Talk of the Town

By Matthew Sanders

August 27, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

His apology was sincere and honest. No one can say that he wasn’t remorseful for his actions

By Ramble ON!

August 27, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Are you telling us the truth this time Michael?

By marbo

August 27, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Yes, everyone makes mistakes!

By mackman

August 27, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

best apology by a public figure I’ve ever heard.

By AAA

August 27, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

I accept, we all know he is sorry for what he did, only GOD can forgive him of his sins.

By harold

August 27, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

he was doing ok until he got to the “i found jesus and turned my life over to god” routine. what a bunch of bullcrap. he aint sorry about nothing except about gettin caught. send him to to slammer. best part is you KNOW he will be back in for firearms violations within a few months of getting out. adios forever muchacho!

By Joyce

August 27, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Yes, it makes a difference to me because I do not feel that the situation needed to have gone this far. He made a mistake. He did not kill or rape a person. I feel that people have taken their love for these animals to an unnatural level.

By jc_atl

August 27, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

If he’d been a man and said what he said today back when he was first indicted then yes, it might have made a difference. Waiting until he had no choice? Unimpressive. I hope the Falcons are able to recoup as much money as possible from this thug. I’d like to see the prosecution of dog fighting expanded so that it is not thought that Vick was singled out. He just happens to be famous and with enough money to put up a legal fight.

By mark

August 27, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

he’s a just another brother from the hood who got caught doing something.. so NOW he’s sorry.

By wayz

August 27, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Yes. The NFL gave him an indefinite suspension, not a permanent one. Indefinite meaning not definite, meaning the length hasn’t been determined yet. Which is appropriate at this time.

Michael Irvin said in is hall of fame induction speech that everybody makes mistakes, it is what you do after that determines your character.

Michael Vick has control over his destiny (and always had control). If he admits his mistakes, apologizes and is genuinely remorseful, people will forgive him. If he devotes his time to helping others and doing good deeds for the community, people will respect him. In addition if apologizies to the NFL commissioner for lying to him and putting the NFL in such a bad light, the NFL commissioner will forgive him and lift the suspension.

He will most likely never play QB in the NFL, but even with a year or two off, he could still make an effective kick returner.

His destiny with the NFL is in his own hands. The question is does Michael Vick have the character to play in the NFL

By kay

August 27, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES—is what vick said—a sign of someone NOT sorry—trying to soften it by reminding everyone they too make mistakes.. how about I DID IT IT IS MY FAULT AND THERE IS NO TWO WAYS ABOUT IT. I HAVE NO REGARD FOR LIFE—I KILLED GIFTS FROM GOD.

By Meezy

August 27, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Please submit the full apology. I think you all get a kick out of people getting on here and verbally lambasting Vick. Show that he didn’t have a written statement and that he had more to say than what you’ve selected. It’s time for you to display that you’re worthy of being a NEWSPAPER and not a TABLOID.

By j-bo

August 27, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Just remember, where would any of us be without second chances.

By edvedder

August 27, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

suckers……

By Jason

August 27, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

No words in the world can change what he did. I am glad he did apologize and for once he did the right thing. I believe he was 100% sincere in what he said, however, that being said, it in no way changes what he did. It’s like cheating… you can apologize all you want, but it’s not going to change the fact that you cheated. Vick cheated the NFL, The Falcons, football fans everywhere, and our community. Vick deserves 100% of what he gets and I hope they do not let him off lightly.

I am, for one, glad we don’t have to hear any more about Vick after today. I’m tired of hearing and seeing it in the media.

Yes he deserves a second chance. But that is not today. That is ONLY after he serves his time.

I have a feeling that Mr. Vick’s new favorite song is “If I Could Turn Back Time” by Cher.

By Baller12

August 27, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Am glad that he didn’t have a prepared statement and that he spoke from his heart….I liked his opening statement about not being a public speaker and the fact that he apologized for his actions and to the children of this world were a first step imo….He’s admitted his mistakes and I think we as humans should give him a second chance once he pays his debt which will be issued to him December 10….I felt that he was indeed sincere and hopefully he does indeed understand the error of his ways….

By CJ

August 27, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Yes! Nobody’s perfect. If Jesus can forgive Michael Vick, then so can I!

By hards

August 27, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Another blog? This is ridiculous… what’s next - - - “Vick urinated today - how do you feel?”

By Liberal Drive-by

August 27, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Not really. I still have to get up in the morning. Life goes on.

By Rickster

August 27, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Apology accepted!! Now, do your time. Learn your lesson. Leave your hommies alone and then ask to come back to the NFL and play some football. If Goddell is human, and ralizes that even he makes mistakes, he’ll listen, and allow it to happen!!!! But for GOD’s sake, grow up and live your life like a MAN!!!

By Linda

August 27, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Yes. I thought the apology was very sincere. Hopefully he will go through this situation and become a better man and go on to fulfill the will of God for his life.

By bob

August 27, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

If Vick had said this months ago, it might have made a small difference. Now, unfortunately, it does not. He has lied too many times. The only reason he has admitted to all this now, is because he had no choice. He is still a low life sub-human thug….

By Lest there go I

August 27, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Yes..he seemed sincere and contrite to me. We’ve all made mistakes, his is huge. Redemption is possible.

By Liz

August 27, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Why would an apology after the fact matter? Killing dogs is not immature it is barbaric and shows a lack of a moral compass. You are void of compassion. Save your apology for judgment day, although I highly doubt they will let you near the pearly gates. The only reason you apologized is that you got caught. You would still be slaughtering dogs today had you not been sold out.

By Old school Al

August 27, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Its simply a case of way too little and waaaaaay too late. Forget all of Vick’s thinly veiled contritness for everybody knows that was a show for the judge. The bottom line is he made a deal to save his own a* (so much for the ballyhooed “street cred” thing) after his posse of scumbags flipped and blew everything up in his face. Forgiveness for this guy? You’ve GOT to be kidding me!

By Jqueen

August 27, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Everyone deserves forgiveness. Michael Vick is no different. Pay your dues and rebuild your life, young man.

My prayers are with Michael.

By Melissa

August 27, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

No, his apology meant nothing. He came out with a pat apology and refused to answer questions by the media. He doesn’t care about what anyone but himself and has proven that yet again in today’s press conference. If he’d been man enough to address questions as long as the media wanted, then maybe it would have shown some true remorse and ability to show some accountability. HBO’s Real Sports was on today and showed footage that the local news could never air regarding dogfighting. It was the saddest and most disgusting thing I’d ever seen and it made my opinion go to a new low I didn’t think was possible. I think Michael Vick is a cancer on the community as a whole and hope to never see his face publicly again.

By dewan Lee

August 27, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Give the man a chance. While he is certainly to blame for his actions some people want to vilify him when they made excuses for Chris Benoit. I personally care more for a human being than a dogs life and the loss of life at the Benoits did not get half as nearly much negative pub as Vick and the dogs. I have not even began to speak about Rae Carruth and what heinous act he did. While my previous statements are exposing a larger problem I am not saying that Vick was right in what he did. Give him a chance because the only true Judge is looking down over us all right now and Vick just like you and me, will have our day.

By Thomas

August 27, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Vick is a thug and punk. I hope the Falcons get whatever money is left from the signing bonus and the NFL permanently bans him.

He is a disgrace to the human race.

This case is not about race or social class. I would be just as upset and angry if it was Brett Farve or Tom Brady who did this horrible act. But it’s not so the people of Atlanta and Vick’s supports need to relaize that they are back a loser who should be given the same treatment that he performed on those dogs.

I hope Mike Vick and his brother Marcus (he’s a thug and loser too) go to hell. Vick’s mom should be nominated for Mother of the Year!

By Valerie

August 27, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

I know it must be extremely hard for Vick at this time. My heart goes out to him, his family, teammates and all sports fans every where. He reaches out now for us, the public to comprehend such behavior and move forward in forgiving him. He has to face the consequences of his behavior. I believe he is trying to accept all of the uncertainties ahead of him. I am teary and overwhelmed as I have watched this downward slide to such a brilliant young achiever and accept his apology.

Now its evident that we all must move forward and forgive him.

By Lee

August 27, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

I am sure he is sorry!! I would be sorry too if I just lost 100 million!!

By claudia

August 27, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Well done Mike, anyone can make a mistake. If we didn’t forgive people can you only imagine what this world would be like.

By Angry277

August 27, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

His “apology” makes no difference. Do you really think he would apologize had he not gotten caught? His “mistakes” and “bad decisions” lasted for over 6 years. Give me a break.

By cynic

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

I’m going to paraphrase another blogger; a MISTAKE is putting salt in a cake. Only time will tell if Vick is truly contrite. While it is possible a stint in Federal Prison might lead him to truly accept responsibility for his behavior (in my opinion, these were not “bad decisions” as he has made on the football field - dog fighting seems to be a pathology for Vick); but I doubt it. The language of the plea and the language of the “apology” suggests he’s already spinning the “new and improved Michael Vick” story. Again, is he really sorry? Only time will tell. My guess is he will never play another down in the NFL (maybe Arena Football or the CFL), but he’s finished, and not because he ran a dog-fighting enterprise, but because his performance never matched his “potential” and he’ll be a 30-something has been by the time he’s paid his debt to society and the NFL. Can you say; Art Schlichter?

By David

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

You can say what you want. As far as I am concerned I hope you spend 5 years in prison and the State of Virgina goes after you as well. You are the lowest form of a human being and YOU killed dogs for the sport of it and dog killing isn”t a sport. If any team ever picks you up in the future I will not watch that team or buy anything from the sponsers. May you get what you deserve!!!

By charlie alexander

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

I am not a Mike Vick fan, but I felt he was sincere with his apology. I as a person forgive him as he asked for forgiveness. I hope he takes this time to straighten out his life, and he the NFL allows him to play again that’s fine with me. Maybe I will even cheer him on.

By Annette

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding me?? Curelty to animals is an act of immaturity?? I don’t think so Mike. Again, the sincerity just isn’t there.

By ndadome

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Way too little, way too late.

By Rawhide

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Sure,…God can forgive him for his sins,…but only Goodall can let him play in the NFL again.

By Scott

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Once a thug, always a thug.

By Deke

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Funny how he “finds Jesus” now, but couldn’t manage to find him when he was electrocuting or drowning dogs.

By Only Fan

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

I would have like to have heard more in the way of apologies, but I think that this is the first step towards being forgiven by his fans and the public at large.

By Lee

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

How predictable and insulting to Christians everywhere.

By charlie alexander

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

I am not a Mike Vick fan, but I felt he was sincere with his apology. I as a person forgive him as he asked for forgiveness. I hope he takes this time to straighten out his life, and if the NFL allows him to play again that’s fine with me. Maybe I will even cheer him on.

By Matthew Sanders

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

“I killed gifts from god”??

Whoa there, Bible Betty!

By Quik

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Vick comments were from the heart. He acknowledged his guilt and asked for forgiveness. I was impressed with his list of those he wanted to say I’m sorry to, “Goodell, Blank and most of all the kids he has effected”. He was wrong, but I believe he’s scored a win with his comments. God Bless you Mike.

By Ty

August 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

I agree. No made up speech, just Mike’s heart. One of the best speeches that I have heard. I think a lot of people are going to be able to forgive him now. I know I do.

By Falcon Fan

August 27, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

It’s easy to apologize AFTER you’ve been caught.

By Rich D

August 27, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

His apology means nothing. The only thing he’s sorry for is that he was caught.

Remeber also that it was he who made the first public statements when the dog fighting ring was discovered at his property back in April. He blamed all of it on friends and family taking advantage of him, which we now know was all lies.

By Bobby Dowell

August 27, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

He is only apologizing because he got caught. He and his thugs tore this team and this city up. I hope for a lifetime ban.

By Sylvia R. Williams

August 27, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Everybody makes mistakes why take his career away. Mike Vick made a terrible mistake, he without sins cast the first stones.

By TPS

August 27, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

We all make mistakes, if he takes repsonsiblity for his actions and is sincere, maybe do some humane work with dogs, he can correct his ways then we should forgive him.

I’m not saying that fighting/killing dogs is ok, but it’s not like he killed another human being. We’ve all done things we’re not proud of, that’s the beauty of being a human, we learn to forgive. On the other side, we need to cut all ties with him and move on.

By Liberal Drive-by

August 27, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

I thought the boy had some sense even with one of the most stupid fathers ever produced. He’s really no better than his idiot brother Marcus.

By blaylock

August 27, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe he meant it because he didn’t start and end every sentence with a “YOU KNOW?” or a “YOU KNOW”…

He will mean “I’m sorry” when he drops the soap a couple of times in prison.

By Pete

August 27, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Yes everyone does make mistakes. But not necessarily as inhumane as what Vick has done. If he was 12 I could say everyone makes mistakes. But at his age he is responsible for what he does. Or has this become a society where we can always say “everyone makes mistakes”. I am sorry he did what he did. But you could also use another saying “if you do the crime you must pay the time”.

By Jennifer

August 27, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

He’s right everyone makes mistakes!! However, Pete Rose was gone from baseball, as should Micheal Vick be from football. He should NEVER be allowed back in the NFL. He still has his millions. He should do something with them to show just how sorry he is!!

By Matthew Sanders

August 27, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Meezy

Umm, he didn’t have a written statement and he did have more to say than what was written here.

ESPN and CNN just broadcast his news conference. Do some learnin’ before you hurl empty insults at the AJC

By Mugsy101

August 27, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

The only thing he’s sorry for is getting caught.

Before he set a foot on an NFL field, before he showed up in camp, before he signed an NFL contract, before he was even drafted, what was the first thing Michael Vick did?

He started a criminal enterprise based around dog fighting and gambling.

PT Barnum was right, but I am not one of them.

By sunny

August 27, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

My opinion of Vick has not changed. He is a human being. He is capable of making mistakes. I think his apology is sincere. I don’t think there’s one person on this earth who is more sorry for what has happened than Michael Vick. I resent the AJC and other media outlet’s charachterizations of Vick as some sort of animal. Mind you there are wife beaters and even people guilty of homocide playing in the NFL today. This issue exposes the deep racial and class divisions that exist in our community. This thing is much bigger than dogfighting and Michael Vick.

By charles

August 27, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Not good enough. “What I did was very immature:” what he did was criminal and repugnant to civilized behavior. “We all make mistakes:” no, Mr. Vick, we all don’t engage in the kind of activities you’ve pled guilty to. Vick is and will reamin, a petulant, arrogrant thug.

By lou

August 27, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

It won’t because of all the hatred spewed across this city this, country this world. It’s simply amazing how we judge and condemn and then pray, in that order. Hell if it were not for hatred and ignorance Mike Vick wouldn’t be here in the first place. He wouldn’t have been throwing footballs over housing projects cause they wouldn’t exist. If we loved or people 1/5 as much as we hate them then we would take better care of them. This man learned what he learned on the mean streets of VA. Way before you all give a hoot about his ability to scramble out of the pocket. He made it out of a situation many drown in everyday, but he carried with him baggage, baggage like a father who’d feed him to the wolves for a few buck, baggage like friends who reap the benifits of his success but turn on him when he falls. Baggage, I know that all promised love, respect and honor even if it went un said. But then its east to pledge love respect and honor to a millionare. All I’m saying is this, mike vick did something wrong, maybe he never heard the term ‘if your the smartest guy in the room, then your in the wrong room’. Or may love trumps that. Any how when it comes down to it half the world turned their back on this young man never having looked at him in the first place. I see Mike. I understand and pray for you. Hope all the rest of you will do the same. Only God can Judge me, either love me or leave me alone!!!

By Wildcat1992

August 27, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

I think Mike Vick had influences that did not have his best interest @ heart, however, he was able to make the decision to become involved or become involved in dogfighting or not. There’s a time in everyone’s life you have to take responsibilty for yourself, unfortunately for him, is mistakes were public and it now it may have cost him his entire career. He realizes he’s made a mistake, we’re all human. For the most part, I’m sure he’s a great guy, but I think to he’s has to rethink the company he keeps.

By Shaun

August 27, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Please. If Vick was sorry, he wouldn’t have killed and tortured those dogs in the first place. As for finding Jesus, I didn’t know that the Lord was lost. Too bad Vick didn’t have time to respect every living being that God created until the police came a’knocking.

By brian

August 27, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

why is it that everyone “finds religion” when they are caught doing something wrong….. Don’t get me wrong… some people are remorseful for wrongdoing… but, this is always and easy fallback to gain sympathy….. if everything was called off right now and Vick was allowed to go right back into football, he wouldn’t change one bit. This dog will show his true colors over and over.

Did everyone hear that Mark Richt got fired??!!!!!!! They are going to bring in Vick to show the Dawgs how to fight!!

By Curtis Vandeford

August 27, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

I watched the segment with Michael Vick. I felt he was very remorseful for his actions, and seemed very sincere, and speaking from the heart. It is hard to feel sorry for someone in this situation, but I do. I think that Michael Vick made horrible mistakes, BUT people have done so much worse, and are not facing what this young man is. I feel that an athelete of this mans calibur, would be better off to help the community out of jail, let him help the young kids, with his status, not put him behind bars, where it helps no one. This man does not owe me an apology, he owes me nothing, but don’t we all owe people a second chance for a crime of this nature. I wish him the best, and I hope he will be able to continue to work is his profession, we all deserve that I think, thank you

By Scooter

August 27, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Everyone has an attorney prepared apology after they have been caught.

However, I accept Vick’s apology and hope his educational background will support a career outside the NFL.

By ann

August 27, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

I am glad that he has taken responsibility for his actions. While I do not advocate or condone the mistreatment of animals, the attention that the media has given this case is amazing. I know that there are more serious issues that can be brought to the forefront ,those concerning actual humans that are being treated just as bad or worse than these animals. I wish that that public collectively would stop trying to crucify this young man and look into the injustices that are being done to people.

By Mark Arum

August 27, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

This whole saga has really shed the light on two of the sorrier groups our society has to offer: left wing wackos who love dogs more than people and the hood rat apologists who no longer see anything wrong with violent crime.

By lc

August 27, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Yes…no one is perfect we all make mistakes and I pray he has learned from this one.

By annie0214

August 27, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Apology? I wouldn’t characterize that as an apology. “Mistakes” hardly begins to cover the murder and torture of innocent dogs and the lies he told to every one, especally Arthur Blank. He needs to come clean and take responsibility for all his actions.

Regardless of any thing he ever says or does, I don’t believe he should ever be allowed to play pro sports again and be set up as an idol and role model.

By harold

August 27, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

What do his wife say about all this anyway? Oh he aint got no wife? Is he gay? Guess he will be finding out.

By martin f

August 27, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of garbage. Now, Vick has found religion. It’s the Mike Tyson “defense.” From what his father said, Vick has been into this for a long time. I don’t believe his has regrets, other than getting caught. Whatever bad happens to him suits me.

By dewan Lee

August 27, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

As far as the falcons I really dont think they should go after the bonus from him. Regardless of what has happened he already made his contract back for the team. Starting tonite you will see what impact he had on the team and ATL will go back to the bag headed fans and empty seats remeniscent of Fulton County stadium days. Look at the cash flow that Vick brought to the team when it was looking for a star after Prime Time left the City and Nique was traded for no reason. Oh yeah where was the outrage when the hockey player killed the other player after being drunk? Hickey Player drunk taking a human life, Pro wrestler “on roids” taking 2 lives besides his ( he is the victim), and Rae Carruth taking a life and damaging an unborn baby at the time ( no one cared). But Vick is the villian because he fought dogs and killed them. How many people have pit bulls and what are they used for or do you have a cocker poo for protection?

By Lilly

August 27, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

If sincere….apology accepted…I still don’t understand why some of the same people that see Vick as a villian are the same ones who will go out hutin’ with the buddies and have no problems shooting other kinds of animals themselves. I am not with PETA but the hypocrisy is amazing!

By WHO CARES

August 27, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

If a murderer aplogizes, does that make it any better? No! So he is sorry. Will it bring back those that he has killed? The Lord said Thou shalt not kill. And an eye for an eye-how about a life for a life. How about Life in Prison? GO VA Atty General! Let’s see the NAACP twist and shout this! It ought to be good. If he is given 3 yrs or more, that will end Vick’s comeback even if he tries to comeback to the NFL. Goodell could keep him on indefinite suspension as long as he is in office. Look at what the Baseball comish did to Pete Rose-and he only gambled. This is murder!. Does not matter if it were a dog or a homeless bum! And since when did dogs become “property?” Weren’t slaves property at one time? Hmmm-

By TG

August 27, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Thanks Mike….for speaking to us. Thank you.

By Doormat Enabler Fan

August 27, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

AWESOME APOLOGY!!! I’m totally buying this as genuine, sincere and authentic. I pray to Jesus that he will allow Michael Vick to play for the Falcons TONIGHT against the Bengals and in EVERY Falcon game until he has to go away to prison.

By edvedder

August 27, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Like I said….suckers!!!!

By lucky

August 27, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Too all these so call perfect people’s get a life do some work get off the internet worring about other people problems I’m sure we all have them..Mike have been forgiven now let’s move on …..GET A LIFE…

By Lee

August 27, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

He was “coached” very well and ran the “lawyer” playbook to a tee. However, there was one freaudian slip…”….turn my life over to God, I feel that is the right thing to do as of now….” Why is that the “right thing to do as of now?”
Oh yeah, cause that is what one is supposed to say, however, as Paris Hilton taught us…..”what is your favorite Bible passage?” ala Larry King…..durrrrrrr “I didn’t really find God, it’s just what one is supposed to say.”

By lucky

August 27, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Too all these so call perfect people’s get a life do some work get off the internet worring about other people problems I’m sure we all have them..Mike have been forgiven now let’s move on …..GET A LIFE…

By Jim from Green Bay.

August 27, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

He seems to think he will be playing again in about a year. Is he the dumbest person on the planet ?

By Angela

August 27, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of hippocrits. Did you all forget Dannie Heatley who actually killed a human last year? He was forgiven and still has a career. Has our society placed more value on animals over human rights. It was irresponsible what Vick did but everyone deserves a second chance. Peta where were you when tons of animals were euthanized this year from deplorable living conditions with their owners. PETA put your money where your mouth is

By hoo n atl

August 27, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

his publicist did a really good job writing that ‘apology’

face it dude, you messed up BIG. You had a chance to change your life for the better and so far you have blown it. Better start working on it now.

By fedup

August 27, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

I’m so sick of this crap!!! Why isn’t cases that are really blasphemous not being talked about…how bout that Jim Crow treatment over in Jena, Louisiana….If your not familiar with it…it’s probably b/c it’s been swept under the rug….well please read up and all those that want to support please do so…WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!

http://colorofchange.org/jena/message.html

By Formerfan

August 27, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t accept the apology…too late for that. I hope he gets the full 5 years and is banned for life. He’s never going to give up the hood lifestyle, it’s in his blood. Bad people will always be bad. Joyce, Vick did unnatural things to innocent animals. Join the civilized world, not the hip-hop/gangster/keep in real life you seem to live in. Don’t drop the soap! The Vicks are WORLD CLASS LOSERS! Also, stop chaining your dog to your tree and leaving them all day while you’re at work!

By Hmmmm

August 27, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

By Liz - Why would an apology after the fact matter?

Do you suggest we run around making apologies now for things we’re going to do in 2014?

By mitch

August 27, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

we all have wanted to go back in time and make changes! this is no different. mike vick determines where mike vick will go from here. keep your head up and show our kids that you are and can be even more than what you have come to us to be.

By Falcn Fan In Cali

August 27, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Key Lessons of this saga: (from a Vick supporter)

1) Mike Vick messed up a good thing 2) This whole mess is just another example of how maybe he wasn’t the ideal leader for the team. 3) He and Timing really screwed the Falcons. At least if he was honest maybe we could have gone after a QB in the draft. 4) We will never know if he could help get us Super Bowl let alone the title game, EVER. 5) White people REALLY love their dogs 6) To Black people, killing a dog isn’t nearly as important as killing a human being 7) Dog-fighting as animal cruelty is just one of the many hypocrisies in this life. 8) The black/white world view divide hasn’t improved much since OJ 9) Vick and OJ should serve as a lesson to any up-and-coming athlete.. Don’t turn your white fan base or the media against you. 10) My God.. Joey Harrington is our new leader?

By Vick Fan 4 Life

August 27, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Apologetic, Yes. Sorry, Yes. But one question is Are animals in comparison of humans? No, nobody really cares what happened to those dogs, they care that it is a rich black man. Goes right along with their plan get a felony on evry black so they can’t vote cause we aren’t reproducing fast enough.

By Let God be the Judge

August 27, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

“He that is without SIN , cast the first stone” - John 8:7 I’m so glad God is not like people. It amazes me at how judgmental we are as a people. I do not agree with dogfighting, however am I the one to place judgment on Mike Vick? When I look over my life there are things that I have done that I had to ask the Lord to forgive me…and He did in Jesus name!

By JudiasIscariat

August 27, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

My only regret in the Mike Vick saga is that Matt Schaub was traded away too soon before Mikes guilty plea. Schaub is obviously the BEST quarterback in the NFL and I think the Falcons would have benefited greatly if they had decided to keep the great Matt Schaub. Schaub has been completing about 80% of his passes in the pre-season for the Houston Texans. Schaub will likely have the BEST season of ANY QB IN THE league and that includes Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Schaub will start in the pro bowl in Honolulu Hawaii and will be a first ballot hall-of-famer after his pro football career is over. History will repeat itself as it did when the Falcons were fools for getting rid of Brett Farve years ago.

By summer

August 27, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Yes, his apology is great. Angry 277 do any of us apologize without being caught? Get off the high horses people and give this man a break. Who are you to sit in judgment. Have an opinion- o.k. but to wish so much ill will on a human being who has admitting a terrible mistake is overkill. And stop calling this man a “thug” what does that even mean? Do any of you know him personally? No! So stop piling on to this hard time in his life.

By Lowcountry Bulldawgs

August 27, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

I am glad he apologized to the young kids who are his fans. Vick seened to be very remorseful. Who knows if it is for getting caught,but only he will know. I am ready for him to move on with his life and give him his chance at redemption. Good luck Vick.

By VickFan

August 27, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

He is definitely sorry for what he has done and I truly believe him. He can’t change the past, but he can change the future and I think he definitely is going to be a different and better “MIKE”. I love you Mike and only God will have the last word.

By Shadi

August 27, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Are you all kidding me?!? This whole case is BS. People care more about some dogs than human life!!! Where’s all this energy and concern for child molesters who are let go to strike again?!?! Where’s this outcry when Libby gets off and gets no prison time!? Do you people realize what happens to agents and their familes in foreign coutries, whos cover is blown?!?! What about that sorry woman who killed her preacher husband and is now free!!? And for my brothas and sistas on here…where’s your words and love for the “children” being sent to prison in Louisiana by all white juries after ropes where found hanging from a tree?!?! That incident alone should have every black woman and man hollering!! Research it! Michael Vick shouldn’t be getting this attention nor prison all of things for such a crime. It is a crime, and a fine and some time off from the game is all that should happen. Open your eyes people. Give you energy, not excuses, to more important things. Your rights are eroding and throughout the world, people die for our dictators!! That’s true injustice!! That’s more important in the bigger picture.

By Saratogs

August 27, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

No - once a FRAUD and LIAR you cannot change overnight - and get saved (unless maybe Vick went through a Vegas Drive Thru).

His attorney’s did a poor job of drafting this press release - should have left Jesus out - makes Vick more difficult to believe.

By rob

August 27, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

The man said I’m sorry! I did it! Let him be! He has lost so much! He is only human! It is time to move on! LET GO LET GOD-MIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Mike

August 27, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

I AM SORRY (I got caught.) WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES (

By Rush

August 27, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

It amazes me how much hatred there is for Vick. I guess people enjoy it when it is socially acceptable to hate someone. Vick was dumb and should have grown up a while ago, but there may be worse guys in the NFL. I believe this is all Karma coming back on Arthur Blank for firing two coaches because they were not doing enough w/ Vick and not allowing guys like Randy Moss and TO to come to Atlanta because they were not “good” people like Vick.

By B Jones

August 27, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

People should not be so judgemental of this man. You to will have to be judged someday and I would hate to be in your shoes!! All of these nasty comments are so unnecssary. He is human just like the rest of us. We all make mistakes and are forgiven by friends and loved one’s. As long as he was making a touch down or making a game exciting he was loved. Arthur Blank treated him like familt as long as he was selling tickets. I read where Mike would come to his house and play videos with his son. Well I have something to say to you Mr. Blank. When one of your kids messes up you whip there behind, put them on punishement and then you embrace them. You don’t kick them to the curb. Y ou don’t make them feel less than a human being. I realize for you it’s all about the money but let’s not forget you took this kid and gave him millions of dollars but seems to me what he really needed was some guidance.

By chipdip

August 27, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Is he illiterate or what?????? The guy can’t even speaK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By KrisG

August 27, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

I said it all along… Vick deserves the punishment he gets from the courts, from the endorsers and from Arthur Blank.

But when you guy keep claiming race hasn’t entered into the public opinion surrounding this, just look at several of the anti-Vick posts here. “Brother from the hood…” the guy could have made this point, easily, without the racial overtones. I would agree with the following statment… “he’s a just another (celebrity/athlete)who got caught doing something.. so NOW he’s sorry.” That’s when you spot a bigot… He could make his point without going racial, but these guys can’t help themselves.

“You know he will get hit with weapons charges…” Who will? Are we talking about Allen Iverson or Michael Vick? because even with the empty scandals getting thrown around, weapons never entered any of it. There are a lot of broad athlete stereotypes that got applied to Vick even before he got in trouble, but weapons? Where do you get that?

