Talk of the Town

By Gene

August 14, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

H*ll NO he will be done in Football!

By Sa Vant

August 14, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

It means Vick is guilty and those who defended him are the idiots we always knew they were. This, of course, won’t matter to his myrmidons as they will continue to scream “racism!” and to rationalize that this is all a lot of fuss over “just dogs” when boys are dying in Iraq. However, these barbaric cretins must face the painful truth that the thug’s NFL career is over.

By George Clements

August 14, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

What would be the purpose of a jail sentence? Vick has already been punished with having to pay huge legal fees and he has lost forever income from significant endorsements. If the purpose of the whole federal case is to stop dog fighting, it has certainly brought attention to the need for better state and federal oversight over what is clearly a pastime for sick minds. What additional value is there in making Vick sit in a federal camp for a few months? The more logical outcome would be for Vick and the NFL to part company permanently. Let this Virginia thug find another way to make a living. Don’t make him a “hero” by putting him behind bars.

By Paul A

August 14, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Everyone in this town is sick to death of talking about that moron (Michael Vick). Even if he does get some jail time a team like the Raiders will sign him…. Hell, the Raiders would sign OJ Simpson but the juice don’t wanna work because everything he’d earn would go the families of the people he murdered.

By Francis Gigantic

August 14, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

I think he will be suspended this year, plus 2 years in jail (guessing). Then he will be directed by the NFL to restore his name, and be under a 1 year suspension review. After then, they will consider renewing him for good behavior. Obviously, he will have to conribute time and money to help dogs and teach kids. Otherwise, the big question is can Vick play baseball?

By BlackGirl

August 14, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Should Vick be punished…yes. Is he a thug because he killed some dogs, well, what about those that kill deer for fun and call it hunting? Are they too thugs or is that word just saved for young black men?

By Fed Up!!!

August 14, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

It will mean that he is a pathetic dog killing loser who has no future in the NFL and, if I were given my way, no future outside of prison. This type of crime is treated all too lightly. Murder of innocent dogs, after training them to fight each other to the death—its totally barbaric and should be dealt with harshly. Execution.

By Hmmmm

August 14, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

See ya’! Wouldn’t want to be ya’!

By Keith

August 14, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Sa Vant, I wonder if K-9 lovers like you are horrified when you see ultimate toughman competitions where you have adult men beating each other a few inches away from death. Do you have any pity for that hungry homeless person, as you drive to the store to buy your pet food or spend hundreds at the vet?

Any black male in America with money and fame are targets of the government. Vick deserves whatever he gets.

I grew up in Alabama, where cockfighting, hog-dogging (a dog figting a wild hog), etc., were common and these activities still are. Where is the outrage over this? Vick is a target, because he has become exactly what America does not want him to be. Successful, rich, etc. I’m sure you’d love to lynch him, but even if he never plays another day of football, he’ll still have more money, respect, and love than you ever will.

By hellooooo

August 14, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

If Vick is either found guilty or pleads guilty, then he should be punished accordingly. If the NFL has a rule that felons cannot play, then he shouldn’t be allowed to play. I don’t care if he’s pink with purple polkadots, rules is rules. And BG, if a hunter is killing for fun, yes, he or she is a thug… if they kill and then have the meat processed etc., then, no, they are not thugs, they are providers. I don’t think that particular question is color-coded, personally :-)

By Dee

August 14, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

I would have to say that Vick time is over in Atlanta. He could play again in the NFL, but to do so he’d have to deal with a long suspension. Plus, any other team that signs him will have to deal with the PR mess of this dogfighting stuff.

By A Falcons fan walks into a bar. . . .

August 14, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Vick will play football again, just like Ray Lewis, Jamal Lewis, Tank Johnson, Pacman Jones, and all of the other idiots do too. He will get a 1 year suspension and be back on the field, possibly with a different team to come into town and run right past Keith Brooking.

Vick deserves whatever punishment he was involved in. It doesn’t change the fact that the Falcons are again the worst team in the NFL.

By Sobecat

August 14, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Respect from who? Thug wannabees?

By Sobecat

August 14, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Keith, please explain to me how Denzel Washington, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Warrick Dunn, Ladanian Tomlinson, Samuel L. Jackson, etc. are being targeted. Thanks in advance.

By Come On!

August 14, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

I think that Vick’s time is not over in Atlanta…he means way to much to the A. Though I certainly don’t agree with the senseless fighting or breeding of any animal for the purposes of entertainment, i do feel that Vick is a target because he is not the polished black man that the NFL or America likes. I am sad that animals have been treated in such a way as alleged, and am even more sad that Mike has choosen to associate with people no longer on his level. He needs to grow up, and the NFL needs to stop being so political and let him grow. I am sure that Vick will have learned his lesson when he has to run on the field amid a crowd of boos for the next few years. But as they say, “this too shall pass”. The media is hyping this up more than it should be, and Vick will come back strong, and America will all remember why they fell in love with vick… because of his talent. Innocent until proven guilty.

