Jeff Schultz

By oldmike

May 6, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Hey jeff. Heard the PETA guy with Rude this morning. 2 deaths a day is what he says is the norm in the thoroughbred biz these days. And, have you seen Jerius Norwoods’ legs. Almost equine. Hawks need a makeover at the coaching slot. Couldn’t agree with you more. And the GM needs to go as well, but… I would make a big play for D’Antoni. But would he come here? How about Mark Jackson? Looks like the Knicks are backing off him.

By MikeJones

May 6, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Lot of typos Jeff. Just to give you a heads up before your usual haters get to this article.

By ET

May 6, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

All I know is that coaches tend to stick up for one another. Does firing Woodson after he takes us to the playoffs for the first time in nine years diminish our chances of getting a quality coach (assuming we have that chance to begin with)? Joe Johnson has stated that Woody was one of the main reasons he came here…does he pack up and leave because Woody is fired? Could it be that no move is the right move here. Are we better off with a middle of the road coach and no Joe Johnson? We might find out.

By Green Tea

May 6, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

D’ANTONI, go get him now

By mike

May 6, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

lets cut to the chase: IF Tech had as strong of a drug testing program as UGA, the pitcher who died of a heroin overdose may be alive today. Seems the Reuben Houston would have opened up some eyes over there at tech.

By hawk fan in new orleans

May 6, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Maybe if D’Antoni comes - Joe Johnson leaves. The risk is too high hiring him.

By Chris

May 6, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

I won’t read anything by Schultz, and no real Hawks fan should either. He’s a classic pencil-neck with zero knowledge of sports. Ask members of the Atlanta professional teams and they will all tell you they have no respect for this hack.

By some sense

May 6, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Avery Johnson and Mike D’Antoni aren’t viable candidates…no commitment to defense. I keep coming back to…if we let Woody go, we may be making a big mistake. Sign him for three years.

By Joe

May 6, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

The Falcons drafted some Linebackers. Cut Boley. Cheating on his wife and then kicking her a$$ when she finds out and confronts him. Now THAT is a man for the Franchise.

By 80S PACMAN LOGO

May 6, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Give Nique a shot.

By Ryder

May 6, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Avery Johnson…no commitment to defense

Whatever you’re smoking please hook me up with some of that? The only reason Johnson took Dallas to the Finals was because he preached defense. It’s not his fault that Irk Nowitski is as soft as charmin, or that Josh Howard would rather hit a spliff than a three pointer.

People say having Woodson come back would be good for JJ’s sake, but what about Josh Smith? Would he want to play for this team long term if he knows Woodson will be here for the next 3 years?

Obviously Acie Law’s development will be hindered because Woodson would go to this “play 7, trust 6” gameplan that would wear out his team by January.

That said, I think it’s best that both the GM and coach be replaced. Any new GM that comes in will want to have control of who coaches this team, and will want to be head of operations with the screwed up owners situation.

By ET

May 6, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

No body has said that Boley was actually cheating. His wife accused him of it. He pushed her. Both sides state he never hit her. It wasn’t the right thing to do, but the fact remains he was merely accused of cheating on his wife by a jealous spouse and then pushed her when he got mad after she kept after him. This doesn’t sound like a career ending event to me.

By Hamad Meander

May 6, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

If Michael Boley is in the mood of hitting people, he should save it for the football season. Spousal abuse is unforgivable. Hitting a woman is unforgivable. Boley should face severe punishment, even though he is the face of the Falcons D now.

This is most unfortunate for the Falcons at this time. They needed a fresh clean start, and this is not the way to achieve that goal.

Boley - you are on a short leash now.

By Rock Preston

May 6, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Replace Billy Knight with Billy King and let Woodson coach 1 more year. If the team starts off slow, then we know that it’s time for Woody to go.

By Greg

May 6, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

The case for Woodson: Are we discussing firing Woodson if CP3 is the point with JSmooth, JJ, Zaza & Sheldon? We would have made the Playoffs the last 2yrs.

We must give Woodson something to work with.

Yes we have some good talent, but it is all misplaced. Know matter how Woodsong tries misplaced talent do not win games.

