Vick: The Georgia Dome Is "matt Ryan's House."

[Dem Birds]

http://www.ajc.com/s...me-1181232.html

FLOWERY BRANCH — Michael Vick is clear about the ownership rights of the Georgia Dome

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The player who once ruled Atlanta as one of more electrifying players — if not the most electrifying — in the NFL returns to the city Sunday night. As the starting quarterback of the Eagles, Vick will square off against his old team and Matt Ryan, the man who replaced him at the helm of the Falcons’ offense.

Deion Sanders may once have declared the Georgia Dome as “my house” on a return visit with the 49ers after his time in Atlanta was over, but according to Vick, neither he nor Sanders owns the figurative deed to the stadium.

“No, that’s not my house,” Vick said. “That’s Matt Ryan’s house. I’m just a visitor.”

The story of Vick’s demise in Atlanta is well-documented. He was out of football for two years while serving a federal prison sentence on felony charges related to dogfighting. The Eagles gave him a second chance, and his turnaround on the field has led to a starting job and a second $100 million contract. The first, a $130 million deal, was given by the Falcons before his crash and burn.

Vick said Wednesday, in a conference call with the Atlanta media in preparation for Sunday’s game, that he did not want to dwell on the past. He has matured. It’s time to look forward.

“To be honest, I haven’t really thought about that in a while,” Vick said of any regrets he might have. “It might cross my mind every now and then, but I’m just so thankful to be here in Philly right now. I know things happen for a reason, and maybe it was meant for me to be here.

“I couldn’t have landed in a better city and a better place right now. This is my home and this is where I want to be.”

Vick likely will have fans in the stands at the Georgia Dome, much the way he did in 2009 when he first returned. As a backup with the Eagles, with only a few plays in the offense designed for him, he threw for one touchdown and ran for another in a 34-7 victory.

With much national and local attention focused on Sunday’s game, it certainly puts Ryan in an awkward position. He has seen the way some fans still respond to Vick. For his role in the saga, Ryan said he is focused on other things.

“I don’t think it’s difficult at all,” Ryan said. “We’ve had great support here the last couple of years. Certainly Mike was a great player down here and did some fantastic things and is going to have support from people in this city. I really feel like we’ve had great support in the three years since I’ve been down here.”

Ryan will have help in blocking out the possible distraction of Vick supporters.

“I’m going to get [Ryan’s] ear and say don’t even listen to it,” tight end Tony Gonzalez said. “Just go out there and play ball. Matt is a poised guy. He’s not going to let that creep into his mind, and [he will] play like he always does.”

For his part, Vick said he can appreciate what Ryan is facing.

“I think it’s a plus for me and it is motivation for Ryan to play better, to be the best that he can be,” Vick said. “Make sure that he captures those fans as well. I think he’s done a great job of doing that.

“Fans are allowed to like as many people as the want, as many quarterbacks as they want. I think it’s a good thing for both of us.”

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I'll be honest, this gives me some respect for Vick, I have nothing against him other than he plays for the Eagles, I think most of our disdain is toward Vick fans anyway. Either way, at least he's not saying something stupid and arrogant. Though it might help our team if he did lol.

[Big Rob 64]

1) I have nothing against him other than he plays for the Eagles,

2) I think most of our disdain is toward Vick fans anyway.

1) So his cruel and sadistic treatment, torture, and murder of dogs in a number of heinous manners is OK with you? Being part of an interstate gambling ring for years doesn't bother you?

2) Not most: I disdain the suck-up sycophants who worship his on-field athleticism despite his off-field psychopathic vicious barbarism and cruelty as much as, but no more than, Vick himself. My capacity to loathe, disdain, revile, and even hate is boundless. There is plenty to go around.

3) Raynill1, that gif is racist and offensive, and has been reported as such.

[back4the1sttime]

I'm not surprised, the thing that gets me is that people like to twist Vick's words up to make him look bad, like the whole GQ article and how he wished he was drafted by the Eagles. He gave a lot of respect to the Falcons in that article but he did admit at that time, there wasn't enough stability in his personal and professional life to help him become the best he could be. Everybody in Atlanta was letting him do what he wanted to do and not getting on him about becoming a better football player like what is going on with the Eagles. Right now, the Falcons are a much better organization from the Vick era because I think Blank learned a very valuable lesson from it as well as Vick. in the end, I think both sides have rebound well.

[duncja]

1) So his cruel and sadistic treatment, torture, and murder of dogs in a number of heinous manners is OK with you? Being part of an interstate gambling ring for years doesn't bother you?

2) Not most: I disdain the suck-up sycophants who worship his on-field athleticism despite his off-field psychopathic vicious barbarism and cruelty as much as, but no more than, Vick himself. My capacity to loathe, disdain, revile, and even hate is boundless. There is plenty to go around.

3) Raynill1, that gif is racist and offensive, and has been reported as such.

He served his time.

