Moving On

Okay, I need a snappy comeback, somebody. I give up.

I have been a proponent of Michael Vick's return to the Atlanta Falcons.

But, today, there are some things I know to be true.

Like that Roger Clemens is a cheater and a whore.

And that Michael Vick is probably not going to be a Falcon again.

When the Falcons selected Boston College QB Matt Ryan with the #3 pick, it became clear the Falcons organization is moving on. And moving away from Michael.

I don't think picking Matt Ryan was a good move. I don't think many professional or armchair analysts expect Matt Ryan is a franchise savior. He is not highly projected to be an excellent quarterback. He was merely the best available. Maybe the Falcons don't need Michael Vick, but they need way more than a quarterback. The organization could have solidified the team with other position players. We need everything. The Falcons should have used the draft to build a team, not just replace the old quarterback. But the Falcons punked out, as usual.

Picking Matt Ryan was an image decision, not a football decision. And the inability to make football decisions is the reason why the Falcons can't put up a winning record more than one season in row. Remember, Brett Favre used to be a Falcon.

See, Arthur Blank got found out. Once it was reported that he and the Falcons organization were maintaining communication with Michael Vick while he was in prison, people started to put two and two together. Maybe the Falcons were going to wait it out. Maybe they weren't prepared to sacrifice Vick just to try to please certain people. After all, they have no more recourse in recouping the signing bonus they gave him. Why release him without compensation or trade him for a low round pick? The best way to get a return for the inconvenience is to make Michael pay up on the field of the Georgia Dome. He sells seats and merchandise and he even wins sometimes. It could be a relatively straightforward decision.

But the ever image conscious Arthur Blank got found out. Keeping his options open with the outcast Vick might have been the smart thing to do. But Blank doesn't have the balls to make tough football decisions. A football team can not be built on image alone. Blank is determined to prove otherwise.

Maybe Ryan will be a successful addition to the Falcons. I suspect he will be Joey Harrington redux. Nevertheless, despite the new quarterback, the Falcons still have the same problems with the fanbase they had the day before the draft. The season ticket waiting list is a distant memory. In fact, season ticket packages are now available for a mere $250. The Falcons are discounting 30,000 seats in order to encourage fans to attend the games. And I doubt Ryan jerseys are flying off the shelves.

The shallow attempt to "move on" with Matt Ryan only reinforces that the Michael Vick informs a lot of the decision making in the Falcons front office.

Ironically, Michael Vick is still running this team.

Not a Movie

I am excited to hear that Michael Vick is "practicing" his quarterback skills by playing prison football. Only a Falcons fan could be so pathetic as to consider the Leavenworth Penitentiary's production of "The Longest Yard" as positive omen for the team's future. But, certainly, Vick's homage to Burt Reynolds suggests he has a future with the Falcons. And, consequently, the Falcons have a future.

Anyone who thinks the Falcons can just move on post-Vick is naive. The Falcons faithful is a blingy crowd. We want excitement on the field. And Joey Harrington (or even alleged prospective draft pick Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan) just isn't going to cut it. 8-8 or not, Vick is a superstar and season ticket and jersey sales and fan interest reflected same. The fans already voted with their feet during the 2007 season. But 2008 might be more tolerable knowing that 2009 might beget #7.

And time heals all wounds. The dogs have been adopted out to loving homes and a once bitter team owner Arthur Blank has even become pen pals with Michael Vick! Blank has even lightened up about the situation so much that he's even using off color prison sex jokes when talking about Michael.

"Apparently, there was a prison football team and he played quarterback for both sides.”

Yeah, we all know Mike won't be the same after prison, Blank.

Still, Michael is practicing his accuracy and is hopefully enjoying better receivers and protection than he had in Atlanta. (I mean that in the football sense.)

Seriously, according to Blank, Michael is working hard toward self-improvement. And Blank is willing to help him.

"I just try to be supportive and as understanding as I can be. He talks about the process he is going through and what he has learned, the lessons of life, how he's going to come out a different person. He's sorry he has affected so many people in a negative way — the league, our club, our fans. He feels awful about that. The letters sound quite sincere to me. From a mental standpoint, he sounds good.

I told Michael I'll do whatever I can to be helpful to him personally. Nothing to do with the Atlanta Falcons. He's a human being and I would like to reach out and if I can be productive to him in some way, I would be happy to do that."

Michael Vick is still a member of the Falcons roster and there seems to be a slight glimmer of hope that he may be on the field in red and black as soon as he is allowed. Kevin Winston, the Falcons' senior director of player development, has visited Vick several times in prison. Frankly, the Falcons have no choice but to maintain ties and figure out how to recoup $16 million in pre-paid bonuses that Vick doesn't have to return. Even Blank concedes, "I'd love to see him playing again in the NFL. I would love to see him back in society where he can make a difference and go back to some of these communities and talk to some of these young folks about the impact of choices — choices he personally made about people he was with and choices he made about his own actions. That would be important.” Sure, those might be empty words designed to bolster Vick's trade value. But they might be an indication of the realization that Vick's greatest value to Blank is on the field - playing as a Falcon.

