Sports Columnists

By Ollie

December 12, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Bye Bye Bobbie!

By Boone7

December 12, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this

Jeff, to your column I just say “Amen.”

By J Kyle

December 12, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this

Please Mr.Blank do not hire any more college coaches. Hey Arkansas remember Petrino history. He told the cardinals he would not leave and he did. He told Mr.Blank he would not leave before the game Monday. What did he do he leid. So in short don’t take any thing he says for the truth. The only good thing about this whole thing is Atlanta does not have to pay him for the terrible job he done. I am really looking forward to next season and getting a coach that knows how to run a NFL team.

By Justin

December 12, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

What a quitter definitely good riddance.

I just wonder how much heartache a billionaire can take.

By Falconer

December 12, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

When will NFL owners realize that college coaches don’t get the NFL? So the rat deserted the sinking ship. Good riddance.

By Paul Hoffman

December 12, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

People in Arkansas better be praying that a Big Ten job does not open up at this time next year. Petrino will take it and call it his “dream job.” This guy is a “flight risk.”

By Disgusted

December 12, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

When coaches are liars with no values, you can expect some of the young men who come to them as boys in college to become liars and thugs with no values.

Petrino running away in the middle of the night so he doesn’t have to face the man who signs his checks who he just lied to is a new low even for a college football coach. It is not a crime, but it says something about a man’s lack of morals.

By Burt Saxby

December 12, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

Funny, I feel the same way about Houston Dale Nutt. The nation paints him as a martyr who was hurt by a few families and some fans flying banners. In reality, Nutt only coached HARD when he had to - mainly to get a win to save his sorry self.

Not to mention that two year pass and losing 8 games in two years with what most consider the best college football player in the nation who was part of the best backfield in the nation.

Arkansas had Petrino and Ole Miss has Nutt. I, too, say good riddance, good riddance to Nutt.

By throckmorton

December 12, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

Amen. What a nozzle.

By kbat

December 12, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this

Thank you Jeff! MV Lied, BP Lied. Goodbye to both. I can already feel a sigh of relief in the Falcons Camp.

By Tony

December 12, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this

Agree. Good riddance. I wonder is Blank is still so proud Bobby Petrino is the head coach. This team needs a total fresh start including the coach, the GM, and any players who won’t play hard and represent the franchise with respect.

Maybe this will be a rallying point for the players and the fans. It can’t get any lower than this humiliation.

By Dawgfan

December 12, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this

What a quitter. We’re better off without him.

By Phil

December 12, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this

I wonder if he doesn’t bother to unpack his bag in Fayetteville.

By Lifelong atlantan

December 12, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this

It’s too bad that Petrino left, It turns out he really was the perfect coach for the Falcons; No heart, no soul, no guts, and no class. Sorry Arthur, you deserve better, but after watching that team not even phone in the performance on Monday night It’s hard to blame Petrino. He knew that losing can be a hard habit to break. This team needs to be seroiously dismantled.

By Shundra

December 12, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this

We need a little support here in Atlanta, there’s always next year.

By falcondawg

December 12, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this

Adios, amigo. Don’t let the doorknob hit you where the sun doesn’t shine on your way out. It was obvious you were overmatched from day one. The sad part is we lost at least one quality player (Grady Jackson) because of your ineptness.

By Good Luck Petrino

December 12, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

I for one think that this man is doing what is best for him. Can you blame the man??? He unknowingly walked into a field of trip wires. Everything that he did blew up in his face. Should some blame be placed on him for the way he handled the situation…sure, but overall he did what was best for him. I would have made the same decision. When you ask the question…”Do I want to coach kids that love the sport and live for football, or do I want to coach men who fight dogs and CBs who throw tantrums that cost my team games?” I think he made the right decision for him. I don’t think that he did it the right way, but he made his decision….get off his back!

By Hustler69

December 12, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

I supported this so called coach and he just pulls this one. I hope the dawgs beat the brakes off of his team the next time they play. What a quitter!!!!

By Aghast

December 12, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

Petrino shows a lack of class in the way he’s abandoned the Falcons, but in the end, who can really blame him? And I don’t buy the fact that he came here to coach Vick. I think he figured out that he’s doomed here in Atlanta with all the primadonnas like Hall, Crumpler and friends who are constantly bringing the franchise down with their pitiful attempts at garnering attention. I feel for Arthur Blank, who has suffered financially as a result of Vick and his partners in crime that still inhabit the Falcon’s roster.

Maybe he can now turn the reins over to Hall, Crumpler and friends. Hey! What a great idea! And they can even hire Vick as an off-site consultant!

I’ve been with the Falcons since the beginning, but I’m sickened with all the crap that’s transpired this year. I’m going to find a new team to follow — maybe the Saints??

By Steve

December 12, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

Great! Another liar and a quitter is going to lead young developing men in college. Just the influence and example they need to learn from. I hate to say it but the SEC seems to be attracting a highly questionable quality of coaches, whose priorities are themselves, first and only! They do need to learn that winning at any cost, costs too much!

By dlc

December 12, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

As a Louisville fan, I could have warned you about this schmuck. He was talking to other colleges after signing an extension with us and he was talking to your Falcons before playing the Orange Bowl.

We know how you feel and we’re glad we don’t have him either.

By dawg fan

December 12, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

I’m glad he’s gone. He is not a NFL coach. To call him a used car salesman would be an insult to used carsaleman. He is a quitter, and he will Never be a success.

By Brooklyn Bob

December 12, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

People are funny. DeAngelo Hall calls out Petrino. He says he lied to Blank and he lied to McKay. He has no respect for him. And this is the same man wearing a “Free Mike Vick” T-shirt. Why not call out Mike, D? You sorry a** overpaid, good-for-nothing……God, I can’t stand you.

By PreyDawg

December 12, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this

Cowher would be an excellent choice. But he wont leave the good life to come bail water in this dingy we call a franchise.

No. There is only one man up for this challenge. And he is the one that can turn this thing around. That’s Mike Singletary. His lack of coaching experience is not the big factor. We have the current coordinators for the X and O’s. What we need in this city and in this franchise is a leader of men. Singletary is that and then some. He will tell the players to stop whining. And he will can the one’s that quit on Monday night.

Singletary will provide the leadership and if they will let him and he stays healthy, Shockley will apply the balm we need as fans to come together again over this Vick debacle.

By Jim 70

December 12, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this

not surprising he left - but when he took the falcons job he did not land in a bed of roses. you trade the no. 2 qb (at the time a very good move), the no. 1 goes away, and the no. 3 tears an acl. all in preseason! if it wasn’t for bad luck, we’d have no luck at all.

saban and spurrier found out the hard way that nfl and ncaa are not comparable - jimmy johnson was one of the only coaches who made it work, but then look at who he had playing for him.

hall is still a punk and will always be one - even the diehard vt fans up here don’t like him. i was disappointed in alge making negative comments about petrino, especially playing as poorly as he has this season.

one thing positive for the falcons, i don’t think they will go after another college coach. however, as said on monday night, it is going to be a rough two/three years for us unless we can pick up a good free agent qb - not a joey/brian!

By Ken

December 12, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

I love seeing pompous Arthur Blank getting his hat handed to him one lousy choice at a time. Money can buy you alot of things, but it cannot buy you any common sense. The Falcons fodder has unfolded like a dark comedy, with Blank as the central goat in the whole play - beautiful!!!

By Leandre

December 12, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

Well, Well, Well…. Mr. Blank you should have hired Lovie Smith when you had a chance.

I love it !! These clowns are getting exactly what they deserve.

By old fan

December 12, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

I don’t blame Petrino one bit. Who would want to coach this bunch of over paid crybabies anyway? The Falcons are the worst team in the NFL. The only reason the Dolphins haven’t won more is because they didn’t play Atlanta this year. No way any coach with half a brain takes this job. Talk to Cowler or Schottenheimer? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

By Old School Al

December 12, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

Welcome to the SEC, Petrino! And this guy thought playing in the NFC South was tough?

As a former coach and parent of two D-1 SEC scholarship players, how can this guy look any parent in the eye and expect them to trust him with their kid?

By ndadome

December 12, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

I just read that MGM is re-casting and re-shooting “the Wizard of Oz” with Bobby Petrino in the part of the Cowardly Liar. Arthur, forget Cowher, get on the phone with Mike Singletary. .the man you should have hired in the first place.

By Leandre

December 12, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

Should have hired Lovie Smith when you had a chance…

I love it !!!

You deserve it Falcons. You threw you QB under the bus.

By Truth Hurts

December 12, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

The truth is that every single decision Arthur Blank has made is terrible! From firing Reeves to Rich McKay to peerless…..etc…

Who is ultimately responsible for making the decision to partner and elevate all of these flawed characters? The answer is obvious. The Falcons are doomed with Blank as an owner. He is truly clueless.

By bootsiebanty

December 12, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

CALLING MARION C-A-M-P-B-E-L-L CALLING MARION C-A-M-P-B-E-L-L!! LOL!!!

No quality NFL coach will work for Blank and the Falcons.

By Dan Reeves

December 12, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

Wow, he didn’t have the courtesy to tell his players, staff, and Blank in person he quit. Arkansas, this is what you have to look forward to. A coach that gives up on you. Atlanta fans should be happy this morning.

By GOOD LUCK PETRINO

December 12, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

Lou Holtz left the NY Jets at the same time in his tenure. I believe that he became one of the greatest college coaches in history, and I don’t think anyone would say that he is a man without character. The bottom line is that some people fit better in the college game. Maybe it is a good thing that he will be working with impressionable young men, rather than the roster full of jackasses that he has been dealing with for the past 8 months. Leave the man alone

By PM

December 12, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

Anyone who is not emotionally invested in the Falcons can easily see that they are a totally messed up enterprise. DeAngelo calling out Petrino? 5-6 starting quarterbacks in the last two years? The Vick situation? The perennial bottom feeder in the NFL for 35+ years, save one year (thank you Mr. Reeves and Mr. Chandler).

By Hogfan...LKY

December 12, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

Sounds like just sour grapes to me and if he is a looser why you writing a article about him then? Can’t have it both way. And Louisville fan I live here in Louisville and know for a fact U of L would take him back in a heartbeat. Don’t be a hater cause he did for U of L what you had never experienced and more then likely never will again.

By Becky

December 12, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

Right on, this is not a person of character. Unfortunately, it was predictable. Too bad he is back in the SEC.

By Vince Lombardi

December 12, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

Bravo to the comments of Ken!!! The NFL owners comprise a group of people who earned their money by NOT being football guys. In the case of Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Falcons, that fact is painfully more obvious - and evident - every single day!

By Leandre

December 12, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this

I love it !!!

You could have gotten Lovie Smith !

NFL is different than wood and screws !

By mart

December 12, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this

Quitter, coward, loser, jerk. Even by Arkansas standards, this is pretty low.

By Bank of America

December 12, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

Maybe Petrino lend some money to Vick…..Talk about two guys who have character issues!

By cricket

December 12, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

WOW! I can’t believe people are taking petrino’s side. He destroyed whatever was left of this team, bolted on the highest paying contract and people are saying that’s ok because he did what is best for him? I can’t believe I’m saying this but I agree with DHall on this one. This creep lied to Blank even a day before he declared he’s leaving, which led to Blank going on MNF and making a fool of himself with all the talk of rebuilding the team under this guy’s guidance..

By Artie

December 12, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this

I’m laughing my a$$ off!!!!

I KNEW this would happen. This is the type of guy Petrino is. He’s the same guy who met late-night on a runway in Alabama with Auburn boosters to covertly oust his so-called “close friend” Tuberville. The guy is PURE TRASH!!!!

By I WISH MV7 WAS HERE

December 12, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

It’s sad that all ajc sport columnists and white talk show host will never unstand real world issues without thinking there narrow mind ways are not the only way in life. Would you continue to coach a team that has shown that they were not concern about the reason that you came to coach in the first place(MV7),when Arthur Blank did not care for a man which he had invested 130 million into. what would make you think after two or three season with 3-13 record that he would still want to see you as the Falcon head coach. But now you have a chance to move to a better job, would you not take it? And lastly, the AJC sports columnists and radio talk show would have run him out town in a matter time anyway, so i truely think him did the right thing for him and his family. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU COACH BOBBY PRETRINO!!!!!!!!!! A JOB WELL DONE

By George Halas

December 12, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

To the NFL owners: When are you pompous, arrogant idiots going to learn? Spurrier; Erickson; Saban; Petrino…..and the hits just keep on comin’!

By Bugman

December 12, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

Sneaking off in the middle of the night - wow Petrino, I guess this wasn’t the job you dreamt about after all. You are a no class tool that has only contributed to the downfall of this franchise and city. Good riddance.

I look forward to the Dawgs taking a bite outta yer azz next season.

By wrench

December 12, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

I know things look bleak now However, in the long run we will be better off. Petrino was not an NFL coach.

By mqew

December 12, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

Who the he11 didn’t see this coming. He came here to coach a football legend in the making, to become part of the legend. With his playbook, Vick was the perfect QB, not Fairrington!

Don’t blame him, the Falcons suck without Vick. What winner wants to be part of a losing team/city?

By woodstockgt

December 12, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Great article Jeff. What a loser! Why would Ark. want him? He had some success at Louisville but his lack of loyality to his teams is going to catch up with him. Now I have another coach to pull against- Sabin and now Patrino.

By William

December 12, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

I remember reading several blogs from Louisville people at the outset of the season that Petrino would bolt at the first opportunity but didn’t believe it. Wow, those folks were sure right on the button. To leave with no notice, to flat out lie to a good and decent man like Arthur Blank and quit before the season is even over is really lame. This betrayal ranks right up there with the Colts sneaking out of Baltimore in the middle of the night for Indianapolis. If I was a Razorbacks fan, I don’t think I’d be too thrilled about hiring this mercenary. I’ll assume that honesty, integrity and loyalty won’t be stressed too much by Arkansas’ new coaching staff. Screw you Petrino, and the horse you rode in on, you deceitful douchebag.

By Hog Caller

December 12, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

Gee, if Petrino is such a loser, why all of the mudslinging at his going? If he is as bad as you say, you’re article could have been two short sentences, “Thank goodness he’s gone. We didn’t think he would ever leave.”

By E.Lamar

December 12, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Keep your head up and hire a Good NFL Coach:Singletary,Cowher,Schottenheimer,Garrett etc.

