ajcsportstalk

By Truth

January 22, 2007 02:32 PM | Link to this

Of course he was treated unfairly and we all know why, but i’m not going to get into that day. Everybody needs to mind there on personal business b/c at end of day you have to give account of whatever you do and say. Peace, GO Bears and Colts.

By Josh

January 22, 2007 02:34 PM | Link to this

Nope, don’t change a thing. He is still a thug wanna be and a quarterback never will be.

By Walter Reed

January 22, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this

In true southern tradition many fans will continue with the lynching of Mike Vick anyway.

By J Rogers

January 22, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this

I’m glad Mike V. was found innocent. I knew the rumors were not true.

By Vick Supporter

January 22, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this

A RESOUNDING YES!!!

Micheal Vick has accomplished so much in the ATL for the Falcons’ organization. However, I’m glad that his name has been cleared.

So often we love to cast the first stone…

By Ron Stephens

January 22, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this

I am not an avid sports fan but I do support the sports teams in my native home of Atlanta. I love my country. God Bless the USA. But Please! In matters of domestic or foreign securty matters, the TSA could be replaced with trained chim ………..!

By Stephanie

January 22, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this

Oh Yeah! Where are all the bloggers that called Vick a thug, hoodlum, etc. See it goes back to that old cliche’,” Innocent until proven guilty”. So stop hating on Vick, and just move on. An the sad part about this comment is: I’m not even a Vick fan—-I just believe in giving a person fair justice.

By Johnson is a Johnson

January 22, 2007 02:37 PM | Link to this

I’m mystified by the behavior of Micheal Vick. If he didn’t have anything in the bottle, then why not chunk the thing when they asked? It’s not like he can’t afford another one. And what about the secret compartment? What does go in there? And if he KNEW he did nothing wrong, why not come to the microphone and announce it promptly instead going underground. This whole thing is just ridiculous. A lot of people look very unprofessional here. And don’t hand me the “it’s his business” thing. Dude makes more money than God to represent Atlanta to the rest of the world. Just damn.

By Dasingle

January 22, 2007 02:37 PM | Link to this

I am happy for Mike but I know his detractors are going to find a way to say that charges were dropped due to privilege and not the fact that he was innocent all along. In this day of crucifing people based on allegations and not factual evidence we will see alot more innocent people dragged through the mud because of it. Good going Mike.

By mizbaluap

January 22, 2007 02:38 PM | Link to this

I absolutely believe he was treatly unfairly by the media and public particularly…I mean I know he’s not perfect but darn, you would have thought the man was a darn junkie the way he was blasted.

Note to the lynch mob…you can put your ropes up for now…

By Momma

January 22, 2007 02:38 PM | Link to this

Seems just like yesterday, was reading the blog where everyone was dogging Vick about this situation and came to find out it wasnt even true,uuuhhh…and just like I said then, you cannot off top believe everything you hear from the media. I feel like he was treated unfairly, because once you have been expose to these type of accusations, people are still going to judge him for it. This happens to many though, he will overcome from it just like many others have in the past.

I am glad to hear the charges were drop and hope that he focuses or continues to focus on being a team player that our children can look up to.

By CMS

January 22, 2007 02:38 PM | Link to this

Yeah, he was mistreated by the media as they rushed on a story without all of the facts that swayed public opinion to a negative side. Unfortunately, he will be guilty in the court of public opinion due to irresponsible journalism.

By VicksBiggestFan

January 22, 2007 02:38 PM | Link to this

Where are all the naysayers today. Where are the apologies to Mr. Vick. Last week this blog was full of “lets get rid of the thug” and all that other crap. In this country a Black man is always “Guilty until proven innocent.” ATL is truly the city that is not busy enough to hate.

By Jen

January 22, 2007 02:39 PM | Link to this

Hear that deafening sound?

By Annie Favors

January 22, 2007 02:40 PM | Link to this

Yes I think Michael Vick was treated cruel by fans, the media, ajc sports writers, falcons general manager, and Arthur Blank. Racism is so evident in Atlanta. When will it end?

By Uhuh

January 22, 2007 02:40 PM | Link to this

SO YOU MEAN TO TELL ME VICK IS AS DUMB AS HE IS WITHOUT CHEMICAL REASONS

By roger

January 22, 2007 02:40 PM | Link to this

If the idiot didn’t have nothing in the bottle in the first place, why did he protest it and come out defending him self, instead of hiding behind management? Sounds like a little cover-up…, btw, he still is a thug impersonating an NFL qb!

By cr

January 22, 2007 02:41 PM | Link to this

I wonder why he was carrying a bottle with a hidden compartment? He must use this to store his keys….

By Brent

January 22, 2007 02:41 PM | Link to this

People who threw Mike under the bus and assumed his guilt will not apologize. They will come up with every conspiracy story about it being covered up. You know, NFL players are never arrested for drugs (Bengal’s Joseph). Vick can’t possibly be innocent, after all, he’s a thug you know (sarcasm).

By Old Teach

January 22, 2007 02:42 PM | Link to this

Guys, 1) he was acting suspicious 2) he had a container with a secret compartment 3) the compartment contained a substance with the smell of mj.

Get real! He is the highest paid football player in history. IF he was found guilty of transporting mj, it would almost surely destroy the NFL. The NFL and the state of Florida could not afford to discover it was mj. Notice the news report: the Attorney GENERAL OF THE STATE of Florida found out before the Miami-Dade police did, and you guys think it really wasn’t mj, not really, did you? Big business and politics go together like a hand in a glove. Once again the golden rule was invoked: He who has the gold makes the rules. What’s going to happen next is the TSA agent is going to get fired for discovering Mike’s “little secret.”

By Elmo

January 22, 2007 02:42 PM | Link to this

So- why carry a fake bottle in the first place ? Vick needs to get REAL and all you need to get REAL. Who the hell needs a fake bottle on an Airline ? Would anybody be comfortable knowing that on THEIR flight - somebody had a fake bottle ? Is there any Common Sense left in the World ?

By BraindeadQB

January 22, 2007 02:43 PM | Link to this

Please find a way to get rid of this embarrassment, he’s got the brains of a door knob and the Falcons need a smart leader, WHEN THEY WERE PASSING OUT BRAINS, VICK THOUGHT THEY SAID RAIN AND RAN FOR COVER

By Brotherman

January 22, 2007 02:44 PM | Link to this

I was excited that we could get some picks when we dumped Snoop Dogg, now we’re stuck with the worst passing offense in the NFL.

By Porkins

January 22, 2007 02:44 PM | Link to this

This is the most laughable, pathetic attempt by the NFL and the Falcons to sweep this under the rug. They really, REALLY must think we’re stupid.

By commonsense

January 22, 2007 02:49 PM | Link to this

I wonder how much Falcon money is headed down to Florida to cover this up?

By MAF

January 22, 2007 02:50 PM | Link to this

It’s still a question of character. He has none, and he’s certainly not a leader.

By Mychel

January 22, 2007 02:51 PM | Link to this

Of course michael vick was treated unfairly and we all know why?. Now lets trade Matt Schaub and surround Vick with even more talent and improve the defense a little bit more. I cant wait to see Vick in the new offense throwing the ball down field. Falcons in the Super Bowl 08!!!!

By Willie

January 22, 2007 02:51 PM | Link to this

So this changes very little because my problem wasn’t the marijuana so much as Vick’s unprecedented stupidity. Why carry a bottle of water with a secret compartment with “dark particulate” or whatever on a plane? Why act suspiciously when asked to throw it out? Why not make a statement afterwards explaining the very strange circumstances? Why did McKay and Blank walk away from their meeting with Vick very angry? Is there any wonder that the Falcons are 0 for their last 19 when trailing going into the 4th quarter? No, because that’s when defenses tighten up and a QB has to use his brain a little and his arm a little and be a leader and Vick is the worst QB in the league when it comes to using his brain and arm and being a leader. But he’s a good runner. Nevermind that the falcons are 0-7 when Vick leads the team in rushing. Falcons fans can’t figure out the problem anyway.

