Vick will have many suitors

[Udogg]

You guys are wasting your time trying to convince a black person with an avatar that says "the black quarterback" that Vick doesn't walk on water. He is going to support him no matter what despite the facts that show he is over the hill and wasn't that good to begin with. Great athlete, poor quarterback.

Michael Vick will remain popular with the black culture because we all want to see role models that "look like us" particularly in a leadership role like quarterback. He also has a cultural appeal due to his prior thug behavior, prison record, drug allegations, dog fighting, etc. It fits with common themes found in rap and appeals to the anti-authority, "being scapegoated and abused by the system" themes so often used to excuse negative behavior in black society. He has more "street cred" than he did before. And then the ultimate redemption theme and climbing back to the top despite all the troubles. If he comes out saying he was saved while in prison and accepts Christ in his life, he will have hit the holy graille. Everyone loves to forgive a sinner in the name of redemption. And second changes after disasterous consequences plays very strongly in black culture. Emotions not logic rule the day with black society.

Sorry if this sounds like it should go in the tinderbox and it isn't really meant as a negative just an explanation for why many black people hold onto Vick despite everything. If you look at this emotionally rather than logically it makes perfect sense and you can see how his popularity could grow rather than diminish.

I am black. I don't agree with everything KT says, and I'm not a Michael Vick fan. That being said, the same way you say he is predisposed to believe in a black person redeeming himself is the same way lots of people here seem predisposed to believing it's bullshit. Saying second chances only plays in the black community is shortsighted. Hell, Mark Mcguire got a standing ovation from the fans the other day. However depending on your perspective you see things differently. Like how Thug is the new socially acceptable "N" word. How white kids say the "N" word almost more than black people(when no black people are around). How the justice system has "failed" if a black person gets off of a crime or how it's "working" if a white person gets off.

Do some people play the race card to much? Yes. Do some people get called racist for basically saying what they think is the truth? Yes. But there are lots of people here and else where hiding there racist attitudes behind football arguments. I mean even after the "HORRIBLE" year Jake has had, most of the people here would still take Jake over him. If Michael Vick was instead, lets say ..Jake Plummer. There wouldn't be this same type of hate/venom going on.

[Mr. Scot]

It's not strictly a black and white thing.

Are there people who cheer for Vick primarily because he's black? Yes.

Are there people who cheer against him primarily because he's black? Yes.

In both cases though, I'd say the numbers are relatively few. Also likely both sides heavily overestimate the number of people in the opposing camp.

I work with a lot of black football fans with allegiances to various teams. Only one of them actually cares to defend Vick, and he's a lifelong Falcon fan.

Which brings up the point that team allegiance is probably a stronger influence in the minds of many than color would be. To put it in practical terms, a white Eagle fans is ten times as likely to cheer for Vick as a black Cowboys fan.

Bottom line for me: there are plenty of football reasons to not want Vick. Throw in the character concerns, and you've got a definite "no".

Will Vick have "many suitors"? Probably not as many as people think. The only thing I feel certain saying is that the Panthers won't be one of them.

[MadHatter]

It's not strictly a black and white thing.

Are there people who cheer for Vick primarily because he's black? Yes.

Are there people who cheer against him primarily because he's black? Yes.

In both cases though, I'd say the numbers are relatively few. Also likely both sides heavily overestimate the number of people in the opposing camp.

I work with a lot of black football fans with allegiances to various teams. Only one of them actually cares to defend Vick, and he's a lifelong Falcon fan.

Which brings up the point that team allegiance is probably a stronger influence in the minds of many than color would be. To put it in practical terms, a white Eagle fans is ten times as likely to cheer for Vick as a black Cowboys fan.

Bottom line for me: there are plenty of football reasons to not want Vick. Throw in the character concerns, and you've got a definite "no".

How dare you speak in a well thought out and logical manner....that just won't be tolerated here.

[GreatPoupon]

I am black. I don't agree with everything KT says, and I'm not a Michael Vick fan. That being said, the same way you say he is predisposed to believe in a black person redeeming himself is the same way lots of people here seem predisposed to believing it's bullshit. Saying second chances only plays in the black community is shortsighted. Hell, Mark Mcguire got a standing ovation from the fans the other day. However depending on your perspective you see things differently. Like how Thug is the new socially acceptable "N" word. How white kids say the "N" word almost more than black people(when no black people are around). How the justice system has "failed" if a black person gets off of a crime or how it's "working" if a white person gets off.

Do some people play the race card to much? Yes. Do some people get called racist for basically saying what they think is the truth? Yes. But there are lots of people here and else where hiding there racist attitudes behind football arguments. I mean even after the "HORRIBLE" year Jake has had, most of the people here would still take Jake over him. If Michael Vick was instead, lets say ..Jake Plummer. There wouldn't be this same type of hate/venom going on.

i've called white people "thugs" - its nothing to do with skin color, its everything to do with actions and demeanor.

what i dont get is the accepted use of the N-word by blacks... but the double standard some hold to whites. hey if rappers werent making it a popular term would the white kids really be saying it? maybe you should hold them accountable to buddy.