By stormrider

August 14, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Hey Balckgirl Dog fighting and hunting are not the same and I do not have the patience to explain that difference to you. Just be assured you’re an idiot.

By Rick

August 14, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

His career is probably not over in the NFL. If released ( I hope ), some team like the Bengals, Cowboys or Raiders will take him.

Keith, I think one of the problems is with people who equate criminal activity with success. Yes, he is rich and he will need it due to the fact he seems to be lacking in common sense. I fault no-one, black or white, for being wealthy and successful as long as long as it was not at the expense of others.

By just sayin

August 14, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

You people kill me the way you call people thugs. Does that make you feel morally superior to call someone a thug? Are you and your family members squeaky clean? Go ahead,sit up on your high horse and call him a thug. The truth of the matter is he’s richer, more respected and more loved than any of you people who call him a thug. Deep down you wish you could be like Mike.

By Ed

August 14, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

For you idiots, yes you Keith, comparing dog fighting to ultimate fighting between people who not only want to do that, for a lack of a better word, I’ll use sport, and get paid for it, they compete to be in the ring. Dogs have no choice and they are killed for bad performances. How stupid can you moronic idiots be and still know how to use a computer? Also, we don’t care about your race, what in the heck does you being a black man have to do with this Keith? You and Vick are the same race…well big whoopee do. Vick going to jail will show others you can be overrated, he is, and overpiad, he is, and have huge a future in sports and money and still screw up royally. You few remaining Vick supports, get him off the cross, okay, he is going down, we need the wood for other causes now. Don’t count on Vick having money forever, the man is about as stupid as a rock, football is the only way he can make money. Do you that inbred brother of his could make his own money? Have you seen Vicks college grades? You people amaze me with you blatant ingnorance and how racist you are, taking up for him for one reason and one reason only, because he is black.

By TonyaC

August 14, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Sobecat:

Thank you. As a black female, I am so sick of people making this about race. He is an idiot who has been given more than enough chances to clean up his act. He wanted to keep the company of criminals…not he gets to be one of them. You are the company you keep.

By loyalvickfan

August 14, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

It means nothing to me just as those people who keep hating. I am not an idiot but I do love Micheal Vick. I support him 100% and if he does leave the ATL and play with another team maybe he will have a better shot at winning the superbowl. GO VICK!!!!!!!!!!1

By Ummmm

August 14, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

What it means is that the self righteous idiots finally get what they want…. I can’t believe people are so judgemental concerning Vick… I wonder what their judgement day is going to be like… The man did something wrong but does it warrant his career to end?….NO!… If this was an average US citizen… He would still be working at his regular job and if he had to do jail time he could still get out and have the same career/job.. So what makes Vick different? And let’s not forget the many celebrities who were accused and/or indicted for far more serious crimes and were still allowed to work…..Just because idiots in America put celebrities on pedestals and treat them like they are super human.I believe if they are not going to arrest hunters who kill hunting dogs when they don’t perform or other innocent animals…..then leave Vick alone… Honestly folks it’s too much going on in the world for this dog-fighting case to be sooooo big… Some people believe everything they see and read.. These are probably the same idiots who think we are winning the WAR on TERROR!!!!! I am not saying what Vick has been ACCUSED of doing is wrong or cruel but to end his career over it when there is no relation.. I mean it’s not like he is trying to be a vet…..

By Scrappy

August 14, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Keith - Yes, I pity the homeless and contribute to charity. No I am not horrified when I see UFC matches as they are grown men who decide for themselves to do this, just like boxing. They usually tap out anyway and walk away.

Just because you grew up a hick in Alabama that still participates in these type of barbaric activities, doesn’t mean the rest of the civilized world has to like it.

Vick is a target because he was supposed to be a role model, he was supposed to be a leader - and not of organized crime.

You are right he will always have more money than me, but I serious doubt he will have more respect and love.

By NASDAQ

August 14, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Lets be real, this is the NFL and the kid will definately play in the NFL again. There is no way in hell that 32 teams will pass on a tremendously talented athlete that only had one major off the field issue with the law. Did you forget that Lenard Little was drunk driving and hit a car resulting in the person dying, and he was only suspended for 8 games? If a man can take a human life and still find a home in the NFL, fighting dogs damn sure isn’t going to stop a team from picking him up.