By RealQB

January 22, 2007 02:52 PM | Link to this

Look back at the Super Bowls and successful QB’s in the past. The quarterbacks that have been great are just smart people who distribute the football and manage the game? Do you really want Vick with his limited intelligence leading this team?

By melo

January 22, 2007 02:52 PM | Link to this

The only person with marijuana and smelling of some is the person who inspected the bottle. They knew he was Mike Vick and went back to the trash can to look for some 3 sec of fame(shame) They got some. I would’nt be surprised these guys are all white!!

By mollie

January 22, 2007 02:52 PM | Link to this

I just want all this to die!!!! Michael was treated unfairly……Did the TSA bag girl….really think he had something or was her pride hurt b/c he may have given her that famous middle finger! Now, she’s p** but, what can you do… your co-worker tells you it MV for the Atl Falcons. And now the we know who he is and I can get him back by saying that he had something illegal! Yeah right, she probably couldn’t catch terrorist but, she got Vick! I say take her to court!

We, love you MV!!!!!!!

By Willie Coyote

January 22, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this

I wonder how many aquafina bottles were in that particular trash can anyway.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

January 22, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this

I will admit I jumped the gun with the info provided last week in this very same paper, will be a man about and gladly eat some crow pie. We’re all human. Even when I said that last week I stated I was still down with #7, but “he has used up “7” of his nine lives with me. I think I was just upset of having defended this guy all this time and he, at the time, seemed to be proving the haters right and that set me off. Guess I was guilty of the same thing I accuse others of being, sheep, and sipped that “fool-aid”, but like I said I want so bad for this guy to prove all his doubters wrong and when it appeared that wasn’t the case, I freaked. For that I apologize Vick, but being down with you here in the “dirty south” wears on you sometimes and like I said I’m human. Still wonder about two things though:

1) Why was he even carrying a bottle with a “secret” compartment?

2) What was he “very sorry” for, as McKay put it in his press conference, if he know he did nothing wrong?

Either way, I believe alot of us have learned a valuable lesson, this QB controversy here in Atlanta is the most polarized of all time. There are those who lashed out last week because they just hate the guy and others lashed out because they felt he let them down. I’m glad he is innocent and won’t face charges, but at the same time hopes he learns to be more careful of his actions because, unfortunately he is held to a WAAAAYY higher standard than the rest of us “perfect” people. I’m not agreeing that it should be that way, but “it is what it is”. Vick has to understand, like it or not, he is the hope for alot of people out there, kids, young black men, and those who hate the racist manner in which he gets dissed like me. I do not want him to fail for that reason alone, plus I bleed “red and black”. Hearing things like he’s “dumb”, or he’s a “thug” and whatnot bugs me because I’ve been a victim of this stereotyping most of my life living here in the South because of the music I listen to amongst other things and want the brother to prove them all wrong. That’s why I said what I did last week. So good for you MV7, please learn from this and be careful next time- ALOT of people are depending on you in more ways than you know. You have a gift that carries alot of power so remember, to borrow a line from the Spiderman movie:

“With great power, comes great responsibility….use it wisely.” (or something like that, lol

Go Falcons!

By Ron Stephens

January 22, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this

A “second hand” thought! Agents must have real time experience with the odor of marijuana. Ha!Ha!

By Phil of Playaz Ball

January 22, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this

Yes, the rumors were not true. I’m sure Mike just used the water bottle to carry his keys in. Keys that smelled like marijuana.

It still doesn’t excuse the fact the he is incredibly stupid. That’s what this is all about, not whether or not he smokes weed (which he does).

By JT

January 22, 2007 02:54 PM | Link to this

Question

What time do the malls close today? Is it 8 or 9 p.m.?

By jc

January 22, 2007 02:54 PM | Link to this

Looks like weed, smells like weed, hidden in a fake bottle like weed, but not weed? Yeah, whatever. Obviously he left a joint in there, got rid of it leaving residue, and they can’t bust you for residue. He’s not innocent, they just can’t prove that he did anything wrong.

By Jen

January 22, 2007 02:54 PM | Link to this

You know what else smells like Mary Janes? Clove cigarettes, which are completely legal.

Technically, you can smoke just about anything you want. Shred it, roll it, light it, smoke it.

I love the immediate conspiracy theory.

Scuse me while I go smoke my computer.

By falcon1

January 22, 2007 02:55 PM | Link to this

Money will buy you anything!!!!!!!!!!

By SCBird

January 22, 2007 02:55 PM | Link to this

I was wrong, and will be man enough to say so.

By Toni

January 22, 2007 02:55 PM | Link to this

Some of you people are utterly ridiculous. It wasn’true. Before you judge you need to ask yourself “Who am I to judge?”.

By Daniel

January 22, 2007 02:55 PM | Link to this

It is amazing how there is such a Rush to Judgement. So many people owe him an apology but never will because they are True Cowards!!!!

By 964dawg

January 22, 2007 02:55 PM | Link to this

Hey, Vick haters, it’s funny to think about all of you having to eat crow, because we all know what color crow is. Enjoy!

By Nicemankinda

January 22, 2007 02:55 PM | Link to this

The man is not the sharpest tool in the shed, he’s never gonna invent a cure for cancer, he’s never gonna be like Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, we’re stuck with him, I don’t like it anymore than the rest of you do, but we have to live with it. I wish we could be rid of him but I’m afraid the Benjamins’ wont allow it.

By Doug

January 22, 2007 02:56 PM | Link to this

The guy’s still an idiot

By melo

January 22, 2007 02:56 PM | Link to this

Sue the AJC reporter

By DT

January 22, 2007 02:56 PM | Link to this

To All the UNGRATEFUL IMPOSTER FANS:

I don’t blame Vick for not making a statement. For What? He already knew what the outcome was going to be and made all the fools out there that jumped to conclusion and convicted him before getting all the facts look real stupid. He handled it perfectly; His Silence is as Gold!

By SharonH

January 22, 2007 02:57 PM | Link to this

I KNEW HE WAS INNOCENT The whole thing was stupid anyway. Sheesh! Think people (those of you who are capable)! If he actually had marijuana, then it only stands to reason that he would be in a hurry to get rid of it in the face of the fuzz, not “indecisive” about it. It’s amazing, billions of dollars worth of cocaine and other drugs enter this country through Miami but the morons at TSA are sniffing water bottles. I guess that inspector must have been smelling the weed on his own clothes.

Clearly, a lot of people owe Mr.Vick an apology starting with that asinine TSA person and all the way down to Jeff Schultz. In fact Schultz, you can be the first to grovel to Mr.Vick.

By Sharon

January 22, 2007 02:57 PM | Link to this

Maybe the Security people may have seem a popular atlete and was trying to make an example out of him ..maybe to get recognition for themselves. Maybe, they were trying to just do their job, and followed up on something such as that. However, with all the terrorist trying to get in.. something such as that should not have been bothered with and more attention should have been put towards illegal people trying to get into the states. Drugs are a serious matter.. However, I think they need to get the priorities straight. I think Vick has his head on straight. He has a chance at a wonderful and blessed future.. I doubt he would mess it up with drugs.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

January 22, 2007 02:58 PM | Link to this

Oh btw, I wonder what Jeff Schultz has to say about this now? That had to be the most vicious article I’ve seen written in a good minute. Talk about throwing someone under the bus, backing up and running him over and over again. Whew!

By QC

January 22, 2007 02:59 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick is an excellent football player and could really care less what people say about him, trust that he’ll never read the comments on this blog and if he did he’ll still be laughing all the way to the bank i’ll be soooooo damn glad when this issue about him fades away into the sunset i don’t think anything was swept under the rug or even hid by the NFL I’m we all would probable be surprised if we knew what famous NFL, NBA, etc players were really doing drugs and got caught. Vick deserves an apology and i can’t wait to see who actually has the “balls” to apologize 1st

By Enough

January 22, 2007 02:59 PM | Link to this

This is laughable. What a cover up.

And to the lovely Annie, “Racism” ends when the lead story is about 2 great coaches and 2 great football teams playing in the Super Bowl, and not 2 African American coaches meeting for the first time in a Super Bowl.