By Disgusted

December 12, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

Bobby “Pinocchio.” Your nose is growing

By mike

December 12, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

I think all of us Falcons fans - those of us who supported and didn’t support the team during this season’s fiascos - ought to lay back, cool down the rhetoric, and let Blanke figure out what’s going on. I think that the best thing we can do is to actively support the team regardless of the mess they’re in. I’ve been a Falcons basher this year and certainly not in Vick’s corner. But, I think enough’s enough - rock bottom it is. Now, let’s support what’s left of the team and the organization and move on.

By BB

December 12, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

Give me a break. Big boy football? Big boy Football? Big boy’s don’t get paid millions of dollars and buy dogs to kill them, or ride jet skis in season. Noone can control these brats, and he is smart to leave! Coward is writing articles behind a newspaper about other grown up men!

By Jeffrey Laurie

December 12, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

I’m behind you, Arthur. Hire anybody you want to and I hear the offensive coordinator from Troy State is a pretty hot commodity. As long as this cash cow we call the NFL continues to hemmorage money in our direction, who gives a damn what the paying customers think?

By BiggestDawg

December 12, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

Petrino screwed the Falcons? Hardly.

I actually feel sorry for a guy that stepped away from a good, comfortable coach head coaching job and into a program with the NFL’s hottest commodity under center; only to find out that the star QB is a repugnant, low-life dog killer who is on the fast track to nowhere but the state pen.

Petrino has every right to leave the Falcons job because the mess he was put into was certainly not the promise held out to him by Arthur Blank.

If Arthur Blank were to hold accountable the appropriate person, it would be himself for tolerating Mick Vick in the first place. He coddled and babied this thug and actually seemed surprised when the inevitable self-destructive explosion happened.

Sorry Arthur, you got exactly what you deserved.

By ScoobySnacks

December 12, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

We should have known something was up. When Alge Crumpler of all people is going to the press about the coach. De’angelo Hall is a loud mouth I’ll give you that. But Alge! Come on. Then there were all these people rallying behind Petrino just because of his title Head coach. More like head job. And every veteran in that locker room knew it from day one. Maybe this season would have been marginally better if they had some kind of real leadership from the coaching position.

A filthy, worthless, spineless, gutless, pitiful coward. Less than a man. Barely deserving of having his name spoken.

Worst yet he gave me and Schultz a topic to agree on. What a putz.

By virtueandvice

December 12, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

Well, you know what they say: Pigs love to roll around in their own s*. Now they have a big pile of it to roll around in at Arkansas. As for Mr. Blank, you made a huge mistake running Dan Reeves out and you have continued to pay for it since.

By The Fox Sports Network

December 12, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

Television blackouts of Atlanta Falcons games? As Bill Parcells would say: “That’s not a bad thing, OK?”

By The Alpha Male

December 12, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

Bobby Petrino is a professional quitter….. just check his resume. The Falcons are a trainwreck thanks to two pathetic liars, one of whom is rotting in jail where he belongs, the other is condemned to live in Arkansas. I’m not sure which got the worst of it.

By Jakester

December 12, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

We could have told you so. Heck, we did tell you so! Petrino is simply a pathological liar. Love, Louisville

By scott

December 12, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

nice blog i’m so glad he is gone i never like the hiring of him from the beginng we need profesionals in atlanta not quiters and felons i think pertrino will fine caoching in the sec is not all gravy either can’t wait until next season start and they play the dawgs and all the other hard nose football teams in the sec

By Bridgette

December 12, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

They should have NEVER gotten rid of Jim Mora! They need to bring him back!!!! With everything that has happend with Vick, the Falcons needed the stability of a Great Head Coach on their side & they let him go, now they need to do what is right & get him back.

By I WISH MV7 WAS HERE

December 12, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

It’s sad that all ajc sport columnists and white talk show host will never unstand real world issues without thinking there narrow mind ways are not the only way in life. Would you continue to coach a team that has shown that they were not concern about the reason that you came to coach in the first place(MV7),when Arthur Blank did not care for a man which he had invested 130 million into. what would make you think after two or three season with 3-13 record that he would still want to see you as the Falcon head coach. But now you have a chance to move to a better job, would you not take it? And lastly, the AJC sports columnists and radio talk show would have run him out town in a matter time anyway, so i truely think he did the right thing for him and his family. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU COACH BOBBY PRETRINO!!!!!!!!!! A JOB WELL DONE

By Brock

December 12, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

Brooklyn, I was saying the same thing when I heard this loudmouth nonperforming so called dback talk. He wants to bash Petrino for what he did(which someone should) but hold up a picture of Vick while running out on the field before the game. What a hypocrite. If the tables were turned he would be called a racist. Again, just goes to show you how moronic Vick supporters are.

Petrino is no better than Vick in the character category. I’ll give you that. I hope he fails at Arkansas just for phoning his resignation in. See people, I don’t care if Petrino is white or black.He deserves nothing but failure for his actions. Dhall on the other hand needs to learn when to talk, what to say when he does talk and most importantly when to shut the f*#k up. What an idiot.

By jack

December 12, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

Arthur Blank. Wow! God Bless you Man! I, for one and a LONG LONG TIME FALCONS FAN, do not know what to do for this mess. I have no advice, no solution. I doubt if ANY qualified Coach will be TRULY interested in this job, at this time. (Maybe for enough $$$$$$$$$). I just want you to know, I personally appreciate your willingness to spend your honest, hard earned money trying to put US REAL FANS a winning team on the field. Yes, you have a real mess on your hands….God help your and your managemnt team to fix this disaster.

By Tim McDaniel

December 12, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

I can’t blame him, I think we are only getting part of the story. The bad thing is that we probably won’t get to hear the other half. In my opinion, I think Petrino’s hands were tied. I think that he was probably told to start Dunn instead of Norwood. I also think that due to Blank needing a new “face” of the franchise, he was probably told that the Falcons if possible would be drafting MacFadden instead of Bryan Brohm. I bet he doesn’t have to worry about Senior’s next year whining to the media about a Sophomore getting playing time.

By Falcons = Quitters

December 12, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

Why would a good coach want to come here and deal with a bunch of unprofessional, quitters? The Saints’ game was a disgrace. Boo Hoo…we lost our QB, all is lost, I’m not even going to try. Most of this team STOLE a paycheck all season long. Patrino had a lot of faults but this team showed it’s true colors all season - worthless, egomaniacal, quitting, babies completely incapable of dealing with the tiniest adversity.

Cowher ain’t coming - he’s used to dealing with professional winners!

By michael

December 12, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

Enough of the Vick was “thrown under the bus” comments. Vick threw Blank, his teammates, fans and the city of Atlanta under the bus. He turned out to be a selfish, undisciplined, sociopath who delighted in the torture of defenseless animals. Stop supporting this guy because of his skin color. Vick let eveyone down….black and white.

By Matt

December 12, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

I usually think that the columns here at cheap shots at people and it si just way to boost the writer’s ego, but this time Jeff you are right on! The only thing that I would say is that maybe Petrino should have looked at the Michigan job. He would have looked better going there with the yellow streak that he has going down his back!

Petrino……you’re a LOSER!!!!!!

By Observer

December 12, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

To all of those who say, “Can you blame him?” I say YES, I CAN!

Bobby Petrino, you are a liar and a LOSER! You’re a loser of a coach, but what’s worse, you’re a loser of a man.

You showed everyone your true colors when you met with Auburn officials about yanking the rug out from under your “friend” Tommy Tuberville. Oh yeah, that meeting was held while you were still under contract with Louisville and without their permission. These are the actions of a liar and a LOSER.

This week you spoke with representatives of the University of Arkansas while you were still under contract with the Falcons and again, without their permission. When Arthur Balnk heard the rumors of this he confronted you and you looked him in the eye and said it wasn’t so. You are still a liar and a LOSER.

Now you have your “dream job”. Conratulations. Unfortunately, a big part of your new job is sitting in the living room of a high school prospect and trying to convince their parents that you are the coach that will turn their son into a better player and a better man. Sadly, all your history has shown them is that your example will teach their son how to be a liar and a LOSER. Good luck trying to recruit anyone with even a modicum of character.

GOOD RIDDANCE!!!

By Matt

December 12, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

I usually think that the columns here at cheap shots at people and it is just a way to boost the writer’s ego, but this time Jeff you are right on! The only thing that I would say is that maybe Petrino should have looked at the Michigan job. He would have looked better going there with the yellow streak that he has going down his back!

Petrino……you’re a LOSER!!!!!!

By kerry

December 12, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

I, too, am amazed at the support this guy is getting. I will have to say the people who are supporting him are made of the same moral fiber. The man made a commitment to this team and then slunk off in the middle of the night. And that’s okay because he didn’t get to coach Vick and he should do what’s best for him? Baloney! A person of class, dignity and character would never dream of exhibiting such behavior.

My team is in bad shape right now, but will rise again. I will continue to support them.

By jeanE

December 12, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

I got my wish, Petrino is gone. But even I couldn’t have imagined he’d dump the team before the season was even over! How can this so-called man even look himself in the mirror?? How could Arthur, who’s been made to look like a complete fool and McKay have been so wrong AGAIN? We need Bill Cowher but he will never come to this circus, why would any credible coach? And they fired the most decent, respectable coach we have had, Dan Reeves, because what he wasn’t exciting enough? I’ve had just about enough excitement with this team to last a lifetime. I don’t understand how Arthur was so successful at Home Depot and is so bad at being an owner when he genuinely seems to want to make this team thrive…He must fire McKay, which is hard, I know since they seem to be close but McKay is largely responsible for this debacle. Start completely fresh, hire a proven, respectable GM first & then take your time & go from there. Please don’t be sold another bill of goods from some snake oil salesman who can talk a good game. None of the Bills would’ve put up with the cr— from these players, not Cowher, Parcells or Belichek. At least B. Finn wasn’t part of this, he didn’t even want to come back to Quitter Petrino but now that it’s up in the air, maybe he’ll be back catching balls on a fade route in the end zone just like he used to, remember those days? It’s very hard to. You truly are a pig and right where you belong Petrino.

By mountain jim

December 12, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

**Finally a Schultz column I agree with whole-heartedly!

Good Riddance to the lying Weasel indeed!**

By Boom

December 12, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

I watched the Hawg conference to see if Petrino would talk about being committed and wanting to coach “the right way.” I saw his two children sitting there. Did anyone stop to think what it’s like for them to move from Louisville and then be ripped out of their Atlanta schools to suddenly be living in the “garden spot” that is Fayetteville, AR? Petrino didn’t seem to think about it. No matter how many games he wins at Arkansas, before bolting in 2-3 years, the man is a l-o-s-e-r as well as a quitter.

By Singletary

December 12, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Is he a child or just a bad person?

He lies constantly, and this is documentable in the media. He slithers between jobs always looking for the next paycheck.

Good riddance.

P.S. After the bright lights of Atlanta, imagine Arkansas.

By dean

December 12, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

I think this is a blessing in disguise. This guy was terrible. I gave up on his ability after what happened during the Tennessee game and he just conitnued to show what a fool he is. No need to panic. We have gone through a lot this year. Now please, don’t hire another idiot. Let’s go get a good coach and get this thing back on track.

By springman

December 12, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

Mr. Blank - Put Petrino behind you, FAST. Quite a few pundits, analysts and fans questioned his “word” even before no. 7 flamed out. There’s only one guy who can rebuild your ship and that’s Bill Cowher. Dial him in now and get him in place for the TB game. Things aren’t done that way? So what. Why wait? The interim coaches will probably be heading to pigland anyway. Put somebody in charge NOW who’ll show you’ve said “ENOUGH!” If he’s interested - and I think he would be because he already sees you as the perfect owner - you’d be putting in a proven, credible CEO that would be able to quickly assess what’s needed for next season - and he’d probably be able to unite the core performers to grind out another couple of wins. Repeat after me “Cowher Now, Cowher Now.” It can be done.

By CJ

December 12, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Well said Jeff. This guy was clueless, only loyalty is to himself. We need to support Blank and this team, he must be feeling awful after two big disapointments.

Hire Mike Singletary.

By robo

December 12, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

There are not enough adjectives to describe Petrino, especially seeing him all smiles while whooping it up at the Arkansas press conference with cheerleaders and all. I’m just happy to see this cancer leave and now it is Arkansas’ problem-and believe me they will have problems; they lost a nutt and gained a spineless yellow headed no class coach. Prepare for hard times razorback fans. Blank will be smart and hire a proven NFL head coach or an experienced NFL assistant who will turn things around with the guys we have and will add some more talent to get us back to the playoffs which I predict will happen in the 09 season. This year is over and as Hall said they are at rock bottom now and there is only one way to go which is up.

By RA

December 12, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Understand, I detest the writing of Jeff Schultz and everything that he seems to stand for. I see him as evil incarnate where Atlanta teams are concerned, but on this particular occaision, he’s right. Petrino is bum. That job at Arkansas would have been right there after the season was over. He should have been man enough to complete one season!

Anyway, the Falcons need to correct a year long mistake. Bring in Mike Singletary! I’d dare a player to show up to a game with a sign or a T-shirt like the ones they had on Monday night. I don’t think Singletary would take it away. I think he’d shove it down their throats. Say it with me “Mike in 2008!”

By Patman

December 12, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

I can’t belive that Jeff Schultz took a minute from hating Michael Vick (who I am not a fan of or defending) to say something that I agree with. bobby petrino deserves no respect and I am all too happy to see his quitting behind gone. Now if only he could take MeAngelo Hall and Shoddy White with him.

By Maria

December 12, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

Thanks for saying what needed to be said. Petrino was never ready for the NFL and proved how much of a coward and incompetent coach he really is. Who cares if he didn’t get Vick? He still had Crumpler, Hall, White, Horn, Brookings, Jackson (until he got rid of him), and Abraham. A true coach can handle any situation.

By Bait

December 12, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

Let the door hit you…The Falcons are having a bad case a deja vu; DHall (Primetime), and Roddy White (Andre Rison)are taking us back to the “Bad Ol’ Days”. We need a coach with a backbone and a size 14 boot…we need you Billy C!!

By Blaster

December 12, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, BP is only the symtom of the cancer that permeates the Falcon organization. Vince Lombardi would have quit by now if he had had to deal with the bunch of no-talent, whining, under-achievers that call themselves professionals. After 40-plus years this organzation is right where it started…square one.

By jase

December 12, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

Dear MeAngelo,

Please shut-up. True Falcon fans, not MV7 a$$ kissers, know that you played a huge role in this debacle. Who in the hell wants to coach a moron like yourself. You are nothing but a gimme man. Gimme love, gimme attention, gimme respect, and gimme the ball after an interception. There is no “I” in TEAM, but there is “Me” in MeAngelo. Shut-up fool.