Without a doubt, Vick is getting picked first every time when the guys line up on the prison yard. "Uhhh, yeah, lemme get that dude." It's a no brainer. And if Vick is available to the Falcons in a year or so, I hope Blank calls 7's number. I look forward to that day. I just want to win and have some fun as a Falcons fan. So, yeah, lemme get that dude.

Fingers crossed.

Source

Recoupment or Windfall?

Reports have emerged that the Falcons are going to seek to recover $22 million of signing bonus money from Michael Vick. It is too early to predict whether the Falcons will be successful in recouping any or all of that money. Maybe even the players union will make an appearance. Maybe they will have something to say about recouping money from a player that is able to play (Vick's incarceration likely won't begin for months) and whether Goodell is making suspension determinations in the name of discipline or providing windfalls for owners.

Still, there are some reasons beyond the text of the player contract or the collective bargaining agreement why the Falcons might want to go easy on this one.

Firstly, Michael Vick made the Falcons PLENTY of money. Far more than $22 million or any salary they have paid Michael Vick. He sells the seats, the luxury boxes and the jerseys... Or at least he did. The Falcons can just invest their number 7 profits and collect the interest. If you're going to milk a man dry, at least do it in the Shield tradition and make him leave everything on the field.

The Falcons shouldn't necessarily be rewarded for their own conduct concerning the Vick matter. Arthur Blank chose to hover in the shadow of Goodell. That was his choice and his choice alone. If Blank was really about the bottom line, which is always clearer than the murky path of good public relations, he would be doing everything he could to keep his gift horse on the field. Arthur Blank is in the unique position of being dependent on essentially one player. The Falcons, as a team, have little goodwill in Atlanta. PETA, while loud and annoying, is not numerous enough to obstruct all the gates of the Georgia Dome. Another team is going to sign Michael Vick when he is available again. Blank could have chosen to ride the rough patch out and carried on with business. You can't give away money and then ask for it back.

Why should the Falcons be able to recoup all those millions from Michael when the Falcons could have spent a few thousand dollars on a private investigator? Then they would have known about Vick's activities and potentially been in a position to control them. The government was able to detail Vick's activities in a matter of weeks. Yet, the Falcons gave him over a hundred million dollars over a course of years, and they plead ignorance over how he spent his spare time. That's laughable. And just negligent.

Only an NFL emboldened by seemingly limitless powers over the players would sign off on the Falcons doing this. However, any agent with a brain is going to realize that the signing bonus is becoming increasingly vulnerable. Some players may instead opt to insist on higher base salaries or front loaded contracts. If that comes to fruition, the whole league will pay.

And what about the fans? For months, it seems like I have been waking up to bad news about the Falcons every morning. Michael Vick and the Falcons have caused me an incredible amount of fatigue. I want it to be over. I want to move on and enjoy sports and have fun with it. Yet, the Falcons choose to subject me and other sports fans to morning headlines about the status of their litigation with Michael Vick. They could choose to propose a reasonable settlement that would provide little consternation in lieu of playing hardball. There is difference between exercising the rights that are technically available to you and being fair. Instead, they are volunteering to jump on top of the pile on that is smothering all football fans, not just Vick. Please, spare me.

Did These Guys Get the Memo?

Two separate articles on Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline quote people close to the league willing to re-sign Vick afer his punishment. Michael Vick has committed the worst crime known to society. That is why he will serve a whole 12 or so months in camp jail. He narrowly avoided lethal injection. Gosh.

Former Green Bay Packers general manager and engineer of the 1996 Superbowl championship, Ron Wolf, says:

"If he pays his debt to society, why shouldn't he get another chance? Maybe I don't understand something in all of this, but you're supposed to get a second chance in this country.

We've had a lot of people in this league do a lot of bad things, and they still got a chance. Leonard Little killed someone (while drunk driving). Jamal Lewis went to prison (in connection to) selling drugs. Are you telling me that killing eight dogs is worse than killing a human being? … Yes, this is bad, but are you really telling me that he doesn't deserve a chance to play again when other people have committed crimes and come back?"

Another general manager says:

"It's going to take an owner who has big ones or a GM who has some (trophies) on his (side) to make that work. Since Vick still is under contract with the Falcons, executives from other teams are not allowed to talk about him from an employment standpoint."

I am on record saying that Arthur Blank lacks big ones.

The same article cites Jerry Jones and Al Davis as owners likely to be willing to take the "risk" of signing Vick.

An unnamed current general manager (claiming the NFL has asked current team officials not to publicly comment on the Vick case) says in the CBS article:

"If he goes to prison, time will pass. Months or years will pass, if he does go to jail. If he went to jail, and then left prison down the road, he'd still be relatively young, and there'd be a line of 15 to 20 teams waiting to sign him. Trust me on that. Teams are going to say, 'F--- PETA. F--- the bad pub. This guy is one of the most talented players of the last 10 years. I'll take my chances.'