By invincible

January 22, 2007 03:00 PM | Link to this

I am a Vick fan and I watch the Falcons just because Vick is a Falcon. But I have to say that I think Brotherman is right about a cover up here. I wanted to add that probably because the TSA agent Gertrude Lee picked the bottle back from the trash bin and opened the hidden container the bottle was contamonated and no longer could be used as evidence. So the State Attorney had to say that there were no drugs found. This is just speculation from my part. I am glad that the story ended up this way so I can still see Vick play football.

By Not-Jealous

January 22, 2007 03:00 PM | Link to this

You people have nothing better to do than, sit and critize other people. What it really boils down to, is the fact that you have realized that your 9-5 job sucks and that you will never come close to making half of the money that he makes.. He is no different from any other celebrity with money - and the media has nothing better do, but to report on a water bottle that holds a secret compartment. Im sure you all have skeletons that you would rather die with you, but unfortunately everything he or any other person with status does is placed in the media for you guys to get upset and make STUPID comments on. GET A LIFE, FIND JESUS and maybe you wont pass judgment so quickly.

By PeytonManning

January 22, 2007 03:01 PM | Link to this

Like what was said by another poster on this board, a NFL QB needs more than the fight or flight reflex, that’s all Vick has, and a pot habit.

By QC

January 22, 2007 03:02 PM | Link to this

GO MIKE VICK….GO GO GO FALCONS!

By invincible

January 22, 2007 03:03 PM | Link to this

I am a Vick fan and I watch the Falcons just because Vick is a Falcon. But I have to say that I think Porkins above is right about a cover up here. I wanted to add that probably because the TSA agent Gertrude Lee picked the bottle back from the trash bin and opened the hidden container the bottle was contamonated and no longer could be used as evidence. So the State Attorney had to say that there were no drugs found. This is just speculation from my part. I am glad that the story ended up this way so I can still see Vick play football.

By kush

January 22, 2007 03:03 PM | Link to this

If you fools believe a word of that crap you are as stupid and ignorant as Vick. He paid off someone! Funny how they wouldn’t be able to test it for several months to it wasn’t nothing in a couple of days! He is a thug and I want buy anything or support anything that has to do with Vick or the Falcons! This is an Authur Blank cover-up if there ever has been one! What a load of crap!

By Dr. Stranglove

January 22, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

Vick was waiting to hear what they really thought about him. I guess he knows now that some fans support him and some pre-judge. and some are just prejudice. I say give Schaub a chance and go 3-13, then maybe all the NASCAR folk will go away

By David

January 22, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

I hope Vick isn’t smoking cloves those things don’t repair lung tissue. Oh yeah, lets all wait for the DOOMsDAY writer not to retract any of his statements he made in his previous blog. That isn’t his style. But, here is something we can all agree on. Smoking pot is awesome. If everyone smoked pot the world would be alot better.

By kush

January 22, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

If you fools believe a word of that crap you are as stupid and ignorant as Vick. He paid off someone! Funny how they wouldn’t be able to test it for several months to it wasn’t nothing in a couple of days! He is a thug and I want buy anything or support anything that has to do with Vick or the Falcons! This is an Authur Blank cover-up if there ever has been one! What a load of crap!

By Chris

January 22, 2007 03:08 PM | Link to this

Hopefully everyone realizes there just wasn’t enough pot left to test. Any cop knows what marijuana smells like. Vick was just lucky that he’d already smoked his stash up.

By chichi

January 22, 2007 03:09 PM | Link to this

Cover up my a* sounds to me like some tsa a* was trying to bust Vicks chops. Let me just say that everyone was making a big deal about some pot and saying how this would tarnish his image and should cause him to be traded well you remember a certain Ray Lewis accused of killing someone or a on Jamal Lewis going to prison for cocaine charges yet thier images where tarnished but forgotten pot no bigge murder and drug dealing?

By hitwriter

January 22, 2007 03:09 PM | Link to this

Porkins nailed it… the silence testifies to such a theory..

The entire sports media is Miami… what do your think the NFL PR machine would like to have covered?

Vick this or that? Manning vs Grossman?

By POD

January 22, 2007 03:14 PM | Link to this

COMMONSENSE YOU ARE STUPID! EVERYBODY NEEDS TO GET A LIFE. VICK CAN BUY 130 MILLION BOTTLES IF HE FEEL THE NEED TO. ONCE AGAIN THIS IS VICK’S LIFE AND VICK’S MONEY. RACISM NEEDS TO END PEOPLE, BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY YOUR DAUGHTERS, SISTERS, AUNTS, AND WIVES MAY END UP WITH A THUG BY THEIR SIDE. SO GET A LIFE!

By 4ACause

January 22, 2007 03:14 PM | Link to this

So we will never know what was ACTUALLY found in the secret compartment? A typical example of how the American public is fed a line of BS and we just keep asking for more! I am ashamed of what has become of elite athletes today. Maybe this will be Mike’s wake up call.

By Brigitte

January 22, 2007 03:15 PM | Link to this

Vick watch your back…… There are a lot of haters out here. My son has attended several of your football camps. We had a long discussion this weekend about you and your behavior. What were you thinking going to the airport? Everybody in America knows what to bring and not to bring to the airport but you. The press can make you or destroy you. Are you just learning this lesson? Make sure that this is the last negative thing we here about you. You still have my support…….. Keep your head up and listen to you MOM. She won’t guide you wrong…..

By ptra

January 22, 2007 03:15 PM | Link to this

No apology needed. Vick is an idiot.

By Mike

January 22, 2007 03:16 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I agree. Its a cover-up. They said it was nothing illegal, but won’t come out with what it actually was? And to all those posting racist comments, you’re idiots! It is embarrassing! And yes, the racism on this site is being thrown * *both ** ways!

By Tradehim

January 22, 2007 03:16 PM | Link to this

We need safeties and O and D line help, look at Rex Grossman, defense wins championships, we just need a QB to make a few “smart” decisions a game and win with some D help…DO YOU WANT VICK TO BE MAKING THE SMART DECISIONS?

By s. tony

January 22, 2007 03:17 PM | Link to this

I know the city of Miami’s breathing a sigh of relief now that they will continue to get Home Depots built in their city. For a second there, they were defintiely at risk.

By msteven

January 22, 2007 03:18 PM | Link to this

Ok. I like Michael Vick. I think he is talented. I think if they felt he could not do the job he would have been gone.Long ago. As for the latest little dig, although folks on the blog always jump the gun(thats why its called a BLOGGGG! HELLO?) I too at first thought it was dumb and still think it was dumb regardless. My reasons? Had Mike freely with out hestiation(Spell check :-)given up the bottle, there would have been no suspicion. He brought the suspicion upon himself by his actions. It was Only a bottle of water right? Mike kind of fanned the suspicion flames by his body language and actions. You, I, and everyone else fully know the heightened security at airports post 911 and rightly so. Anyone looking suspicious no matter what they are doing, will be stopped by security. Sorry Mike, I like you, but some things you really are bringing upon yourself. In this country, its not I so much of what you do in the present, but how many waves you made in the past(in his case the past 3yrs. From the lawsuit brought on by an ex girlfriend(herpes,which somehow I tend to believe, as it was settled out of court and Mike never denied it publicly,also the victim allowed her name to be released which tells me I doubt she would put her name out there unless there was some real truth here.) The one-finger salute to the fans, His not so good performances on the field the past 2yrs. Was it fair to trash him? No. Is life fair? no. Is it fair that some folks become millionares while the rest of us folks who perhaps have a good heart and help others are struggling to make ends meet are barely making it? No. It was not smart on Mikes part to even purchase a bottle with a secret compartment and try to board a plane then reluctanly refuse to release it. Had I been security I would have became suspicious too and I like the guy.I would be thinking, whats so important about This Bottle of water? So chill out Mike. And get in there and do the job your grossly overpaid to do.

By old coot

January 22, 2007 03:19 PM | Link to this

Like the old saying goes, newspapers don’t print retractions on the front page. The vocal minority of Vick haters aren’t going to change their minds no matter what. If you want to judge him on his playing go ahead, but his race should not be an issue.

