AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > February > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKeeping sports in perspecitive
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
THE TUESDAY COUNTDOWN…
10: First, something even more important than the Super Bowl, although my old pal probably would disagree. The day before the big game, ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli checked into a hospital because he wasn’t feeling well. He ended up having quintuple bypass heart surgery, which really messed up his weekend plans. He’s doing well today, except for the part about missing the game.
9: Len and I were co-workers at the AJC (we were hired the same day in 1989) and have been friends for over 18 years. So this story didn’t surprise me: He looked and felt so bad during a meeting of Hall of Fame voters Saturday in Arizona that he was implored by others to just fill out his ballot and leave. Typically, Len refused, sticking it out through the rounds of voting before leaving. There are three levels of dedication for reporters: 1) Working lazy; 2) Working hard; 3) Working Lenny. Take a rest, my friend.
8: Couldn’t find the Boston Globe’s prematurely planned book on the Patriots, “19-0,” which was on Amazon.com last week. But you can still buy a commemorative 19-0 gold coin for $33.95. Alleged retail value is $149.95. Don’t know what the melt-down value is. (Here’s the link: http://www.amazon.com/England-Patriots-19-0-Super-Champions/dp/B0013HT0FU/ref=sr—1—2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1202225014&sr=8-2)
7: I’m not necessarily predicting the decline of the Patriots, Red Sox and all of New England’s sports team. But given the years of suffering by Boston fans prior to the Pats’ and Sox’ rise, could there be a more appropriate signal for a collapse than this Super Bowl loss?
6: Given all of Bobby Knight’s career mandates about hard work, dedication and respect for your peers, I have one question: Where does quitting in the middle of the season fit in?
5: In case you’re wondering about Pat Knight’s qualifications to be the head coach at Texas Tech, he once coached the Wisconsin Blast of the now defunct International Basketball Association. Also, there’s his last name.
4: Good news for Michael Vick: a judge’s ruling allows him to keep $16.25 million in bonuses, which means he can move into a much nicer cell block in Leavenworth.
3: Florida State president T.K. Wetherell said he doesn’t trust the athletic department to investigate itself of academic fraud. I’m not sure, but I think Bobby Bowden may retire in about five minutes.
2: Don Waddell has said he still expects to sign Marian Hossa, which I guess explains why he was scouting in Montreal the other night. Wait. Huh?
1: So much for one-game perceptions: Early odds on Bodog.com lists the Patriots as 4-1 favorites to win next year’s Super Bowl, followed by San Diego (6-1), Indianapolis (8-1), Dallas and New York (each 10-1). The Falcons are tied with Kansas City, Miami and Oakland — at 100-1.
Permalink | Comments (43) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Quick Hit
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By brownthrasher
February 5, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
For a home town reporter and who has basked in the glory and excitement of Michael Vick as wel, you really couldhave found something more befitting to say about Vick or perhaps say nothing at all.
By Jimmy Etheridge
February 5, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Here’s something befitting to say about Michael Vick; anybody who would pull all 42 teeth out of a dog’s mouth is a sick MF.
By Famuan
February 5, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Well…anyone who would kiss a dog on the mouth and let the dog lick them all over their face is a sicker MF……ewwwwww, what is up with that??
By Nechville Rednecks
February 5, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Vick in 2009 T-532 days. Will they cut him or keep a great talent and lose ticket sells “not “. Blank you has a brain! most Season ticket holders want him back in 2009! Hope we have a good draft Dirty Birds! AJc has nothing else to write about.
By mart
February 5, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Enough Vick bashing, let’s move on to Bobby Knight. Why is he getting a free ride for quitting on his team in mid-season? No class, again.
By Roswell Ed
February 5, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t trust the FSU athletic department either.
Free Shoes U
Free Shirts U
and Free Services(grades) U
Why does the NCAA give these guys passes after passes?
You don’t need to be a genius to know what is and has been going on at Free Shoes U for years.
FSU the UT of the ACC.
