AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > July > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThe Spirit boys are out of their leagues
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
The reason nobody has written a book, titled, “How to win in professional sports,” is there is no one absolute formula.
You can win with good players and an average coach. You can win with average players and a good coach.
You can win if the roster is healthy. You can win even if the roster has dangling limbs being held together with duct tape for just one more playoff series.
Players can win if they like each other. Or they can win even if they look across the locker room and think, “Dirtbag.”
You can win with a private owner. You can win with a corporate owner.
You just can’t win with a dumb owner.
Which brings us to the Hawks and the Thrashers. Their ownership group calls itself, “Atlanta Spirit.” The thinking was, it’ll look better on letterhead than, “Nice But Clueless, LLC.”
In the latest chapter of sports’ most dumbfounding, confounding and often amusing ownership group, a Maryland judge has ruled the Hawks and Thrashers can’t “initiate the purchase, sale, trade or negotiation” of any player for longer than a year, as long as the group remains fractured and paralyzed in court.
As limitations go, that’s not necessarily the worst directive you can give a general manager. There’s always, “You’re fired.”
It’s July. It’ll be three months before the Hawks and Thrashers play another game. But if this boat takes on any more water, somebody’s going to be spitting out a flounder.
“The good thing for the Thrashers is that we’ve already signed a lot of players, so this isn’t an immediate issue in front of us right now,” Thrashers general manager Don Waddell said. “But hopefully it will get worked out in a short time. If it doesn’t, it could have an affect on us on decisions down the road. If I get a call from a GM and he says, ‘I’ve got a player to trade,’ my first question now is, ‘How many years are left on his contract?’ If he says three, I have to say, ‘Don’t call me back.’ “
Ownership is trying to calm its dwindling fan base. As soon as this Steve Belkin mess is behind them, they say, things will be great.
I’m sorry. Exactly what are we basing this optimism on?
Too many people are painting this as a Good vs. Evil thing (with Belkin the one emanating brimstone). But if Belkin is the bad guy, it doesn’t mean the other guys are visionaries. And if the two sides were battling to make the playoffs, my money would not be on the team that keeps getting hammered in court.
I want to have a beer with some members of Atlanta Spirit. I just don’t want them giving me directions to the pub.
They’re all nice guys. I’m sure they’ve done something right in their professional lives because they have all this money (or used to). But for the life of me I can’t figure out how they got this far in life, given the number of missteps they’ve taken in this venture.
They formed a bad partnership. They retained bad attorneys. They have made bad assumptions about their teams, their employees and certainly about each other. If you think it has been Everybody vs. Belkin on all issues ranging from management to players, you’re deluded.
As owners go, do you look at Atlanta Spirit and think, “The Rooney Family”? Or “The Addams Family”?
Individually, maybe members of the Atlanta Spirit would be great owners. Collectively, they’re out of their leagues. The sum is LESS than the parts.
Don’t worry, they say. The Thrashers’ roster is set, they say. Goalie Kari Lehtonen is unsigned but it’s believed he can be given a multi-year deal because talks had been initiated before the judge’s ruling. The same holds true with the Hawks’ impending signing of Speedy Claxton. And, well, that Al Harrington mess: It’ll work itself out, they say. Trust us.
Try this, Sunshine Boys: About a year ago, Dany Heatley asked the Thrashers for a trade. Waddell moved him to Ottawa for Marian Hossa, who had just signed a three-year contract. Today, that deal wouldn’t be possible.
That was in the summer. What happens during playoff drives (hoped for) before the trading deadline?
Even if the non-Belkins somehow prevail in this matter, they’ve done little to make you feel good about things. It was only in court records that we learned they quietly added a year to Waddell’s contract. The deal had a year left. He’s still looking to make the playoffs. How do you suppose that went over in Billy Knight’s office? And if it’s something to celebrate, why keep it a secret?
There are a lot of ways to win. This isn’t one of them.