By pffft

December 12, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

honestly can you blame him? he takes a job with an average at best team that melts down before the season starts, vick, hall (who has no room to talk about character)and a city that never believed a college coach would make it and never supported him. and working with a bunch of overpaid babies. yeah he is running back to college but your getting what you wanted anyway so just say goodbye and prepare to bash the next coach. it is a bussiness and none of this should suprise any of you. atleast he isnt costing you money against the salary cap for the next how many years while he is in jail of suspended.

By chip jones

December 12, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

Little harsh today, Jeffey. Kids playing on your lawn again? Neighbor’s dog peeing in your pansies? Who wouldn’t throw up their hands on the Falcons? Too long in the wilderness. Birds of a feather…

By G Talley in Arkansas

December 12, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

The NFL has become a joke and this year the Atlanta Falcons are the punch line. It’s because of the players and owners. NFL coaches do what they can. NFL fans take what they can get. The Bobby Petrinos of the world have too much character to hang around with a bunch of arrogant players and owners. Not to mention putting up with o-so-sure their opinions matter arrogant sports writers like Jeff Schultz. So, Bobby, welcome to Arkansas and the SEC. You have entered a world where the “game” of Football still has meaning. We expect great things. Don’t let us down.

By I WISH MV7 WAS HERE

December 12, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

WHY IN THE HE11 DO PEOPLE STILL WANT TO CONTINUE TO BLAME MV7 FOR ATLANTA FALCON FAILURES, HE DIDN’T TAKE NOT ONE SNAP THIS YEAR AND I STILL HEAR HE IS THE PROBLEM. MY MOTHER ALL WAYS TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE PROBLEM WHEN WHITE FOLKS STOP TALKING ABOUT YOU, BUT WHEN YOU ARE MAKEING PROGRESS THEY WOULD WANT TO SEE YOU HANGING FROM A TREE. SO I REAL HAD TO LIVE LIFE AND SEE THAT THIS IS SO TRUE. MV7 HAD 22 TOUCHDOWN,RUN FOR 1000 AND THE HIGHEST PAID IN THE NFL, WHITE DIDN’T BE HAPPY FOR HIM INSTEAD THEY WANTED HIM GOING. WHEN JESSUS RETURN HE WILL FIND THAT MOST HAVE NOT LOVED AT ALL BUT CARRIER HATE THAT HAD TO BEEN FROM HE11 IT SELF.

By DR

December 12, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

Thank you Bobby.

Mr. Blank, please don’t hire NFL assistants or college coaches. You tried an NFL assistant in Mora and a College coach in Petrino, neither of them worked.

This organization needs a classy guy like we had in Coach Reeves.

Go get Bill Cowher or Marty Schottenheimer both men of class and know how to coach, motivate and take sh*t from players.

Please spare us fans from another experiment. NFL Assistant Coaches and College coaches might work in some organizations that have matured but unfortunately, Falcon organization never have.

Please, Please get Bill or Marty. I will even renew my season ticket.

By DeltaGirl82

December 12, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

I’M LAUGHING MY A__ OFF!! THIS IS TOO FUNNY. LOOKS LIKE MV7 ISN’T THE ONLY LIAR IN THE FALCONS ORGANIZATION. BOBBY PETRINO LIED TO HIS BOSS ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION & WAS TOO COWARD TO EVEN TELL ARTHUR BLANK FACE-TO-FACE THAT HE WAS QUITTING!! BOBBY “PUNK” PETRINO. HE ALWAYS LOOKED LIKE HE WAS HAVING A BOWEL MOVEMENT ON THE SIDELINES ANYWAY. GOOD RIDDANCE!!!!!!!!

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP MICHAEL!!

By bootsiebanty

December 12, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

mqew wrote: “Who the he11 didn’t see this coming. He came here to coach a football legend in the making, to become part of the legend. With his playbook, Vick was the perfect QB, not Fairrington!”

Uh, perfect QB? Vick has a strong arm and can do certain acrobatic moves and is a decent running back, but an NFL QB he ain’t. Haven’t figured that out by now? Old news.

“Don’t blame him, the Falcons suck without Vick. What winner wants to be part of a losing team/city?”

Care to check Falcon W/L records with Vick?

By KB

December 12, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

First, let me start out by saying that I am an Atlanta native, not a Falcons fan, not even a fan of the National Football League. After watching that nightmare of what the National Television Audience called a Monday night football game it is obvious that Bobby Petrino lost total control of this football team. Coach Petrino is a quitter, and in order to fix what this town calls a National Football League franchise, the Falcons need to clean house with some of the hip hop thugs they have in their locker room. The Falcons are at least two years away from being fundamentally competitive again. For every Warrick Dunn and Joe Horn, there was a posse led by punks and thugs such as D Hall, Roddy White, and the chubby Algie Crumpler. In closing I would like to say congratulations to Arkansas and to the entire Razorback nation for hiring a man that has zero integrity, that is a lying lump of crap. People of Arkansas, are sadly mistaken if they think that bull crap that worked in the big east is going to work in the SEC

By Kelley

December 12, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

I really feel sorry for the die hard Falcon fans who pay the absurd prices to go to the games more than anyone else right now. They are the ones who have gotten the bad deal this season (and most seasons in this franchise’s history).

Fortunately for me, I’m a bigger Braves fan. Yeah, I know it’s a different sport, but thank God for Bobby Cox and John Schureholz, they know how to run a professional organization.

By Mark C.

December 12, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Good, it was a bad hire and now we get a mulligan. Thanks Bobby! Enjoy the SEC West, you’ll fit right in.

By Baghdad guy

December 12, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Of course you are p** off because he didn’t tell you his plans. The media in general are always trying to step on people, to the point of putting lives at riskk, essentially a bunch of selfish murderers that step on lives to get a story, I think personally it’s a GREAT thing when the media doesn’t get their way and I see one of them throw a fit. So what if Petrino moves? Why would he want to work with an organization that protected a worthless criminal? And what’s wrong with not telling the media ANYTHING? I love the fact that linemen don’t speak to the media, it’s GREAT!!!

By david

December 12, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

A Vickless Falcons team is not what Bobby Petrino signed up for. And the culpability for the situation playing out this way lies with Arthur Blank and Co. The Falcons organization perpetually played codependent to Michael Vick and the reckless impunity with which he committed, at the very least, one peccadillo after another. Don’t kid yourself that the Falcons organization was not complicit in Michael Vick’s habit of continually flouting the law. Their enabling of his failure to comport himself as an upstanding citizen only empowered his belief that the rules didn’t apply to him. Of course Michael’s an adult and could not be subjugated to the Falcons 24/7, but it would be naive to believe that the Falcons had no inkling of his dogfighting involvement. Given the evidence, retrospectively they certainly should have known. And if they didn’t know the extent of it, it’s because they looked the other way hoping it would never come to light; that, and the need for plausible deniability. So while the knee-jerk reaction is to vilify Bobby Petrino, at least acknowledge the root of the problem. Go Hogs!!!

By brian

December 12, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Petrino, coward? You know what Jeff, sportswriters like you are the real cowards. You sit and write anything you want while never ever being being in situation on the field or even remotely being attached to a franchise in any way. Your a clueless reporter, not a an athlete or coach. Petrino? Good for him. Look at the parasites that represent this team.Vick is classless coward. And the punk, dirtbag with the tee shirt under his pads-free Vick-well another dirtbag. If you think any coach with class and integrity will come to the Falcons, think again.Too bad Vick started all this mess.And too bad thier are actually players who support him.

By ATLNOLE

December 12, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Now we know why the Flacons looked so unprepared Monday night. Its because the ARK head coach was on our side lines. Hope they enjoy that weasel, cause he wont be around very long there either. I guess its only fitting that the desparte Hogs hired themselves a lying PIG.

By Heidi

December 12, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

I’m feeling late to the party, but I agree, this is the best thing that’s happened to this franchise all season. But something else resonates with me—with a documented history of breaking committments, speaking untruths, fleeing from hardship, and outright lying to those close to you—as a woman who values loyalty in relationships, I can’t help but wonder, doesn’t his wife Becky see the writing on the wall?

By micahel

December 12, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

At least now we might actually draft the best player available and not the best “Louisville” player on the board at our pick. I feel for the players that were told week in and week out to keep their heads up and keep working hard only to find out the only thing their head coach was working on was a contract to coach somewhere else!!

By Steve

December 12, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

Several Things: 1.Arthur Blank and the Falcons are getting what they deserve. When Michael Vick was merely CHARGED with a crime Blank was the VERY FIRST ONE TO ABANDON HIM, CUT HIM, AND SUE HIM. Blank LIED when he said Vick was his man for the next decade, then at the FIRST sign of trouble he cut and ran. He should have asked the judge to forgive a young country boy who got mixed up with the wrong crowd, and give him six months’ JAIL TIME; two years of COMMUNITY SERVICE; and three years’PROBATION. That kind of QUITTER attracts quitters. As long as Arthur Blank is the owner I hope the Falcons lose every game.

By True Believer

December 12, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

I feel that Arthur Blank is just a man of FAITH. I feel that he had alot of FAITH in people (coaches as well as players) that let him down. I only pray that GOD bless him and lead his thought process into a new direction. And I can say at least he’s a REAL man not a COWARD to just quit!!!! I feel that Blank has endured alot since he has been the owner of the Falcons now he just need to get that NO MORE MR NICE GUY approach and reorganize the entire Falcons team. Keep your head up Mr Blank :-)

By BullDawg Rick

December 12, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Echoing Jack:

Mr. Blank, I have met you before (at the Peachtree Jr. in Piedmont Park). I introduced myself and we spoke maybe 15 seconds. Small talk, wishhing you luck in the coming season, shook your hand..

You are a class individual and deserve so much better.. You have tried to muster a competitive team. I think another start should start with your good friend, Mr. McKay, but you are not a cut throat.. BUT this is business..

I wish you the BEST in your quest to get a competitive team on the gridiron!!

By KSA2B

December 12, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

The only reason many of you are saying ‘good riddance’ is because of Petrino’s skin color. This team would be a lot better off if the racist fans would keep their mouths shut. Shultz…you’re an idiot. You support Petrino, then you bash him. Obviously you’re not color-blind either. You must realize the demorgraphics of your readers and only want to appeal to the masses…

By Adam C

December 12, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Now if the Falcons can FIRE **Roddy White & DeAngelo “I think I’m the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ” Hall the Falcons can finally move on!!

By Bill

December 12, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Arthur Blank needs to learn that it takes a pro to do a pros job. This was Bobby Petrino. There several former veteran NFL coaches and current assistants that would fill the bill for the Falcons.

Blank also needs to learn to take a more sublime stance with the team. No more sidelines during the games. Less exposure to the press. He needs to put some space between the players and himself. His relationships with players can be very counter active to the efforts of his coaches.

It took Ted Turner a number of years to learn to move into the background and let his management team run the baseball and basketball teams. It’s time Arthur Blank does the same.

It took

By ATLNOLE

December 12, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

@G Talley in Arkansas- Its pretty ironic that you cite character and Petrino in the asme sentence. Every move he’s made at Louisville and ATL display his total lack of character. He’ll say all the right things to your face and hug you, all the while while looking for the next better gig. He’ll do it to you too. ARK desperation to land a haed coach afetr getting spurned shows the due dilegence getting throw out teh window. Pertino is a bad guy, he left UL in bad shape. Treated EVERYONE in the Flacons org like crap. Lie down with a dog and you’l get fleas too. Hope you evjoy your “leader of men” while he lasts!

By riggo

December 12, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Iwould like for the falcons to go after some of the money they gave this quitter,Petrino.

By Mort

December 12, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

I just finished reading a fantastic book called Lone Survivor by Marcus Lutrell about being a US SEAL. I also taught survival training(SERE) in the Navy. I was a big fan of Bobby Petrino for his football intellect, and his intense time commitment. However, much as you learn about wanting to become a true warrior like our SEALs, the guys who make it arent’ thinking it looks like a great challenge and they want to see if they’re up to the task. No, those guys, even though outstanding in many ways fall by the wayside like other wannabees. Only the guys like Lutrell who start out saying they MUST be SEALs, they would die before quitting, and cannot imagine themselves anywhere else, only those rare few make it. Bobby Petrino should find it difficult to teach anyone about this kind of character in the future. Would you send your son to learn about life ffrom a liar? Would you want your son to learn character from a quitter? How cn Petrino ever again look a recruit in the eye and tell him,”I’ll not just teach your son how to play football, but I will teach him to be a man of honor, character, integrity. We live in a wierd world, don’t we?

Petrino, you would never have been a SEAL. MAtter of fact, you are one of those who always knew you didn’t have it. It’s just that now you have proven it and gone public with it. Thanks for the memories, and good luck.

By Kraw

December 12, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

can you blame him? Who in their right mind would come to Atlanta if there’s no Vick

I guess you can say Petrino was lied to also. He was told he was coming to Atlanta to coach the “most exciting player” in the NFL

sheeeesh, cry me a river. Can’t wait to see the sob stories come next month with the precious dogs get beat by Hawaii

By Matty P

December 12, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

To IWISHMV7WASHERE, Michael Vick is not the victim, he is the convict. White people, black people, purple people could have seen that he was a problem that wasn’t getting any better. I hope his time in jail will prove beneficial to getting his life turned around. His inexcusable actions started this downslide so yes he can be to blame. Also, a couple of night classes at Georgia Perimeter could probably shape up your vocab skillz just a tad.

By 1eyedJack

December 12, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Whale dookey. Floating slowly and aimlessly to the bottom. The lowest thing in the ocean.

By slim

December 12, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

I’m no petrino-phile, but I know what it’s like to take a job, and then figure out after 2-3 months that it’s not a good fit and that your heart is not in it.

Better for Petrino to leave than stay in a job that is clearly not working out.

This was a bad hire. Not unlike, Nardelli, not unlike Vick. Blank/McKay’s judgement has not been good.

By fatz

December 12, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

HIRE MIKE SINGLETARY. and then for his first move have him pick up d’angelo hall by the back of his neck and throw his whining arse out of the building. he is a disgrace and will keep people out of the seats in the dome. i can’t believe the AJC article actually proposes Blank hire a college coach- forget that- this petrino move ought to be enough proof that the two worlds aren’t really interchangable. I support getting a qualified black coach into this town- and singletary is a straight-up hardnose God-fearing guy who will also be difficult for the hip-hop dogfighters to figure out. but you know what- they won’t have any excuses to blog about.

