How Do the Falcons Feel?

ATLANTA - This blog is making it's way over to the Falcons complex in Flowery Branch, Georgia later this morning. Once there, this blog expects to be asked by Falcons staff members not to ask questions about Michael Vick.

The Falcons first practice of training camp begins at 3:25 p.m. The main reason I'm here isn't here. Vick's arraignment in Richmond, Virginia on dogfighting and maintaining an interstate gambling enterprise is today as well. But even if Vick were here and not banned from camp by Roger Goodell, he wouldn't make a peep about what he faces.

So what do we expect to get today in Flowery Branch? Well, the Falcons players (with the exception of Joe Horn who said he thought it would be good for Vick to play football this year) haven't weighed in on the fact that their most recognizable and important player has put himself in this position.

If head coach Bobby Petrino is smart, he will have instructed his players to refer to these talking points.

1) We're disappointed.
2) We're concerned for Michael.
3) We don't condone what he's been charged with.

Our job? Get the fellas to freelance some. There's absolutely no doubt that there are Falcons who don't think this is a big deal. Who think that Vick's getting railroaded. Who believe he's being persecuted because of celebrity and race. And I find it hard to imagine that not one of Vick's Atlanta teammates ever went to that Surry County home for dinner and a dogfight.

No doubt, there are also some pretty pissed off Falcons. The careers of NFL players are short. The sacrifices made before and during the season are long. The desire to play for a winning team with a chance to win a championship is universal. Vick's actions crippled the Falcons chances of competing for the playoffs this year.

I want to talk to Lawyer Milloy today. He's a player that was the heart and soul leader of the New England Patriots first Super Bowl team in 2001. I'm not saying winning is more important to him than other players, but he wears his disgust on his sleeve more readily when things go badly. It will be interesting to hear his take.

The plan is to head to the complex around noon, get the lay of the land, do a blog or video piece and send that in then wait for practice to start.

I won't have access to the players or coaches until about 5:30. Expect to see updates by 7:30 or 8.

Tonight, I fly to Jacksonville to catch the Jags tomorrow and Saturday.