The Roanoke Times: Press Box

with our sports staff

Comments

# 1

[May 5, 2006 11:45 AM]

Jay R.

It's amazing how VT fans can find it in there hearts to hold a grudge against Marcus Vick. Haven't you all done enough. Let it Go! Move on with your life. You have made him move on with his. He has to deal with his mistakes, and that he will surely do. I am by no means endorsing his foolish acts, he was wrong and that was made clear. I just feel that VT has some of the biggest "Fair Weather" fans on this side of the Mississippi!! You will hear nothing from them as long as you are "raking" in the dollars, building publicity (ESPN etc..), or filling the seats of the house (which I don't need to mention) Mike built! Yes, there has been other greats that have come through Tech, but there has been none to bring such an increase as these two have. There is overwhelming evidence relating to the tremendous increase of revenue filtered in to VT due to the abilities of the Vicks. They're the reason that Lane stadium has taken on a new face. The fact stands that the arrival of Mike & Marcus Vick on Tech's campus has been the catalyst for a 30% increase in the applicant pool of potential students. Need I remind you that only a select few is accepted, so who's benfitting from the revenue coming in at $35 per applicantion? You do the Math! I'm sure that the Admissions office has a good reason to hate Marcus? Let's not forget about the major "overhauling" of Lane Stadium with the additional seats & the fabulous Jumbo-Tron. I wonder what prompted the new construction? If you are an honest individual you don't have to answer! If you're not then I 'll listen to you tell me how great the O-line is and how everyone wants to see them up close. Or, even better how it's essential to be able to view D-lineman and Linebackers from a closer angle. Sorry folks, it was the Vicks that spark this new motivation and no one else. Yes, Tech has an above average team overall, but the Vicks have brought the increase. Increasing tickect sales, parking, consessions, Tech merchandise, TV publicity (Gameday-ESPN),Bowl Championship Ratings(never rated that high before),influence of other "Blue Chip" signees, BETTER CONTRACTS FOR THE COACHING STAFF,etc....... Have all developed because of the Vicks! And yes, I'm including Marcus. His potential alone was enough to boost the morale of those surrounding VTech. So don't be so quick to forget "TECH FANS"! You all did your part, now enjoy the fruits of his labors which gave you much more than you had before he crossed your paths! Besides, I wonder what you may have done that hasn't been uncovered due to the fact that you're not under a microscope? Is there anyone hoping that your future is destroyed because of your mistakes? Come on TECH FANS be FANS and not HATERS!

# 2

[May 5, 2006 12:54 PM]

Glenn G

I couldn't agree more with the above comment. As a 25 year Tech fan, I was disapointed when Marcus was undrafted. I hope he can settle himself down and succeed in the NFL. All the hate from VT fans is just as bad a reflection on our university as Vick's many mistakes. Go VT! and Go Marcus Vick!

# 3

[May 5, 2006 3:23 PM]

Rich G

Marcus made mistakes. I've made mistakes. True Hokies recognize he brought us many thrills. I for one, hope his story becomes one of overcoming mistakes and becoming successful. We know he has God given talent and "true" Hokies like myself hope he turns things around and turns the NFL for a loop proving everyone who didn't draft him very wrong!

# 4

[May 5, 2006 3:36 PM]

gw

I agree with the last 2 people. MV2's mistakes were immature, stupid and mostly what alot of college kids have done but not gotten caught. If they were caught it was not national news. I was sorry to see MV2 get booted from the team. I also bet alot of people happy to see him leave will be wishing he was behind center when the season starts. I wish him the best in the NFL and hope he makes other teams regret not drafting him. Be a VT fan in good and bad times. GW

# 5

[May 5, 2006 4:03 PM]

Gene Watson

I am pulling for Marcus Vick. I don't disagree with the action Tech took as Marcus brought it on himself. But at the same time he is now gone and I am pulling for him to succeed. I am disappointed he has gotten so little attention from the NFL teams. I just feel his "rap" has been overblown. One would think he was trying to join a "church choir" or something. I assure there are many others playing for money today that you wouldn't want to bring home to your Mother.

Finally consider Marcus for other positions. Why not bring him in and run him as a wide receiver. Then later give him a shot at quarterback. Both positions require him to learn the pass routes.

I hope he makes it - both in the NFL and in life!