By Brock

December 12, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

I wish MV7, Are you serious? Can you not put together a complete sentence? What are ya 3yrs old? Try again.Jeez, typical Vick Supporter. Uneducated.

By garrett

December 12, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

It’s becoming more and more clear that Blank: a) ain’t that bright. Or, b) his vanity clouds his better judgment. He is a great people person/salesman, and his drive to be a billionaire (vanity) is how he succeeded at Home Depot. He obviously wasn’t the one making the management/operations decisions or judging character of executive hirings there.

How he can be so clueless as to put his mug on MNF (again, vanity) for fifteen minutes in the midst of what was happening under his nose tells us all we need to know. I understand you are walking a fine line in your position as far as how much you can rip Blank, but let’s face it: this guy is the main problem here. McKay, Mora, Vick, and Petrino all stem from Blank not being able to assess talent and being snowed as a result.

All we can hope is that he lucks into a good GM hire and gets the hell out of the way. Needless to say, McKay needs to go now and we need to start with a clean slate.

By VickBeliever

December 12, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Arthur until you do right by Mike Vick you can continue to watch failure unfold for this organization. When Mike Vick was making you millions of dollars he was treated like a royal prince and now you turn your back on him and not show him one ounce of support when he all by himself gave this franchise respect all over the world. You did not allow the players to express thier support until they took it among themselves to do it. So now you are getting what you deserve in your efforts to please PETA and all the rednecks in this city. Vick had a hobby in what he like to do but never would have turned his back on you or the organization.

By jack

December 12, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

First, I had high hopes for the new Coach etc. I too am dissappointed in Him. Glad He quit now. Why hang around for the last 3 games? At least Blank now knows the truth about that issue. But, as I read the fans comments, I am equally discouraged in the never ending hate coming from so many. And, from the writing talent, it is obvious there are some very educated people checking in on this. I know blogs are fun to VENT and POSTURE and BLOW and maybe that is a help to some, I guess, to get over happenings. But, I for one and probably many others, know this is a job for Arthur & his mgmt. team to sort out. And, I am sure they will, without one word of advise from Jeff or any of us. ALL TRUE FANS KNOW HOW FORTUNATE WE ARE TO HAVE AN OWNER WHO IS TRULY INTERESTED IN GIVING US A WINNING TEAM…REMEMBER THE SMITHS?

By Mark

December 12, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Arthur Blank! Now is your chance to make up for hiring this loser with no character to run your team this year!

You just got lucky in not having to fire him. Please, please, PLEASE hire somebody who knows how to win on the NFL level. We’ve had enough of this team the way it is!

By Mia O

December 12, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

He lied, lied, LIED! My question is, do you think Blank will try to get back part of the salary he wasted on Pinocchoio Petrino? I know he quit with only 2 games left but he did NOTHING for the Falcons all season and still got paid!!!! That is an unjust.

By die hard falcons fan

December 12, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

Please somebody wake me up and tell me this is all a bad nightmare that just want never end!!

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

I thought I saw Coach Jerry Glanville or was it Coach June’s ghost?!?!?

Lawdy MR BLANK I WANT A REFUND ON MY SEASON TICKET

YA A SNAKES OILMAN THAT SOLD US THE WHOLE FARM WITHOUT YOUR NBR 1 STUD!

BOOOOOOOOO!

please wake me upppppppp!!

By RICK

December 12, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

First off for you idiots who think Arthur Blank threw Vick under a bus. You are complete idiots. You wear a criminal’s jersey to the games and make this city look like a total joke. Look in the mirror sometime and see what fools you are. I am sick of all you Vick supporters. Please don’t come to any games, it is much nicer for the rest of us. 2nd, The hell with the punk petrino. I watched his news conference last nite and he could not even pronounce Frank Broyles name correctly. This guy is a loser just like your boy Vick. Good riddance to both.

By jay

December 12, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Its business. It was business when the Hawks traded Dominique. It was business when the Braves traded Dale Murphy. It was business when Auburn went behind Tubberville’s back to interview other coaches (Petrino). It was business when the Hawks moved some of their home games to New Orleans. It was business when the Smiths threatened to move the Falcons to get a new stadium. It was business when the city of Atlanta told the IOC that the average temperature here in July was 83 degrees. Its business when the AJC compares the merits of the UGA football program against the GaTech football program (although there really is NO comparison).

My point? Why be surprised at anything that ever happens these days in sports. Blank could have fired Petrino today and it would still be the same. The sports of today isn’t the sports of 30 years ago. And its only going to get worse.

By Allen Hamilton

December 12, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Give it a rest Schultz. I was beginning to wonder if Petrino had a brain because he was hanging around so long. He was brought on to run a team with Michael Vick as his QB because he runs a QB centered offense. Look at what he did at Louisville with Braum. He was sold a bill of goods; Vick is in prison and he has had to spend the season babysitting a bunch of whining thugs like Deangelo Hall. Now he can get back to the NCAA where the players at least have some semblance of decency left. And your money comment was a joke too….As if you wouldn’t leave that rag of a paper you work for if someone else came along and offered you three times the salary you currently make. Nice try, but get off your high horse.

By don't feel sorry for blank

December 12, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Hello falcon fans before you exert too much anger towra petrino, remembe it was Blank who went against conventional wisdom and sought out Petrino. He was warned that this is the type of loser Petrino is but he hired him anyways. So plenty of blame belongs to Blank. His ego got in the way when he hired Petrino. He wanted to show that his college coach would turn into a success. Well, lesson learned. At least you hope that if you are a falcon fan. Now if you cna only find a GM who will learn to stop drafting bad receivers build an offensive line like the pats, colts cowboys, then you may see some success. But if you keep drafting the roddy whites, jenkins and other sorry receivers or as mckay sazsy “best available” on draft day, then you will stay mediocre at best.

Karma will catch up to the coward/quitter that is petrino. good luck to the goobers in Ark

By reality check

December 12, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

I’m a quitter too. I quit following the Falcons more than 20 years ago.

I haven’t missed it.

By ha ha ha

December 12, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

This little piggy went to Jax This little piggy went to Auburn This little piggy went to Louisville This little piggy went to Atlanta and this little piggy went we we we all the way to Fayetteville

By DR

December 12, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

To all those who wish MV7 was here…..

In case you haven’t heard, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 23 months in prison so he just can’t accommodate you at the moment.

May be after 20 months and after state penitentiary, give or take few more months.

Until then shut the F-UP. Enough is enough moron!

By die hard falcons fan

December 12, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Mort… I got much respect for you.. I am big fan of US SEALs they are truely the most elite

I tried the US Seal workout program you got to be a beast and have a true warrior’s heart to wear the US SEAL insignia.. it is more demanding than the NFL physical combine!

Petrino is a weasel that only want an easy million!

By Darth Hater

December 12, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Dearest Arthur Blank,

Why don’t you go find the biggest THUG out there to be the next Falcons Head Coach?

I bet that will really keep those ticket sales rolling in from down on the Souf Side.

On a side note, I thought the “joo-ray” Michael Vick wore on Monday was the best I’ve ever seen him wear.

By Ray Goff

December 12, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Yeah, quit hiring college coaches!

Jimmy Johnson was a bust. Barry Switzer stunk. Steve Mariucci can’t coach. Tom Coughlin…what a weenie.

By catchem

December 12, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Good for Bobby! Too many good, talented people have been thoroughly wasted on this pitiful disorganization over - how many years now? Arthur should place it on the 99-cent close-out table and dump it and the name ‘falcon’ for all time. Another sad illustration of what happens when you try to make something totally BLACK for blacks exclusively.

By Tom Bianco

December 12, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

Sorry the Petrino thing went down lie it did. But as they say be careful what you wish for you just might get it. He wanted to be a head coach in the NFL and he got it. Once he was there the job was not what he thought it was. We should not be mad he did us all a favor. But I will tell you this. Petrino better be carful when he brings his razorbacks back to the state of Georgia, because he will not get less than a warm welcome. Go Falcons.

By Bama Hog

December 12, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Sounds like a bunch of sour grapes. And to compare Petrino to a convisted dog murder is, well, weak. Nice Hair Shultz. I hear the horseshoe cut has replaced the comb-over in popularity.

By Die Hard Bird

December 12, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe that he would do something like that to the team. This has been the worst season!!! Please, Mr. Blank, do not hire another College Coach. They can’t handle it. Cowher would whip this team in shape and does not put up with any crap! They need direction and discipline! Go get him, now!!! I commend D. Hall’s comments last night on Sports Center!! I was as shocked as he was! Don’t come back near Atlanta Petrino, we need strong PEOPLE not COWARDS!!!

By Marty Schottenheimer

December 12, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Atlanta, I’m ready - SHOW ME THE MONEY!

By SCBird

December 12, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

And you all thought Hall was just running his mouth! We all see Petrino’s true colors, Yellow!

I hope Blank can bring in an experienced coach that can turn this program around. I never thought we should have gotten rid of Reeves and he must be laughing his head off right now

By keepin it real

December 12, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

OK!! Time for a fresh start. We can only move up from here, and we are better off without a quitter who is ill-equipped, and dishonest!!!

By Kevin

December 12, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Keep one thing in mind while you rip Petrino, that he has 2 bosses & that Arthur Blank is the lesser of the two. Imagine what this season has been like for his wife. If you are a married man you will understand his motivation was a little bit more than just his relations with Arthur Blank & the Falcons.

By Joy

December 12, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Winners never quit, and quitters never win. ‘Nuff said. Bye bye Bobby!

By MisterT

December 12, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

I really don’t blame him. He had completely lost this team. They had no respect for him. Meangelo and Roddy showed their @$$ on Monday night while getting their teeth kicked in by another Saints team that has their own problems.

The only person I feel a little be sorry for is Mr. Blank. It has been a tough year. However he did lead the charge to get MV7 to begin with. I don’t think we really lost MV until he was already in the NFL with all the money & fame. He never realized what his “friends” were doing to him.

Those that are claiming to be his friends now, MeAngelo, Roddy, and even Alge should have managed to get closer to MV and helped steer him in the right direction. The Falcons should have been a little more proactive in knowing the character of the superstars they were allowing to carry the banner for the team.

Yes, I think this will actually end up being best for the Falcons, BP, and Mr. Blank. It will be tough and expensive, but in the long run we will look back and see this was best.

BP should never have been hired. The list of college coaches that have failed in the NFL are growing at the same rate as the list of NFL coaches that have failed in college. Clarification…success at one of theses levels does not transfer to the other level. And neither does a lack of success from one to the other. The jobs are completely different. The athletes are completely different. So the make up of the successful coach at either level will be completely different.

Hopefully Mr. Blank learned this. Ultimately this will prove to be the less expensive way for this to have gone down. It is better that BP and the Falcons parted ways quickly rather than to have continued the way it was going.

Now someone else can come in with plenty of time to prepare for the draft and hopefully clean house. Character does matter. Personality does matter. I think it would probably be best for the Falcons to trade the nucleus of this team.

There are some terrific athletes and I count Meangelo & Roddy among those. But every memory of MV7 needs to be removed from this franchise in order to see it move on.

Mr. Blank & Rich McKay, go ahead and tear the whole thing down and start over. You may as well. If you don’t, you will never be able to move on.

Hopefully MV& will return to the NFL. He was the reason I ever turned back in to the NFL game. He was exciting to watch, but he needs to start over new himself in a few years. He needs to be around a completely different cast of characters (hopefully with even more character). Neither MV7 or the Falcons need to “remember when” or ask “what if?”

Just fresh starts for everyone.

Jeff, as a Tech Man, might I add…why don’t you join them? You are the most negative writer in the AJC sports department. You are certainly not a reporter… you are an editor or new creator. Please just leave Atlanta.

Did your wife, girlfriend, or maybe boyfriend just leave you…or quit on you?

By James

December 12, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

So it seems Mike Vick was not the only habitual liar in this organization.

By GT80

December 12, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

This is a great day for the Falcons franchise. Now they can go get a real professional head coach, someone who knows how to build a team that respects every person in the organization.

By Mekvertikleiben

December 12, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

A lot of Vick fans love to say, “Michael made a mistake”. Well, Bobby Petrino in hindsight realized he made a mistake the first time he stepped on the field with the Falcon players following the Vick debacle. With no credible back-up, a suspect OL and a weak DL, this team was on the fast track to exactly where it is today. Nobody in the press said they would blame Petrino if he told Blank, Sorry this isn’t what I signed up for. Unfortunately for Petrino he tried to stick it out. Thirteen games in and a future only the Grim Reeper could love, he saw a golden parachute down in Fayetteville and jumped. Personally, I don’t blame him!

Memo to Arthur Blank: If you really want to turn this ship around, start by giving this franchise a NEW NAME. The Falcons brand identity is one of complete and total mediocrity. Start fresh, clean house and then make a long term investment in a rising NFL assistant that can deal with prima-donnas (i.e. DeAngelo Hall). If that doesn’t work… pack the trucks and move the franchise to Los Angeles, I heard they’re looking for a team!

By mjones

December 12, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

The man is simply a quitter. At least have the balls to finish the season and for God sake, be a man and tell your players, coaches and Arthur blank instead of sneaking out the back door. Jeff Schultz’s column stated it perfectly, MV lied to Arthur Blank and so did RP. He has no character and no respect for this franchise. Thank God he is gone because the Falcons could not survive with that joke.

By pat

December 12, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

What an a@#hole!!! He is not a man…

By salinsa

December 12, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Petrino is a quitter. That’s the bottom line. Of course the Falcons are a huge reclamation project due to Vick’s illegality, and Petrino did not anticipate that when he took the job. But, as the saying goes, one’s true character isn’t revealed during prosperous time; it’s exposed during moments of adversity. And Petrino has shown what type of person he is.

A person with true character and a semblance of what it means to make a commitment would not have quit after 13 GAMES DURING THE SEASON in the middle of game week. What makes it worse is he flat out lied to Arthur Blank on Monday when Blank asked him if he was takin the Arkansas job. Incidentally that’s the second time in the last 7 months that one of the 2 most important people in the organization lied to him. So, not only did Petrino quit in the middle of the season but he looked his owner in the eyes and lied to him, then PHONED IN HIS RESIGNATION. He wasn’t even man enough to tell his employers to their face that he was leaving. I’ve read some people blaming Vick for Petrino leaving but Vick’s situation may have provided the impetus for Petrino to leave but Vick did not make Petrino leave in such a classless way. Keep in mind, this is the same man who went behind his former colleague’s back and tried to take his job then got caught in a lie about doing so.

