The Bird Babe

By glorydays

December 11, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

I totally agree he did the right thing. This situation is not what he bargained for, this really is a coach killing job that he is not equiped to handle. Plus, he is a better college coach than pro in my opinion.

By emcee

December 11, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

Well, that debate about which Falcons season was the worst ever can be put to rest.

You wish him luck? Why?! I wish him an infestation of bedbugs and numerous incurable-but-non-fatal STD’s!

By ed

December 11, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

What do you think about the racist comment Mr. Blank mad about M. Vick on MNF? “As long as he dose’nt eat fried chicken and fries”, he should be ok. That is a rasist comment, and the fans of Atlanta should be appauld that an owner could make a comment like that about a player who brought fans into that empty dome.

By GO UOFL CARDS!!

December 11, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Bobby Petrino is a loser & Atlanta & the Falcons are just now finding that out. He’s always looking for a job that’s bigger & better than the one he has. UofL learned that the hard way & we suffered from his wanderlust. I refuse to wish him well or good luck because he leaves nothing but bad memories & misery in his wake.

The falcons have enough problems being forever associated to a federally conVICKed dog killer. If anyone needs well wishes it’s the Atlanta Falcons, not their soon to be ex-head coach. He’s not missed in Louisville & he won’t be missed in Atlanta either.

By CKG

December 11, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

The question I have is what type of hit does McKay take with Petrino’s bail out? Was he the guy that brought him here? How culpable was he in the long term contract Vick got without doing a through background check? What about Mora, was he McKay’s guy? At some point Arthur Blank can’t continue to be the guy that looks stupid here. Can it get any worse for this organization?

By Jay Black

December 11, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Good riddance. Play calling sucked. Decisions sucked. It makes me even more angry that he cut Grady!! Players weren’t on the same page. He’s a quitter anyway. Makes me wonder if Blank has the kinda face you could lie to. The SEC (NFL Jr.) aint no joke either. He’ll quit on Arkansas too after Florida, Georgia, Auburn, LSU, Tennessee, and Bama flips him over and makes him bite the pillow. What a snake!

By A Falcons fan walks into a bar. . . .

December 11, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Petrino will go coach a season or two for another team and then bounce again. Foolishness to believe he is anything other than what his record states.

Kinda funny that he resigns the day after Vick is sentenced don’t you think? Even he doesn’t want to see this team play w/o Vick. Right or wrong, the Dome is going to be SUPER EMPTY next season. That sound you just heard was Arthur Blank sh*tting his pants.

Bring back Dan Reeves?

Birdbabe, you should resign with Petrino, and then we can wish you luck.

By John

December 11, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Good riddance! He was a crappy pro coach, the Falcons can do better. Sigh, time to start rebuilding. Again.

P.S. Ed, learn to spell and you will at least appear less ignorant.

By Van

December 11, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Good riddannce! Hire Chan Gailey.

By DJA

December 11, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

The slate is clean…..almost. Some player baggage to dump and then hire Parcells to right the ship. He’s got to be tired of retirement by now and looking for a challenge. And the FALCONS are a challenge.

By Forrest Gump

December 11, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

What a unfortunate sequence of events for a miserable franchise. Petrino word means nothing. He should run for office. He has made a bigger fool of Arthur Blank than Mooky did. And it couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy. Good luck, Hogs!

By shaun

December 11, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

The Falcons should just give it up. They will never be a winning franchise. They should just shut it down.

By A Falcons fan walks into a bar. . . .

December 11, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

Who is the biggest quitter on the Atlanta Falcons? Why it’s Bobby Petrino.

Resign D-Hall and any other player who sniffed this rat out to begin with!!!!

By Scott

December 11, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

Calling Bill Cowher…

By Jay Black

December 11, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

It wasn’t racist. Fried chicken is unhealthy, and probably what he will be eating. Anything fried will hurt his chances of a comeback. It’s prison food and the first thing that comes to mind. I don’t think he made any racist statements on national TV.

By Chan Gailey

December 11, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

IM AVAILABLE

By ClemsonBama

December 11, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

I cannot blame him. I would run for the hills and greener pastures of Fayetteville, Arkansas too. The Falcons franchise in a mess right now. I wish him the best at the University of Arkansas.

By Michael

December 11, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

How does Rich McCay still have a job? He is the idiot drafting these bozos!

By Aaron C.

December 11, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Can you blame him for leaving? Dealing with MV7 alone would kill anyone. Then having to deal with Hall and the other gangsta on the team. It was probably pure muitany. He jumped off a ship that is sinking and probably wont stop.

By Mike in Montgomery

December 11, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

I am actually surprised that Petrino lasted as long as did. The toxic mix of Miscreants, thugs and prima-donnas left over from the blight that was Jim Mora will haunt the Falcons for years.

