together.

By newteamgeardotcom

November 20, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

dawg fans wear your dawg socks to the tech game this week. let’s send Chan gailey into retirement. remeber newteamgeardotcom.

By OH-10 State

November 20, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

I bet that all of you are still to this day keeping a lie hidden that maybe only you best friend in the world knows about. The man made a mistake, he will pay for that mistake but I bet if yours came out you would probably take a gun and blow your brains out. It’s funny how when that spot light is not on us that we can have so much negative stuff to say but when it does shine we want everyone to understand, and forgive. Always remember that A. Blank is a business man first and before M. Vick there were so many games that were BLACKED OUT that we just got use to watching other teams play on Sundays, but after MV7 the seats were SOLD OUT ever Sunday. So you see it is money first haters concerns last!! It’s interesting to see hockey players getting off for VEHICULAR HOMICIDE and being able to go North and play Hockey again, and you idiots think MV7 will never play again OK. Keep saving your hate mail for the time when he gets out, and suits up again.

By blurt

November 20, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Ahmurrka has a history of lawyers who purposely screw their clients…F. Lee Bailey, Dershowitz, DC sniper awyers, Tyson’s lawyers…these guys make secret deals behind their clients backs…

By DAWG NATION

November 20, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

We all have agreed for months now that MV7 made some very bad choices. With that said so did Dany Heatley and If my memeory serves me correctly the Thrasher fans welcomed him back with a standing ovation when he recovered from his injuries. All I am trying to say is that everyone deserves a second chance. This was Dan Heatley’s 1st offense and this was MV7’s 1st offense.

By Lynne

November 20, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Schultz and the rest of the haters are just mad that a whole plethora of people in various agencies kept Vick turning himself in early under wraps so well. Not one picture, not anything but a statement from Billy Martin…so now they have to guess and assume and conjecture up some theories on everything and look stupid in the process. Face it….Vick will spend 8 months working out, playing Madden (interesting that its a perk), reading fanmail and working with his attorneys on which team to sign for.

By Pago Pago

November 20, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

So who really cares about pro $port$?

By DeltaGirl82

November 20, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

FOR GOD’S SAKE….PLEASE LEAVE MICHAEL VICK ALONE! YOU HATERS HAVE SO MUCH HATE FOR HIM….BUT YOU KEEP TAKING ABOUT HIM….YOU JUST HATE TO ADMIT IT….BUT THE FALCONS SUCK WITHOUT HIM….THE GAMES ARE BORING AS HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP MIKE!

By Michael

November 20, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Wow, seriously where would you lay that NE-Miami spread? 28?

By BUSHWACKER

November 20, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

If Vick would have admitted he was involved when the rumors first started and said he now realizes its wrong, he’s sorry, it’ll never happen again, I’ll help support finding homes for animals,blah,blah, blah…the investigations would have stopped, he would not have been prosecuted and he would being playing on national tv Thanksgiving night.

But no, he and his high priced lawyers denied everything and tried to play the race card and kept right on acting like the gansta that he now is.

He’s going to jail and and probably losing everything he has, including respect.

So much for “high priced lawyers”.

Had he told the truth he would not be sitting in a jail today!

By John

November 20, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Vick did himself in. Your attorneys shouldn’t have to warn you about drug testing, anyone with half a brain knows that is coming. I think the problem with Vicks case was Vick. I doubt his lawyers knew EVERYTHING until it was too late. Schultz, you have a weird way of looking at legal professionals. Like they were supposed to go into court and hypnotised the judge and jury. Remember this, your case is only as good as the defendant. In this case, Vick shot himself in the foot. A guy can only make so many PR/legal/stupid mistakes. I hope and pray I never have to defend a client like that. Lawyers can only help you if they know everything about your case right up front, and if you don’t act like a fool during the whole process.
Why do stupid Falcons fans want Vick back. HE LIED TO YOU! He took a billion dollar company and wrecked it. Besides, its not like he was winning anyways.

By brandon

November 20, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

For all of you jumping on the media’s bandwagon-throwing stones at vick. << NEWSFLASH >> You’ve just been played by the media and government.Unless you are a vegan non-hunting saint,then I’m talking about you.