Permalink | Comments (41) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks / NBA, Jeff Schultz, Thrashers / NHL
Comments
By Mel in Midtown
July 7, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
While following this…what word to use? Mess? Fiasco? Follies? I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
These guys - BOTH of ‘em - are “The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight” in professional sports.
What about this - Steve Belkin meets one of “the rest of them” in a no holds barred “Death Match” in Philips Arena. Winner gets the teams.
Actually, there are no winners here - especially the fans. Speedy Claxton and Shelden Williams have got to be thinking “What the F did I get into?” And that loud moan you hear is from Al Harrington.
By NJ HAWK
July 7, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
This is just bad news. Everytime we make a small step forward like getting Speedy, we take a step back with this ownership mess. I think BK has done a nice job and could fill this whole column with the good things he has done for the Hawks despite what some of you say. I will have to 2nd guess him not making an Al trade quicker knowing something like this was bound to happen in court.
By NJ HAWK
July 7, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
This is just bad news. Everytime we make a small step forward like getting Speedy, we take a step back with this ownership mess. I think BK has done a nice job and could fill this whole column with the good things he has done for the Hawks despite what some of you say. I will have to 2nd guess him not making an Al trade quicker knowing something like this was bound to happen in court.
By NJ HAWK
July 7, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
This is just bad news. Everytime we make a small step forward like getting Speedy, we take a step back with this ownership mess. I think BK has done a nice job and could fill this whole column with the good things he has done for the Hawks despite what some of you say. I will have to 2nd guess him not making an Al trade quicker knowing something like this was bound to happen in court.
By Matt
July 7, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
What a great message both sides are sending to the fans of Atlanta. Whomever wins this will still come out on the bottom and be looked upon as immature, idiotic, children who have no clue how to run a team. Both sides are putting the Hawks and Thrashers in a very bad position and unfortunately, things dont look like they will improve anytime soon. Ahhh…the pains of being a fan of Atlanta sports teams. Maybe we can suit Dominique up.
By Matt
July 7, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
What a great message both sides are sending to the fans of Atlanta. Whomever wins this will still come out on the bottom and be looked upon as immature, idiotic, children who have no clue how to run a team. Both sides are putting the Hawks and Thrashers in a very bad position and unfortunately, things dont look like they will improve anytime soon. Ahhh…the pains of being a fan of Atlanta sports teams. Maybe we can suit Dominique up.
By BirdDawg
July 7, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
I hate all of them. Belkin and the Other Guys.
They are the worst owners in their respective sports.
Resigning Waddell, the architect of what? Losing? The guy who is single-handidly responsible for destroying USA Hockey, or the guy who stood pat when he should have made a trade or two last year? The guy who sent down a rookie goalie who was holding this team together to start his just back from injury free agent back-up goalie who sent the team on a tailspin, losing winnable games because of his poor play?
That Waddell?
Not firing Billy Knight, the worst GM in all sports including MLS and WNBA? I mean, if you don’t fire Billy Knight because of his miserable performance as GM, why can’t you for his out and out hate and contempt for the few fans the Hawks have left? Billy is smarter than everyone else, right? I have never seen a more egotistical and self-rightous SOB in sports with absolutely no call to be that way. Barry Bonds may be a miserable SOB and a cheater, but he was a great ballplayer once upon a time. Billy Knight looks down his nose at everyone, and he’s been nothing but a failure everywhere he’s been.
And yet, he’s not fired.
I don’t know if Belkin would be any better (in fact, I’d think he’d be like Donald Serling), but when I look at the losers of Atlanta Morons, LLC… I have to ask myself… How can Belkin possibly be any worse?
By Love 'em and Leave 'em
July 7, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
Wily Coyote could have seen this trap coming. Belkin has no money and the other dwarves have too many guys lining up to kiss Snow White.
Was it EVER GOING TO WORK???
By Steve
July 7, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
I have never seen a mess like this before in professional sports in any city. The ATL Spirit with Billy Knight running the show are a bunch of buffoons. Belkin is a sociopath…I would love it if Arthur Blank could buy this mess out and turn all of these clowns back to the streets. BK and his love of all things “forward” and these lackluster owners would all be a short and sad chapter in Atlanta sports history. But it looks like these fools may be around awhile. I can’t believe that David Stern hasn’t stepped in and help alleviate this situation. This is why partnetships without a dominant voice never work.