I am sure that the antics of MEangelo and Rotten Roddy last night were the final straw.

By NCR

December 11, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Arthur, Stop hiring college coaches. I think you’ve learned your lessons. Stop hiring college coaches. Find a talented NFL assistant with a PROVEN track record (not a Mora).

By MikeDarwin

December 11, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Petrino is another example of an excellent college coach who realizes he is a terrible coach in the NFL. Just as Spurrier and Saban demonstrated you cannot take everything about your winning college strategy and move it into the NFL. Now let’s get the best and most experienced professional assistant available and get him soon.

By Mike

December 11, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

I think Petrino bailed on the team. How can he step down before the end of the season, especially after what the team and the fans had to deal with yesterday? I see it as a cowardly move! I understand that he could not have imagined having a season without more controversy and distractions. However, this was an opportunity for him to release players that he did not want and bring in young talent and ‘coach’ them up.

I think the real problem was that he could not control the veterans and instill the discipline that he could in college. I think it was a pathetic move and the timing was aweful!

By old fan

December 11, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

The train wreck that is and has been the Falcons for 40-plus years continues. The team has fired the two most successful coaches it ever had. Only the Falcons could trade Matt Schaub, only to have their QB indicted on felony charges. It’s not really their fault. It’s just a hex. It always will be so. They could bring the New England Patriots here, put them in Falcons uniforms, and they’d go 3-13. Good grief.

By SteveO

December 11, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Ed - Good job showing what you are. Fried chicken and french fries are to well-known and common high fat foods, especially in the south. Of course, bigots like you like to use race, even where it does not fit. The only reason for Blank to NOT use those examples would be lowlife bigots like you. Well, Terrence Moore would, but he may have still been busy on his usual race-baiting about the sentencing hearing and “white judge.” No wonder he is stuck with a third-rate (and falling) newspaper like the AJC.

By NASCARfan

December 11, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

How can anyone blame him? He was sold a Cadillac, and when he brought it him, he found he had a Yugo.

Blame the unprofessional players like MeAngelo Hall and Fat Alge for causing additional problems instead of trying to be part of the solution.

Blame Little Jimmy Mora for preferring talented players with NO character, like MeAngelo, instead of players who work hard, play hard, and keep their mouth shut.

THIS TEAM NEEDS BILL PARCELLS!!!

By SharonH

December 11, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Who cares? I stopped caring about this team after the way they treated Vick; this city gets whatever it deserves. It really is one of the worst sports towns in the country. Can he take Schultz, Bradley and Moore with him?

By Tell it like it is

December 11, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Chan Gaileys phone is prob. ringing.

By Manny

December 11, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

WOW!

As bad as this has been, you are still the head coach.

To bail like this is just… WOW!

Petrino will NEVER coach in the NFL again, and I think that’s OK with him.

By Powell

December 11, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Message to Mr. Arthur Blank: Hire Marty Schottenheimer tomorrow. He is a proven, no-nonsence NFL winner. Give him the authority to build and run his team. The Falcons will finally be a winner.

By Alex

December 11, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

CAN YOU BLAME HIM? Who would want to coach that bunch? The players that “supported” Vick last night are nothing but pathetic. Vick ADMITTED to being guilty but he should be “freed?” I guess it would be OK for me to go kill some thugs and get a second chance and be free right? You people are so sad. All you people who support and wear the Vick stuff are nothing but uneducated pathetic losers. Why is it that when an athlete gets in trouble with the law, 95% of the time they are black? How often do you see baseball or hockey players get in trouble? Hmmmmm.

By ajazzy1

December 11, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

What a quitter!!
But that’s his M.O. He played the University of Louisville like a guitar each time a job opening came up while he was there and now he quits on his team before the season - his first and only season - is even over! Granted, he wanted to take a good SEC job before someone else did, but he had a job and made a committment in Atlanta. Guess that means nothing, huh?
Vick situation may have torpedoed the season, but life goes on and the Falcons organization has had to face this fact for several months now. Bad play calling, crummy personnel decisions and now a quitter coach has just as much to do with this horrible season as the Vick situation does. Bottom line, in a sport that’s always preaching loyalty and supporting the team, blah, blah, blah, no matter how bad the season is you don’t quit on your team — especially during your first year there!!! PETRINO QUIT ON HIS TEAM!!!

By StillDefiant

December 11, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Good riddance!!! If Petrino could not be a man and handle the responsibilities as a coach who was not forced to come here but agreed to it, he deserves to take his a.s.s. to Arkansas. I know tons of people will come into this blog and somehow blame Vick but the bottom line is that Petrino did not have what it takes to be a real NFL coach. It also looks poorly on McKay as he further appears to not know what he is doing regarding personnel moves. Hopefully, all of the true Atlanta Falcons fans will get the right coach to handle the job!

