First and foremost, if you are not aware Michael Vick went to a federal prison for running a dog fighting scheme. He was eventually dropped from the team but not barred to play in the NFL. Micheal served his time and was released from prison. Another NFL team took him aboard and gave him a 2nd chance....fresh start.Vick told 790 AM The Zone in Atlanta that while he played for the Falcons, he wasn't giving 100%. Now, I'm sure a lot of people already had a hunch that Vick didn't get the most out of his abilities, but hearing him admit is another thing. Vick openly admits that he wasn't anywhere near the quarterback he should have been. From AJC.com:
"There was a lot more I could have done off the field and in the film room that could have elevated my game to a different level," Vick said. "I was complacent at the time, somewhat lazy, and I settled for mediocrity. I thought what I was doing was enough."
[...]
"Just imagine what I could have been doing if I really would have been applying myself. That's a regret I have."
Now, there are a real crimes, and there are crimes against sports. Obviously, real crimes are worse.
But crimes against sports can be funny things. In a way, they're a bigger betrayal, because when we care so much and invest so much energy in our favorite players in teams, it can hurt to know that they didn't care even as much as you did.
Take Pete Rose, for example. His major offense in life was a crime against sports. He bet on baseball. Yet, he's barred from the game, he's become a joke and he's basically a sports pariah. And yet, how many wife beaters and guys with multiple DUIs -- real crimes that are clearly worse -- take the field with no real consequences, day in and day out?
This newest Vick crime, the one against sports, is a serious one, because he's gotten some insane amounts of unconditional love from the people of Atlanta, and what did he give them in return? Was he a model citizen and pillar of the community? No. Did he bust his hump to help the Falcons and work hard to be the best player he could be? Nope. He just admitted as much.
It seems like the love in that relationship has only gone one way. They loved Vick, and in return, he took their money, he took their cheers on Sunday, and he spit in their faces. Not just by his off-field activities, but by not caring about the game, either.
Now he admits he was sandbagging his potential and basically riding on the coat tails of the hype. Many sport commentators and analysis gave Michael high praises, but in my opinion Atlanta were never true contenders for the Super Bowl. Granted the Falcons were worse without Micheal but it proves the QB position is an essential position in the game and for the trophy.
Am I angry? NO Should any one from Atlanta be angry for the false hope? NO
Here's why: Like any sport football is a game of stats, milestones, and HISTORY. You get to play the game only once in your life time.
Every player is competitive and holds some kind of honor to be remembered as the best.
What Micheal did, he did to himself. One day he will regrent the would of's and the should of's.
He literally put himself below the ranks of Dan Marino , who is known for a great quarterback with no SuperBowl ring.
What are your thoughts about Micheal Vick or any professional/athlete who choose not to perform the best.
Personally I thought Micheal's younger brother, Marcus was bad but this really puts both of them in the same boat.
UPDATE: story
Last edited by loubot (2010-02-11 05:42:37)