Pigs are beat over the head with metal batons to feed you, turkeys are decapitated for your thanksgiving dinner. Deer, oh yes you forgot, deer are shot and killed to hang on your/or your friends mantle place.”But it’s legal!”- you protest. When was the last time you caught yourself speeding? Truth is Vick is from a sub-culture where dog fighting is accepted and normal. Right or wrong unless you hate your deer-hunting friends or your ham eating husband you are a hypocrite. So let us all celebrate thanksgiving, a holiday highlighting the indians being raped of their lands. And please don’t forget throw your stones.

By UVABrave

November 20, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Mr. Schultz, I appreciate you trying to bring a fresh perspective on the Vick case, but I really think your stereotypical comments about his attorneys and your unsubstantiated “legal analysis” of their work is just wrong.

First, before several of Vick’s cohorts flipped on him (after being given immunity), it was probably much more likely that the case would go to trial (or drag out so that Vick could get a better plea deal). However, I doubt that Mr. Martin or Mr. Woodward expected the US attorneys to essentially offer immunity to everyone involved in order to nail Vick (that’s just not normal procedure for a federal case).

Second, Vick’s attorneys are not his PR advisors nor are they his parents. I’m sure they told him not to smoke marijuana or not to do anything illegal (and I’m pretty sure the judge told him the same thing). They cannot govern his actions or decisions.

Third, regarding him going in to serve time early (but not early enough for you), I assume that they advised him that he could go in before his sentencing, but I’m also certain that probably told him to get his personal, financial, and business life in order before starting to serve his sentence. Significant time is needed to transfer power of attorney, restructure businesses, and prepare for other legal issues (as I’m certain he has lawsuits pending both for and against him).

Finally, I understand your need to rile up people by using stereotypes of attorneys like Mr. Martin…and by referencing his high pay and being well dressed. But, you’re a legitimate journalist, and I’m sure you don’t need to stoop to such sophomoric jabs to make your point. I pretty sure almost every attorney in the country would recognize Mr. Martin as a very good defense attorney. Additionally, I’m not sure what Mr. Martin’s wealth has to do with Vick’s defense. Do you know everything that Mr. Martin did with the plea deal? Do you think that he was just taking Vick’s money and not providing the best defense? Have you consulted other attorneys who have told you they would have acted differently?

By ga_tech_92

November 20, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Don’t be foolish. Being a franchise quarterback (IE…huge percentage of the team payroll) is all about making great decisions. Mike Vick is a great athlete, no question; however, he has never even been close to a good decision maker. You aren’t a fool…are you?…MV is done in ATL.

By REF

November 20, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

When Vick is out of jail I wouldn’t be surprised if the Dolphins pick him up…

By brandon

November 20, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Brandon - you are, without a doubt,the dumbest moron I’ve ever heard. I think Vick is a few notches above you. Go visit a mental hospital.

By green tea

November 20, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Once again Jeff you show how much you are a racist. Happy Turkey day you racist jive turkey…

By Capt

November 20, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Dman…WRONG..they didn’t take away his living because of a dog. They charged him and he pled guilty to GAMBLING AND CONSPIRACY TO HOLD A GAMBLING ENTERPRISE OVER STATE LINES. Saying they took away his living because of a dog is like saying they arrested a bank robber because we have money. Go back to school and get an education then maybe you can compose some rational thought that makes sense.

By Will

November 20, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Nick the Dick,

Nice job insulting thousands of dead americans and their families by your ridiculous comments concerning your pathetic football team. “Pearl Harbor kind of got us ready for WWII, or whatever”. You must be a LIBERAL!

By ga_tech_92

November 20, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Just a quick comment that should be obvious. It is every bit as racist to support someone solely due to there race as it is to disparage them due to their race. — Dan, very well said!

By Does It Matter

November 20, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick will serve time in jail and he will play football again, albeit, not with the Atlanta Falcons. I have forgiven Vick and support him not because he’s black, but because he is a human being. For those of you trying to make this a racist issue, get over it. Life goes on, learn how to Forgive & Forget.

