Sports Columnists

By ILL-logical

December 13, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

What goes around comes around. Blank is not the victim here.

By Nate

December 13, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Terrence…

You really let me down man…and my expectations have never really been that high for you.

You just try to cause trouble and it is getting very old.

Can you please write one positive article about Atlanta or even the state of Georgia? Please…

This isn’t healthy for people to read over and over. I know controversy generally helps readership ratings but at some point it has to have balance. I decided today I won’t be reading your articles anymore until someone lets me know they have changed dramatically. I know I am insignificant to you, but I sincerely believe many other people are having similar sentiments.

Wish you luck. I really do.

Blank is the problem? Sheesh…

By webhead

December 13, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Well said! Is Steve Bartkowski well enough to come back and play? He’s still has more talent than these other Falcons QB’s.

By Manny

December 13, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Well,

All I can say about Petrino is “Good Luck recruiting for Arkansas.” I know that if my sons were of the age where they were picking colleges, I wouldn’t let him darken my kids’ door.

As far as the Falcons is concerned, they need someone like Mike Singletary. And I think only Mike Singletary, because Cowher is just too unrealistic. (However, if Bill Cowher wants to come to Atlanta and coach, you do WHATEVER you need to to get him here.)

But realistically, you need Mike Singletary here. By January.

And draft-wise- don’t buy into the mess of getting a QB with your first pick. Get the best Offensive lineman you can find and try to get a QB later, or fix it in free agency. I see no QB in the NCAA that should be picked in the first 8 picks in the draft; and to pick one is reactionary.

Pick an O-lineman or a D-tackle. Or go and get Grady Jackson back, which was another boneheaded move by Petrino.

By michaelgee

December 13, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Maybe Blank should hire you since you know all and see all. You are so predictable, get some new material and quit blaming whitey.

By OpinionsAreLike

December 13, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Blank hired a lier to coach a lier, hired a quitter to coach a quitter. He has no one to blame but himself. Until he admits this publicly there is no reason to believe he has learned anything. There is no light at the end of this tunnel.

By PLeeeaaasseee

December 13, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

I don’t think a majority of “normal” fans will agree with you. Why do you have to be so controversial….That is different than just voicing your opinion..Isn’t the world negative enough?

By Chris Brown

December 13, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

GREAT ARTICLE Terence. You hit the nail on the head. Looks like they look like fools for getting rid of Dan Reeves and then not hiring Lovey Smith. They are cursed!

By Seacoast

December 13, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Dead on, Terence. The irony is that NFL teams supposedly place so much emphasis on character when drafting players. And though the Falcons missed the character flaws of Michael Vick, which were perhaps well hidden, Petrino’s nature was well known. Further irony: Arkansas did to the Falcons what they did to Louisville: woo away an apparently committed coach. Further irony: Arkansas is willing to make the same blatant mistake in hiring a coach to guide their players. It’s pretty clear that when these decisions are made, it’s not about character but about the intent to win at whatever cost. No need to worry about the outcome of a future Arkansas-Georgia contest. With Mark Richt, Georgia has already won in a rout.

By Lee

December 13, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

You lie down with dogs you get fleas.

By Falcon Fan 101

December 13, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Great article. Word around Falcon camp is that Arthur had far too much hands-on, micro-manageing eveything, having an adverse effect on mgt. Is McKay still got the magic touch? Let’s hope they get the right guy and let him run it.

By NY-Naydeab

December 13, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Why kick Mr. Blank when he is down?. Watching Mr. Blank at the news conference yesterday even if your heart was made of stone you had to feel for him. Sure some of this mess was self-created because of poor decision making but even doesn’t deserve all of this. I think its time for all Falcon’s fan black, white and brown to start support the team 100% because the team really needs the fan. I think what has happen with Bobby Petrino quitting has helped the fracture team in realizing they need are a team and they should start acting as one.

By Honest Abe

December 13, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

There is a big difference in making mistakes and shaking someones hand knowing all along it’s a lie. That whole deal stunk like a hog.

By jgrim

December 13, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Give me a break…grown men acting like children. “I was lied to, I was betrayed.” From the top brass in the offices to the players, even to the Petrino, you are all at fault. Stop pointing fingers, shut up, and start earning the money you think your ‘elite status’ entitles you to. We’re sick of the pity parties.

By A-T-L Adam

December 13, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

You know your beloved city has become a cesspool of ghetto trash when people view moving to a job ARKANSAS (ARKANSAS!!!!!) for FAR LESS money as a career upgrade.

By Victor

December 13, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

When will Blank and MCKay start hiring GROWN MEN and not daddys boys and Wimps to coach, and drafting GROWN MEN and not immature boys to play a GROWN MAN’S Game!!!!!