I think he deserves a second chance because everyone does. I don’t think he deserves the maximum sentence because he is a first time offender. I also think the man at a minimum has lost a hundred million in earnings and future earnings, and I know that’s just money, but YOU try giving that up on a first time offense and claming you got off easy.

By Shawn

August 27, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Mike we LOVE you man, if i had been caught for some of the things i did in life i would be facing a worse situation than you. But as a public figure you must accept responsibility for your actions, which you have taken a step toward today, you must also redeem yourself. Outside of football, you must live your life according to your beliefs, your character is very important to not only your life but to the lives of others. You must become a responsible citizen. All of your actions will be subject to investigation from this point forward. But live your life me we love you.

By JJ

August 27, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

One of the most sincere apologies I have ever heard from a public figure as well and I truly pray that with a second chance he will not let our community down again.

By Citizen Fan

August 27, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

When will Arthur Blank APOLOGIZE? He allowed this criminal to represent the Falcons and Atlanta! Blank made Vick the FACE of our team and our city! And the whole time Michael Vick was a DOG FIGHTING CRIMINAL!!!

By Twanna

August 27, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

For those of you stating that he is the lowest and you hope he gets what he deserves. You would look stupid if GOD gave us what we actually deserved. You need to look for positive things out of situations instead of looking for the negative. It really shows what kind of individuals you all really are!!!!

By D J

August 27, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

WHY ARE YOU PEOPLE SO MAD…IF YOU CAN’T FORGIVE HIM…YOU PROBABLY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH YOURSELF…HE DID NOTHING TO YOU ARE YOUR DOGS…CHECK YOURSELF IF YOUR MAD…YOUMAY HAVE DEEPER PROBLEM WITHIN…I FORGIVE MIKE…REDEEM YOURSELF AND COME BACK STRONGER…WHERE ARE YOU…WHEN SOMEONE GET KILLED??? I FORGOT ITS A HUMAN BEING

By Lex Luthor

August 27, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

HE’S STILL LYING

Always has always will

By Dain

August 27, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

If Vick had only been involved in dogfighting for six weeks or even six months instead of six years, his apology would have more impact and meaning. Truly he’s sorry he got caught and this time it’s something he can’t push off on due to his being “Michael Vick - Football God.”

Now things will be stage directed through his high powered defense lawyer team to paint a totally different picture of Vick - that somehow he fell in with a bad crowd and they forced him to do these things or he was distracted and lost his moral compass somewhere on the floorboard of his SUV or something..

I hope Judge Hudson has the integrity and fortitude to hand down 5 years to Vick regardless of all the bleating and crying that will be going on December 10th at the sentencing hearing.

I hope NFL Commissioner Goodell has the integrity and fortitude to ban Vick for life.

Yes there’s a rogue’s gallery of men masquerading as professional football players and yes, it was only dogs that were killed, right? So why can’t Michael came out and play today?

Because no one ever said NO to him.

His athletic skills overrode everybody’s conscience to the point where he believed himself above the law - no one would or could stop him.

In the end, he has stopped himself. He has literally thrown $150 million away. He will be a textbook example for all times of how to kill one’s career and reputation all at once.

And he did it all by himself. Yes, he’s sorry alright, but for all the wrong reasons.

By Larry Barr

August 27, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Apology? Is he truly sorry or sorry that he got caught? Get real, he is just a thug who got caught and now he wants sympathy. He wants the judge to go easy on him. Throw the book at him.

By Becky

August 27, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Like a lot of posters, I think he’s only sorry that he got caught..I am glad though that he apologized to the kids. I think that our parents should be our role models, but that’s hard to make kids believe that, so all of these sports “heros” need to think ahout that when they are doing such stupid stuff..

By ha

August 27, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Gibe mikey da brake he needs him did AX for forgiveness.

By P

August 27, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Good For Mike vick now he needs 2 serve his debt in prison and move on with his life. In turn it is time for us us a city and the Falcons 2 move on!!! Arthur Blank should cut him today and make it Final. Leaving him on the incative roster to go after his signing bonus is bogus!!! If the Miami Dolphins could not get 8 million back from Ricky williams what makes the Falcons think they will get back 22 million from Vick!!! You paid him deal with it and cut him and move on.

By Black Panther

August 27, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

What did dragging Vick through the mud do? NOTHING!! Guess what, tonight in the deep south there will be well over 20 pit bull matches and the majority of the population will be old, drunk, white r**necks!! But you won’t see their face on TV every 5 mins. And do you people realize that no matter how good you treat a pit bull, if you place him in front of another pit bull, they will fight to the death? It is so sad that Vick was made the poster child for something like this. I have seen rapists and murderers receive less press! But it will continue to be this way as long as whites control mainstream media!

By J. Holmes

August 27, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Mike Vike said exactly what his lawyers told him to say. I’m amazed they didn’t walk away from him after he lied to them about his innocense but their trust in Vick can always be bought if he pays them enough. I’d bill him by the day if I was his lawyer.

By General Public

August 27, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, let me think…I wonder if an apology will matter to the tortured and murdered dogs…I’m going to say No.

By jshilly

August 27, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

He was sincere and I too want to see his redemption unlike others. He should be allowed to play football again. That’s good that he’s turned his life over to GOD. Unlike Harold I’m a realist. When most of us as human beings hit rock bottom that’s when we seek GOD, which isn’t right but at least he’s trying. Shame on all who’s trying to play GOD and judge him!!!!!!!!

By CDS

August 27, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

You’ve gotta be kidding me. He’s sorry for one thing, he’s sorry that he got caught. I love how he and R. Kelly suddenly find Jesus when they get in trouble. He sat there and lied to all of us, that includes you supporters as well. I don’t think he will do anything like this again, and in 3 years, some NFL team will pick him up for cheap on their team. But he’s going to jail, he’s apologized (whether he meant it or not) now it’s time for some football. Let the REAL Falcons fans pack the dome to support the team that needs them most, not the thug that just left.

By Who Cares

August 27, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

So what if he apologizes to the public or not. He’s not prolonging anyones life or paying anyones bills. No one should really care about this. Football and dog fighting should be the last thing anyone is concerned with in this day and time.

By glenn

August 27, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

yes, I do accept his apology. I’m a season ticket holder who spent over $1,300 on tickets. Before Mike Vick, the Falcons couldn’t give tickets away. The Falcons made millions off Mike’s name. I recall what the dome was like before him. Arthur should be upset, but at the same time, this man alone made millions for him. I think Vick deserves every penny that was given to him. We all know that there is a double standard here in Georgia. Just look at the last major headline bank robbery. We say mug shots of the men who were involved. The girls were called Barbie bandits and their smiles were shown on TV. There’s no use in arguing points when there is a double standard.

By 87dawg

August 27, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

He’s only sorry he got caught. He said he has made mistakes….it can’t be a “mistake” if you keep doing it and set up an entire business around it. That is called a lifestyle. Since he certainly didn’t need the money from it, the only reason to have done something like this is because you enjoyed doing it, which is abhorrent.

He made a mistake getting caught with maijuana. He became (or continued to be) a thug when he built a place for the dog fighting and gambling.

I hope the judge throws the most he can at him. Not just because it is dogfighting, which is stupid, but because Vick has continually gotten away with things and flaunted that fact. The only reason he isn’t still killing dogs and gambling on it is because he got caught.

By terry

August 27, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Vick Fan 4 Life you are a total idiot. You are the reason for hate and discontent in this world. Reproduction not fast enough, give me a break. IDIOT!

By ha

August 27, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Dream on doormat.

By Mike

August 27, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

I AM SORRY (…I got caught.) WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES (…so this your fault, too.) I MADE BAD DECISIONS (like losing $150 million over $13,000 bet.) I FOUND JESUS (…will not help me in prison.) I WANT TO APOLOGIZE (for lying…like now)

How are we supposed to believe any of this when we doesn’t have the guts to apologize or at least acknowledge this or any other questionable issue he’s been involved in over the years? Just addressing any of those before would have given him some credibility.

I SPEAK FROM THE HEART (because I have to, I have no other choice, I do not want prison showers, I got caught…)

Go rent ‘Oz’, Vick, to learn about the new house!

By PM from Villa Rica

August 27, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick is a super star that makes way too much money. All of the athletes are overpaid. So, some of them that don’t have good direction do stupid things with their time and money. However, too much publicity for killing dogs. Yes, it is wrong to kill or abuse anything living. But, want hunting season be here soon? What about the poor deer, the ducks, and anything else that we hunt? How about we give more publicity to helping us “humans” find out what we kill and injure each other? When someone is raped, beaten, or killed, it’s on the news a day or so, then it’s on to the next story. Let’s look at spending some time on ourselves for a change.

By Ms. T

August 27, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

For everyone saying he is only sorry becuase he got caught. Most people dont understand how much pain they have caused until they get caught. Give the man a chance. Most people find Jesus through troubling times. I am an animal lover and I’m not sure if I forgive him or not but I am trying. I will let his actions speak for him.

By Pamela

August 27, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

A $5 million endowment to the Atlanta ASPCA (or some other animal shelter) will convince me of his remorse. Nothing less.

By jld

August 27, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Like any other person caught with his hand in the cookie jar, all he is trying to do by apologizing is lower his sentence. I don’t believe for a minute that he has had a c-change in personal integrity.

By Matt

August 27, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

For some of you, it does not matter what he says. You hated him before; you hate him now, and you will hate him in the future.

Too bad we don’t have this kind of outcry for the folks in the Gulf Coast who lost everything, and the insurance companies screwed them over. Or when someone kills somebody, or rapes somebody, or kidnaps a child, or beats his wife….. Pathetic…

Oh and btw- be a man, you know you don’t want to say thug… call him what you really want to call him…..

Jerks.

By gloria howard

August 27, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

I think that Michael Vick should be able to play football again after he has served his debts to society. Everybody make mistakes, some greater than others!!!!!!!!!! after he has served his time and paid his fine, I think he should apologize to all the animal caregivers over the world and do hundreds of hours of community service to different animal shelters. His career should not be taken away from him. God love us all and we should not judge another man for his faults because we all have them. There are thousands of athletes doing dog-fighting they just weren’t fortunate enough to get caught.

By Koala

August 27, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Joyce: ” … He made a mistake. He did not kill or rape a person. I feel that people have taken their love for these animals to an unnatural level.”

Joyce you are one sick person. You’re either off your meds, or you truly need professional help. I will leave it at that. Sick…

By DNLSMOM

August 27, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

To Harold - I really hope that you don’t live in a glass house!! I’m sure that you are without sin since you are so quick to judge someone!! I hope when your judgement day comes, you are ok with all of your sins! Oh, I forgot, you are without sin!!

Michael deserves another chance!

By SawTooth

August 27, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

I believe Mike is sorry, sorry he got caught. If he were truly sorry he would not have lied to everyone and came clean when all of this started back in April. Mike finds God when the Feds find him. The only thing I believe from Mr. Vick’s statement is that he will have plenty of time to think about things. I hope this is over now and we can move forward and forget about this creep.

By Falcn Fan in Cali

August 27, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

JudiasIscariat

You could be correct but Are you kidding me?

80% of his passes in preseason??? Say this after 7 or 8 REAL games against teams with REAL stakes

By Lex Luthor

August 27, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Oh the poll where’s the option: He lied

“I like dogs” is total BS! Someone who likes dogs would have never been a party to their senseless slaughter. In ANY capacity!

By Bad Boy

August 27, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

I think Mr Vick is truly sorry, and sorry that he was caught more. I don’t think he should be allowed to play in the NFL ever, but that he should have a right to obtain future employement elsewhere in football. He is an example of a fall from grace but the Lord will forgive him as we should. Only God knows the true nature of his sincerity.

By mike

August 27, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

He sounded contrite and sincere. Time will tell if he means it and if he is able to get through this. I’ve been on the bandwagon to dump Vick. For the first time, I thought he sounded like a human being and someone who realized he’s just as susceptible to temptation as the next guy. If he works on his problem, grows from the experience, and makes every effort to redeem himself among his fans, Atlanta, etc., I say, “let him back”. It doesn’t mean a team will want him, but I think he’ll deserve a chance. …It’s a big “if”.

By kisha

August 27, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

VICK, I STILL LOVE U

By Renwogod

August 27, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

All of this over dogs! Dogs the kill people! I didn’t see any pictures of the victims of dog attacks! Where’s the posters for them. What a waste of taxpayers money. Over dogs, dogs… I wish you people care half as much for the young men & women being killed overseas. This is a wait of valuable time! Dogs…D**Dogs.

By mona

August 27, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Ofcourse, he apologized. He was found out. He was guilty the whole time he was denying or lying about it to Arthur Blank, the Falcons and the fans. How can fans stick behind someone so sick to commit these despicable crimes to helpless “man’s best friend”? How can they condone his actions? He’s lied atleast once and you know the old expression….lie once and you’ve lied before.
Apology or no apology, I agree with all who have thought he deserves what he gets and I certainly hope after all this, Virginia goes after him. I think the judge there will really do him in. He deserves everything he gets.
In three easy words—VICK’S A LOSER The only game I want to see him in is a remake of “The Longest Yard”.

Words to Vick——Bubba’s looking for you!

By bhamGrrl

August 27, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Hey, if as part of his plea agreement, he rats out enough biggie dogfighting names to stay out of prison, that’s okay by me. I want that barbaric atrocity eradicated, I could care less about Vick.

Apology sincere? Puhleeze.

By John Locke

August 27, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Talk is cheap.

His apology will only make a difference to me if he repays the Falcons the $22 million dollars he owes them.

By Roswell Ed

August 27, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Mike,

The big man upstairs(Goodell) just called.

He wants nothing to do with you.

Neither does the son(Blank) or the Holy Ghost(McKay).

Save the “found god” hooey for someone else.

I’m sure you’ll lose him real fast when you sign your next NFL contract.

Just say your sorry and leave GOD out of it.

By Voice of Reason

August 27, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Nice apology; he could’ve left Jesus out of it (everyone seems to find Jesus, Allah or rehab when they’re caught in their mess).

I still hope the judge gives him 2-3 years; that he’s banned from the NFL forever (I don’t reward celebrity) and that he will truly go on to do something more important in life…if he’s really wanting to be a changed man.

I also hope that this will give parents another reason to find NEW HEROES for their children who look up to celebs, athletes, etc. Our country is SO misguided in its values.

By terry

August 27, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Black Panther is just as dumb as Falcon 4 Life! Give the race issue a rest already. You both really make yourselves look like total idots saying that crap! PTBW.

By summer

August 27, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

I notice that a lot of you Vick Haters are racist. That is evidenced by your continuous references to him being a “thug” or “ghetto” or the fact that he “ax” for forgiveness. I only wish your faces and names were posted on this anonymous blog. I know why you really hate him so much, it’s so clear.

By harold

August 27, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

If only we could get rid of all of the Falcons and the Braves too then this hell hole of a city might start to grow a collective brain.

By Audrey

August 27, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Jesus has forgiven me for my sins.

I forgive him.

Love you, Michael.

By forgivenessforsome

August 27, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

It amazes me how people are so quick to say they forgive or don’t forgive Vick for what he did. He only needs forgiveness from God almighty, not you. Besides you probably have faults in your lives too. It also goes without saying he owes his mother an apology, but I believe she knows her son is truly sorry for what he has done. I too believe Vick is sincerely sorry for what he did. J-bo you are so right about that second chance thing, because where are we all going to be without forgiveness from God.

By Stephanie

August 27, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

With all these perfect people on this blog, answer me this:

Why is the world so f*cked up? If all you perfect people would have advised Mike Vick, then just maybe he would have listened!Because none of you have done anything wrong in life…except woke up this morning only to dog another human being.

Kudo’s for your morale compasses.

By ha

August 27, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

I can honestly say the person that are approving these posts,are BLACK.Whites have a comment and all I get is comments not allowed.YOU SUCK and Vicks gonna Suck.I know Vick needs to take ebglish in JAIL. AX AX AX.

By Hotlanta

August 27, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

It was soothing to see that Ex-Klan member making his speech against Michael Vick. I am glad that Michael Vick is taking responsibility for his actions. Now wouldn’t it be nice if the insurance companies would be fined for fraud and theft by taking by not paying those Hurricane Katrina people. They paid their money in good faith for services and when they needed it they just walked away. Noone has said a word. Where is the Ex-Klan member and all of the other guys in Washington stand on that.

By Sharon

August 27, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Of course he’s sorry—will say anything to get his fame amd money back—and like all people going to jail now he finds God—

By Mark

August 27, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Black Panther

“But it will continue to be this way as long as whites control mainstream media!”

Yes, that’s right. Get used to it.

By True Believer

August 27, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

After hearing this apology, I have changed my mind about Michael Vick. He is a good man who has learned from his mistakes, found God and grown as a person. I can only hope that Arthur Blank and Roger Goodell will allow him to rejoin the Falcons in time for tonight’s game against the Bengals. I hope Vick can return to our team and lead us to the Super Bowl THIS SEASON. Then, after hoisting the Lombardi Trophy (and Superbowl MVP award) he could go to prison and get out on parole in time for next season. As an Atlanta Falcon Fan and dog lover, that would be so wonderful for me.

By DogCatcher

August 27, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Apology, ha-ha. I dont believe Mike Vicks apology either. I think Vick is lying through his teeth and he is simply sorry that he got caught. I believe that the only reason why Vick put off sentencing until December so that Vicks Bad News Dogs can continue fighting until the end of the year. Vick is a sorry excuse for a human being and I hope that the Judge has the fortitude to give Vick the maximum 5 year sentence. I also hope that Goddells indefinite suspension on Vick will evolve into a lifetime suspension. Jim Mora, Sr. had it right when he said Vick was a coach killer. He only forgot to mention that Vick is also a career killer (his own career) AND a cold blooded serial dog killer. Wow—Vick, what a vicious animal you are.

By Dane Hoover

August 27, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

I’ll forgive him once he apologizes to those dogs. As for the poster who thinks people have taken their “love of dogs to an unnatural level”, there is nothing unnatural in being absolutely sickened by the suffering inflicted on those animals, who were absolutely helpless. Dogs only want us to love them, and I grieve for all of them that are still being abused by dogfighters.

By Vicks Ridiculous

August 27, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

I didn’t hear him apologize to the dogs he murdered. Who is so naive as to believe this everlasting liar? Glad Jesus will forgive him cause I never will. Vick is a cold-blooded murderer.

By Jay

August 27, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Where were all you “everyone makes mistakes” proponents during the Don Imus incident? It was okay strip him of his livelihood for using a few poorly chosen words, but it’s unjust to ban Vick from the NFL for animal cruelty?

By Rich

August 27, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

That worthless thug is only sorry about one thing; getting caught.

What I can’t believe is how gullible some of you are. Finding Jesus? Ha ha yea right. Give me a break. Does anyone actually believe that? Really? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, most of his supporters don’t know the difference between the legality of hunting, and torturing dogs for fun.

Go back to the ghetto Vick. That’s where you belong, and the only place you’re still loved. Years from now, the rest of the world will only remember you as an over hyped QB with herpes.

By mike

August 27, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

One mo’ thing from me…. I’m really sick of how everyone uses the word “mistake” to apply to almost any situation that they want to walk away from or from responsibilities that they want to abrogate. Michael Vick did not make a mistake. He committed a crime, a felony. He knew what he was doing. He cared about his team and his fans enough to lie to them, to shoot us the bird, and collect his paychecks. He didn’t make a mistake. Children make mistakes.

By Diogenes

August 27, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Wow, folks, not much left to say on this topic. I guess if I’d just lost $170 million, I’d be sorry, too …

One thing I WOULD like to see come out of this is some message from Vick to the youth out there condemning the lifestyle that led to all this. Let’s face it, too many kids, predominantly (but by no means all) African-America, are sucked in by the glorification of a lifestyle based on senseless violence, abdication of personal responsibility, rejection of educational values, and the promotion of criminal behavior. They are innundated with music and images urging them to defy the law, denigrate women, and generally oppose any legitimate values shared by mainstream society. That Vick could not escape this mindset — and, in fact, brought it with him — is tragic, and what REALLY is the larger tragedy here.

Vick — talk to youth out there, and tell them this is NOT how to live their lives. Tell them to obey the law, and get educations, and get jobs, and marry their baby-mamas, and support their families, and quit living their lives for no other purpose than to offend the mainstream. Otherwise, this Vick incident is just illustrative of the far greater number of similar tragedies (albeit of a lesser scale) that happen every day.

By Bob

August 27, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

I sincerely believe that Mike Vick is sorry only because he got caught.If not , he would still be involved in his dog fighing operations. Once caught ,he lied, lied and lied. We must realize that his actions have ruined the Falcons for the next several years. We could and should have Matt Schaub as our QB, and I do blame Arthur Blank for being so naive as to believe Mike Vick when his character didnt support that trust. As serious as the MV episode has become,of more concern is the AJC report of Broncos RB Travis Henry having fathered 9 children with 9 women in 4 states—and failing to pay child support. During this time however, he spent 100K on a Mercedes and 146K on gold jewelry. There can simply be no logical excuse for his or the womens` actions— unless they have no self resect.

By Doctor LongGhost

August 27, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

No, Vick didn’t let the kids down with “immature acts.” He tortured and killed innocent animals for a long time. And now he’s found Jesus! How original. Once a lying piece of scum, always a lying piece of scum. I still look forward to seeing Mike Vick answer for his years of torture. What convinced him that “dogfighting is a terrible thing”? Because he believes that’s what people want to hear? What convinced him? I mean, if he wasn’t convinced of its being a terrible thing after witnessing mutilation, blood, electricution, hanging, what convinced him now? He’s a liar, and anyone who believes his “sincerity” is a sucker.

By KEN DUDLEY

August 27, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

The only way you can tell if Michael Vick is lying is to look and see if his lips are moving. He is only “sincerely sorry and remorseful” that he got caught. Nothin else. A thug is a thug is a thug. If it acts like a thug and associates with thugs…you get the picture.

By Becky

August 27, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

All the comments about murders playing in the NFL, y’all forget that these people were found not guilty..Big difference..Mike Vick said that he was guilty..Angela, Dannie Heatley never said that he wasn’t to blame for the death of his friend..He was also given forgivness by the family..These were 2 grown men out..Michael Vick hurt an animal that couldn’t defend itself…I’m amso sick of people saying “we” all make mistakes..Just because other people have made mistakes, that doesn’t make it ok for you to fall back on that excuse. Act your age, not your shoe size..

By ha

August 27, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Dat nut my faults dat vick could nut spell englidhoh english oh ax me latter what i did coach i is ready to play jus ax me.Good lock dick!

By dewan Lee

August 27, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Its amazing taht Angela and myself and some more bloggers spoke about Danny Heatley or Chris Benoit or Rae Carruth but no ne had anything to say. As far as the people downing him for using God then I msut say that obviously you dont know My God. My God forgives even forgave Jeffrey Dalmer and Ted Bundy. I still am curious though why is a dog’s life mmre important than a human, a deer, a chicken, and a goat? Call me when you have the answer.

By Peggue

August 27, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

I thought up to today that Vick deserved all the punishment that came his way. After watching his sincere, heartfelt, wrenching apology, I forgive him. Who could not? I still think he deserves punishment, but he’s won my prayers of support and goodwill. I wish him the best.

By Kevin

August 27, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Renwogo, I guess you have never owned a dog before or cared for a pet. Being a Navy veteran, I do care about our soldiers and sailors overseas, and I also care about how people treat pets. Woops, Vick never saw these dogs as pets, just a piece of property.

By Melanie Robinson

August 27, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

I doubt very seriously if his apology will make a difference in the court of public opinion, but he handled himself well. I think Mike’s apology was heartfelt, moving and full of contrition. The NFL would be silly not to allow themselves and Mike to move forward beyond this. I look forward to seeing him on the field again.

By David

August 27, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

There ought to be a law that if you “find Jesus and turn your life over to him” you get the maximum sentence! Allright Saul becomes Paul, lets see you forsake all your worldly possessions while your at it. 7 times 70 repentence… then you may make me a believer too!

By Mr. JG

August 27, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

All you Vick-haters who’ve spoken here today really amuse me because you talk tough behind the keyboard, but wouldn’t as much as lift a finger to Mike Vick in a face-to-face meeting with him. Hell, you probably couldn’t even look him in the eye because you’d be so scared. Anyway… Sure, you could say that he’s only apologetic now because he got caught and is trying to save his own hide. My big question is how do any of you know what you would do if faced with the same situation???? And when I say ‘same situation’, I don’t necessarily mean dogfighting. I mean, anything in which your livelihood would be on the line should you get caught, which would cause you to lie to employers, friends, family, the law, and others. The man was sincere as he could be in apologizing and certainly deserves another chance after he serves his punishment. I certainly have a lot more I would like to say to all you Vick-haters… I’ll just save it for tonight’s game………….

By Mark

August 27, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

To all you Vick lemmings:

Your beloved thug has just jumped off a cliff. How many of you will follow?

By LVR

August 27, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Only a fool would believe Vick is sincerely sorry for maiming and torturing those defenseless dogs, given his past lies.

At this point, Vick simply cannot be believed - he has lied too many times. OJ still says he didn’t kill those other 2 people.

Vick is simply trying to rehab his image per his PR people’s advice.

He would still be torturing dogs if had not been caught.

What a waste - another fine role model for a culture in such a dire need of one.

By BCR

August 27, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Doesn’t matter what I think, what the AJC thinks, or what you people think. Only God can judge him. Let him do his time and move on. Now, can we PLEASE stop talking about this, at least until 12/10/07?

By CD

August 27, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Curious, did anyone think he wasn’t going to apologize at his press conference?

By TERRELL

August 27, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick sinned against God and not man. To be forgiven by our Heavenly Father, we must forgive. To those of you who find it impossible to forgive and hope the worst for his life, I pray for you mostly!!!

By Wanda

August 27, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

He found Jesus? What cloud was he hiding behind?

By Tee

August 27, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

This is for all the people that said they don’t accept his apology:

While it is your right to not accept Vick’s apology, keep in mind that YOUR LORD and SAVIOR whomever it may be, will and always has forgiven YOU whenever you’ve asked for forgiveness. Why can’t you do the same? Alot of you have said in the past “If he admits it then we’ll forgive him.” Well he did that last week and it wasn’t good enough for you. Then you say he admitted it but didn’t apologize or he issued a statement through his lawyer. Well he has gotten in front of God and everyone else and has apologize to you non deserving people and guess what? It’s still not good enough for you. But then again I shouldn’t be too surprised. None of you have EVER done anything wrong in your life and once you got caught, then apologized for it.

By BJ

August 27, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Good Job Mike… Hopefully now these non-football watching PETA PROSTITUTES and RACISTS will leave you alone and allow you to get on with your life.

By P

August 27, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

its time to move on. Good for vick for making the apology i wish him all the best come dec 10th, hopefully the judge gives him 0-6 months or probation for the damage on vick has already been done !! As for the Falcons cut him today and let us all move on!!!

By Kristin

August 27, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick fails to see the true evil of his actions. He claims immaturity led to his dogfighting. That is no excuse for a 27 yo millionaire. The apologies he provides were offered only to appease those at the NFL and Falcons. All his words should be suspect and only believed after he shows an actions to make amends. Right now his words mean nothing.

By Lender by profession

August 27, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

If he was a kid drowning, electrocuting, and killing dogs then everyone would be saying he was Jeffery Dahmer in the making. Let’s not sugar coat what he has done - it is flat out wrong.

Vick and his lawyers miscalculated. Vick lied thinking his money and lawyers would keep him above the fray while his “friends” took the rap. But his friends have prior convictions and they stood to receive more time - they had more to lose (freedom-wise) than Vick. Also, as any person familiar with the area will tell you, you do not want to be an rich black man involved in a heinous crime before a conservative federal judge in Richmond, VA - former capital of the confederacy. The downside risk is just too high. And that is not a racist comment, that’s just common sense. He stood a chance against state charges because of his notoriety and celebrity but against the feds? He should have been negotiating a plea from the start because he was in a no-win situation.

Best of luck to him - the last thing we need is another person in prison or charged with a felon. As for his football career, no amount of money or fame is equal to the punishment of being physically and emotionally separated from your family and loved ones, literally losing your freedom, and forever being branded as a felon (someone not to be trusted) in our society. Trust me - he will suffer in ways most of us pray we never experience.

By DYJ

August 27, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

The only thing Michael Vick is sorry about is getting caught.

By Ookie

August 27, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

I am sorry…..that I got caught.

Signed,

Ookie

By British Knights

August 27, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Repeated conscious behavior is NOT a mistake. What is wrong with you people?

By E

August 27, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

It would be nice if the goverment would apologize to my ancestors, they were treated worst than the dogs in this case

By lorene

August 27, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

We have all made mistake in our life,I feel how can you be forgiving ,but not this young man,We are speaking out of both side of our mouth.

By RamblinLonghorn

August 27, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

“Dogfighting is a terrible thing and I didn’t reject it. … Through this situation I found Jesus and turned my life over to God.”

Oh well, party’s over. I guess we can’t criticize or blame him for his own actions. He was sinning, influenced by the devil, but now he’s with the J man and completely absolved from his moral transgressions.