By Jeff

December 11, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Well good this is a start for next year. This franchise is the laughing stock of the NFL. Anyways, lets get a fresh start. Keep Shockley/Redman, Norwood, and even though he was an idiot last night…Roddy. Get a brand new O-line and Please!Please! McKay and Co…..draft somebody good for once. As far as head coach…Not Gailey for sure….Can we kiss some @$$ and get either Mora or Reeves back??????

By Gilley

December 11, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

All u dumb bloggers who tht the Falcons would do just fine without Vick and acted like his contributions were in vain, I hope u are enjoying this because I surely am. All summer long i argued on these blogs defending Vick as a player not a person but you dissed his affect and contributions on both sides on field and off and I just want you to admit the Falcons are certfied trash without him and the city and the league misses his ability to change the game. Petrino did right by leaving, because he didn’t sign up for that sh**. He expected to have a great playmaker at the QB position in MIKE VICK and he is lacking thereof with the talent Mike Vick had to play around and the same talent that was ignored when Vick was blamed when the Falcons lost. Redemption is coming soon as well as judgement day for all of the racist biased uncompassionate people out there. I had to get that off my chest.

By George

December 11, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Can someone get Bill Cowher on the phone, please!

By D-Cider

December 11, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

The guy is a loser. Let him go back and coach amateur football. It was a mistake hiring a college coach anyway.
Considering the play calling, I thought he quit in week 1.

By JB

December 11, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Who can blame the guy? That disgusting display last night by mental midgets worried more about honoring a con-VICK than winning would send anyone packing. Patrino saw there was no hope making winners out of these losers. Blow it up Arthur, and start from ground zero

By Blue Fox

December 11, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Bring back Dan Reeves to finish out the season, what a great idea!!! He’s available, seasoned, and looks a lot better to Atlanta fans after the Mora/Petrino disasters. Think McKay/Blank can get it right??

By ATL Fan

December 11, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

After Arthur Blank spoke so highly of him during the Monday Night Football broadcast, and gave his unwavering support of him in spite of this season-no program should touch him. He did a terrible job coaching this year, Vick is just one player. Even if Vick would have gotten hurt at the start of the season(that’s always a possibility anyway), you still have to do your job. He didn’t take the job because of one player, what a joke! We should have kept Jim Mora, Petrino obviously was not ready for the Pro Game.

By Bob

December 11, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Obviously, Mr. Petrino has some character issues. Good luck, Arkansas. Better keep your search committee handy - you may have to hire a new coach again in a few months. This guy is a total loser.

By BIGBEN

December 11, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

THIS IS ONLY BUSINESS.

By john

December 11, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

I am glad he is gone. He has been nothing short of a disaster. He inherited a bad situation with Vick, but he tore apart the team, alienated the veterans, made terrible QB decisions week after week, and the Grady Jackson situation was ridiculous.

By Art

December 11, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

It looks like Petrino was not right for the pros. He is the only coach that would have had harrington in for one play, readman in for the next and the other quarterback in for the 3rd play then let harrington punt the ball. harrington has all 3 wins and why he is not the starter nobody knows.

By RememberWhen TheyWereTheAints?

December 11, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Van: “Good riddannce! Hire Chan Gailey.”

hahaha, man that’s great

By Rutuger

December 11, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

WOW… what a frickin punk.

“Don’t blame him” for quitting?

ARE YOU SERIOUS???

Way to tuck tail in the face of adversity, Bobby—his family should really be proud.

I hate UGA but I’ll be rooting like a motherfuker for them to roll his punk as the next time they play Arkansas.

Watch this spineless loser get to Arkansas, realize McFadden is gone, and bail a*s again!

SCREW YOU, LOSER—GOOD EFFING RIDDANCE.

GO FALCONS!!!!

By Dan Reeves

December 11, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

You know when I was fired I was totally flabergasted about the decision. Arthur needs to reassess the foundation of incoherent morons that he calls his front office and clean house, starting with Rich McCay. Terrence Moore was right earlier this year in his column when he said Petrino would jump ship like he always does. After 40 years and no championships looks like Atlanta will have another 10 years to wait. By the way Iam still availiable.

By Murphy's Law

December 11, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

What else can go wrong for this team this year? No Vick, no offense, no defense, no fans, no quarterback, and now, no coach.

Just goes to show ya…

By falconmaniac

December 11, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Blank needs to fire the worthless Mckay next and bring in people who know what they are doing. There are a lot of assistant NFL coaches who can win in this city. Do not hire a college coach! Get someone off the staff of the Patriots!

By smitty

December 11, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

I can’t blame him. I sure there a whole lot of baggage from the players we don’t hear about. Dealing with DeAnglo Hall and the rest of the guys stealing paychecks was discouraging I’m sure. Being hamstrung from the whole Vick situation meant a couple more years of suffering. So money wasn’t an object because Arkansas surely can’t pay $5M a year!