By Traceman

January 22, 2007 03:20 PM | Link to this

So sad! It is amazing how many of you are unwilling to admit that you jumped to conclusions in this matter. I am a HUGE Vick supporter and I even admit that I thought that it was marijuana residue in the bottle. I was wrong and so were many of you.

There is NO question that the media (especially this newspaper) had already tried and convicted Vick before all of the facts were out.

Real men (and women) own up to making mistakes. I made a mistake by not waiting until all the facts were in before I thought Mike was guilty. Many of you need to own up the fact that you made a mistake IN THIS CASE as well.

By Vick Supporter

January 22, 2007 03:20 PM | Link to this

Manning? Grossman?

Lovie or Dungee. First class African American men making history.

No matter what… A black man will lead his team to victory.

Why? We do not operate on bias or slant. We desire that everyone performs at their highest level. This goes for sports, business, and education. Stop being treatened by the brillance of Black America.

Love All. Hate None.

By matt

January 22, 2007 03:20 PM | Link to this

Yes this is obviously all because he was black!! PLEASE!! This city is in love with another black man by the name of Hank Aaron!! Let’s not forget another one by the name of Herschel Walker! This is not 1960 anymore!! The fact that he flipped off his own home fans was bad enough. Just because they didn’t find anything doesn’t mean it wasn’t a cause for concern. Can anyone in here think of a logical reason why someone would make such a stink over throwing there water bottle away? Oh by the way that water bottle had a secret compartment in it!! People don’t have secret compartments unless they are trying to keep something “secret!” I’m sure he wasn’t keeping his lunch money in there!! Get off the race issue and admit that it’s a little weird to have a water bottle with a secret compartment in it!!!

By Tradehim

January 22, 2007 03:21 PM | Link to this

Bummer, now we’re stuck with him, now we get to keep the running QB who loses everytime he rushes for over 100 yards. BECAUSE THE JOB OF A QUARTERBACK IS NOT TO RUN Morons, the guy who said the morons voted for Cynthia McKinney was dead right.

By joey

January 22, 2007 03:21 PM | Link to this

First of all, the media never said he was guilty, they said there were tests yet to conclude the substance. So don’t say the media was unfair. It wasn’t a black thing, even though you are trying to make it one. If it was Jim Mora he would have got the same treatment.

My only guess is that his brother Marcus is in Miami and I would say hangin out with Marcus is trouble waiting to happen, or has the media been wrong on him too?

By Larry

January 22, 2007 03:22 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable on one hand; to be expected on the other.

This is what plagues the black community. Apparently Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson made a call and all of a sudden a process of several months due to “low priority” is handled virtually overnight? A water bottle with a secret compartment? What WAS the substance inside? Sad really!

You see, the black community actually thinks it’s good that Mayor Marion Berry gets away with smoking crack with prostitutes, O.J Simpson and Ray Lewis get away with double murder, Snoop Dog, Jamal Lewis, Michael Vick, and Michael Irvine and hundreds of other rap thugs get away selling or using illegal drugs but the Black community smiles as another one of their “brothers” get away with another crime because they have the means, celebrity or sympathy to do so. Besides, “who cares” what happens to those evil white people, right?

So, the question is this: What are you teaching your children about honesty, integrity, obedience and honor?

I’ll tell you what you’re teaching them, that if you can dribble, throw, catch, jump or run fast, if you’re a minority, you’re entitled to be exonerated for criminal activity as long as you can afford it! But what if you can’t afford it? It’s kind of like cheating on a test to get a good score and a pat on the back! Funny how this behavior comes back to haunt you.

And we wonder about the crime rate, joblessness, divorce and single parents in the black community. Good message black folk! Now tell all your kids to “be like Mike!”

By Jeremy

January 22, 2007 03:22 PM | Link to this

If that was not weed in the bottle then what the heck was it? Why did he or someone representing him not come out and say he was innocent before the results came back? This wasn’t the first and won’t be the last bad publicity that Vick will get. Its obvious that money talks and B.S. walks……

By preston

January 22, 2007 03:23 PM | Link to this

Listen people, they tested it, in a laboratory, and the test showed there were no illigel substances. Period. End of Story. now we can look ahead to next season and not have to worry about wheather or not he was guilty.

Go Falcons!!!

By Brownthrasher

January 22, 2007 03:24 PM | Link to this

WERE ANY OF YOU AT THE AIRPORT TO SEE IF MICHAEL VICK DID ANYTHING WRONG??? Just like the so-called Aquafina bottle contained no illegal substance, Whose to say that the actual bottle that was given to the detective was Mike’s bottle.
WHY DID THE TSA AGENT WAIT UNTIL HE WAS ON THE PLANE? AT A BUSY AIRPORT HE SELECTS A TRASH BIN THAT HAD ONLY ONE BOTTLE! HMMMMMMMMMMM
Seems as if this all is hearsay and perhaps the Miami Police did not want to comment further because this is EMBARASSING TO MIAMI - a RUSH TO JUDGMENT.

I LOVE MIKE VICK but I hope he requests a trade to someot her team and comes back and kicks Atlanta A—!

Talented, too talented for most of the triffling, unappreciative fans on THIS BLOG. The real fans will continue to wear the Number 7 and cheer for Mick.

GO MIKE VICK! CONGRATULATIONS ON MAKING THESE BLOGGERS AND SHULTZ, THE AJC, ESPN, AND ALL LOOK LIKE PREJUDICE FOOLS!!!!!!

By lisa

January 22, 2007 03:24 PM | Link to this

HOW CARES ABOUT THE MEDIA. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE FANS. THEY ARE NO FANS.. THEY ARE HATERS AND COMPLAINERS. I AM THRILLED TO DEATH THEY ALL OF YOU THAT CRUCIFIED HIM WERE PROVEN WRONG. THE FALCONS NEED TRUE FANS NOT PRETENDERS

By YANCY B

January 22, 2007 03:24 PM | Link to this

When is Jeff Smuck going to say sorry but of course that would mean he would have to differentiate between an apology and a character reference.

By Mrs. Perdue

January 22, 2007 03:25 PM | Link to this

Two thoughts - First, if an empty head like Grossman can make it to the Super Bowl, then maybe the similarly challenged Vick can too. Second, just a few days ago Miami cops were saying they were too busy with rapists and murderers to expedite Vick’s test. I guess as we head into the Super Bowl in South Florida, the streets are going to be swarming with bad guys since the police are wasting time testing water bottles for mysterious residue.

By HPE

January 22, 2007 03:34 PM | Link to this

Well Mike,

What was in that bottle?

Please…say something!!!!!!!!!

By Bubba

January 22, 2007 03:35 PM | Link to this

Hey Larry I can see who you are under your Klansman’s hood…

By Richard

January 22, 2007 03:35 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is a most pathetic sports town with whining crybaby pathetic fans.

The only reason I root for the Falcons is because Vick is on the team.

By earl

January 22, 2007 03:35 PM | Link to this

Ummmm, LISA?? Please refrain from ever submitting a blog on here as your grammar is making me want to stick a rusty nail into my eyeball. I am sure you could get a tutor or someone to help you with that? It really is embarrassing, please stop…

By Eric

January 22, 2007 03:36 PM | Link to this

The Atlanta Falcons, the NFL, the Media and the court of public owe Mr. Vick a HUGE APOLOGY. He was thought to be guilty by all of them. Time to stand behind Mr. Vick.

By Dbl. D

January 22, 2007 03:38 PM | Link to this

Parcells had about the same record as Mora, hmmm.. Dallas must be a coach killer….

By KCC

January 22, 2007 03:38 PM | Link to this

Once a thug always a thug! He is a terrible influence! Just plain stupid. Why do you the Falcons had to change the playbook for him? Because he couldn’t comprehend the ENTIRE play book. And he is stupid in life as well, look at his posse with the stolen watch last year, his “thug” brother and who can forget his one-finger salute to the crowd. BUT he has plenty of money and that was what probably got him off here. Miami knew thay had alot more to worry about than an over-paid athlete with a little dope. Mark this down, ATLANTA WILL NEVER WIN A SUPER BOWL WITH MIKE VICK!