By june_baby

August 27, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

to pamela, again i say he shouldn’t give 1 red cent to peta or any other animal group. that’s all you want to see anyway. you hate the man, but you don’t mind taking his money. get all your animal loving friends together, contribute 1 dollar apiece, and you should easily be able to give them 5 million dollars. but we all know this wasn’t about animals in the first place. it was about a black man having the gall to be a qb for the atlanta blacks/white/rednecks. well now you have your white qb, i hope he makes you happy.

By Shundra

August 27, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

I think Mike’s apology is truthful and was spoken from the heart. What people don’t realize is that we are our worst enemy, in other words he probably has beaten up on his self enough without the help of the public. I have and will continue to keep hime in my prayers.

By lisa

August 27, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

As sooo many people have mentioned, WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES!!! WE just aren’t judged and crucified for our mistakes the way public figures are. My MAIN problem is all the negative publicity this man and this case are getting. Why isn’t Mr. Meeks receiving all of this negative attention for beating his estranged wife and putting her in the hospital? Didn’t an Atlanta hockey player kill someone about a year ago in a car crash? Why is human life less valuable than a dogs life?

By freddy

August 27, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

the only reason this poor excuse of a man was remoresful was he got caught period end of story. if he had never been charged do any of you really believe that the killing torturing of dogs would have stopped?? It is entirely possible that he would be attending a dog fight right after his next game. so no, i dont believe him, no i do not forgive him, and yes i do think he deserves jail time and he deserves to be done in the nfl. playing in the nfl is a privelage, making millions is a privelage, and i hope that losing 21 million dollars worth of income and being put behind bars was worth the small thrill he got when he sent those animals to do his bidding and kill those dogs. (since we all know he never took part in the killing himself)

By Diogenes

August 27, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Mr JG —

That has to be one of THE most retarded posts I’ve seen … and this in a sea of retarded posts.

Get help, my man.

By Brigitte

August 27, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick I accept your apology. I am praying you get past this issue.

Remember dogs are not people.

By Doctor LongGhost

August 27, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Mr. JG, Oh believe me, if I ever see Mike Vick strolling around town, I won’t be “too scared” to look at him. I’ll let him know that I think he’s a piece of trash, that he’s an insult to the world, and all his little fans are suckers, too. What happens after that, happens. Oops! My bad!

By dewan Lee

August 27, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Still no takers on my danny Heatley, Chris Benoit, Rae Carruth, barniew Bandits, comments.

By Mark

August 27, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

If you “axe” me, his apology was hogwash. All he is sorry for is getting caught.

By Herd It B4

August 27, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

I’ve found Jesus. I take full responsibility. How original. I hope he didn’t pay his PR people too much for this pro-forma pablum.

By Over this

August 27, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Too little too late. He is only remorseful for losing 22 million dollars. And if the Falcons bring him back,they can kiss this fan goodbye.

By Andy K

August 27, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Vick has proven over the last 6 months that he is a very accomplished liar—he lied to Blank, to Goodell, to us all. What makes anyone think this “spo;logy” is anything other than “dam I’m sorry i got caught”

By Not so

August 27, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

If Michael Vick is such a religious man… why did he execute so many of God’s creatures? You people who are making this a racial issue are out of bounds. This man is a vicious dog-killing criminal and if you think that’s OK only because he is a black man, then you are an idiot.

By Cindy

August 27, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

The man asked for forgiveness and who the hell are you people to judge anyone. Yes people, we all make mistakes. Even you. A sin is a sin is a sin. Adultery, lying, cheating on your taxes is equally a sin than what MV did in God’s eyes. So you people throwing stones need to get over yourselves. God help you should you ever make a mistake.

By Johnnie

August 27, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Mike has done a lot for others and doesn’t try to pull anyone doewn with him because of his mistakes and bad decisions. He should play again but he still has to have someone counsel him on some of the things that bother him dail and not think that just because he feels that he has made some decision it is going to be alright. He’s a easy person but doen’t think solely about himself. I think he is truly sorry for what he has done but as others only thought of it as a sporot.. Check out some of the protestors and see which one is perfect concerning the dogs..

By FED up

August 27, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Come on people please accept his apology it takes balls to accept responsiblity for your failures in life. Put your mean words to work against the people who are going to put down those 53 animals because they now have no home. Go figure. Go to jail for killing 8 yet the slaughters animals on a daily basis.

By LOL

August 27, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

I thought he was sincere until he mentioned his new-found faith in Jesus. It didn’t take him long… Now I know he only regrets being caught.

By anuvverdogluvver

August 27, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

This is a guy with a dead soul, or no soul at all. Can’t be fixed by the words “I’m sorry.”

By Meezy

August 27, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Some of you perfect people who dont make mistakes need to move on and find someone who jay walked or ran a traffic light to attack. Everyone is not perfect like you. Yes, he did something completely stupid. I’m a dog owner and I was appalled by what occurned in this situation. However, he admitted guilt, he’s going to do his time, and he should be given another chance just like you would be given.

By John

August 27, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Vick is a liar who spent the last 6 months blaming other people. He likes torturing animals to death. i didnt hear him apologize for that.

By mel

August 27, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

The apology took care of everything. Blank should immediately take him back on the team with no questions asked and let him keep that $22 million bonus and all the millions he is due under is contract. Blank should also apologize to Michael for all the trouble he has caused him.

By Vince L

August 27, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

I watched it, and I read the text. Maybe I missed something, but I did not hear him apologize specifically to the fans.

By JP

August 27, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Two words…Deer Hunters! So are we now going to prosecute all animal hunters who mutilate deer and other animals for sport?

By Bubba

August 27, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Hey PETA, APSCA, & the AJC…

I just killed a whole mess of animals this year…

Caught me 2 nice Marlins off Cabo. I then went to this Cali and bagged me some deer. Kinda worthless without the rack though. I would had a black bear but his mama saw me 1st.

I dare you a*******holes to arrest me… Bunk me with Mike!!!

By DogCatcher

August 27, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Apology, ha-ha. I dont believe Mike Vicks apology either. I think Vick is lying through his teeth and he is simply sorry that he got caught. I believe that the only reason why Vick put off sentencing until December so that Vicks Bad News Dogs can continue fighting until the end of the year. Vick is a sorry excuse for a human being and I hope that the Judge has the fortitude to give Vick the maximum 5 year sentence. I also hope that Goddells indefinite suspension on Vick will evolve into a lifetime suspension. Jim Mora, Sr. had it right when he said Vick was a coach killer. He only forgot to mention that Vick is also a career killer (his own career) AND a cold blooded serial dog killer. Wow—Vick, what a vicious animal you are.

By martin f

August 27, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

The two stupid excuses being made for Vick: 1. He deserves a 2nd chance. He’s already had a 2nd, 3rd and 4th or more chances. How about stealing in the airport security line, passing on an STD, the water bottle incident and flicking off the fans. He’s been apologizing since he gote here.

Vick’s defenders appear dumber than he is.

By ad

August 27, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

If Michael Vick is truly sorry, he would have plead to the gambling and killing of dogs charge.

Anything less is weak and cowardly.

By Brenda

August 27, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Yeah Meezy, he had more to say. He said “during this whole time I haven’t point a finger at anybody else.” If I am not mistaken that immediately after the draft he said that he was never at the house and it was his relatives doing him wrong. He even lies in his apology.

By CGM

August 27, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

My boss has fired me for being a lier about the crimes I have committed. My momma is cryin’ because she’s gonna lose her mansion, my daddy Threw me Under the Bus by tellin’ the truth about me, my homies that I bankrolled all these years turned on me like a pitt bull on a piece of steak. I am Michael Vick, and Yes, I’ve FOUND JESUS.

By C J

August 27, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

This is for LVR, Then you be a role model. For all the people who have not gotten over O.J. Get over it and move on. What would happen if we open up your closet? what kind of skelton’s would we fine in there?

By Reality Check

August 27, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

I thought the apology was well done, and a good first step. His road to redemption may well be a long one, but only he can make it happen.

For those complaining about the coverage of this…yes, there are worse things happening in this world, and they probably do deserve more coverage. But Michael’s a huge sports celebrity, and that same celebrity brought him many millions of dollars and has also contributed to the sensationalism around this case.

Was it “important” that he was on the cover of a video game? Not really, but there it was in the news anyway. The nature of his crime and of his celebrity has made this a huge news story, like it or not.

Oh, and just because people are outraged over dog-fighting doesn’t mean that they love dogs more than humans or that they’re hypocritical and are out hunting ever weekend. Talk about making wild assumptions!

Finally, the way things are headed it looks like Mike will be getting a just punishment. He’ll probably spend between 1-3 years in prison, which is appropriate, and then any potential return to the NFL will depend largely upon how he conducts himself. That seems fair for what he’s done.

By mark thomas

August 27, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Anybody with an I.Q. over 20 can see this fake mea culpa is designed to win sympathy from the judge so he gets a lower prison sentence. The judge will be too smart for this and put him in prison for a long time—-hopefully, so he never plays football again.

You can take the thug out of the hood, but you can’t take the hood out of the thug. Good riddance!

By Roland

August 27, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Dany Heatly killed someone while driving drunk. People shoot animals everyday for SPORT. Where is the outrage. Dick Cheney shoots a man in the face trying to kill an animal for SPORT. Where is the outrage. I can’t wait for the Falcons to go 1- and whatever three years in a row. I can’t wait for Vick to go to another team whenever he gets out and win the Super Bowl. That will be priceless.

By andy

August 27, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

i didnt hear him apologize to all the dogs he’s tortured to death over the last 5 years.

By JM

August 27, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

I don’t like the man, I think he’s a jerk, but I hope there was some cincerity in his appology and that now h can tun his life around. I do not understand the constant “he made a mistake” line from his supporters, though. He didn’t make a mistake, he didn’t accidentally fund an interstate gambling and dogfighting ring — he intentionally and knowingly committed an ongoing crime for many years. He’s in this mess today because of his own actions, and because too many people made excuses for him whenever he messed up. If you are a fan, you should do him a favor and stop coddling him, hold him accounable and help him grow up.

By Michelle

August 27, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

How come people ONLY find God when they are in trouble?

By Ron Key

August 27, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

You know, I hope there are no Christians on this forum doubting the sincerity of Vick’s claim to have found Jesus as a result of this. Let us not forget that God is no respecter of persons and the same way He forgave you is the same way He can forgive Vick. His dogfighting is no different in God’s eyes from the adultery, drug abuse, abortions, etc. that He has forgiven others for. I truly hope that his profession of Christ is sincere. I will keep him in my prayers.

By kiddingme

August 27, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

A HOCKEY PLAYER KILLED HIS TEAM MATE!!! NO ONE GAVE HIM THAT MUCH CRAP. Damn right he should be the face of the Falcons. Who should of held that role. Patrick Kerney? The guy with the house that a girl got rape in, but walked away clean. Yeah POSTERS, blame Vick, but all of you have done dirt in the pass. At least he has man up to it. The media is making him look like someone he’s not. Hmmm, I wonder why?

By reebok

August 27, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe he had the nerve to spin the “I found Jesus and I’m turning my life over to God” crap. God should sue for defamation.

By Rob Bennett

August 27, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Mr. JG>>> I would NEVER be in that situation, I do not behave in such a barbaric manner. I have never and will never in my life do anything remotely close to Vicks actions. Sociopath behavior is not immaturity and I did feel his hurt and shame, but I believe that is only because he has no leg to stand on, as long as there was a glimmer of getting away with it he lied and showed NO REMORSE.

By BOBO

August 27, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

GO MIKEY GO DO YOUR TIME-DONT LOOSE YOUR MIND!

PEOPLE WILL FORGIVE /SO WILL GOD. STAY TUFF AND THEN PLAY BALL

By Pamela

August 27, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!

By lk

August 27, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

I am a huge dog lover and am absolutely appalled at the cruelty people are willing to inflict (and enjoy) on animals that haven’t harmed them.

That being said, I hope Michael Vick is sincere. It’s very sad to think about the opportunities he has lost and where his life is headed. Everyone deserves a 2nd, or 3rd chance if they are truly intent on changing. I cannot judge what is in his heart - only God can. I am suspicious of the number of people that find God at opportune times, but maybe that’s because that’s when they are listening for God. He works in mysterious ways and this may be one of them.

To the person that mentioned Danny Heatley. What he did was a terrible thing and was using very poor judgement. In my opinion, killing an animal isn’t worse than killing a person. What has raised the ire of so many people in Michael Vick’s case is the intentional cruelty in fighting and in executing these animals. It’s not as if these dogs were harmed by accident or negligence - it was intentional and appears to have had an element of enjoyment in the process of killing these creatures. That’s what makes this so much worse than Danny Heatley’s case.

By Bill

August 27, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

The only appology I want to hear is from Arthur Blank as to why this pathetic excuse for a quarterback/man/human was EVER OUR QUARTERBACK IN THE FIRST PLACE!

Mr. Blank.. have you watched what a REAL quarterback looks like these past few weekends in Houston?

Must make you feel real good that you traded away the best quarterback and kept a “man” like Ron Mexico…

WOW!!!

By Noahway

August 27, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Ummmm, he’s about to be sentenced to jail for somewhere between 1 and 5 years, depending on what kind of mood the judge is in - what did you expect him to say? “Vick: OK, I plead guilty today because my lawyer says it’s a good idea, but personally I don’t see what’s the big deal. The dogs were my property. I should be allowed to kill ‘em if i want.” Is that what you expected him to say?

By Bob from Accounttemps

August 27, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

C’mon folks - see this for what it is. A statement to curry favor with the judge in order to get a lighter sentence. Since rehab isn’t an option (especially given that’s not even an issue in this case), finding Jesus was his only other alternative. That said, he could have been defiant, but he wasn’t. He could have passed blame, but he didn’t. He could have cried, but he wouldn’t. He did a great job doing what he needed to do. He and his advisors did a great job laying the foundation for his return if he can stick to the plan.

By Denise

August 27, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

The apology was sincere and heart felt to me. He looked humbled and truly sorry. Even if you still think he should be erased from the earth, it is hard enough to apology to our spouses, parents, friends or children, image doing it in front of the entire world.

I pray for him and hope he is able to return to the NFL and support his livelihood. Forgiveness is a reflection of the person forgiving not the person you are forgiving. Aren’t we in the Bible belt?

By Bev

August 27, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Does anyone hearing Michael Vicks apoligy today think they would be hearing it if he and his obscene actions against animals had not been exposed to the world. He and others like him are a disgrace to the human race. Shame on the Atlanta Falcons for not cutting him loose permanently now. My hope is one day he will loose his life in an attack by pitbull dogs. That poor breed has been ruined by men like him. I beleive he is only sorry he was exposed and now the world knows who and what he is, a barbarian.

By JJ

August 27, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

I accept your apology Mike and hope you get on with your life. Now I want PETA to see to it that the next time one of these bigots on this blog goes hunting for deer, they are only armed a knife. I hope you find the biggest, baddest buck in the woods.

By Ed

August 27, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

scripted , phony , puny attempt to keep his millions. Amazing he found Jesus just before going to prison.

By martin f

August 27, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Let’s not fail to mention Vick’s high class mother who produced two kids who are both thugs. I wish we could see her standing behind the attorney when he was claiming Vick to be not guilty. Now, mom and Marcus will have to make their own ways through life. Moneybags is over.

By David

August 27, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Good apology Vick. I love all you do gooders who are just piling on. The AJC said today that he will lose around $141 million dollars. He will also not play for at least a year if not 2. He is going to serve at least 6 months in a Federal Pen. I think he will have paid his dues in the end. All for killing a couple of dogs that the government will now kill. Lighten up people. And stop letting your dog dump in my yard!

By Faye

August 27, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Yes his apology makes a difference. He has publicly admitted to his mistakes… no matter when the apology came. You all act like he has bought and sold humans. They were only animals. I don’t value any animal’s life the same as a human. I don’t think you should torture animals but I don’t equate the value of their lives to a human neither. PETA and everyone else just want their five seconds of fame at a celebrity and thats it. If the people that claim they are as hurt by it the most are really genuine, then they would be out trying to “protest” other animal cases instead of spending all their time on Vick. Most of you are pitiful and sad.

By T

August 27, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Very Well Done Michael Vick. When you don’t know what to say, speak straight from your heart. Very well done. On the “Jesus” thing, I can understand why that can make some people’s skin crawl…it’s been used so much it’s become cliche. That said, why shouldn’t it be? Is that not when all try to get closer to God, when their backs are against the wall, when they don’t know where else to turn, when they’ve done all they can do with their human knowledge. When you’ve endured all you can take in the flesh, it’s only natural to try to find something bigger than you to protect you, to be the shoulder that no other human on earth can be. When our bodies become weak, I would venture to say most turn to the Spirit, be it whatever religion or even non-relgion. People have an innate desire to redeem their spirits when they become weary. So while mentioning God may be cliche, it should not be dismissed… That said, did anyone read that Bishop “pyscho” Weeks is blaming the beatdown he gave his wife on “the devil?” lol Not THAT’S a cliche I’ll challenge! :)

By s-man

August 27, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

I listened carefully to what Vick apologized for. *Did you catch that he was sorry for his actions, but didn’t say what his actions were? Did he actually kill dogs himself? * If he were truly remorseful, he’d answer that, which is at the crux of the crime. But he doesn’t, because he’s skating the legal line still. Which makes me believe that his whole statement was just for show for the judge, so the judge will give him less time on 12/10/07.

By Mike Vick supporter.

August 27, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

What do you people want from him???? You would think the man murdered his family. Good grief. Where is the outrage at the confessed pedophile in California? No one is out there protested him. So dogfighting crime is worse than some nasty man stealing the innocence of a child? Some of you people are just cruel. It’s easy to sit and judge someone when they are in the trenches… you will reap what you sow! So, why you are all judging him one day you may be in his shoes. Maybe not to the scale of this but you will eat your words.

By Roland

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

I am pretty sure Dany Heatly enjoyed drinking and driving 100 miles an hour. How about people that go hunting shooting ducks, deer, bears and what not. THEY are all animals. A dog’s life is not more important hypocrites. Hunting season? I am pretty sure people enjoy inflicting pain on BAMBI

By Jeffrey

August 27, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

I would have been a little more accepting of his apology had he not kept referring to himself as “Michael Vick” and just referred to himself as I, me or myself. But, I do hope he matures as a person and really does understand what he had done was so despicable to so many. Whatever happens to him I do hope it is for the better in the long run.

By Ed

August 27, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Come on now folks, what else can Vick do but read a statement that was prepared by his attorney? He knows his every word and movement is being judged and watched now. He knows his next few years are in the hands of Judge Hudson, he is on good behavior. It was just a few days ago he was denying all the reports, he said he was TOTALLY innocent of all charges and he couldn’t wait to clear his name. This is plain old fashioned back-tracking. In a mere week or so Vick has gone from funding a dog fighting operation to saying how horrible they are and finding Jesus? Give me a break, you’d have to be a total idiot to believe a word of this bullcrap. Vick knows he doesn’t have a chance of making anything more than minimum wage outside of football. Where is he going to get the money to pay the fines, the twenty-two million back to the Falcons and all these high dollar attorney fees? He is playing us and I for one am not buying what he is selling nor do I think the majority of the population will buy a single word of his attorney prepared statement. It’s not hard to be sorry and find Jesus when you’re in the shoes of Mike Vick and you’re losing one hundred million potential dollars. He also wagered and I think Judge Hudson will believe Vick gambled on his dogs. This alone is a life time ban from the NFL. So far Goodell has done an excellent job of changing the NFL from the National Felon League back to the National Football League like it once was. Clean house, get rid of all the criminals that can’t get away from their criminal days. People with the kinds of money these guys are making can be potentially very, very dangerous on the streets. Get them out of pro sports and into jail and let people who deserve the applause from the fans and the big paychecks, Mike Vick is certianly not one of them. True sports heroes are those young kids from Warner-Robins that won the Little League World Championship yesterday, now those are true sports heroes!

By Van

August 27, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

He apologized. It is not for us to judge! Whether he accepted Christ is between him and his Saviour! Arthur Blank has a business decision to make in which we should not blame him for looking out for his investment. Time to move on!

By the way, why does the possibility of the Barbie Bandit, a bank robber getting away with no jail time not create the same amount of airtime and meida attention?

By Bob from Accounttemps

August 27, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Well put, David. And the earlier posts about Heatley do help to put this a bit into perspective.

By sexy

August 27, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Mike didn’t have to appologize to me. Everybody makes mistakes. I could see it in his eyes that he feels like he has let a lot of people down. But i want to build this young black man up and wish him well. I wont attend another Atlanta Falcons game that he isn’t playing in! Bet that.

By Wanda

August 27, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

“Like I said, for this — for this entire situation I never pointed the finger at anybody else, I accepted responsibility for my actions of what I did and now I have to pay the consequences for it.”

Umm, I seem to recall something about him saying his family had taken advantage of him using that house, blah blah blah.

LIAR!

By tray

August 27, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing how all famous athletes and movie stars and such find God right when they get in to trouble!! Was he looking for God when he helped kill these animals? Probably not! He’s only sorry for what he’s done because he got caught. He boasted repeatedly about his innocence when all of this first came to light. Lies from day one. And now that he’s backed into a corner, the truth comes out. I would have had more respect for him if he admitted to it when it first happened. He lied to everyone, including those reading this blog.

By Realistic

August 27, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

I just saw an article on sportscenter where the issue here is that some people have a problem with rich, black athletes. Dany Heatley killed a teammate and he got to play again. And people are trying to make a case for Vick to never to play football again over some dogs! Outrage should be directed at the guy in Florida who killed that little girl. Outrage should be directed at Chris Benoit who VIOLENTLY killed his son and wife.(by the way Jeff Schultz, Chris Benoit is a coward. Dany Heatley is a coward. The other hockey player who hired a man to kill his agent was a coward. Rae Carruth was a coward. To call Mike Vick a coward has racism written all over it.). Hell, Michael Milliken stole from retirees and he was able to become a billionaire again.

Secondly, Mike Vick apologized and that is all he can do. Whether or not, it is sincere-only God knows. Whether he turned his life over to Jesus-only God knows.

For those people who are praying for Vick’s demise, dont be surprised when bad things happen to you.

By bev

August 27, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

What part of killing and torturing helpless animals is considered immature? Who does this fool think he’s kidding with his lame apoligy. His viscious actions against animals has nothing to do with immaturity. Nice sincere words from you today Vick. You must think the people you were addressing today are stupid. Your words have “Script written by your attorney all over it.” It won’t surprise me to hear you are at it again after you serve your too light sentence.

By I believe

August 27, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

YES, IT ABSOLUTELY MAKES A DIFFERENCE. NOW ALL YOU HYPOCRITES SHOULD APOLOGIZE (REPENT)FOR ALL THE AWFUL THINGS(WORST THAN DOG FIGHTING) YOU’VE DONE IN YOUR LIFE AND LEAVE MR. MICHAEL VICK ALONE, FINALLY.

By Teresa

August 27, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Yes, Mike’s apology definitely seemed sincere and from his heart. It’s now time for everyone to move on and let Mike deal with his punishment. Everyone has made mistakes at some point in life and no one is perfect. So to continue to cast stones is a waste of time and energy. Let Mike learn from his mistakes and focus on becoming a better person. If Jesus can forgive, so can we………

By Bree

August 27, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

1-OJ walked. 2-Kobe walked. 3-Michael Jackson walked. 4-Don Imus only lost his job at the radio station. 4-Lindsay Lohan was put into treatment only to leave. 5-Paris Hilton was jailed for days before going home on bogus reasons. 6-Mel Gibson says Satanic things and everyone continues to watch his movies. 7-Michael Vick (supposedly) harms/kills some dogs and the public has acted as if he killed his own child. What a poor society we live in today…not that much better than yesterday.

Think about how many of the Falcon’s players he saved by taking all the blame. Atlanta wouldn’t have half the team that’s out there now.

By Mark

August 27, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

One more time morons: Hunting for food is legal, slamming a dog to the ground until it dies is illegal. Where were you people educated???

By EKD

August 27, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

We all knew no apology was going to be good enough. His crime was too henious. But his attorneys certainly miscalculated how his We all make mistakes.” and I found Jesus was going insult our intelligence. Don’t lump my mistakes in with your mistakes Mike. And please … every criminal uses the “I found Jesus” before sentencing. What a total CROCK OF BS!

By Den

August 27, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

It’s very easy to stand up and deliver a rehearsed statement without taking questions or otherwise allowing contrary dialogue. It appeared as if he was actually trying to stop from smiling at several points, especially early on. A nervous smile perhaps but that, combined with the obviously scripted “talk from the heart” and outrageous lines like “I’ve turned my life over to Jesus,” ring disingenuous from a guy that just a few months ago was delighting in hanging, drowning, electrocuting and body slamming dogs to their deaths. But after lying for months, he now wants us to believe him. The “immature” theme of his remarks was equally offensive. Clearly he and his PR counsel are trying to write this whole thing off as a “youthful indiscretion.” I wouldn’t describe the act of hanging eight dogs from trees in his backyard, then stepping back to watch them choke and die as “immature” — I’d call it perverse, barbaric and sadistic. Fake contrition and smoke screens such as the “immature” defense will cause the public to dislike him even more. Fact is, he clearly liked the torture. Six years of gambling, lies, torture and killing aren’t magically purged from the soul of someone as evil as Vick from simply delivering a four-minute, one-sided chat. Lifetime NFL ban.

By thomas

August 27, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

If Vick wants to be a “thug” so bad, does that mean he will play his car radio at full blast at the gas station? What’s up with that? Do you have to try hard to be different all the time?

By Don Cornelius

August 27, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

We will see…

Let’s see if he speaks out for PETA and against Dogfighting.

I am glad he found God but he should already know him.

Good luck on your return as a punt/kickoff returner.

By vmi

August 27, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

U folks are funny. They are gonna do all they can to crush him. He’s strong and will be fine. Knew he was guilty but you guys are getting your jolly’s by bashing and kicking a person while they are down. He dis stupid stuff and got caught. That’s shame enough without others rubbing it in. Hate to know what some of you perverts are doing behind closed doors. Thing is no one will care because you aren’t famous. Nonetheless, Michael will recover well as do most of the rich and (in)famous. Pete Rose turned out okay as did Joe Namath. He’ll deal with his inner failures just like they/we all did/do. Let us all hope and pray our failures don’t someday find themselves stamped across the ACJ, and the various news channels. Do I accept Michaels apology? Sure. Honestly, there are worse things he could have been doing.

By gynger leanise

August 27, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Pete Rose still doesn’t have the backbone. Clinton stayed in office even after he defaced it, Michael Irvin with his drug problems just got inducted. Michael should be allowed to play once and again. When you love hard, you hate hard, so you guys know if you had half of what Michael has, could tolerate half of what he has, not to mention good looking, you wouldn’t be soooo upset - get over it! I personally could care less about the type of dog we are talking about that his genetically prone to take any person out, let alone another dog. i don’t even want one of those things in my city. We love you Mike and they izzzzz just jealous ‘cause you still aint’ broke!

By Jay

August 27, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

“Hell, you probably couldn’t even look him in the eye because you’d be so scared.”

It’s warped that you and your ilk would take pride in people being afraid of Vick. People fear guys like him because he has the mind of a child and acts without regard to consequences. Most of us don’t want to die or go to prison because we have friends, family and other substantive things in our lives more important than adhering to some bulls* notion of masculinity. Therefore, we try to avoid violent confrontations. Guys like Vick, on the other hand, come from poor, dysfunctional families and are unwittingly exploited by corporate America to market a sport and/or lifestyle. They’re full of resentment and have nothing to lose but their so-called “respect.” This is not something to be proud of.

By manny

August 27, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

just rememeber killing pets is one of the hallmarks of an underlying phsycopathic disorder. He needs psychiatric help and fast or we will be reading more of Mr Vick’s exploits in the future.

By Lando

August 27, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Everyone who claims to love animals are nothing but hypocrites, are dogs more worthy than deer, than the birds that are shot, than countless other animals out there that are slaughtered every year, where is the outrage where is the angry that is why people say race has something to do with this. If you care this much about dogs why not the other animals that are beheaded and stuff for display in peoples home what is the difference its not because one is legal and the other isn’t.

By Bree

August 27, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

A grandfather was on Dr. Phil admitting he raped his own grand-daughter. Dr. Phil offered to give counseling to this family in order for them all to heal. The grand-mother forgave him. Now this is totally off the meter. But society can’t forgive a man for what they really don’t know about some dead dogs. Remember the media only reports what’s given to them. Unless you know 100%…hush and take inventory of yourself. No one person is perfect. And in the eyes of God, no one sin/crime is worse than the other.

By wildbillhiltner

August 27, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

This is sad. Here is what I do not understand. The authorities are going to euthanize all the dogs. Give any solder the choice of being executed and dying fighting and he will choose the fight to the death. So if they are going to kill the dogs any way in a way in which the dogs would not choose if given the choice, how is this fair. Why should a man lose his livelyhood over a bunch of dogs no one like anyway.

By Real person

August 27, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

only time will tell if Mike Vick is being sincere. He talked the talk, now let’s see if he can/will walk the walk. Mike Vick was not targeted, they did not go to that property to bust a dogfighting ring and to try to help Atlanta get rid of their black quarter back. This all started because his cousin and a drug bust. I believe there was a lot on outrage with Benoit, Heatley and Carrue, it has just been forgotten so the people can scream about Vick being victimized. Vick is not a victim, he is a felon and he got caught. Whether or not he can be redeemeed is up to him and the man upstairs. I think if he had admitted up front and not pointed fingers at everybody else, people would probably be more accepting. What he did was wrong

By lisamone

August 27, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

I am sick of hearing about the whole Vick thing. There are so many other hideous crimes out there which should get more media attention than this did. He did not kill or abuse a human being. Yes, he made stupid choices which I’m sure he wishes he could undo. Does he need to be punished for the crime? Yes. However, I just feel that he has been unfairly doused with gasoline and set afire by the media. Let’s move on folks.