By JEYENE

November 20, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Dont be a hater all your life . tell the truth without him the team is nothing.Cant win a game for nothing.Dont we need Vick??????you dont want to tell the truth.But just look at the season it tell the whole story.WE NEED VICK7

By Tee Ferguson

November 20, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

QUERY: PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) lies to animal shelter officials in Ahoskie, NC and Bertie county, NC by promising to find homes for 35 dogs and cats. Instead, the PETA people kill all the animals and throw their carcasses in a dumpster behind a Piggly Wiggly food store. PETA admits in court that this was NOT the first time that they had done this. No jail, no fine, no nothing. Let’s all just go on home-misunderstanding. PETA leads the charge for the murder of Michael Vick behind dogfighting charges. PETA, according to them, represents the interests of defenseless animals. PETA is highly moral and ethical. PETA stands outside grade schools and tells small children that their mothers are murderers because of what they eat and wear for clothing. WHY IS IT THAT PETA’S BACKGROUND INFORMATION HAS NOT BEEN MENTIONED BY THE MEDIA?

By ThaMan

November 20, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Here’s something for you race mongrels to chew on. Hate and cry all you want. Tomorrow, when you wake up, you STILL won’t be THE MAN. You will never be THE MAN. There is only one THE MAN. Now quit killing each other and just try to get along.

By jason

November 20, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

I assume he has run out of money and is simply looking for free room and board.

By Professor

November 20, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

This Mr. Saban, where is it that he coaches?

By Tyger

November 20, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

U are really stupid

By Tyger

November 20, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

U are really stupid

By Old School Al

November 20, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Falcon fans (both of you): Connect these dots and see where it leads. Vick is gone forever; fans are diguised as empty seats, Harrington is pulled in favor of a bum who had not taken a snap for a very long time. He still stinks but he still starts. What does this tell you?

By Mike Ditka

November 20, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

What everybody fails to realize is that Vick was a blown-out knee away from being a janitor. I doubt he would be lecturing at Harvard.

By John

November 20, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Oh yea, we REALLY need Vick. maybe with Vick we would be would be 4-6 instead of 3-7. Vick hasn’t done a damn thing on the field for two seasons now. Vick will never be the same. Even if he does play in the NFL again he will never he the player he once was in 2002 and 2004. VICK IS DONE!!!
By the way, I think Atlanta has got to be the most racist city in the world. White and Black!!! Race should not ever be made the issue. When the race card is pulled it is because ignorant people don’t know how to have an honest disagreement and debate. This case whole thing has really divided Falcons fans and the city of Atlanta.

By Henry "Gizmo" Williams

November 20, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Hey, Vick: I hear you think you have a good shot at breaking my all-time record for punt return yardage…in the CFL!

By No Vick

November 20, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

You have got to be kidding me? What Falcons fan would want Vick to ever step foot in this town again? The man has ruined our team. He has totally betrayed this city. Because he couldn’t leave the doggies alone!

He made millions being a QB. Not a dog handler. You don’t throw away your entire career - fame & fortune - because of some silly illegal hobby.

It isn’t like he was an addict or something. The man doesn’t have a bad habit. He is just plain stupid. And frankly, we really don’t need any more stupid in the Falcons locker room.

No. We need a more talented QB than what we have this year. I’ll give you that. But we don’t need a guy like Vick. He can go to Oakland. I hear they don’t have enough stupid in CA.

By OldDog

November 20, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

I know this is sports talk but who ever said “when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor” needs to go back and review their history.

By Dave

November 20, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Jeff, it was easy to know Vick’s high profile attorney was a waste of money. He’s the same guy that represented ex-mayor Campbell. He lost there also.

By msteven

November 20, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Question..

Vick goes in 3wks early and gets out three weeks early after a 3-5yr sentences? what the hell is being released 3wks earlier after you have spent over a year and a half or more? big damn deal, so you go home 3weeks earlier as a convicted felon. wow! Thats pretty cool! I got out 3wks earlier! Whoopie! What idoit is advising this young man and why didnt they advise him to go in 3mons ago? duhhhh! Like someone said, he should have opted 3mons ago! Better still, I would have broke down (at my dear ole dad Arthur Blanks house) Cried like a two yr old, got down on my knees and told Blank the entire story leaving nothing out. But to wait until after the fact(your croonies caved in)lied for 6yrs, denied any involvement, and expect folks to Believe you and slap you on the wrist is living in a world of disney! Maybe Micky Mouse would be quickly ready to forgive(as he is a fiction charactor that dosent even exsist)How can you trust anyone who looks you straight in the eye and lie through their teeth? I bet he told his ex-girlfriend that he aint had nothing and thats why he went in her bareback and gave her herpes. Good ole Honest MIKE. Had none of his boys plead guilty, he would have still be claiming hes innocent waiting on trial. Do the time, and get yur freaking life together. Come out, raise your kids( I think he got about 3 or 4)try a New profession, and get on with your life. As for football, watch it on TV like the rest of us. I am sick of even hearing about Mike Vick and I no longer feel sorry for him. Just do the time and get out and move on!