But I do not feel that bad for the Falcons because what goes around comes around. What he and Petrino did to Louisville last year is exactly what Petrino and Arkansas did to him this year and it’s gonna be exactly what Petrino and some other school will do to Arkansas in the next couple of years.

By Yellowjacket33

December 12, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Leandre you are a moron. MV did it to himself. No one else to blame but himself. Leandre your are a moron.

By Dave

December 12, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

The problem with the Falcons is not the coaches; it is the players. The players have managed to run off 2 decent coaches. Simply put, they are thugs and gangster wanna-bes that are a disgrace to the NFL, Georgia and humanity. Their disgusting display of support for a pot-smoking, convicted (and self admitted) felon showed what low lifes they are. They never supported either of their coaches and desrve to be fired. I am done with the Falcons until the thugs are gone. DeAngelo Hall, Roddy White and every one of them who participated in Monday night’s debacle should be fired. Absolutely disgusting.

By Doc

December 12, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Come on people, the shyster Blank knew BP was gone all along, hence all the posturing about him being “our CEO”. That way, he looks like the good guy. Everyone feel sorry for poor Authur, ahhhhhh bless his little heart. He was going behind BP’s back all season, telling the “Veterans”, we made a mistake in hiring him. What a clown, this is what happens when you let the lunatics run the asylum. Now Me-angelo can strut around like a peacock and let everyone know he’s in charge around here. Remeber BP took a pay cut to get the hell out of here not the other way around.

By Dave

December 12, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

The problem with the Falcons is not the coaches; it is the players. The players have managed to run off 2 decent coaches. Simply put, they are thugs and gangster wanna-bes that are a disgrace to the NFL, Georgia and humanity. Their disgusting display of support for a pot-smoking, convicted (and self admitted) felon showed what low lifes they are. They never supported either of their coaches and desrve to be fired. I am done with the Falcons until the thugs are gone. DeAngelo Hall, Roddy White and every one of them who participated in Monday night’s debacle should be fired. Absolutely disgusting.

By die hard falcons fan

December 12, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

To Rick please shut the eff up!

I am not an idiot!

If you think you are perfect then end the war in Iraq please!

He without sin can cast the first stone!

When you have a player like Michael Vick or Peyton Manning, and they did something off the field then of course they going to reap what they sow.

When I said Mr. Blank threw him under the bus, he just wrote him off.

He didn’t even vouch for Vick, but he sure was singing like a bird for Petrio da Blade on MNF, and less than 24 hours later his CEO skipped town to greener pastures.

If it was Peyton that was engaged in dogfighting, he would have just recieved a slap on the wrist and a big fine on a FEDERAL level and NFL level and we would be talking about if we can get home court advantage for the playoff.

I am so sick of people like Rick whom don’t have a clue on what it takes to win a football game! Rick go clean up section 227 row 10 for me please!

I was a fan BEFORE Vick came to town and I will be a fan when Vick get out of the big house. I would hate to see him on another team because he got something to prove.

We all makes mistakes and so does Mr. Blank.

Rick it is call double standard, but if you relate to Thomas Jefferson you wouldn’t know what that is.

Loser is you because you waste so much time focusing on what other people thinks instead of being the solution to the problem.

Stay your behind home! Wait does your trailer park van makes it to the dome from Valpossum, GA?

By Al Sharptongue

December 12, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

HaHaHaHaHaHaHAAAAAAAA I really love this stuff!!!! Now like the white public and media requests, next trade or cut your best db and te for scraps to show those loudmouth thugs who’s boss..HaAAAA, yall palefaces are funny. Yea so much for brian brohm HAAAAAA. keep good ole slow keith brooking as the face of your franchise, he does not get in trouble or complain, plus he is white, which makes the avg southern backwood redneck happy yall lost the civil war and the civil rights movement hahaha..Thats my insane rant for the day whew…..

By St. Pete Bird

December 12, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Great article Jeff. Couldnt of said any better.

By Boots

December 12, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

I have absolute and total disdain for this whole organization.

Blank for hiring McKay, firing Reeves, commiting the franchise to Vick and hiring a man of questionable loyalty and moral values in Petrino.

McKay couldn’t recognize football talent if it bit him in the keester.

Vick for choosing to hang with his homies watching dogs fight than preparing, supporting and dedicating his immense talent to the team, fans, coaches and owner who made him wealthy beyond human comprehension.

And, my disdain is for MeAngelo and the band of thugs who, by their lack effort and self-discipline, undermine the success of the club by their thugish and imbicilic behaviors.

Finally, I detest and deplore the hiring of Petrino —- a man of questionable moral fiber and loyalty. His behaviors were transparent and known to all parties, yet Blank hired him and now appears surprised that he received the same treatment as the University of Louisville. A married woman who’ll cheat with you will cheat on you, Dummy!

If this franchise was a car, you’d total it. And, that’s what needs to be done. Fire McKay, MeAngelo and his band of thugs and start over. It’ll take four or five years, but it’ll be worth it in the long term.

In the meantime, you’ve received my last hard-earned buck.

By supporting this team I feel like I’m enabling —- contributing to a continuance of deviate behaviors by a clueless organization.

Adios.

By jay

December 12, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Jeff I could not agree with you more. I heard the news coming home last night over the radio and I just started clapping. I never liked this man I felt he had no patience and he showed that with the QB postion and now how he left without finishing the season, the man has no character. The way he treated Joey Harrington was so wrong. Mr. Blank I hope you take everything that has happened and reflect on the part you played in the down fall of this organziation. Who ever you bring in I hope you let him take control and build this team and stop worrying about the next super star QB. Let this coach build an OL, defence and draft some good receivers and I hope the fans of the ATL also will let the next coach that comes in also get the time to build a championship team cause it will not happen over night. I have been a fan for years and I am willing to wait. The sad thing is we don’t have the fans that are willing to let time do it’s thing unlike the fans of Greenbay or Chicago who stick with a team through good and bad.

By Mel in Midtown

December 12, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

The problem starts at the top — with ownership. Arthur Blank has demonstrated that he does not have the knowledge, experience or foresight to make good hires. THIS IS A DYSFUNCTIONAL FRANCHISE!

I watched Arthur being interviewed on the MNF game by the ESPN crew and he referenced the “game day experience” at the Dome as a selling point. Obviously, Arthur hasn’t stood in any of the concession lines and had to deal with poor service and almost inedible food. Arthur has never used any of the restrooms on the concourse where…well, if you’ve been in one, you know what I mean. Arthur has never walked into the Dome with the rest of us an been accosted by scores of marketers handing out all kinds of crap and seeing litter everywhere.

Arthur bought his way into a very expensive boys club. The Falcons are a toy.

Does anyone ever wonder why Arthur only lasted about 18 months as the head of Home Depot after Bernie Marcus left? What about Arthur’s other non-Falcon hires? How about Bob Nardelli? He tanked Home Depot about the same way Mora and Petrino tanked the Falcons.

You have a Falcons owner who is waaayyy in over his head and believes that with the purchase comes the knowledge and experience.

It will be a long, long time before this franchise recovers!!!

By Darryn

December 12, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

There are some morons writing here. Petrino’s job is to coach the FALCONS, not just Vick. Vick screwed himself up. Even then, BP needed to coach this team the best he could given the circumstances. But every move he did brought alot of questions. Forcing a new blocking scheme on an already terrible OL; blaming one QB for the troubles of the offense; rushing in another QB after one decent practice after an injury and not telling the other QB of the change after leading the team to 2 wins in a row(don’t tell me JH should have known it - BL wasn’t cleared to play until after the practice before JH press conferece); then on MNF where the team just looked horrific. All warning signs he was already looking elsewhere. The team and fans deserve better.

By NC-FAN

December 12, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

AMEN!!

By GREGJ

December 12, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

TAKE JIM MCKAY WITH YOU BOBBY>PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By fatz

December 12, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

i’m still laughing at some of these suggestions in the ajc article- could you imagine if blank hired chan gailey? i like jason garrett alot but he is right where he needs to be- learning how to chew tobacco from ol wade and bum. sylvester croom is too old. bill cowher needs more downtime- he’d probably come here with these bad boys and go postal. Mike Singletary is the guy- the team is going to stink for several years- that’s a fact jack. but singletary will put an edge on them and make them tough so we can at least stand to watch them. and might even get them into church. he deserves it and i think everybody in this town would like him immediately. if i were mr blank i’d also get me a new GM while i’m at it. because the next few years are going to be about personnel decisions and cap management

By emack06

December 12, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

The real “thugs” are some of you Atlanta Falcons Fans….those of you who constantly badger this team with your foul rhetoric rather than suppporting the team in their darkest hour. Just because some of Vicks old teammates still support him, they are thugs, yeah right. You are not true fans. I dont blame Petrino for leaving. IT was a business decision he made to do what best for his family. It is nothing different when a CEO leaves one company for another.

By Joseywhales

December 12, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

I don’t like the way he did it but you can’t blame Petrino for wanting out. My Gosh, this franchise is a mess with no hope for recovery. Then you have to deal with idiots like Hall. Good for you Bobby. I wish you the best!!

By BC

December 12, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

NFL owners need to realize that the Joe College “I am your King” approach does not work in the pros. Also, Vick could be on the field right now if Blank supported him from the beginning. Think about it. These billionaire NFL owners are some of the most powerful men in America who are well connected with political and law enforcement officials. Remember when Michael Irvin was going through his cocaine stuff? Jerry Jones helped him get back on the field with minimal long-term harm. Cowboys GM Tex Schramm also helped his players in the 1980s (Harvey Martin, Tony Hill, Tony Dorsett a.k.a. “The Cocaine Cowboys”). The real reason the ATL will never have a winner is because the owners and fans don’t put winning ABSOLUTELY first and foremost above all else – they’re too busy looking for guys that they “like.” Case in point: you don’t hear SEC fans deploring their abysmal graduation rates for their football players. Oh well, GO COWBOYS!!!

By Rickster

December 12, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Suprised? Yes! Dissappointed? Yes!! Blame Him? Not at all!!!

By Cleasie Hickson

December 12, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

It is important that the selection of a new coach be a careful one. It is also important that the Falcons give serious consideration to a minority candidate. We need a new start, a new direction. Bill Cowher, Marty Shottenheimer are good, but we need something new. Give some of the coordinators around the NFL a chance. They deserve it. Stop recycling these folks.

By salinsa

December 12, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Not only is he a quitter but he’s an habitual liar. From espn.com

This is the fifth straight year Bobby Petrino has tried to get another job. Every single season he’s been a head coach, he’s ended it by pursuing something else.

• In 2003, his first year as a head coach at the University of Louisville, Petrino went behind the back of his employer and his onetime boss, Tuberville, to negotiate a deal replacing him at Auburn. He held a clandestine meeting across the Ohio River from Louisville in southern Indiana with Auburn officials, two days before both the Tigers and Cardinals played their final regular-season games.

It was, by any rendering, a spectacular bit of philandering by both interested parties.

Petrino lied about having any contact with Auburn officials — until two reporters for The (Louisville) Courier-Journal confronted him with documentation of the private plane that brought the university president and athletic director into Petrino’s backyard. I was one of the two reporters. And even when faced with the evidence, Petrino resisted telling the truth until Auburn issued a statement owning up to the whole affair.

Boxed into a corner, Petrino asked forgiveness and chalked it up to the inexperience of a “young coach.” Louisville forgave him because he was 9-3 and his offense blew up scoreboards.

It wouldn’t be the last time Petrino toyed with the school’s loyalties, or the last time he was forgiven for doing so.

• In 2004, Petrino interviewed for the Notre Dame job and had discussions with Florida and Mississippi about their jobs. Then, on Dec. 7, he pledged his loyalty to Louisville.

“I want to make it clear that I’m not interested in any other coaching jobs, and am happy at the University of Louisville,” Petrino said. “… I’m very excited about our move into the Big East, the opportunity to play in a BCS bowl game and the chance to compete for a national championship. [School president] Dr. James Ramsey and Tom Jurich, through their hard work and dedication, have made this the best job in the country. As I’ve stated before, Louisville is the perfect place to raise a family and I plan for all four of my children to graduate from high school in Louisville.”

On Dec. 21, Petrino signed an enhanced contract to stay with the Cardinals.

On Dec. 26 — well before the Petrino children had graduated from high school — he interviewed with LSU to replace Saban. On Jan. 1, 2005, when it became obvious that he’d lost out to Les Miles, Petrino pulled out of consideration.

On the inside, several Louisville administrators were disappointed they had to keep him. They were sick of the game — but there was no firing a guy who just went 12-1.

• In 2005, Petrino interviewed with the Oakland Raiders. That’s after telling people for years that he had no interest in coaching the pros — college was where he wanted to be. He ultimately turned down the job and professed his commitment to the Cardinals again.

• On July 13, 2006, Petrino signed a 10-year contract worth up to $25 million — a staggering deal for a school of Louisville’s modest football heritage and fan base. The day he signed it, Petrino vowed again that Louisville was home. He made a point of insisting that a $1 million buyout provision be put into the contract, putting his money where his dissembling mouth is.

“We did want to make a statement,” the disingenuous drifter said that day about the buyout. “… I wanted to make sure everyone understood — I know I’ve said it — that this is where I want to be, where my family wants to be. But I want everyone to really believe it.”

Sure, he wanted everyone to believe it. Not because it was true, of course. Just because he was tired of answering questions about his wandering eye.

Five months later, he was gone to Atlanta.

Even this time around, there have been recent pronouncements of commitment to the task at hand and the people who write his checks.

On Nov. 26, Petrino told the Associated Press that he was staying in Atlanta. “I haven’t given it [college coaching vacancies] one bit of thought,” he said.

By Busta Nut

December 12, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Well said Jeff! Petrino showed no integrity toward a fine man like Blank, so good riddance! But I’d like to say that Crumpler & D. Hall are just as short on integrity! And as far as D. Fall being upset, dude look in the mirror! I hope they ship your happy a$$ off as son as the last game is over. Again, good riddance!

By Brock

December 12, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Die hard falcon fan, What you seem to be forgetting is Peyton would never do the things Vick did because he’s not a criminal and has respect for himself and others to not commit felonies. But keep supporting Vick and keep writing your incorrect grammar and spelling words the way you do. It only proves my point that typical Vick supporters are uneducated idiots.

By Still A Fan

December 12, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Thank you Mr. Petrino !! This just gives me even more of an opportunity to upgrade my seats next year when half the Dome will be empty on game day.