By MATT

January 22, 2007 03:38 PM | Link to this

Why did he apologize if he had done nothing wrong? If he doesn’t keep weed in there like originally thought, what does he keep in there? Why does one need a secret compartment? Maybe to hide things?

By Jen

January 22, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this

A lot of scientific disinformation is going around here.

If there was every any pot in the secret compartment then it would have been detected during lab tests. And, if the labs had detected the residue that is legal grounds for prosecution.

So, if they didn’t find any residue then there wasn’t any pot in there.

By Mike

January 22, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this

reeses_peace - Uh, yeah he did have something in the bottle. Please read the police report.

Vick Supporter - ‘…A black man will lead his team to victory.’ This is an example of a racist comment also. You could have easily said ‘a brilliant coach will lead his team to victory.’ But sadly, no.

By gee

January 22, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this

Maybe we can install a hidden compartment in the football next season. We know there will be no more fumbles after that! LOL!

By Sorry

January 22, 2007 03:48 PM | Link to this

Michael, I apologize I was quick to judge and I shouldn’t have. This should not be only a lesson for Vick, but it should be a lesson to us all.

By Jen

January 22, 2007 03:48 PM | Link to this

As to a cover up?

I don’t think so. Airport security is a federal issue. I don’t think Vick or Blank are capable of throwing their weight around with our nation’s security.

By Traceman

January 22, 2007 03:48 PM | Link to this

Yeah, right Larry! Al and Jesse made a call to the Governor’s Office and they were able to convince their buddy Jeb Bush to have his State crime lab initiate a coverup. I see how that could happen.

By Robert

January 22, 2007 03:48 PM | Link to this

“Let thee who be without sin, cast the first stone” Dang, why everybody running, something I said.

By Jimmy

January 22, 2007 03:49 PM | Link to this

I wonder who Blank paid off and how much?

By VickBlows

January 22, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

What a joke. First there was a particulate that smelled like weed and it was low priority, so it would be several weeks before the particulate would be analyzed. Suddenly, less than a week later, the State Attorney’s office has the results, but it’s wasn’t really weed (no expaination needed for the particulate and the odor). Let’s start with the fact that he had an object designed to conceal narcotics and tried to sneak it on a plane. If nothing else, he should be chastised for stupidity. If he knew he wasn’t guilty, Vick would have stood defiantly in front of the cameras and proclaimed his innocence. I never saw him. This is so clearly a coverup that a blind man would see through the smoke, no pun intended. Vick is the most overrated professional athlete I can recall. He runs great, but throws like a girl. Time to trade him for whatever we can get. I’d take a offensive lineman and two hotdog vendors. Plus, if Vick is traded to the west coast, he could get a better dealer and wouldn’t have to smuggle his own weed.

By The Murf

January 22, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

Sounds to me that Mr. Blank cut a hefty check to the Miami-Dade police department………

By BRS

January 22, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

Schultz and the retarded D-heads in Atlanta kiss Mike butt where the sun doesn’t shine! Arthur Blank, Coach Petrino, Mckay and others why don’t you do Mike a favor and trade him to a real team and organization!

By john

January 22, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

I guess number 7 was being 007. Name is Vick——-Michael Vick. Hello Moneypenny…….

By yancy B

January 22, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

Jeff please do us all a favor and leave now. You give the AJC a bad name. I will never buy a paper as long as you are on the staff. You are the epitome of a REDNECK.

By Kenneth

January 22, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

I had been willing to give MVick the benefit of the doubt, but this stinks. How can I be a Falcon fan after this? Why was McKay and Blank so upset with Vick after their meeting if Vick was really innocent? Why hasn’t Vick stated his innocence publicly? This stinks of a coverup, and the Falcons and the NFL are involved.

Kenneth

By The Dr.

January 22, 2007 03:52 PM | Link to this

KCC.

I’m sure your child will at some point if not already THROW THE MIDDLE FINGER AT YOU, if he or she is anything like the other little BRATS of self righteous parents such as YOU. I’m sure he or she will at some point (if not already) smoke cigarettes, or weed or use ecstasy. I might even see your daughter with no teeth and high on meth as I commute down Fulton Industrial. Statistics will back it up (I know how people like to throw statistics around)

But I’m sure you’ll love them unconditionally.. Hypocrite.

By Falcon Since Birth

January 22, 2007 03:52 PM | Link to this

Just so you know, my little tiny Falcon’s jacket from my childhood is red and white. I’ve pulled for them every year. I’ve been disappointed but never ashamed.

I’m made weary by all this arguing over the merits and minuses of Vick as QB. This factiousness is itself the damaging element. The team needs personnel that all can rally behind. This was partially addressed by firing Mora and bringing on Petrino.

The remaining element of disagreement is Vick.

I don’t really think it matters whether or not the bottle tested positive. All I know is that this QB hasn’t been winning games and has been generating a league’s worth of bad press and scandal. How many years has he had to be trained?

Up or out. Bottom line.

Regardless of his ability, and his guilt or innocence, he has failed to produce results and has not lived up to the standards demanded by his status.

By don bozeman

January 22, 2007 03:52 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it a little coincidental that both Mike and Marcus Vick both attended Virginia Tech and both have run afoul of the law. Where were their parents and coaches when they were growing up. Didn’t they learn anything about society but sex and bling. With $120 million does Mike not feel an obligation to society in general and Atlanta in particular. He needs to spend a little more time with Warrick Dunn.

By butch

January 22, 2007 03:52 PM | Link to this

WELL EVEYONE KNEW HE WOULD GET AWAY WITH WHATEVER HE WANTS TO DO BECAUSE IT’S POLITICALLY CORRECT & AS GRANDPA ALWAYS SAID YOU CAN BUY ALL THE LAW YOU CAN AFFORD JUST LIKE O.J.

By Bre

January 22, 2007 03:53 PM | Link to this

As I said before: Innocent until proven guilty. AJC what’s wrong with your reporters? Do they hate MV so much that they have to go over and over and over the same “old news” in order to have something in print? How many times do we have to read about MV’s lawsuit? And all the other Mike Vick hype. I was and am a fan of Mike Vick. And for all you haters who think he’s so dumb, I for one, saw a lot of DUMB QBs playing yesterday. Maybe they all have been hit one time too many. AJC—-in the future, just the facts if you please!!!

By Kappy

January 22, 2007 03:55 PM | Link to this

Hey, did you hear what really happened?

According to officials close to the situation, Vick was reluctant to throw away the water bottle not because of the weed, but because he feared he might overthrow the trash can.

By gunznguitarz

January 22, 2007 03:56 PM | Link to this

If there are false positives, cant there be false negatives?

By Jason

January 22, 2007 03:56 PM | Link to this

Can you say PAYOFF? ‘Nuff said!

By kg

January 22, 2007 03:56 PM | Link to this

No drugs were found, but looking at McKay’s reaction (the NFL office has policies on punishment for this type of offense) it sure sounded like they expected something to happen. So, now what? Do we trade Vick? Reports are that Oakland is willing to trade the number one pick and Jerry Porter and Moss for Vick an the number 10 pick. That’s a starting point, but I don’t like it. If we get the number one pick, we don’t need Moss and Porter, don’t want them anyway.

To get Vick, we gave up the number 5 pick, a third and second the following year. Along with a couple of throw in players, including Tim Dwight.

To get Jeff George, we gave up the number five pick, a third rounder and a first the next year.

Using those trades as a guide, it means that Vick should be worth at least a first (number 5), third this year, and a first next year. So, the fifth and tenth picks would equate to the number one pick, if we wanted to draft CJ.

I would still rather trade Vick for Michael Huff, saftey, last year’s first round pick, this year’s second rounder and next year’s first.

What do you think?

By vick hater

January 22, 2007 03:57 PM | Link to this

i know what was in the bottle..”valtrex” for his buddy ron mexico.no really..he’s a thug just like his brother.birds of a feather i say.cast the first stone?? ok……whhhiiizzzz…..BAM!!!!! up side his corn rows. 7 years and zilch.most yards rushing for a quarterback??SO WHAT!!! All he has is a few good running plays.big deal. you guys weren’t sitting back going:he’s cleared!!praise the lawd when he flipped us all off.were you?? losers!! wake up!! he’s a thug. it was weed!!!

