AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > December > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons moving forward without Vick
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
When last the New Orleans Saints visited, the frazzled day ended with Michael Vick flashing two naughty fingers. That was 54 weeks ago, the longest 54 weeks any professional franchise has ever known.
“It’s a season that doesn’t seem to have an end to it,” Arthur Blank said Monday night, and what began last year only accelerated with the arrival of 2007. From the coaching change to the water bottle in Miami to the investigation in Virginia to an indictment and a plea and now a sentence, not to mention a lot of lousy football interspersed … how much can one club stand?
Here was Blank, finishing his thought: “But the beauty of the National Football League is that seasons come to an end and, because of free agency and the way the draft works, you can turn a team around fairly quickly. And I think Atlanta is fortunate to have an owner [i.e., him] who’s very competitive, is not very patient and has resources - and he’s going to use all three components to make sure we get back to being a competitive team as soon as we can.”
On the day Vick learned the depth of his debt to society, the team he wrecked lost yet another game by yet another wipeout score. But if you listened hard, listened between the boos directed toward the Falcons and the cheers of the visiting Saints fans, you could hear the rustle of a page being turned.
Blank wouldn’t say once and for all that Vick will never again play for this team, but it’s now certain he won’t play for anyone until 2009 at the earliest. “We’re going forward without him,” Blank said, and note the word choice.
These 54 weeks have been spent glancing backward and sideways, wondering who’s coming and who’s going and how many dogs died at 1915 Moonlight Road. With Vick otherwise occupied for the next 23 months or so, we turn our attention to the team he wrecked.
Blank again: “We’re really fortunate to have Bobby Petrino as the CEO of our football team,” a designation that must surely signal a demotion of Rich McKay, the titular president/general manager. “The way he has been dealing with adversity has proved to me he’s even better a head coach than I thought he’d be.”
So that, it would seem, is the new hierarchy: Blank spending, Petrino running the football operation, McKay looking for something to do, Vick locked away. The bad news: Things aren’t apt to improve much anytime soon. The good news: They can’t possibly get worse.
Even on a night when DeAngelo Hall toted a poster of Vick onto the field and Roddy White raised his jersey after scoring a touchdown to display a “Free Mike Vick” T-shirt, the feeling was that the city’s biggest newsmaker these past six years had officially been rendered yesterday’s news. He has his time to do, and the Falcons have matters to attend that no longer include him. They have a wrecked team to fix.
“We need to take a good hard look at ourselves,” Petrino said. “We need to finish the season and find something to build on.”
They’ll be able to work in relative solitude, not to be confused with solitary confinement. Nobody expects anything of the Falcons anymore. No network will dare display them in prime time after what happened Thanksgiving night and Monday. (Aggregate score: Visitors 65, Falcons 27.) They’ll move ahead without their franchise player but still with an NFL franchise, however torn and tattered.
Said Blank, speaking of Vick’s disinclination to come clean even after his plea agreement: “I’m disappointed in Michael, again. One day the light bulb is going to click on and he’ll realize he needs to be honest with people and with himself.”
Maybe he will. But what light there was in the gloom of Monday’s loss was a tiny beacon for the Falcons, a beacon pointing toward a tomorrow without Vick, without court appearances to monitor and apologies to make, a tomorrow in which the focus falls, finally and mercifully, on football.
Not the feds. Not felonies. Just football.
Permalink | Comments (73) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Mark Bradley
Comments
By Cosby
December 11, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
THUG LIFE - decimating African American communities, lives, and bank accounts for decades. But ya gotta keep it real dawg!
By Mr. Obvious
December 11, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
What is next for Michael Vick in his new life AFTER football and once his prison sentence is served?
I’m thinkin’ Arby’s.
By Bo
December 11, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Good call Mark. The Falcons will return stronger and better. Just give Petrino time.
By Dale
December 11, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Did you all see the way the team acted last night? This team is OUT OF CONTROL. Petrino has lost the respect of the players. If Petrino is the CEO, this team is in serious trouble.
By Gene
December 11, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Arthur Blank is responsible for wrecking the franchise, certainly with the help of Mooky Vick. As long as Vick could play, Blank facilitated Mooky’s bad behavior by covering for him in everything from parking tickets (Mooky parked where he pleased and ignored the tickets) to the disappearance of the dope-filled water bottle. Firing Dan Reeves and dumping Matt Schaub were undoubtedly Blank’s decisions, and I have no faith in Arthur Blank’s future judgement or money, and Petrino seems to break his promises as often as Nick Saban. I do feel sympathy for some of the Falcon players. The team is actually more pathetic than those of ’ 66 and ’ 67. When the owner says, “I just want the season to end,” you might as well forfeit and go home. Please spare Atlanta the embarrassment of playing on national television.