By mountain jim

December 13, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Way to pile on as usual TM. Hope ESPN hires you so we don’t have you polluting the ajc anymore.

I supported what Blank/Mckay were trying to do - replace take-a-Knapp with someone with some imagination on O for MV. We knew Petrino had commitment issues, but who knew he was a sackless coward who could not handle or treat players as men?

Neither Wisenhunt or Singletary had the resume to get MV going - he’s the one that really screwed everybody - not Blank. If Petrino had just talked to the team in person and offerred to finish out the season things would have worked out fine for him and the team - as it is he proved himself to be a dishonorable coward - something Blank clearly is not.

By Bob

December 13, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Thanks Terence for being the only writer in this town that actually tells it like it is. Unfortunately people don’t understand that you are not part of the Falcons PR staff, unlike Mark (state the obvious) Bradley. If people want fluff all they need to do is talk to the head of PR for the Falcons Reggie Roberts. Keep up the GREAT work!

By myother

December 13, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

When a employee(coach, player) is fired it’s defended as a business decision. When an employee leaves on their own it is the same thing. A business decision for them and their family. Would you tell your employer you were looking for another job? Of course you wouldn’t. Employee have to play the business game like management.

By Typical Moore

December 13, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Typical Moore, kicking the Falcons when they are down. I swear I wish Atlanta had someone who liked the Falcons just a little bit. I’m not saying to sugar coat anything, but come on, Just say you hate them T. I have been a fan since 1973 and I think you work hard at kicking us whenever you can. Do you get pleasure out of this? Can you say 1 positive thing? Hell, the owners are trying, sincerely. Can’t a man get credit for trying? Not from you though.. keep kicking us…

By Charles

December 13, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

AMEN TERENCE

By ynot

December 13, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

It’s time for Arthur and Mckay to step up. They need to build a winning franchise. I hope the players have got the Bobby quitting out of their system and will focus on what they need to do to be a winning team. Bobby quitting is no excuse for their play on the field. Losers lose. A new coach can’t fix that. He will have to bring in winners to play for the Falcons. Arthur you may want to be on the sideline like Jerry Jones, but do you have what it takes to build the winner like he has in Dallas. Mr Blank a tired fan base turns its eyes to you.

By TM=nonsence

December 13, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

You suck at life, Terrance.

By Arnold

December 13, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Mr. Moore keep writing, a lot of us enjoy hearing the real story. Not the stuff that Bradley writes or the “good ol boy” stuff Bisher writes. You and Wyche are the only two that have some real guts and say what others think! Give em HECK! Blank & McKay tried to reinvent the wheel… College coaches can’t cut it! SIMPLE!

By Frank Wilson

December 13, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Terrance:

I guess I should have expected you to be the one to take some weird position as to why the Falcons are where they are. Arthur Blank has done NOTHING but build the finest facility in the NFL for his players. He has spent millions trying to construct a foundation for long lasting success. I watched him carefully at the teams news conference. It was a classic example of a categorical mind at work. First he stated the problem, then he broke it down into it’s component parts, then analyzed each part, formulated a solution to each part and then summrized the overall situation. This man was successful at Home Depot because of that very same thinking. He’s the best guy we could have trying to analize and correct the Falcons problems. You are the type of writer Atlanta has always had; NEGATIVE I remember when Coach Van Brocklin asked Frank Hyland to step out in the parking lot he was so frustrated at Hyland’s negativity. I am a 64 year old Atlanta native and a Falcon fan since 1966. I am a former season ticket holder and have watched the NFL since the classic 1958 Championship game. The problem with the Falcons the first 34-35 years was ownership. That is NOT the problem now. If Arthur Blank cannot solve the Falcons problems……. then there is no solution. This man knows what he’s doing. Stay off his case.

By GA Buckeye

December 13, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

TM, I usually give you the benefit of the doubt on issues, but your article directing blame at Blank struck me as headline grabbing. Why isn’t the finger or fingers being pointed at McKay. He gets the credit for masterminding the Bucs and then the Falcons that went to the NFC Championship, but when the “ish hits the fan”, he conveniently fades into the background. Petrino was a terrible hire and I really don’t think anybody is disappointed he is gone, but disappointed by the way he left. Blank continues to strike me as an owner that wants to do it the right way, but his right way keeps getting tripped up by the “dog eat dog” way of the NFL, its players, agents, and coaches.

By George Mason

December 13, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Terence you called this back in January, While the GOLDNBOY Bradley said this was a great hire! He’s wrong as usual!

By George Mason

December 13, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Terence you called this back in January, While the GOLDENBOY Bradley said this was a great hire! He’s wrong as usual!

By George Mason

December 13, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Terence you called this back in January, While the GOLDENBOY Bradley said this was a great hire! He’s wrong as usual!