Teams may say one thing publicly. But if he gets out of jail, we'll all be looking at Vick hard. We're all whores in football. You know the saying. We'd sign an ax murderer if he has ability. He'll be back. He won't be back in Atlanta probably but he'll be back in professional football. You can count on it."

In case you missed it, "We're all whores in football. You know the saying. We'd sign an ax murderer if he has ability."

He said "ho", but with an r-uh. That means he's serious.

Wouldn't it be funny if all the owners and GM's were running game on newbie owner, Arthur Blank.

"Yeah, Art. Cut that dude. It's going to be a PR nightmare." All the while, they're chomping at the bit to sign Vick in 2009 at a discount.

Yeah, Falcons fans find that prospect hilarious.

Blank's Got Jokes

The Atlanta Falcons have signed Tony Taylor to the roster.

Not Michael Vick's nemesis in the dog fighting case a/k/a "The Snitch."



But the linebacker from University of Georgia.




You ain't funny, little Home Depot man.

Preaching to the Choir

Michael Vick has finally made an appearance. Well, an audio appearance, that is.

He appeared on V-103 today. The highlights are as follows:

"Hopefully I'll see y'all again. It remains to be seen, but that's what I'm working on.

I just want to thank all my fans and all my support and all the people that are praying for Mike Vick and are in my corner right now. It's a crisis situation for me, but I'm going to get through it and I feel, by the grace of God, that's the only way. I believe in the outcome at the end, and that's why I put my faith in the man upstairs. It pains me not be down there right now because I know so many people want to see me and I want to be there."

...Hopefully, under the right circumstances, I think it can work. I know I put the city through a lot, my owner, Arthur Blank, who I love, sincerely; I put him through a lot. It hurts me to put him through this situation.

A lot of things would have to be worked out for him to put his faith and trust back in me. But if I had the opportunity, if it wouldn't be a problem, I'd like to come back, under the right circumstances."

It's a smart move for Vick to appear on a radio station known for being a voice for the Black community in Atlanta (it's also the #1 station overall in the market and, for background, the host has also recently faced legal issues). Especially after the protest yesterday. Vick knows the local community is already sympathetic to him. He spoke to people that are ready to listen to him. And Vick is putting pressure squarely on the Falcons. If the team feels like the local fan base is "compromised," it's going to inform future decision they make concerning Vick.

The interview was taped. That is also smart. His lawyers could monitor the comments to make sure they wouldn't incriminate him.

And the interview counters the coverage of the Tony Taylor plea today. One would imagine the news organization will lead with Vick's comments (the good news, then focus on Taylor (the bad news).

I did listen to the audio (I will update the post w/ audio if it becomes available). He sounded calm, relaxed and genuinely aware of the bad situation he has put his various business partners in. He did reiterate the "under the right circumstances" comment as far as coming back to the team. However, he did express remorse about Blank personally, so it's hard to tell how bristled he is about the way the Falcons are treating him.

Overall, the interview was a good move for him. It's about time he made one of those.

Update : The audio is posted on the homepage here.

Vick Has Supporters Too

Pat Forde of ESPN wrote a column last week about the challenges facing the sports commissioners. Tucked deep in the middle of that article before it was changed updated, he pondered whether Black people would turn their back on the NFL over the treatment of Michael Vick.

I don't know if it will come to all of that. But Arthur Blank..



and Nike...



might want to keep an eye on the situation.

A rally was held in support of Michael Vick in front of the Georgia Dome. About 200 people demonstrated on a Sunday afternoon in off and on rain showers to protest against the rush to judgment against Michael Vick in the court of public opinion. That's significantly more people than the few dozen PETA has managed to assemble each time in front of NFL office, Falcons' training camp and the Richmond courthouse.

The protesters' call to arms are perfectly reasonable. Whatever your opinion on Michael Vick or the charges, it doesn't undermine any position to take the "wait and see" approach. Or at least speculate on both sides of his criminal prospects. The coverage has been so negative, it's as if he has one foot in the jailhouse.

And it's the unfair treatment that makes some people start to feel sorry for Michael Vick. Punishing Mike Vick is fine. He deserves to face the consequences for putting his employers and business partners in a precarious situation. Still, the punishment should suit the crime. At some point, it just comes off as piling on. And at some point, the Black community is going to wonder why.

Every American should bristle at the thought of your livelihood being completely stripped without due process. That's why certain people are suddenly looking at Arthur Blank and Nike sideways. It would be one thing for Blank to punish Vick swiftly and fairly, but the Falcons seem to be embarking on a full scale disassociation with Michael Vick before he's been convicted of anything. This coming from someone who held himself out as a friend to Vick, not just an employer. And Vick's merchandising partners are pulling the same suspect "I don't know that Negro" routine.

Of course, it's important for Vick's economic partners to protect their bottom line. But are PETA activists the extent of the bottom line? What about the season ticket holders? Most of the people protesting were wearing Vick merchandise that they purchased from the companies that suddenly think that Vick is enemy #1. Vick jerseys are still available at full price in Atlanta stores. Is it going to eventually cost these various companies involved more to punish Mike Vick than to just let the situation play itself out? How many season tickets have to be cancelled to offset the suite owners that might want to see Vick gone? Who's going to replace Vick's merchandise volume? A balance needs to be struck between all the interests concerning the Vick situation. So far, that is what is missing in the mind of those protesters.