By Frank

December 11, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

On ESPN last night, the announcers discussed the fact, and agreed, that the Falcons were in need of a gutting. The whole team needs to be reevaluated, and deadwood needs to be set off to drift. Nobody even mentioned the slightest hint that the coach had to go. Well, now Petrino is gone, someone new will come in, and it is most certain that this team is in for a real overhaul. And what of Blank? One must wonder mightily if he wants to keep HIS job! First his blunders with Vick, then the questionable rush job in hiring Petrino, and now the aftermath of a terrible season and his coach quitting before the season is over. It is worth noting that the overhaul might also include the owner…

By ATL Fan

December 11, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

After Arthur Blank spoke so highly of him during the Monday Night Football broadcast, and gave his unwavering support of him in spite of this season-no program should touch him. He did a terrible job coaching this year, Vick is just one player. Even if Vick would have gotten hurt at the start of the season(that’s always a possibility anyway), you still have to do your job. He didn’t take the job because of one player, what a joke! We should have kept Jim Mora, Petrino obviously was not ready for the Pro Game.

By ibought season tickets!!

December 11, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

what about bringing June Jones back. He could bring Glanville along for the ride.

By Steve

December 11, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

I’m surprised that Bobby Petrino quit like that. But I really can’t blame the guy. The Falcons are a complete mess and it is of no doing of his own. Right now, the Arkansas head football coaching job might be a better job than the Atlanta Falcons head coach.

The only thing is, this might have been his 1st and last chance to be an NFL head football coach. I wish him luck at Arkansas (except when they play the Dawgs).

By scott

December 11, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

good redance never like the hiring of him any way . i for one new he didn’t have what it take to be a real nfl coach just a lucky colege coach , atlanta have enough loser and quiters get the hell out of georgia mr p bye we need a championship coach

By kgod999

December 11, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

mckay should be next, he the one put this sorry franchise together by dismantling what dan reaves built.

By MV7

December 11, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

ALL YOU PEOPLE WANTED ME GONE,AND NOW YOU ARE GETTING WHAT YOU WANTED AND WHAT YOU DESERVE. I WAS THE GLUE THAT HELD THIS ORGANIZATION TOGETHER. NOW YOU FOOLS SEE THE VALUE I BROUGHT TO THIS BOOTLEG ORGANIZATION. THEY WILL NEVER GET A MONDAY NIGHT GAME AGAIN. NANNY NANNY BOO BOO, HATERS!!!

By luvthejackets

December 11, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

This is best for everyone involved… now let’s learn from our mistakes and stay away from college coaches!

By Jon in Suwanee

December 11, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Petrino showed his lack of class and professionalism in the way he handled his resignation. Does he think it will be any easier in the SEC?

As for the A.Blank, he’s in over his head too…. but he has the guts to venture forward. Get a NFL coach who is a proven commodity. Where is Iron Mike D. when we need him?

By Gordon

December 11, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Can’t blame him a bit. He is a no nonsense guy, and he had to put up with no-class people like DeAngelo Hall, Alge Crumpler, Roddy Smith, and the rest of them. I’m sure Blank would resign if he could as well. Who wants to coach a bunch of thugs when you could go to a college and be around people that respect you. The Falcons need to get rid of these people who don’t understand what it means to be a professional. I hope that is exactly what Blanks insists upon from his next coach.

By Jon in Suwanee

December 11, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Petrino showed his lack of class and professionalism in the way he handled his resignation. Does he think it will be any easier in the SEC?

As for the A.Blank, he’s in over his head too…. but he has the guts to venture forward. Get a NFL coach who is a proven commodity. Where is Iron Mike D. when we need him?

By Frank

December 11, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

On ESPN last night, the announcers discussed the fact, and agreed, that the Falcons were in need of a gutting. The whole team needs to be reevaluated, and deadwood needs to be set off to drift. Nobody even mentioned the slightest hint that the coach had to go. Well, now Petrino is gone, someone new will come in, and it is most certain that this team is in for a real overhaul. And what of Blank? One must wonder mightily if he wants to keep HIS job! First his blunders with Vick, then the questionable rush job in hiring Petrino, and now the aftermath of a terrible season and his coach quitting before the season is over. It is worth noting that the overhaul might also include the owner…

By ed

December 11, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

OK, so I spelled “made” incorrect, big deal. But you still need to address the issue, or is it that you are a racist to, John.

By Rod

December 11, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Bring Dan Reeves back baby! Now we dont have make the mistake of drafting Brian Broum.