By VickSucks

January 22, 2007 03:57 PM | Link to this

Poor misguided Jen…

It’s only a federal case if the federal government files charges. And residue is only prosecutable if the DA files charges. This isn’t exactly a conspiracy theory - just an obvious coverup.

By MikeVick

January 22, 2007 03:58 PM | Link to this

Yes If I had tried to conceal mary jane, this is the way I would have done it. You know, in this secret compartment of a water bottle….and and I would not have wanted to give up my bottle. You know…don’t everybody carry a water bottle wif a secret compart-ment

By old timer

January 22, 2007 03:59 PM | Link to this

Hey MELO! is that short for water melo?

By Diogenes Jones

January 22, 2007 04:00 PM | Link to this

All you people trying to frame this as a “race issue” just miss the point. Do you really think everyone would be so quick to assume the worst of Donovan McNabb, for example? Of course not. He’s a man of class, unlike Vick, who in fact goes out of his way to act like, associate with, and presented himself as, a thug. We are rapidly becoming a society which is divided NOT by race, but by culture. If a disproportionate percentage of African Americans unfortunately choose to live … or at least emulate … the “thug culture,” they’re going to be treated with disdain by the rest of us (white OR black) who see it for the empty, flash-filled, counter-productive, violence-prone, vulgar, class-less, self-destructive lifestyle that it is.

By Antuan

January 22, 2007 04:01 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry I prejudged you, Mike. Next time I question you’re charatcer, I’ll wait ‘til I see you flippin’ people off on TV or settling your case out of court before I pass judgement. Hmm, even without the charges, the Mike Vick experience is not as exciting as it used to be. P.S. AirTran, you’re off the clock. Mike is ok to stay as your spokesperson.

By lorenzo

January 22, 2007 04:01 PM | Link to this

Mike,Brett Farbe,the great quarterback of the greenbay packers is about to retire, so please mike vick tell mr. Blank to keep his 130 mil and let you go so you to can become one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks ever. Remember Mike for as long as you live that no matter what you accomplish on or off the field in the south that you are still considered to be a n**** and these dirty low down dixiecrats will never accept you as their equals. With your offensive line, hell you had to run for a thousand yards, so mike keep on running and get the hell out of the south. Go on and become all you can be somewhere else, and let these dirty birds keep on flapping their wings in the wind for the next 30 years with no super bowl championships. Afterall, these birds let Brett Farvbe and coach Lovie Smith get away. They don’t want you down here mike. So pack your bags and get the hell own.

By Porkins

January 22, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this

Just D.,

First, learn how to spell. Secondly, why is it important for Vick to explain what was in a secret compartment hidden in a bottle that he didn’t want to throw away? How about because he is the quarterback of our team. He should not get any special treatment from the law, and at first, he didn’t. But now that he got lucky with the supposed lack of enough evidence (i.e., ashes and resin are just the smoke from the gun, I suppose) and the magic wand of the Suits, he gets off.

One of the Vick defenders’ favorite arguments is, “Who are you to judge? You know you’re not perfect!” A great diversion, creating a completely unrelated “argument” to distract from the fact that this man is a role model for kids whose job it is to get this city’s team a championship. I’m not perfect, but I’m also not making $130 million to represent a high-profile sports franchise and expected to set a good example for kids who believe they may have a chance to succeed in a similar fashion some day.

It’s not free to attend a game or buy a jersey, you know. How do you expect people to feel when they discover that their money is going towards Vick’s drugs? And that nothing will be done about his obvious transgression? I’m glad we’re teaching the next generation that as long as you run really fast, you can get away with anything.

By DirtDobber

January 22, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this

If you form an opinion here, you are in danger of being a “HATER” or a “RACIST” or both. Most of the opinions here have nothing to do with either - some obviously do because they BEG for antagonism - and you SUCKERS take the bait every time.

Am glad Vic was cleared but there are much deeper issues here that will not go away. Vic has the ABILITY and SKILL to step up to the task at hand. Whether he does or does not will be of his own choosing.
I wish I had this much control over my life and livelihood.

By Vickintelligence

January 22, 2007 04:03 PM | Link to this

Run to daylight, that’s the extent of his intelligence.

By T-Town Dawg

January 22, 2007 04:03 PM | Link to this

If the substance wasn’t marijuana, what was it? No one is saying because it was marijuana. Mr. Blank payed Vick’s way out of this one. Still kissing his sorry a$$ after all of the disgrace that he has brought to the franchise. I hope the rumor on the net today is true: Vick to the Raiders for Porter, Moss and the #1 pick. Actually, they can keep the thug Moss. He and Vick ought to work well together. There is no way that this whole thing with Vick is not a cover up.

By toshie

January 22, 2007 04:03 PM | Link to this

“Well Mr Schultz where are you. I agree with the gentleman that said some of us likes to throw the first stone. We should give everyone the benefit of the doubt. The media is a big pile of s* any way. They cause people to form opinions against others all the time. Why as intellgent humans do we let them do that to us.

By cj

January 22, 2007 04:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t care what ya’ll it’s still not as stupid a* riding a motorcycle without a helmet! At least Vick is smarter than Ben!

By BUSHWACKER

January 22, 2007 04:04 PM | Link to this

Does not matter, he is still an idiot and wiull never compete with players like Brady and Manning becuase he’s not smart enough and he does not want it bad enough!!!

76% of ajc poll says dump him!

By Don KeBallz

January 22, 2007 04:04 PM | Link to this

Now the Miami Dade police dept is corrupt also, must be the latino cops huh?…..You bigots just keep on reaching…

By Traceman

January 22, 2007 04:05 PM | Link to this

Porkins, you are an idiot. If the “residue” found in the bottle (not “resin”)was left from marijuana, the crime lab’s tests would have revealed that. That is true even if there was not enough residue left to allow formal charges to be levied against Vick. Bottom line, WHATEVER the substance was, it was NOT marijuana.

In addition, it was the OPINION of the officer who wrote the initial report that the bottle smelled like marijuana. Obviously, that is subjective. How much experience did the officer have regarding the smell of marijuana? Where did he gain this experience? A lot of the officers (and screeners) who work with TSA have VERY little experience and they use that job as an entry level position to get a more desirable law enforcement position. It is quite possible that either 1) the officer let the circumstances influence his opinion that the odor he smelled was marijuana or 2) he didn’t have enough experience to know what marijuana smelled like. Whatever the reason, the officer was clearly WRONG!

By reeses_peace

January 22, 2007 04:05 PM | Link to this

Mike,

There was nothing of consequence in the bottle; just a smell. The residue did not include an illicit substance. I read the report. Did you?

Stop speculating on the contents of the bottle. Science says nothing was there. You’re only questioning the scientific evidence because it doesn’t support your preconceived conclusion.

You need to be a man and admit that you were wrong. **Go out an buy a #7 Jersey and repent!

By butch

January 22, 2007 04:08 PM | Link to this

PUT HIM ON A SOUTH ALA. PULPWOODTRUCK HE WOULD BE GOOD AT THO ING THEM LOGS

By Marie

January 22, 2007 04:10 PM | Link to this

Once again the drive by media is up to its usual unprofessional selves. WSBadio.com publishes a poll asking visitors if Vick will ever change. Ditto for the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Last week 680 the Fan commentators trashed this man without all the facts. Silly Neal Boortz called him a thug (NOTE: its funny how he challenges anyone to “define racist” whenever anyone calls someone a racist. Yet he freely calls Vick a thug when according to the dictionary a thug is a violent, vicious person. Vick may be a lot of things but there is no evidence that this man is violent or vicious)among other things.

And lets not forget the AJC’s own Jeff Schultz who opined its time we trade Mike Vick based on this incident and other trivial matters.

No wonder our city fails to attract winners because we are so quick to throw someone under a bus for a little of nothing.

Mike Vick deserved the benefit of the doubt from the media in this city because (1) they never heard his side of what happened at the airport; (2) Mike Vick has NEVER been in any serious trouble with the law (no rape, no beating, murder, drug dealing, etc.) and (3)they had no idea if the TSA Agent or responding cop knew what the heck they were talking about. Only a lab test could confirm the presence of drugs and the appropriate response for the media to do would be to use the words ‘allegedly’ and ‘according to’. Instead this incidence was a reported as a fact and it is now sadly apparent that this was a rush to judgement.