By Ryder
December 11, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Dale, the majority of those players will be gone by the end of this season. I think it’s best that Petrino wipes the slate clean, salary cap be damned. It will probably be the best thing to finally rid themselves of the circus it has become over the past few years.
Many of these players aren’t winners nor are they really able to compete with more talented teams. I expect Petrino and Blank will turn it around quickly.
By Dawgs2007
December 11, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
About the players, get ready for a house cleaning after the season. This team will made over and the Riff-Raff will be disposed of.
Goodbye Dunn, Brooking, and Hall. Hello new dedicated, hard working players.
Good Riddance!!!
By Bubba
December 11, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Please start the 12-step recovery by getting rid of the hot dog, D’Angelo Hall.
By True Football Fan
December 11, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
Back to Football…
On Monday, I hear the Fudge Bay Packers picked up an exciting new QB in Virginia with a 2-year commitment.
By Brownthrasher
December 11, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Mr. Blank, your “fried chicken” comment about Michael Vick was about as classless as they come. Why is it not reported in the AJC? Are you afraid of what your fans will think of that cowardly remark? Thanks to Dan Reeves for having something positive to say about Vick. You are a real JERK. Perhaps you need to think about what you say before you open your mouth.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3149765
By Dale
December 11, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
What quality free agent would want to play for this team? And you all seem to forget that this team does not have a whole lot of money to pay quality free agents.
I will not be surpised if Petrino bolts.
He bencked Blalock last night…unebelievable.
By mvfan
December 11, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Michael Vick was targeted to send a message to other athletes. His sentence was very harsh and political.
He needs to pay attention to the wise words of my father: “Blacks in this country are at a disadvantage from Birth to Death.”
That statement should help him better understand how to deal in life and in football. He will have plenty of time to think about it.
Whe Mike emerges he will be a more mature and smarter thinker— a changed man ready to play football again.
A team somewhere will pick him up and my grandson and I will still be his biggest fans because we have learned to pray for and forgive the misguided.
By What?!
December 11, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Seriously, if you get rid of DeAngelo Hall, Keith Brooking, and Warrick Dunn you’ve eliminated three of the teams best players.
Hall isn’t the best number one CB, but if they sign him some help, their defense will be better. CBs need to be able to talk smack with the WRs we have today. Chad Johnson, TO, Jerry Porter all talk smack so why can’t DeAngelo.
Brooking has been a staple for the defense for years.
And the fact that you are calling Warrick Dunn riff-raff shows that you aren’t a real Falcons fan. Think about what the franchise would be without Dunn. Or even Vick for that matter. You can’t help but see what the team is without him.
And one of the players who was “out-of-control” was Roddy White who, if he is cut by Atlanta, would be signed by any other team in a heartbeat. He’s the one bright spot on this team right now.
So this is from an actual Falcons fan who thinks people shouldn’t turn on players (Dunn, Hall, White) too quickly
By The Comish
December 11, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
People seem to forget the fact that Vick is suspended indefinitely by Commissioner Godell and the associated gambling issue. He may well ban Vick for life from the NFL, and Canada does not accept felons from the south. Probably the best Vick can hope for is arena football or playing for pizza in Europe.
By GE
December 11, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
It is so amazing that a few years ago there were many comments about Vick not being a good QB and the fact that the Falcons record always hovered around seven and nine. Now we are blaming Blank and Vick for ruining the football team and Atlanta in general. It appears that Vick was a pretty good QB considering the Falcons current record and that the Falcons were scheduled in prime time on Turkey Day and Monday night football.
This whole debacle is sickening and really demonstrates the devisiveness in the culture we call America. I hear it on talk radio and elsewhere. All of this is over dog fighting which has been going on for centuries.The three white guys in the black and white striped shirts speaks volumns. Hopefully, Vick can get through this and regain his life. As for the rest of us, only God knows.
By Let It Go
December 11, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
This has to be the worst Falcons football team that I’ve ever seen. Granted, I’m only 34, but I have never seen a team that can’t run, can’t block, can’t catch, and whose defense is about as effective as a screen door in a hurricane. I don’t know where it starts, but I’m done for the year with this team.
Just be glad that MNF didn’t have us vs. the Dolphins last night.
By Boo Boo
December 11, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
I don’t see a business man like Arthur Blank calling the team’s head coach its chief executive officer in any way being a statement that the General Manager’s position will be eliminated. Owners buy and pay. GM’s pick and choose. Head Coaches run the football team - meaning the team bought and chosen for the coach. But … AJC columnists seem to be more inside the brains of important people, more than us foolish newspaper readers.