By ATL Fan

December 11, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

After Arthur Blank spoke so highly of him during the Monday Night Football broadcast, and gave his unwavering support of him in spite of this season-no program should touch him. He did a terrible job coaching this year, Vick is just one player. Even if Vick would have gotten hurt at the start of the season(that’s always a possibility anyway), you still have to do your job. He didn’t take the job because of one player, what a joke! We should have kept Jim Mora, Petrino obviously was not ready for the Pro Game.

By Petey

December 11, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t blame him at all, what happened to him is like the AJC saying to you:

“Steve, welcome aboard. Got some bad news though - we lost 60% of our readership since you accepted the job last week. Something about Cynthia Tucker molesting small animals, no details - anyway, we’re glad to have you. Oh yeah, all of our editors quit as well, but we have some High School guys with good yearbook experience. Go write us a winner!!!”

By TR

December 11, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

He’s a total failure. I hope Blank keeps his head high. This has been a tough year for him as well. Peterino is simply a failure and this shows he isn’t a trustworthy person to begin with. Really, Arkansas do you want this guy as a coach? He’ll be a failure in the SEC too.

By luvthejackets

December 11, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

This is best for everyone involved… now let’s learn from our mistakes and stay away from college coaches!

By Even Chan Gailey can do better tahn the Falcons

December 11, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

I was a season ticket holder for the 1st 8 years in the dome…I’ve seen Glanville, Jones, Reeves….even tried to get to at least one game per year since then….People thought the Smith’s were bad…but Blank is trying to be the next Jerry Jones…he has gotten what he deserved…he paraded around the Dome Pushing Mike Vick in a Wheel Chair and Dan Reeves out the Door…The environment in the Dome is not family friendly and the current Group of Falcons…Hall, White are Thugs too..Hire someone like Tony Dungy and get thinks turned around.

By The Ultimate Choptimist

December 11, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

Please! No more gimmicky coaches, no more rah-rah coaches, no more over-the-hill coaches. Just get a real, true-blue, honest-to-God football man in his prime! Ken Whisenhunt would have been perfect for that, but alas we had to try to appease Vick with a new gimmicky offense. NOT again this time!

By Falcons Friggy

December 11, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

Look, Petrino saw that this was a sinking ship. He will be taking a pay cut to go to Arkansas - so it aint about money. He sees that this franchise isn’t turning around with players like MeAngleo Hall. Clean the slate. Start from scratch. Most of our players (except for the few good one’s like Brooking and Dunn, etc.) made us look like fools Mon. night. Free Mike Vick my @ss !

By Red Forman

December 11, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

I would have quit too.

Been to a Falcons game lately?

Its like a cross between a Rap concert and a Obama fundraiser

Get rid of Deangelo “De Rap Massa” Hall…

Dump Algie “De Hit Man” Crumpler…

By the way, where is Mike “De Dog Fighter” Vick? Oh yeah, I forgot, He is in De Pen!!!!

F-Bomb DEM ‘COONS!!!!!!!!!!!!

By dsb0812

December 11, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

Thank you Lord, you answered my prayers!!! Now hopefully we can go after a REAL NFL HEAD COACH to right this sinking ship. Christmas has come early!!

By Frank

December 11, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

On ESPN last night, the announcers discussed the fact, and agreed, that the Falcons were in need of a gutting. The whole team needs to be reevaluated, and deadwood needs to be set off to drift. Nobody even mentioned the slightest hint that the coach had to go. Well, now Petrino is gone, someone new will come in, and it is most certain that this team is in for a real overhaul. And what of Blank? One must wonder mightily if he wants to keep HIS job! First his blunders with Vick, then the questionable rush job in hiring Petrino, and now the aftermath of a terrible season and his coach quitting before the season is over. It is worth noting that the overhaul might also include the owner…

By Even Chan Gailey can do better tahn the Falcons

December 11, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

I was a season ticket holder for the 1st 8 years in the dome…I’ve seen Glanville, Jones, Reeves….even tried to get to at least one game per year since then….People thought the Smith’s were bad…but Blank is trying to be the next Jerry Jones…he has gotten what he deserved…he paraded around the Dome Pushing Mike Vick in a Wheel Chair and Dan Reeves out the Door…The environment in the Dome is not family friendly and the current Group of Falcons…Hall, White are Thugs too..Hire someone like Tony Dungy and get things turned around.

By RJ

December 11, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

What do you think about the racist comment Mr. Blank mad about M. Vick on MNF? “As long as he dose’nt eat fried chicken and fries”, he should be ok. That is a rasist comment, and the fans of Atlanta should be appauld that an owner could make a comment like that about a player who brought fans into that empty dome.

Where did you learn to spell? Dose’nt? Appauld? rasist? I don’t understand these words, did you mean doesn’t, appalled, and racist?

By Brandon M.