By CAL

August 27, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

I AM SURE THE PEOPLE MAKING THESE COMMENTS HAVE NEVER MADE OR EVER WILL MAKE A MISTAKE. I AM SURE GLAD HE DOESN’T HAVE TO STAND BEFORE JUDGEMENTAL PEOPLE SUCH AS YOURSELVES ON JUDGEMENT DAY. THE GOD I SERVE IS ABOUT FORGIVENESS AND LOOKS INTO ONE’S HEART INSTEAD OF ONE’S ACTION. I HOPE YOU REMEMBER THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS YOU MADE ABOUT HIM THE NEXT TIME YOU FIND YOUSELVES IN A POSITION WHERE YOU NEED TO APOLOGIZE AND HOPE THAT THE ONE YOU ARE APOLOGIZING TO CAN FINE SINCERITY IN YOUR APOLOGY. LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE!!!!!!!

By Bill Clinton

August 27, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Why did Mr. Vick not plead guilty from the beginning? Why did he wait until he had no other option?

Let us suppose his apology is as sincere as it appears and give him the benefit of the doubt. Does that mean that a sincere apology equates to a continued career with the Falcons after serving a short sentence? If this man is truly sorry, then ending his NFL career and working as a vetenary assistant the remainder of his life should not bother him and what I recommend. Then I will forgive him. Actions speak louder than words.

By Jonah

August 27, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

What is sad is that it appears that Arthur Blank, thus far, is still Michael Vick’s lackey. He many own the team, but apparently he feels some sort of an obligation to this criminal thug: Michael Vick. In his press conference he’s basically assured Vick a place on the team for the rest of his life, whenever he gets out of jail. After all Blank helped Vick get out of the stolen Rolex debacle at the airport. He helped him get out of the marijuana in the water bottle issue at the airport and he paid off the woman who was accusing Vick of raping her and giving her herpes. See ol’ Arthur and Vick are thick as thieves.

I’m done with the Atlanta Falcons. Done for good.

By Levi

August 27, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

By mark August 27, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this he’s a just another brother from the hood who got caught doing something.. so NOW he’s sorry.

Or Just

another white guy from the burbs who got caught doing something.. so NOW he’s sorry.

By Shanthemanatl

August 27, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Will somebody please tell this man to stop referring to himself in the third person? Nothing sounds more arrogant and full-of-yourself than referring to yourself by your own name like you’re f&%#g Napoleon or something!!!

By Douglas

August 27, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

I knew Vick was fast but this is amazing. He found “jesus” before he was behind bars. Transparent enough for you “Vick” lovers?

By Ole Man Bourbon

August 27, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Saying he is sorry for lying to Blank and Goodell and that he was “immature” just isn’t enough, even for his public apology. There’s a lot more to what he’s done.

He obviously doesn’t get it.

By Tim Teblow

August 27, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

ONCE A THUG, ALWAYS A THUG. HE AINT SORRY, JUST SORRY HE GOT CAUGHT LIKE MOST THUGS

By Tray

August 27, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Can people stop trying to compare the LEGAL sport of hunting and the illegal sport of dogfighting? They are 2 different things! In one, you break the law, in the other, you don’t. Yes, Benoit is a coward, Heatly is a coward, don’t forget Vick, he is a coward, too! If he wasn’t, he would have admitted to it.

By Jake

August 27, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Spare me folks. That was a canned speech, nothing more. Just once I would like to SOME public figure who has been busted for whatever not issue a mea culpa that doesn’t say that they have found God, Jesus, etc… Enough already.

By CEL

August 27, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

While his apology may be sincere right now, I’m not certain anything in his heart has changed. For people like Joyce, it is NOT unnatural to think of animals in a humane way. He’s in no way sorry for any torture of these animals. Normal people cannot stomach the very thought of this. I know so many would never want to admit the big black “taboo”, but people like Mike Vick are sadistic. Only cults and devil worshippers enjoy tourturing animals whether it’s through fighting or personally killing them, which he did. This is how Jeffrey Dahlmer started out you know. I doubt seriously Joyce and all of those out there who think in the same pathetic way, you would never let Mike Vick, or rather “Ron Mexico” date your daughter.

Not sure what it is with your culture, but animals are God’s gift to you. How you treat them is your gift to God. He’s got time now for some serious explaining.

I hope your heart is changed by all of this Mr. Vick. If not, we’ll see you on the news again in a few years.

By Judy Bowles

August 27, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

He has been doing this for years and years………..Give me a break!! Please get the full five years….

By Jan

August 27, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

He’s only sorry because he got caught. If he hadn’t gotten caught, he’d still be doing it.

By TAB

August 27, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Everyone was asking to hear him from him…You did…and you are still not satisfied. You all that can’t forgive…you all need GOD. Not Vick!! Because GOD forgives everyone!!!

By robo

August 27, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

It is time to let go of this and move on to support the birds. The man has made some poor choices and has apologized and he will pay the price (time and money). The same so called fans who were behind Vick 100% as a player are now voicing their displeasures towards him. Vicks choices have cost him and the team, but it is what it is and we can only look ahead. He will do his time and I hope he is able to cope with everything and I hope he is able to renew his career with another team that will give him an opportunity to play.

By Miss Ann

August 27, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

You self-righteous bigots really make me sick! How many of you bigots have paid for your wives and girlfriends to abort your unwanted babies? Now doesn’t that make you an accessory to murder? Who are you to judge if Vick is contrite…when you are so blinded by rage and hatred!

By Edrece

August 27, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

“Life is 10% of what happens to you, but more importantly, 90% of how you react to it. You can’t change to past, you can’t change how people think. You can only control one thing, that’s your ATTITUDE.”

E

By janet green

August 27, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Unlike all of you who came out of the womb “perfect”, I have made mistakes in my life that I am not proud of.

I am so grateful to those who have forgiven me. I hope that when you “saints” require mercy from someone (and you will), that they will be kinder and show more mercy than you shown been to michael vick.

By carolinagirl

August 27, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

I don’t belive for one minute that he was sincere. I’ve seen better apologies from people who forgot my birthday. He reminded me of a child who’s done something wrong and has been made to apologize by his parents. The kid isn’t really sorry for what they did, just that they were caught and now they’re ticked and ashamed that they are being made to apologize.

By DONNIE

August 27, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

MR VICK MADE A VERY,VERY BAD MISTAKE, AND IT WILL COST HIM A LOT. I ONLY HOPE THAT HE WILL RECOVER AND THAT HE LIVES A PEACEFUL LIFE.

By Karam

August 27, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

What person admits wrong from the beggining? Stop being so critical Atlanta like your stuff doesnt stink. I sure if we asked your wives or bosses they would have so dirt to say about you to. Are people in Georgia really this perfect. NOT!

By Jaeger

August 27, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

No it makes no difference. He lost me at the part about finding Jesus. Please. And also at the part about all along he has taken responsibility for his actions. What a load of bull. Remember “I was never there” “My family is taking advantage of my generosity” Please.
Anyone who says “It’s just a dog” needs to watch the video “Off the Chain”.It’s a non-biased look at the world of dogfighting. Educate yourselves.

By Jamal

August 27, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

He has accepted responsibility for his actions and not one time did he try to put blame on someone else. His apology was sincere and heartfelt.

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP MR. VICK

By Corbin

August 27, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

I refuse to be apart of a fanbase that is this self righteous…all of these supposed God fearing people and they can’t find it in their hearts to forgive?!

By scorpio

August 27, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

I certainly was happy to hear what Vick had to say. He has always seemed like a shy person to me and to get up there with out reading a prepared statement admit responsibility and hold himself up as an example of bad choices for kids to learn from was took a lot of courage. Jeff Schultz was wrong in his hateful column about this young man. To hope for another human to be raped to me makes Shultz lower than most folks.I can’t believe he is even allowed to write such filth.

By J Smith

August 27, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Yes,Vicks apology was sincere. Who are we to judge when someone is sincere are not. We are to forgive. He’s a good man that made a mistake. Forgive him and let him move on with his life and career. Blanks should keep him with the Falcons based on his statment. Vick should spend little to no time in jail and move on with his NFL career. Stop the harsh judgement.

By Thomas

August 27, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Are we really surprised about the public reaction to Vick? People support the legal enterprise of hunting but object to the illegal enterprise of animal fighting, although innocent animals are killed in both.

You have people who overlook the faults and crimes of their own people but unceremoniously dump on other people for theirs (NAACP, Sharpton, Jackson).

We celebrate rich businesspeople (some of who scam millions & billions from the public) but dump on poor honest hard working people.

You have people who have never forgiven Clinton for Lewinsky and other unethical deeds but will defend Bush and his people to the death for all of theirs.

You gotta love the public’s Moral compass sometimes!!

By Kevin

August 27, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

To JP who said “Two words…Deer Hunters! So are we now going to prosecute all animal hunters who mutilate deer and other animals for sport?”

Americans DON’T hunt dogs!!! Deer are a GAME ANIMAL!!! Dogfighting is NOT a sport!!! It takes a little skill to hunt deer, it takes someone with ALOT of stupdity to take part in dogfighting.

By Shunda

August 27, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Yes, his apology matters, at least to Jesus it does and Jesus knows if he is really sincere in his heart. That’s all that matters. The good part is that he found Jesus…he didn’t know Jesus in the free pardon of his sins and out in the world, but hallelujah he found Jesus, when all else fails, he still has the most valuable thing to have in this world. I pray for you, Mike, this too shall pass.

By RENEE

August 27, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

I’m glad that Jesus is not like man kind. We are cruel and unforgivining. The only difference between Michael and us, his sins were found in the lime light where everyone could judge him, but what are our own skeletons in our closet. We have them too, but no one knows this. We can’t take the place of God and judge him. Michael Vick and done what he was suppose to do and he is wash as white as snow. Everyone who is being evil, nasty and judging him. You will have your day. I guarantee it.

By Jack

August 27, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

It’s fascinating to see how easily most people can be manipulated.

Vick funds dogfighting in a multi-state area, hangs dogs, electrocutes dogs, shoots dogs and drowns dogs FOR FIVE YEARS!.

Then he lies about it to the Commissioner, to Arthur Blank and to the rest of us (remember his “I promise I am innocent and will clear my good name).

So now that he sees he can’t lie his way out, all of a sudden he’s found Jesus and wants to grow up.

He plays the “forgiveness” card. Oh, look how contrite I am. Oh, we all deserve a second chance. These are emotional appeals that work well to those who cannot think.

** Any person who does these things to animals is not a person who made a “mistake”, they are demonstrating sociopathic behavior. They are demonstrating they have no sense of compassion.

Vick is a sociopath without true remorse. He is sorry he got caught. He is sorry he is going to jail. He is sorry he is losing millions of dollars. But if he could continue torturing and killing dogs and get away with it, he would. Because he finds it “thrilling”.

Mr. Blank, please don’t put a sociopath back in a Falcons uniform.

By Get Back Up MIKE! You are not your MISTAKES!

August 27, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Mike I am proud of you for addressing the youth who are looking up to you, so that they will not make the same mistakes that you have made…Hey you guys want a killing sport that is acceptable in society…with no jail time..start killing and eating deer! Which I think is gross! My own 20year old son called and me said my boy Mike is going to jail sadden. Mike you are not the mistakes that you have made DO NOT LET ANYBODY TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE! You live and learn and yes even grow up and you will make better decisions! Its not over for you yet! Stand strong Black Man and keep it real! Much Love…

By UGA VI

August 27, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Actions speak louder than words. At this point, he needs to put some actions behind those words, as opposed to the actions we have all been made aware of that in undeniable contrast to his words. However, he is off to a good start, in my own opinion.

By Tom

August 27, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Whites were slaves way before blacks get over it were you a slave

By stephanie

August 27, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Yes I believe he was totally sincere & I believe we need to forgive him & pray for him & stop crucifying him in the media….there are worse things he could have done that people have done but have gotten no media attention! Can we direct our attention to more serious ills of society??!!

By TRACY JOHNSON HARRIS

August 27, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

I THOUGHT VICK’S APOLOGY WAS VERY SINCERE, WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES AND I BELIEVE HE HAS LEARNED A LOT. I HOPE TO SEE HIM ON THE FIELD AGAIN. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIM AND HIS FAMILY

By JP

August 27, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

is he sorry for his actions or is he sorry he got caught? seems to me that he’s sorry he got caught, and that’s not enough to warrant forgiveness.

By GaDawg

August 27, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Has Vick ever heard the term ” no point in closing the gate once the horse has left the Barn ”

By Leon

August 27, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

This whole thing is overblown and the white establishment is making a big deal out of it because Mr. Vick is a successful black man. White hunters kill deer and other animals all the time for sport, and race dogs till they die, and no one goes to jail. Mr. Vick shouldn’t have to give up any money for this and if they try to take it, he should hire some more attorneys and sue blank and the nfl for millions!

By bad dog jack

August 27, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Is it just amazing how people repent and find Jesus when they’ve been caught and are about to be punished for their sins? Michael Vick did so I’m sure everything is going to be okay and the judge will just tell him to go and sin no more or at least don’t get caught. What’s really amazing is how Arthur Blank can say he doesn’t know what’s going to happen to Vick. This is just another example of some rich sucker afraid he might lose a quarter if he doesn’t do things the P/C way.

By Ryan

August 27, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

I’m glad to hear him apologize, BUT, his work is not finished. He needs to work with authorities in identifying and helping to locate other dogfighing operations listed in his indictment.

He should NEVER play for the Falcons again. How many stories have there been about people wanting to return their season tickets? People picketing our team’s training grounds? Our guys having to “stay focused on winning” and on and on and on all because, as Vick admits he was immature. He forgot selfish (not to mention cruel, but let’s focuse on the people aspect). He has hurt a lot of PEOPLE in this town and out of town, from season ticket holders to people who make residual income from businesses that cater to the Falcons franchise who are now going to have to take a hit in their pockets due to decreased interest in our team because of Michael Vick’s actions. He didn’t think of his teammeates, of his team’s owners, of Falcons fans, or of the city of Atlanta when he chose to fund a dogfighting operation. He thought only for himself and his friends.

If the NFL wants to let him play, let him play somewhere else. We can forgive, but it doesn’t mean we forget.

By Stephy

August 27, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

For all you racist people on this blog…how about thinking about this?

If Mike V. had involved some shady @ss white people in his dogfighting operation things would be okay…because only then would it be considered a sport.

In my opinion, what is the difference dogfighting or dog racing. Let’s take it further deer hunting, or quail hunting. It’s only right if the white man approves it.

By Conyers

August 27, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Yes, I think his apology was very sincere. He deserves another chance in the NFL.

By mikey

August 27, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

An appeal to Judge Hudson: Please keep Michael Vick and other thugs off the street as long as possible, so society will be safer!

By Maurice

August 27, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick thank you for your apology as a Falcons fan and your fan I am moved by your speech. I do hope that the rest of your life is filled with love and compassion for all of God’s creatures. From one brother to another I love you man. Keep your head up…It’s not over with yet.

By Joe

August 27, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Come on, Michael. What you did was immature??? I don’t think so. Not immature, SICK. Don’t you understand the difference? Immature people do things like flip the bird to unhappy football fans, they don’t TORTURE animals. And don’t forget to tell us what Jesus did when you found him: I bet he ran the other way, saying “Leave me alone, brutha! I don’t want to have anything to do with dog killers, herpes spreaders, and other assorted low lives who only invoke my name when the world sees what they really are.”

By getreal

August 27, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Yes, everyone makes mistakes. However, everyone’s mistakes are not criminal. There IS a difference.

By carolinagirl

August 27, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

To Mr JG In the first place, I would never to anything illegal (remember, he did break the law) that would put out lives, careers, etc in jeopardy. In the second place, I could care less about Vick as a person. Before this, if I had meet him face to face I’d have said “Hi” and went about my business. He’s a human being, not a god. After this, if I were to ever meet him I’d probably do my best to ignore him like a crack in the sidewalk, not worthy of even being acknowledged.

By stephanie

August 27, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Yes I believe he was totally sincere & I believe we need to forgive him & pray for him & stop crucifying him in the media….there are worse things he could have done that people have done but have gotten no media attention! Can we direct our attention to more serious ills of society, domestic violence, homelessness, gang activity, murder & other serious crimes??!!

By BA

August 27, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

That was the best apology by a pro athlete I’ve ever seen.

By JC

August 27, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

I hope Mike is truthful when he says he found Jesus. Unfortunately many have to hit rock bottom before they figure it out. Based on how he has handled his life up to now I think it’s time he turn the reins over to Jesus. He’s the only one I can think of that could possibly rehabilitate him.

I think some in this blog are confusing one thing: forgiveness does not equal cancelling one’s debt or punishment. Vick’s still gotta do the time. I wish him the best. It’s a shame that someone was given all that talent and chose to live a destructive life. Perhaps he can do some good yet, but he’s got a LOT of work to do.

By Vick Fan

August 27, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

If you all had listened to the interview with his mother on the “Tom Joyner Show”, he gave himself to GOD back in March…Not now…You fools!!! What do you have to say now? You all need GOD…

By marcia

August 27, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Come on let him do his time and let him play. If you are not able to forgive then don’t ever expect any forgiveness. As far as time remember that the preachers wife got 7 months for shooting her hubby in the back so I think Vick has a clean record and his time should not be more than a few months. Judge unless you are just bending to animal rights people and jealous famous people haters do Vick right not what the media thinks we sell more tv/papers. I’m a animal lover too just not a crazy one.

By janet green

August 27, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Unlike all of you who came out of the womb “perfect”, I have made mistakes in my life that I am not proud of.

I am so grateful to those who have forgiven me. I hope that when you “saints” require mercy from someone (and you will), that they will be kinder and show more mercy than you shown been to michael vick.

By RobinS

August 27, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

PUtting two different colored socks on is a mistake, what he did was wrong, evil and vile…..I am waiting for him to say what he did was WRONG, not just that it was immature….that was totally insincere.

By Real person

August 27, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Bree, if the grandmother forgave her husband that’s her choice, I would not want to be anywhere near him nor have him anywhere near my family. The outrage to all the autrocities is everywhere. Do you read every blog and listen to every news broadcast to see if it is being reported and that there is an appropriate amount of “outrage”. I doubt it. Anytime a high profile person is involved it is all over the place, especially if it happens to be the highest paid NFL player ever and probably one of the greatest talents in the NFL ever. Do you not remember how Paris Hilton’s dui was everywhere, how much Britney Spears bizarre behavior was everywhere. It is not just Vick, it is any high profile, famous person.

Wildbillhiltner, what gives you the right to say “Why should a man lose his livelyhood over a bunch of dogs no one like anyway.” Do you know everybody in the world?

And has anybody bothered to read the reports that the Feds are going after dog fighting because of it’s links to other more serious crimes. Did you also read that Mike must testify to any cases he receives a subpoena to in the future? Mike rolled on someone bigger than himself just like his friends rolled on him because he was bigger.

By Susan B

August 27, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Torturing and murdering innocent defenseless animals over a SIX YEAR period is not a “mistake.” It is a serious character flaw. Michael Vick doesn’t have an ounce of compassion, empathy or kindness in him.

He is sorry that he got caught. If he hadn’t been caught, he’d still be hanging dogs in his backyard and enjoying the “fun” of watching dogs tear each other apart to the death.

And now he has found Jesus? Give me a break.

There is nothing EVER that Michael Vick can say or do that will make me think that he is anything other than a sadistic psychopath.

By Ideasaplenty

August 27, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

I will say what I always tell my grandson when he makes a mistake. It is like driving a nail into a board. You can say you are sorry and pull out the nail, but it still leaves a hole. No matter how many times Vick apologies for all the holes in the wood he has made, it still leaves a hole in the Falcons and the Atlanta fans. No amount of apologies will make up for all the lies he has made. Wake up Atlanta do you want him so bad that you are willing to have a team like the Oakland Raiders. Thugs and criminals with an owner like Davis who will sign all of them thinking they will win. Do you think the Braves do not win as a team because of the character of the player they choose. Follow the Braves example with Wickman. Cut Vick and run.

By Krista

August 27, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

If people never made mistakes there wouldn’t be erasers!! I persoanlly believe that it is a shame that people feel like they are powerful enough to judge an apology. Who is ANYONE to say if the apology was sincere! Nobody likes to be doubted so give this guy the benefit of doubt. People make dumb mistakes (some much larger than others). However, a persons character should not be judged on what they have done, but what they do next!! He has apologized and is taking accountabilty for his actions. That should be good enough and if it’s not, I believe that is a personal problem and not Vick’s. At this point all he can do is move on and live his life, and everyone else should so the same. Basically, if he says he is sorry I believe him and am sure that his actions will further display his remorse.

By Aubrey

August 27, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

“…I’m upset with myself, and, you know, through this situation I found Jesus and asked him for forgiveness and turned my life over to God. And I think that’s the right thing to do as of right now.”

The right thing to do as of right now. Wow, Mike. That’s commitment. At least he had one thing right. It’s God’s place to forgive him, not mine. I don’t have to like him though.

By Adam

August 27, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Despite the fact that he waited, Vick acknowledged his guilt and his wrongdoing. To many who have posted here, it wouldn’t have mattered what he said. You all have made up in your mind not to forgive him. That is truly sad. I sincerely hope that you aren’t claiming to be Christians. If you are, you are falling short in God’s eyes. Don’t get me wrong. Vick deserves to be punished. However, there is entirely too much judgment being meted out by those who are just as flawed as him. Judge not, lest you be judged. At the same time, this blog just proves my point that our country is full of hypocrites. We claim to believe in second chances. Our actual beliefs: once a criminal, always a criminal. Isn’t that right?

By ADS

August 27, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

i forgive him.

By Stephanie

August 27, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Yes I believe he was totally sincere & I believe we need to forgive him & pray for him & stop crucifying him in the media….there are worse things he could have done that people have done but have gotten no media attention! Can we direct our attention to more serious ills of society??!!

By BigGear

August 27, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Yes, I think Vick is sorry that he got caught and is panicked over the loss of big income and his ability to make money. For the defenders of this guy, you still don’t get it. His lead attorney wants us to get to know the REAL Mike Vick. Anyone who decides (at least once) to hold a dogs head underwater and then electrocute a wet dog in order to kill it…because it is unable to kill other dogs…well, that’s the problem here. I’m afraid there’s more to Mike than any of us really want to know. But the defenders of Vick will continue to point to other tradegies in society and say “hey, that’s worse…” Keep making excuses for him, that’s how he got to be the person he is in the first place.

By Faye

August 27, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

It’s to bad Danny Healtly the hockey player killed his team mate…and was forgiven a second chance. Once back on the ice people cheered him on. What’s the difference…Oh, I forgot he killed a human, and Mike killed a dog…by bad.

By Anna Nicole

August 27, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

This is why people can’t stand white people. God forbids a young rich handsome black man makes a mistake! You white people hound on him as if he is an animal…well let me back that up because everybody knows white people have more respect for dogs than do a damn black person any day of the week. That is why people hate white people. That is why the mexicans are taking over and hopefully white people will be extinct or just go away because you are so hated. And you just watch in the coming of years where the tables will turn where your children won’t feel safe going to school and you won’t feel comfortable going to work and getting out of your cars for fear of discrimination and violent hatred acts coming upon you JUST Like minorities have had to deal with! Just wait. What about the war in Iraq?? Or this joke for an administration we up under??? All you damn people can worry about is Michael Vick?? WOW. What a bunch of racist b******* you all are!!! And I for one will not be sorry to start seeing you drop off like flies, one by one!!!

By sowhat

August 27, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

*By Kevin - To JP who said “Two words…Deer Hunters! So are we now going to prosecute all animal hunters who mutilate deer and other animals for sport?”

Americans DON’T hunt dogs!!! Deer are a GAME ANIMAL!!! Dogfighting is NOT a sport!!! It takes a little skill to hunt deer, it takes someone with ALOT of stupdity to take part in dogfighting.*

What I’m hearing you say is that the powers that be (read: whites) legalize their inhumanity.

See Greyhound Racing.

By JohnS

August 27, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Mr. Vick needs God’s forgiveness, not mine, not yours, not ours. I do not owe him forgiveness based on his pleading or apology. He needs to ask and receive forgiveness from Him.

By jack

August 27, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

We all are hopeful Mike will get straight. He is a very exciting player. His apology was good and bad. “Finding God is the right thing to do, AT THIS TIME”, bothers me a lot. I am concerned his mentioning Jesus and God and the poor children role model comments has a LOT to do with the Judge maybe giving him a less than more sentence. It is obvious to most of us, he finally got caught in something he could not “wiggle” out of. None of us, not even Mike himself, will know if he is actually a changed man for some time to come. WHAT A ROTTEN, ROTTEN SHAME it had to come to this.

By JP

August 27, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

I have a problem with the people out there that say it is unnatural for VICK to be punished for killing and abusing dogs. To me in is unnatural that these individuals think light of the situation. If you know regard for a “life” human or animal, it is all the same to me, because you are still a sick individual. A mistake is doing something once, not over many many years. I don’t except his apology until I see how he behaves and plans to redeem himself. This was an ongoing process of selfish, utter disgusting abuse. He may have not taken a human life, but would you want your kids hanging out with him and teaching the facts of life. Give me a break. He needs to be put away longer than the maximum sentenence and he better not step on a football field again.

By Diogenes

August 27, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

The main thing I’ve learned from reading these posts is how downright scary it is how many of you “I’ll-support-Vick-no-matter-what-he-did-because-of-his-race” people are out there walking the streets. Sheez, we’re a lot worse off as a nation than I thought …

By Oskur

August 27, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

I honestly feel Michael Vick’s apology today was sincere. He appeared humbled and totally contrite for his actions and lack of judgement. I believe in redemption and accept his apology. It is my hopes and prayers that he will get through these tough times he’s brought on himself.

By harold

August 27, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Harold is indeed without sin. Sin is a concept in a religion in which Harold does not participate. However, best of luck to those who do. Harold does not believe Michael Vick is sincerely one of them.

By Robert

August 27, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Dear Douglas, You can find Jesus too! It only takes a second of your time. If you know Jesus, you know that he is there in an instant!

By AB

August 27, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Yes - everyone deserves a second chance - if the apology is for real. What I don’t understand is Mr. Blank - (I know he’s a businessman) - if he really cared about the fans, Atlanta, and the Other Falcons he should have released him from the team as of today. He’s almost as bad as ….

By wildbillhiltner

August 27, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

With Mike coming to the Lord, it will be interesting to see his humble, WWJD response to the question of whether on not he will return any of the $22 mil from the contract he can’t complete. Mike, maybe Mahcus, the good son, can tell you WWJD.

By RustyT

August 27, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Vick’s comments come straight from his public-relations handlers, who were shrewd enough to amp up the level of Jesus-talk which they hope will play to the masses. Vick did something horrible and then lied about it, and his words are no more believable now and his actions are no more high-minded now than they were before. He deserves to be permanently sacked from the NFL and sent to jail for a good long time! But of course money talks, and someone in his camp was smart enough to get the PR machine rolling on his behalf to recreate him in the public eye, even though he’s still the same sleeze who got thrills from watching animals rip one another to shreds and brutally killed the ones who weren’t good enough death machines.

By Mel

August 27, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Yes it made a difference…now can we move on and get ready for some football!!!!! The same Judge that Michael Vick has to ask for forgiveness is the same one we ALL have to ask for forgiveness (and I’m not talking about the one in the black robe).

By Fan regardless!

August 27, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Vick, Your apology and sincerity caused my eyes to water and I will pray that you have peace of mind during this process. For all of you people that refer to him or any black person with cornrows or being a male w/ earrings as a thug, you were never a Vick fan anyway so your comments are a waste of time. For all of you real Falcons fans, let’s rally around our team and wish them success and hope that Vick plays for us again once he serves his sentence/suspension and comes out a better man.

By SD

August 27, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Mike, it is pronounced “ask” not “axe”.

By Rawhide

August 27, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

I agree with those who liked his “speech”. There was no written, pre-prepared notes. He spoke from the heart.

I can truely appriciate that, regardless of the fact that I do believe he should do jail time.

However, it still was nowhere CLOSE to Bill Clinton’s “Ejactulation Proclomation” of Aug. 1998, “Indeed I DID have a relationship with Ms. Luwinski…..”. LOL!

By Lechelle Sills

August 27, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

I believe Michael Vicks apology was sincere and honest. I believe that Michael Vick is feeling the “pain” of his recent actions and consequences, the first step is Michael admitting that “it’s time for him to grow up”, my thoughts to Michael Vick is what you’ve lost you’ll have again, remember that you have nothing to fear with God in control.

By Lando

August 27, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

First things first no one is actually hunting to eat. It is wrong to fight dogs humans only love certain animals if it was cockfighting no one would care we are selective in the animals we love. Truth be told we don’t have to kill any animals we could eat fruits and veggies to survive, we kill animals because we want we are all subhuman than. Once again dogfighting is wrong but so is the killing of other animals wheter it be legal or not be consistent with your outrage.

By Antony

August 27, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Poor Mike Vick. We are to harsh on this upstanding young man. He said he is sorry for his immature action against them dogs and had to give up a lot of his hard earned money. Bless his soul and hurray for the Falcons not firing him. The Falcons has shown they are a good organization for standing by their boy in spite of his bad judgment. It is not for us to judge because we wasn’t even there.