By Spanky

December 12, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

For those of you saying that Coach Petrino is a coward for not bending over to “take it like a man” during this tough time with the FALCONS, you have obviously never seen in action at a Swinger Club.

By RICK

December 12, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Hey die Hard, As Jack Nicholson said ” You can’t handle the truth!” Your clairvoyance of Peyton is amazing. You should be playing the lottery every day as you can see in the future. Once again it is the white man’s fault. You are an idiot. the only place Vick might play would be the CFL. No NFL owner will want the baggage he brings. And by the way what the hell does Thomas Jefferson have to do with anything. Open your mouth and we hear a fool.

By tjs

December 12, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

I think the SEC for ex NFL coaches in re-hab status…Petrino can recruit, with the hogs & the SEC he will get players. He is a innovative offensive mind..within two years he will challange for the division leadership.Look how many of the these NFL rejects, put a winner on the field last year in the SEC.Many NFL coaches cannot stand the pampered unspired people who play pro football…Go Bobby…..

By Roger Goddell

December 12, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

The only way to change the Falcons is to change the culture. The ship is rudderless with Blank and McKay at the helm; there is no coach (was there ever one?); the team is loaded with overpaid malcontents; and the fan base…well, you figure it out.

By Georgia 74

December 12, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

You gotta wonder about McKay and Blank. Is Petrino that great of a bull-sh——-, surely those guys should have known better. I agree with Rick, Vick deserves a lot tougher sentence than he got. Petrino was the worst hire in the history of the NFL. To Blank, sell the team!

By Gibbson

December 12, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Schottenheimer.

Doesn’t Marty have a little history of taking nothing and making something great out of it? Cleveland was nothing. Kansas City stunk. San Diego was 6-26 for the 2 seasons prior to Mr. Schottenheimer taking them twice to the playoffs.

We need someone who can rebuild this thing again from nothing. That, and bring old-school respectability and honor to this drain-circling franchise.

By XXXX

December 12, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Why wasn’t Tech talking to Petrino ? Blank should bring Chan Gailey over for the last three games.

By Naydean

December 12, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Why blame Coach Petrino?. Who wants to captain a sinking ship. He came to Atlanta to coach Michael Vick however we all know what happen, and there wasn’t much to work with after that. Listen loyalty is a two way street and for someone to be loyal to an organization that feeling need to be reciprocated. Don’t blame Petrino just try to move one because problems don’t seem to last always somewhere somehow there is a rainbow for all you Falcons Fan. Keep your heads up!

By Rich

December 12, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Forgetaboutit….. Not a Falcon Fan but he did the team a favor. Blank needs to sweep the table Clean* Get a proven PRO Coach> There are many out there * Hire Sensible Front Office Staff to Draft and advise him (This is not selling Hammers & Nails) ** Personal Choice-Back to the old Unis ala Bartkowski et al

By College Football Chris

December 12, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Bounce the whole sorry, sordid lot of them out of town and relocate the home games of a solid division II college program so true football fans can enjoy games again at The Dome. The stench of the atmosphere created by Vick “fans” can be literally smelled in Gwinett!

By cb

December 12, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Wow! The Petrino press conference at Arkansas was pretty surreal and very insightful. It showed exactly what type of character-set our franchise had at the helm this year. Petrino actually began a diatribe being kind of down and apologetic only to end up being happy. As a lifelong falcon fan from 66 it is time once again to move on. Arthur do yourself and us a favor: hire a proven NFL coach. Believe me, you, falcon fans, and players deserve better. College coaches are teachers of young men not grown men. GO FALCONS!!!

By Mike T

December 12, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

It’s not often that I can agree with you but Bobby Petrino couldn’t cut it in the NFL and he showed his true color (quitter) Lets get over Michael Vick and hire an experenced NFL coach who can evaluate quality players and put a team that represents the Metro Atlanta Falcon Fans. Blaming Mike on all the Falcon problems (GM McKay)is crazy the man who is giving the bad advise to Mr. Blank has done a poor job all around changes need to be made. McKay was to build a solid defence (Don’t Laugh)his picks have been sicken. I don’t uphold Mike Vick but I can’t see him being the problem to all the Falcons problems (OF-Line)no covering cb’s the list goes on .. We have no choice but start over. We know what we want for Christmas.

By OpinionsAreLike

December 12, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

It starts at the top. Blank is the one making the decisions and they are all wrong. If this franchise was successful, (right) he would take the credit, so now that it has set a new level for incompentience he has to take the blame. This is the most disfunctional franchise in the history of the NFL. I’m just waiting for something else to happen. Is there no bottom, will it never end?

By Bubba Da-baller

December 12, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

What’s the Big Deal? As a Coach he created a partial vacuum (he suck-d) As well, he’s going to Arkansas, it’s not Green Bay…Lipstick on a Pig…

By Mark

December 12, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

If Petrino was so unprepared to coach at the NFL level as everyone is now say, I think the big question is why McKay and Blank couldn’t see that. Petrino is a loser and a quitter but we should all ask ourselves why this hire was made in the first place. I think there needs to be a serious assessment of McKay’s performance in the offseason.

By george

December 12, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Schultz, you are an idiot. I’m surprised Petrino took so long to figure out the Falcons, and I certainly don’t blame him for leaving. Anything would be better than what he had. Then people start tossing out Bill Cowher’s name as a replacement. Bill Cowher…are you kidding me? Why would Bill Cowher, or any other self respecting coach, even consider coming to the Atlanta Falcons? THE FALCONS ARE A JOKE !!! THE FALCONS ARE A TRAIN WRECK !!! When you have players like MeAngelo Hall, who care nothing about anything but themselves, it says alot. Crumpler b*** for a week about not getting the ball. On a Monday night against the Giants, he dropped three passes right in his hands. Blank needs to get rid of ALL THE VICK SUPPORTERS and start over. Vick is in jail and should never play for the Falcons again. It’s time to move forward with people who want to forget Vick and start winning football games.

By Observer

December 12, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

A lot of people here have said that coaching a Falcons team minus Michael Vick is not what Petrino signed up for. WRONG!!!

Bobby Petrino signed up (although his signature apparently doesn’t mean any more than his word) to coach a football team. What if Michael Vick had suffered a career ending injury instead of a federal indictment? Would Petrino have been justified in leaving then? Just because he didn’t begin the season with the roster he thought he would have justifies nothing.

I personally think this may be the best day in the history of the Falcon’s franchise. We just got a “do over” on a horrible hire. Let’s move forward and hire the right coach and then begin the process of building the roster through prudent drafting and trades.

A new era in Falcons history begins today!!!!!!

By Devany

December 12, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Petrino might be acting like a punk, but it certainly doesn’t warrant a comparison to Vick.

By Rock

December 12, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

The critical mistake the Falcons made wae firing Dan Reeves. Since his departure, the team has steadily declined in talent and wins.

By stone

December 12, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Petrino is a disgrace to his race: the human race!!!

By Bryan

December 12, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Dear Coach Petrino,

I hope by now you are beyond the Georgia border you loser. Your trail of lies will accompany you to Arkansas. One bit of advise….don’t challenge a call on the field on 2nd down. Goodbye and good frickin’riddins, you classless………….

By Luther Van Damn

December 12, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

When is this fool McKay going to start taking some heat? After all, this is the guy who endorsed Jim Mora and Bobby Petrino for Blank’s ultimate signature. Who’s next, Hayden Fox?

By japa

December 12, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

What is this that Atlanta is “throwing Vick under the BUS”. Are y’all too stupid to see he threw himself under the bus. He is a felon and a disgrace to all people who would love to have had his opportunities in life. He should have , also, taken at least some of his partners with him. It should be obvious to the team who these “partners” are. They have clowned all season and let the remainder of the team and fan down. It would be interesting to find out how many of them Vick is serving time for. We need a coach to jerk a knot in their A$$ and let them know who is boss. PS Arthur you should see this even if Mckay doesn’t.

Come on, get it together.

By Hayden Fox

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

I’ll never leave Minnesota State to coach the Falcons! Want me to see if Dawber Dobinski is interested in the job?

By Sydney

December 12, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Without question the situation has turned dire and desperate. Since all efforts have failed, there is no other option except for Arthur to call….”the Swamp Fox!’

By lry252

December 12, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Jeff, Once again you proved you are the best writer in Atlanta.

Awesome JOb

By Lex Luthor

December 12, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

I can’t wait until DAWG NATION makes him pay!

By Arthur, I'm available

December 12, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Well, at least now we can use our first pick now on a giant OT, rather than that loser Brian Brohm. Then pick up Erik Ainge in the second round. Life is good. Petrino sucked.

By GE

December 12, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

I am not upset with Petrino. He is smart to move on while he has some market value. This is a business that flourishes on those people who shell out big money to watch the gladiators play every Sunday. Its strictly business.

Petrino is only reflective of the NFL. It is a dirty business where you must get yours before someone gets you. Vick, dogs, Pacman,strip clubs, rap music are small potatoes in the big scheme of things. For you moral majority folks who feel that the NFL upholds morals and honor and sets examples for our kids, you may want to think again. Do not be fooled by those litte United Way commercials. They are nothing more than PR spots trying to enhance the appearance of the league. The Patriots cheat and nothing happens to them. Vick makes the mistake of getting involved in dog fighting and all the moralist go wild and ruin his career and eliminates our enjoyment in watching him put excitement into our Sundays. The NFL and the Feds had to throw Vick under the bus as the money tree was being threathened by those people who love dogs and/or dislike the urban thug culture associated with gangsta rap.The Falcons will get a new coach and all will be forgotten.

By Doc

December 12, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

If I see one more hire BILL-themostoveratedcoachinhistory-COWHER comment, I’m gonna puke. That scrub was in the weakest division in history and was guaranteed playoff/home field advantage because of it. His only win was a gift from the officials/NFL for all of you that have conveniently forgotten the Seattle fiasco. That was a gift for the Rooney’s, for holding the company line. You want to do it right you better give Jimmie Johnson a call. Not interested? Marty-Ball is ready when you are. I’d hand Dungy a “Blank” check, (I know, not going to happen). Still no, why not do the classy thing and beg Dan Reeves to come back. Look, there are a lot of teams all trying to reach the promise land. The best you can hope for is an honest and decent man, who happens to be a good coach, to get you to the play-offs and hope lightning strikes. Character builds character.

By Al Sharptongue

December 12, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

I know let’s hire the Rev. Jesse Jackson as our next coach. Then the whole team can hang out at the prison with their signs trying to get the thug out of jail. Plus all the so called ghetto falcon fans would be so excited to see one of their own leading the falcons to defeat.

By tiger

December 12, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Arthur Blank-You made a bad choice for coach Bobby Petrino and also Joe Harrington; these two guys were chosen by your general manager which isn’t to bright; Rich McKay need’s to be gone also. You need to clean house starting with Rich McKay, if this is your friend than you made a bad business chose. As long as Rich McKay is the over sees your FALCONS you will never be in the SUPERBOWL!!!!!!

By Dawber

December 12, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Nope. I have a great gig as the voice of Patrick Starr. I’d have to be stupid, wait, more stupid to give that up.

Uhhh, give what up?

By rob

December 12, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

If Petrino is not ready for the pro level, like you say he isn’t , then why do you have such a problem with him making a decision that is best for him and the Falcons. You can’t have it both ways. Hell, he didn’t hire himself, got in over his head, realized it saw an opportunity to get out and did what he had to do. These birds will always be losers. Based on the track record how can anything else be said. Disband the whole squad, move it to another city even. Because all atl sports is snake-bit. Snake-bit. Muggs arent gonna win anything anytime soon. He may have ‘quit’ the Falcons but he got onboard at Arkansas. I hope they win a nat’l title.

By Patrick

December 12, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Great article, Jeff. Good riddance, indeed.

By rob

December 12, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

And all of this crap about him lying. What else did you expect him to do when asked about next season? Sit there and say with a str8 face, I am going to Arkansas? WTF???!!!

By ak

December 12, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Bobby Petrino is not a man. He just pushed the team back another 2 or 3 years…he should repay every penny he got for the Falcons this year. This guy is a coward, liar, and he isn’t going to win in the SEC. This isn’t the Big East or Conference USA. Araknsas will find out soon when Petrino leaves for LSU after Miles leaves after the National Championship. Do You think he is telling the truth, look at the Pathological liar Petrino…Hope he doesn’t win any games at Arkansas and get Fired after 6 games.

By mta56

December 12, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

I really don’t blame Petrino. He made a smart move. Coaching a college team is a lot better than coaching in the pros. Steve Spurrier did the same. While the pro players are highly gifted athletes, MOST are arrogant, loud mouthed ?thugs? with low IQ?s. Take away their outstanding athletic ability & they would be robbing, carjacking or in prison! They are too stupid to do anything else other than shoot-off their foolish mouths. They have lost the ?TEAM? spirit and think they are individually responsible for their team?s success. College football is twice as exciting as the pro?s. Just compare the fan attendance through out the country weekly. I used to be a die-hard Falcon fan but grew tired of their consistent losing seasons. I have not attended a Falcon?s game in over ten years & would not attend if someone gave me free tickets. The Falcons are losers. They always have been and will always be. Their one trip to the super bowl since their beginning was nothing more than a fluke. If they ever make it back to the big dance, it will be another fluke, but they will NEVER win it!!!

By Carroll

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

Trade the high pick for several lower picks. Pass on the high profile QB’s like Woodson, Brohm, etc and go for the Hawaii QB with a 2nd or 3rd rounder…he will be the best of the bunch anywho, and you can use the higher picks to get some real players up in here (OL, DL, etc).

And for the love of God, no more gimmicky coaches. that means, don’t hire someone just becuase he’s firey and rah-rah (Mora), or because he has a cutesy offensive scheme (Petrino). hire a genuine, pure NFL football man. You had one in Wade Phillips, but he wasn’t gimmicky/flashy enough for you….now he’s off to the best record in Cowboy’s history! Imagine what HE could’ve done with Vick!!

By OpinionsAreLike

December 12, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Blank hires on lier to coach another lier, one quitter to coach another quitter. Blank fires the only coach that was ever successful with this franchise. Blank hires McKay who does not know how to judge talent. What you’ve got is an owner, who may well be a nice guy, that does not know how to make wise decisions, and is a total incompentient. Our only hope is he lucks out with a good coaching choice. I don’t belive in good luck!