By Harold

December 13, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

AUTHOR BLANK AND THE FALCONS GOT EXACTLY WHAT THEY DESERVED…… BLANK WAS BETRAYED BY PETRINO LIKE BLAKE BETRAYED VICK!!! GET OVER IT, DEAL WITH IT AND MOVE ON…… IT JUST GOES TO SHOW YOU, “YOU REAP WHAT YOU SO”.

By Falcons PR Staff

December 13, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

King Arthur has the other writers on his PR staff, but not you Bradley and Reggie Roberts are the same person

By Penis Moore

December 13, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Choke sucking your own dick b***.

By SW

December 13, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

I NEVER agree with TM but in this case he’s right. From Blank on down, the whole franchise is a bunch of overpaid, snotty nosed crybabies. WHO would want to coach a bunch of selfish, what’s in it for me, losers on that roster? McKay- a joke D-Hall - Loud mouth imposter who couldn’t cover a fence post. Leftwich- (you think Petrino wanted him?) oops he’s on IR again I’ll tell you who’s been BETRAYED…the FANS! Anyone who believes this circus is Petrino’s fault is in denial. We get more effort from the Arena league team. As far as I’m concerned, ALL the players quit way before Petrino did. The whole organization deserves each other. LOSERS TOP TO BOTTOM!

By realitybased

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

The great Maya Angelou has a saying “when people show you who they are, believe them”. How could anyone be betrayed when you hire someone with Petrino’s history and he lives up to that history? That’s like hiring a drug addict and hoping you can change them and being betrayed when you can’t. Sheer stupidity. Just like Arkansas and Louisville, the Falcons were crazy enough to believe Petrino’s claim of having “landed his dream job”, only to have him slink away in the night. Look at his history; that’s who he is. No surprise there. And what makes it so bad, he’s not even a GREAT coach. But Arkansas is arrogant enough to say that “Arkansas is a special place that anyone can call home”. If so, what happened to their first pick, who wasn’t Petrino? What happened to their last coach. Hope Arkansas won’t be in the news crying crocodile tears of being betrayed and disillusioned when Petrino does what he always does…lies and leaves. But, he can only do that when you have organizations like the Falcons and Arkansas who’s willing to buy him away from his current situation.

By Jay

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

MY, My, My. Will you, Mr. Moore, or you buddies ever get it. There is a level of understanding that you guys seem to be unable to get. The dominate black players of the NFL do not think like normal ‘human beings’, but like a race from some other planet. The moral impact of this “new generation” according to Jimmy Dukes is far different from all previous football generations. He got that right, but he fails to see the impact of that devastated cultural difference. The entire history of the NFL has been thrown to the wind in favor of a “new generation” which is totally lost in a world of absolute disaster due to your culture of crime, hate, killing, taking… …that you are so accustom to seeing on a daily basis that you have no idea of what is normal any longer for the rest of society. If this turmoil at the Falcons House doesn’t suggest anything other than a new generation’s demands, the society that continues down this same road has no possibility of survival. But this has been coming so long it has arrived without being even noticed. Mr. Blank, you can spend every penny you have on this bunch of ..’s if you like, but without a change of thinking by them it will be more of the same and any quality coach who takes your money will also be gone in a matter of a few more miserable losses. People of no appreciation have no other option but to continue to demand and squander what they get. I thought I saw a few examples of “brightness” among the Falcon players, but somehow they seem to have vanished in the turmoil of the criminal mindset so obvious as in most other areas of their domain. Colleges can give much to the development of athletic development, but colleges have been the primary source of this fall into “giving” the underpriviledged their step up by “giving” not “earning” their opportunities. Public schools have been duped into the same horrible philosophy that has produced this horror which is not going away due to the money involved. The NFL is doomed to this sort unless it wakes up now. White is not the answer… it is common decency with limits and acceptance of authority of whoever is put in control. What Coach Pertrino did was the only thing he could do to help this organization, but nobody seems to understand that due to the anger and rage so common among these monsters who think they have the right to take over without the knowledge or wisdom to direct even their own lives in morally clean and worthy ways. God help such a society.

By VICK FAN

December 13, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Mr. Moore, I am a Vick fan, not b/c of his crime, but how he played, I believe you do the crime, you do the time and he is. I like Mr. Blank but need a GM. He do the firing and hiring, did you hear what he said about what went on at Tamper Bay, how they pick a head coach and they was left with Tony Dongy, who took Tamper Bay to the Super Bowl and lost and was fired. Look at the players that have been cut or let go, like Keaney and Grady Jackson on defense. But no offensive players. Dan Reeves have a season like this one when Vick was injured, that wass warning that they needed offensive players, no Q/B can play with this line, not Joey, not Redmnan and Brony, not even Manning. They rode the Vick horse to the end. This is Rick Mckay doing, he hired Potrino, he fired Jim Mora and he fired Dan Reevse. The Falcon need a new general manger to start with. If they don’t will still be the same. And good coach next. Mr. Blank is paying the money, what is needed now a good GM that know good players and coachs. Mckay is a bust, like potrino.