By Amanda

August 27, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

I don’t accept his apology. If he was truly sorry as he says he is, he could have done it in the beginning. The only reason he is doing it now is that he got caught and is facing a prison sentence. Good Riddance Vick, the Falcons will be much better off without your million dollar contract.

By .T.

August 27, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

I think that his comment was truthful, and we are still behind him 100%

By Jeff

August 27, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

I didn’t buy one ounce of the speech. Have fun in prison Mike, you deserve it.

By Robin

August 27, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick’s apology was very sincere. He deserves a second chance.

By Julie

August 27, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

I actually felt like he was sorry for a minute (maybe he should become an actor.) I am a lover of Jesus as well and I am sure he is pleading with God to help him. However, playing the “I found Jesus” card made this part of the story pretty text book. He is just sorry he got caught. Yes we deserve second chances, but we have to pay for our mistakes. Sorry Vick - your own family and friends sold you out as quick as they asked you for cash! Lots to learn on the next go around.

By Got Caught

August 27, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

After over 7 years of dog fightinh Vick is sorry ofr one thing - getting caught.

His cousin doesn’t get busted for drugs to start this investigation and he’s still deep into this lifestyle without considering it wrong at all.

Sorry, but it rings hollow.

By Will

August 27, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if anyone else has made this observation or even commented on it already or not…but isn’t it amazing when people like Vick gets caught and loses all their money and other possessions that all of a sudden they “find Jesus”.Guarantee you 2 months ago if you mentioned Jesus to him,you probably would have been thrown in the lions den…er,dogs den/pit.

By Amanda

August 27, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

I was very impressed that he made the speach without having anything written down. I didn’t agree with the “found Jesus, etc” comment, but whatever. I’m just glad he stepped up and admitted his guilt. It takes a REAL man to do that. Unfortunately, he has made his bed and now it’s time to lay in it. He threw away one of the best careers in the NFL over a VERY stupid decision. He is getting what he deserves. I hope he never plays in the NFL again, but I do hope he has learned alot from this and becomes a better citizen because of it.

By Chani

August 27, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick’s apology has made me realize one thing…and that is, WE ARE ALL HUMAN. He spoke from the heart and you could see that he was clearly remorseful. I accept his apology. Individuals that are not accepting his apology should stop holding a grudge against a person they don’t even know. If you don’t like Michael Vick…STOP FOLLOWING THE CASE. Move on to what you like. We are tired of your negative thoughts. Go focus on Lindsay Lohan or Paris Hilton. They have wonderful success stories.

By Gator Fan #1

August 27, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

I don’t see the difference in hunting and dogfighting. I guess it is who engages in it the activity that matter. Who defined hunting as a sport. I am not saying dogfighting is wrong but there is too much happening in the world for this to be the focus for anyone. This is by far the craziest thing I have ever seen. Jail time for dogfighting, but child molesters get off with a year. We as a society really need to pray. Times are bad.

By ATL Al

August 27, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Anyone can apologize, and regardless of how sincere he may have sounded, he should still be punished. I understand that people make mistakes, unfortunately educated and decent people don’t knowingly make six-year long mistakes that are a)illegal, b)involve gambling c)results in the torture and ultimate death of innocent animals.

This has nothing to do with Football. People need to get their priorities straight and stop placing Football above what’s right and legal.

I listened to Vick’s speech live and still find it convenient that people always seem to find Jesus on their way to and from prison. I promise you, Vick isn’t sorry for what he did, he’s sorry that people found out and even more sorry that he’s going to Jail and losing his $$.

By Brownthrasher

August 27, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

I will be at the Falcons gane tonight with my Michael Vick jersey on. It’s the least I can do to say THANKS for all that you’ve done for Atlanta and the many highlights you gave us to cheer about. Doesn’t matter what you and I think, all that matters is that you owned up to your mistake. Only God can judge you and the most celebrated thing that you’ve done is to find Jesus. He recognizes your good and forgives your bad. If I don’t see you on the field again, it’ good to know that we’ll see you in heaven when that great gettin up morning comes. Hold your head up and breath a sigh of relief that the best is yet to come!

By Peter

August 27, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Yes he sounded remorsefull for loosing over $144 million dollars because of his immature actions.

I am sure he is truly sorry to loose all that money……..

HA HA HA to STEPHY…… hopefully you can get an eduction as to what happens during hunting season some day…..

Did Mike Vick eat his dead dogs?

Has Mike saved an entire dog population so it would not eat itself to death, since they have no natural predator to keep their population in check?

Mike was too shady to have white folks around him save the blond who sold him his herb!

By Cynthia K. Loftin

August 27, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

I support Michael Vick. I believe that he is sorry and I want him th return to the game of football.

By Jojo

August 27, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Funny how Dany Heatley is still allowed to play hockey after his ILLEGAL ACTIONS caused the death of a HUMAN. Where was the outrage for that?

By Cynthia K. Loftin

August 27, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

I support Michael Vick. I believe that he is sorry and I want him to return to the game of football.

By MCS

August 27, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

My pit bull has a higher QB rating than Michael Vick.

By Cynthia K. Loftin

August 27, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

I support Michael Vick. I believe that he is sorry and I want him to return to the game of football.

By CP

August 27, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Vick admitted his mistakes and now is taking responsibility. Life will go on for him regardless of how you Vick haters feel toward him. He will be forgiven if he sincerely repented.He deserves another chance.

By Dalastdon

August 27, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Finally, a real apology from a sports figure. I even believe the part about him giving his life to God because he’s been dragged thru the mud. (When so call friends hang you out to dry there’s not much else you can do but run to God for help) I hope all of these people who have never made a mistake and probably call themselves christians read their comments before posting them and think to themselves “how would I feel if the world knew about the stupid things I did”? I am a Michael Vick fan. I’m a even bigger Falcon Fan who will be at the dome tonight. Yeah, I’m dissapointed in Mike but I unlike a lot of you realize nobody is perfect, and I’m willing to forgive. I wish him all the best and hope this time away from football will allow him the time to grow up. Again, a real apology from a sports figure (one without tears) and yet truthful. He’s not a thug….he’s human and real men step up and take their medicine.

By Jigga

August 27, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

First off, we have the famous line “I have found God”. Everyone says that after they have done something totally wrong in the public eye. Secondly, he mentioned that he never pointed his finger at anyone, the day he was asked about it on draft day was the same day he said his family members were taking advantage of his being to nice, so we have another lie. If u ask me, his apology wasn’t totally sincere.

By Jake Bogartis

August 27, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

The Falcons have to retain Vick until they recoup signing bonus money. If released now, they get nothing back and he still counts against the salary cap. Their hands are tied till they get some money back. Then, and only then, can they release him without financial penalty.

By WTF

August 27, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Are you guys really taking up for this creep??? He committed a crime and does NOT deserve to be a role model for american children. Send him to Africa & make him live in the wild with his own kind or chain him to a tree and beat him a few weeks. He’s an inbred thug!!!

By Lucy

August 27, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Everyone needs to back off!!!!!!!!!!!!! And let the Lord finish what he has in Place for Micheal Vick. We do Love U Vick keep U Head High……….. And it will work out. Thank You for been here in the ATL………. Hope U come back real Soonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

By Rick

August 27, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

His apology seemed sincere. I’m glad he made it and that he seemed humbled. It’s a good first baby step in the right direction.

What he does with the rest of his life, how truthful he is about how many harmless beagles were ripped apart yelping for him to save them while used as bait for his ferocious fighting pit bulls, how open and honest he is about the whole affair, all these things will influence his character development and possible forgiveness by football fans and society in general.

Just do it Michael, do it soon, and keep on doing it until you succeed. Don’t hide, don’t think it’s over just yet.

What you said today was just a beginning, and it won’t end when you finish serving your time.

By EB

August 27, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

We have referred to attorneys as “mouthpieces” in past. Mr. Vick can afford the best plus speech writers. I read the plea. I read your article re: apology. Only by works will he convince me of his heart-felt and sincere remorse and acceptance of responsibility for his actions. The definition/image of sociopath/manipulator comes to mind everytine I read of this case, the man, and friends. As previous writer stated I believe in higher power for true forgiveness. I do not want M. Vick representing Atlanta-based anything. There are consequences for actions regardless of apologies. Note: Mr. Blank, “winning is not all” that matters to me or my Falcon supporting family and friends. Truly, how you play the Game of life vital.

By OMG!

August 27, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Okay, my two cents. Vick has stated that he “Found Jesus”. Okay, so it took him getting in trouble and getting caught for him to find him. Well guess what, I bet half of you out there find yourselves in “sticky” situations, and those are the only times you get on your knees to pray. Do you pray everyday? Hmm… Also, I personally don’t think that ANYONE should be writing what they think Jesus would say. Jesus died on the cross for all of our sins. I don’t think he’d “run the other way” when a lost soul has asked for forgiveness. My God (and I hope many of yours) is a FORGIVING GOD. Pick up a bible and read the passages yourselves. Now to all of you who are so opposed to the “killing of animals”. I take it you all are practicing vegans…right? Think about it.

By Cornell Keith

August 27, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

I just can’t understand why people are being so COLD. Read your own mail in public and lets see how good your stuff shines! Not one of us has not done something we don’t regret not one!

By scott

August 27, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

I have seen the question asked several times but have yet to see anyone answer what is the major difference between Danny Heatly, “the face of the Atlanta Thrasher’s franchise” when he killed his teammate and Mike Vick. If I recall correctly, Heatly just received probation, after crying in the courtroom, skipped town to Canada, and was playing in the Stanley Cup last season. (The Thrashers were being swept in blue land).

Someone please INTELLIGENTLY, tell us all how what Vick did was worst than what Heatly did.

That is what I thought, no one can.

By Peter

August 27, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

I also guess Mike is guilty of being led by the Devil as in the case of another local guy who still won’t man up to beating up of his wife……

HA HA HA if a Bishop can place the blame somewhere else, and lead a flock of folks……… no wonder certain folks won’t own up to the fact they have indeed been their own worse enemy, and take the blame for their own doing !!!!!!!

By Wendy

August 27, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

WE all live in a imperfect world people. There are so many people on this blog that are just “perfect.” You have never made a mistake in your life time and I guess you never had to apologize for your mistakes because you have never made one. Mistakes fall in many ranges, not just adding “salt in a cake.” Just know that this man was as sincere as anyone could be. I accepted his apology and he doesn’t owe me one. I have been supporting him from day one and will continue to do so. For those of you that are not willing to accept his apology just because YOU think it’s not sincere….shame on you. You have no love in your heart especially for man kind.

By Karen

August 27, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

I am not a Falcon fan per say….having just relocated to the ATL I have not made the switch. But it’s hard not to get caught up in the fan fair. However, I commend Michael Vick for his speech. We all have made mistakes and will make future mistakes, as we are human’s and there’s not ONE human out there that’s perfect. I pray going forward he will have more compassion for dogs. I think he should be forgiven and after he has paid his debt that society has given him he should be allowed to continue with his career as a football player/entertainer! He is a wonderful player and I would love to see him back on the field as Falcon or otherwise.

By Andy K

August 27, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Vick has only reminded us what an accomplished liar he truly is.

By Forgiving

August 27, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Yes, I believe Mike’s apology was genuine and I accept it, not that I have to. I cannot judge Mike’s sincerity and neither can you. We all will have to give an account on judgment day. Mike’s is an open records act, what about yours? For ALL have sinned and have come short of the glory of God. Are you perfect, no, there is not perfect but the Father. He, who is without sin, let him cast the first stone.

By Earl

August 27, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

TO STEPHY Don’t be so ignorant. There have been approximately 600 prosecutions for dogfighting in the last five years. Most of them white, like David Tant in SC who got 40 YEARS. ITS NOT A COLOR ISSUE!

By LaWanda Carmichael

August 27, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

I think that his apology was very sincere and he really meant it for his heart. I am praying for Vick and will continue to pray for him to come out of this stronger than ever. Everybody makes mistake but the way he is being treated is very unfair. I love Vick and always will no matter what happen. I don’t plan to go or watching any games until Vick is back on the field. I have a lot of Vick jerseys and will contine to wear them. The Falcons will be dumb to cut him because alot of other teams will be happy to pick him up without any questions. My message to Vick is stay strong and keep ypu head up. ALL YOUR TRUE FANS WILL ALWAYS STAY BY YOUR SIDE NO MATTER WHAT THE OUTCOME IS!!!!

By Tiffany Moore

August 27, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

This comment goes out to all of you people that wrote above me.How dare you judge someone and say you hope he gets what he deserves. I hope you don’t consider yourselves people of God speaking evil things about this young man on this page. The tongue is the root to all evil and how dare you speak that this man gets the maximum sentence or he spends the rest of his life in jail how cruel. You are not the judge of this man’s life and you can’t control what happens especially when the Lord gets his hand on the situation. How can you say his apology was not sincere, how do you know this? It’s not for man to decide. You should be ashamed for your comments and ask for forgiveness yourself for your comments

By Steve

August 27, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Good grief! Vick has ALREADY got “jail house religion” BEFORE he goes to jail. What a bunch of garbage. He’s “sorry” for getting caught. And for all those “anti-animal” people out there, there is an old saying- “Never trust anyone who does not like animals”. My animals are my “kids” and I would bet (oops,sorry Mike) BEHAVE better than your children. I guarantee, they are more loyal! Put Mike under the jail!!!

By gynger leanise

August 27, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Jay, at 1:32…me? scarded? Michael Vick? No, no and no. I am not a fairweather philosopher, or want to be philospher, like yourself. You are very much jealous of Micheal Vick and he deserves to do his thing, just as you do yours for $4.44 per hour. That man has not hurt you, he has children I am sure he loves, he made a mistake and so did your freaking parents…leave Vick alone. I don’t see you adopting any of the 50 dogs that are about to be put under…hello? HELLO?

By #1 VICK FAN

August 27, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

I totally accept Vick’s apology! It amazes me that others like the hockey player that KILLED his teammate did not get the amount of attention that Mr. Vick is getting. He only made a bad decision…he is still a great athlete and should be allowed to return to play football after he has served his time. Mr. Blank sounded like he was confused and had mixed feelings. However, he had to make the comments that he made in order to protect his own job. In addition, he stated that the fans are upset with Vick….what fans are he speaking for? I think the true Vick fans should boycott the Falcons games is support of Vick!!

By vc

August 27, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Authur Blanks speech was very concise esp. when promoting a mentorship program. Every one does not know how to manage millions when you only know about hundreds.(dollars that is) You must look at the family background and the child’s upbringing. Mike will make a change, I know this and I would also like to invite him to my church where we’ll welcome him with open arms!!! This too shall and will pass!!!

By A-

August 27, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Actions speak louder than words and time will tell if the words he uttered today have any meaning.

By Tee

August 27, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

I have and always will support Michael Vick. Everyone makes mistakes and should be given another chance. When ever someone makes a mistake and they confess it to the Lord and Savior he forgives them so why can’t we? We should not be judging anyone, because I am pretty sure each and everyone of use have done something wrong in our life and have expected for others to forgive us regardless of how big or small the wrong was done. So what’s the difference? We are not perfect. Everyone said that if he just admit what he did and apoligize, people would accept and forgive him and he did, but that what’s good enough. Before you decide to throw stones you need to look in the mirror and ask your self where you perfect today? I am pretty sure the answer would be No.

By TVF

August 27, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

I am a Michael Vick supporter and not a Falcons fan (anymore). Michael Vick does not owe us anything. I don’t care if his apology is sincere or not, he only has to answer to God and his own concious. So it’s not up to us to judge him for we all sin and fall short, and those critics that have persecuted him, should look in the mirror before throwing stones. I believe he was sincere, and when a person meets Jesus is not for us to question!

By THE GOD OF WAR

August 27, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

For all that cant accept Vicks apology and hates Blank for not firing him.. Sell me your season tickets.. So when Vick comes back I can sell them back to you for double..

Good job today Vick.. You done good.. Should have done it earlier but better late than never..

By John Young

August 27, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

I thought his apology was sincere, particularly when someone like Vick, who appears to be concerned about his image with his boyz looking on and listening, admits that he has to “grow up.” At the same time, whenever someone gets caught behahving badly invokes God, I become suspicious, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

By Tim

August 27, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Yes, his apology is the first step. Some people will never forgive him and he will have deal with that. Vick, deal with your punishment and start proving them wrong from this day forward.

By Doctor LongGhost

August 27, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

To all you folks who talk about mistakes and forgiveness, when can I expect you to lobby for Imus’s return to the radio or Michael Richards playing the Punch Line. Or is that different somehow?

By Audrey

August 27, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

I’m so sorry about this whole situation. I support Micheal Vicks and I believe he’s sorry. I support him coming back to the NFL. God will allow you to go through situation, so that you can drew closer to him. That the history of the Bible, so christians be very careful what you say. God is the judge not us.

By Convinced

August 27, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Wow! You folks are absolutely right. He lied, and held up an investigation. He’s guilty of acts of violence and he’s a public figure. That makes him the scum of the earth and he should be under the jail. Now spend some of that hate to get Dick Cheyney thrown under the jail. He shot a PERSON in the face. He’s not only lied to the courts and congress, but instructed his people to do so. When a member of his team got convicted, he had his boy Bush pardon him. The VP of the US acting this way is WAY MORE important and WAY MORE vile than a football player and some dogs. Get your priorities straight people!

By Audrey

August 27, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

I’m so sorry about this whole situation. I support Micheal Vicks and I believe he’s sorry. I support him coming back to the NFL. God will allow you to go through situation, so that you can drew closer to him. That the history of the Bible, so christians be very careful what you say. God is the judge not us.

By clj

August 27, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

for what it’s worth, he sounded sincere to me. he’ll have to pay but Lord knows we’ve ALL made mistakes.

By Tillman Crocker

August 27, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Think Vick and that other lately-come-to-Jesus twerp Paris Hilton will form a Bible study group?

By Dead Pitbull Number 7

August 27, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

See you in Hell, Mike.

By Marvin

August 27, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

First of all, I was impressed by the fact that these were his words, no a prepared statement. Sure he had coaching but he still seemed sincere. Turning his life over to God? I’m not going to criticize that except to say time will tell. Many “Christians” hate it when somebody “comes to Jesus” only when they are in trouble but that is the whole point to Christianity. It’s not the timing, it’s the sincerity that seals the deal. Can’t tell whether he’s sincere? Don’t worry, God can.

By rachel

August 27, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Why are people so hung up on was he sincere or not? He has to live with this and if he wasn’t sincere then I truly question the type of human being he is at the very core of himself. I can only take what he says and believe it. Just like I believed he was an awesome football player, just like Arthur Blank believed he was a decent guy and would bring him millions of dollars. Any criminal is upset that they got caught that is why they do it in secret people! What does the man have to do or say 30 minutes after pleading guilty to a federal judge, to make people believe him. Obviously there is nothing he can do. If he had gone on there and cried (it would’ve been to much and seemed made up). If he had said I’m creating a scholarship awarded to the biggest dog lover every year ( it would’ve been fake) If he had signed a check to PETA ( it would’ve looked stupid and would make people feel cheap like everytime someone writes a check from a seemingly limitless bank account all is well). I say all of that to say I don’t think he was trying to please anyone making comments on this site, I don’t think he was speaking out because he believed all would be forgiven by the public, he said it because he finally had a chance to say something! To say something when he currently is public enemy #1. Stories like this just detract from real issues in the world and here I am buying into it!

By Right and you are wrong

August 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

I think Cynthia K. Loftin that you are an idiot and I suggest you watch a dog fighting video and then say I support Micheal Vick or watch the BRIAN GUMBEL dogfighting episode and then tell me -I support Micheal Vick because of people like you that keep saying that. I have no idea what the facts are at all! I hope Mike Vick gets mental help along with you! THIS IS NOT A BLACK OR WHITE THING THIS IS A RIGHT OR WRONG THING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE WAS WRONG!!!!

By gynger leanise

August 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

I am still sleeping with my Michael Vick jersey on, wearing it to the park, all that. You just mad cause I ain’ calling out your name,( Peter at 2:24). You bashers wish you could be as poised and heartfelt as he was WITHOUT NOTES, get the attention of the whole world and wear that suit like Mike wore it today..don’t be mad…go adopt one of thos dogs you are crying about, or two, or .Kennedy boy, crazy Britney and Looney Lindsay all doing things to either kill a human or run a chance of killing one and you ain’t said a darn word about that…I love you Mike and you don’t need fairweather friends like the big mouths on here anyway,they don’t make you or break you. Glad you gave em the bird. Their jealousy eeeeeekkkkkksss from their words. Stop coveting and being in awe of that beautiful Black man…let it go,it’ll be alright!

By Charlene

August 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Mike, we, your fan base, forgive and support you 100%. I myself have made poor choices in life and if it were not for people supporting and believing that I could be a better person, there would have been no reason for me to want to change. I saw and heard the sorrow that you displayed today because I have been where you are. So, keep your head up and show the world that you can and will redeem yourself!

By SAR

August 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Like it not Atlanta has a bad enough image as it is with crime and like it or not a huge chunk of that crime is crime committed by black males. So, all you Vick defenders it may not bother you all who are living in the ghetto to have Vick represent Atlanta in football, but you need to realize there’s a lot of people who are upright, law abiding people who don’t want his image as the image of our city. Watch some of the films on dog fighting. How can it not bother you to see some helpless dog who just a few days ago before they were stolen from someones backyard, was a family pet. The dogs have their mouths taped shut and they are used ’ to get the blood going’ beofre the pitts fight. The poor dog with the mouth taped shut is torn to pieces. Does this not bother you, you ghetto thugs, are you so low on the human ladder this is okay to you? God help, I hope none of you work arond me or live around me, you frighten the hell out me. Let the punk Vick cry alone in his cell at night, snot dripping to the floor, I don’t care. To hell with Vick and to hell with his low life supporters. I hate Mike Vick, I HATE him.

By WTF

August 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

One blogger profiled Vick as good looking! LOL!!!! So was Willy B, but he had more class.

By Lesa

August 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Earlier today, the guys at ESPN were debating whether there was a “racial” element to this story. If they took a look at any AJC Falcons-related blog, it would be obvious. There is a very vocal, very racist group of bloggers who made fun of Vick’s diction and called him a “thug” long before there was any evidence of wrongdoing on his part, simply because of his appearance and the way he talks. You people make me ashamed to be white. Arthur Blank, if you are reading this, I hope you know these racists are in the MINORITY of Falcons fans. All the Falcons fans I know, black and white, love #7 because of the excitement he brought to our team. True Falcons fans are a long-suffering group, and he brought a lot of joy to us. I don’t condone what he did, but I do think everyone deserves a chance at redemption. All the people who are judging him so harshly will be judged by God one day and the Bible says you will be judged as harshly as you have judged others. Now that Vick will be in jail and out of the limelight, I hope you can all spend some time trying to learn to be less judgmental and more forgiving, rather than spewing hate on Falcons blogs. Keep your head up, Mike. I will be praying for you.

By sharon

August 27, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

“martin f” you should go straight to hell for talking about this man’s mother. Obviously your mother didn’t do such a good job either the reason nyou turned out to be such a hateful judgemental person. We didn’t have all of this outrage when the two brothers put the puppies in the microwave. This is about you people being jealous of his fame and fortune. I have read some of the most idiotic mean spirited comments. The scary thing is some of you people will/have sit on juries. The ones who are unforgiving just remeber one day this could be you or some one you love in a world of trouble and you will need mercy. As for Mike, he is in desperate need of a PR person. I can’t believe they allowed him to say some of the things he said. I believe he was sincere.

By KNH

August 27, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Though I am totally against the activities in which Michael Vick was involved, he seemed very sincere in his apology (I like that he spoke and did not read a prepared statement). I am happy he is taking the first step to forgiveness, accepting the wrong doing and apologizing. Now he just needs to build on his new found (or reborn) faith, and grow from the experience.

By steve

August 27, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

All he says is he’s sorry for making mistakes, and then he says we all make them. He has lied to everyones face and expects us to forgive him? And I love the piece where he came to Jesus and gives his life to God, because its the “RIGHT THING” to do.The only thing Michael is sorry for is getting caught. And to all those who say, “it’s only a dog or it’s no worse than hunting” there is no reason to waste your breath on them as their reasoning is, “Don’t confuse me with the facts, my minds been made up”.

By george

August 27, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Vick still hasn’t come clean. He plead guilty to the conspiracy and being present for certain things, but still would not admit he gambled and participated in killing dogs. He’s a con man and a thug who does and says what he needs to in order to help himself. I wouldn’t believe a word he said if he swore on a stack of Bibles. His only remorse is getting caught. I hope he has played his last game in the NFL.

By Harvard Blu

August 27, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

First, I felt that saying that he wasn’t a public speaker and clearly not having a prepared statement let me know his apology was sincere. I don’t feel his comment about immaturity was a cop out, since he followed it with “I need to grow up” and make better choices.

Secondly, there is no one in this world that hasn’t apologized when “caught” doing something they had no business or even lied about. Dog fighting doesn’t have a face or a specific race to support it. To imply such a thing, as some of the posters before have, is an ignorant and inflammatory suggestion. It’s a blood sport, an unfortunate reality …similar to many other blood sports, some of them are legal.

Bottom-line is that he did apologize and that is a start to his recovery. But some of us in society need to take a note on “growing up” based on some of the comments I’ve read thus far.

GOD Bless and Good Luck Mike. As a football fan, I hate to see you go down in history this way.

By Kirby

August 27, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Wear those number 7 jerseys, I hope you do. That way I know who the criminal thugs are and I can keep a close eye on you. Just DO NOT walk up to my house after dark wearing one. That would be a very, very bad move on your part, believe me.

By Serena

August 27, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

I believe that Vicks apology was sincere. I think that we have to remember that not one person is perfect. We have all done things that we are ashamed of and regret doing. At one time or another we have had to ask for forgiveness from someone. We’ve all done things that are wrong. Many people would have reacted in the same way that Vick did. The only difference is that Vick is in the public eye. Unless you are completely flawless and have never done anything wrong i dont beleive you can judge Vick and say he is a bad person for making mistakes. Would we want our mistakes scrutinized and magnified as Vicks have bee?

Serena

By Dee

August 27, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

What concerns me is that Michael Vick choose to use his money in a dog fighting enterprise. When he first signed his Falcons’ contract I’m sure he purchased his mother a new home, etc., but he then made the conscious decision to bank-roll a dog fighting business. As a dog owner and modest activist, I find his actions reprehensible, i.e., “participating in the killing of the dogs not actually killing any of the dogs”. It was his business, that’s what dog fighting businesses do ~ kill non-fighting dogs. He would have know that when first entering into that enterprise. Thanks, I feel better getting that off my chest!

By Andy

August 27, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

He was sincere in the fact he was caught and is now going to prison. He absolutely did not speak from the heart but from his attorneys own play book.

Totally rehearsed and scripted because there were way too many 3 and 4 syllable words for his normal vocabulary.

It never ceases to amaze me how many criminals find God once they are caught or convicted.

I really wish a reporter would’ve asked Arthur Blank if he wished to come clean on making Vick’s water bottle situation go away because it’s more than ironic a 4-6 week crime lab test was miraculously completed in just 3 days.

By Ed

August 27, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Michael is just sorry he got caught and will lose millions of dollars. I don’t even believe he wrote what he read to the press; his lawyers wrote it for him. He has shown his attitude repeatedly over the last couple of years and it’s time to show him the door.

By Gloria

August 27, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Not being in the position to judge anyone, I’d like to say that I accept his apology and pray that this is a life changing experience for him. What has happened has happened and can’t be changed, but it’s my sincere hope that he will grow from this experience and becomes the man God intends. From experience I can tell him that as long as he has life, he has hope for we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. I, for one, won’t pick up a stone, but for all you naysayers, I say … let he who is without sin, cast the first stone. Good luck Michael and may God be with you.

By ATL Falcons' Fan

August 27, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Why weren’t these so called heartfelt, I’m speaking from the heart, statements made when this first came to light. Instead, HE LIED!!!! Not once, but several times to many people.

So, now that you’ve hired two big PR firms to change the public’s perception, now we get these statements without any notes. Wow!!! you even make these statements without using the phrase, “you know what I’m saying” one time. It’s amazing how polished you became after shedding the hip hop attire and braids; even found Jesus. Was it all an act for street credibility???

Question….which image is the “REAL” Michael Vick? Also, why do you keep referring to yourself in the third person???

Just a curious ATL Falcons’ Fan

By Dee

August 27, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

.. In most circles, most of the time.. the standard definition of the word “mistake” refers to “a one time ocurrence - a one time lapse of good judgement, and being remorseful for that bad judgement”. There’s a different definition to describe a person who willfully, for profit, and on a continuing basis for 6 years has tortured, killed dogs for a profit. What some folks don’t seem to grasp is this: Any person who is capable of hurting an innocent animal is also quite capable of carrying out horrendous acts against a child or an adult. I think his “strength and ability to overpower” could get way out of control… so I hope he goes to jail for a very long time. By the way, I really feel this scenario has left a bad taste in most Altnata Falcons fams mouths, generally. Mr. Vick appears to be all messed up, definitely a very sick, messed up in the head individual…he got caught, and he’s going to pay. If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime! He thought his fame and money would “fix everything” but not this time.