By Andrew

November 20, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

DAM is a prime example of everything that is wrong with Atlanta and why stereotypes continue to speak the truth.

Wants = Once? I’m ashamed to share the same species name with you.

By Bigguns

November 20, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

OldDog - go watch the movie “Animal House”. Until then, you are DumbDog.

By curious

November 20, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t get Mark Schultz. Seems like he’s beaten that dead horse of a story about Vick to death, now that there’s nothing else to say, he’s beating up on the lawyers. How hypocritcal! If his lawyers had been able to “to navigate courts, manipulate judges and get him one those Lindsay Lohan, 84-minute sentences”, you’d be writing a column about him not accepting responsibility. Do you have anything else to write about?

By Tim

November 20, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

To Brandon:

Actually Brandon, I prefer to have the freezer full of deer, rather than on the mantle.

By To Old Dog

November 20, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Please, go rent Animal House. You are the only person in the world who did not get the reference. It’s comedy.

By Tim

November 20, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

To Oldog.

The term “when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor” was a line that John Belushi used in the movie “Animal House”.

By Jason Welch, Atlanta, GA

November 20, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Let’s not forget that if Vick were an upstanding citizen, he wouldn’t need any lawyers to try to “work the system” to come out with an 84-hour sentence like Lindsey Lohan or Paris freaking Hilton. Vick has weaved his own web and no one is to blame except for Vick. From Herpesgate to Water Bottlegate to Middle Fingergate to Dogkillinggate to the gate of the prison, I have no respect or sympathy for this loser.

By Andrew

November 20, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Hey OldDog, you are dumb. The Germans bombing Pearl Harbor was a reference to Animal House’s character Blutarsky… so step off your “the only history I know is that the Germans didn’t bomb Pearl Harbor” and learn some culture along the way.

By bozotheclown

November 20, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Lawyers are not magic men despite what dumb criminal and sports writers think. There are no magical motions to file in court to change the facts. The crime is what it is. If your own family flips like Sammy the Bull your just toast with butter on both sides. No super lawyer can save your 6. Nor can a lawyer save a stupid client e.g Kobe Bryant, M. Vick, the idiot caught on super bowl eve looking for a prostitute in Miami. STUPID IS WHAT STUPID DOES-My add on -Stupid will always do until it does or until it is indicted and put in jail!!

By Bill Cosby

November 20, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Vick fans: Are any of you ever taught personal responsibility growing up?

By badnews

November 20, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Atlanta has been divided as long as the United States of America has been divided. Under what circumstance would a white angolosaxon protestant male experience racism and discrimination? The country had biased laws against Africans and African Americans from it’s inception, so why would a city in this country be any different. Racism and discrimination is what is.Only the foolishly arrogant would believe America has moved beyond racial inequality. Maybe if the founding fathers would have done the right thing from the beginning this racism mess wouldn’t still have fuel to burn.

By Perplexed

November 20, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Interesting points, Jeff. However, just because Michael Vick is paying for the advice of his lawyers doesn’t mean that he actually takes it. He also ignored the free advice from Mr. Blank & Commissioner Goodell to come “clean” in the spring and still continued the “I am innocent/they can’t PROVE anything” tour. Who goes to jail early? Who knows? He has a constituency of two, the sentencing judge & the NFL Commissioner. If you read up on the judge, you know that it probably influence him. The Commissioner is focused on this season, the Super Bowl and who goes to London next year. Perhaps the constraints of his bond are so restrictive that he figures he might as well be in jail or perhaps that is the only place where he can actually flex his “street cred.”