Its a good thing Patrino isn’t a player’s coach. If he was he might learn some inside skinny on the next best player for the franchise and, should he be dismissed (like JM, Jr.), he might have that player sent to prison too. Just have to always remember to keep your name secret.
By tarighan
December 11, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
As we all heard yesterday, Mike Vick was sentenced for 23 month (may as well been 2 years). I am a dog lover and I am totally against animal cruelty, but after all that has transpired of Vick and looking at what he is going to loose, I don’t think 2 years is fair. It too harsh on him compared to what other (actual) felons get when they commit a crime which is harsher in nature than what Vick did. When the news 1st came out about Vick possibly linked to this, I wanted nothing more that having this guy behind bars and for him not to play a down in the NFL again, but after some evaluation I think he should deserve another chance, not because I feel for him, because I don’t, but just for the mere reason that people have commit real and awful crimes and have received the same sentence as Vick. Someone who commits sexual harassment, or is a child sex offender, or raped someone or tried to kill another human being are out within 2 years on probation just to find out that these guys did it AGAIN!! Just today on the radio on my way to work I heard this news about a young lady. She ran a day care and in her care and due to her negligence a 4 yr old girl died and she received a 2 year sentence. She killed some1s daughter, a little 4 yr old girl and she receives the same sentence as Mike Vick. Vick does not need 2 years in Jail he needs 2 years of therapy and community service and total ban from NFL, that should be an ideal punishment who some1 like Vick. 2 years of being around more thugs and criminals is not going to make Vick a better person. The only lesson he has realistically learned is “I LOST MY MONEY”. He does not realize that he committed a hideous crime, he is just in shock that his money is gone, his lavish lifestyle is gone and he can’t play football anymore. Mikes dad said that he told Mike not to put the house under his name because that way the feds could not have traced or linked Mike Vicks name to this case. See what I mean? He didn’t tell Vick, don’t fight dogs or don’t kill dogs or don’t hurt dogs because it is a crime, he told him not to put the house under his name. Mike Vick does not know any better. He is an uneducated THUG. His upbringing put him in this hole. Growing up, his parents obviously did not put a stop to this and it just kept going on. He tested + for marijuana while on probation. This guy is clueless; he has no ethics or morals. How is hunting and killing deers, pigs, boars, birds, or whatever different from what Vick did? At the end an animal is killed against its wish. This is what it comes down to- Dog fighting was made into a illegal sport that people (mainly Urban) in the south did behind closed doors and made some money and in the end, animals (dogs) got injured and killed or died a slow agonizing death. How is this different from what other people do for hunting? Shooting a deer or a moose and stuffing its head and hanging it on thier wall? Or killing a bear or pig hunting? Or dove hunting? Or other various animals that people kill during this “hunting season”. ANIMAL CRUELTY is the name of the game. Apparently the govt made that legal because it has been a favorite pass time of the rich? It just ridiculous how people or the media is not trying to play the race card but that’s what its about. Mike Vick being rich famous and BLACK, and he did commit the crime but 2 years is a bit too harsh. On the other hand this young lady’s negligence was the cause of death of a 4yr old girl. I think the little 4yr old girls life is a little more imp than a dog, and she received a 2 years sentence?? WOW!. And I guess hunting is fine, killing innocent animals is fine, and putting a bullet in a deer is fine? I guess if it’s all WHITE then it’s ALLRIGHT. Deny it all you want but that’s what it is.
Vick is a dumb, young and uneducated athlete who does not know any better. To improve people like him, community service, ban from the NFL for x amount of years and strong therapy should be advised. Think about it.
By mvfan
December 11, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Michael Vick will be just fine. He will return a changed man, ready to be a model citizen and greater football player.
When he does, my grandson and I will be in front of the TV to cheer him on. He’s too good for the Atlanta Falcons, a franchise that never could develop or keep a star player—Brett Farve, Dion Sanders, Abraham, Patrick Kearney, etc. Need I say more?
By Supes
December 11, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
One more loss closer to Darren McFadden! (Trying to be positive here)
I hope Petrino cleans house after this season and gets rid of everyone who is not giving it their all right now!
We need a new power RB, new QB and help on the D and O lines. Address the needs through the draft and free agency.
In today’s parody driven league, Falcons could be in the playoffs next year with the right moves, esp. in the NFC South.
Roddy White and the people wearing the “free Mike Vick T-shirts”…yes there is a reason the ATL is often the laughing stock of ESPN and the nation as a whole…they see things like that and think we are all stupid and ignorant enough to support players like Roddy and Joe Horn (shut the hell up already and just play the darn game!)