You can have more than one opinion on this Vick's circumstance.

Vick brought this on himself, but he deserves to be treated fairly.

You can love animals, yet still understand that, fundamentally, they are property. (see Larry Smith who said that fighting dogs is worse than raping a woman)

You can love animals and still know that the condemnation of Vick for allegedly fighting dogs is an act of the highest hypocrisy for the faux animal activists who have suddenly emerged all over TV.

You can think Vick broke the law, yet agree that his punishment shouldn't be never ending.

And you can know someone is not your friend and still get along. The protest might be an indication that is the most optimistic prospects for the relationship between the Black community and Arthur Blank/Nike. For now, it's likely a wait and see situation before there is any drastic retaliation. The same courtesy should be extended to Vick.

Pics from the AJC

The Legal Process Begins for Vick

Michael Vick made his first appearance in court yesterday in connection with federal dogfighting charges. Not surprisingly, Vick entered a "not guilty" plea. Michael's lead attorney Billy Martin made a confident statement declaring their intent to vigorously fight the charges.

There were a few notable developments at the hearing.

The judge ordered Vick to remain in the Richmond area. This is not a highly unusual restriction. However, Vick would need court approval to travel outside of the Richmond area. Obviously, Vick's travel restrictions would complicate any effort to play for the Falcons at home and on the road.

Also, the federal government announced they would introduce a superceding indictment in the coming weeks. It's difficult to speculate on the nature of the new indictment. It could be for the purpose of adding or subtracting conspirators. For example, maybe Vick's cousin Davon Boddie (who lived in the house) finally gets charged. Also, the government could be introducing new charges applicable to some or all of the current defendants. Most likely they would be of a separate nature. For example, a gambling or drug trafficking charge, as those activities frequently go hand in hand with dog fighting enterprises.

Finally, Billy Martin made a statement on behalf of Michael Vick.

"Today in court I pleaded innocent to the allegations made against me. I take these charges very seriously and look forward to clearing my good name. I respectfully ask all of you to hold your judgment until all of the facts are shown. Above all I would like to say to my mom I'm sorry for what she has had to go through in this most trying of times. It has caused pain to my family and I apologize to my family. I also want to apologize to my Falcon teammates for not being with them at the beginning of spring training."

Personally, I am disappointed that Vick didn't make that himself. Legally, there is absolutely no benefit for Vick to make any statement. However, there is a pragmatic need to balance court in the technical sense and the court of public opinion. Vick has to protect his freedom, but he also needs to protect his image. It's possible to do both.

Also, it's hilarious that Michael Vick didn't apologize to Arthur Blank or the Falcons organization in general. I guess they're not friends anymore. But if you're so-called friends will cast you aside when there's trouble, Blank is barely an upgrade over the "friends" who helped get Vick into the situation he faces now.

Maybe Women Shouldn't Own Football Teams

It's clear after the Falcons' press conference today. The Falcons don't plan on standing by Michael Vick as he awaits resolution of federal dogfighing charges. They don't want anything to do with him. The team claims they wanted to suspend Vick for four games. How they contemplate a future where Vick can rejoin the team after missing training camp and four games is beyond me. So, it's clear.

Arthur Blank reacted with his emotions. The possibility of an indictment has been on the table for months. Still, today Blank is "disappointed" in Michael Vick. That's cool if you're getting over a breakup with a dreamy guy. But this is football. It's about wins and losses. I'm a grown woman and I can suck up any embarrassment I have as a fan for the sake of winning. Blank is a girl though. He's wallowing in betrayal like a teenager. The Falcons' stance against Vick makes no rational sense. Defensive Tackle Jonathan Babineaux allegedly killed a puppy with his bare hands and he's still on the roster. Safety Jimmy Williams just caught a marijuana charge. He's still on the roster. Patrick Kearney was injured for most of last season AND had a woman allegedly raped in his home and he wasn't dismissed from the roster before he signed with Seattle.

Blank kept saying over and over in the presser that he told Michael about the people he hung out with and that Vick should focus on his his legal issues. Blank can't tell Vick what to do. He thought he could. Now the Falcons are rebuilding. I think Blank realized just this week that he ain't Michael Vick's goddamn daddy.

Blank couldn't have been making a "football" decision. Maybe it's that time of the month for him?

You can't say out of one side of your mouth that the Vick you read about in the indictment wasn't the Vick you knew and then say out the other side Joey Harrington is your starter for the season. At least talk to me about Daunte Culpepper. Say you're starting the search for the QB of the future by giving DJ Shockley snaps. I only crave a football decision, not a specific reprieve for Vick. This is a team that hasn't had two winning seasons in a row! Yet Rich McKay and Arthur Blank still feel they enjoy the luxury of having a "character" team. Whatever that means.