By GT
February 5, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Bobby Knight is all that is bad about coaching in one body. He quits in the middle of the year like Petrino, he abuses his players like Haynes, there has never been any NCAA violations because no one has the guts to investigate him. Could you imagine after throwing a chair across a floor because of one bad call what he would do if someone call him a cheater. If you want to look at a character beyond cheating look at Richt up at Georgia or even the Old Ball coach at South Carolina who nobody likes just so we don’t make character into a popularity contest. Indiana did the right thing firing him, if a little late, and Texas Tech had nothing to lose hiring a nut that could bring publicity to a program few knew existed. What bothers me is how many people buy into what Knight is solely because he wins. You have no obligation to act civil if you can hang a W on the board. The second he hit a policeman he should have been fired. That screaming announcer on ESPN that calls him general. Don’t defend Knight and castrate Petrino, which I appreciate Schutltz not doing.
By Obama-Nation
February 5, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Actually, Famuan, a dog’s mouth has way less bacteria and germs than yours, and they eat poo!
By Obama-Nation
February 5, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Actually, Famuan, a dog’s mouth has way less bacteria and germs than yours, and they eat poo!
By jc
February 5, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Most of the cheap seat season ticket holders want him back. The segment of the fan base (season ticket holders and otherwise) who can actually afford to support the franchise don’t want him anywhere near this team .
By neckville
February 5, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Jc. you don’t know the facts. And you are not a season ticket holder just a hater! 1700 bucks for the last six years for season tickets section 112 come and see us at the dome !
By PAUL
February 5, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
VICK WILL BE BACK IN THE NFL. FREE VICK. WHY YOU ALL THAT HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT DOGS THAT A LOTS OF YOU BEEN HAVE SEX WITH DOGS MOST W MANS & WOMANS.
By Carlun
February 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
I have never seen home reporters continuously bash a home team like the Ajc reporters do the Falcons. They always seem to focus on everything negative and never have anything positive to say. If I were a Falcon I would never give them and interview. They are the worst reporters or fake sports columnist I have ever seen.
By PAUL
February 5, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
I M A SEASON TICKET HOLDER 100% FOR VICK TO COME BACK. SECTION 124. FREE VICK.
By Roswell Ed
February 5, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Who is the hater?
The guy that doesn’t want a dog drowning-electricuting bum representing his football team or
the guy that err well hates him?
PS I don’t even like dogs or DAWGS one bit.
Hey neckville the Too Stewed Live are missing you aren’t they?
By Titothebear
February 5, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Hey GT,
Is Bobby Knight a hothead? Sure he is…he even admits that he regrets some of the things he has done. But the man knew how to coach (his over 900 victories and 3 national championships speak for themselves), and best of all, he graduated his players. Does that not count for something? In this day and age where kids play for maybe one year and go straight for the NBA, he recruited kids who would be with them for 4 years, stressed academics first, molded them into strong-willed adults, and graduated them. I once had the benefit of listening to him speak at a convention in Indianapolis and he came across as very warm, sincere, and smart. I shook his hand and told him that “if I had a son who played basketball I would have him play for you, without question, because I knew he would learn discipline, hard work, would graduate, and succeed at his profession!” He smiled and said he appreciated that. Good luck coach Knight, enjoy retirement, and catch a walleye for me!!!!!
By Football Fan
February 5, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Jeff, your column’s headline reads Keeping Sports In Perspective. We both know that will never happen in Atlanta with the AJC. You sports writers work for sports editors who lack scruples and require their writers to constantly stir the pot and rile fans up in order to sell more papers. That’s what it really is all about with you guys, isn’t it?
I for one, and there are a lot more like me, would like a kinder gentler AJC sports department.
By Boo
February 5, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Face it. He will NEVER play in the NFL again.
By BossLady
February 5, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
The courts decided that VICK did not have to pay back the money. Since, he is still a NFL player, and a Falcon player all on suspension then he can return to work at anytime. He was never dismissed by either. Anyone in any profession who goes to jail can return to their work if they have never been fired. Just think
By bob
February 5, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Why Mike Vick will play for the Falcons again
text to be linked
By Wthomas
February 5, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
I’m sure that AJC columnist would say positive things about the Falcons if there were anything positive to say. What have the Falcons done for the fans lately? As far as Vick goes…I was a big fan of his. I have three of his jerseys. Would I want to see him back as the QB of the Falcons? Heck no!!