By Hugh G. Rection
December 11, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
Blank wrecked the franchise himself with all of his silly decisions, like firing Reeves because Blank only likes yes-men and Reeves wouldn’t play the game.
Then hiring Mora!!!! Get real.
You can’t tell me mgmt in Flowery Branch didn’t know what Vick was all about before this year. Hell, Ray Buchanon let slip to Chris Landry at FoxSports that “everybody” knew Mike fought dogs. Only when Landry, a very solid reporter, went public with the quote did RayBu deny the quote. Word in this newspaper and others before Vick copped the plea was that other players on the team were going to be called as witnesses if a trial had occurred. Blank and the boys looked the other way.
And traded Schaub.
Blank wrecked the team with one crappy decision after another. (McKay? Hartwell? Peerless when Reeves told him not to?)
It is much worse than it ever was under the Smiths and Reeves, who at least got us to the Super Bowl and would have won if not for Eugene’s screwup the night before which distracted the entire team and kept them up all night when they should have been resting for the game.
By Gene
December 11, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
I think that Arthur Blank’s comment about fried chicken in prison is as dumb as Fuzzy Zeller’s comments about fried chicken at the Masters’ Banquet a few years ago. We knew that Fuzzy was no genius. If there was any doubt about Blank, he just cleared it up.
By Dan Man
December 11, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
The biggest thing this team lacks is Mental Toughness. They are SO weak mentally! Teams beat the Falcons b/c they want it more than them. Yeah the Falcons don’t have a lot of talent on offense. Yeah, they lost Mike Vick. But great teams rise to the challenge and make plays to win games. The Falcons are 3-10, but they could just as easily be 6-7 or 7-6 and in the playoff hunt. But they aren’t. Why? Because they don’t make plays when they need to. The defense stops the Saints on 4th down on our own 33 yard line in the 1st quarter and the Offense STILL can’t punch it in?!? Brees is tackled behind the line of scrimmage and he STILL rolls out to complete a pass for a 1st down? P** poor. This isn’t about talent, it’s about effort and desire. And the Falcons don’t have it. Period.
By davidb
December 11, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
I’m 46, from Atlanta, and a life long Falcons fan. I have only one thing to say: We’re cursed. :(
By Ryder
December 11, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
I totally forgot about Blank’s “fried chicken” comment. Boy if the Falcons were any good that would’ve probably had a lot of backlash considering how over sensitive people are.
It’s obvious that this team gave up after what happened to Vick over the summer. I just wish these idiots on this blog would get over the fact that the team traded Schaub. He’s really lighting it up in Houston isn’t he?
If they are going to clean house, you have to start with that offensive line. I don’t understand why they benched Blalock, but regardless this team needs to get some people who can block without holding.
Secondly, if I’m Petrino, I go draft both a QB like Matt Ryan in the first round and then an RB in the second. It’s obvious Norwood would best be suited in the Reggie Bush role. Atlanta needs a player who can pound it in between the tackles. Let Harrington go and then get someone who can be a leader on the field.
Dan Man the difference between Brees and Redman/Harrington/Leftwich combo is that they don’t have the confidence that it takes to lead this offense.
Atlanta doesn’t need just a QB, they need a real leader, which is something they haven’t had since Bartowski. Think about it.
By TN Jeff
December 11, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
When can we get rid of the all-black jersey & pant combo which was brought to add intimidation against visiting foes. I once thought maybe back to the bright red. After watching all of last night’s game & the boys triumphantly heralding their thugmate only to wimper 3/4 of the game - I now like the idea of changing to FLAMING PINK jerseys & shorts.
By jw
December 11, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
this is to MVFAN and others like him, stop using the old I am black and the world is always going to treat me bad. the problem is the black community continues to back up and support any black man that gets in trouble no matter if he kills a human or an animal it’s always a race issue and until that stops yes the black man will contiue to struggle. Mike Vick probally would have only gotten 12 months but because he failed a drug test after the judge told him to keep it clean once again Mike Vick thought he was above the law. after watching some of news coverage and pictures of the animals that were rescued I could not figure out why he had beagles they are not fighting dogs and then found out those dogs along with golden retrievers were used like bait. they put them in the pens with the pit bulls for them to practice on so for anyone who contiues to think this man is a roll model you are one sick person. Mr.Blank you had better get your act together and get rid of all the bad apples that seem to be apart of our team cause the way it looks now we are the laughing stock of the NFL next to the Oakland Raiders who are known for a thug city.