By Serena

August 27, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

I believe that Vicks apology was sincere. I think that we have to remember that not one person is perfect. We have all done things that we are ashamed of and regret doing. At one time or another we have had to ask for forgiveness from someone. We’ve all done things that are wrong. Many people would have reacted in the same way that Vick did. The only difference is that Vick is in the public eye. Unless you are completely flawless and have never done anything wrong i dont beleive you can judge Vick and say he is a bad person for making mistakes. Would we want our mistakes scrutinized and magnified as Vicks have been?

Serena

By Mary

August 27, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

He did not write that statement, probably some legal assistant wrote it and a secretary typed it up for him to read.guy is no more sorry for what he did now than before, only that he got caught and his “friends” did not bail him out this time, but squealed loud and long.

By Boots

August 27, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

I accept Vick’s apology and think he helped himself. And, I’m glad he found religion. My guess is that he should be thankful to the good Lord that the Feds didn’t come at him with RICO charges. Maybe, that’s why he copped the plea —- they let him know that they would pursue the greater charge if he didn’t plea out.

By Boots

August 27, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

I accept Vick’s apology and think he helped himself. And, I’m glad he found religion. My guess is that he should be thankful to the good Lord that the Feds didn’t come at him with RICO charges. Maybe, that’s why he copped the plea —- they let him know that they would pursue the greater charge if he didn’t plea out.

By Kevin Brabant

August 27, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Until words are backed up by actions, this apology means nothing. Simply words, no matter how sincere they seem or meaningful they are, are cheap.

By smh

August 27, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

AJC, how about a story & blog about the Jena 6…those are HUMAN lives at stake, not some dogs! Our priorities are, oh well…this is america and the south…

By doglover

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

Vick’s apology seemed sincere. I’m sure it was difficult for him to stand there and say the things he did. I loathe the toture and killing of animals that he participated in, but perhaps he is now seeing the brutality for what it is. His remorse, if it is genuine, will be revealed in his future actions. It’s time to let him serve his sentence and remove him from the public eye. One piece of advice - he needs to stop referring to himself in the third person.

By JR

August 27, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

A slimmy enterprise like dog fighting shouldn’t rank very high on the scale. It seems like overkill to smack Vick so hard on this when he has repeatedly demonstrated his thuggish lack of character in the past and no one seemed to really care. Blank, the fans, and the press have given him passes in the past, so shouldn’t the dimwit have logically expected a pass on this?

By Bart

August 27, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Even though his millions of dollars are dwindling, I would have hoped this piece of filth would have retained a media consultant to help write the apology. An apology without a direct, undisputed acceptance of guilt will NEVER be accepted by the general population. As someone who works in crisis management, I’ll teach everyone on this board a little apology secret (sort of unrelated to this case): Never, under any circumstances, say, “I’m sorry for the way you took my comments.” Not only are you not admitting guilt, you’re call the other person stupid for not being able to understand your communication.

By Sarah

August 27, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Look how angry the supporters of Vick are because even with the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP (which by the way is a group of jokes!)they can’t sway our opinions of this low life punkboy, one Mike Vick. Why doesn’t Vick fight? Perhaps Vick will have his day in the prison yard when some guy that’s about 250 lbs challenges Vick in the prison yard. My money is on the big guy and not some worthless punkboy like Mike Vick.

By Roosevelt

August 27, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

First of all, I would like to comment on those who critized Mike Vick’s statement when he said that he found Jesus Christ in this situation by asking “who are you to make negative judgement on that?” You are not God! Secondly, it is usually when a man or woman is in an adverse situation or is facing troubles in his/her life is when they find Christ for he comes like a thief in the night and when we are at our worse, so all of you bible-belt “christians” need to chill with all of that cause you are only hurting yourselves. I’m pretty sure that you are not without sin yourselves. It is not my aim to offend, but to ask you to not judge. Third, I feel that although Mike Vick did do wrong,he at least owned up to them and is appearing to do the right thing now, I can’t say the same about some of our child-molesting clergy or some of our war-happy politicians. I feel that it is time that we stop judging one another and start supporting each other with forgiveness and redemption. Non of us is perfect, only one is, therefore we need to kill the hypocrisy before it kills us.

By truth hurts

August 27, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

I think it is commonly known, at least now that the black communitiy at large cares little about the welfare of animals. Funny, how as a whole, it has not been that long since we were lumped in with animals. Where is the outrage over Darfur, the continuing Hurricane Katrina debacle, the Jenna 6, and other acts of discrimination and injustice? Why is so much emotion going to someone who is guilty of heinous acts? As usual the priorities of an entire community are aimed in the wrong direction.

By yeah-right

August 27, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Too little too late… There was plenty of time for honesty and apologies. There was plenty of time to come clean. Folks, he only came clean AFTER federal investigators had enough evidence to prove he was lying. Good attorneys realized when defeat is unavoidable, and attempt to cut losses - the best method has always been to have the defendant appear very remorseful.

By ty-ty

August 27, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

I believe that Mikes apology was sincere and from his heart. I am so sick of the double standards that are used when the NFL wants to contol certain players(black)We all remember that Patrick Kerney had a party at his home and a woman was assaulted while he was there. Swept that under the rug and kept it moving, Tom Brady (New Englands QB) the pimp of the NFL has father three children with one being born just last week with three different woman and not being married to neither.And the NFL always uses words like morals, conduct and image PLEASE!!! give me a break.Dogs over woman, NFL come on with the jokes… Welcome To The Dirty South

By gman

August 27, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

I’ve heard a few people compare Vick to Pete Rose. You have to remember, Mr. Rose was gambling on baseball games including his own. Vick was practically running a dog fighting ring. Pete was doing something unethical for his profession. Vick was doing something unethical in his personal life.

I think he should do the time for the crime. But the crime should not get him kicked from the NFL.

By Ms. Michelle

August 27, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

I support Mike Vick 100 o/o nobody’s perfect, we’ve all made mistakes…life goes on and so will his football career God Bless you Mike, i’m so glad you found the Lord; you’re in my prayers! Thanks goodness his future isn’t up to or; it does’nt if some of you don’t except his apology he’s still a great person and will have a blessed future in football

By Mandy

August 27, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Can we please get over this! He made a mistake! All the people with negative thoughts,I hope you all have been perfect in your life. There’s not one person on this earth that’s perfect! So, get over it!

By Penny Witcher

August 27, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Yes, his apology does matter!!!! The man has admitted to what he was charged with. He is only human we all make mistakes, we are all one bad decision away from being in his shoes.We are so quick to Judge, the crime has been committed, he has apologized. Now Michael has to serve the time for the crime.He has asked for forgiveness, so yes his apology does matter !!!. It is time to move on his life is not over. Everyone keeps talking about the money , yes that is important. The most important thing is Michael becoming a better person.

By M

August 27, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Shaun, Charles, Pete, Blaylock, Liberal drive-by, rich D, old School Al, Melissa, Thomas, Angry277, David, Annette, Scott, Who cares, Lee

Just to mention a few names of comments written by all mentioned above. I hope and pray that you will not get into any predicament in your place of work, your home and with authority because you will also receive the same treatment you are giving to Mike Vick. Only if all mentioned above are the perfect being made by the God Almighty, everybody who bring down Vick after he has aplogized for what he did and shows being sincere will definately undergo a similar situation that they will not ask God how did this happen. Learn to forgive because we all have blood flowing inside of us and are bound to do stupid things. So be careful throwing stones because you all live in a glass house.

By Cassie

August 27, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

You know, it doesn’t matter to me. Michael Vick has revealed his arrogance and his indifference to other living beings, and he deserves to be punished. Would anyone care if he weren’t a professional athlete?

No one would give a diddly.

BTW, Mr. Blank…Vick really is a crappy quarterback. I’d like one that could go a whole game without throwing an interception, or having the ball stripped…just a thought.

By dturner

August 27, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

I was certainly glad to hear him speak and I thought it was definately from the heart and very sincere. People need to know that the reason he hasn’t spoken before is beacuse his lawyers wouldn’t allow him. I think Arthur should keep him on and see if he will be a man of his word and turn his life around. If he does, then he has my vote to return to the Falcons. I support him and I think that after that speech, alot of people may just see he is sincere and give him another chance. I ahope Arthur Blank does also !!

By Jumbo

August 27, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

TO JOJO The Danny Heatley incident was an isolated ACCIDENT that caused the life of one of his best friends. This was a one time occurrence of reckless driving. He was found guilty of 2nd degree vehicular homicide and the victim’s parents urged the judge to not give Heatley a prison sentence.

Vick’s crimes were NOT an isolated incident. He has been breaking the law on a consistent basis for over 6 years that we know of. Probably has been closer to a decade. Where is the similarities between these two crimes?

By Hey

August 27, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

By SD - Hey Mike, it is pronounced “ask” not “axe”.

Hey SD,

In your form of usage, the period should go inside the end quote.

See how that works?

By Colts fan

August 27, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Two words for you Vick loving losers:

PEYTON MANNING.

By never let him play again

August 27, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

People pleeeze…….. now that his back is to the wall, vick is apologetic. Sorry, I don’t buy it. He is sorry for being caught, not for his participation in criminal activity. If he had issued that statement earlier when he was 1st accused it may have been more believable. Now after all hope of another outcome, he “takes responsibility” and “axes for forgiveness”. Sorry buster, I know the statistics for folks in big trouble finding Jesus and time will tell if that is sincere. I hope he does become a better person, but never plays football again!

By J Jones

August 27, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

No matter what Vick say. Some of you people because of race will not forgive him. Last week you said you wanted to see him say I am sorry. He did, now what do you want. I guess you want him to become a white man. Then you can forgive him. Can’t dare forgive this talented black man.

By R. Jones

August 27, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

The apology changes nothing. Too little too late. He is a thug and sadly, his lack of judgement is not the exception when it comes to the National Felon League.

By Jacquie

August 27, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

I was, previously, very critical of Mike Vick. Call me wishy-washy, but I believe his apology is sincere. And I forgive him. Nobody is perfect, and we ALL fall short every day.

To the previous poster who said, “Now he’s sorry because he got caught.” Is anyone ever sorry BEFORE they get caught???

By fatz

August 27, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

“Welcome to the 08 home opener, fans!….dropping back to receive the kickoff for your OOOOAKKLANNNDDD Raiders, a recently signed and mysteriously little known free agent…. Ookie Mexico..” (anyway, yes….God, Fido, and Uncle Fester will all forgive Mike)..

By gynger leanise

August 27, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

He found Jesus fast? What is your time in the 100 yard dash, smartie? When he was fast and scrambling and fascinating and slipping through, well, you knew him then, huh?

Okay, so life gives him a speed bump and he has to slow it down for a minute and you run to the back of your pickup and grab the rifle you go deer and duck hunting with - to go after Michael verbally, huh? Hypocrite!

I will be willing to BET that you and your ilk were BETTING, that’s right,BETTIN, on how well he would do that day in the game! How dare you equate this man to a dog. You are trying to destroy him when, if memory serves me correct, Michael Vick’s kind were shot in the back at the drop of a dime as they fleed for their lives and very seldom got caught or punished for their little sport…a dog, a dog? Y’all need to quit with his crap.

By Al

August 27, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Just a grammar geek weighing in here. The whole case really doesn’t interest me, but I am wondering why the front of ajc.com carries a quote—“I have to grow up”—that doesn’t appear anywhere in Vick’s apology. He said, “I need to grow up.” Picking at nits maybe, but how about a little accuracy?

By Kaye

August 27, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Those opposing Vick seem to be able to articulate their thoughts much better than…….the other half.

By george

August 27, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Congratulations, Michael. Only 14 “you know(s)”, 1 “axe”, and 1 “axed” in your very brief, well rehearsed statement.

By jogger

August 27, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

It is what he does now-afterwards- that would make him a better person in our eyes.

By me again

August 27, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Wow…all of this love for the animals, yet no one is clamoring to adopt any of these pets, you animal lovers will ALLOW them to be euthanized!

Where’s PETA on that? Why hasn’t Lucky (the knifed pit bull) not been adopted yet?

Y’all don’t love dogs, you just hate Vick.

By David

August 27, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Fire him. He lied to the falcons and to Goodell.

By Blu74

August 27, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

The problem is, as a society we honestly believe that we know these celebrities and we are the ones who put them up on a pedestal (especially sports figures). We know whatever their PR people want us to know about them. The love/hate relationship we have with celebrities is bizarre to say the least. As far as I am concerned, admire them for their talents, but that is where it should end. If you purchased Falcons tickets just because of Vick, then that is on you. It is ludicrous to stop supporting the Falcons for what one man did. I am a Falcons season ticket holder (3 years) and a football fan, and plan on being at every game. Stop blaming Blank, as he can not control the actions of over fifty grown men. Unfortunately people lie every day, and Blank could have asked him a hundred times if he was involved, but if Vick was unwilling to admit the truth then what the heck was he to do. Realize that the media has helped turn this into a circus and PETA will protest anything and anyone concerning animals….so this is not really about the man Michael Vick. What he did was horrible, and he is going to pay the price for that. I believe Vick was sincere in his apology, but God and time can only determine that. I also believe his lawyers advised him to keep quiet until they felt it was the right time to speak. And if your career and behind was on the line, most people would have done the same thing. For some it is not going to matter, they will hate him forever. For others they will move on and stop all this venom directed at one person. The price of fortune and fame is much too high these days. When your own father is willing to bad mouth you in the press, while you have been paying his rent, paid for his drug rehab, etc. (But got angry when you would not give him a million dollars). That tells me what type of people he had around him. To hate a man I do not know is crazy, but I do hate what he did. In the end I wish him well.

By CoCoJo

August 27, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

This comment is for the heartless “monsters” who think that they are above reproach. Who died and made you saint? I bet if I had a crysatl ball, I would find dirt in your lives. And quit calling him a THUG!!!MV7 I’m praying for you!!

By Ms. Michelle

August 27, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Thank goodness his future isn’t left up to some of the negative people on here or others who don’t support him. It does’nt matter if some of you “don’t” except his apology he has to deal with this for the rest of his life, get over it people!

By Jumbo

August 27, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

PEOPLE!! THIS WAS NOT A MISTAKE.

Vick bought property in VA, built a mansion to house his dog fighting thugs, built fences, built 50-60 kennels out back, built a dog fighting building, bought a rape stand to breed female pits, bought dogs, trained dogs to kill each other, killed dogs and fought dogs. These are not mistakes. These are choices.

He built and funded an entire dog fighting operation that was in business for over 6 years. I could accept the “mistake” excuse from some of you if he had maybe attended 1 or 2 dog fights but that is simply not the case here. This was a choice, not a mistake. Quit making excuses for this monster.

By Curtis

August 27, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Yo, all of you are so unforgiving. But who made the Atlanta Falcons a “sold out” team? Not any of you; Mike Vick, and now you turn your backs on him. But I’m glad because the team will go back to being the losers they were before he came here. -Peace

By Bella's Daddy

August 27, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Vick apologized. Let’s give him a break. I love my pitbull. I’ll never fight her. People that participate in that sport are barbaric. I don’t agree that people want to nail him to the cross. Two years ago an Atlanta Thrasher killed his teammate drinking and driving. You didn’t see MADD at any Thrasher games? There’s a double standard with Rich Black Atheletes. You can say what you want, there are worse crimes.

By ChrisD3

August 27, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Not very sincere. He had me going until he invoked the names of Jesus and God. It was just too cliche’ and forced to be believable. What a hack.

By R David

August 27, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

There is a little known beatitude that says “blessed are the dog torturers, for if they play football, their fans will follow them blindly.” Gimme a break. Apology or not, Vick is disgusting.

By KEITH

August 27, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Yo,Mike be athug fo da ress o ob his life.He say he sorry but i now dat jus what he be tole ta said.Man canet be doin dem kin ob thangs, i hope da lode do com to he life,fo he gwan need him while he be hold up in prisom.

By ChrisD3

August 27, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

CoCoJo’s just another apologist for anyone who’s black. Blacks can do no wrong, especially black thugs. Go ahead and “axe” her if I’m right.

By Bob

August 27, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Can Vick play football again?

Sure.

Would I ever pay to watch him play again?

No way!

As a consumer, I want nothing more to do with Michael Vick, especially after his weasly-worded plea to walk a tight line and avoid taking responsibility for brutually and personally killing dogs (as opposed to “collective responsibility”) and gambling by placing the MAIN bets (as opposed to “side bets”) on the outcome of the dogfight in the form of the purse.

The issue is not whether Vick can play football again. The issue is whether any owner wants to alienate consumers by once again paying Vick to play football.

As the hiring of Vick to play football will alienate large numbers of consumers, perhaps Vick should pay money to any owner to allow Vick onto the field.

Instead of Arthur Blank paying Vick $130 million to play football, perhaps Vick should now pay Arthur Blank $200+ million to let Vick onto the football field in the face of booing football game watchers.

Not only would I not pay a couple of hundred dollars to attend a game and watch Vick, the Falcons or any other club would have to pay me a couple of hundred dollars to attend a game and watch Vick.

It is too bad for Mike, but that is just the dollars and cents of the issue.

By Ed

August 27, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Why do thugs hate PETA so?

By Katherine

August 27, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

I saw a very scared and sad look on his face today and almost felt sorry for him. Then I thought about the dogs and how they probably had the same scared and sad look on their faces as they were being tortured and/or killed. I really hope he is sorry for what he has done and sees the wrong - and not just sorry that he got caught. I also hope that the Atlanta Falcons can put it together and be a great team without him.

By Jumbo

August 27, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

DANNY HEATLEY WAS NOT CHARGED WITH DUI!!! You people that want to draw a correlation between these crimes are out of your mind. Heatley was charged with reckless driving, NOT DUI. Get your facts straight. It was stupid accident and Snyder’s parents begged the judge not to sentence Heatley to prison. Vick tortured and killed innocent dogs over and over and over and over again. And if he hadn’t been caught, he’d still be doing it. Heatley has nothing to do with this.

By Laura

August 27, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

I think he is truly sorry…truly sorry he got caught. He has thrown away a promising career and tons of money to stay in the hood and act like a thug.

By dawgmom

August 27, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

An apology cannot be sincere unless the apologist admits to a wrong-doing. Vick admitted to “mistakes”, but only said his actions were “immature” — never did he admit his actions were WRONG. Whether any of you approve of hunting or dog-fighting, keep in mind that the first is legal and the second is illegal. He will now have some time to reflect on his activities and learn there is a difference between “immature” and “wrong” and a felony is a felony. We, as a society, have lost sight that there are consequences to our actions.

By bob

August 27, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

you morons…Danny Heatley wasn’t drunk, he was speeding and had an accident. Benoit, the wrestler had a psychotic reaction to all the steroids he was on. Michael Vick is a serial killer in training. He didn’t make a “Mistake”, this was no accident. Vick committed these heinous acts numerous times over several years…..and as far as him finding the mythical jesus or god, if jesus really did exist, why didn’t jesus find Vick? Jesus could’ve stopped it all. As the great writer of ” god is not Great”, Christopher Hitchins states, ” if jesus could heal the blind man, why doesn’t he just heal blindness”. I will tell you why, jesus was a regular man who died two thousand years ago, and he is dead, period….he does not have the power to cure blindness, save Michael Vick, or in fact, the power to do ANYTHING. He is a myth.

By BRETT SHEPHERD

August 27, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

I just hope that he does grow up! Quit saying that it’s race when in fact it is celebrity. For instance, us regular folks can go and urinte in the backyard and if somebody saw you, they would probably think you were crazy and soon it would be forgotten. On the other hand if you are a pro athlete or some type of public figure and you do that…the person that saw you would not only laugh and think you are crazy, they would tell everybody what they saw and then it would be a big issue. In other words, it’s only an issue because of his status. What he needs to understand is the things he could do when he was just mike vick regular guy, he cannot do as mike vick nfl qb.

By TW BROWN

August 27, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Man, I really can’t believe how evil some of you are. I know darn well that a some of you did some really rough crap, unknown to any of us! You must forgive and move forward - he made a horrible, horrible error, there is no excuse. But dang - you should never condemn. I have seen many persons live a bad life for years and they do find God, for real. They are living their new lives many years later. Not everyone is a fake, as some of you truly, actually are! You should be ashamed of being continually dark-hearted!

By gynger leanise

August 27, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

To By WTF August 27, 2007 3:09 Don’t get it twisted - Michael Vick is finer than fine…what yo’ crazy tail looking like..you probably want him anyway, right, righ?!

By Dave

August 27, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

The one major mistake in this speech was there was no apology to the Falcons fans. If I am Arthur Blank I try to get back as much money as I can and then move on.

By Krys

August 27, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t have said it better myself “Me Again”! Nobody wants to talk about Heatley though, so I won’t either. Shhhh……………

By Bruce Morin

August 27, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Wow - this is simple and not racial

STOP ALL THE RACIAL NONSENSE

By Gene

August 27, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Come back in five years, gangsta.

By KDawg75

August 27, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Please listen to yourselves! Where does RACE play a role in the following? 1) Guilty of illegal dog fighting, 2)Guilty of illegal gambling, 3)Guilty of lying to the Commish and Arthur 4)Guilty of selfish behavior, 5)Guilty of horrible judgement.6)Guilty of breaking the rules of his $$$ contract, 7)Guilty of breaking the rules required in the NFL conduct policy. etc……….

Sorry, I don’t see anything racial! Can someone please explain it to me!

By Mike DeQuardo

August 27, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Didn’t sound or look sincere to me. All the usual sound bites, referred to himself in the 3rd person at least twice. Had a week to prepare and still screwed it up. He gets no sympathy from me. I hope the judge gives him at LEAST 18 months. 2 years would be fine by me.

By Jessica

August 27, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

He repented before God. He apologized to EVERYBODY! He’s contrite. Let the man serve whatever time they give him and then let him PLAY BALL! God has forgiven him who are we to judge? I’m praying for you MV.

By Ann G.

August 27, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

His apology does not change at all how I feel. It only confirms it.

The only reason he is apologizing is because he got caught. If he really was going to accept responsibility for his actions, he would have done it the day the feds started investigating him. He wouldn’t have lied through his teeth for the last four months. He was involved in these despicable acts for six years. He would still be doing them today if he hadn’t been caught.

And, most importantly, HE DID NOT APOLOGIZE TO THE ONES THAT MATTER MOST, THE INNOCENT DOGS HE BRUTALLY ABUSED AND MURDERED.

By yvette

August 27, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

I really glad he spoke to his fans today. I’m really a Mike Vick fan. What he did was wrong, but everybody make mistakes. I think he was sincere. He deserve a second chance. If u are really a Mike Vick fan you will see him again.

By BigD

August 27, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

To MR. Vick I say “We your people forgive you”. I know you will lose alot financially but, your peoeple will forgive you, because we are a forgiving people. We have forgiven the barbarians who have enslaved, raped, murdered and held us down for over 400 years. So Vick hold your head up high, don’t let them see you sweat and what doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger. You cannot expect them to value your life over a dogs because they never have and you cannot expect them to forgive you because their barbaric hearts are incapable of forgiveness. From one of your people.

By MrLiberty

August 27, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

He set up, financed, participated in, witnessed, watched, enjoyed, cheered at , got excited over, etc. the act of two dogs tearing each other to shreds. The blood, the horrible sounds, the screams from the dogs - none of this mattered to him or any of the other witnesses or participants.

How can one even call Vic a human being? He is the scum of the earth. He doesn’t deserve to be scraped up with the same shovel you might use on dog crap.

But of course too many of you also lack any morality and don’t see the problem either with the sport or what it involves.

How can an appology rectify anything? He was not an unwitting victim. He was not an outside observer. He did not just finance the operation. He has blood on his hands and one can only hope that someday he will be confronted by an enormous dog who will not take no for an answer. It would make for poetic justice.

In the mean time there is nothing else for Mr. Blank to do. Sue to get as much money as he can back from the loser, never pay him another dime, get a replacement, and get on with the season.

And by the way, pulling out the duplicitous moral arguments doesn’t work on me either. This is not a black sport. Plenty of sub-human whites enjoy it too. It is also not a “sport’ like hunting. Hunting is not a sport either. Unless you are killing these animals because you need the food, it is just murder. And even then, vegetarianism is a far more moral choice. It is also not like boxing or any other violent sport. At least when two humans get into the ring there is generally free choice involved. If force is involved, then that sport is immoral too.

Vic supporters have no leg or moral argument to lean on. WWJD? I don’t think that he would be encouraging the dogs.

By TXPO

August 27, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

I felt he was sincere. He should get community service at a humane society or animal rescue shelter for a year. He is NOT the only person in this country involved in dog fighting. Dog fighting is evil, and lets see if PETA continues to attack ALL dogfighters (famous or not) whenever all this is over. There are other important issues i this country that need to be addressed, debated, and solved.

By Andy K

August 27, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

I think the only time Mike Vick was honest with us was he FLIPPED OFF the fans in Atlanta.

His “apology” is just more proof that he an outstanding liar.

By CC

August 27, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

I am LOL @ some of the comments left in this forum!! I remember telling a friend the other day about how goofy people were to keep expecting him to make an apology. I specifically told her, “What’s the point of him apologizing? THE MAIN ONES WHINING ABOUT AN APOLOGY WILL NOT BELIEVE HIM ANYWAY!” And I am quite sure that the main people in here acting like Michael Vick’s apology wasn’t sincere were the same goofy people complaining when he hadn’t given one, LOL!

Having said that, yes I believe his apology was sincere. Life is all about screw ups, and unfortunately, this was his. I honestly hope that the unproportional amount of media attention will cease now. It makes absolutely no sense for this much attention and emotion to go to this issue. Some of you are acting like it was personally your dog or something!

I honestly would love to see this much passion by some of the members of this board about the 6 black kids in Jenna, Louisianna. I know you are probably thinking, “WHAT”? Of course you don’t know, because half of you were too busy getting so up in arms about dogfighting.

Funny how everyone is so indignant about this kind of treatment being inflicted on dogs, when a certain group of people basically used the same techniques on another race of people?( Fill in the blanks). I wonder where that passion goes to whenever this is brought up? Hmmmm…

By Ed Smith

August 27, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

NFL teams need to draft more players with 4.2 character instead of 4.2 speed - most NFL teams will draft and sign “Atila the Hun” if he is fast or big enough - and if he is both, they they lose all sense of reason (witness the ridiculous signing bonuses they are paying to players who are not that good in college, but happen to be drafted in a high round because it is a “down year” at that position) - maybe the Falcons will be a little more careful, now that they have been burned so badly - but then again, no one’s run a 4.2 in front of them today, so the question is not answered.

By Mrs. Stewart

August 27, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

After he has done his time, which I think should only be probation, but whatever he gets he should be able not only to be back in the NFL but in a Falcons jersey. Vick I accept your apology. Arthur Blank, if you want to continue to sell tickets, bring Vick back!

By gofer

August 27, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick is a thug and deserves to go to prison! His apology sounds sincere because it was written by one of his high priced lawyers. For the kind of money he’s paying them, how did you think it would sound? I especially liked the part about finding Jesus! I’ll bet if you could visit Death Row you would find a Bible in every one of the cells there. Those guys have all found Jesus too. At least while the Warden is looking. As far as Mike being sorry for his actions, even a bum like him will be sorry when he realizes he has just thrown away 100 million dollars! A kid can use immaturity as an excuse for something he/she has done wrong, but Michael Vick is a grown man, who should be held accountable for his actions! I hope the Judge gives him the most severe penalty he can legally give him and he is banned from football for life!

By Sharie Barnett

August 27, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Vick should not be allowed to play football anymore. He may be sorry for what he did, but he made the conscious decision to KILL animals for YEARS & YEARS! Let’s not even mention the picture of him smoking pot/ and the water bottle incident. There is something very important that Michael Vick lacks-CHARACTER. Vick’s ego is so big he refurs to himself in the third person which makes me feel nauseous. I will not pay one penny to see this creep play.

-former Falcon viewer….

By WA

August 27, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

To:BOB

I guess you have lived a perfect life. You called Michael a Sub-human thug.. You should know;you’re down below him looking up. Jealousy is a terrible thing…, Grow up and be a man…

By Keith

August 27, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

I think he should be banned for life. What he did was inexcusable. And I’m surprise that AJC.com has not locked this forum by now. That’s what they did the other day when the comments about Vick became real negative.

By Marshal Thibideau

August 27, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick Boddie a/k/a/ Ookie a/k/a Ron Mexico: convicted felon. Spin, spin, twist & whirl all you people like. Convicted Felon. Murderer. Gambler. Diseased Barbarian. But, definitely not a grammarian. Best thing for him would be suicide. What the dogs do on his grave won’t pass for flowers.

By BC

August 27, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Hey - If Mr. Blank really cared for Atlanta, the Falcons and the fans he would have fired MV today! I say booooooooo to Mr. Blank

By TenTex

August 27, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

I think MV was sincere about getting caught. I don’t think he was sincere about his crime. If he was, he would have spent more time talking about the abuse of dogs in this so called gambling sport. If he ever gets it he will be emotional about being involved in the abuse of captive dogs. Sad, sad day. MV is a sick, sick boy.

By AF

August 27, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

He did make the apology and hopefully for him he is sincere. Maybe it has woken him up. As for the people who criticize the “humane people” for not adopting but, euthanizing the dogs. These animals have been ruined and are not safe. They are not adoptable and the humane thing now is to put them down. At least they will not be dowsed in water and electrocuted,slammed to the ground or hanged from trees.

By golt73

August 27, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Honestly, only Michael Vick should care if he’s sorry or not. He’s the one who has to live with himself and his actions.

By the way, I talked to Jesus. He said he’s been open in the end zone for six years and only now did Vick find him.