Let me ask you this, are you this vocal about the horrible things other athletes have done? Stallworth? Little? Or is it just Vick? Yeah, what he did was heinous. The fact that everybody got up in arms over dog killing is ridiculous considering the very same people were not nearly as upset over what Stallworth did, or what Little did . It's hypocrisy.

[INDFalcon]

I see the man is maturing. He served his time. I have 2 dogs at home. Believe me I hated this guy to the core. He understands his mistakes and got his punishment for the things he did. Let us just move on.

[IrishFalco]

This is just for show. Vick wants as many supporters as possible come Sunday.

[slamee101]

How dare he say such a thing! I hope we kill that bum Sunday!

Just doing my best to sound like a REAL Falcon fan.

[BCEagleATLFalcon]

Vick and Ryan show, at the very least, every outward sign of being mature and respectful to each other (joking around at the ProBowl, this article, etc.) I mean, I'm sure they both want blood come Sunday, but it's refreshing to see them acting like adults after all the bickering that goes on between fans!

[DavyDmx]

Vick and Ryan show, at the very least, every outward sign of being mature and respectful to each other (joking around at the ProBowl, this article, etc.) I mean, I'm sure they both want blood come Sunday, but it's refreshing to see them acting like adults after all the bickering that goes on between fans!

Some of us could probably take lessons from them.

[Hoppy™]

1) So his cruel and sadistic treatment, torture, and murder of dogs in a number of heinous manners is OK with you? Being part of an interstate gambling ring for years doesn't bother you?

Honestly? The things he did to animals was absolutely horrible, and I honestly do not believe that anyone capable of such sadistic behavior is really corrigible..... I believe that people are either capable or incapable of torturing a dog for sadistic, sociopathic pleasure, and there is not much one can do to completely re-wire their sense of compassion and their moral make-up.... Nonetheless, the man did serve his sentence, faced his detractors and has managed to keep himself clean and out of the police blotter since being released.... He was given another chance and has made the most of it. So while I will always resent the guy for the horrific things he did to those animals, and to a lesser degree, for completely taking advantage of the many chances Arthur and the NFL gave him prior to his conviction, for lying to Blank's face and allowing him to go out on a limb defending Vick, and for having complete disregard for the Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Falcons, the Atlanta fans and his teammates - I think the guy paid his dues and while I would never run out and buy another #7 jersey, I'm done hating on him.

And as for the interstate gambling, I have absolutely no problem with that whatsoever.... It's not as if he was putting money against the Falcons or gambling in any way that could compromise his effort on the field or the integrity of the game..... As a card-carrying libertarian and one who champions liberty and freedom, I have no problem with victimless crimes such as gambling..... D@mn... Virtually every person in my office - football fans and otherwise - puts a few bucks down on the weekly NFL pool and a few more bucks come Super Bowl.....

And as for the marijuana charges, while I do not award character points to $100M athletes who put their team's hopes of a winning season in jeopardy by engaging in illegal activity - much like with gambling - I think no less of a person who smokes a little weed.....

So basically, I resented Vick for torturing animals and disrespecting his team and his teammates by getting involved in activities that could (and did) jeopardize the Falcons' season..... Couldn't care less that the guy smoked weed or gambled.... And as far as I'm concerned, he paid for his sins and has done well with the opportunity that Philly gave him.... And after reading this statement in the original post, he has earned back a few more respect points in my book.

Much like a lot of dope addicts and alcoholics, I think Vick had to hit the proverbial "rock bottom" to get his ish together..... I'm certainly not a therapist, but it seemed like a case of a not-so-bright kid who suddenly fell into more money than he knew how to deal with, and was surrounded by all the wrong people to help him spend it. Arthur Blank and the NFL didn't help the situation much by covering all his mistakes time after time.... I'm sure he really DID feel like Superman when he realized that he could carry pot into an airport and not go to jail.... When he was finally convicted on the dog fighting charges, I think it was a hot dose of reality and it hit him right in the mouth... Even I didn't expect him to be convicted.... I figured Arthur or the commish would pull their strings and bail him out yet again.... Luckily, he finally ran out of "Get Out Of Jail Free" cards, because had he slipped out of trouble yet again, there is no telling how bad off he would have gotten... But now that he has actually had his money and his career taken away from him, I think he is completely aware of the fact that it is a privilege to play in the NFL and it CAN actually be taken away... It's just a shame that, kinda like Brett Favre, he had to learn his life lessons at the Falcons' expense....

I will root against Vick until the day he retires..... Not because I necessarily don't like the guy, but because he plays for the Iggles and his selfish actions tore my favorite team apart... But you gotta admit. After being treated like an untouchable golden boy in Atlanta, he eventually wound up doing a relatively long sentence in a real prison and comments like the one above (not to mention the fact that he has been a good citizen AND a good teammate since his release) tell me that he learned a lot from the experience and is a better man for it.

[DavyDmx]

1) So his cruel and sadistic treatment, torture, and murder of dogs in a number of heinous manners is OK with you? Being part of an interstate gambling ring for years doesn't bother you?

