Monday, July 23

Vick is Slick? Vick is Quick? Nope, just a D%$&!

I live near the sleepy little town of Flowery Branch, which over the last few days (and, no doubt, many more to come) has become a media thoroughfare. We have none other than Michael Vick to blame for this. I could use this Blog to write about sports only (because I love it), but I try to give my opinions on many different topics to keep the Blog interesting. However, I believe this case transcends just sports.Mike Vick has been a polarizing figure since his arrival in Atlanta six years ago. He is the first African American quarterback in the mediocre history of the Falcon franchise. On the field, he has led the team to a conference championship game, broken the NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback, and (yet) consistently under achieved considering the amount of money that he makes. However, those individuals in Atlanta and around the nation that have claimed to “hate” Vick have been classified as bigots and/or racists. I will agree that Vick has not been as good as I had hoped on the field, but this has hardly justified hate. I would tend to agree that most people that have claimed to hate Vick are most likely doing so because of his race. This is wrong and is confirming the stereotype that many people have of the South. However, those that would assert now, that Vick appears to be in legitimate trouble, that those who are coming out against him are doing so solely because he is black are no less guilty or bigotry. How ridiculous to assert a conspiracy theory because he’s black! People are not out for his blood because he’s black. They are out for blood because of the brutal accusations that have been made against him. If he turns out to be totally innocent, then I will be the first one to apologize. But, I have always tried to defend Vick to the naysayers and haters. And now, frankly, I’m feeling a little betrayed. If he is guilty, then they should fry him!