Like Falcons management isn't culpable... What kind of negligent is the Falcons' management to not know Vick enjoyed a little dog play? Rich McKay said with a straight face that he didn't even realize people indulged in dog fighting. That sort of ignorance on the part of the general manager does a lot to explain the Falcons' receiving core.

The league and the Falcons can't possibly believe that something significant will happen in Vick's legal matter before now and the beginning of the season. That's a scant two months away. They will be lucky to have a discovery hearing between now and then. Unless... They want Vick to plead out and resolve this situation for then. Yeah, that's the move of a "character" organization. Force a guy to sacrifice his freedom to avoid the company embarrassment. A trial happening during the season is possible, but not likely. "Scooter" Libby was tried in the same district court and his indictment to trial journey took about 2 years. Some of the most major convictions of dog fighters have taken from nine months to over two years, even in federal court.

For the record, it doesn't take a superlawyer to glance at this case and reasonably entertain the possibility that Michael Vick can beat the charges. The federal government hastily threw together a case within a couple of months. The "cooperating witnesses" are most certainly criminal scumbags who might easily be discredited. Plus Michael Vick has unlimited resources for his defense, the defense of his accusers and, ahem, maybe financial influence over some potential witnesses.

If the Falcons and/or the league are genuinely worried about the media circus, they could opt to restrict media access if it's that deep. Hanging Vick out to dry - alone - is not the only solution. Just say clearly that you do or do not stand by Vick. Then it's a non story. At least from the "will they or won't they" perspective. ESPN will obsess, but that's what they do. And they're going to do it whether Vick is playing or not. If he was on the field, at least there would be a chance to turn it into a conversation about winning. As for the mainstream media.... Lindsay Lohan just caught a case. Michael Vick is not going to be the lead story generally.

This isn't going to end well. The Falcons are cursed as losers. Blank and his orange apron aren't going to work any magic. Michael Vick will probably find a way to clear himself of the charges and then Falcons management will look like assholes and they will have burned their bridges. I'm not surprised that the Falcons are shunning Vick, but I'm mad as a fan. And if Blank can act like a bitch, I can pout too. I bet the Cincinnati Bengals won't have a half empty stadium this season.

Put Me Out of My Misery

Michael Vick is banned from training camp until the NFL completes a review of his federal indictment for dogfighting.

What am I to think of this?

Is the NFL just laying low until Falcons practices go private and/or the NBA scandal evolves into a full blown nuclear meltdown?

Or is the NFL just laying the groundwork, with the blessing of Upshaw the Castrated, for Vick's indefinite suspension?

Did a few dozen PETA protesters really scare the NFL?

Does Arthur Blank need reprieve from making a big boy decision? Still, he has to be irritated that the NFL has essentially impaired his ability to get money back from Michael Vick if he decides to discipline him. Apparently, Vick's contract has a penalty for missing the opening of training camp. Because Vick's hearing is on the first day of training camp, he would automatically be in violation and potentially have to repay the Falcons some of his signing bonus. The NFL has resolved that potential issue in favor of Vick.

There is some good news today. The authorities in Surry County, Virginia decided they wouldn't pile on and press charges against Vick. And Vick hired a competent advocate - Billy Martin. ESPN has convicted Vick already. The NFL isn't sure. Blank isn't sure. Upshaw doesn't have a clue. Billy Martin is an aggressive lawyer. He has defended Jayson Williams and Monica Lewinsky. The signs say Vick isn't going to plead out. At least somebody has his back. Hopefully, Billy Martin will advise Vick to make an appearance this week before his court date. The "perp walk" can't be the first image that the public has seen of you in months. After that, I hope he demands that the Falcons cut Vick and take the salary cap hit, before they put him on some bullshit leave. See, that's where Upshaw's shortcomings become clear. Gene Upshaw's sole purpose at work is to be an advocate for the NFL players. First and foremost, that means he defends the rights of an NFL player to be PAID and to PLAY. PERIOD. Until Donald Fehr is cloned on behalf of the NFL players, hopefully Billy Martin will step up to defend Vick.

And right now it appears Billy Martin might be the only one defending the Falcons faithful. If Vick doesn't play this season, the Falcons season is done before it started. But, if Vick is gone for the indefinite future, we are officially in rebuilding mode. That means not just season but two or three after it - at least.

But, quietly, is Vick really being punished right now? He gets to sit out training camp with full pay! How many other veterans would like to be inside their home theaters catching up on their stories or back episodes of The Meadowlands? Doesn't everybody hate training camp? The NFL Conduct Policy is in such disarray now. Goodell is just making stuff up as he goes now. The indictment only takes about 30 minutes to review. They don't need more time. They just don't know what to do. Hopefully, Billy Martin will have some suggestions.

Arthur Blank speaks at 4 pm. More later.

Vick Should Remain QB

Just because Michael Vick is a knucklehead, we should all suffer?

I was surprised when Vick was indicted and horrified reading the allegations. But it didn't take me long to decide that I wanted to see Vick on the field this season. Flat out, if Vick is not the quarterback, the season is presumptively tanked. Joey Harrington is not the one.