December 11, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Oh my gosh!!!! What are the falcons ranked with now….Europe teams…. what a good friend to the Falcons the going gets tuff and Petrino leaves! Words dont describe my anger to him right now!…..How much do college teams pay you any way…? Disgrase to A. Blank and the team.

By John Zook

December 11, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Old Fan said it best- they are the Falcons for crying out loud, bad since 1966! This coach never had a chance, he was given one of the ultimate losers to play QB at the outset in Joey Harrington. He was forced to start the flotsam and jetsam handed him by Rich McKay. Every single aspect of this woebegone franchise should be razed and rebuilt from the ground-up, from the trainer to the GM. Putrid. And while you’re at it, blow up that pathetic building they play in as well. Bad, bad, bad and worse. RIP.

By Fredmiester

December 11, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Well, Well I guess that settles the argument that MIKE VICK made the FALCONS…take him out the picture and you have a less than half a* organization that can’t even get to crawl out of the deep s** it found itself. I do not condone what Mike did with the dogs..but the minute the media and peta lined up to humilate and shackle him, I vowed to support him…we are sick and tired of this modern day lynching.ONLY SUPERMAN COULD SAVE THE FALCONS…wait oh by the you got rid of him.

By Roger

December 11, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Good for Petrino!

If Blank had a hair on his ###, he would clear out that locker room particularly Roddy White, Joe Horn and DeAngelo Hall.

What did this coach need this bull#### job, for this bull### team, with these bull#### players, with this bul#### GM, and this bull#### owner.

Congratulations Arkansas!

By phurn

December 11, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Maybe Les Miles will consider? Just kidding….

Bill Cowher would come in here and straighten everybody out with the quickness. He takes no sh!t from anyone. Steel Curtain Dirty South Style….

By JohnBoy

December 11, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Now’s the time…Steve Spurrier…

By Orra

December 11, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

What a quitter. We’re better off without him. I guess the quarterback wasn’t the only problem after all. Before he leaves he should apologize to Harrington for jerking him around.

By smitty

December 11, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Maybe we should get Houston Nutt! haha

By Comeuppance

December 11, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Hmmmm! sounds like a bad case of the “what goes around comes around!” Let’s see, Mike Vick, lies, confess to AB but is condemned, convicted and confined; but Bobby Petrino lies to AB on Monday, “CALLS IN” his resignation and “runs” as a hero! Dog Eat Dog World!

By frank

December 11, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Well, Can’t blame Bobbie for leaving…The blame lies on Mike Vick and Arthur Blank. Blanks greed allowed him to over look the fact that Mick Vick is nothing but a thug.All you moronsthat support Vick don’t you understand he and only he is the reason he’s in jail.

By UGA2004

December 11, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Good ridance, this speeds up our process of building a TEAM. He would have bolted eventually, better to get him out of here now.

And I’m pretty sure that “ed” is kidding around b/c anyone that thinks Arthur Blank is a racist is an idiot and a fool. Blank has down more more the city of Atlanta, with respect to philanthropy and giving back, then just about anyone, and last time I checked, all races enjoy fried chicken. His point was if he eats stuff that will make him gain weight. Quit trying to stir the pot, you losers that get on this vent and think you are funny by seeing who is the first person to stir the race arguments need to get a damn life. As a realist, anyone would be naive to think that there aren’t race related issues in our society, but are we really going to try and start this???? Give it a rest.

Anyone have Bill Cohwer’s phone number??????

By Moe

December 11, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

all i have to say is get jason garrett from dallas cowboys he is the offensive coordinator there. HE IS GOING TO FIT RIGHT IN

By A real fan

December 11, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

I wouldnt want to be associated with the kind of crap that walked out on the field last night. Deangelo and roddy got what they wanted. What does it say about Atlanta when you have players supporting a dog killer.I blame the black community for this garbage. Hope you thugs will be buying up all those empty seats with your drug money. This white boy has had enough.

By Gilley

December 11, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

The Falcons would be worse with Matt Schaub so STOP MENTIONING HIS NAME!!!!!!

By Jeffisgoofingoff

December 11, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank should do like Ted Turner and become the coach himself.

By Goody Riddance

December 11, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Coward. Quitter. Low-Class. Punk. Jerk….oh yeah….L O S E R !.

That’s Bobby Petrino. Arthur Blank deserves better than that !

By Bobby Petrino

December 11, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

I bought some cheap land in Arkansas last night. The guys from CHiPs was selling it for cheap !!!!!

By ajazzy1

December 11, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

….and all you pitifully racist idiots using this blog to blame black people for everything (D-Hall and Alge haven’t done anything wrong but support their former teammate — quit trying to use thugs as a behind-back way of trying to use the N-word and other racist tactics), take your ignorant Bama asses on the backwood Arkansas hills with that quitter Petrino!