By Keno

December 12, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

So now Jeff is a good sportswriter. I knew it all along. I only saw “idiot” one time on this blog today. What a bunch of hippocrites, but it makes entertaining reading. My question: Why in the world would Arkansas want Petrino with his loyalty and truthfulness issues, and why didn’t they have the class to inform Falcon management they wanted to talk with him. At least Chan Gailey had it all out in the open when he interviewed with the pros last year (of course he was criticized, but at least he was honest).

By hic

December 12, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

We all know Billionaires (A. Blank) don’t read the blogs. However, as long as A. Blank tends to inject himself into the football decision making process the Falcons will remain the Falcons of the Smith era. Blank no doubt has a brilliant business mind but we have to admit that he doesn’t know squat about football players. And neither, as it appears, does Rich McKay. The smartest thing Petrino ever done was quit/bolt/resign from the Falcons; the stupidest thing Petrino ever done was agree to become coach of the Falcons. As long as you have the MeAngelo Hall, Roddy White and Alge Crumpler types hanging around Flowery Branch the Falcon will be at the bottom of the league in won-loss. The first thing a new Falcon GM/Coach should do is get these 3 headed to I-85 as fast as they can. Get rid of them and probably 30 or 40 more present Falcon players and start anew.

By die hard falcons fan

December 12, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Rick and Brock - Who die and made you English Teacher and God?

This is a blog where people can come and vent and rant and rave to the end of all time.

You are entitled to your opinion and I am entitled to mines.

I was making a comment and both of y’all have prove that there is a double standard in America.

I said “IF” it was Peyton as in a hypothetical statement, it wouldn’t gotten that far!

You two clowns can write whatever you want to write…. but did I attack you? Nope! So if you want to attack me, that is lame. For the record I speak for myself. I sure there are people whom agrees with me and I sure there are people whom disagree with me.

Opinions is like the blood in your body, everyone have one. We just all different.

Be the solution not the problem!

Next!

By fatz

December 12, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

think about it. take the emotions out of it. bobby p left here for less money to go live in arkansas. either he realized he wasn’t up to the task of being an NFL coach, or he realized this organization was a dungheap. HE WANTED TO GET OUT OF HERE, and he had an opportunity to make it happen. all of us should be so luck as to have an escape from something that ain’t working. staying here would have produced the same result- probably next year. Hire MIKE SINGLETARY. Bill Cowher will hold out for a better franchise- or he might wait for John Fox to finally get booted out of the Panthers so he can coach close to his new home in Raleigh. Mike Singletary is the right type choice- 50ish, hall-of-famer, tough guy who also is morally as upright as they come. A black coach that whites can also relate to. makes good business sense, and might help keep the tumbleweeds out of the upper deck at the dome while this team gets rebuilt. Can you see Dangelo Hall calling out Mike Singletary? or Alge Hey,Hey,Hey Crumpler complaining about him. No way. he’s the right guy.

By Edgar

December 12, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

If he thinks the NFL is tough let him get a dose of the SEC. Nick Saban got his teeth kicked in so many times this season by the teams that have not only the best players in the college ranks but coaches who are committed to their schools for life. Let him get a dose of Mississippi State, Ole Miss (I know Houston Nutt is laughing his a$$ off right now), LSU, Auburn (I’m sure Tuberville can’t wait for his guys to beat the $hit out of Puketrino’s guys after what he did to him in 2004) and in the east, UGA, UT, UF, UV and UK. If he thinks 3 and 10 is bad in the NFL he’ll find out quick that SEC AD’s have very little patience with losing seasons. Puketrino’s just another JERK that needs his ego run from the SEC. Go get ‘em DAWGS. Beat the $hit out of Puketrino and his hawgs.

By john glass

December 12, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Bobby Petrino’s integrity and character has been in question his entire professional coaching career, and now Arkansas expects this man will help them mold young men between the ages of 17-21. Good riddance Atlanta, and best of luck to you Arkansas. I’m glad he is gone !!!!!!!

By oldguy

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

I’m not from your area, and not a Falcon’s fan, but after watching Arthur Blank after Vick’s indictment and Monday night, it’s hard to not feel for the man. Perhaps the lesson is that character is an underappreciated factor in hiring decisions. I wish you all the best with the new person.

By Dave

December 12, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Petrino saw the writing on the wall in the NFL you have to win now or your fired. He knew with the lack of talent in the organization that his next two years were going to be losing ones and he would be fired just like Mora and Reeves, I have been a Falcons fan since 1966 (The Beginning) Lived in Atlanta my entire life and in that span only 4 seasons out of 41 have they won 10 or more games. The Francise is BAD always has been. One Mysterious trip to a superbowl does not change the fact unless they can win. Petrino should have waited until the end of the season to quit but I do see that he was a coward in that aspect. with or without MV7 the team was bad 7-9 with him, maybe Petrino could have inserted a better scheme with MV7 than Mora, we will never know, but I do not know is did Petrino get more $$$ or did he just jump ship, he may be financially worse off at Arkansas now than he was at Louisville before??? I do not think of Arkansas as a move up in the college ranks and with Nutt, Alabama and LSU courting the same recruits I see Petrino gone from there within 3 or 4 years also.

By Edgar

December 12, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Good idea here folks. Dig up George Allen and make him head coach for life.

By jc

December 12, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

this is to the die hard falcons fan and all the rest like him…stop the if this was Payton well it’s not and if this was Payton you would be screaming for his head just like we are of Vick. that is all we hear in this society when a black person is in legal troubles that they put themselves in to it’s always if this were a white person. I remember as a child getting in trouble and always telling my parents well Susie did it to and my parents telling me I don’t give a rats butt about Susie this is about you. We take a different approach when one of us does wrong we hold them responsible and no excuses..let’s take Brittany Spears which I always hear well look at her and you guys are not screaming for her to be removed as a role model…well news flash she is not a role model in our community and as a matter of fact the courts took her kids away from her which shows the right thing was done…I think having my kids taken away is a much bigger punishment then spending 23 months in jail.

By Mark Biggs

December 12, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Thank God he’s gone; a quitter, a liar, a wimp, a loser and a fool!

By Ken Stallings

December 12, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

When I read scribes, like Jeff Schultz, write that someone quits a job “because he couldn’t handle almost anything,” I frankly wonder how much any such scribe could handle?

Petrino quit for a reason as clear as day. He quit because he realized that the current Atlanta Falcon’s roster has far too many people of questionable morality on it.

The exhibition of “Free Mike Vick” shirts under shirts, and banners briefly held, likely put Petrino over the edge to immediately seek the open head coaching job at Arkansas.

And I simply say, “Good on him!” I feel good for the man that he can so quickly get away from the flea circus that infiltrated the Falcon’s locker room in the guise of football players!

Mike Vick for once in his life got precisely what any Joe Schmoe would have gotten for coping a plea deal and then lying twice to court-appointed investigators and law enforcement officers.

Vick smoked a joint and lied about it. Vick lied to investigators after he plead guilty to the judge and broke down after a lie detector test revealed the depth of his flimsy lies. Both facts found their way to the judge who added six months of Vick’s sentence.

Rosa Parks is an icon of civil disobedience to tyranny and racism. She is the kind of lady for whom carrying signs of support is noble and worthy.

Mike Vick is a thug who took a pampered youth of athletic talent and received praise, money, and fame, but never learned beans about character and integrity.

Finally, he house of cards tumbled down when one federal judge stood before him suitably unimpressed with the man in prison clothes standing before him chomping on gum. Nor should he have been.

Bobby Petrino reached a Rubicon. He realized he traded a job at Louisville where he was a cultural icon for a job trying to coach a den of thieves and sleaze merchants masquerading as football players.

Now he gets to return to the level of football where character matters and teaching young men how to be men is an integral part of the job. I wish him all the best. He deserves nothing less.

By Annie R

December 12, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are better off without this loser! He showed his lack of character in the way he dealt with Arthur Blank and his ineptitude for pro football in the way he dealt with the team. Arthur, next time you need to get a PROFESSIONAL to coach your team!

By mattrp

December 12, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Arther Blanks to do list: 1. Tear the roof off of the dome. This is the south…why do we need a dome.
2. Hire a coach with a backbone. 3. Trade DHall to Oakland or Siberia. 4. Draft Darren Mcfadden

By Brock

December 12, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Die Hard please! Mines? I don’t have to be an english teacher to prove you’re a complete moron. What are you talking about? The only double standard is DHall saying Petrino is a liar and that he has no respect for him but he’ll damn sure support a convited felon who admitted to doing wrong, why? Because of his color. Same goes for you. You only support by color not by character. Learn to speak properly and you might have an argument otherwise go back to the third grade and tell your mom to stop logging in on the computer for you. Illiterate fool. You want to debate me learn to write first. Otherwise stay off this site. You’re making yourself look more pathetic than you already are. Now, hit me with some bible scripture. That always gives me a laugh coming from the Vick supporters.

By Hillary Clinton

December 12, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Dear JC, go to church on sunday and leave the nfl to us. your mama should have had an abortion instead of having you, you right wing creep.

By Charles

December 12, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Good Riddance, my thoughts exactly. In fact, those were the first words out of my mouth when I heard the news.

If the Jacksonville game didn’t tell us something, then the Tennessee game should have.

The Birds were breathing on the goal line, they could see it, they could taste it. You’ve got a 265-pound fullback just aching for the chance to get the touch on first down. And WTF? Petrino calls for a pitch to the tailback?

Geezzzzzzzzz Louise!

Man oh man. I would have come out of the owner’s booth and fired his ignorant butt on the spot if I had been Arthur.

Heck, Arthur signs the checks, he knows who should have gotten the ball on that play. My 3-year-old grandson was calling for Ovie to get the ball.

The Hogs got what they deserved; the Falcons got a break. Let’s go get Cowher and move on. We’ve got the talent. We need a coach that our players will respect and climb a cliff for. That’s Bill Cowher. Open up the checkbook Arthur and spend whatever it takes to bring that man to town.

By Rob

December 12, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

You know who gets screwed most by this? It’s not Arthur Blank or the Falcons or the fans. It’s Brian Brohm. Poor Brohm, he looked to be a third, fourth or fifth pick overall by the Falcons and get some huge money, now he falls to probably the third round at best.

By Paul Burns

December 12, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Where are Michael Vick’s dogs when you need them?

By jc

December 12, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

proud of it Hillary and that’s why you will never be President you take up to much for the scum

By JeffR

December 12, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of home town whiners. Schultz, Bradley, Moore, et al. Petrino is looking out for #1 just like all those guys would do in a second. His biggest gaff is coming to the Falcons in the first place. The rest of the world, college or pro, is saying “smart move”.

By Oldawg

December 12, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

1 quitter down - 65 more to go

By Fatalbert

December 12, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Let’s get Marty Schottenheimer in here before the Chargers realize their mistake and rehire him.

By wow

December 12, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

This is a good thing for the fans in ATL. Now everyone can hate the same person instead of being divided over hating another person. Petrino really brought the city back together.

By no longer a falcon fan

December 12, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

i am shocked that some of the falcons have said they have no respect for bobby petrino and his abrupt leave of the team. explain this to me, why are the fans and players looking to free vick, wear it on their person, fans wearing vick jerseys and ‘supporting’ vick? i was never so embarassed when i saw part of the falcons/saints game! how can they support, or want to free michael vick. the man is a felon. he murdered and maimed animals. but he gets the black community’s support and idolization. he’s just an athelete. and realize…he has to pay for his mistakes. don’t condone vick’s behavior any more. he is condemmed and well should be.

By Gatorgal

December 12, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

TO: BOBBY PETRINO

You’re an embarrassment to the coaching profession. How can you lie to your team and to the fans. Your word is your BOND.

SIGNED,

NICK SABAN

LMAO!!! WE NEED TO LAUGH

By die hard falcons fan

December 12, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Brock - after I said the following - you are officially Persona Non Gratis - look that up - it is Latin by the way.

Learn how to respect other people’s opinion and learn how to keep moving on.

An illiterate is someone whom can’t read or write you dumb donkey! I am a Falcons fan unlike you and if you don’t like my writing, as the British would said who gives a bloody crap! Look up

Heck Vick has more character than Petrino. He owned up to his mistakes and decided enough was enough. He took a plea deal when he didn’t have to. Petrino on the other hand left town barely 24 hours later after the fact he told Mr. Blank I am here for the long haul.

Brock is the type that will support Senator “I like to Hang in Men Restroom Craig” then support a franchise Player! Typical boorish attitude of Ivory Men!

I never say anything about character.

As for color - wow Peyton is white and Vick is black. That is a fact. The outcome is a fact, that the way it is because of you racist ways.

I said if Peyton was into dogfighting, the outcome would be different for him. You can take for what it is.

The new coach can be white or black or brown - I don’t care - he or she need to have BALLS and understands what its takes to get to the next level!

Again Brock are you the problem or the solution? Be the solution! You haven’t said what should be done. Keep on ranting dude! HEE HAW!

Next!

By Jeff

December 12, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

I am from Louisville, KY, and recently there have been some people here calling for the head of UofL’s football coach Steve Kraigthorpe after a disappointing season. The situation with the Falcons just goes to show that UofL’s problems aren’t the new coach’s fault, they go back to the old coach, Bobby Petrino. Petrino rode the backs of his gifted players to an Orange Bowl win last year. When he realized that a large chunk of the defense was graduating and going on to the NFL, his all-star running back was going to pass on his senior year for the NFL, and he believed that his star quarterback, Brian Brohm, would leave for the NFL; he realized that his UofL team was going to have to rely more on his ability to coach. Rather than stepping up to the challenge of coaching a team with less talent than it had before, he opted to take the cowardly way out. He took credit for all of the success at UofL and then ran off to coach a NFL team that had an all-star quarterback and the potential foundation of a really good team.

As soon as Petrino learned the fate of his all-star NFL quarterback, and again realized that he would be judged on his actual ability to coach a team, he opts again to take the cowardly way out.

There are two morals to the Bobby Petrino story. The first is that Arkansas shouldn’t be surprised if Petrino jumps ship when Darren McFadden goes on to the NFL. The second is that UofL fans should not be so hard on their new coach, and give him a chance to rebuild a program that unbeknownst to everyone in Cardinal Country was left a shamble by a cowardly coach.