I find it curious that the AJC consistently uses the word ‘allegedly’ to describe the obvious crimes of one Brian Nichols. And I also find it interesting that the fans of Baltimore (which happens to have at least 2 players on the Ravens who have been in far more serious trouble) stick with these guys and have given them a second chance. By golly, when commentators talk about Ray Lewis now you would think he was seated at the right hand of the pope.

Sorry Vick no such luck for you in this town.

By Gwen

January 22, 2007 04:10 PM | Link to this

As I stated INNOCENT UNTIL….You people need to find Jesus and stop judging. I hope your son or daugther never get blame for somthing that they did not do and others judge them, see how you feel. But we all know why don’t we?

By JMooty

January 22, 2007 04:10 PM | Link to this

Everyone… the media, so-called fans, coach, GM and owner joined the lynch mob against Mike… They rang the bell of ridicule and condemnation without hesitation and showed their true colors and lack of loyalty… All should be ashamed!!! Prior to this fiasco, Mike has had only one true negative incident during his 6 years with the Falcons (the middle finger gesture to some nasty fans after a frustrating loss when Vick had played his heart out)… Yet… he was vilified in the worst way when the Miami story hit the news… No one was on his side. He was guilty and convicted until proven innocent… And now that the truth has come out… None of those who were being critical of Vick’s character have said a word in apology or in support of his innocence. I hope Vick does not forgive or forget how his name was dragged into the dirt.. Hopefully he gets a good lawyer and drops a few lawsuits on those who have been screaming insults the loudest (Including the AJC and NBC’s SNL).. Who would blame Vick if he decided to leave the Falcons?? For all the positive that he has given the team and the ATL, he has gotten nothing in return but grief!! Maybe if Vick could change his hair, skin color, friends, family and play QB standing in the pocket like a statue then the Falcons could play like they have for the past 40 years and all the Vick-haters would be happy!!!

By bnadawg

January 22, 2007 04:12 PM | Link to this

All he has to do is show up for games and practice and work hard and stay off of the police blotter to make $GAZILLIONS every year and he is not capable. Can you say THUG

By Porkins

January 22, 2007 04:14 PM | Link to this

CJ, never compare the loser Vick to a quarterback who has won a Super Bowl. Ever. Thanks.

By bnadawg

January 22, 2007 04:14 PM | Link to this

Doesn’t everyone have a secret compartment in their water bottles?? Why would it ever be used for something illegal? Whoda thunk!

By cj

January 22, 2007 04:19 PM | Link to this

Hey, Bushwakcer, you think Vick has the same weapons on either defense or offense that either Manning or Brady has. Come on dude, do you even watch football! Let me offer some advice, 1. First you need to get some football in your system. 2nd, Vick has made it to within 1 game of the Super Bowl a couple of years ago. & 3rd. half of these venters are upset, becuase they know that he is the best QB that the Falcons has ever had. I challenge any of ya’ll venters to name 1 Falcons QB that’s better!

By The Media is a Joke

January 22, 2007 04:27 PM | Link to this

That question is sooooooo funny and ridiculous at the same time. Hey AJC — its irrelevant whether the public was unfair to Mike Vick. Its the nature of humans to jump to conclusions and assume the worse. I mean who doesn’t love a good conspiracy theory.

But the MEDIA loves to present itself as being unbiased, truth seekers, fair and balanced, etc. You are supposed to be trained professionals who report facts to the public and not speculation and conjecture. However, this story was anything but that — the man was GUILTY. And the AJC and other members of the drive by media locally and abroad is pitiful.

For you to ask ‘were we unfair’ is like Rosie O’Donnell asking ‘do these pants make me look fat?’ Answer to both: OF COURSE.

By hateworksihope

January 22, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

I just hope that Vick gets wind of the vitriolic hate people have for him and he leaves, that would be the best thing for the Falcons. I really would like to see Petrino with a clean slate, I do beleive Vick is a coach killer to an extent. I love the idea of a fresh start for the Falcons.

By Beretverde

January 22, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this

What is he doing with the fake water bottle? Why didn’t he argue his innocence? Strange dude indded! Not my choice for $130 million! As for the media being unfair… what else is new?

By TPM

January 22, 2007 04:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what was tested, but the bottom line is Michael Vick attempted to carry on a water bottle with a hidden component and apologized to the Falcons Brass last week. Why did he apologize if there was nothing there ?

By Will

January 22, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

SOMETHING SMELLS ABOUT VICK “EXONERATION”

I’m shocked, but not surprised, by Chris Mortensen’s report that Michael Vick will be exonerated for the incident involving a water bottle with a secret compartment and a pungent smell and a small brown particle that most likely wasn’t a booger.

Vick, who did not publicly proclaim his innocence, likely (in my opinion) purchased a high-priced lawyer who pressured the powers-that-be in Miami into dropping the matter. The tactics likely (in my opinion) included a passionate plea regarding the difficulty of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the bottle fished out of a recycling been by a TSA worker was the same bottle Vick had tossed in there, and maybe a thinly-veiled threat or two that the lawyer would start suing people into the Stone Age if the matter didn’t go away quickly.

And that’s where the report isn’t completely clear. Was the contention that the bottle with a secret compartment didn’t belong to Vick, or was it that the bottle with the secret compartment was Vick’s, but that it didn’t have any marijuana in it?

If it’s the latter, it hardly means that Vick is clean. Why would he even own a water bottle with a secret compartment if he wasn’t going to stick stuff in it that he shouldn’t have in the first place?

And if it was Vick’s bottle, look for Vick to still be in hot water with the Falcons.

By footballtalker

January 22, 2007 04:37 PM | Link to this

I too would love to see Vick gone because we need picks I think…does anyone know exactly how trading down works? And what exactly could we possibly get trading Vick or to get away from the Vick talk just trading down in general and forgetting Vick.

By Falcons Fan

January 22, 2007 04:37 PM | Link to this

I am so sick of bloggers saying that Vick can’t pass. (You all deserve the middle finger.)

Remember all the dropped balls this year people!!!!

I have never seen a QB become a great QB when his receivers weren’t catching the ball. Get a clue!!

Manning - Harrison. Brees - Horn. Vick - ?????

By darrell

January 22, 2007 04:38 PM | Link to this

Mr. excitement, 130 million dollars. Season tickets, 659 dollars. To hear Terrence Moore and all you Vick hater eat crow, PRICELESS.

By Falconrick

January 22, 2007 04:38 PM | Link to this

Did anyone see the “Really?” segment on Saturday Night Live’s weekend update? It was hysterical, but I also believe it was on the money- You put something your’e not supposed to take on a plane ( weed) into something else you’re not allowed to take on a plane ( water bottle). Pretty smart on Vick’s part, huh? Not to mention the fact the bottle had a secret compartment… Why hide something if you’re not doing anything wrong? And by the way- the digital RECORDING of all passengers going through the screening process clearly showed he ( Vick) possessd the bottle in question in the first place. Sure made me proud to be an Atlanta fan this weekend ):

By Porkins

January 22, 2007 04:38 PM | Link to this

From ESPN:

Vick’s attorney, Lawrence H. Woodward Jr., said Vick wanted to put the matter behind him.

“Michael fully understands that his actions on and off the field are a reflection on the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL,” Woodward said in a statement faxed to The Associated Press. “Michael intends to spend this off-season focusing on his family, working with his teammates and the new coaching staff to ensure that the Falcons have a great season in 2007, and devoting time to his charitable interests.”

HA! Still no real statement. If anything, it further proves his guilt from its complete avoidance of the issue. And look at that first sentence. This is just precious. What a blatant lack of respect for the fans.

By Koach Killa

January 22, 2007 04:41 PM | Link to this

The sample was probably too small to test. IQ80 got away with it this time. It always cracks me up to see the Vick lovers and the OJ lovers bend anything they can to support their fellow dirtbags. Yeah, everybody should take their fake water bottles full of residue on airplanes. Brilliant.