By LarryD
July 7, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
If Belkin wins the battle don’t the NBA and NHL owners have to approve him as the new owner before he can buyout the team? Assuming that is the case, what happens if he is not approved? Is he forced to sell?
By LarryD
July 7, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this
If Belkin wins the battle don’t the NBA and NHL owners have to approve him as the new owner before he can buyout the team? Assuming that is the case, what happens if he is not approved? Is he forced to sell?
By Glenn
July 7, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this
I have been a professional Mediator for over 15 years, with an approximate settlement rate of 95%, and have volunteered, on several occasions, to handle their case for free.
I had hoped that someone in ownership would be interested in trying to resolve their dispute but no one has bothered to respond to my several offers.
If the owners, or their employees, bother to read these posts, I have sent yet another offer to help you this afternoon…If you would rather fight this issue out in the courts, wasting money and disenfranchising fans and players, my suggestion is for all sides to bow out and let someone else take over the franchises.
By lewis
July 7, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
Please,please…..someone let me know who the lawyers are the ATL Spirit are useing……so i will know who not to use. The first agreement when this group was put togeather stated whoever leave before the first three years only get 80% in a buyout…..so how do we get where we are today…And the you can by me out at COST if you do not close the buyout within 30 days after price is set in the new buyout contract….LAWYER PLEASE..DUH…new to your blog but just as mad about this mess as everone else……
By lewis
July 7, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this
Please,please…..someone let me know who the lawyers are the ATL Spirit are useing……so i will know who not to use. The first agreement when this group was put togeather stated whoever leave before the first three years only get 80% in a buyout…..so how do we get where we are today…And the you can by me out at COST if you do not close the buyout within 30 days after price is set in the new buyout contract….LAWYER PLEASE..DUH…new to your blog but just as mad about this mess as everone else……
By lewis
July 7, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
Please,please…..someone let me know who the lawyers are the ATL Spirit are useing……so i will know who not to use. The first agreement when this group was put togeather stated whoever leave before the first three years only get 80% in a buyout…..so how do we get where we are today…And the you can by me out at COST if you do not close the buyout within 30 days after price is set in the new buyout contract….LAWYER PLEASE..DUH…new to your blog but just as mad about this mess as everone else……
By Najeh Davenpoop
July 7, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
I never thought I would feel sorry for Billy Knight, but I do now. Say what you want about how long it’s taken him to produce a team that can win, but I really think he has put together a group of players that can contend for a playoff spot this year. Unfortunately, we might never know what he could have got in a trade for Al Harrington, because of our idiotic ownership.
By CJ
July 7, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this
press post..once. At this rate Vegas is gonna have a new NBA team. Orrogance and incompetence run amok. Just a gang of rich boys playing with thier “toys”..without an ounce of professionalism.
By Tom
July 7, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this
Bottom line: If this were happening in Detroit, or Philly, or New York, how do you think the fans would be handling it? How do you think the papers would be handling it? This is a GIANT mess with no immediate end in site. Schultzy, this is a great column. But you need to put your foot on the gas now. Don’t let up until something is resolved. Under these awful circumstances, it’s probably okay to be a little irrational.
Speaking of irrational, when should we schedule the protest rally?
By dhd
July 7, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this
Who gives a rip how they would handle it in NY or Philly. They have their own problems. That’s why so many of them live here.
By Horn
July 7, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
This isn’t a great column. It is easy to “pile” on but the team is close and Belkin is an idiot in devaluing an asset he wants to own!! This proves to me that he really doesn’t want to own the teams and I’m pulling for Gearon and Co. At least these guys have some local ties and passion about the Hawks. We can’t even get the value for Al that we are supposed to get. Please David Stern call in some favors and get Belkin out of here!!