By GeorgiaYankeesFan
December 11, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
There is something rotten at the core of the Falcons. I contrast the Falcons season with what the Redskins have gone through over the last 2 weeks with the death of Sean Taylor. The Redskins suffered the loss of a team leader and arguably the best defensive player. They played 2 games in 11 days and went 1-1 (almost 2-0). In the game against the Bears, the Skins lost their starting QB, the backup came in and did enough to get them the win. The Redskins are not about the individual. Joe Gibbs makes sure it is all about the team.
Now look at the Falcons. This is a me-first team. I some of the players care about Mike Vick and his well being but the displays of a Mike Vick poster, Free Mike Vick T Shirt and MV7s was disappoining. Me-first Mike Vick broke the law, lied about it, then when his back was against the wall crumbled and suffered the consequences. Vick let his team down. Contrast the actions of these me-first dopes to classy Crumpler and Dunn. No Mike Vick tributes from them, why? because he broke the law now is not the time to celebrate the man. If anything Hall and White should have had a sign up thanking the fans for enduring this nonsense. Do these knuckleheads know how goofy they looked last night? To support a player who has brought Blank and the Falcons such pain this year.
Based on this ridiculousness and the lack of fight shown on the field, it is clear there is no leadership in the locker room. This is a me-first team. The Pats, Colts, Cowboys, Steelers, Packers are all about the team. Do you think for one second that D’Angelo Hall cares about the Falcons. All he cares about is padding his stat sheet and proclaiming himself the Deon Sanders of his own mind. Yet offense, after offense comes on the field and lights up this secondary. The guy is all talk. Do you think Peyton Manning or Tom Brady would stand by and watch his receivers continually drop passes. Someone would get in that receivers face and tell him to hold onto the ball.
The Falcons are rotten to the core and a franchise QB or running back isnt going to fix it. Arthur Blank needs to do the following: 1. Get rid of Rich McKay and scouting dept. He’s been here a few years but it is obvious his eye for talent isn’t good. His draft picks and free agent signings have been horrible. 2. Hire the top assistant GM from the Pats, Colts, Cowboys, Packers or Steelers. For the last 5 yrs these teams have done an amazing job staying on top with a great bunch of team-first talent. 3. Draft like the Pats do. The Pats have an incredible ability to find value in the lower rounds of the draft. Use our first round pick to get more lower round picks. Romo and Brady were not 1st Rd studs.. find that value at the back of the draft. 4. If we keep the first rd pick, don’t waste it on a QB or RB instead get a great offensive lineman or monster defensive player. 5. Cut receivers who can’t catch. Sounds obvious but I’m still seeing the same dopes drop passes. Definitely time for an upgrade at this position. 6. Get a Field Goal Kicker: No more bringing in Mort Andersen 4 games into the season. Find a kicker and stick with him. Too many games are decided by FGs not to have someone who is automatic 6. Get rid of D’Angelo Hall: He is the leader of the me-first crew. He has been allowed to undermine Petrino. Last night’s deeds should be the final nail in the coffin for his Falcons career. Get the defense a real leader who is all about the team concept.
By Native fan
December 11, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
As a life long Atl. native and Falcons fan, this is another low. Blank should suspend his “employees” for their t-shirts, and signs showing their love for Vick. If I did that at my job I’d be fired on the spot. Talk about biting - no pun intended- the hand that feeds you. Hall obviously wants out. Crumpler can’t catch a cold, Roddy White is just a loser.
Vick lies to everyone, including the Fed’s and all the Falcn players can do is cry “Free Vick”, what a crock.
In 5 years Vick will be living under a bridge, with his gold tooth display, wearing a wife beater t-shirt, playing craps for another hit off the pipe.
What a complete waste of talent. It’s amazing how 1 person can distroy an entire team. “Free Vick” my a*, throw away the key is more like it.
By reebok
December 11, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Vick was never a good pro quarterback, and after 2+ years away, he’ll be physically out of it. Add to the fact that you have ty have something VERY VERY WRONG WITH YOU MENTALLY to be able to torture and kill dogs. Vick went into prison a very messed-up individual…in 2 years, he will emerge much worse off than he went in. He’s done. Good riddance.
By Kiki
December 11, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Can someone please explain to me the difference between fighting/killing dogs for sport and killing bears for sport?
Foxnews Headline: 5 Yr. Old Kills 445 lb. Black Bear
I seriously doubt this little kid and his family are going to eat the bear they killed. But they did say they’re going to mount its head to put on display in their house! What a bunch of freaks! And not only are they not going to jail, I think the media wants us to think this story is cute! Are you f-ing kidding me?