[King Taharqa]

I am black. I don't agree with everything KT says, and I'm not a Michael Vick fan. That being said, the same way you say he is predisposed to believe in a black person redeeming himself is the same way lots of people here seem predisposed to believing it's bullsh*t. Saying second chances only plays in the black community is shortsighted. Hell, Mark Mcguire got a standing ovation from the fans the other day. However depending on your perspective you see things differently. Like how Thug is the new socially acceptable "N" word. How white kids say the "N" word almost more than black people(when no black people are around). How the justice system has "failed" if a black person gets off of a crime or how it's "working" if a white person gets off.

Do some people play the race card to much? Yes. Do some people get called racist for basically saying what they think is the truth? Yes. But there are lots of people here and else where hiding there racist attitudes behind football arguments. I mean even after the "HORRIBLE" year Jake has had, most of the people here would still take Jake over him. If Michael Vick was instead, lets say ..Jake Plummer. There wouldn't be this same type of hate/venom going on.

Good post. The most conservative football team in sports led by one of the most conservative owners in pro sports dont believe in black QBs. I dont care if they're a "company man" like McNabb or a "thug" like Vick, we dont want em here in Carolina. There's always a white guy we will like better or believe in more.

Who knew the most hated despised football player in the Panthers fanbase is the only black QB to be taken as a #1 draft pick and had an appeal with young blacks and young whites. SHOCKING!!! I cant believe it. LMAO. Hey Panthers marketing team, everybody in the football world knows we want this team as far right wing friendly as possible. Jerry might as well change our mascot to a big elephant.

[Zcustom]

:beatdeadhorse5:

[Lumps]

He's still fast enough to play out of the wildcat formation (something none of our QBs have the ability to do, so we put in our RB instead) and defenses still account for his speed. There's a reason why teams are looking at this guy. If his speed was done, no one would've took a chance on him last offseason. Writing Vick off at 30 is wishful thinking. Most QBs best seasons come after that age (including our starting QB Jake Delhomme).

Who cares about speed, why in the hell would you get a QB who rushes for 1000+ yards when the panthers have double trouble in the backfield? The panthers don't need a running QB unless he can sling too. Vick would be an complete 100% idiot move.

KT you sound more like you want these Qbs to play here just because their black. I am pretty sure the panthers don't want him because of his history not because he is black.

[MadHatter]

Good post. The most conservative football team in sports led by one of the most conservative owners in pro sports dont believe in black QBs. I dont care if they're a "company man" like McNabb or a "thug" like Vick, we dont want em here in Carolina. There's always a white guy we will like better or believe in more.

Who knew the most hated despised football player in the Panthers fanbase is the only black QB to be taken as a #1 draft pick and had an appeal with young blacks and young whites. SHOCKING!!! I cant believe it. LMAO. Hey Panthers marketing team, everybody in the football world knows we want this team as far right wing friendly as possible. Jerry might as well change our mascot to a big elephant.

Please understand that you are the ONLY person here that cares about the color of his skin.

The rest of us don't want him based on his past performance as a PASSING QB. You want him in Charlotte because he is black. Somehow you believe his presence here will validate your worth.

[CatMan72]

Good post. The most conservative football team in sports led by one of the most conservative owners in pro sports dont believe in black QBs. I dont care if they're a "company man" like McNabb or a "thug" like Vick, we dont want em here in Carolina. There's always a white guy we will like better or believe in more.

Who knew the most hated despised football player in the Panthers fanbase is the only black QB to be taken as a #1 draft pick and had an appeal with young blacks and young whites. SHOCKING!!! I cant believe it. LMAO. Hey Panthers marketing team, everybody in the football world knows we want this team as far right wing friendly as possible. Jerry might as well change our mascot to a big elephant.

Ever heard of a guy by the name of Rodney Peete?

If what you're saying is true, then why would they even bother bringing him here in the first place? It's not like he was the only available QB with starting experience at the time.

Here's another question: if Jerry Richardson is a racist why would he put a statue of a black man outside his stadium and why would he select a "black panther" as the mascot of his franchise? (I find irony in the fact that a southern pro sports team ended up with a black panther for a mascot...)

I honestly don't think Vick's race will have anything to do with him being here or not. There have always been legitimate questions about his skills as a QB and now he's 30 and hasn't started a game in 3 years. I would support bringing him here, but I wouldn't spend allot on it and I wouldn't give him the starting job right away. Based purely on age, if Matt Moore demonstrates that he can get the job done then it makes more sense to go with the younger and cheaper guy.

[Mr. Scot]

Good post. The most conservative football team in sports led by one of the most conservative owners in pro sports dont believe in black QBs. I dont care if they're a "company man" like McNabb or a "thug" like Vick, we dont want em here in Carolina. There's always a white guy we will like better or believe in more.

Actually, 19th most conservative, measuring by money given (link)

Going by money given to Republicans and Democrats, the Texans are the most conservative team. The most liberal would be the Rams.

(sorry, Meat)

And again, the suggestion that Jerry Richardson is racist is ridiculously goofy.

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

If we wanted a bad QB who can run we would figure out a way to draft The Golden Calf of Bristol

I lol'd.

[King Taharqa]

You want him in Charlotte because he is black. Somehow you believe his presence here will validate your worth.

I want him in Charlotte because he's better, more mass marketable, and more entertaining than any of the QBs we currently have. If he were white you would see that.

[Dpantherman]

Why does race always have to be brought up? Jerry Richardson is NOT a racist. Why even respond, you are keeping the garbage going, just ignore that garbage please!

[csx]

Has it occurred to any of you all that this guy is fuging with you?