By LAC
July 7, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
These owners are unequaled in DUMBNESS in pro sports… david glass does have his walmart all-stars in Kansas City though.
But on a serious side… These guys are so far out of their league it is not funny.
They act like little kids running around, screaming “I own a pro sports team” to everyone, but failing to have a plan or course in which to take the teams too.
I have seen their conduct, always smiling and laughing, but at who ? Themselves I assume… They NEVER address a direct question and hide most of the time, as they have been since winter sports season closed last month.
They are cheap and stupid… But retaining don waddell is WITHOUT QUESTION the DUMBEST move they could have done.
He is AWFUL… Look at these retreads we now have… We had a decent team last season, with no goalie injuries…who knows… But NOT keeping Mark Savard and even refusing to speak with him tells me waddell is a complete DUMB-A*.
Now this week we hear waddell got a …Get This Folks…CONTRACT EXTENSION… FOR what ? More losing ???? I bet Hossa cannot wait to leave…
Lastly I remember a few short years ago various NHL publications saying how the Thrashers were THE up and coming team in the NHL… We were young and hungry.
Now look… We are OLD and OLDER, Slow and Slower we will not be in the playoffs next season, and because waddell cannot do his job… We will NOT be until a NEW GM is in place… But these STUPID Little owners, need to take off the diapers, and put on big boy pants and GROW UP, They stink and Bilkin may be the same or worse…
David McDavid where are you !!!!!!!!
By LAC
July 7, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this
These owners are unequaled in DUMBNESS in pro sports… david glass does have his walmart all-stars in Kansas City though.
But on a serious side… These guys are so far out of their league it is not funny.
They act like little kids running around, screaming “I own a pro sports team” to everyone, but failing to have a plan or course in which to take the teams too.
I have seen their conduct, always smiling and laughing, but at who ? Themselves I assume… They NEVER address a direct question and hide most of the time, as they have been since winter sports season closed last month.
They are cheap and stupid… But retaining don waddell is WITHOUT QUESTION the DUMBEST move they could have done.
He is AWFUL… Look at these retreads we now have… We had a decent team last season, with no goalie injuries…who knows… But NOT keeping Mark Savard and even refusing to speak with him tells me waddell is a complete DUMB-A*.
Now this week we hear waddell got a …Get This Folks…CONTRACT EXTENSION… FOR what ? More losing ???? I bet Hossa cannot wait to leave…
Lastly I remember a few short years ago various NHL publications saying how the Thrashers were THE up and coming team in the NHL… We were young and hungry.
Now look… We are OLD and OLDER, Slow and Slower we will not be in the playoffs next season, and because waddell cannot do his job… We will NOT be until a NEW GM is in place… But these STUPID Little owners, need to take off the diapers, and put on big boy pants and GROW UP, They stink and Bilkin may be the same or worse…
David McDavid where are you !!!!!!!!
By Knightmare on Peachtree Street
July 7, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
ONE PERTINENT QUESTION FOR ANYONE WHO KNOWS:
CAN THE NBA REVOKE ATLANTA SPIRITS FRANCHISE AND STOP THIS CIRCUS?
And if they can, why hasn’t David Stern already done this for the good of the NBA. This situation is completely out of control and quite ridiculous!
By dalcloser
July 7, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
This team was on the road to turning the corner. Many of the negative hate BK, BS was quieted after the Speedy trade. Now you have a release to your pent up anger. True enough the local owner’s legal team got their butts handed to them and now there is more burden to try to work out Al’s deal. This is what happens when a major private owner has no ties or loyality to the city. No way will the NBA continue to let this downward spiral remain. Even if Belkins wins, he loses. The rest of the NBA owners aren’t happy seeing the courts dictating the free agent market. A few GMs will be out of the AH market if this stay remains as is.
By UGA 72
July 8, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this
This matter could have been handled very easily in the old South, it is called a duel. I think both parties should designate one person, since no one is familar with swords anymore, I think they both should be given Bowie Knives put in a dark room about 11x14 when someone knocks on the door to be let out, you have your winner and owner. Baring that how about either side hiring a hit man/men and just killing the other guys, and you bet I’m serious. Money doesn’t mean anything to people that have this much of it, their life/lives, hopefully, would have a little meaning even to this group of idiots.