By drew
December 11, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Bradley, you idiot! Who gives a rip about Vick…that’s old news…it’s HISTORY.
How about the fact that the greatest ROCK N’ROLL band in the HISTORY of the world, has taken to the stage for what, hopefully, will be the start of a world-wide tour.
Get your priorities straight, dude!
By Gspot
December 11, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
MVfan; Listening to your father’s comment about you being disadvantaged from birth has probably directly caused you to be disadvantaged. You have bought into the victim mentality of your father instead of doing what MANY blacks in this country have done and outstudied, outworked and outthought their peers to make something of themselves. As long as you have the entitlement and victim mentality that you have apparently been carrying your whole life, you are most CERTAINLY disadvantaged.
By jw
December 11, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
Kiki that is so stupid to even compare the two but that is typical. look hunting is legal even though I don’t involve myself around people who hunt but what Vick did was not legal there’s your differnce
By Kiki
December 11, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
jw, obviously killing bears is legal, and killing dogs is not, unless you work at an animal shelter or a veterinary clinic, and then killing dogs is okay apparently. I guess I should clarify my question: for all you ‘animal lovers’ on your high horses out there, is there a moral difference between killing a bear that is not threatening you in any way and killing a dog? I think this comparison is much better than comparing dogs to deer or other animals that are hunted and killed for food. Who the heck eats bear???
By GE
December 11, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
KiKi,
In America, those with power make the laws and decide what is legal. Slavery was once legal too.Your point about bear hunting vs. dog fighting is well taken. JW’s response is typical of those in power. Killing animals for the sport of it is fine as long as it is legal. It was legal to kill black people when they were slaves as they were not considered to be human. Hell,it is still legal in some places. I wonder where the phrase “treat me like a dog ” comes from. Evidently there is some history of dog mistreatment in America and Vick is the scape goat that makes some people feel better about themselves.
By Roswell Ed
December 11, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
One more time dumbar$es:
Hunting= Legal
Dog Fighting= Illegal
Drinking beer= Legal
Smoking Weed= Illegal
Cooperating with the gov’t= legal
Lying to the gov’t= illegal
Carrying a water bottle through security= not allowed
Carrying a water bottle with a compartment for your dope and argueing with authorites= not advised and illegal
Smoking a cig in the back of the limo= legal
Smoking a blunt in the back of a limo and having your picture taken= illegal and stupid
Mistakingly picking up someone elses property at airport security= legal if you give it back
Lifting someones watch at airport security- illegal
Smoking a joint in the privacy of your own home- illegal but not very punishable
Smoking a joint when you know the feds will test you- illegal and soooo dumb its uncomprehensible
Vick reminds me of the Scarecrow in the Wizard of OZ.
If he only had a brain.
If Vick would have been in charge there is no way they would have ended up in the Emerald City.
Best case scenerio he gets to the poppies and never leaves.
Poppies
Poppies
Poppies
By jw
December 11, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
KiKi you are kidding me that if a bear approaches you it’s not going to kill you. I have always been against hunting of any kind but I understand why it has to be done. the over population of deers and wild animals are a danger to our communities they carry rabies and are aggressive animals that will kill you. now I am with you on the killing of any animal it is horrible but when you take animals and train them to kill eachother to make money and people standing there watching them destroy eachother is sick and these hunters are not doing it as Mick Vick did in this case. a dog can be raised has a household pet bears and dears can’t. as far as you comparing MV killing of dogs to a vet putting a animal down again ignorant.
By Nostradamus
December 11, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
Nostradamus foresees:
Fewer African-American families will purchase or adopt canines in 2008.
Even fewer will rape, torture and murder their canines and then tell other people about it.
By jw
December 11, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Hey GE save that speech for one of Al Sharpton’s marches
By GE
December 11, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Roswell Ed,
Thanks for confirming my point and being so eloquent in doing so. Your onipotence overwhelms your intelligence. Too bad. You seem to have potential. LOL!!!!!
By SoOverIt
December 11, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
All I see when I turn on the television to watch the Falcons, at HOME, is a city that is so full of racial overtones it is embarrassing. Look, the situation with Vick is that with all probability the sentence on him was harsher due to his celebrity. But at the same time, he probably should serve 2 years for being STUPID. Instead of “free Mike Vick”, the signs should read “rehabilitate Mike Vick.” Anyone with ANY common sense, and I don’t care if the person is white or black, or etc..that had what Vick had at stake and let dogfighting bring him down is DUMB. On top of that, you are under the gun from the Feds, you have done a plea deal, and what do you do because you are stressed, SMOKE A JOINT, where you know you will fail a drug test. And to all the people that are talking about Arthur Blank and “fried chicken”, I have no doubt now if it wasn’t for Arthur Blank, that water bottle incident would have proven true. Even Vick’s own lawyer stated at the hearing that Vick needed rehab for drug addition. Anyone that has any pride in the city, and for that matter themselves, would push aside the “racial” portion of this unexcusable debacle, and take it for what it is worth. Vick is at fault, not the courts, not the Feds, not the Falcons, but Vick. BTW, we have been 7-9 under Vick the past two years and the other glorified “veterans” of this team. Maybe we should “run” the whole team out of town and start with players that don’t have a political agenda to put out on National Television.