By Villa Rica DAWG

December 11, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Is Chan still looking for a job? He can’t be any worse…

By chipdip

December 11, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

I LOVE FRIED CHICKEN TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AND FRIES.

By JM

December 11, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Petrino is a loser, a quitter and a liar. He has no integrity or loyatly. I’m angry that he stabbed the organization in the back like this by saying just a week or so ago that he had no plans to leave, but I don’t think this is altogether bad for the Falcons. Hiring Petrino was a mistake in the first place, so it’s good that he’s gone sooner rather than later. Now’s a chance for Blank and McKay to right a wrong. Go out and get a proven winner like Cowher if you can. Or go out and get a bright young assistant. Just don’t hire another college coach with no moral fiber.

By Rutuger

December 11, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe some of you aren’t roasting this coward for this…

“Can you blame him?” YOU’RE DAMN RIGHT I CAN—WE ALL SHOULD!!

Just because he didn’t get what he thought he would, you all think such an unprofessional and cowardly bit*h move bail out is justified? UNBELIEVABLE.

I suppose it’s hard to stand up to the first signs of adversity WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE A BACKBONE.

By roan st

December 11, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Until a GM is brought in that can evaluate talent this franchise will continue to be on of the worst in pro sports. That’s exactly why petrino left he knew damn well the talent is not here and it will take forever to rebuild this mess. Mckay is an idiot but blank is just to blind to see it. Petrino is a smart man for getting out of this trainwreck and he will do well at arkansas. Thank you arthur blank for continuing our 40 plus years of sheer misery.

By WILL

December 11, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Call Jason Garrett and give him whatever he wants to lure him away from Dallas. Cut Keith Brooking please, and Fat Albert, I mean Alge.

By Does It Matter

December 11, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Enough with the racist comments. Vick is gone and that is that. And why does everyone Black who play for the Falcons have to be GANGSTA’S We don’t call the White Players Racists names. That is what is wrong with the world today. We have more important issues in the world than trying to kick people when they are down. Patrino is gone.. GOOD he wasn’t that good of a NFL coach anyway… he should be in college with the way the team was playing. Now maybe we can get a REAL Coach who can discipline the team and turn it around. Get rid of McKay and we will have a better chance next year.

By Big T

December 11, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Good Bye. My gosh, what a season. We need to get our act straight and quick. McKay needs to earn his pay in the next 48hrs and plug this hole. Look at the bright side. We hae no coach and there is no competition (at least on the surface) for other coaches. Hey Tech fans, you know what I mean. Need to take lessons from Rad and get a quality coach.

Mortgage the Dome and get the best coach not in the game right now. Think about, it this will be a perfect candidate for this team. Someone to whip their a*******es in shape. This coach retired to build his house in either S. or N. Carolina. A proven winner. Mckay, get off your butt and call Cowher. Hope that he s up for a challenge. Then go out and get a good quality, veteran quarterback for next year. Then get the best quarterback in the draft (we’re going to have a high pick this year). Did I mention to call Cowher and offer him the moon, sun, universe.

Fans, next season just began. Hang on for the ride.

By John

December 11, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Hey, Bobby!! Every player’s momma at Arky have the direct line to the AD’s office. Have fun!

By heath

December 11, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

can’t blame him one bit.

By Yeavis Mathis

December 11, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Good riddance…..we shouldn’t be wishing this guy LUCK….he quit on the team last night in front of a Nation wide audience( I should know I was there at the game studying his body language and he looked like a guy that had one foot out of the door),he quit on his team 7 months into the job that should tell everything about Bobby Petrino the man….This just clears the way for a real coach like say… BILL COWHER….. GO Dirty Birds!!!

By Woody

December 11, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Racist Comment: Maybe Mr Blank Had Him Over at His House For Chicken and Fries. I am White and I Don’t Know One Person Who Doesn’t Eat Chicken.Mr Blank is Not a Racist!!

By Bobby Petrino

December 11, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

I bought some cheap land in Arkansas last night. The guys from CHiPs was selling it for cheap !!!!!

By John

December 11, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Ed,

Is english your first language? I couldn’t believe what Blank said either but your post shows you are either a child or more ignorant then he is.

By JohnBoy

December 11, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Racist comment my big ole’ butt…you telling me no white people eat fried chicken???

By A sign of things to come

December 11, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Okay McKay should be next!

By Brenda

December 11, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

The Falcons have been, are and always will be sorry. Shut down the franchise.

By D-Cider

December 11, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

SteveO , I don’t know who is the bigger idiot, you for giving that idiot Blank a pass for making the fried chicken comment, or him for saying it. either you people have your heads in the sand, up your posterior, or just too dumb to see the forest for the trees. I couldn’t believe it when he said it, he must have been hit the head with a hammer at the Depot. It makes a lot of sense to accuse someone of being a bigot while defending someone else who makes a racist comment.