By Patrick

August 14, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

He will never play with the Falcons. Blank has made that clear. If he pleads guilty I think Godell suspends him for a year or 2. I have a hard time thinking any team would take him after that though. Of course he might ban him for life for the gambling.

By Ralph

August 14, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

What doesn’t matter if they were dogs or horses to kill? They were living things and killing for the fun or joy of it, tells me the person or persons have a sick warp mined. Calling these type of people idiots, morons, stupid or even backwards is giving them a compliment. Like any other group or race blacks have good and bad people, going back to the old days and comparing what was done in the old days to today, and using race in Vick case is to justified ignores. I think if Vick was white, brown, or yellow it would be the same or worst. Stop trying to justified an inhuman action Let’s just stop cruelty to animals, period……. Vick was given a change to better and he blow it, so don’t blame white America, or anyone else. What in the world does this case have to do the the boys getting kill in Iraq, this boys are hero, you mornon.

By William

August 14, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

We are talking about dogs, if my memory serves me correctly a few years ago we had a NFL star on trial for murder and you did not hear all of this. Jail time is not the answer for this, let the man pay the fine and continue playing football. He has lost all his endorsements and will never get them back. He is being targeted because of who he is, a wealthy black man(I am white). The falcons will probably cut him, but there is a team out there that will pick him up so quick and he will win a super bowl.

GOD BLESS THIS YOUNG MAN AND GUIDE HIM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

By Peter

August 14, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

HA HA HA…….all you who talk about Vick and add a racial spin here……

Vick is NOT any kind of role model to anyone, except to maybe a guy in prison…..

Why don’t the folks here look at a Tiger Woods as a role model, how about a Hank Aron…either is a very RICH Black guy….. no one is looking to knock them down a notch…..

Why is that ????

Perhaps all you Racist folks of ALL color should be able to figure that out…….DUHhhhhhhhhh !!!!!

By Eddie

August 14, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

First of all, did anyone watch 60 minutes on Sunday? Did they see the almost 1 million killed in Darfur where we concentrate no effort? What I am trying to say here is that this deviant sport has long been a southern pasttime. What is the nickname for South Carolina? I still see stars wearing leather and fur. Peta? No matter the color, it is a stupid thing to do. I just feel like there are more pressing issues for our government to use our tax dollars for.

By Elaine Zimney

August 14, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

THIS ISN’T ABOUT THE COLOR OF SOMEONE’S SKIN! It is about someone who broke laws by running an illegal dogfighting business and participation in illegal gambling. Just because dogfights are held alot of places by alot of Africian Americans(per African Americans admitting this on the blogs) doesn’t excuse Michael Vick and doesn’t make it right.

He should never play again in the NFL! Roger Goodell should let this be an example to other football players who think that their behavior is above the law!

By Itshisownfault

August 14, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

I think ‘Sobecat’ clearly put an end to the agrument that he is young black man who is being persecuted by the establishment… Agree with you sobecat and others such as Tikki Barber, Donovan McNabb, James Blake, Tiger Woods, all rich young black men, who have carried themselves with dignity and for the most part without scandal

By dna

August 14, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Let him serve his sentence pay his price for making the wrong decisions. He can take a year to get the help he needs to deal with this life. After a year he does deserve a chance to win his job back if the NFL allows him that opportunity. It stings now, it will sting next year, but in time people will move on. He still has a lot of good football in him and we would be foolish to let him go and play somewhere else. MV7 had a lot of haters before any of this took place and I hope those people do not win while this man is down. Those are the same people who could have cared less about the Falcons before he arrived.

Mr. Blank we all deserve a chance to correct our mistakes. It is easy to do the right thing when things are going well, but you know the true character of a person when times are tough. MV7 has hurt us, the most loyal Falcon fans, but I for one think after he serves his sentence he deserves another chance.

By bushwacker

August 14, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

I heard a lawyer this morning say that if Vick were to plead guilty to the one charge he probably would get off with a fine and proabation since he’s a first time offender. Of course a conviction would mean the end of his NFL career, but if you have $millions already in the bank I think its a no brainer what most people would do, give up the NFL career but stay out of jail and still have my millions. Or risk fighting the charges and even if found not guilty he will never play in Atlanta again! Or fight the charges and get conVICKted and end his career AND GO TO PRISON. Like I said its a no brainer for most of us but we are after all talking about Mike Vick, not the sharpest knife in the drawer!!

By GoodOleGossip

August 14, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Vick will walk if we like it or not! Jail time? yeah right!! He will pay out the pocket and thats it!! He WILL play football and continue making big bucks. He will get paid off the chew toy they made of him once he sues, and be better off than he was b4 all this happened. Thats how it will be!