By Max
December 11, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Hey Roddy White: Here’s an idea for next week’s t-shirt message:
FREE ATLANTA FANS FROM OUR PATHETIC PLAY
By GE
December 11, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
SoOverIt,
The only way to solve the racial divide is to move the Falcons to Johns Creek and have an all white team. We could change the name of the team to the Johns Creek White Tails.
Every one of us has a political agenda including you. Jena 6, Gernaldo Wilson, Katrina, nooses, Vick etc. keeps the racial overtones alive. I wish we all could get So Over It.
By North FLA Falcon
December 11, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Some observations of the game! I refuse to talk about Vick I’m sick and tired of the whole mess so let’s talk football:
By ha ha ha ha ha
December 11, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
How dare some Falcon’s players show support of their friend by wearing his number or t shirts with his name on it. The nerve of these guys to show support to a guy they call a friend. Notice the sarcasm. The idiots on this board really tickle me. I hope one of your friends doesn’t get in trouble because I can clearly see you wont support them. As far as Schuab, GET THE HELL OVER IT. As a matter of fact the backup qb in Houston is playing a lot better than Schuab. As I said before the season, Schaub will be no better than Carr. He is a average qb who was overrated here because he fit the prototypical look the idiots on here want.
By Americanlogic
December 11, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Did you see all of the ingorant ngres wearing their Micheal Vick Jerseys last night? No wonder decent Americans do not take the black vote, community, opinion seriously. These people are the same people that believe everything Jesse Jackson tells them.
By jw
December 11, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
GE again ignorance is spewing from you and here’s one for you since you want to say something that ignorant I will stoop to your level. why don’t we wipe out Iran and move all the blacks there so they can run the whole country they see fit and no white person aloud so you can have all the MV’s Pacmans’s R Kelly’s snd all the thug rap stars and no one can complain again about it’s because I’m black and the white man is out to get me. your comments earlier about the slaves let’s not forget your own people sold you and MV’s posse sold him out so don’t get it twisted looks like the black man really needs to watch out of their own peeps.
By GE
December 11, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
North FLA Falcon
Based on your comments, questions and solutions, I am even more convinced that we should move the team to Johns Creek and rename them the Johns Creek White Tails.
By GE
December 11, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
Americanlogic
Good try but….no cigar good buddy. LOL!!!!
By GE
December 11, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
jw
Careful. You are losing control.Iran, dogs,bears, Vick,,posse, pacman? Wow!!! You got issues dude.
By jrod
December 11, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
To jw and GE,
Your arguements are really weak. Nobody here is disputing dogfighting is illegal. There are alot of illegal things that do not bring about this type of venom. The point Kiki was bringing up had to do with the morality of it. How can you morally justify killing bears? If dogfighting was made legal tomorrow would any of you be ok with it?
Also please stop saying vick was a below average qb and he wrecked the team? How can a below average qb wreck your team? So many of the anti-Vick points seem hate based. Like he was 15-17 over the last two years. Look at this team now. They stink. Everybody left before halfway through the third quarter. The same way people complain blacks blame others for their problems, it seems everybody wants to blame vick for this teams problems. He is not even playing! I want vick back on this team if for no other reason than atleast somebody will be accountable, right now no one is. Three years from now people will still be blaming vick.
By Swine the Mad
December 11, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing to me that Crumpler, White, Horn, Jenkins, et. al. would rather play for a currently convicted felon. You could put Peyton Manning out there right now for us and it wouldn’t change a thing. The players have all but implicitly stated that they’re not going to give an effort for anyone but Vick.
And that’s really unfortunate. Especially for White. He’s looked like a receiver this year. Vick was never able to do that for him.
The Falcons’ players should be ashamed that they would rather insult their fans with their attitudes and play. They want to cuddle up with a man who knowingly spent five years illegally torturing and killing animals, betting on the outcomes. Vick has been one disaster after another in the p.r. department, not to mention that his skills at quarterback were only getting worse, not better.