2) Not most: I disdain the suck-up sycophants who worship his on-field athleticism despite his off-field psychopathic vicious barbarism and cruelty as much as, but no more than, Vick himself. My capacity to loathe, disdain, revile, and even hate is boundless. There is plenty to go around.

3) Raynill1, that gif is racist and offensive, and has been reported as such.

1. You obviously still have much hatred for him. No one is condoning what he did but he did his time and has moved on making the most of his second chance.

2. "Sigh"......No comment.

3. There was nothing racist about that video. You have every right to your opinion but this man has paid for his crime and can only be judged by God.

[Ed Roland]

I have little to no respect for vick as a person or ball player... but classy act to say what he did.

[NEWORLEANS-YAT]

1) So his cruel and sadistic treatment, torture, and murder of dogs in a number of heinous manners is OK with you? Being part of an interstate gambling ring for years doesn't bother you?

2) Not most: I disdain the suck-up sycophants who worship his on-field athleticism despite his off-field psychopathic vicious barbarism and cruelty as much as, but no more than, Vick himself. My capacity to loathe, disdain, revile, and even hate is boundless. There is plenty to go around.

3) Raynill1, that gif is racist and offensive, and has been reported as such.

have you ever had a plump juicy hamburger? what about a chicken salad? Have you ever had a 9oz filet (mid rare) ?

Mmmmmmmmmm

just saying

Edited September 15, 2011 by NEWORLEANS-YAT

[Ohio Dirty Bird]

I wonder what quarter Vick will get hurt?

[Duff_Man]

The bigger part of the Atlanta fan base values style over wins. Sunday night will be embarrassing, but we'll get past it and get on with the season. I personally hope we hit him every down. If my theory is correct, the Falcons last week were looking at this game all off-season and it has been a distraction.

[Peyton]

I am very impressed with the way Vick is handling this week.

That doesn't in any way reduce my desire for the Falcons to lay a hurting on the Eagles though.

[Hashbrown3]

That was class. This should quell all the drama and BS surrounding his return. I mean those were words directly from Michael Vicks lips. The guy whom all this drama is about. So now lets play football. Nobody can control the folks that pull for MV while dismissing their allegiance to the Atlanta Falcons team. This game is not about Ryan VS Vick. Its about Atlanta VS Philly. Matt Ryan needs to handle this the way he always handles things... level headed and calm. Notice his demeanor in all his interviews this week? Calm. The guy knows in his heart that he must play well to advance his career, his team, and get down to the business of earning more respect as a player. Good luck falcons... you will need a great effort sunday.

[real2202]

Ive got respect for Vick and Ryan. Honestly i dont care whether any of you think im a real fan or not. Vick did his time get over it. Oh yeah and there are players who did things much worse then vick like murder people yeah people not dogs. Oh yeah and i seem to remember one QB CAVEMANNING women and raping them. But i don't see post about him when he plays week in and week out. It's gonna be one **** of a game. Just leave it a that.

Edited September 15, 2011 by real2202

[raysnill1]

3) Raynill1, that gif is racist and offensive, and has been reported as such.

seriously dude

but you spouting all that hateful judgmental rhetoric is A-ok?

only in America

[Abe]

He is being smart and not giving us any bulletin board material.

[The Martyr]

I like the respect that Vick and Ryan have for each other.

Vick signs autographs right handed. I remember hearing about that when he was hear in ATL.

And did you see that one lady that was going insane when she got to meet Vick? Classic

[raysnill1]

Vick signs autographs right handed. I remember hearing about that when he was hear in ATL.

Vick is right handed, he just throws with his left

[Philadelphia76]

Who's else would it be? vick's not a falcon anymore and ryan is, pretty simple.

[~SEAMILL~]

Who's else would it be? vick's not a falcon anymore and ryan is, pretty simple.

If you haven't heard a lot of people in Atlanta like Vick better than the Falcons. Even with our recent success. It doesnt matter that Vick admittedly didn't try hard here, lied to us, gave us the middle finger, lied to our owner, cared more about himself than the team, got himself thrown in jail and nearly set the franchise back 10 years. Yeah, fan support in our city sucks.

Edited September 15, 2011 by ~SEAMILL~

[Sleepy27]

1) So his cruel and sadistic treatment, torture, and murder of dogs in a number of heinous manners is OK with you? Being part of an interstate gambling ring for years doesn't bother you?

2) Not most: I disdain the suck-up sycophants who worship his on-field athleticism despite his off-field psychopathic vicious barbarism and cruelty as much as, but no more than, Vick himself. My capacity to loathe, disdain, revile, and even hate is boundless. There is plenty to go around.

3) Raynill1, that gif is racist and offensive, and has been reported as such.

Sir you are way off base here. Like many others I don't condone what MV did cause I've seen videos of dog fighting and watching an innocent dog get rag dolled made me sick. On the other hand Dante Stallworth killed somebodies family member while driving impared and compared to Vick got a slap on the wrist for it. Why aren't you up in arms about that? Hate is a very very strong word especially towards a person that isnt even aware of your existance. Mike Vick paid his debt to society and looks so far to be on the straight and narrow. Forgive brother forgive.