ATLANTA -- Michael Vick has apologized for making an obscene gesture toward Atlanta fans as he walked off the field after the Falcons' fourth straight loss.

Vick used both hands to deliver the familiar 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-to-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

In a statement released by the Falcons, Vick said, "First and foremost, I would like to apologize for my inappropriate actions with fans today. 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 seven off his NFL record for a quarterback. He had another rough day passing, completing 9-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 times behind the line of scrimmage after throwing passes.

In his statement, he added, "That's not what I'm about. That's not what the Atlanta Falcons are about. I simply lost my cool in the heat of the moment. I apologize and look forward to putting this incident behind me."

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)