By The Truth

August 14, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Is everyone on this blog crazy? Do you know how many felons are in the NFL. Tank Johnson has two felony charges and will serve an 8 game suspension and be back in the League. Jamal Lewis has a federal conviction and served 6 months in jail and was suspended two games and is still playing in the NFL. Have you heard of Chris Henry (just to name a few) Vick will get suspended by the NFL and the Falcons will probably let him go (which would be a dumb move) and he will be picked up by another franchise, given a big contract and continue to sell out stadiums. Trust me in a couple of years no one will even care about any of this dog fighting crap.

By Animul

August 14, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Vick likely broke the law, and will likely go to jail for it, will get suspended and lose a ton of money from his contract with the Falcons. He’ll resurface in the Canadian football league, or the Arena league, and then make his way back to the NFL, perhaps.

There are about 60 dogs in shelters in Virginia that are waiting for this mess to end, so the Humane Society can put them down. That is a tremendous strain put on a public service, and those animals will not get the second chance Vick and his co-defendants will get.

Next time you are at the park and see two dogs playing with each other, picture those two dogs multiplied by 30, plus another handful that were already executed, all dead. That is the mess these men have left behind, just so they could get their jollies by watching two creatures fight. It is criminal. It is reprehensible, and they deserve whatever punishment comes their way.

By Jeff

August 14, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Had Mr. Vick ever attended class at Virginia Tech, perhaps he would have expanded his mind to the degree that dogfighting would no longer seem like sport. Shame on Frank Beamer and the Virginia Tech administration for using this child to win games on the field, but leaving him defenseless in the game of life.

By Faefrost

August 14, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

I could be wrong on this, but couldn’t “Bankrolling a Dogfighting Operation” be construed as a form of running a professional for profit gambling operation? Something that would result in a lifetime ban from the NFL?

By Whiteboy

August 14, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

BlackGirl are you serious trying to compare the killing of deer, to electricuting, drowning, and hanging of dogs. You are an idiot. Kieth, you are just as stupid, lets see a sports event that fighters freely chose to go and make alot of money, versus being hung, shot or any other brutal crime against a dog. True dog fighters do not kill thier animals, except from Alabama like yourself huh there Buba? The only respect Vic gets is from low life trash like yourself.

By Jay

August 14, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Looks like Vick’s snitching homies aren’t so “street” when confronted by the specter of jail.

By brock

August 14, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Blackgirl. Let me tell you the difference in killing deer and killing dogs due to dogfighting since you obviously don’t know. KILLING DEER IS REGULATED AND LEGAL!!!! Dogfighting is ILLEGAL!! What don’t you understand about that? Michael vick should have been funding a deer hunting club and he would still be playing football. But no, He funded a large dogfighting operation(which is ILLEGAL!!) and now he is facing charges.

Stop making this a race thing for crying out loud. You sound ridiculous comparing legal hunting and killing dogs.

By bushwacker

August 14, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

George you are dumber than Keith, we don’t prosecute people to prevent the crime from happening again, we prosecute people and put them in jail to punish them for BREAKING THE LAW.

I’ve come to abattle of wits where my opponents are unarmed!

By brock

August 14, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

And yes, If you kill dogs for fun, for gambling, for whatever you are a thug. Sorry I didn’t clarify that before.

By Jailwithoutnobail

August 14, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Since 17% of the population commit 81% of the crimes, no wonder Mike Vick will plead guilty. 81%

By bushwacker

August 14, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Don’t you like my comments??

By Jeff

August 14, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

If Vick is convicted or pleas guilty, what would the status of his contract be. Could we possibly be saved the huge salary cap hit?

By Brownthrasher

August 14, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

If Jamal Lewis can plead guilty, and Ray Lewis can cop a plea, and let’s not forget Michael Irvin… then there is hope for Michael. I certainly hope he can put this beind him and play ball again. Everyone makes mistakes and his seem to be not knwing how to part with his friends. I don’t think he slammed the dogs or hung them. I think his money was used and he housed the dogs. But he deserves to play ball again as would any other American having served their time and made restitution.

By Dee

August 14, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Just shows the dangers of being a rich Black Man; because that is what all these chareges are based on; race and NOTHING else!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is just plain ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Hustlenomics

August 14, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

The case against Mike Vick has allowed peoples prejudices surface to the top. What is a thug? can we get a definition? This case is not about Vick appearance and his on field play. Since he was drafted the team and the NFL checked into his background and save for his co-defendants he checked out clean. He has also done alot of charity work and helped alot of people. He was then rewarded with the richest contract and all hell broke loose. Dog fighting carries amax of one year and most common people get probation and pay fines.Each of Vicks co-defendants are felons and are agreeing that they killed dogs and fought dogs. the conspiracy charge is the more serious and says Vick was involved but not necesarily the murderer of the dogs. If anything he was loyal to disloyal people because if they live off him and use those funds for illegal things he can be liable. You cant choose your family ask Andy Reid, but he erred in choosing freinds. In regard to the dogs peta and the Humane society is suggesting they get killed anyway by puting them to sleep. If you care about dogs alot there are alot that need adoption or also face death, go to your nearest pound and prevent these dogs from dying

By Charles

August 14, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Denzel Washington, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Warrick Dunn, Ladanian Tomlinson, Samuel L. Jackson, Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, etc are just like any other Negro living in the United States; they have no system of power. They exist because some other system of power authorized it.