By Julio_Thomas

January 22, 2007 04:42 PM | Link to this

Apologize. All of you. ESPECIALLY FOR THE FRIGGIN’ HATCHET JOB THE AJC DID LAST WEEK.

By davidb

January 22, 2007 04:42 PM | Link to this

Found innocent? I wonder if he proclaimed his innocence when he was with Arthur, McKay and Petrino. I bet you my season tickets he did not claim innocent. So the bottom line is, he was guilty of having marijuana at one time in that bottle, even though Miami PD chose not to pursue. Guilty as charged.

By Wow

January 22, 2007 04:42 PM | Link to this

TO THE MV detractors: Where was your righteous indignation when Chipper got the Hooter’s girl pregnant and Bobby Cox smacked his wife around?? The problem with the local print (and broadcast)media and fans in this city is a lack of true loyalty to the players and your short memories. The Falcons, for the most part, suck…which is nothing new, no matter WHO the quarterback or coach is. There is no depth to the team. And, until there is depth and cohesion on this team, the season will always end in WHAT IF. Besides, the last time I checked, Michael Vick isn’t the only one on the field wearing a Falcon’s jersey. What do you expect….is he supposed to throw the ball, score the touchdown, and prevent the opposing team from scoring?? Get a grip people!! Besides, at the end of the day, IT IS JUST A GAME!!! GET OVER IT!!!

By AJ

January 22, 2007 04:43 PM | Link to this

Could there be any connection between this case being dropped and where the Super Bowl is being played this year? Hmmmmm???? I read a rumor I hope is true… Raiders interested in trade for Vick!!

By Football fan

January 22, 2007 04:44 PM | Link to this

Media? Vick’s high priced lawyer is more like it! Arthur Blank deserves the shame his QB(?) brings to him! Vick is not a leader and should not be th efqace of a franchise! How many times will he be excusd for his pathetic behavior?

By DUH

January 22, 2007 04:45 PM | Link to this

How DUMB are you Southern folks? Yes, Vick was found not to have any illegal substance in the water bottle. But, how many people go around with a “secret” compartment in their water bottle? Dang, no wonder you guys lost the war - your heads are still buried in the sand.

By John Ayoub

January 22, 2007 04:57 PM | Link to this

Personally, I don’t give a crap if he smokes some weed. Who hasn’t? On the other hand, I do care about him being too short, inaccurate and not able to run a two minute drill. We should trade him know while his stock is relatively high. Note, none of the QBs in the playoffs are running QBs, but they can all can run an NFL offense. Let’s stop judging Vick for his actions off the field and start judging him for his actions on the field. I heard the Raiders are going to offer the Falcons Randy Moss and their first pick for Vick - let’s take it and move into the NFL elite.

By dopeonarope

January 22, 2007 04:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Josh what evidence do you have for your negative comments about Mr Vick.You say he’s not a QB well your guide dogs lying or drunk.Please enlighten me as to how you reached the decision that he is a thug. Finally Josh what position do you play and for which NFL team?

By dirrtybird

January 22, 2007 04:58 PM | Link to this

I hope that Vick can sue Schultz for some kind of slander or defamation of character. What a joke this newspaper is.

By RB

January 22, 2007 04:58 PM | Link to this

Why have a water bottle with a secret compartment? Doesn’t he know that there are restrictions on that amount of a liquid that can be brought aboard? Maybe he did not remember b/c he smoked it on the way to the airport. I guess there wasn’t enough material left for a conclusive test. It is time to move on. I am looking forward to seeing what Shockley can do with some reps in the new system. Great leader, great poise and the physical tools.

By Matt

January 22, 2007 04:58 PM | Link to this

“In true southern tradition many fans will continue with the lynching of Mike Vick anyway.”

I love reverse racism :)

Take the Raider’s offer, this guy cost too much money!

By Tom Petty

January 22, 2007 05:07 PM | Link to this

So let’s get to the point, let’s roll another joint Let’s head on down the road There’s somewhere I gotta go And you don’t know how it feels You don’t know how it feels to be me

By Al

January 22, 2007 05:08 PM | Link to this

Josh,

Explain to me what your definition of a thug is? Is it his hair? Is it the clothes he wear? I know he has never been convicted of a crime! He just may spoke mariuana. I don’t know but you don’t know either. But if he does, and that makes him a thug, then that makes white america that partakes in the illegal drug, a thug!!! The again maybe it was the middle finger salute that makes him a thug. If that is the case, how many salutes have you given in your lifetime. Excactly!!!!

By getreal

January 22, 2007 05:19 PM | Link to this

If we could dump Vick and get a top notch DT and a S I’d be happy.

By butch

January 22, 2007 05:21 PM | Link to this

u can take the boy outta the jungle but u can’t the the jungle outta the BOY

By Psack

January 22, 2007 05:30 PM | Link to this

I APOLOGIZE!!

I was one (of the many) that threw Vick under the bus when the story came out. The evidence says he is not guilty of any “legal” offense.

Maybe he didn’t handle the situation correctly but why continue to throw p** at him when he is innocent??….Now that is some real hate. Ricky Williams admitted he smoked weed and he did not get crucified like Vick did.

By jean

January 22, 2007 05:38 PM | Link to this

Why does he have such a bottle if not for something he doesn’t want seen? It may not have been anything THIS time but he’s still guilty of being a jackass & making Atlanta look bad. This all could’ve been avoided if he hadn’t been a bonehead & followed the rules quietly like everyone else. He’ll never change & we’ll never be rid of him. Everytime I look at that ridiculous contract, I cringe. Oh well. The day they trade Shaubie, I’ll be very upset, maybe he won’t be the next Brett Favre but we’ll never know, I suppose.

By will50

January 22, 2007 05:38 PM | Link to this

To all those who want to dump Vick, I say good for you dump him if that will make you happy. Then the Falcons will really be losers. Vick is the only player of “note” on ur friggin team and you dump on him because of the past 2-3 seasons. Vick deserves better and he should be allowed to go elsewhere where fans will appreciated him. If he goes, it is the Falcons loss.

By doc6mt

January 22, 2007 05:52 PM | Link to this

Smart enough to be the highest paid starting qb in the league moroons. Seat back and enjoy the non black out Falcons game peckerwwwwds.

By Da Kid

January 22, 2007 05:59 PM | Link to this

Where is Schultz now. People are so quick to rush judgement about athletes (Ray Lewis). Shultz trashed and even asked for Vick to be traded and for what, speculation. Shultz has never played and down of football and yet can tell you what he think is best. Before Vick the Falcons where on the downfall, did we forget when games where blacked out. Sure he mad a mistake and it happens in life, there have been worse incidents, so there was no reason to crucify him. Vick has had three incidents that weren’t that big of deal and yet Schultz throws him under the bus. This is such a trendy town, we don’t support our sports teams unless they are winning. Half of the people who go to the games weren’t fans before Vick got here, he made them one, and now people want to turn there back on him. Vick much support because I understand what your going through. Not saying Shaub can’t get it done but let’s remeber when Vick didn’t play and people thought Doug Johnson would save the day. It’s not all Vick’s fault and I believe his teammates know that. Shultz should be the first in line to apolgize but he will probably find a way to justify his column, but that’s the way boys do. Shultz be a man and apologize so this franchise can move on and start winning. Don’t need hometown folks and hometown sportscasters bringing down Vick or any athlete in this town.

By Joe

January 23, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

It’s funny how they hate to talk about conspiracies when it comes to a racist like Mark Furman planting a glove, the Duke players or a 92 yr old lady getting shot down by police, HOWEVER when it comes to Vick and his water bottle, they think the Miami police was paid off…..YOU IDIOTS SHOULD BE COMEDIANS!!

By MIKE VICK Target Zero

January 23, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Jeff I can’t hear you?

By Ry

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

It does not change my opinion. Why was he carrying a bottle with a hidden compartment to begin with?? I am sure the hidden compartment is not for candy…he must have used it as some point for something that is illegal. Otherwise, why even have it. This is just another example of his poor judgement and lack of leadership abilities. We need a real pro QB who can lead his team…Vick is not a leader that much is true.