I think the NBA/NHL should take over operation and give each party 80% of what they invested, then the teams should be sold to new ownership. Dang but that guy in Texas looks better all the time doesn’t he?
By Lamont
July 8, 2006 01:41 AM | Link to this
I just can’t understand how a league with such a fantastic international reputation like the NBA is letting this mess go for that long ? It’s clear none of the owners has experience and competence to run a professional team !
By Brendan
July 8, 2006 02:51 AM | Link to this
First off, thank you, Jeff Schultz. I’d been waiting for this one. My favorite segment, by far, was But if this boat takes on any more water, somebody’s going to be spitting out a flounder. As it stands now, restricted free agent netminder Kari Lehtonen is eyeing the lifeboats like he were on board the Titanic, circa 1912.
Since the Thrashers inception, they’ve never had good ownership. Not really. Ted Turner is the ego that ate Peachtree St. Arrogant as the day is long, he told fans who didn’t like the team being named after a little brown bird, “When you come up with $99 million, you can name the team.” He’d tell you, with slurred speech, “Before me, hiccup, noone ever thought to launch a satellite into space! I was a visionary!! A Visionary, I tells ya. Hiccup. I was a revoluntary! I created a SuperStation!!”
Well, I’m glad Ted’s a billionaire who likes to win, but he installed a minor-league GM who’s still here as we enter YEAR SEVEN of his FIVE YEAR PLAN for making the playoffs. Sad as it is, Ted might have been the best owner the Thrashers ever had. At least he was a solitary face to put on these teams.
But then, AOL-Time-Warner squeezed him out, little-by-little, until ultimately, he was gone. Part of those machinations included the decision to sell off some of its assets, including the Hawks, Thrashers and rights to Philips Arena to offset some of the merged company’s losses. But unfortunately, there were city bonds and the Hawks as collateral for them, as liens to this sale.
That stumbling block prevented the sale of this team to Texas autodealer David McDavid, who seemed, genuinely, interested in acquiring these teams to, in his own words, “give these teams over in Atlanta a lil bit of love. That’s all they really need.”
The worst thing that ever happened to the Atlanta Thrashers was NOT the tragic car accident that claimed the life of Dan Snyder and seriously injured star forward Dany Heatley, it was the sale of this franchise to the Atlanta Spirit Group, LLC.
At the 11th hour, 24-hours before McDavid was to hold a press conference announcing the acquisition of the Hawks and Thrashers, these eight guys “pooled their money together” and decided that it’d be nice to be able to tell people waiting for the bus that they’re professional sports team owners.
Well, gee. Isn’t that fine and dandy? But too many chefs spoil the soup. Somewhere, David McDavid is smiling and laughing, musing aloud, “Got more than you bargained for, eh boys??!” Yeah, McDavid had to take down the jerseys of the Hawks and Thrashers from his temporary franchise headquarters location there in Texas. But nothing says he really would have been a great owner, anyway. There’s really no evidence to suggest McDavid would have brought umpteen championships to the City of Atlanta.
So, now we’re stuck with these clowns. Fellow bloggers, I’m here to tell you that the Atlanta Spirit Group can’t walk and chew gum. Not simulataneously. They’re like the mule with the spinning wheel, boys. Noone knows how they got it, and dmned if they know what to do with it! *They don’t have the good sense to find their way out of the rain.
They could not even “buy out” a partner, properly. As much as I think Billy Knight and Don Waddell need to go, would you trust these guys to conduct a search to land someone better? You’d rather have Ronald McDonald and Barney, the Dinosaur running the Hawks and Thrashers when the the successors were named. I think the “Blue Man Group” could run the Hawks and Thrashers better than these guys.
