The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/11/07
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, concerned that quarterback Michael Vick could be suspended by the NFL, has had another meeting with his embattled star where "I could not have been more stern.":SIB
Blank spoke to Vick in person about a series of recent off-the-field incidents, most recently an ongoing investigation of illegal dog fighting at a property he owns in Virginia.
Blank said he did not know if Vick has any involvement but, "from the facts we have so far, it's not a pretty picture. :scared It's clearly an issue and we'll wait and see what revolves around it. I'm not a prosecutor or an attorney so I'm not going to sit in judgment of Michael."
The team owner said he asked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to speak to Vick last month while both were at the NFL draft in New York.
"What [Goodell] will do about it, I'm not sure, but he's not going to take it lightly," Blank said. "He's got Michael on his radar and I think he made that clear to Michael as well."
In recent weeks, Goodell has suspended two NFL players for the upcoming season for off-the-field incidents.:nono:
Blank, in a phone interview while on vacation, said he has grown weary of all the negative press Vick has generated since making an obscene gesture on Nov. 26 to fans at the Georgia Dome after the Falcons lost to the New Orleans Saints.:SIB :scared
"I told him, 'You represent us as a franchise, you represent yourself as a person and you represent the NFL. It's not one single thing, it's a series of things,' " Blank said.:nono:
"I'm not saying he's been directly involved, but in some cases he has been, and in some cases it's been the people around him." Blank said he admonished Vick: " 'You're responsible for who you're with. You need to make some difficult choices and you need to make them now. I think you're at a critical point in your life.' "
The Journal-Constitution submitted several written questions to Vick through the Falcons public relations department Thursday. The response stated: "As you are aware, Michael's attorney has advised him to not answer any questions specific to the investigation."
Vick did respond to questions about his meetings with Blank and Goodell.
"They both challenged me to be more accountable in all areas of my life. I know I need to make some changes around me to make sure that the people in my life have my best interest at heart. My goal is to not let my fans, my teammates, or my coaches down.
"Mr. Blank was very direct with me. :SIB He and I both understand and agree that the responsibility to not show up in the paper, on TV, or on the internet in a negative light is mine."
Vick spoke openly about raising pit bulls at a property he owns in Virginia and it does not come as a surprise that there is an investigation of illegal dog fighting, a person close to Vick told the Journal-Constitution.
On a Wednesday posting, SI.com cited "sources who have known Vick well for years" as saying they were convinced Vick was involved in illegal dog fighting. In Virginia, dog fighting is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
"I am concerned about [a possible suspension]," Blank said. "I don't think we're at that point, but you're concerned about that. If he's found to be guilty or charged with dog fighting ? obviously, I have no idea or indication of what that will be ? that's serious stuff.":com:
Police were initially at the property in Surry County, Va., in a drug investigation involving Vick's cousin when contraband related to dog fighting was found.
Vick also was investigated for trying to bring a water bottle ? with a secret compartment that smelled of marijuana ? through a security checkpoint at Miami International Airport in January. He was not charged, but Falcons president and general manager Rich McKay had a "stressful" conversation with him following the episode.
A day before police investigated the property in Virginia, Vick missed a breakfast in Washington where he was to be honored by a children's advocacy group ? and seven U.S. congressmen.
Blank has been criticized for being too close to Vick. Blank did not deny the relationship with Vick, but said it has allowed him to be firm with Vick when needed.
"If it sounds like I'm talking stern, like to a child of mine, I am," Blank said. "He needs to take some personal responsibility.":142smilie
Blank said he also reminded Vick that he could lose his lucrative endorsement deals if he continues to garner negative publicity. Vick has several endorsement deals, the biggest with Nike and AirTran.
"I told him that if, 'You think [Nike chairman] Phil Knight is going to have the image of his company tarnished you're wrong. They have a lot of athletes that represent them and represent them well. Michael, I'm telling you they're not going to sit by, just like the NFL won't sit by.' He told me he is aware of that."
Blank said Vick has promised him and head coach Bobby Petrino that he's already begun to make changes to improve his image and his life. Petrino, on Wednesday, championed Vick's work ethic and said that he believed in him.
Petrino said he had hoped the Vick controversy would not overshadow this weekend's mandatory, three-day mini-camp, which begins today, and that he would instruct his players to focus on and talk about football-related issues.
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yeh talk to Vick like the child that he is.