The NFL is full of manslaughter committing, murder trial having, gun running, marijuana trafficking, drug dealing, drug taking, wife beating, baby mama abusing, bar fight starting, DUI getting, strip club fight starting, pain pill abusing, steroid rage having, cleat stomping assholes. Vick is not the first and he won't be the last NFL player to get into trouble. Michael Vick should not be singled out. If it gets to that, let him pay his debt to society and/or the league and let Ookie back on the field.

There is no way that Vick should be suspended with or without pay before due process takes it course. That would just be an unfair action with total disregard to Vick's presumed innocence. And one idea that has been gaining steam - that Vick should take a leave of absence - should not be considered unless the legal proceedings substantively interfere with Vick's ability to do his job or the situation otherwise becomes untenable. Yeah, they'll be some booing at the games, but it'll settle down. The league has been through this before.

There is no need for Falcons owner Arthur Blank to overreact to the situation. Locally, Vick's current troubles make little difference to the Falcons fans. Vick has long been a divisive presence in Atlanta (for a variety of reasons). So, if you were a Vick detractor, you'll just be a more enthusiastic Vick detractor. If you are a Vick supporter, he needs you more than ever.

Still, the tone of the ESPN coverage on Vick is so somber, it's as if Vick is being held for assassinating the president. The analysts have gone stupid just to paint as dire a picture as possible. This morning, Mike and Mike wondered why Kobe Bryant's endorsers reacted more swiftly against him than Vick's endorsers have. Because Kobe was accused of violently harming a PERSON, not a dog, geniuses. Plus, I assume Nike, maker of leather shoes, could care less about PETA. Also, The NFL Live panel had an entire debate on whether Vick could handle a trial during the season. For some unknown reason, they decided the trial would be occurring in 4 months. Their own analyst, Roger Cossack, said a trial would probably not occur inside a year. Still, they chose a selective "fact" they wanted to run with and ran with it.

Nevertheless, any publicity is good publicity. If Vick stays on the field, the Falcons will be the number one story of the season. If Vick is not on the field, we'll be an afterthought. I bet ALL the networks who have Falcons games this season want Vick on the field. It might not be the kind of publicity Arthur Blank prefers, but it's better than none. The Falcons don't really have any other options.

As a fan, I am not interested in the morality of the players on the field. Judging the relative "goodness" of players is an exercise in futility. I will settle for wins. In that respect, Michael Vick is my best hope.

Damn Feds!

Not only did the sneaky ass Feds surprise everybody with the indictment of Michael Vick, they have scheduled Vick's first hearing for July 26 - the first day of training camp. It's at 3:30 pm, so there's no way Vick can practice that day.

Right now, 62% of AJC readers plan to throw away their #7 jerseys.

The Atlanta Falcons message boards are inoperable.

Morning sports talk hosts plead for calm in the stands at home games. Midday sports talk hosts say suspend him with pay. Callers prefer Vick over Harrington. No PETA members have called in yet.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank just got back from Africa and is "huddling" with team and league officials concerning the Vick indictment. Vick is characterized as being "devastated" by the indictment.

Arthur Blank Goes All "Stern" On Vick

Falcons owner Arthur Blank, concerned that quarterback Michael Vick could be suspended by the NFL, has had another meeting with his embattled star where "I could not have been more stern."

Blank spoke to Vick in person about a series of recent off-the-field incidents, most recently an ongoing investigation of illegal dog fighting at a property he owns in Virginia.

Blank said he did not know if Vick has any involvement but, "from the facts we have so far, it's not a pretty picture. It's clearly an issue and we'll wait and see what revolves around it. I'm not a prosecutor or an attorney so I'm not going to sit in judgment of Michael."

Arthur Blank isn't a snitch, but he gave his boy up for his own good. I turns out it was Blank himself who sent Michael Vick to NFL commissioner Roger Gooddell to speak to Michael Vick about his misconduct.

Stating the obvious, Arthur Blank is smarter than Michael Vick. It was very, very clever of Blank to be proactive in dealing with the league commissioner. In the future, the commissioner may be lenient with Vick, if that becomes necessary. And it makes the Falcons organization look cooperative in the commissioners' eyes. It's always a good idea to get in good with the big boss. Good thing somebody is thinking ahead in the Falcons organization. Can't have Mike doing all the intellectual heavy lifting.

I typically frown on business people who make personal decisions concerning the company and normally look sideways at paternalistic White people, but I have no reason to suspect Arthur Blank is doing either right now. Blank has consistently demonstrated a genuine loyalty to Vick, whether he's pushing his wheelchair or signing off on his hundred something million dollar salary. Arthur has consistently stood by Vick despite Mike's constant missteps. It may indicate that Blank is too close to his employee, but I don't doubt that Blank has the franchise's best interests at heart. Blank is doing it his way - the warm and fuzzy way apparently - and I can accept that. Arthur Blank warned Michael about endangering his endorsements and said he told Vick, "You represent us as a franchise, you represent yourself as a person and you represent the NFL. It's not one single thing, it's a series of things." There's no flaw in that approach.

