SI: Michael Vick at the crossroads
May 10, 2007 at 9:10 pm by Scott Freeman in News, SportsMichael Vick’s long off-season just continues on and on. Now is a damning story posted by Don Banks of SI.com, which features interviews with unnamed friends of Vick and some very telling comments from Falcons owner Arthur Blank.
Writes Banks:
Seven years into an NFL career known for its peaks and valleys, Vick’s off-field behavior has become almost as newsworthy as his unique on-field talents. Many wonder if he will ever mature enough to embrace the responsibilities and expectations inherent in being a franchise quarterback in the NFL. More importantly, there are questions about whether his liabilities are approaching a tipping point in Atlanta, and if 2007 could be his make-or-break season with the Falcons.
The portrait of Vick that sources painted was of a “rock star” athlete who believes the rules don’t apply to him and who seems to have little awareness of how his actions and lack of judgment reflect so poorly on the franchise that has made him its public face and paid him millions of dollars in the process.
Vick is not a “bad guy,” the sources say, but he refuses to take direction from anyone, often fails to recognize good advice when it’s offered, and is unwilling to separate himself from bad influences, who are largely friends and members of his ever-present “posse.”
He also quotes Blank as saying Vick is on a “very short leash,” which is a very bad pun considering Vick’s alleged role in raising pitbulls for illegal dog fights:
“I would say Michael understands, and I told him he is in essence on a short leash,” Blank said. “His behavior cannot go on this way. His actions need to be different; his decisions need to be different. He can’t just talk about changing things, he has to change his life. He says he understands, and I’m hoping he’s being truthful with us and wants to deal with it. I hope he has the personal strength. I think it’s very appropriate to say he’s at a crossroads.”
That has a very ominous tone to it. Obviously, Blank made a $130 million investment in Vick. But with evidence of dog-fighting gear found at Vick’s property in Virginia that raised the eye of the Humane Society, Vick’s off-field problems seem far from over.
Where is the Ron Mexico we used to know and love?
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May 11th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
‘Vick is not a ‘bad guy,’ the sources say, but he refuses to take direction from anyone, often fails to recognize good advice when it’s offered, and is unwilling to separate himself from bad influences, who are largely friends and members of his ever-present ‘posse.’”
Maybe not, but it’s close enough to “bad guy” for me to say why stick with the guy?
If New Orleans can toss Aaron Brooks and make it to the NFC Championship game, couldn’t Atlanta survive the loss of Michael Vick? (And yes, they are pretty much the same quarterback: Million-dollar arms, passion for scrambling, and 10-cent heads, won’t listen to anyone.)