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Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Jackson’s release met with skepticism
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To say that the release of veteran nose tackle Grady Jackson didn’t go over well with some of the Falcons veterans is an understatement.
Several players either declined comment or would not speak on the record but the gist of most of what they said privately was that the move validated tight end Alge Crumpler’s claim of a phasing out of the veterans.
Some players did speak, though, and one, cornerback DeAngelo Hall, went off.
Hall said it’s clear that the veteran players are being pushed aside. He claimed that Jackson’s release was “asinine,” and that it’s difficult to play hard for a team when everyone but the players isn’t completely on board. Some of his comments are online at AJC.com.
Hall said that if Jackson’s release was solely for football reasons, as coach Bobby Petrino said, then the whole roster should be released since the 1-6 record proves nobody is doing their jobs well enough.
Tailback Warrick Dunn said players are now wondering who’s next on the chopping block.
What’s bothersome to some players is clearly a lack of communication. Some of them wanted to hear from the coaching staff why Jackson was released but they were not told. Others would like to know if a veteran purge is underway.
Ownership, management and coaches don’t have to explain themselves about anything. They are in charge and they expect players to perform as professionals as long as they are getting paid handsomely to do so. Petrino said he did not expect any negative backlash over Jackson’s release. Petrino has shown not to be bothered much by how players feel about him, either.
The rawness of emotion will probably wear off during the bye week but there is a connection that seemingly has been severed - not among players - that could make the final nine games for a team already among the NFL’s worst, a rough ride.
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