By bob
February 5, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
text to be linked=Why Mike Vick will play for the Falcons again
By GT
February 5, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
The insult to injury will be when Vick takes Blank’s money and then comes back in a year or so after that drug rehab thing and beats the Falcons making another 20 million from someone else.
By Najeh Davenpoop
February 5, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Dear Jeff,
I hope you get reincarnated as a fighting pitbull after you die.
Sincerely,
Najeh D.
By Falcons Fan
February 5, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
I HAVE BEEN A SEASON TICKET HOLDER FOR 15 YEARS
I have seen the worst of times and the best of times… AND the best of times have been with MICHAEL VICK owning the Dome.
No one talks bout the team that went to the Super Bowl. Sure, there’s an NFC Championship Banner, but the Michael Vick Experience was definitely the reason I did not complain about my season tickets increasing 300% since 1993.
FREE MICHAEL VICK AND PUT HIM BACK ON THE FIELD… IN ATLANTA!!!
By b
February 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Why Mike Vick will play in Atlanta again
By mark
February 5, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Do you Vick supporters not think that torturing an animal by drowning, electricution, or hanging is just a little disturbing???? At least if he had put a gun to it’s head it would’ve been quick!!! Get a grip people!!! Normal, upstanding, good people don’t torture animals!!!!! It’s just sick to think about!!
By FALCONFORLIFE
February 5, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
You people crying for the return of Mike Vick are delusional. This type of constant pandering by the lower class of this franchise and its fans are why it continues to be the laughingstock of the NFL! I currently live in Tampa and am appalled at the contrast between Buc fans and Falcon Fans. I am a lifelong supporter and it is VERY hard when the fairweather (recent johnny come latelys who support Vick still to this day) fans continue to make a mockery of the Falcons and the City of Atlanta!!!
This is getting soooooooooooo old!!!
By RICK
February 5, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Paul, Take some english lessons idiot.
By Jerry Glanville
February 5, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Dear Knuckleheads - the dawn of the Matt Ryan era is about to begin. Pipe down with the Free Vick talk… he’s done. Maybe the Raiders will pick him up but Arthur will never EVER allow him to set foot back in the Dome in a Falcons uniform.
By Ryder
February 5, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Face it, Glanville, most of these people begging for Vick reminds me of the guys who let that special girl get away and they spend their lives delusional thinking she’ll come back. Those of us who actually live in the present have prepared for the Dawn of Darren (I don’t think they’ll draft Ryan, the Dolphins will get him) who will usher this team into a new day of winning!
By carlun
February 5, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
This is the country of second chance. Millions of people will pay to see Vick. He’ll draw more interest now than he would have before he went to jail. Even the haters will tune in just to see what he looks like. Let’s not get stupid, he’s just like Tyson. They both are money makers.
By mars
February 5, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Free Vick! Free Vick! Cut that piece of trash so we can move on!!!!
By Brendan
February 5, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Don Waddell is not going to re-sign Hossa until Hossa changes his mind. And why would he do that? Fans have said, “Waddell won’t mortgage the future” at the trade deadline, in fear of losing his shot at another GM job.
What were LAST YEAR’s deadline moves, then? A collective abberation, that NEVER happened?
By Singletary
February 5, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
REQUESTED SELF POLICING BY AJC WRITERS:
From now on, please don’t mention MV7 except in articles solely devoted to him. Readers of your columns are incapable of responding to items of immediate relevancy to Falcs, not he who will be tried by VA & censured by Goodell before returning to the NFL ~ 2012.
I’d rather discuss FA,CBS articles about how young the Giants are at key positions, and what this may mean for TD. Aging Pats defense likely to be offloaded? Potential for 2 Robiskies on our team in 2009, etc. are more immediate.
By mars
February 5, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
I still don’t understand why the team is made to suffer by the NFL because of the secret, evil life of this criminal.
By HowDareYou?
February 5, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Aaaaah, there they are…the people who will NEVER be satisfied until Vick is stripped of EVERYTHING he owns. Yes, yes, your hunger for/obsession with his ruin, your unforgivingness & your self righteousness just reeks of HUMANITY!