When Buffalo Sabres owner John J. Rigas was indicted (later convicted) in the Adelphia Cable scam, the NHL stepped in to run the team while the team was in bankruptcy. Did it work? Well, the team drafted well and exercised fiscal responsibility in signing players and making trades, including trade deadline deals. The result? Three years later, the Sabres set a franchise record for wins, 52, and points, 110, en route to leading Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals after two periods, despite missing four (4!!) of their starting defensemen due to injury. Carolina did rally in the 3rd period to take the series, en route to winning the Stlanley Cup, but ask Sabres fans if they were happy the league “intervened” in those DARK HOURS of the Rigas Administration. The answer is plainly “yes.”
Please, NBA and NHL, step in and run these teams while the owners settle the mess they created.
By jamie
July 8, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this
Dear Jeff
It is easy as heck for you to sit on your perch and rip the current Hawks / Thrashers Ownership Problems. Don’t get me wrong I am the least bit satisfied with how things are going with this whole legal situation. Everyone rips how the Hawks are being run, but good we are in year 3 of a rebuilding process and here everyone is calling for Billy Knight to be fired or for that fact Mike Woodson. I dare anyone on this message board to tell me different that talent wise we are better off under previous Hawks regimes than this one. I would even support you if there were no signs of progress being made, we doubled our win totals last year, Josh Smith, Josh Childress also showed much improvement. Marvin Williams, Salim Stoudamire, Shelden Williams etc. Don’t get me wrong I also have questioned some of the Hawks feel the Hawks should have drafted Randy Foye, but I understand the reasoning behind the Shelden Williams pick.
By biffo
July 8, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this
The owners aren’t nice guys. They are jerks, and to expect anyone to support these franchises while they are shredded by committee and court is ridiculous. Belkin has something to prove, probably compensating for some shortcoming, and the rest of the group is incompetent and likely quite stupid. Too stupid to have this much money in fact, which means we only hurt ourselves by giving them more. Well, they won’t be getting any from me. They should all be forced to sell and prohibited from ownership in perpetuity. Otherwise I say free the players and fold the teams.
By pinball34
July 8, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this
Buck Felkin.
By nikki
July 8, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this
You are a funny guy, Jeff. I totally agree with you.
By RPH
July 8, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this
I like the idea of the nba and nhl running the teams. They will have people that have a little better clue of what to do. This is really at a no win situation now for these guys. The spirit are going to fight, because they will get taken if they lose this battle. Honestly, is there any other alternative besides the nba/nhl stepping in and buying out the teams??? This court battle could go on for years through appeals.
By Gene
July 8, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this
Jeff, the one aspect of sports that usually leads to a winning team is money. I think the Blue Jays bought the series in 1992 and the Marlins did it in 1999. The Yankees have proved it repeatedly as have the Red Wings. The 1991 Braves were an exception that I will never forget. They did not have the talent, but they had perseverence. Too bad they lost it.
By Paul
July 8, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this
Now come on Jeff Schultz let’s be serious. Sure the current owners haven’t been smart in their dealings. BUT…we are NOT going to be saved by some 3rd party owner, sweeping in, buying the franchise, and saving the day. It’s not going to happen.
It’s either going to be Belkin or it’s going to be Atlanta Spirit. One or the other. You pick. But only one of those two has the dedication to try to get a winning team. The other does not care.
Again it’s simple. One that WANTS to win but isn’t smart as it should be in legal preceedings will have a MUCH better chance of fielding a winning team rather than a guy who doesnt care about winning, but only about spending less and making money.
I can’t see how people keep this up. Deal with it. And hope Belkin is not our owner.
By Mylanta Chikin Hacks R Dem
July 8, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
“THAT’S ALL I CAN STANDS, I CAN’T STANDS NO MORE!!!!!!” Popeye
It’s such a shame (and sham) that the fair citizens of Hotlanta have not had a PROFESSIONAL NBA TEAM in this city since February 2, 1994 (When they traded, I mean GAVE away the only HOF Hawk, for a broke Knee, sorry Kansas Jayhawk!) Didn’t these “Owners” (And I use the term very loosely) learn anything from last years offseason transactions? It seems not!