When people start doing random, WTF stuff, it's usually a sign of trouble at home - a person who lacks a parent or a significant other or even a good friend. If Arthur Blank insists on being Michael's friend, that's a good thing. According to unnamed sources in Vick's camp, Michael listens to the last person who speaks to him. If the last person Vick heard is Arthur Blank, then maybe fans can be hopeful that Mike can put his Ron Mexico days behind him. Good news. Michael Vick is selling the house (and the dog pens) in Virginia. It's probably too early to tell if he will rebuild trouble elsewhere.

Source

Et Tu, Blank?

So, I guess Dan Reeves isn't coming back.

The Atlanta Falcons have hired Bobby Petrino, formerly of the University of Louisville, to be the new head coach.

Petrino was hired a mere six days after Jim Mora was fired. To me, the speed of this hire says that Arthur Blank and/or Rich McKay knew who they wanted all along, especially given that the financial details of the contract were hammered out so quickly.

And hiring who you wanted all along was one of the issues that the NFL mandated minority interviewing requirement was supposed to address. Consequently, I would like to express my disappointment that the Falcons organization brazenly trivialized the minority interviewing requirements in the way they went about hiring Petrino.

I thought it was just odd when McKay and Blank fired up the ol' private jet and went to Chicago to interview both Ron Rivera (Hispanic) and Mike Singletary (Black) in quick succession last weekend. In hindsight, they were just quickly taking care of two NFL mandated problems. I thought Singletary was an especially odd head coach interview, considering that he was only a linebackers coach. But in hindsight - if I was the cynical type - I could guess that the Falcons deliberately chose two minority candidates who seemed legitimate but would not draw much ire when they were passed over. Maybe that's why Norm Chow wasn't even interviewed.

And I'm not pining for a minority head coach for the Falcons. I want the best head coach available for the team. However if you mock the minority interviewing requirements, then I don't know how seriously you take personnel selection. Any organization committed to the human resources process would have no problem with the requirements. In fact, they would embrace them. After all, it just gives you the opportunity to cast the broadest net. So, by skirting the minority interviewing requirement, it shows a general lack of commitment to personnel selection. And, most definitely, Rich McKay's overall personnel selection has been questionable so far in Atlanta.

What was the rush? Even with the Miami job opening up, the Falcons job was probably still the best job available (the Pittsburgh job is likely going to be an inside hire). The Falcons had the leverage. Where was the effort? Wayne Huizenga allegedly flew to Costa Rica to get face time with Pete Carroll. That's serious recruiting. Alabama set the example for displaying incredible patience and getting their #1 pick, Nick Saban. That's serious recruiting. So the Falcons couldn't wait one more weekend to go fishing with Jimmy Johnson? See if Tony Dungy wanted a change of scenery after the Colts got bounced out of the playoffs? Make one good pitch to Bill Cowher? Wait and see if Bill Parcells became available? I definitely think the Falcons could have waited a little while longer to get a slam dunk choice. Frankly, the hot new college coach du juor are a dime a dozen.

Obviously, there is a reason why the Falcons hired Petrino. He is known for running an aggressive and creative offense. And we need that in Atlanta. But there are some questions with this hire. Frankly, I'm underwhelmed.

1. He is yet another college coach trying to successfully transition to the NFL. The odds are against him. And he doesn't even come from a big time program (sorry, Louisville fans).

2. The Falcons overpaid. They are paying Petrino $24 million over 5 years. That's a lot of change for an unproven college coach. Indeed, there aren't too many coaches at any level that you can't get for that price.

3. Petrino has ONE year of experience in the NFL, as an offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He went 6-10 with Mark Brunell as QB.

4. He has 12 jobs in 24 years, despite Blank claiming that he wanted a coach that would stay here for 10 or 15 years.

5. He's got a little Saban in him. He famously boarded a booster funded private place to interview for the Auburn job a couple years back when the job wasn't even open.


Mostly, I'm bitter we ended up with a college coach. To me, that is not the hire of an organization that claims it is serious about winning now. Any guy making that kind of transition needs a little bit of time for the learning curve. But I don't know if Falcons fans have that time to spare. Michael Vick isn't getting any younger. But as a Falcons fan, I'll give Coach Petrino the benefit of the doubt. But the rope is short.

State of the Falcons - The Coach Killer Edition

Or is it the "fuck you" edition? Michael Vick has since apologized for flipping off the fans. He claims he did it in the heat of the moment out of frustration. But I hardly blame him. (BTW, allow me to point out that by the game's end, everyone had left the dome. Our fate was sealed with about 4 minutes to go. Those fans in the picture stayed to the end for a reason. I can only imagine what they were spewing. Also note they are obnoxious Falcons fans - not an obnoxious Saints fan in the bunch.)