By d-bad newz

August 27, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

come on people, do we eat meat, lets go and see how people kill chicken, cows and etc… do they get away with murder. yes or no

By Chris

August 27, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

What a pathetic apology. Nowhere did he state dog fighting was a dispicable inhumane act, nor did his message to the youth advise them - Do Not Dog fight! Instead, he found Jesus and his crime was just an immature mistake. Way to own up. Vick even had the nerve to state that he “never pointed the finger at anyone else.” I recall that he originally said he rarely visited the house he owned and he was taken advantage of by relatives. How is that not pointing the finger, another lie. What else is to be expected from such scum?

There was no remorse in Vick’s statement. He is only trying to save his NFL career. He is too stupid to realize that his NFL career is already over. I’m just waiting on the official word from the NFL - LIFETIME BAN

By GOD

August 27, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

What a crock!

Micahael, I’ve been watching you, you haven’t repented you are simply in CYA mode. Until you do your time and community service, please, please, please, do not invoke my name with anything involved with you.

God

By Clay

August 27, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Mike, I accept your apology under these conditions: You must turn your life around and do good. You must turn away those who are a bad influence on you. You must go back to your mom and receive motherly punishment. You must, without a fight, play back the money you owe the Falcons for not being able to fulfill your contractual duties. You must serve the time given to you as your debt to society. You must abide by the rules of your probation when you get out.

That is the actions (which mean so much more than words) required for redemption.

By Bob

August 27, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Mike can play ball all he wants.

I know that Vick’s lawyers carefully crafted his plea to avoid accepting punishment for the worst of his behaviors. As a legal matter that is a proper strategy. However, as a matter of public relations and true contrition, that type of plea does not cut it.

Vick’s decisions throughout this process have involved any possible manipulation available, from outright lying about looking for the opportunity to clear his good name to accepting a carefully-crafted plea deal to avoid punishment.

As he has constantly acted to avoid responsibility, although he has shown that he is sorry he got caught, I want nothing more to do with him or any employer that hires him.

Mike, if you really want to play football, go sign up for flag football and play for free. You can forget about being paid millions of dollars from the wallets of consumers that work hard each day to earn their paychecks.

By Perry

August 27, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

If Mike Vick, and Arthur Blank mean what they say then I have a suggestion. Arthur Blank takes Michael Vick under his wing. Visits him in prison, and helps him to come back to the NFL. Win Win for Atlanta, the Falcons, NFL, and Arthur Blank. If Arthur Blank does nothing, then he is no better than his former QB. Blowing hot air. THIS COULD BE YOUR FINEST HOUR ARHTUR BLANK. STEP UP TO THE PLATE!!!

By MrLiberty

August 27, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

PETA has always spoken out against dog fighting and any act of animal cruelty.

You take advantage of publicity when you can get it. Michael Vick brought the sport to light and showed how extensive the problem is. Who can blame PETA. Good for them for sticking a bright light on it.

Face it. People are dying of hunger all over the world too. It takes as Ethiopia or a LiveAid, or a Rwanda to get people to wake up to the problem.

PETA isn’t the evildoer here. Vick is. Animal rights is their agenda. If you have a different one, then support it. They make no bones about their special interest. Nobody else speaks for the animals.

Ghandi once said that the measure of a society’s humanity can be seen in how it treats its animals. Maybe the animal problem is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg and PETA is starting at the right end???

By Matt

August 27, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Rot in hell Vick. Coward.

By Mickster

August 27, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Too little-too late does not begin to describe this situation. This is more like too little-too little. I would never even pretend myself to be without flaw or sin, however, nothing I have ever done involved killing anything that I didn’t intend to eat. Immature is hardly the word for his actions. Immature indicates that you didn’t know better or lacked the experience to make a good decision in determining right from wrong. I’m fairly certain that we can all agree that he knew what might happen if he got caught. I think that the line between “oops, my-bad” and six years of supporting a felonious dog-fighting venture is pretty well-defined. In committing these acts of barbarism he managed to ignore any and all attempts to advise him against his participation in these activities. Until his hand was forced by the turncoats he supported not only was he NOT sorry, he didn’t even do it. He lied to everyone when the chance was offered to tell the truth about his illegal and immoral involvement in this case. I would be deserving of whatever treatment I got, were I the one committing these horrible acts. Alas, I was not the one. Perhaps, in the future, I will be convinced of his sincerity but as of now I will continue to believe that his sorrow and remorse run as deep as necessity will have it. I hope the Judge sees fit to not only make an example of him, but to also send a message to all of those few and lucky people who seem to have the world on a platter. If you take what you have for granted- Don’t be shocked when it’s taken from you. I hope prison treats him as well as he treated his dogs.

By Mike

August 27, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Please don’t support Vick just because you are black, or are white and suffering from white guilt. The guy had an ongoing criminal organization for 6 years. It will not be a set back for black NFL QBs. Too many have succeeded. To many have won the respect of former nay sayers. There are too many real race problems to try to create one for an admitted felon who is being punished fairly. I appreciated Vick’s apology today and felt it was sincere. I’ve always been a fan. I hope he proves to the league that he is a changed man and gets his second chance.

By SkyRockets

August 27, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Of Course Vick is sorry he got caught. But why should anyone judge him. How many of us have skeletons in our closets that if caught with how sorry we would be. We all make mistakes and sometime they are not corrected until we are caught.

By Eddie

August 27, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

I’m waiting on some crime ridden ghetto place like Greenbriar Mall to host some sort of Mike Vick Day. Only some low life crime zone such as that place, where you need a kelvar vest to go shopping, will touch the thug with a ten foot pole. Vick did look scared today, you would be scared to if you had to face what Vick will face in prison. Part of the prison crew will take up for him, but it’s the other half he better watch out for. Prisoners love to go after a high profiler. I can hear Vick crying in his cell now. Best thing for Vick to do is to lay down with a guy the first night and then he can have a ‘proteccted prison bride’ status. I see Vick on the cover of the next issue of Prison Bride. Vick will be the bottom bunk.

By CC

August 27, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

I am wondering why do some of the white people on this board keep asking for someone to explain how this issue pertains race. What is the point? All you will do is accuse blacks of whining and that this is really just about law, blacks are playing the race card, yaddah, yaddah. Ya know, the same diatribe given when they are caught of being unjust. READ CAREFULLY: EVERY ISSUE INVOLVES RACE! How in the world do you think that something that was used to set up an unequal society is suddenly now ignored?

Are some of you really so jaded that you believe that this issue has absolutely nothing to do with race? shaking head This is exactly why George Bush has gotten over on everyone.

By Sheila

August 27, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

I was amazed at how well rehearsed the ‘sincere apology’ was metered out to the press. It had obviously been carefully sculpted to include children, friends, fans and last if not least, to give it total ‘believability’, Jesus. Now, just tell me who would not trust this guy that had been directly responsible for the cruel treatment of animals, direct participation in the killing of dogs that were not mean enough to make him money by fighting, who had even lied to his mother telling her he was getting out of the ‘dog fighting business’? Well, me for one and anyone else that has half a braincell functioning. Michael Vick is only sorry that his cruel ‘hobby’ got him into the hotseat and he is scrambling like he would in a game, doing anything, saying anything that will get him out of trouble. He is treating everyone like they are village idiots and sadly some are all too eager to believe him. It is all about the money involved and the damage to the Falcon’s franchise or he would have been out on his backside when he entered his guilty plea. The only reason he did that when he did was to avoid gambling charges being tacked on. DUH! Too bad he wasn’t sorry when he killed animals, fought and injured animals, made money when animals that he owned lost buckets of blood and were left to heal as best they could. His apology is a really bad joke and I for one am not laughing.

By The Point

August 27, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Remember this: you fight the feds and you are almost guaranteed to lose. They have a 96% conviction rate. When they come for you its because they know they have got you on something. The best you can do is negotiate.

The people trying to compare dogs to humans are missing the point - animal cruelty, just like human cruelty is illegal. Gambling on dogfights as well as humans engaged in non-licensed gambling are both illegal. Going across state lines to engage in organized illegal activities is ILLEGAL. Vick did something ILLEGAL by his own admission.

You can debate/compare dogfighting to boxing - two bloodsports. But one is illegal and one is not. You can debate/compare hunting to dogfighting. One is legal the other is not. Saying it’s just about dogs or people care more about animals than people ignores the fact that laws were broken. If you are going to ignore the facts, then you diminish the validity of your argument.

By Susan

August 27, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Yes, I except his apology. Nobody can remember when the Thrasher Player killed his teammate and has gone on with his life. Oh, it’s not the same. So what about Ray Lewis, oh I forgot,that was black on black crime. Who cares, right? Michael, be strong and hold your head high. People are praying for you.

By jokurone

August 27, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

i would feel real real sorry also if i saw 130 mil+ going down the toilet. every criminal is always sorry after they are caught.he is no different. go make a movie in prison called the longest yard-dog #7

By dw

August 27, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

I am sure the white population could tell by Arthur Blanks comments that when you take a person from the ghetto you have to teach them how to behave.Vick was spanked many times for acting like an animal.Now he will be put in a cage like a animal.I am sure the negros didn’t get what Blank was talking about.Take those ugly weaves out and you will be able to expand your horizons.I cannot use any words bigger because you do not understand.

By Clay

August 27, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Thank you folks that have pointed out Danny Heatley’s incident vs. Vick’s. Here’s the rub: Danny didn’t set out to wreck his car and kill his friend - he made an AWFUL mistake.

Michael Vick fully intended to set up a dogfighting franchise, fund it, bet on it, and kill the dogs that were not performing. This was a choice to do bad things.

If you cannot understand the difference between these scenarios, then you are as dumb as Michael Vick. It has nothing to do with race, and it has nothing to do with dogs vs. people vs. deer vs. quail.

The choice was made to focus time, money, and effort into a brutal game. This is why MV7 is being punished more than Danny Heatley.

Another thing - don’t you think Danny Heatley regrets that night every single day? Do you think that Michael Vick regrets his actions other than the fact he got caught?

By Liz Smith

August 27, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Mike has made a terrible mistake. He has accepted responsibility and I have forgiven him just as Jesus would want. Now animal lovers- work on changing the laws that allow people to hunt and kill deer, birds, rabbits, fish, minks, etc., for sport and entertainment.

Any man without sin- cast the first stone.

By Kathy

August 27, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

I felt that he was sincere. I don’t think he deserves to go to jail. I too think that he should get community service, and perhaps work with an animal rescue shelter.

I love animals too, but there are so many more critical issues taking place in this world. Let’s move on.

By CC

August 27, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Jumbo posted: Vick’s crimes were NOT an isolated incident. He has been breaking the law on a consistent basis for over 6 years that we know of. Probably has been closer to a decade. Where is the similarities between these two crimes?

Really? Hmmm, it is quite amazing that I have never heard of Michael breaking the law on a consistent basis? Can you divulge where you got this information from and what were the charges? Or could you just be another white person reaching assuming that all black men are consistent law breakers?? smirking

By harold

August 27, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

What should Blank do? He should get out of town. The Falcons’ part of this has to do with Blank imbecilicly standing by his “man.” He ran Home Depot and the Falcons into the ground. Time to go, Blank. Time to go.

By BUSHWACKER

August 27, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

ARE YOU KDDING ME???? Arthur Blank just said “the bottom line” will determine Vick’s future. Does that mean if we are winning when he gets out of jail, we don’t need him? But if we suck, he can come back?

MR BLANK you have just lost this FALCON FAN who has been here longer than the team FOREVER. Or at least as long as you own the team. It’s all about money, unbelievable!!!

By fatz

August 27, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

i really wonder where this “animal rights” stuff is going. Nobody should have the right to torture a living creature, but how do you define that? If i’m walking my dog and another dog attacks him, and i kick the crap out of the attacker and kill it, am I likely to face a legal hassle? if my own dog turns on my grandchild, do i have the right to end its life, right here and now? as far as i know, animals have no rights, other than those inferred upon them by us, either as private property of protected species. You would think that as higher organisms, we would accept responsibility for humanely shepharding those species beneath us, but i see this devolving from the simplicity of the Ten Commandments to the complexity of Deuteronomy as we legislate behavior. at least these PETA fascists would have it that way. I guess that is human nature, to take something wholesome and righteous like the Humane Society and evolve it into the ridculous platform that is PETA….

By VickTheLiar

August 27, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Get all his money he can back, and cut the lying scumbag loose.

By TheTruthHurts

August 27, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Any man who is in jepordy of losing $20 million will say anything to stop the loss. Please anyone who is stupid enough to think he is sincere is a fool…..The only thing he is sorry about is that he got caught and is losing millions….and the I found god thing? What a bunch of bull!! You should have found god a long time ago bro…you are just sorry period!! You deserve all you get Mikey…..

By vicky

August 27, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

** If Libby can be pardoned for his LYING to OUR country in part with others who shall remain nameless, and continue to be a citizen and all is forgiven and he keeps his job, why can’t Vick????? He, just like Libby apologized for his actions was remorseful and sympathetic to all effected. Libby is still doing his thing, so PLEASE allow Vick to do “HIS THING-FOOTBALL”. Give him a fine, community service with those pet advocates and let him move on with his life. Everyone makes mistakes they wished they could take back including the very people that are judging him. Unfortunately it can’t be done. If one of his accusers can honestly say they are pure and have not made mistakes they are “ashamed” of then punish him. But everyone deserves a second chance, not a third, but a second. Give this man another chance and let him live his life, the one he has worked so hard for and has proven he has worked hard through the years.

By CC

August 27, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Let me also just say this:

I am under the impression that alot of PETA members are the ones using these hateful quotes about dying and being killed? Who teaches you these rants? Honestly you have got the be the most spiteful and evil group of people I have ever seen!!!

I am an animal lover but I wouldn’t dare join a group so evil and vicious! How in the world do you condone trying to protect the interest of animals by killing human beings? shaking head I am really scared about where this world is going to…

By denise peterkin

August 27, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

do we eat meat, lets go and see how they kill chicken, cows, pigs and etc… are they killers

By Eric

August 27, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Pathetic. Vick is sorry just like everyone else who gets caught. And, of course, he’s found Jesus. His team certainly were reading the Image Makeover 101 textbook.

He was sorry, apologized to so many, but seemed to omit being sorry to the dogs he killed.

It gets so old seeing some of the biggest slimeballs in the world getting paid the most in this country.

By Roger Soiset

August 27, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Professional sports are having enough trouble with their image; Vick had a chance that most others will never have. He threw it away and tarnished an entire team. I don’t really care if he does prison time, but under no circumstances do I ever want to see him in uniform again—not for the Falcons or any one else.

By MV7 Support

August 27, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

I think that Michael Vick was very sincere in his apology. There are so many of us who like to pass judgment. I keep hearing that Arthur Blank “gave” Michael $130 million dollars. Well, there is a reason that Arthur signed Michael to such a large contract. Before Michael came to this city, there was very little excitement surrounding the Falcons (maybe the 1998 Super Bowl). Arthur Blank knew that if he kept Michael around, he would make lots of money. Michael’s presence alone brought more to the city of Atlanta and the Falcons than any other player in Falcons history. Michael filled the Dome, and he even brought about the creation of a waiting list for season tickets. Games are no longer blackedout because of poor ticket sales (this might change next year).

Again, I do believe that Michael was sincere in his apology. There are some who would have criticized him whether he apologized or not. I don’t believe that most people feel that what Michael did is right. It’s just the reaction that’s mind-boggling. A man is being crucified for killing dogs and denying it, but we’re overlooking the fact that over 3000 human lives have been lost in Iraq because our government lied.

By Father Roost

August 27, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

This situation, the relevation of multiple mistakes/crimes consisting of illegal and “immature acts” and now; admission of guilt, to be followed by prison time, can make Michael bitter or better.

Time will tell! I am willing to wait and determine if he becomes a better person, which would be a blessing for fan and foe alike!

By LM

August 27, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Sure, I can forgive Michael Vick. Maybe his apology is truly sincere.

But I’m not letting him near my labrador.

By KJ in DC

August 27, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

This whole situation is ridiculous. It amazes me how the Media, NFL and any of you so called morale people out there are calling for Vick’s head when Leonard Little of the St. Louis Rams KILLED someone while driving drunk. Nobody said Boo when this story went down. And the sad part is he’s been arrested on more than one occasion for DWI. What the hell is wrong with this world. But everyone is up in ares over dog fighting! SOMEONE DIED because of Leonard Little, but yet he still played in the NFL. They suspended him for the first half (8 games) of the season, but Vick is suspended indefinitely! All of you who are wanting his head or looking for some type of world changing apology need to slapped! If you value a dog more than you do a human, have major issues in your life and need Jesus.

By Toby

August 27, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

I am coninutally amazed at how easily folks can be emotionally bought and sold. NO MORAL COMPASS! If that apology is all it took to make you forgive that sadist monster! PATHETIC! My only question is if Vick is in Virginia today…WHO’S RUNNING HE[[

By Paul

August 27, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick made some very bad decisions and he is going to pay for it. I personally was very dissapointed in him. From his statement today I am convinced that no one is more dissapointed that Michael Vick himself. He has everything taken away from him. Riches, fame, friends, and his team.

He has so much God given talent and I am hoping he makes a comeback . Hopefully he will be remembered for his comeback and not for his exit from the NFL. If he is really sorry for his actions, pays his due and makes a come back I will be the first one to cheer for him when he is on the field.

By Kiki

August 27, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Enough with passing judgement, does anyone know the general guidelines regarding NFL teams going after players’ signing bonuses? That is certainly why Blank has elected to keep Vick on the roster for now, so the Falcons can try to recoup some of that $22M. But isn’t it safe to say that Michael Vick has generated millions of dollars for this franchise by selling out the Dome and drawing in new fans? (Well in excess of the $22M signing bonus he got, I’m assuming). I suppose one could also make the argument that Vick has seriously damaged the Falcon’s image, theoretically costing the franchise millions in lost future revenue. I’m just curious as to how much the Falcons might legally be able to recover. Any thoughts??

By truth hurts

August 27, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

I do believe that Africans themselves were involved in the slave trade. Fact! Also, barbarianism applies to Vick and his co-horts as they watched dogs die, killed dogs themselves, trained them-usually by stealing or buying a dog to be destroyed, and getting them used to the blood, by using smaller animals, i.e. kittens. This is all part of the dog fighting world, but black people are only interested in Michael Vick getting off! Where is the concern for the animals! Of course Vick is being made a scapegoat, but he is guilty! And where do black people get off assuming that they are better than any of God’s creatures?

By Um, you know...

August 27, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

His apology was not sincere, and we are now well aware that he is indeed not a public speaker, um you know… By the way, why does he always refer to himself in 3rd person?

He is VERY sorry he got caught. He had choices along the way and these were not isolated 1 time only events, it was over at least a 7 year period folks. At any point in time, he could have quit.

By Cassie

August 27, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Some people are quick to judge someone, I think Mike was very sincere and speaking from the heart.These are PIT BULLS the meaness dogs that every live. I do like dogs and I also have a poodle, but these are killer dogs. What about that hockery player would was DUI and killed his friend, he plea guilty and got probation, a slap on the wrist for killing a HUMAN (not a DOG) PEOPLE TAKE DEALS ALL TIME, DOEN’T MEAN THAT YOU ARE GUILTY, THIS WAS THE BEST THING FOR HIM, BECAUSE THEY WERE GOING TO MAKE SURE HE WAS PUNISH IF HE DIDN’T TAKE THIS DEAL. I’m glad he did, so he could think about where his life is going and get a new set of friends. Keep your head up and don’t let them break you DOWN.

By gift

August 27, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

i think he know’s what he did wrong and what’s make a man (a man)is admitting to being wrong when he know’s he’s wrong. I know vick will redeem himself and be a better man. he will return to football soon hopefully and when he does expect a different mike vick.

By Disgusted

August 27, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick didn’t make a “mistake” or commit an “immature act.” What he did was evil and cruel. No after-the-fact apology can ever make up for that.

Vick should never play pro football again. He’s forfeited that priviledge (not right) with his actions.

By Andre

August 27, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Vick is human. He made a mistake that was clearly a poor decision. HE IS HUMAN!! We all make poor judgments sometime. I get really tired of animal rights people condemning others for being cruel to animals. Where do you all seem to think the meat that feeds your family comes from?! Hunters as well. They stalk and kill animals. What is the difference between that and what Vick has done? Nothing. Dog fighting, c** fighting, etc. did not just start. It has been around for ages. Grow up people, and stop allowing the media to manipulate your minds.

By Warren

August 27, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

For Vick fans!If you truly want to help Vick you might consider picking him up a couple of soaps on a rope.

By Vick non-apologist

August 27, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

If the “race” card doesn’t work, try the “God” card…Vick lost me when he claimed to have found Jesus during this experience….

By TheTruthHurts

August 27, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Hey CC the only reason you dont like George Bush is because your a racist….thats simple and plain…you just dont like white people so thats the only reason you dont like him…what a shame….

By Good for the goose

August 27, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

While I do not condone the acts of Michael Vick, I do have a serious problem with a society that holds different standards for certain people and another standard for others.
The first time I heard of animal fighting was from a group of “good ole boys” with whom I worked. Seems my co-worker lost $1,500 on his rooster in a fight, after which the co-worker went home and killed all off-spring of the rooster. I would be willing to bet that a number of GA state legislators have either participated or know someone who has participated in and may still be participating in some form of animal fighting. And this is more than likely the case for a number of states in this country. Now that the hiphop culture has gotten into such activities, it is the worst thing that could happen. Again, I do not condone this behavior, but this is a perfect example of the systemic racism we as non-whites speak of. Show me you are spreading just-us equally by going to rural GA and prosecuting all the “good ole boys”, just the same. And while we are at it, we might as well take on those “white collar” criminals who carry out what I refer to as “legalized public” crime on an ongoing basis, such as George W. Bush and his cronies. Racism by any other name is still racism.

By Jack

August 27, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

THE QUESTION IS——WHAT SHOULE BLANK DO.—-MR. BLANK YOU ARE PARTIALLY TO BLAME FOR THIS FIASCO. BUT—-YOU WERE SO ENAMORED WITH THE GLAMOUR AND PUBLICITY OF PRO FOOTBALL YOU WANTED TO MAKE BUDDIES OUT OF SOME OF THE PLAYERS. YOU SPENT TIME AND MONEY COVERING FOR VICK WHEN YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKING STEPS TO PREVENT THINGS LIKE THIS DOG FIASCO FROM HAPPENING. yOU THREW MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AT VICK AND HE WAS NOT CAPABLE OF HANDLEING HIS SUDDEN WEALTH——PEOPLE FROM THE GHETTO GET OVERWHELMED WHEN PUT IN A SITUATION OF SUDDEN WEALTH WITHOUT GETTING GUIDANCE IN HOW TO HANDLE THIS SUDDEN WEALTH———NOT PROVIDING THIS KIND OF HELP WAS A BIG FACTOR IN WHAT HAPPENED

FROM NOW ON STAY IN THE OWNERS BOX AND DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM THE PLAYERS.

QUIT WHINNING AND WRITE OFF THE 22 MILLION YOU WANT BACK——YOU ACTED IN A STUPID MANNER SO TAKE YOUR LUMPS AND WRITE IT ALL.

INTHE FUTURE USE A LITTLE MORE JUDGEMENT.

By EBSC

August 27, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Repeated acts of torture of animals are red flag symptoms of a damaged, manipulative person capable of dangerous, destructive acts to others/self, case in point, regardless of status, sex, race. Rehabilitation? Read the statistics/ case studies of sociopaths. Arthur Blank, NFL officials, team members, family, and friends take note. Constant vigilance caregivers, guardian of his young son, any future children.

By billymartin

August 27, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

where have you gone Joe Dimaggio?

By dewan Lee

August 27, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

To the clowns taht are criticizing the mother for Mike and Marcus. How kidds turn out does not mean that you as a parent did a good or bad job. Would you say that Andy Reid (Eagles Coach) is a bad guy cause both of his sons are in and out of trouble? I am sure that ost posters have a brother or sister that is a trouble maker or they may be that one themselves. Dont judge someone unless your house is spotless and only Jesus Christ can claim that and no one on here looks like the Messiah.

By Jumbo

August 27, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

HEY CC Michael Vick just admitted to funding and running a dog fighting empire since 2001. That would be 6 years. And that would be a violation of the law for at least the past 6 years that we know of. Surely, he has been involved in it longer than that or do you think he just woke up 6 years ago and said “Mmm, I think I’ll invest in dog fighting today.”

Are you serious asking me that question? Do you live under a rock CC or are you in denial as are most of Vick’s “brothas” and “sistas”?

By hedidit

August 27, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

I’m trying to figure out exactly what he apologized for and what he is taking full responsibility for. He hasn’t admitted to anything. Of course he looks pathetic. He is pathetic. He is a dumb, stupid loser.

By JD

August 27, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

By truth hurts - And where do black people get off assuming that they are better than any of God’s creatures?

Oh, the irony. White people have amnesia.

By Silverfox

August 27, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Vick is not the only athelic that has made a mistake. Look at the guy who was a hockey player and killed his best friend in the car accident. Did we not forgive him? Look at the ball player who had a guest over and the guest ended up raped or beaten, where is his story? Ray Lewis beat a case that involved a murder, we forgave him? To me this whole situation appeared to be a complete set-up from the beginning. It’s more to it than whats being said or being told to the public. How about we all pray for Mike Vick and his family as well as pray that the Lord does not judge us, like some are trying to judge Mick Vick. Pray, pray, pray!!! Small minded people hate, big minded people PRAY! God help us all.

By CC

August 27, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

By truth hurts: I do believe that Africans themselves were involved in the slave trade.

LOL!!! sighing I swear, some of you white people are so predictable! Now that you have shared that piece of information, what does that have to do with the widespread institutionalized racism that took place in this country? Hmmm, are we going to blame the behavior of racists whites on Africans who traded prisoners from warring tribes? Are the Africans to blame for whites systematically drowing millions of Africans on their way to this country? Are the Africans to blame for whites systematically raping thousands of black women slaves? Are the Africans to blame for whites killing and hanging millions of black slave men?

Well I will tell you this, sounds to me like “Micheal Vick” behavior has been going on for quite a long time in this country, except with humans. I wonder should we call some of you “thugs”?

By kia

August 27, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe Vick was remorseful for his actions. I think he regretted getting caught.

I think Blank should get as much of his money back that is legally possible. If that means leaving him on the roster for a while, ok. Then when he has exhausted his legal options, I think he should let him go and lobby the NFL to ban Vick for life. The NFL is all about teams. Michael Vick has never been a team player in the NFL. He should not be allowed back in.

By Peter

August 27, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Are you really surprised that Vick apologized to save his neck?

Anyone who believes Vick’s legal problems were a “mistake” and that he needs to be forgiven simply because he apologized needs to reread the various news reports. We are talking about animal abuse, animal murder, gambling, and a bunch more. This isn’t about one dog he slapped for misbehaving.

Vick’s many poor choices and decisions is a pattern which, until now, he has managed to slip and slide past: Unprotected sex and transferring herpes to a female, flipping off hometown fans, attempting to sneak a water bottle with a hidden container through airport security…and now all of this.

With the money Vick has, he simply hired someone to come up with a script that the public would believe and then learn to act it out accordingly. I wonder what it cost him.

Vick is only pretending to be sincere for two reasons: Hoping for a lighter sentance from the judge and getting back in the public’s graces so he can grab some more money before he self-destructs further, a la Mike Tyson.

At the very least, I never want to see him disgrace a Falcons’ uniform again.

By Bob

August 27, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Everyone does not live by the Christian other-worldy, faith-based morality of “Judge not, that you not be judged.”

Some of us live by the objective, reason-based, and this-worldly morality of “Judge and expect to be judged” in which each individual holds each other individual responsible for his/her actions and correspondingly each individual expects to be held responsible on this earth for his/her own actions on this Earth.

Individual responsibility and accountability for one’s own actions are hallmarks of a society of free men and women based on enlightened human beings that are capable of reasoning to make their own choices in pursuit of happiness and bearing full responsibilty for the consequences of those decisions.

Vick repeatedly made poor choices over a period of 6 years, and he will be judged on this Earth for those poor decisions by the criminal law system and by customers choosing to no longer freely associate with Vick and choosing to no longer spernd money on any teams hiring Vick.

Please do not confuse the Athenian punishment of voluntary, economic ostracism with a physical violation of Mr. Vick’s life, liberty, and property.

By Sheryl

August 27, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

I for one believe that Michael’s apology was sincere. Before today he appeared very sure of himself and I think he honestly believed that he was going to escape this. That’s what is so sad. All of his previous transgressions were swept under the rug and this one finally did him in. It was bound to happen. What’s done in the dark is bound to come to light. Mike has lived the last 6 years in a fantasy world. He did what he was told to do and paid to do. Despite his bad judgment he is a descent human being. I hope that Mike will live up to the statements in his apology and become a better man. I pray that he was sincere about finding God and only time will tell. The fruit of that tree remains to be seen.

I am sad at the amount of disgrace this has brought on the NFL and on the Atlanta Falcons. The guys on this team deserve far better and I for one will continue to support them. They have each earned their right to play in the league and should continue to be supported for all that they do. To the Atlanta Falcons team, keep your head up and show Atlanta what you are really made of. Hopefully this will be a lesson to the NFL and other sports associations to pay attention the man and not just the talent. Yes I’m aware that the bottom line is to make money but what good is that dollar if it goes into the wrong hands.