If they should be disobedient to that system of power, they will be targeted. As a matter of fact, once an African American has been accepted into the European society on that level, they are monitored.

Just think about it. If African Americans had a system of power that enriched individual Europeans, wouldn’t you think we own them? Remember, they are what they have become because of us. To be honest, they really do own them.

By Johnny Reb

August 14, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Hunting is alot different than putting two dogs in a pit and letting them fight the death. Hunting is more about tracking, being in the right place at the right time and skill. It does not take skill to put 2 dogs in a pit, to attach electric wires to them or hang them, no sport at all. So how can hunting be compared to dog fighting? And yes, I know some fine black hunters, who are skilled at the sport. So unless you put more explanation into your view or comment, then give it up. Open your mind and stop trying to play he black card cause it is bull s**t.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 14, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are worse than Houston and Oakland? Come on! Thats funny. Michael Vick is done if he goes to prison for 2 years. That would put him away from the game for 3 years and almost 30. The biggest advantage to Vick is his elusiveness. Hard to work on agility drills in that 10x10 cell. As Falcon fan I hate that it has come to this, but Vick put himself in this situation and at the end of the day we are accountable for our actions wether we are black or white.

By newday

August 14, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Deep down inside the people that hate you hate themselves even more. No matter what decision you make, Michael, I will continue to support you.

By BCR

August 14, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

I for one never took up for Vick, but on the same token I didn’t make any judgements from allegations. If he pleads guilty, then he has to face the consequences. I think that most people that did not jump on and condemn before any outcome came about just wanted to let the judicial system take its course like anyone of us would want. I never called anyone racist, but I thought in this country you are guilty until proven innocent, or is that just for some people? To answer the question, I think that the NFL will let him play again, but what team is going to want to deal with that PR mess? So am I an idiot because I wanted to wait for the outcome to make a judgement? If so, what does that say about the “values” that this country is susposed to stand for? Sounds like hypocrisy to me.

By Brownthrasher

August 14, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Mr. Blank, why is Jonathan Babineaux still practicing? Because the NFL said he could. He has a case pending. Mr. Blank, remember Ray Lewis? What about Jamal Lewis? Does Michael Irvin’s name ring a bell? Oh yeah, he is now a Hall of Famer. What do they all have in common. They each had a General Manager who gave them second chances… Michael Vick may be stupid, but he is worth resurrecting.

By dwright86

August 14, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

The US Attorney should give him no plea deal. After all his crying about his innocence if he wants to plea guilty then plea and take your punishment like a man instead of trying to weasel out of!

By Chris

August 14, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Right or wrong, Vick risked EVERYTHING to stay true to his “friends”

And first chance they get, they sell him down the river!

The lesson as always - look out for Number 1!

By scott

August 14, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

I guess if Vick claims that he was crazy and apologizes he would serve about 3 months for the accused abuse of dogs. Based on the justice reported of below of a woman (non-black) who shot to death her minister husband in the back (he was the father of three children) Let us not forget the “upstanding non-black citizen” that admitted to raping a woman and is getting out of jail after only 6 months.

Please use some logic and spell out how these two crimes against humanity do not deserve more time compare to the years everyone believes Vick should serve?

After spending a total of seven months in custody, the Tennessee woman who fatally shot her preacher husband in the back will be released as early as today. Mary Winkler, a 33-year-old mother of three girls, is expected to be freed from a mental health facility today.

By Bronco 4 Life

August 14, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

@ hellooooo, And BG, if a hunter is killing for fun, yes, he or she is a thug… if they kill and then have the meat processed etc., then, no, they are not thugs, they are providers. turn to versus, comcast sports, and espn 2 saturday and sunday morning and tell me when you see…crackas hunting for game, not to feed their family. and its all good. they get nationally televised exposure, big time endorsements, and no threat of PETA coming after them. yet you have this upstanding black man, aka whiteboys threat, doing the same thing and they want to bury him. unbelievable!

By ndadome

August 14, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Personally, I don’t think Vick has enough time left, at age 27, to serve two or three years in prison, then try to come back and play again. He’ll be too old. Also, there is the very real possibility that he’ll be banned from the league. Lying to this Commish doesn’t seem to work real well.