They gave Doc Rivers better players, and he won games.

Avery Johnson had Dirk, Josh, Jason Terry, and Kidd.

D’Antoni has Nash, Shaq, Amare, & Grant, they won games.

Phil Jackson, Kobe, Lamar, & Pau.

B Scott, CP3, DWest, Peja, MoPete, TChandler these are all veteran players.

Notice all these teams have a good mix of veteran and young players to win.

Give Woodson the talent he needs then evaulate him, but until then leave him alone.

If anything change the GM.

By T-Bone

May 6, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

In my humble opinion I think Woody has been given plenty of time to make this a better team and hasn’t done that. His overall record is absolutely pathetic and they have never even finished 500 under him. They did win 3 playoff games but really shouldn’t have even been there. Time for a change…

By Observer

May 6, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks ownership team fire Woodson before Knight they are making a HUGE mistake. They need to bring in a new GM and let HIM decide whether or not to retain the services of our current coach. They also need to tell the new GM that if he drafts another 6’-8” swingman, he will be drawn and quartered.

By Hawk4Life

May 6, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

How many more tries do we give this pair of goofs (Woodson & Knight)? Dallas & Phoenix let go of 2 decent coaches for accomplishing a lot more than the Hawks, even with the 3 playoff wins. 3 games does not save a coaching job. Only a championship can. Woody does not have any excuse to not have a 40+ win team in the (L)EAST. JJ will not go anywhere, he’s a professional. I can have a preference on who my boss is but will not quit just because I don’t get what I prefer.

Finally, the Hawks better re-sign JSmith. I’m tired of being the best development program for other teams in the NBA.

By Pogo Stick Comments

May 6, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

I really like how a struggling franchise local newspaper constantly grills players images like putting M.Boley’s Detention picture up on the site for over 24 hours.

Atl Falcons should be placed last because of the “no splash” in FA or the Draft (One QB doesn’t count!)

I think they should stay with the coach that got them to the playoffs or higher Avery, I feel he has a knack for coaching.

PETA has no job, I see animals done wrong on a regular publicly and no one steps in unless there pushed to.

A.Blank hides behind his hirings to bad, so that WHEN things go wrong he blames his hierarchy, thats a simple position to be in.

By PHIL

May 6, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Jeff, what would you propose to change in horse racing? Strong bodies on tooth picks is an accurate assessment of a race horse. Would you propose racing another animal? Changing from horses to stock cars? Don’t just say there needs to be changes. What would you change? Race only little fat Shetland ponies?

By Dark Karma

May 6, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Woodson is only good for teacher’s pets. Teacher’s pets are not good for the team. Making Johnson happy is a good thing, but he too is tradeable. Alfred Horford is the player of the future, around which the team should build. Joshua Smith is a valuable piece as well. If Joe Johnson wishes to call the shots, then he should act like the seventy million dollar player he is being paid to be. That would include providing the very leadership that he is complaining about rather than whining that somebody else should be signed to do it. More proof that too much was given up for him. The man has yet to play at the level of a Kobe Bryant or other superstar. He has no right to complain so much when he is not providing much more than scoring. Scoring is great, but most in the NBA can do it. Leadership is something else entirely. Joe Johnson does not seem to have this intangible. Therefore, he is tradeable if the right situation comes along. This is why Phoenix let him go.

By Tron

May 6, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Hey TC, I didn’t see anyone lynching Michael Boley. Lynching is a term referring to hanging people, causing death. I see no one fitting a noose for Boley’s neck, so stop blowing things out of proportion. Take you propaganda and obviously racially-motivated agenda elsewhere. It’s pathetic.

And to all those who say we should hire a new GM and let him decide what to do with Woodson: What makes you think the new GM’s opinion would mean anything? Knight admittedly recommended 3 times that ASG fire Woodson, and they declined in each instance. If you really want to start replacing people in the organization, start with the ownership. They battle each other in court, they don’t let the GM do the job they hired him to do they stubbornly stick with a coach whose career winning percentage is lowering than Chipper Jones’s career batting average…ASG is the start of the problem. Crap runs downhill.