Let me also add that there have been some really mean and nasty comments made here. I understand that some of you are angry (and rightly so) but some of the remarks are just plain wrong. Some of you are probably angrier because of the money you spent in purchasing tickets to see him play. Apparently his previous transgression didn’t bother many because the season was sold out. In any event, how about putting yourself in Mike’s shoes. No you may not have been involved in dog fighting or the like but many of us have lied, cheated, killed (some literally and figuratively) or have done things some would consider far worse than what Mike has done. The only difference here is that our sins are not public. Let’s not get beside ourselves in judging what you hear and see. Forgiveness begins in the heart. If you don’t have the heart to forgive you should join Mike Vick in the search to become a better you. Just a thought…

By Mindy

August 27, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand how systematically torturing and abusing dogs over a period of SIX YEARS can be called a “mistake” - as in “everyone makes mistakes”. A mistake would be attending a dogfight once and regretting it. Doing it over and over again for a period of years is a way of life. The only thing that stopped him was the federal indictment. The only thing he is sorry about is that he was caught.

By Son of Sam

August 27, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

I am tired of these idiots on here saying he made a mistake. This wasn’t him switching lanes without signaling. He financed and participated in gambling and torturing dogs for 6 years!! He didnt make a mistake he took the entry level course in serial killing!! He isnt sorry he did it…he is sorry he got caught.

S

By Another View

August 27, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Has anyone thought about how killing animals in this manner is clearly a sign of something psychologically wrong with this man? Basic Psy 101 — most if not all serial killers started with defenseless animals. If you’ll do it to an animal — you’ll do it to a human. Jail will not help Vick - he is psychologically flawed.

By T.P.

August 27, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Vick non-apologist,

Most demonic spirits hate the name of Jesus…so we aren’t surprised Vick “lost you” with his comments!!

By Jest Axing

August 27, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

What is a “hockery” player?

By Scooter

August 27, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Does the NFL really want one of their stars to be a felon convicted of operating a gambling enterprise. Me hopes not!

By Greg Leathers

August 27, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

I am glad people are so hypocritical about Michael Vick. If you ever have a court case and lawyers defending you, you don’t make public statements without their ok. I don’t care if you think that makes him look more guilty, he could say something incriminating by mistake or something else that can be used against him in court by speaking. It is to protect him from making the situation worse than it is. We will have to wait to see his remorse as well when he gets out as well as his actions after getting out of jail to give a more complete judgement of his apology.

By Fan of the Team

August 27, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Blank and McKay need to get as much money back as they can in signing bonuses and invest it in the future of the TEAM - something Vick won’t be a part of…..

By MrED

August 27, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

By Ed - Why do thugs hate PETA so?

Probably the same reason crackers are the only people who can’t live around others.

Thank God for the browning of America. Y’all must be going crazy.

By Nasdaq

August 27, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

Warren, Judging by your comments you are a fairy. Vick non-apologist, who are you to question whether someone has truly found God? What Mike did was wrong and it really p** me off as a fan. However, the man apologized for everything, denounced dogfighting, and stressed over and over again to the kids not to follow his example. The apology wasn’t written on paper, he spoke from the heart. Let him do his time, come back to the NFL, and redeem himself. I’ll be praying for you Mike. I’ll pray for this country too……. we need it when certain people value the lives of dogs over humans.

By DJ

August 27, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Good for the goose - You might lose them at this point; you’re making too much sense.

By Lady T

August 27, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

It’s funny how most of you people, IMMEDIATELY forgave Danny Heatley and thought his apology was sincere when he killed a HUMAN, not a PITBULL. Get a life, do you think Mike Vick cares about what you think?

Now to Mr. Blank, most of the season ticket holders want a REFUND, don’t kid yourself!! Everyone will see the empty seats, when the cameras scan the crowd. I WAS a season ticket holder for 4 years and will NOT set foot in the Georgia Dome EVER AGAIN!! I work hard for my money, but I have accepted the $2,800 lost!!

Arthur, don’t be FOOLED by the hate mail and death threats that you have received the past several months…NONE of these BIGOTS have ever paid a dime towards the falcons organization!!

By got caught

August 27, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Vick is only sorry because he got caught and his life is now in shambles. To forgive is one thing but to let him come back into the league is another. We all know there are consequences for one’s actions. All I know is if I was convicted for a pretty nasty felony and several times point blank lied to my boss and my boss’s boss I would lose my job and not be asked to return. My integrity and judgement would forever be questioned and that is the way it is in the professional world and the way it probably should be.

By md

August 27, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

People please realize that this act of dog fighting is not any worse than hunting. Society needs to go back and recognize that hunters are just as guilty of senseless killings as dogfighters. An animal is an animal regardless of it’s location. I feel that this ordeal was pushed too far. Mr. Vick was considered guilty before he even had a chance based on the ruling of the public not the courts. This is not the way our “justice system” works.

By Pablo

August 27, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Vick does not have the best track record of honesty and sincerity but is he any worse than a lot of us who have made stupid choices and mistakes, even repeatedly. Ray Lewis and Kobe are still around and were given a second chance. Vick will have at least two years to think about his life and how he can turn it around with God and make his life positive for kids that look up to him. God forgives. Give him a chance.

By BP

August 27, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Do we really believe he bankrolled the operation but never took his share winnings? not any winnings at all? How many gamblers don’t play to win? How many would not expect their winnings when they do?

Vick’s real sorrows here are he got caught and he got exposed. If not for that then he’d still be fighting dogs, right? The operation was still growing, wasn’t it?

The Falcons should recover as much of the various bonus monies paid to Vick as they can then move on with another quarterback.

Since Vick lying about illegal gambling when he signed the contracts he has been in violation of those contracts almost from day one if not from day one.

By Freddy K.

August 27, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Let’s see we have palyed the race card and I found religion card, what’s next? For him to have funded the operation tells me it has been inoperstions for soem time. Same if the have adult dogs that are fighting. So unless he planted one of them dogs, watered it and the next morning Bad Newz Kennels was just sitting there, then he has been at it for a while. No, I don’t buy Vick’s appology. His high prices lawyers wrote him some limes to memorize and stumble out “you know”. I don’t belive any of it “you know”. AS for Blanks, if he keeps Vick I am finished as a Falcon’s fan, also if the NFL let’s him play I have watched my last professional football game. Vick has no doen one thing to deserve any special treatement except lie, gamble, spread herpes, kill dogs and lie some more about it. He wanted it all now give it all to him, the whole book.

By Shawn

August 27, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Yes noone is beyond redemption everyone makes mistakes and can be forgiven for them. Vick is a great quarterback and he sells tickets everywhere he goes. I was out in Phoenix, Arizona when the Falcons came to town and the ticket sales for that game sold at an all time high and the reason everyone wanted to see Michael Vick play. I hope that Vick will not be banned from the NFL and can clear his name. I see alot of hatred being displayed by many who post here and it seems there is alot of envy and jealousy among those who are against Vick.

By CC

August 27, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

TheTruthHurts : Hey CC the only reason you dont like George Bush is because your a racist….thats simple and plain…you just dont like white people so thats the only reason you dont like him…what a shame….

LOL!!!! Some of you white people kill me!!! If not liking a dumb jerk who lied his way to another country to maim and kill while getting support from the morons here makes me a racist…….I’ll BE THAT!

sighing And could you please spread the word Black people can’t afford to be racist!! shaking head

Jumbo posted: Are you serious asking me that question? Do you live under a rock CC or are you in denial as are most of Vick’s “brothas” and “sistas”?

shaking head Now is this awful attempt at racial insults supposed to offend me? LOL!!! You are just as ridiculous as that idiot that I just responded to!!!

To all the Blacks reading this board: BE VERY AFRAID! These same white people posting this crap are the same ones you work with everyday that appear to be so cool. But they are just as racist and ignorant as they come…..

By s.h.e

August 27, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

It does not make a diff 2 me, but I like the way he presented himself. We should re-evaluate ourselves. Danny Heatley of the Thrashers ends the life of his teammate by driving drunk at high speeds in a residential neighborhood. He doesnt receive any jail time, public lashing, & a sympathetic media. He is still in the NHL and probably has a Stanley Cup the way they called him the MJ of hockey. Vick on the other hand, looses almost everything because of the loss of pitbull lives. A breed of dog that most people will not let their loved ones around or even own. A breed who’s very nature would be to maul my 3yr old or eat my Yellow lab for lunch if in it’s presence. Go Figure!

By t

August 27, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Apology accepted, I will be wearing my MV jersey to all home games and to New Orleans when the time comes to play them. He is human too, and yes I am a dog lover/owner.

By Angela

August 27, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

I am a Christian woman and I believe Michael Vick’s apology was sincere. This is a difficult time for all who are involved. He was wrong for what he did and now that he has admitted his wrong doing Michael has the long road ahead of him to work for restoration of his name. I believe that Arthur Blank and Mr. Goodell will in time forgive him if Michael does what he should do to truly show his sincerity. As bad as this all is, there have been worse crimes and acts committed in our society. Finding God is a good thing, because through God, Michael will find an entirely new life, new friends, and new perspective. God is a forgiving God and in conclusion, “If any man is without sin, cast the first stone.” I will be praying for Michael Vick, his family, Arthur Blank and those who want to persecute him. I believe in my prayers and I know if any one can perform a miracle My God is Able.

By Mike Morgan

August 27, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is a fine city and the Falcons are a fine franchise. I think the best thing is for the Falcons to severe all ties with Vick lest they become the Raiders of the East. Joey Heatherton is not the best choice, but that’s what you got, so move on and support him. The Falacons season is’nt over. Move on! Mike Morgan Baltimore Ravens fan

By Teresa

August 27, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Dear Mike Vick,

ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE YOU!! Do your time and be the best person you can be. Then, go to the Canadian league and be the first MILLION DOLLAR player in history!! Do NOT let the NFL make another dime off of you.(They applauded when your jerseys were removed from stores, but the idiots didn’t realize that jersey sells go to the NFL and Owners..lol)

If you decide to not play football again, I understand and your TRUE fans understand also. You should have at LEAST $60 million right now, even if Arthur steals $22 million, you and your extended family don’t have anything to worry about financially. That’s the MAIN thing the haters hate about you..YOUR MONEY. They hate it because they know they will NEVER see that amount of money in their lifetimes..lol

By dw

August 27, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

To much success,greed,popularity, brought Vick down.He was warned by Arthur Blank and company.You are representing Alanta and the NFL way to go you dog murderer.I will be surprised if Vick comes up with any money left from the bonus.Paid on friday gone on Monday.Do you see a pattern.Vick drop back someone will punt ya.

By pamplin clayton

August 27, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Let that boy alone you people are just jealous. foegive him, and move on

By Vick Supporter

August 27, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Blank should bring him back. All you white people would cheer him again. Reading these posts, it explains why racism still exists. You have so much hate in your hearts. This team has never been nothing until Vick came here.

By wildbillhiltner

August 27, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

So MV24582-034 (that his new number in the Federal Pen) has found Godt. Think his newfound religion is deep enough that he give back the portion of the signing bonus he did not earn? MV24582-034 what are you gomma do about the $22 mil? You think he sincere, you follow the money, he not.

By Freddy K.

August 27, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

You people are something else. This group whinning about that group and another group whining about something over 100 years ago, that none of us living today had one damn thing to do with. An to the Butthead, they were not millions killed, so stop dreaming.

By Sharon Waldrop

August 27, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Murder is not a mistake, it is a premeditated, inhumane, unnatural act of hideous violence. Vick’s sorry excuse for an apology means nothing. He is sorry alright. Sorry that he got caught. Vick is sorry that he has millions of dollars at stake. He’s sorry that he may lose his NFL career. His attempt to try to come clean after he had no choice goes in one ear and out the other. He says that he was “immature”. Saying that he is immature is an insult to every young person in America. Being immature doesn’t mean that it’s okay to kill animals. I have young children who would never kill a living thing, be it person or animal.

By Frank

August 27, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

The NFL says they need a program in place to help players avoid situations like this. Damn, who’s gonna do that for the rest of us little people. I am SICK and TIRED of the rich athletes and hollywierdos doing what they want. Make all of them pay. I’m glad he apologized. His future actions will let me know how sincere it was.

By MAX

August 27, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Vick’s apology means nothing to me. I would feel differently if he had not lied about his involvement from the beginning.

Unfortunately, the ones he needs forgiveness from can’t give it…every dog that died in the fights and every dog he tortured and killed.

Hopefully, this will send the message that all those involved will be prosecuted in addition to Vick.

Let Vick and his cronies take a beating like he gave those dogs. That would be justice.

By Patrick

August 27, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

CC, your efforts to sound educated are keeping me in stitches!!! Please keep posting - I am having a great time reading your racial nonsense!

By JD

August 27, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

By CC - To all the Blacks reading this board: BE VERY AFRAID! These same white people posting this crap are the same ones you work with everyday that appear to be so cool.

This is so, so true.

Even with all their “hidden” preconceptions about non-whites (those that tend to come out in blogs), they wonder why they are not trusted, why we won’t “let it go,” and why the NEED for affirmative action still exists.

By truth hurts

August 27, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

I am sorry, this is truth hurts and people are assuming I am white. I am multiracial-a true southerner. The facts are what are black people’s true causes? I have heard more uproar over a guilty soon to be convict than Darfur, Hurricane Katrina or any other cause. When are black people going to stand up and defend worthy causes? Why the uproar over Michael Vick? What has he done to help the plight of black folks? I am not talking about athletic equipment to Boys and Girls Clubs either. Did he lend support to Darfur? I doubt if he knows of its existence! Not everyone of color is for Michael Vick. And for all of you black Christians (laugh), read Psalms 12:10

By Tish

August 27, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

Everyone makes mistakes and they get a second chance. Look at Alan Iverson, Ricky Williams, Mike Tyson, and Michael Irving.

Mike Vick made a mistake and should get a second chance. They give Bush a second chance didn’t they? and he is still screwing up America.

When you roll over squirrels, Will that be a federal offense?

By Tonya

August 27, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

CC,

They think when they tell us we are “playing the race card”, that we are suppose to stop telling the TRUTH…lol

These are the same people that invented the phrase ” playing race card”. It was started in the OJ case when the GREAT Johnny Cochran pulled the hood off of Mark Furhman’s head!!

CC, these people will go to their graves in DENIAL!!

By Big Dawg

August 27, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

HEY CC Now that Vick has shamed African Americans, I suppose you can still hitch your load star to O.J. I mean, he did get away with killing two white people. That’s some feat in this day and age when blacks are just persecuted because of the color of their skin. You sir/maam are a fine example of reverse racism that is so very rampant in this city.

By Jeffisgoofingoff

August 27, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

At least Vick admits his wrong. We never see that out of folks like Myron Freeman or Bill Campbell.

Yeah, let the guy serve his time and come back to his career.

By caz

August 27, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

well i guess it took an issue like this to show everyone’s true colors. A man comits illegal acts,states he had nothing to do with, gets indicted,pleads guilty, then say’s oops my bad i’m sorry. now it’s a racial issue,he’s a man that is guilty of a heinus crime!!!! the only way it becomes racial is if we let it. i now believe racism comes in all shades of color not just white. something sets us back a 100 years because of ignorance. god help us all.

By JB

August 27, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

We keep talking about Mike what ever happen to the lady that was raped in Patrick Kerney’s home about 2 months ago while he was there? I guess we forgive what we want. Mike will come back because here in GA we love football and we hate to lose!!! Go Falcons. Good Luck Tonight!!!!

By caz

August 27, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

by the way, all the people who now will not go down to the dome to watch the falcons, i got a question for ya. are you falcon’s fans or just mike vick fans? if the latter,your just fare weather fans and the falcons should’nt want you anyway. i thought they were the atlanta falcons not the mike vick’s falcons! grow up people!!

By KenFromCalifornia

August 27, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

forgiveness is one thing. how far redemption should go is something else entirely.

just like you wouldn’t let your local school rehire a teacher convicted of child molesting, nor allow your bank to rehire a teller who stole money from an elderly lady’s account, michael shouldn’t be allowed to return to the nfl due to the multi-state gambling enterprise that he set up. michael also has to cooperate with authorities about all other illegal activity that went on…don’t forget that the original search warrant had to do with drugs on that property. with each revelation that undoubtedly will come out over the next several months, no way will nfl commissioner goodell allow michael to get anywhere near a football stadium ever again.

By lakeman

August 27, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

this piece of dog squese should never play another down in the nfl and certainly not with the falcons…he gives us this jesus crap just as he has done that dumb arthur blank when he was being pushed around in a wheel chair…i hope never to see his face and number 7 again…

By onlyonce

August 27, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Just love it….everyone that is caught being involved in improper behavior or actions always “finds Jesus”.

By outraged white woman

August 27, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

What I learned new from this forum was an injustice being done in Jena, Louisiana to a black high school student who was exercising his right to sit under a tree on campus, along with his friends who also thought they were Created Equal under Our Constitution to sit under a tree in their school yard who now await trials. First student was convicted by 100% white jury/judge. What! NO Black Jurors in Jena, LA? This is a case we all, black and white, can take our outrage, become involved, prove we do support “equal justice for all.” No plea deals, No millions of $$$, NO $1000/hr lawyers,No fans…No Justice! AJC where is YOUR coverage???

By Sharon Waldrop

August 27, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Since when is murder a “mistake” and considered immature behavior? Michael Vick’s poor excuse for an apology is the most comical thing I’ve heard all year. Anyone who believes his latest mantra about being sorry needs to wake up. Back in April, before Vick realized how strong the evidence was against him, he blamed friends and family members for what was going on at his house in Virginia and claimed to know nothing about it. But after his co-defendants ratted on him, suddenly he’s singing a different tune. Once a liar, always a liar, so why on earth would anybody believe his so-called “remorse” now? He is sorry for only one thing and that is that he got caught and may lose his NFL career and millions of dollars. To the millions of people out there who have pets in their family, the murder of a dog rates pretty damn close to the murder of a person. Anybody who could so inhumanely kill a living thing the way that he has some unnatural tendencies that will never change.

By cg

August 27, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about Blank, but Vick should if he wants to show contrition is to:

Give the Falcons the $22 million back. Let the team move forward. I would imagine with the money from all his former endorsement deals he could do this. Pay all his bills and attorneys. Set up an annuity for himself and his child in the amount with between a million and two. This way he still would be able to take care of himself and his child. Take the rest of his money and give it to the Humane Society and PETA. If he were to do all of that, I have a feeling people would forgive him.

As for Blank, if Vick does the above cut him but tell him if he behaves, does all the above, then he’ll give him a second chance but at the NFL minimum for veterans. But anything else and he’s done not only with the Falcons but the NFL.

Will this happen, probably not, but it’s worth dreaming about.

By Bob

August 27, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

I am not a Christian man, and I do not care about bibilical, other-worldly, and faith-based moralities as excuses to avoid responsibility for voluntary decisions in this free society on this earth.

I don’t believe Bishop Thomas Weeks’ “Satan made me do it” excuse for beating his wife, and I do not believe Mr. Vick’s “finding of Jesus” absolves him from responsibility for any of his actions on this Earth.

Vick will be held responsible by the State for his actions in violation of the criminal law.

Vick will be held responsible by consumers when those consumers make their voluntary supply and demqand decisions on whether to open their wallets and provide the football revenues that ultimately pay Vick’s salary.

By KenFromCalifornia

August 27, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

i should also point out that michael is obligated to cooperate with the feds for any investigation they choose to do, even if it doesn’t involve the dogfighting charges he pled guilty to. if michael doesn’t cooperate, if he tries to protect his prospects of returning to the league by not acknowledging what he knows (because he knows goodell is watching), then michael’s plea arrangement gets voided out and he gets re-sentenced to a much longer period of incarceration. michael’s in a no-win situation: admit to knowing about other illegal activity regarding your friends, which will certainly draw the wrath of the league hq, or refuse to acknowlege other illegal activity, and get your sentence extended. face it: he’s toast. no way is he ever going to be allowed to wear an nfl uniform ever again.

By comp133xi7y

August 27, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

And just for the record, Danny Heatley’s BAC was NOT over the legal limit. He was not only contrite, he was devastated by the incident that killed his best friend. He had the support of the FAMILY of the man who died in the car crash, and he accepted responsibility for his actions from DAY ONE. He was overwhelmed by self-guilt for something that was ACTUALLY an ACCIDENT. Michael Vick’s participation in dogfighting was anything but accidental, and, unlike Heatley who actually did make a mistake - a TRAGIC mistake - his participation was persistent and constant.

You morons need to learn to THINK before you post so-called “arguments”. Bloody GED trash.

By Miss jones

August 27, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Man!!! Everyone needs to calm down. This was a waste of Federal Dollars!! This money could have been spent on college students eduaction!! Or for somebody’s family in real need!! Wasteful USA!! Lindsey Lohan gets high, Paris Hilton and Nichole Riche get charged with DUI’s and they get slapped with a couple of days in jail!! Or just barely over an hour!

So, dogs died! Well you eat dead animals everyday!! Chicken, Cows, and Pigs!!! Some people come from hunting families! I mean Wilbur was somebody’s pet too!!

In China, they raise big dogs just to eat them!!

People waste too much time be concerned about other people’s lives. You need to be at work, or taking care of something!

My forgiveness and Yours, doesn’t COUNT!!! Get Over IT!!

By terry

August 27, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

This mike vick debacle reveals much about the true state of our society and especially atlanta in general. one doesnt have to be a genuis to see the division that exists among blacks and whites. far too many black people put these athletes onto a demagod pedestal. they are all too willing to forgive one of their own whenever he/she falls from race, but whenever a non/black makes a debacherous mistake you all want him/her to pay dearly!! the don imus and duke lacrosse incidents revealed that fact!!! where were all of yalls sympathy for the non blacks in those incidents. where was your sense of contrition?? yes alot of hypocrisy exists still today and mike vick is another reminder that blacks and whites have a long way to go before we will ever see eye to eye. i think mike vick got what he deserved and i hope he never plays in atlanta or the nfl again. if so then i will keep my money in my pocket and never watch another nfl game again!! THE NATIONAL FELON LEAGUE! HOW TRUE!!

By Very Concerned

August 27, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick was TRASH yesterday, he is TRASH today, and he will continue to be TRASH tomorrow.

He should be banned from playing football forever, serve jail time, and pay resitution to the Humane Society.

Only until then will his so-called apology mean something — let’s face it, he was caught and now his money/status are at risk so of course he is remorseful.

But the truth is that he will always be a heinous human being.

By Bubba

August 27, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Matthew,how can you say “no one can say he wasn’t remorseful for his actions”? You think a statement made by his lawyers and PR people makes it sincere? He’s remorseful he got caught. Remorseful of the million dollars lost.We have had our intelligence insulted too many times by people getting caught and turning to Jesus or turning to rehab. Lindsay Lohan made a statement after her arrest to. Got busted again a week later. Enough of feeling sorry for this thug!

By Joel Callins

August 27, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick, thanks for showing us all a true hero who can face tremendous pressure after a mistake and face with fantastic poise and strength. Arthur Blank, let’s be honest, Michael Vick, added more than $22 Million in value to a dismal Falcon franchise. Is it to difficult for you to let Michael Vick’s indefinite NFL suspension, felony federal conviction, loss of all sports sponsorships, loss of salary for the 2007 season, and potential loss of career serve as punishment enough? Rather, it seems you have elected to respond to the pressure of those who view Michael Vick as a non-human gladiator who is there to entertain us at our pleasure. Perhaps, that could explain why the Falcons have deferred their decision to terminate his relationship with the franchise. This way he can be used again to entertain the masses again for profit after his prison sentence. I hope Michael Vick elects to take back control of his life completely, even from the Falcons, by retiring.

By ASouthernGuy

August 27, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

I’ll say this, I’m a grad student with super-limited resources but I bet I could come up with at least 500% more people involved in dog-fighting, hog-baiting, and c**-fighting in a week versus the four (are you serious???) the feds brought in on this one. Oh, and the gist of them probably would not associate w/Vick, unless he had a dog in the fight, if you know what I mean. Also, there is a legal hog-baiting event held annually in Lousiana if you all would like to go with me…

By KEEPIN IT REAL

August 27, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

ARE THE PETA ORGANIZATION VEGETARIANS? IF NOT, THEY ARE JUST AS GUILTY AS MIKE VICK.

By elayn43

August 27, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

I listened to Michael Vick’s comments this morning. Too late too little Michael! First of all everyone was praising him for not referring to notes - let’s see he has had 6 weeks to learn this speech that lasted about 1 minute! He apologized to the fans, to Goodell and Blank, to his team mates and to the kids that he let down. Where was his apology for the killing of the dogs and the inhumane treatment of the 56+ he trained to dogfight? The only thing I believe he is sorry for is that he got caught,that his buds copped a plea and he had to as well, and that his salary and career are going down the tubes! Arthur Blank isn’t dumb enough to keep him on the roster after he settles with the NFL on salary reimbursement, etc.

Michael Vick needs to serve at least 12-18 months for this crime and I hope the NFL suspends him for life. He can go out and get another job just like any one of us would have to do if we were guilty of the same crime! Maybe he could become a Sports Commentator?

Let’s not forget what he did: Financed a dogfighting business, transported dogs across state lines, supplied a facility and money for gambling on dogfighting and was involved in the killing of dogs that didn’t perform - not to mention that he has been doing this for 6 years and lied to Goodell and Blank as recently as April denying involvement of any kind!

What really got me was the statement “I have found Jesus and God is now in my life”. Give me a break! If you remember he and his brother said early on that God was going to take care of him and prove that he wasn’t involved at all. Wonder which God he was talking about then?

Please let’s stand firm for justice and the dogs!

By Dan

August 27, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

His comments never mentioned the fans. He apologized to everyone else. As far as the fans go, all he ever did was give us the finger.

By Chip

August 27, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

All this over pit bulls….A breed that NEEDS to be eliminated…..The hell with PETA and any other animal group….These dogs are trash and should be treated as such….Thrown away with the rest of the trash…Vick was just a TOKEN take down….The FEDS can always find a way to waste our money………grrrrrrrr

By Hope

August 27, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick’s apology was a necessary action but in no way cleans the slate of his contemptuous behavior past or present. The NFL and the Falcons need to continue their swift action in holding him liable and accountable for his actions and most especially the inhumane treatment of the countless defenseless animals he has killed and / or permanently maimed. His actions alone speak volumes to the inner depths of his character and unfortunately for the displaced role model he had become to our children. Michael does need to grow up and in doing so he needs to sustain a hard lesson in life to include banishment from the NFL among other serious consequences!

By Chip

August 27, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who is getting censored for trashing pit bulls?

By J.R.

August 27, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

I think Michael Vick is no better then a hood rat. He seems like a thug want to be and nothing more. Start from the beginning with the Ron Mexico thing then he is with some one that stole a watch off a man in the airport and then the water bottle thing then when he was going to show up for congress and doesn’t and now the dog fighting. How many more chances do you give a person he is nothing but trouble and besides being trouble he isnt that great of a football player. He reminds me of Deion Sanders in that area he is not a team player so i hope that Arthur Blank can get some of his money back and then fire Michael Vick and i hope he will be out of the NFL for good it would be the best thing. If we let vick come back and play ball might as well let Pacman play also and not press any chagres against him or just let Ricky Williams smoke weed because it makes him a better player. These people make way to much money and this is what they do with it and this is the role model they are for our children these people are not role models. And for Michael Vick to say he needs to grow up in his statement he need to admit he did something terrible he killed dogs and he bet on these dogs this to me isnt about growing up it is about doing right or wrong and at his age he should know right or wrong he can’t be that stupid but then again we are talking about Michael Vick so i guess he could be. All i hope is that he serves more then a year and that the NFL does the right thing by getting rid of him as sonn as they can.

By Fez

August 27, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Vick lied again today. He stated” not time during this entire situation did I point the finger at anybody else, I accept complete responsibility”. 2 months ago he pointed the finger at his cousin who he stated was doing things he didn’t know about. You “defenders” better wake up. Vick is a felon and a criminal. Is this who you want your children to look up to? The only reason he is contrite now is because he was really going to get fried with the additional charges the Prosecutors had on him. He will now be a government snitch, which is not a necessarily a bad thing and he will inevitably turn in others in his “community” that have been involved in this and other crimes. How will you judge him then?

By gynger leanise

August 27, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

TO: Freddy K. August 27, 2007 5:39

(Let’s see we have palyed the race card and I found religion card, what’s next?)Vick got you real upset, huh? I think you want him because you and your illiterate bloggers tease him about his vocabulary and diction, but Mr. Snowbunny, you spelled nearly every word wrong - dummy. Now, leave Vick alone and geta dictionary, retardo

By Ruben

August 27, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

Of course he is “remorse” … he is losing millions in endorsements and pay checks.. plus now he FOUND Jesus ! He is another crook using the name of the Lord for his personal gains.

By FRANK

August 27, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

LET US NOT FORGET THE PETE ROSE EVENT, BANNED FOR LIFE. LET THE SAME PUNISHMENT BE APPLIED TO M. VICK.

By Robin

August 27, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick responded to a reporter at the beginning of the case that “everybody love Mike Vick”. I wonder if that includes the dogs he killed. No, his apology doesn’t erase his initial cocky response, and sure doesn’t mitigate the facts. I’m not interested in talk about him being targeted. Rich athletes need to feel the consequences of their actions & black folks need to examine their own commitment to principles whenever they attempt to mitigate acts of decency in the name of blackness. Claims about the existence of a double standard is a bigger issue that shouldn’t be used to cloud the fact that Vick (a wealthy man) chose to be indecent.