To think that these jerks still expect us hard working Hotlantians to fork over $3,010 for season tickets to Philips Mausoleum to watch these NBDL rejects! The gaul!!!!
Then we have Billy “I will draft every potential 6’7 NBA journeyman that reminds me of my stellar NBA career” Knight. This excetional GM (which stands for Grand Mess) wouldn’t know quality NBA talent if came up and bit him where he thinks!
Well, that’s it! I refuse to hold my tounge any longer! I propose a complete and utter boycott of the Mylanta Chikin Hacks!
Until these morons get out of their own way, figure who’s the boss, stop draftin clones of the GM, (I have no problem thus far with Woodie, he’s a victim like the rest of us!)…..I say we all continue to stay away en’mase and watch the Chikin Hacks from the comfort of couches.
All of those sell outs last season were so great! Wait….you mean the Hacks had no sellouts? Oh, that’s right,those empty gray Mausoleum seats are just an optical illusion on TV!
I guess they’re just tryin to trick us Original ATLaliens to come back!
DON’T GO NEAR DA HACKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Zinte
July 8, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
This would really be funny if this were a joke but this is very REAL and the incompetence of seemingly EVERYONE involved is what makes this so sad. Hopefully, a resolution will happen soon.
By LA Hawk
July 8, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
A dispicable mess…however, it does seem that BK had been in negotiations with Golden State and Indiana before this ruling so that could give us an out. Otherwise he certainly still has the option to sign Harringtion since they have been speaking for months then trade him at a later date…I guess that’s only if Harrington has a heart of gold.
By Shut Up!!
July 8, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Give me a break, why don’t you all just shut up. You especially Jeff. Why does anyone really care who owns the teams. I haven’t seen this new ruling effect anything yet, so until you have an example of this causing you undo stress or ruining the teams why doesn’t everyone just relax, and Jeff why don’t you try seeing the glass half full for once with the Thrashers and Hawks. I rarely read a positive article from you. It must be easier to tear down then build up, especially just using your words. You seem like a guy who sends back ice cream because it’s too cold.
By Shut Up!!
July 8, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Give me a break, why don’t you all just shut up. You especially Jeff. Why does anyone really care who owns the teams. I haven’t seen this new ruling effect anything yet, so until you have an example of this causing you undo stress or ruining the teams why doesn’t everyone just relax, and Jeff why don’t you try seeing the glass half full for once with the Thrashers and Hawks. I rarely read a positive article from you. It must be easier to tear down then build up, especially just using your words. You seem like a guy who sends back ice cream because it’s too cold.
By Shut Up!!
July 8, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Give me a break, why don’t you all just shut up. You especially Jeff. Why does anyone really care who owns the teams. I haven’t seen this new ruling effect anything yet, so until you have an example of this causing you undo stress or ruining the teams why doesn’t everyone just relax, and Jeff why don’t you try seeing the glass half full for once with the Thrashers and Hawks. I rarely read a positive article from you. It must be easier to tear down then build up, especially just using your words. You seem like a guy who sends back ice cream because it’s too cold.
By Brendan
July 8, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
Jamie, I’m not a basketball expert. Far from it. What I don’t know about basketball could fill a warehouse. That said, I remember days of the Hawks with Blaylock, Smith, Henderson, Laettner, and Dikembe. They weren’t so horrible. They never got out of the 2nd round of the playoffs, but they routinely got to the playoffs and made a decent showing while there.
I couldn’t rightly tell ya if this group is headed towards far surpassing that group, but you did ask if anyone remembers a better assembly of the Hawks. So, there’s my answer. I liked the 1994-1999 Hawks better than this current group.
But what do I know? I’m not a basketball analyst. All I know is … I’d would prefer to watch those Hawks on ESPN classic than current games with these guys. It’s a personal preference, like vanilla over strawberry, or Michelob over Budweiser.
When a team only gets 13 wins, Jamie, it’s not that great of an achievement to reach 26 wins. It’s an 82-game season.