Let me get something clear right now. Michael Vick does not deserve to be thrown under the bus. He is the leader of the team and, of course, he is responsible for the good and the bad. But the national media has gone too far. Michael Vick is the best thing that ever happened to the Falcons organization and I'm not just saying that because approximately 80% of the metro area population owns a #7 jersey. If you want to talk about Michael Vick, don't mouth off based on the box score or the highlights. Watch the games. All the games. I have maintained all season that Vick is throwing accurately this season. I stand by that - because I watch the games. When Mike first got to Atlanta, he was indeed throwing the ball 10 feet past the receiver. In fact, that is a big reason why I wanted a receiver like T.O. to come to Atlanta in order to ameliorate Vick's passing deficiencies. He is not doing that anymore. In fact, I will say 95% of the passes that Vick is throwing this season can be caught by a professional wide receiver. Unfortunately, those are in short supply in the Atl. The play calling is erratic and often irrational. The offensive line goes from worse to worser each passing minute. But do you know how we manage to remain 4th in total offense in the NFL, yet our quarterback is the 6th most sacked QB in the NFL (ahead of David Carr!)? Michael Vick. He is not a coach killer, inconsistent, etc. etc. He is a playmaker. End of story. And right now he is looking like the only one we've got.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank is trying to do damage control. But if Michael Vick is the coach killer Jim Mora, Sr. says he is, then he needs to man up and finish the job. Secretly, I was kind of pleased to see Vick angry enough to start flipping off people. He's got to decide who is going to define his legacy. The media? The coach? The GM? Especially as a player who has the ear of ownership, Vick needs to go ahead and decide what he's going to do. Does he want a ring or not? Does he want to be in the Hall of Fame or not? Although I appreciate it when Mike straps the "S" on his chest and breaks off 50 yard runs to keep the team in the game, he's got to realize that his job description is broader than even those super feats.

I was so concerned about the Falcons that I attended the game in person this week. I am no good luck charm. It was horrible. I don't care how much improved the Saints are, the Falcons never go 0-2 to the Saints. The mood in the GA dome alternated between wails of anguish and sustained booing. But mostly wails of anguish.

The defense played well in spurts. Unfortunately, they allowed the Saints to get two consecutive TD's in the first half. Not to mention the "hail mary" as the 1st half was expiring. That might be one of the most embarrassing plays in Falcons history. There might have been 6 Falcons on that Saints receiver. Not one of them could make a play. The passing defense and the corresponding zone coverage are unwatchable at this point. We are certainly not getting the expensive defense we paid for (Fuck you, Rich McKay).

Fuck you, Roddy White. Fuck you, Michael Jenkins. Fuck you, Ashley Lelie. I don't think there is a team in the league who can say that their entire receiving core is absolute trash. Trash! The whole bunch.

I can continue.

We have no red zone offense.

Warrick Dunn continues to be below standards and/or Jerious Norwood is getting too many touches.

Blah, blah, blah. I could go in forever in painful detail about all the things that are going wrong for the Falcons.

Yet, it is the special pain of the Falcons fan that we can't even be put out of our misery. You see, the rest of the NFC sucks too. Carolina lost today. The Giants lost today. The 49ers don't appear to be a serious playoff threat. Philly is done. No one can say who the NFC wild card teams are going to be. So, you see, folks. We are still technically in the hunt! Oh, kill me now...

And to think, we could be Dallas. Full of upside. Headed to the playoffs. But even though Vick and Mora and even Gregg Knapp came out in support of acquiring Terrell Owens in the off season, the GM apparently decided we could do better. In fact, no one will convince me that McKay did not waste millions of dollars and a 1st round draft pick on John Abraham who has played 1 3/4 games this season) as a smokescreen so he wouldn't be on the hook for picking up T.O. Why aren't the Falcons built like Indy? Huh? Huh? Instead, McKay "upgraded" our defense. Regrettably, I see that "upgrade" every Sunday.

Probably even more so than Dallas, Atlanta needs an "illuminator," a black light so to speak. The people are calling for Knapp's head and replacing him might help Atlanta, but its likely to turn out to be another miscellaneous change that doesn't really give us any answers. Our organization should be really jealous of Dallas right now because the "illumination" T.O. provided might turn out to be the biggest benefit of bringing him there. When you bring in a sure thing, then it becomes clear what the deficiencies are. Do you think the switch from Bledsoe to Romo would have been made if not for T.O.? People were even starting to throw Parcells under the bus. When T.O. is part of the offense and you can't get the ball to T.O., then that means your quarterback sucks (that means you too, Jeff Garcia). There were no more excuses for the Dallas offense. With T.O. there, they had nothing to lose by getting rid of Bledsoe. Owens would have done the same for the Falcons organization. We would know who really sucks by now. It would have shown on the field, not to mention, T.O. would have been happy to scream it from the rafters.

We still need some light shined on the Falcons situation. Given Vick's improved passing ability, I'll concede that it doesn't have to come from the WR position (although we have to get WRs that can catch), but we have to bring in a proven entity in the coaching staff or say an additional high quality running back or even an offensive lineman to "illuminate" who's really not getting the job done. Then we can move on from there...