Sports Columnists

By Swatguy

September 12, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

I believe a majority owner (51% or more) is advantagous as opposed 8 guys with 15%(or whatever splits). I can;t fault owners being owners but somebody gotta be the Boss.

By Mr. Obvious

September 12, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

When he joins the prison population and becomes some huge boy’s [ ahem ] bedtime “property,” Mike Vick should have only one owner, too.

By Barry Cesspit

September 12, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Having multiple owners doesn’t bother me so much as having multiple ineffective owners. If clearing Belkin out of the way will allow the Gearons et al to actually run this team like a professional sports organization, I’m all for it. We can’t really judge the ownership group at this point because they’ve been tied up in court seemingly from day one. If removing the squeaky wheel will allow the rest to make decisions in the best interest of the franchise (and not just in the best interests of greedy Belkin’s bank account), let’s see what they can do.

By SGT

September 12, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

When it comes to pro sports, there is a reason why most world championships have gone to teams owned by an individual instead of a corporation or a consortium.

Not to argue the bigger point, but this sentence is a disingenuous argument… unless I’m mistaken, it is only in very recent history that ANY major pro sports league even ALLOWED a corporation to own a team.

You can do better than that.

By Bill

September 12, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

At least Belkin would have the sense to fire that idiot Billy knight before he can draft another swingman.

By Barry Cesspit

September 12, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Bill, I think you might be surprised this season. I agree that Knight hasn’t made many good moves from a free agent/trade standpoint (Joe Johnson notwithstanding), but the amount of young talent on this team is actually pretty staggering. Horford is going to have an instant impact, and he’s far from being a swingman — that’s a solid post player right there. If Law IV is even slightly better than not-so-Speedy Claxton, the Hawks should be a .500 team at worst this year, especially in the Eastern Conference.

By KB

September 12, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

You know what, it’s people like you that leave the rest of the country with a bad taste in their mouths of the South. Let it go!!! GET A LIFE!!!!

By Pete

September 12, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Very recent? CBS owned the Yankees in the 60’s. That was quite a while ago.

By Bubba Da-baller

September 12, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

GO Hawks! Take the Falcons with you!

By smartguy

September 12, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12. The number is not as important as the competence they possess. None of the current owners have shown a minimal level of competence.

I don’t know about Belkin either, but anyone is better than the clowns currently running the show.

If they want to show the fans something good, they should sign Smooth ASAP.

By Gary

September 12, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

None of the 8 owners should be trying to run the team, that’s the GM’s job. The team is an investment. You hire the best GM you can find to run it. Then you get out of the way. If the GM does a bad job, fire him and get somebody else. It’s not rocket science, its just the NBA.

By peter

September 12, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

I actually believe they are doing a good job. Thrashers made the playoffs though they were swept. The Hawks have been on the rise every season. Appreciate what you have people!!!!!!! It is not that bad we could be the Knicks with a bloated payroll and a roster of so so players that don’t match the pay.

The Hawks experience has been improving these past 3 years. This is definitely their year. * FRAME THIS POST*

By "D" in Houston

September 12, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Belkin left hanging….classic.

By Shamus Thacker

September 12, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Rankin Smith was a fine human being, but as an owner, he was an inch away from his next screw-up at all times.

Another brain, (bringing the total to one), in the owner’s box, woulda helped ole Rankin a bunch.

By Kevin M

September 13, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

We could be the Knicks? I would feel better with that lineup than what once again will be labeled the youngest in the history of the NBA. We are collecting young talent, and have duplicated some of those slots and with the high picks we have had, you can’t afford to miss as much as we have. I question the style of play, the management limitations (yes, once Belkin is gone, we’ll see how proactive they are). Right now, the only thing the owners have proven is that you have to pay a big amount of $$ for a mediocre team. And don’t ask me what I think about those $10/game tickets. You get a better view at home and avoid Marta at the same time! You’re gonna have to show me now….While I follow this team, I haven’t bought into the BK concepts. I believe he doesn’t really have a long-term plan.
Going from 13 wins in Year 1 to 30 in Year 3 is really something to hang your hat on? Our coach’s winning % is 25%. We really can’t sink much, can we?

By Remembering Roundfield

September 13, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

I know its taking a while to turn the corner but I agree with Peter, if you look at what BK started with, this team is now much better off than when he started and is showing improvement year by year. I do feel that we may have won quicker with an experienced teaching-type head coach, because it is obvious sometimes that Woody is learning on the job. It’s okay though, because this year is going to be the turning point. I expect a respectable(if not surprising won/loss record and perhaps a playoff berth.I think it can be done with the current players and BK does too, or it could be the end for Woody.