By "Picture Me Rollin"

December 11, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

See ya later sucker!

By NRBQ

December 11, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Obviously, Petrino is an idiot.

Norwood, potentially one of the most exciting players in the league, is averaging 6 carries per game over the first 13.

Last night, he had 57 yards receiving, 73 return yards, and almost no carries (21 yards).

Any fool, no matter what his “system,” would take advantage of this player.

By Ben Downaneader

December 11, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

“Crazy” Jim Mora, Sr. had it right: Vick is a coach killer. Shiite, he doesn’t even have to show up to kill coaches. He does it from his jail call: MV7 = Ninja Master.

He’a probably remotely killing dogs from his cell, too.

Maybe his homies, who quickly ratted him out, will drop dead in the next couple of days?

SCARY!

By ATLawk

December 11, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

It just wasn’t a good fit. It’s best for both sides. Now let’s go out there and reel in the Big Tuna! Or how about Bill Cowher?

By Falcons 190

December 11, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Hire Garrett and keep Zimmer and have Dallas East.

By Third Ward

December 11, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

good for ‘em. this team has sucked for over 40 years!!! good luck bobby…

By DJA

December 11, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank needs to screen future players and coaches with lie detector testing, drug testing and background checks. His “onboard” human judgement filter is broke. Next surprise headline is when Blank sells the Falcons to Curtis Martin……

By Clayton

December 11, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Petrino is such a disgrace, the man has no loyalty to any team.

Remember what he did to Lousville the last 2 years.

I say good riddance, he is a college coach that can’t get it done in the pros

Im glad he left now, cause who knows what would happen if the falcons were still fighting for a wildcard spot.

Hell get his butt torn up in the SEC anyways.

Have fun, we won’t miss you!!

By Dog hanger

December 11, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t blame Petrino one bit. The Atlanta Falcons are a black hole. Why should he waste his life in Atlanta, having thugs running amok? The Falcons don’t need coaches, they need prison guards! Crap town, crap newspaper, crap football team. It will never change. Falcons and Ravens, twins, only the Ravens have better playas.

Good luck, Bobby!

By jo

December 11, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

arthur needs to sell team & get out while he can. obviously for years players has run (ruined) team and that happened this year. too much fan crap from uneducated fools running around chapioned this fool and that fool namely (vick, crumpler, hall). if i was the nfl i would make arthur sell this team and then let the nfl move it to a city that cares about all the people.

By jo

December 11, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

arthur needs to sell team & get out while he can. obviously for years players has run (ruined) team and that happened this year. too much fan crap from uneducated fools running around chapioned this fool and that fool namely (vick, crumpler, hall). if i was the nfl i would make arthur sell this team and then let the nfl move it to a city that cares about all the people.

By terrell barron

December 11, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

This is the best news I,ve heard all day. Now it’s time for McCay to take a hike. Let’s get a real NFL coach in here.

By The Ultimate Choptimist

December 11, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Trade the high draft pick (2nd 0r 3rd maybe?) for a bunch of lower picks so we can get some real players up in here. Then, instead of using one really high pick to grab a Brohm or Woodson, use a lower round pick to get the Hawaii QB….he will be the best of this year’s crop in the NFL.

By bravesfan

December 11, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

The Falcons should have known what they were getting when they looked at his frequent job-hopping prior to this job. Once the wuss ran into a little troubling situation, he was as good as gone. I hope the Falcons get a more committed coach as a replacement, and Arkansas better watch out—this lying sack of excrement will do to them what he has done to others.

By SickandTired

December 11, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Hey MV7, what are you doing on the computer man? You need to get those dishes washed and get to the showers. Bubba is waiting on you.

By Peter

December 11, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Good grief who could blame Patrino.

Vick has been killing and fighting dogs since he was a rookie….and HE WAS our LEADER…… HA HA HA HA…

Then having to watch the introduction display that was ALL childish behavior by D. Hall with that VICK whatever, and no helmet, showed me that no one is listening to the coach….

Were any of you there for that embarrassment ?

We have absolutely zero leadership on this team, quite a few of the ME type players need to go.

We need a coach who is strong, and more than that a NEW GM.

We will NEVER GO ANY WHERE with THE CURRENT GM !

We will never win with Joey, D Hall, D. Williams, Crocker, and 1/2 of the team, not to mention the O LINE !

By Sick of this falcons bunch

December 11, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t blame Petrino for quitting. He came to coach a pro team but there are no professionals on this team. Too bad D. Hall and R. White couldn’t go instead. They are just thieves stealing Blank’s money.

By Jim Mora (Jr.)

December 11, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

YA’LL FIRED ME FOR THIS CLOWN. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

By Flappin Falcon