Posted on 11/27/2006 2:00:56 AM PST by mcg2000
ATLANTA -- Michael Vick apologized for making an obscene gesture toward Atlanta fans as he walked off the field after the Falcons' fourth straight loss Sunday.
Vick used both hands to deliver the gesture and flashed an angry look toward the handful of fans remaining in the Georgia Dome. Those who hung around booed the home team loudly after its dismal 31-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
"First and foremost, I would like to apologize for my inappropriate actions with fans today," the quarterback said in a statement released by the Falcons. "I was frustrated and upset at how the game was going for my team, and that frustration came out the wrong way."
Vick was the Falcons' main offensive threat with 166 yards rushing, just 7 off his NFL record for a quarterback. He had another rough day passing, completing nine of 24 for 84 yards, but that wasn't entirely his fault.
The Atlanta receivers dropped at least five passes, and the offensive line didn't provide much protection. Vick was sacked three times and hit a dozen more behind the line of scrimmage after throwing passes.
Leaving the field, he let his frustration get the best of him.
"That's not what I'm about. That's not what the Atlanta Falcons are about," Vick said in his statement. "I simply lost my cool in the heat of the moment. I apologize and look forward to putting this incident behind me."
Vick did not address his actions at a postgame news conference.
Reporters were not aware that he made the obscene gesture until afterward, when replays of him leaving the field began airing on television.
"I can't explain how I'm feeling right now," Vick said during the news conference. "Losing the game says it all. It is not a good feeling when you lose four games in a row, and when you lose a game that you had a shot at winning."
Vick said he did his best to keep the Falcons (5-6) from losing again. This is the first time since 2003 that Atlanta has been below .500, and the team appears headed for another second-half collapse.
Last season, coming off a trip to the NFC championship game, the Falcons won six of their first eight games. But they went 2-6 the rest of the way, missed the playoffs and failed to break the franchise's ignominious streak of never having back-to-back winning seasons.
With the next two games on the road, Atlanta seems headed for another disappointing season.
"I was just out there fighting for this team, for pride and for this organization," Vick said. "We have to keep fighting. We have to show some resolve."
It's remarkable that McKay hasn't been able to find him some capable receivers.
"Vick Makes Obscene Gesture To Crowd"
Limbaugh's fault of course. Rush "disenfranchised" all black QBs(if not the entire black race), by his "non-inclusive attack" on Donovan McNabb. Michael Vick was just simply expressing righteous frustration over this egregious slur, which on its own, set back civil rights to the mid 1930's.
Limbaugh's comments of course were directed entirely at liberal sportswriters fawning over the good-but-not-great McNabb, and not at McNabb himself. But when there is race-baiting to be done, why bother with facts?
Put Vick and Vince Young on the same team on the field at the same time out of the shotgun side by side now that would be exciting. ;)
yep
You want excitement see what Arkansas does when they have McFadden taking the snaps. Defenses don't know what to do.
Speaking of Vince Young if you want a good laugh check out the NY papers this morning. Man I'd hate to be a Giant fan today.
AS was said on NBC on Sunday,I do NOT condone what he did,but I can understand it.The saddest part is that fans forget their favorite atheletes are people too,and sometimes people do regretable things.
Screw yopu vick. He's a highly overated jerk who blames losses on everyone but himself. The fans should boycott the next two home games to show him who's paying his overpriced salary. Heck, they should never go again to show management what stupid decisions they are making regarding their players.
I'm scared to look, I'm no giants fan but I like Eli.
Worst. Quarterback. Ever.
he would have been booed off the stage a LONG time ago if he played for Chicago OR Philly.
He's fortunate he's not playing in a tough football city.
Also, the Pats must have paid the refs good again, Bears should have had a TD before the (blocked field goal) pass interference in the end zone wasn't called and the ref was standing right there looking at it. That 7 points would have made Chicago win by 3. all-in-all a fun game to watch but if you think it was called fairly you are crazy. bese front 4 in the NFL and 0 holding penalties and no hits on Brady... HMMMM yea right!
At least with Vick there is at least some excitement or anticipation. Eli running an offense is about as exciting as watching pigeons shit on cars.
Regardless, If I am chunking in 150 bucks for tickets. The last thing I want to see is the guy flipping the bird to some fans. He should have just ignored and moved on. They were not the only fans in the building..
The NFL is no longer a game. It is all about keepin it real!!
If only coaches were like Lombardi, Vick would be relegated to second string for a while, if not the duration.
Let the back-up QB have a go. I understand, from those that give a sh*t about the Falcons, that he is a very good player, from UVA I believe.
Bears' fan bitterness. So sad to witness.
so is FR tone down the language a bit... and Chicago had a guy name Cade McNown and he did something similar when he got booed in Chicago needless to say he isn't in the NFL anymore.
well, the pats and their refs can get a rematch IF they can make it to the superbowl
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