By Jay

August 14, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

“…well, what about those that kill deer for fun and call it hunting?”

I’m not a hunter, but there are some fundamental differences between shooting a deer and fighting dogs. As a matter of public safety, the deer population must be controlled. Also, hunters kill deer as quickly and painlessly as possible. They also use the deer for food, so they’re essentially substituting a slaughtered cow or chicken with a slaughtered deer. In other words, deer don’t die in vain.

Dogs that fight, however, do. They often die a slow and agonizing death, after which their carcasses are discarded like trash. Their only purpose is to provide entertainment for those who celebrate violence to mask the pain of their pathetic, empty, dysfunctional lives.

By Roswell Ed

August 14, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

If you’ve got the other three

you must cop a plea!!

By Blind Homer

August 14, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

If he please - one year home arrest and he plays next year. If he goes to trial - acquitted and he plays next year. Only thing he can’t do is play for the Falcons again.

By P

August 14, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

If vick accepts a plea deal it will be for no prison time or like Jamal Lewis 3 months in jail. He will pay the 350grand fine and he will be back in the NFL next year. Let us not Forget in the eyes of the law he is a 1st time offender wheather we like it or not. The other co-defendants all have criminal records and they cant really pay up the fines. If anyone has been in legal trouble b4 u should know that they would rather give u probation a hefty fine to keep you out of jail if u are a 1st time offender!!!!

By Paul A

August 14, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Too bad Matt Schaub is gone. THAT WAS A MISTAKE.

Let MV7 and Ving Raimes clean up dog cages for the next five years. That might begin to approach justice

By Jay

August 14, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Looks like Vick’s snitching homies aren’t so “street” when confronted by the specter of jail.

By freddie watkins

August 14, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

when are black people going to stop supporting black people just because they are black vick need to do some time for being so stupid yes i said it and i am black wake up black people

By McDonoughdawg

August 14, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

All this fuss about a QB almost 3 years removed from a winning season. Vick is FINISHED in Atlanta. Good riddance, I hope Blank goes after the bonus he paid Vick too. Vick deserves nothing less.

By Patrick

August 14, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

What point is it to talk about whether you think the crime is bad. You can’t change the law or the morality behind it. Think about the reality that if he pleads guilty this week and respond to what you think will happen when he does. Read the question in the intro!

By Rod

August 14, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Racism is alive and well on both sides. Its my sad thought of the day. This topic has nothing to do with Vick, actually.

By Sobecat

August 14, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

He is being prosecuted because he is a worthless thug. I wonder how many crying race watched Tiger Woods, the most successful young black athlete out there which some of you claim to be the cause for Vick, walked down the 18th at the PGA getting a receiption from a 97% white crowd like he was a hometown hero. Why? Tiger Woods has class. Michael Vick is a worthless thug.

By Goodsand

August 14, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Black Girk, get a grip. Obviously you have never seen two dogs tear themselves apart. Yes, he needs to be punished if he is guilty. This has nothing to do with his color. Are you saying he shouldn’t be punished because he is black?

By O

August 14, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

its crazy how your allowed to kill certain animals for sport and not others. regardless if they’re regulated or not. if you look at which animals are regulated and which ones are not, you can see where the racism comes in to play: deer=saltines, dogs=blacks…and i guess that just happens to be a coincidence.

By Shar

August 14, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Not only is deer hunting legal, but it is controlled to limit the killing to the number of deer that exceed the ability of the environment to feed over the fallow season. In other words, getting shot is a faster, less painful death than starving. Also, the meat is used by the hunter. Dog fighting has no intrinsic benefit to the overall dog population, and is closely associated with other forms of violence and criminal activity. It is also savage.

Michael Vick was paid astonishing sums not just to throw a football but to be the face of the football team, the hero who would draw fans and drive merchandise sales. He fully understood that, and he voluntarily signed the NFL code of conduct. He has repeatedly disappointed Falcons fans with poor behavior off the field, and instead of promoting enthusiam and loyalty to the team he gave the fans the finger. This latest incident, if proven or acknowledged to be true, has made it impossible for Vick to generate the fan enthusiasm sufficient to justify his salary. He will have broken his contract with the Falcons, with the NFL and broken federal law. None of this is race-specific, and all of it was by his own choice. Any team that picks him up (and I agree that, with the NFL’s lack of moral leadership, there will be teams that consider him) will have to balance what he can do on the field with the damage he will do off of it.

I am interested, though, in the comments of loyalvickfan @12:26. You say that it doesn’t matter what he does, you will always love the man. Given the behavioral problems, the lack of respect, the poor judgement and the arrogance that Vick has demonstrated, I don’t understand the basis for your admiration of him, or your steadfast loyalty. Can you explain why you feel so strongly? Thanks.