By schultzie wultizie
February 5, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Maybe with some of that money he gets to keep he can fly Schultzi Wultizie and T spit stutter mouth Moore somewhere else to write about sports. Schultzie Wultzie after you got your lunch handed to you on ESPN when discussin Vick I thought you would never mention the guy again. The look on your face after the guy on ESPN ethered you was priceless. You had your little smug face and corny jokes ready and he shot you down faster than the last female you tried to pick up. Give it a rest.
By Ken Strickland
February 5, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
It’s truely amazing how some of you allow your emotions and personal bias to get in the way of logic and common sense. You pretend to be so upset about the mistreatment of dogs by MVick. Yet, not one of you, including the AJC, has made mention of the other defendents who pled guilty. After all, there are just as guilty, if not more so.
Some of you clowns pretend to be so upset that he lied in an attempt to stay out of prison. What’s funny is none of you seem upset that George Bush, your president, lied to Congress and the world for the purpose of involving this country in a war with Iraq. His sole purpose was to make his oil rich family, friends and associates richer. A published CIA Dudfer report showed he deliberately lied to Congress at least 9 times. Look at how many HUMAN LIVES, and I said HUMAN LIVES, have been lost because of his lies. Now, I want you idiots to tell me that what MVick did, and the lives of those dogs, are more important to you than what Bush has done and the lives he’s cost. Also, why is there more concerned about BBonds lying to Congress than George Bush?
You clowns need to stop lying to yourselves and stop this humanitarian pretense. Some of you morons are insinuating that anyone supporting MVick is a low life. Yet, you don’t have a problem supporting and voting for George Bush. And that’s after he and his republican family, friends and associates rigged the election. How in he!! can you introduce democracy and democratic elections to another country when you’ve sabataged the entire process in your on country. Yet, you anal minded morons are more outraged by the antics of MVick and his dogs.
YOU FOOLS ARE MORE DANGEROUS TO THIS COUNTRY THAN MVICK.
By DanReeves4coach
February 6, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Ken Strickland,
I didn’t know this was a political forum but tell me, oh mighty one, name me any president/politician who hasn’t/doesn’t lie at some point in time to get votes. They ALL do it, you know it and I know it!
By Jim
February 6, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Ken Strickland….you are an idiot. I will leave it at that.
By FALCONFORLIFE
February 6, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Ken Strickland you just confirmed everyone’s opinion outside of Atlanta on what is wrong with this Franchise’s fanbase. You are a Moron for saying that Vick’s crime should not be punished because of Bush lies. I hate the BUSHIES too, but the fact is Vick pled guilty and in the process ruined this team!!!
By willdave
February 6, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Wow, you Vick lovers are absolutely amazing! Why should the Falcons bring back this lying, sadistic convict after he will have been out of professional football for at least two full seasons, probably longer than that? What person with even a shred of moral character would ever want to cheer for someone who derived pleasure and income from the depraved sport of torturing and killing dogs and watching them torture and kill each other? Besides, during six seasons with the Falcons, Vick never lived up to his hype. Oh, sure, he’d turn in a great run every now and then. But he would usually cancel that out with a foolish interception or an inexcusable fumble. His accuracy as a passer was atrocious. Vick never won an MVP. He never took the Falcons to the SB. He did get into a lot of trouble off the field, would mumble and not make eye contact during interviews, and even flipped off the home crowd on a Sunday afternoon. No, we don’t need this thug back in Atlanta. Chris Redman played extremely well toward the end of the season. He is our starter for now. Joey Harrington played well at times, although I don’t think he will stay on our roster. Injury-prone Leftwich definitely needs to go. I’m really looking forward to Shockley’s return. Any Bulldog fan will tell you how talented and classy he is. If DJ recovers sufficiently from his injury, he has the potential to bring Vick-type speed and a much more accurate arm to the field. And he would conduct himself off the field with more class than we would ever see from that convict. Oh, and the Falcons will draft a QB in the first round this year. That means a Matt Ryan, JD Booty or similar franchise QB is coming to Atlanta. So why do we need Vick? I say cut him right now or trade him to Oakland or some other team foolish enough to want him. We don’t need him.