By George Gipp

December 12, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

1. I didn’t like the hire from the beginning. His lack of communication and a lack of a working relationship with his players was disturbing, as was his lack of connection to the people of this city or Falcons fans.
2. MeAngelo Hall, Roddy White and other participating Falcons should be fined and suspended by the league for their demonstrations in support of Michael Vick, during the nationally televised MNF broadcast. They blatently broke the rules of the NFL in front of a national audience.
3. The fans showing their division in support, half wearing INMATE 7 jerseys and the ignorant half carrying FREE MIKE VICK signs in the stands. Makes you wonder..why are there people who think he did nothing wrong? I guess they’d say, “It’s only a dog. You wouldn’t understand”. What’s the matter with YOU!
4. The owner has been a public embarrassment since the beginning. From spoon feeding and pushing a thug around in a wheelchair to showing up on the sidelines at every game (WHERE AN OWNER DOESN’T BELONG).
5. Not really sure Atlanta deserves an NFL franschise. It is in no way like any other NFL city. I am certain the commissioner of the league does not hold Atlanta in favor. We’ll be lucky if we ever see another Super Bowl here.
6. This team embarrasses me as an unfortunate football fan and citizen of this city. There is so much wrong here, I don’t know how it will ever be put right.

By hic

December 12, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

By Ken Stallings December 12, 2007 12:16 PM

Says it best!!! Dump all of the AJC sports writers and hire this guy. He’s made more sense today and then anything I’ve read in the paper. Great writing Ken!!!

By Bob

December 12, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Bobby Petrino you suck and your offensive scheme sucks almost as much as you do. you are worthless and a waste of space on this earth. Mike Vick has his s** together more than you do. You better hope me and deangelo hall see you in the street. P.S. You Suck

By Jeff

December 12, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

I am from Louisville, KY, and recently there have been some people here calling for the head of UofL’s football coach Steve Kraigthorpe after a disappointing season. The situation with the Falcons just goes to show that UofL’s problems aren’t the new coach’s fault, they go back to the old coach, Bobby Petrino. Petrino rode the backs of his gifted players to an Orange Bowl win last year. When he realized that a large chunk of the defense was graduating and going on to the NFL, his all-star running back was going to pass on his senior year for the NFL, and he believed that his star quarterback, Brian Brohm, would leave for the NFL; he realized that his UofL team was going to have to rely more on his ability to coach.

Rather than stepping up to the challenge of coaching a team with less talent than it had before, he opted to take the cowardly way out. He took credit for all of the success at UofL and then ran off to coach a NFL team that had an all-star quarterback and the potential foundation of a really good team. As soon as Petrino learned the fate of his all-star NFL quarterback, and again realized that he would be judged on his actual ability to coach a team, he opts again to take the cowardly way out.

There are two morals to the Bobby Petrino story. The first is that Arkansas shouldn’t be surprised if Petrino jumps ship when Darren McFadden goes on to the NFL. The second is that UofL fans should not be so hard on their new coach, and give him a chance to rebuild a program that unbeknownst to everyone in Cardinal Country was left a shamble by a cowardly coach.

By Freddy K.

December 12, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Might be getting time to burn Atlanta to ground again and start over. Maybe you people will get it right the third time. You screwed the second time up.

By beezer

December 12, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

all of you fans crack me up!!

it wasnt Petrino who wasn’t up for the job, it was THE ENTIRE ATLANTA FALCONS ORGANIZATION who was not up to the job.

this team would be horrible if the great Don Shula was coaching them this year.

good job on looking for a scape goat for your pathetic team and season. you ALMOST didn’t have one.

By Sean

December 12, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

To quote the Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame GM, Marv Levy - “Football doesn’t build character, it reveals it.” And based on the actions of numerous players and now ex-head coach, this organization lacks way too much character to be respected or a winner any time soon.

By Brock

December 12, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Die hard.Oh did I get someone upset? You don’t know who I support and once again you keep bringing in these other names to justify an argument that you don’t have.I know who senator Craig is and if he did what he did put him away for 23mnths as well. See, I don’t judge by color,only by character. You have no backbone. You can’t admit the truth. Vick only owned up when he got caught. He would still be doing it but his drug addict cousin got busted which allowed him to get busted. And by the way. Vick has never told the truth to this day. He negotiated the truth with the feds and made a deal so he wouldn’t get even more time. Read and learn the facts before you start going off at the gums.You said and I quote”that the way it is because of you racist ways”. How do you expect me to take your comments seriously? I tell you what, I will be the solution. Tell me you’ll show up at the Fulton Co. Library every morning at 6am and I’ll teach you how to read and write properly. That’s a solution right. And you don’t have to use whom all the time. It doesn’t make you sound any smarter. Only the contrary.You sir are an illiterate and irrelevant donkey. That’s english by the way for Jack a*!!

By Chris

December 12, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

This sucks. I stood up for the man all season (as I did for Michael Vick before the dogfighting operation came to light), and he repays me and all the other season ticket holders by spitting in my face. Don’t we deserve some honesty? Don’t we deserve some respect? Yes, Arthur Blank signs the checks, but WE pay the bills for these guys. This is absolutely disgusting and makes the Falcons the laughingstock of the NFL.

By Jerry

December 12, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Aptly said, Jeff. The man isn’t a Razorback, he’s a dog. I knew several weeks ago or more that he was speaking with a forked tongue and he’d bolt as soon as possible. He’d made up his mind long ago. That’s probably wyh he blew the game a couple of weeks ago due to his lack of proper clock management. Like you said, “Good riddance!” buh-bye, Booby, uh, Bobby. (No, maybe “Booby” was the right word.)

By Warigami

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

Petrino displayed absolutely no class whatsoever in the way he handled everything and I personally hope the man never wins another football game. I hope the Falcons can pull their franchise together and get back on track. Thank goodness I still have my number one team out there in Dallas! Go Cowboys!!

By "W"

December 12, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Okay, let’s look at it like this.
1st Yes, it’s crappy that Petrino couldn’t step up and finish the season. But, do you blame him? First year with a new team and the damn ship was sunk before the first game. The team, full of overpaid cry-babies, had no respect for Petrino because he was not their peer, as Jim Mora was before him (which we know worked out so wonderfully). It’s not a matter of quitting, it’s a matter of putting yourself and your family in a much better situation. I have done the same and would not blame anyone else for doing it.
2nd The wonderfully athletic, yet completely worthless, idiot quarterback is funding an illegal dog fighting operation, gets caught, then lies about it. Hmmm…..what a great representation of a “professional.” Vick did increase attendance for a few years. Initially for people to see a very exciting player, which eventually turned out to be a bust anyway. You can be the most exciting player in the NFL, but if you’re not winning, what does it matter?

I agree with Freddy K. Atlanta needs to be burned to the ground and started all over again. I have lived in the Atlanta area all my life and have seen it grow to become the cesspool that it is today. Atlanta has become a having for criminals and illegal immigrants (often one in the same).

Let’s start the fire, I’ve got matches!

By Zander

December 12, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Looks like Terence Moore was right.

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/sportscolumns/entries/2007/01/08/everythings_wro.html

By Jeff

December 12, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

We all make mistakes, what a coward not to look people in the eye and explain himself. I hope the Dawgs but their foot on you until some courage comes out. We will be waiting for you in Athens Bobby Boy!

By gregc

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

He is doing what is best for him?
WHAT A JOKE.

Petrino is a total snake for leaving a promising team like the Falcons after not even a complete season. What an inflexible miscreant he is for taking the approach he did and then quitting on the team and owner, Mr. Blank. How could a person ever take such a serious job and leave it for anything less than an emergency or death in his family?

Petrino: Your name is MUD.

By ynot

December 12, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

The Falcons got Bobby to leave Louisville and his contract. Now he leaves The Falcons the same way for Arkansas. Well, what did you expect? Arthur and Bobby, it is on you now. Are you going to make the Falcons something to be proud of?

By Dougatl

December 12, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

If Petrino wanted to get rid of Hall and the other malcontents and McKay or Blank said no, then I have no problem with him leaving. The players had their “players’ coach” Jim Mora, and still didn’t win, didn’t play hard. The next coach shouldn’t be hamstrung. Hopefully, Crumpler, Hall and McKay will be gone before Cowher gets here.

By Michael

December 12, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout them Thrashers?

By jay

December 12, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Brock let Die Hard and the rest like him alone they are not worth trying to reach because they will always feel the black race is the victim that will never change so don’t even waste anymore time on him. what really makes me laugh at them is they continue to say MV made a mistake and deserves another chance well you don’t make a 6 yr mistake. once he got out of college where all this started and got the big dollars in endorsements then he should have stopped and said to himself you know I made bad mistake by what I was doing and ended the ties with his thug partners and the only reason he even made a deal is he had no choice his home boys had to much on him otherwise he would have never admitted anything are kidding me so let that he stepped up and did the right thing crap go man it’s bull

By Jesse

December 12, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Facts he had a winning record before entering the NFL and from your discription the players only added to his lack of success therefore if he wished to seek employment at the college level again, thus given another person opertunity for advancement with the falcons organization this would appear the logical course of action for both parties. We should all remain objective something some individuals may find difficult.

By FRIEND

December 12, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

This is good news for ATL. We can now find a coach and general manager skilled in drafting players. The only “Coach & GM” Mr. Blank should be talking to RIGHT NOW is “Bill Parcels” who is perfect for this job. ATL has a indoor stadium so the weather will not be a factor, which was one of the reasons Parcels left Dallas (cold weather). Parcel’s is an excellent talent evaluator. Just look at NE the Jets and Giants for examples. He left those teams in better shape to move forward. Parcel’s has a nack for assembling great coaching staffs. People want to work with him and gain valuable experience. This is a “no brainer” and ATL needs a coach who will demand respect from the players and the fans will feel good about the direction the Falcons are headed. Mr. Blank please contact Bill Parcels and bring this proud City a winning tradition. I am a season ticket holder and we are all sticking with our team and hope that you can deliver as the team owner what we truly need.

By mlrspwr

December 12, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Bye bye Bobby. GET COWHER NOW!

By FRIEND

December 12, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Bill Cowher will not be the next coach for ATL. Coach Cowher went to college (NC State)and lives in NC year round. He will be the next coach for the Panthers next season. Also, Coach Cowher is not a GM and ATL needs both to be successful. Mr. Blank please end this speculation and hire Coach & GM Bill Parcels as soon as possible. We need a miracle.

By vick fan

December 12, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

well said brother, well said

By Tom

December 12, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Look at the bright side…at least Roddy White and Michael Jenkins learned to catch again during Petrino’s visit to Atlanta.

Good riddance. Get a no nonsense coach who the players will respect like Cowher. AB and Atlanta deserve better than Petrino. Dump the bad attitudes also. The rotten apples always sour more in an organization.

By Ricardo

December 12, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Of course none of this matters as long as DeAngelo makes the pro bowl, then it will be a successful season. If he doesn’t make the pro bowl, it will be Petrino’s fault.

By Archie

December 12, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

First of all I do think Petrino is a quitter and he is all about himself.

Second of all I think Schultz is a bit too self-righteous. Heck Schultz said several times in his columns the Falcons needed a guy that was all about discipline but Schultz was so blinded by his prejudice that he didn’t mention much about strategy,communication, and fortitude. I mean whenever Lovie Smith’s name came up years ago there was always this subtle putdown supposedly based on this discipline-thing now that Schultz had what he wanted a white,experienced coach he tries to act as if he’s a better guy than Petrino. Come on Schultz, is Mike Singletary a bad candidate? I mean Don Shula,Parcells,Belichek, and Billick all had to start somewhere. I am not saying Singletary has to be the coach, I just don’t want to here non-objective reasons against him. The next coach does not have to be a Dungy,Lovie Smith,or Mike Tomlin but those kinds of guys should not be so casually dismissed. Heck Mike Martz could bring some excitement to Atlanta but then you’ve got Emmitt Thomas why not see what he can do the next three games and give him legitimate shot.

By MYMYMY

December 12, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank is reaping what he sowed. Just like he gave up on Michael Vick, Bobby Petrino gave up on him and the Falcons. Now Arthur knows how Michael feels. You don’t kick a man when he’s down. To all you Vick haters, watch out cause God has something greater for Michael Vick, my brother is going to be allright!

By Redskin Fan

December 12, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Boy… when it rains it pours. Atlanta is better off with him gone. A lot of good assistant coaches out there. And who knows… maybe Brady Quinn will be for sale next year. Lots of decent quarterbacks out there to be had too.

I can tell you the Skins have too damn many coaches.

Good Luck to the Falcons and our southern friends.

By BossLady

December 12, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m glad he is gone. It did not appear that he knew what he was doing. The way he lined up the players on defense could not work since theyallow 7-10 yards before a tackle instead of being in the QB face. Keith Brookings was always too far back to effectively stop anyone. He even looked confused and clueless. Good Riddance Also, his reliability and honor as a man is shot and Arkansas will find out.

By Adam

December 12, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

OCTOBER 29, 2009 - UGA goes to Fayetteville… Coach Richt show no mercy; hang 70 on them if you can! (That is, of course, unless the lying gutless, classless, spineless quitter hasn’t run out on them by that time!)

By Fred

December 12, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Petrino was a bad fit for this team from the get go, and he made it very apparent everytime you saw him or the time. Mora talked too much but at least he had the team’s respect. I really hope he fails at Arkansas so we can see how much of a quitter he really is at the college level too.

By Rock Troy

December 12, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Petrino is a quitter, no doubt. But the Falcons problems are at the very top: Blank is a jock-sniffing loser. There are reasons the Vicks and Petrinos lie to him: It is easy and Blank is starstruck. The Falcons will never ever EVER win with Blank as owner. Never. It is time for Blank to remove himself from ownership — if only for his own sake; if only to save himself from being the FOOL he is and always has been.

By vassar493

December 12, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Don’t be to hard on Petrino. He quit after thirteen weeks, unlike half of the Falcon starters, who quit after week five.

By Boo Boo

December 12, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

I want Jeff Schultz’ name tossed in the ring to coach the Atlanta Falcons. Mr. Perfect is who we need. He can write his own reviews then. Plus, when he slinks out in the middle of the night, Atlanta might get a new sports columnist worth a ding dong.

By fanfan

December 12, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

All wrong. Petrino MEANT to stay. He wanted to stay, but he changed his mind. He had the right to do it. Blank was breathing on his neck all the time, and did not give him his support as he should have. Going around and asking undisciplined players how the coach was doing, and what they think about him is a no no in any business, and Blank as a businessman should know it. NO excuse for that. Go coach!

By a01311

December 12, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

What Jeffery Shultz wants is someone who will kiss his a* and not dismiss him as a gossip spreading sniper. Which accounts for 75% of his job.

Jim Mora mentioned he would love to someday coach his college team. Blank gets p** and it leads to his firing. What is Petrino supposed to do when Blank asks him his plans. Then throw the pitiful effort from Monday night, Petrino make a smart move.