By elayn43

August 14, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Why should Vick get a PLEA DEAL when the dogs didn’t?

By The Truth

August 14, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Honestly I could care less about dog fighting or deer hunting, but to clarify for you idiots. Morally they are the same thing except one is killing innocent dogs and the other is killing innocent deer. So if you hunt deer for sport you are no more right or wrong morally than someone who dog fights.

If Aurther Blank cuts Vick if he cops a plea, It would be a terrible move that would set the franchise back for at least 3 years.

By ELIZABETH JOHNSON

August 14, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

I think that if he goes to jail he will never play ball again dogfighting is a felony and the falcons owner will not want the bad publisity and you wouldnt either ,he has made a bad dicision in life and if charge he will have to pay the consiquence what was he thinking!

By Rusty

August 14, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

What does this mean? Well it means alot of things. First thing that comes to my mind is that if MV were to plead out then he would be an admitted sub-human lowlife POS and all yall “they just dogs,let Mike play, boycott Nike” chanters would now look like FOOLS.

By Roswell Ed

August 14, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Say it ain’t so Ookie, say it ain’t so!!

Pfunk, Q and T are rolling on you like a gator with a DOG in his mouth.

You know what they say. You lie down with dogs and you wake up with fleas.

Let’s play password-

STUPID-__

By BeachBum

August 14, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

That he’s GUILTY. Now that his co-defendants have caved, he knows he’s screwed. Time to fess up, Big Mike.

By aa

August 14, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

I think he will get like 6 months to a year in jail, suspended from the NFL for one year, and traded from the Falcons.

By fred82

August 14, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

why do blacks support other blacks even when they do things wrong vick was wrong . he need to pay for that i am a black male and thats the way i feel

By HOUDAWG

August 14, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

This SOB is finished ! End of game, folks …… he won’t get out of this, will serve jail time. AND, will NEVER play another down in the NFL ….

What an unbelieveable freakin’ IDIOT !!!!

By hellooooo

August 14, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Brock’s comments are right on the money … and it doesn’t matter what color your skin is or how much money you have, whether the illegal activity is dogfighting, drug pushing/running, or access to the USofA… if it’s illegal, then, by God, it’s illegal and should be punished. UnfortunatelY because MV has plenty of money, HE will be able to buy … erm, excuse me … get a better deal by pleading out than someone with lesser money and/or fame could bu… get. It’s NOT, in my most humble opinion, because he’s Black and Successful and Rich but because he flaunts that Black and Successful and Rich “title” to act as if he is above and beyond the reach of the law. THAT’s the role model that blacks, whites, asians, hispanics and anyone else you can think of see when someone, NO MATTER THEIR RACE OR OTHER IDENTIFYING CRITERIA, of the public status of a Michael Vick puts themselves in the public eye and commits a crime… and then expects to just slough it off as if it were “nothing”. The Barber twins, Tiger, Denzel, just to name a few that have been mentioned, don’t go out, at least so far as we KNOW, and do stuff that is blatantly illegal, not to mention cruel and evil, just for a buck…they are aware of their status and how they affect others as role models, as do, say, Phil Mickelson, Zach Johnson, Sean Connery, Matt Damon, etc. etc. I could change the facts and put lindsay lohan up as a NEGATIVE role model with the same disdain that I have for Mr. Vick’s behavior. She’s rich, famous, relatively successful, but she keeps breaking the law. Because somehow she has been lead to believe, or has come to believe, that she is above the petty little things that the “common folk” are subject to… like laws, decency, respect.

Yes, there are other Football Players who are criminals… and as any criminal activity is revealed, it should be pointed out to our youth of all colors and ages that “THAT AIN’T THE WAY TO GO!!!”

I don’t hate Mr. Vick for being Black, Successful and Rich. But I don’t respect him for the way he’s handled himself, for his activities that are blatantly illegal, cruel, disrespectful, and frankly, evil. I respected him just fine until he started showing out, over and over again, that he thinks he’s better than anyone else.

He isn’t. He’s just another person. And he doesn’t live up to his potential. As a person. IMHO

By mars

August 14, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Hi! Michael Vick fan here. I was overwhelmingly proud when the Birds maneuvered to acquire him. However, over time this man I admired has engaged in truly destestable acts that have left me incredibly disappointed and digusted. As much as I have hoped that all this was nonsense, and our man could not be involved, I now have to admit that the evidence is pretty overwhelming. Case in point, if he is considering a plea deal, he is implying his own guilt. You simply don’t deal innoscence. And that means instead of being my hero, he has turned out to be a lowlife THUG, who can’t let success interfere with his desire to be a criminal. Yes, Blackgirl, I wanted him to be innoscent, but he would rather be a peice of trash. He did it. Him. He had the keys to the kingdom and threw it all away. Don’t let your blind racist attitude drive you to support this man whom you should be ashamed of.