By Tron

May 6, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Hey Pogo Stick, do they not offer remedial English classes in the slammer? How did you get internet access? Are you on work release or something?

By O'brien

May 6, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Regarding Mike Woodson, his record is something like 106-222. But early on, we didnt have any players, and we dealt with the death of a teamate, so lets go beyond the numbers.

Woodson refused to play Acie Law consistent minutes, and continued to go with Anthony Johnson and Tyronne Lue (when everyone knew that Acie is supposed to be our PG of the future), even if those other PG’s were struggling. And when our starters are struggling, Woodson would not give Salim (or Jeremy Richardson) a few minutes just to see if they could provide a spark. Last night against the Hornets in the 4th quarter of a playoff game, the Spurs were struggling. So what does Poppovich (sp?) do? He takes out Duncan, Parker, and Ginobli, to try and find a spark, and to send a message to his players that they need to step it up (although it didnt work). What would Woodson do (WWWD)? Stand with his arms folded, and hope his starters play better.

How many road games have we been leading (or close) at halftime, only to see the other team come out and make a run, and we make no adjustments? How many games have come down to the last shot, and Woodson’s play is to give the ball to JJ (who we know is going to get double teamed), and hope he makes it? How many games has JJ struggled in the 4th quarter (and in the second of back to back), because he averages the second most minutes in the NBA at 42 per game? Plus Salim could have one good game, and then not play for the next 5 games.

Everyone knows the Hawks have no half-court set, and are built to run. Along with the home crowd, how did we beat the Celtics? We ran. And Woodson refused (in the regular season).

I agree that if we are going to fire the GM (and I think we should), let the new GM weigh in on the coaching situation.

Sorry for the long post guys, but I’m passionate about the Hawks, and I dont think Woody is the guy to take us to the next level.

FWIW, I dont think D’Antoni is a good fit either, because he does not emphasize defense, he uses a thin bench, and we dont have the shooters (or PG) to effectively run his system.

By TheJama

May 6, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

What has happened to good journalism today???? I haven’t read an article regarding the Falcons or any Falcons player that doesn’t use the obligatory “filler” stuff reminding anyone who hasn’t already heard or isn’t sick and tired of being informed that MICHAEL VICK WAS ARRESTED FOR DOGFIGHTING AND IS NOW SERVING A 23 MONTH SENTENCE IN A FEDRAL PEN!!!! Find something original to write about or take two weeks off and quit!!! This includes the AJC, ESPN, USA Today, and NFL.com and any other news “LOL” organization.

By Fulton

May 6, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

I have a new idea…how’s about we wait until all of the facts about the Boley case come out before we all rush to make our high-horsed judgements? Naaa, I guess that type of thinking would be considered as rational and who does that anymore these days…

By Thomaston Dawg

May 6, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Roger Clemens is getting plenty of heat in the press. Of course he didn’t beat up a girl, either. That’s a lowly, cowardly thing to do. He’s a real big man.

By Hamad Meander

May 6, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

PETA is ridiculous. They value animal life over human life. That horse didn’t break her ankles during the race - how in the world, against the toughest competition, would a horse with broken ankles come in second. The video I saw didn’t even have the jockey using his whip the last 1/8 a mile.

I understand that the whip isn’t used only to drive the horses faster - it can also be used to get the horses attention when he/she is getting in a bad situation like running into the railing or running into another horse

If they race without whips, that’s fine too, but make sure that banning whips doesn’t create another danger for the horse or rider.

Anyway, PETA doesn’t care about just banning whips - they want to ban the sport altogether. They know the best way to do that is one step at a time. I’ve heard these people on radio programs and they are not the brightest folks you’ve ever heard. Remember these folks didn’t want the GA Aquarium built because they didn’t want fish to be held ‘in captivity’.

Tell the family that lost Eight Belles that they didn’t treat her well. I bet you’d get popped on the head - maybe with a whip.

By Hot Rod

May 6, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe what I’m reading.

Hawks fans(?) writing the team should keep Woody is equivalent to the following:

Man, just give him three more years and Marion Campbell will have us in the Super Bowl.