If the Falcons would rather play for a man who lied to them, lied to the owner, lied to Goodell, and lied to federal authorities, I’m done with them.
I can stand losing. I just can’t stand losing with classless players.
By GE
December 11, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
jrod
Agree.
By jw
December 11, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
you know listening to them talk about Warrick Dunn last night I never knew his mother was murdered and to see what Dunn does for the community and for single mothers is so overlooked to the likes of someone like Vick..people are wanting to get rid of Dunn and wants MV back….no wonder a lot our communities are falling apart
By Get the Picture
December 11, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
If Blank is competitive, not patient and has the resources, why does he continue to have Rich McKay as GM? And I’m not even looking at how everything with Vick was handled. I’m talking about all the other personnel decisions McKay has made, both with free agents and draft choices. This team has collapsed because a great deal of money is being paid to players who are showing themselves to be mediocre at best.
By ha ha ha
December 11, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
It’s like D Hall said. When Vick was here he was not a good passer, he could not read defenses, he was not accurate and all the losses were blamed on him. He is not even playing this year and people are blaming him. Why dont some of you idiots admit that this team is not very talented and Vick hid a lot of their flaws. What does it matter if they supported a “friend”. At the end of the day this team sucks and has little talent. Stop blaming a qb who has not taken a snap all year and blame the guys who show up on Sundays and the sorry a* GM who put this crap together.
By jay
December 11, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
the problem with Blank is he still thinks getting a quarterback is the answer for a winning season. Heck with the way people think of Vick being the best thing ever to have a football in their hands we should have won the our division every year. he needs to focus on the OL, receivers and good running backs cause without them a quarterback won’t mean a thing. now that MV is locked up it’s time to let him go and move on. stop with the cause he’s a rich black man that’s why they were so tuff on him… poor baby. had his mom and dad stopped all this when he started mistreating animals when he was young and getting him some help for it he may not be in the postion he’s in.
By popcornular
December 11, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Michael Vick is a liar, learned from a culture of liars. Come on people, open your eyes.
By popcornular
December 11, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
It’s your fault Georgia, you brought em over here in the first place.
By Bruce Ayrian
December 11, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
I, for one, would like to wish Michael Vick all the best this Holiday Season.
I sincerely hope you have a very White Christmas behind those walls, Mr. Vick.
By VA Ex-Falcon Fan
December 11, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
Let it go! Vick put more butts in seats than anyone else in Falcon history. He made mucho dinero for Blank. Do not plan on seeing any MNF games in the foreseeable future. Why? Because fighting dogs is worse than hanging nooses in trees, starting senseless foreign country invasions where thousands of lives are lost, or identifying CIA agents.
By Mike
December 11, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
Me love me some chicken!
By tj
December 11, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
Breaking News:
ESPN reports Petrino resigning to take Arkansas Job. Yess, Thank Goodness. By the way . he’s always true to his word ain’t he!
By td
December 11, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
Petrino just quit, so the task of moving forward just got even more difficult. Has any team ever had a more disastrous season?
By Ross
December 11, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this
and now the Falcons gotta get a new head coach. Petrino is resigning and going to coach Arkansas next year
By Brown Eyed Girl
December 11, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this
Hey yall, Bobby Petrino is leaving for Arkansas!!!
By Thank you GOD!
December 11, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
Christmas came early this year…Petrino is G-O-N-E!!!! Please Mr. Blank….do not hire another mf’ing college coach! Marty Schottenheimer!!!
By Dale
December 11, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
See my 10:53 a.m. post. Told ya he’d quit.
By Brown Eyed Girl
December 11, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
I live in Louisville, KY. We saw it coming in August.
By A Falcons fan walks into a bar. . . .
December 11, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
“We’re really fortunate to have Bobby Petrino as the CEO of our football team,”
By Dan
December 11, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
“The bad news: Things aren’t apt to improve much anytime soon. The good news: They can’t possibly get worse.”
Mark - I do not necessarily see Petrino bailing as things getting worse, but anyone over the age of 15 should know never to say it cannot get worse.
I bet Blank wishes his biggest problem with his investment was having a big fish die every once in a while.
By Mrs. V
December 11, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
I wonder if you are bragging about your coach now! He is a quitter, not that he was doing so good in the first place. He is suppose to be a role model like you think Vick is suppose to be a role model. I guess he is teaching your kids to be a quitter. Like my Bible says, “Let ye without sin cast the first stone”, we have all at one point and time in our lives lied about something so we are just as bad as Mike Vick. I am like Roddy White, “FREE MIKE VICK”! You got a player on the field who killed his girlfriend’s dog out of anger and he is still on the field. Equal rights, equal liberties!