By Irritated

August 14, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Stop pulling the “race card” people.

Dr King’s dream was that his children would “one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Animal cruelty is about lack of character not culture or race. Vick has no character. Show some character yourselves people and stop playing victims and sticking up for the black criminal, because he’s black like you.

By Well

August 14, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

If convicted of these charges his days should be over in the NFL. Not for the animal cruelty charges but the illegal gambling associated with the activity.

Plus Vick will also face state charges (possibly in more than one state).

By Just wondering?

August 14, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

If Vick was a white boy from the “Great” University of Georgia with exactly the same issues, I do think the posts would be different. If you disagree, you are probably diluted to some extent.

Go ahead and run him out of town right into the next town’s open arms. If you think that every team with a qb need won’t be lined up with a positive pr spin and contract in hand to meet with Vick, you are even more diluted.

Once America feels Vick has suffered enough, football fans will forgive him, beginning with the fans of the new team. Watch the celebration when Vick humbly arrives in his new city.

The only player with Vick talent in the NFL is Vick … period. And that talent is simply not tarnished enough for him to lose to the extent that some want him to. If he’s smart, he will rise again. If he doesn’t learn, something like this will probably happen again. Simply put, it is going to take more than a dog fighting conviction to permanently sour the whole sporting world forever on Mike Vick.

Sorry, but that is the truth. And I am a white dude. A Former season ticket holder who didn’t renew because there is nothing worth seeing this year.

When the dust settles and the smoke clears, it will be Vick running up the sideline of the Dome for his new team in front of the only sold out crowd all year (because Vick is playing) just like Prime Time did.

I hear people say Blank is a businessman and won’t put up with this. Blank is a business man and is not about the take the only product off the shelves that brings people to the store in the first place.

NOw I know why people think I’m stupid when I say I am from the south. Most of you are just that … just plain stupid.

By ScoobySnacks

August 14, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Regardless of whether he is guilty or not, a plea is probably his only choice now. Too bad no matter how you look at it. If you look at it, up until you read the indictment no one would have considered Vick a bad PERSON. That is why he had all the endorsements to begin with. I still don’t think he is a bad person. MAYBE NOT A RHODE SCHOLAR. But not evil.

By Fung

August 14, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

“He vicked up”

Standard expression in the future.

By Patrick

August 14, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Vick should be banned from the NFL regardless of what his sentance is. Working out a plea deal is an admission of guilt in my book, and he should be behind bars for an extended period of time. Vick has a problem and will almost certainly return to his past dog fighting activities.

By Charles

August 14, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

By Sobecat

August 14, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Keith, please explain to me how Denzel Washington, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Warrick Dunn, Ladanian Tomlinson, Samuel L. Jackson, etc. are being targeted. Thanks in advance.

I don’t know about the AJC, but I think my response below is perfect.

Denzel Washington, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Warrick Dunn, Ladanian Tomlinson, Samuel L. Jackson, Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, etc are just like any other Negro living in the United States; they have no system of power. They exist because some other system of power authorized it.

If they should be disobedient to that system of power, they will be targeted. As a matter of fact, once an African American has been accepted into the European society on that level, they are monitored.

Just think about it. If African Americans had a system of power that enriched individual Europeans, wouldn’t you think we own them? Remember, they are what they have become because of us. To be honest, they really do own them.

By jack

August 14, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

have of u trailer trash don’t know what a thug is. so stop using the word. dog lover. their are not human.

By onnooneside

August 14, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Remember people those long-azz comments will NOT and I repeat NOT be read. The long comments are so boring. Just keep your comments to the point, well ya!!!!

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Well, it looks like he’s going down. I really hate to see this happen, not just because he’s my favorite athlete, but because I sincerely care about people. Most of the athletes we love aren’t perfect people like we expect them to be, and Mike Vick was not. I still don’t condemn him, and I wouldn’t condemn a white person over this either. I understand that this is a serious issue, but it’s still not rape, murder, more serious issues that we don’t deal with enough in America. I see from this blog that white america is very happy about this, and it pains me to see that you’re so happy to see some one go down when your own lives aren’t perfect either. That’s what’s so sad about our country. We love to see people fail. Once again, I’m not saying that dogfighting isn’t bad, but this isn’t the worse crime that a person can commit, yet people are treating it like he murdered or raped someone. I just hope he gets to play again. Not only for me, but for all of the people in the