Eddie Haas just hasn’t had enough time to turn the Braves into a contender.

Sure Chan Gailey can take Tech to the national title.

Geez.

By RAD

May 6, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Did anyone hear any of Woodson’s locker-room speeches during the playoffs? His speeches were not very inspirational especially to a group of young NBA players. I believe the Hawks need a coach who will create some excitement and enthusiasm. Also, I don’t see Woodson as a good x & o’s coach. When Joe Johnson gets double-teamed(as soon as he enters the front court)there is absolutely no reason we shouldn’t score most of the time. Common sense will tell you if we attack the basket out of the double team then we should find someone open. That’s coaching. The last reason that I think that Woodson needs to move on is because he is not the coach to take Josh Smith to the next level. I don’t believe the Hawks should keep Woodson and Smith. It is obvious that Josh does not respect Woodson at all. It is also obvious that Woodson does not know how to handle Josh. That’s not going to change. I would have to say that Josh Smith has more upside as player than Mike Woodson has as a coach. Mike Woodson is a great guy but I believe that the Hawks need another coach to take this team to the next level. The question is who could take this team to the next level? There is a coach that comes to mind. He knows the Hawks really well and he’s very familiar with city. Maybe it’s time to try Mike Fratello again. I would take my chances.

By Good Night Billy

May 6, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Say good night and good bye to Billy!

Fire the so-called GM who passed over CP3, Deron Williams, and Brandon Roy for Marvin “shows up some of the time” Williams and Sheldon, less game than his girl friend,” Williams.

Get a GM right away who knows you need a center and a PG on every team and let him choose a coach, whether it is Woodson or somebody else.

By Good Night Billy

May 6, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY, Fire Billy, * FIRE BILLY*

By jbarnes

May 6, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Why does Arthur Blank only do charity, community work when there is a camera present to publicize. My nephew died of leukemia and I tried to contact him(called his house-got number from former player)to see if he or one of his fellow “philanthropists” could help her.. His screeners said they would call back to offer someone who might help.They can build homes for some folks “single mothers” who don’t know the “baby daddy” but I guess ONLY WHEN THE CAMERA IS ON. Too bad,( I guess his hands are full with the crime blotter damage control) NO ONE RETURNED THE PHONE CALL. Thanks anyway,though AMB Group. Guess they have better priorities…Paying millions to their (criminal) roster is money better spent.

By Ron Mexico

May 6, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

In a related story, Braves pitcher Mike Hampton had to be euthanized on the mound in the third inning of his last start in Richmond…

By McRly?

May 6, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Woodson gave NONE of his bench players (save Childress and a small amount to Big Z) any significant game time experience during the regular season. He rode 6/7 guys into the ground every night. They’re record would have been much better if they would have had some left in the tank during the 4th quarter for many of those games. Would they have lost some due to those bench guys making mistakes? Yes, but they would have been much more prepared come playoff time. Woodson rode those guys into the ground because he was in a Win or get Fired position and he disregarded his tired players and the development of his bench to save his job. Unforgivable as a coach.

Next His offensive sets are ATROCIOUS. His plan is -Give JJ the ball and get out of the way. And when poor Joe got doubled constantly ( a simple defensive plan) Woodson amazingly had no answer for it until game 6 when they started kicking to Marvin, who answered bigtime. So in game 7, when things weren’t working, what did he do? What adjustments did Woodson make? NONE, because he didn’t have any. He left his players hanging out there. They needed his help with some offensive sets and he had NOTHING. Total embarrasement folks. He could have run a pick and roll w/ Childress and Hordford at the top of the key, cause JChill is his best ball handler besides JJ and Bibby. Then he either goes to the rack or kicks to Bibby, JJ or Marvin, his top quality outside shooters when the defense collapses. Did he do that? NO. Would it have worked, could we have forced The Celtics to have adjusted? Could it have at least kept the score closer? WE’LL NEVER KNOW. Sorry Woody, I’ve been behind you all year, but you left your boys hanging out to dry. I just calls em likes I sees em.