# 6

[May 5, 2006 4:17 PM]

Buddy Forbes

I also agree.I have been a tech fan since about 1960.I have seen a lot of good players come and go.People are quick to judge Marcus for the mistakes he has made;but easily forget all he brought to the team and to the school.I do not condone what he did but I also don't think he should be punished for the rest of his life.I also hope to see Marcus Vick on the field somewhere in the NFL. I wish nothing but the best for Marcus. GO HOKIES

# 7

[May 5, 2006 9:12 PM]

Jeff Gilbert

Lots of support out there for Marcus. Some Tech fans certainly are forgiving. Those that have posted here want to see Marcus make it in the NFL. Not sure that's going to happen, but he will have opportunities. I can't agree with Jay R. on his point about Michael and Marcus being the catalyst for the growth in the football program. The success Michael brought to the program certainly was an overall boost, and his stamp on the program and school is a lasting one. Marcus, however, has just been on his coattails. Tech would still be where they are without Marcus. I'm not sure what the Vicks have to do with increased student applications. Michael did give the school more national recognition, but to give credit for this is probably stretching it.

# 8

[May 6, 2006 9:53 AM]

Lavon Miller

Stepping on a player the way Marcus Vick did is not a sign of immaturity--it is personality. An immature person will eventually mature but a personality trait has to be overcome by the person working very hard to overcome it because he wants to do so. Marcus Vick in all his actions (note actions--not words) has not shown any desire to do this. Even after that gun incident he while waiting for the draft made that comment about if it fit in his holster--don't remember exact words. Because a person is good at a sport is not reason to give him another chance. Showing in actions (not words) he truly wants to overcome what is in his personality that would immediately have him stomp someone as well as other things he has done would be the only reason for another chance and nothing he has done has shown me that--you cannnot trust words. He wants to make the big bucks and is embarrassed he did not get drafted--remember what he said when released from Tech, unconcerned just waiting for next step in NFL--so will say anything to get what he wants. I hope for his family's sake he will decide to turn himself around but getting older is not going to do that. A family can raise several children the same way and have one become a hoodlum while the others succeed so regardless of what happens in his future, his family should not under any cicumstances blame themselves. I sincerely hope for his family he will decide to work hard to become a good person and a great ball player but as yet the signs are not there action wise.

# 9

[May 7, 2006 1:33 PM]

Jeff Gilbert

What probably is really at the heart of those who were glad that Marcus was not drafted is this: Nobody can be happy with the negative publicity he brought to the team, and so some just don't want to see him get off easy by getting a big contract. They want him to earn it the hard way while conducting himself as a professional, then they will be able to support him. Now that he's trying to get paid to play, he won't get as many chances, nor should he. His actions, as Lavon was so correct to point out, will be the real measure of Marcus Vick. If he gets the opportunity to play in the NFL, he will ultimately be measured by how he conducts himself, not by how he says he will conduct himself. The Miami Herald report that we published in The Roanoke Times today said that Vick has been inconsistent and is unlikely to get a contract offer. He's been working with the second team. The report also said his height, or lack thereof, has been a hindrance. Just today, a Dolphins writer for the Miami Herald reported on his blog that Vick spent all of his time at receiver on Sunday. He said he looked better at receiver than at QB, but that wasn't saying much. And he will be shocked if Vick is offered a contract this week. It will be difficult for Vick to stick with anybody in the NFL. The list of troublemakers to be productive NFL players is a short one. Most that are given chances don't come through. So don't hold out hope that the Vicks will one day face each other on the field. It's not impossible, but it certainly isn't probable.

# 10

[May 15, 2006 11:16 AM]

Gary

Oh please, enough with the "Marcus Vick made some mistakes....we all make mistakes". Yes, we do make mistakes; but most of us don't make the illegal, law breaking kind that Mr. Vick so ofen did. Look at the thousands of other Div. I & Div. II players who didn't "make mistakes". No, Elvis Dumervile was most accurate in his assessment of Vick.."he is a no-character person".

# 11

[May 16, 2006 11:36 AM]

Jeff Gilbert

Here's what bugs me about conversations about individuals like Marcus Vick: People refer to his wrong actions as mistakes. They are not mistakes.

Mistakes are when we do something we didn't intend to do or we perceive or understand something in a way other than it was intended. If we break the law, we either meant to or we were careless. We were not mistaken.

The things we've seen Marcus Vick do and the things he's been accused of are not mistakes. He didn't accidentally stomp on Elvis Dumerville. He didn't accidentally break any of the laws he has been punished for. He made those choices, and they were wrong ones.

Plenty of words don't mean what they used to. And now we call breaking the law a mistake.

Well, now Marcus will get a chance to prove he is a good citizen if he can make the Miami Dolphins after they gave him a free-agent contract Monday. He's got a second chance at his dream job. How fortunate he is.

# 12

[July 6, 2007 12:01 PM]

meriweather2

marcus should get signed with the vikings

# 13

[July 6, 2007 12:01 PM]

meriweather2

marcus should get signed with the vikings