By CF

December 13, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

It’s pathetic that I can always read a headline and know whether TM has written the article. He can find the maximum negative spin headline for any situation involving lacal teams, yes any local team. I’m not saying that some of the things in the article are not true. However, with the Falcons franchise being at their obvious lowest point (I hope), why not a title of “How to Move On” or something. You can still point out the mistakes of everyone in the organization without trying to just slam Arthur Blank with your headline. This is a continuing theme with TM, and I am sick of it. Whatever mistakes Blank has made, he is a fundamentally good man with nothing but the best intentions for the Falcons and Atlanta. The disrespect shown to him by TM and some of his “employees” (i.e. Roddy White & D Hall) is disgusting. Blank made mistakes; he’s not stupid, let him move on and try to fix things. To Roddy and D Hall - if you want to tell reporters you are supporting MV as his friends, that you pray for him to get through this, that you will try to help him when he is released - Great, that’s what good friends should do. Just don’t do controversial things on national TV while being paid by the man MV hurt the most, both financially and personally.

By Anthony

December 13, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

I don’t usually agree with anything you say but I agree with you now. Stop blaming Mike Vick for the Falcons if he was hurt we would still need good players to take up the slack and that is the G.M. and coach job. The Falcons need a no nonsense guy like Mike Singletary. Give someone else a chance instead of all these old retreads.

By Gene

December 13, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Of course Blank is to blame. He wanted a championship so bad that he suspended good judgement, winked at Vick’s criminal behavior, and lavished money on players of dubious character and talent. I think that Arthur Blank has been punished enough for his lack of common sense. He has been humiliated about as much as a person can be humiliated. I would now like to see him use some of his ruthless business skills to go after Arkansas and Petrino. This issue will come back on Arkansas in the same way it did on Arthur Blank. Maybe the parents of potential Arkansas recruits will see Petrino for the bum that he is and guide their sons elsewhere. If there was ever any doubt about Petrino’s character, it has been erased in the past few days. Now that the criminal is in jail and the opportunistic liar is gone, I hope the players and fans put all of this behind them and rally to Arthur Blank and the interim coach. Actually, the early departure of Petrino is probably the best thing that could happen to the Falcons. We knew he would leave, we just didn’t know when. If the team comes together and plays hard, we can erase some of the shame of the past year, and please, no more Free Mike Vick t-shirts. Vick is right where he belongs.

By Gk

December 13, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Harold, have you just moved to earth. “Blake” betrayed Vick? Are you in the same hemisphere as the rest of us? It was thug Vick that did what Vick did. Now it is Blanks fault for betraying Vick. Blank pays for going after a second rated NFL QB (Vick) and then not having the insight and courage to correct the problem by trading him. Blank also pays for hiring a know weasel, Patrino. So you do reap what you sow. But don’t accuse Blank of betraying a thug like Vick. By the way, where is Vick now? If you go the high road and get the right guy, everything will be alright.

By DCL

December 13, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

My question is “Will Petrino be required to return his signing bonus”?

By D

December 13, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Petrino was concerned for his family, what the hell did Atlanta do to his poor poor wimpy family? all his family has to do is sit back and enjoy the money he makes, bet his wife has a stressful career as a ‘homemaker’. and his poor little children, I be they are going to have such a sad little Christmas this year, what with them getting all the gifts they asked for and then some. the lowest people on earth, are the ones that use God, Patriotism, family / children, to attempt to excuse one of their own, usually premeditated, mistakes. the reputation of football coaches is sinking to the depths of used car salesmen and politicians.

By Boots

December 13, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

I was a supporter of Petrino and know full well he walked into a hornet’s nest; however, the way he handled this move to Arkansas convinces me that he is emotionally unstable, unreliable and unable to make the kind of commitment necessary to be successful over the long haul.

Therefore, adios and I hope Arkansas nails your foot to the floor.

By Jason

December 13, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Terence your always bad mouthing the team. if they win you put them down, if they lose you put them down. maybe you should do resturaunt reviews or something else, i’ve got it just stop writing

By JR

December 13, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

“If that isn’t enough, the Georgia Dome has become a wonderful place for fans either to boo or to sleep.”

Don’t forget the brown bags.

That’s TWO cities Bobby is now considered a villain in…could it be three? Stay tuned…

By Marbles

December 13, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Oh, Harold. Thank you so much for that stunning display of spelling and grammar. That bit of an emotional outburst goes hand in hand with your idiotic theory. “Reap what you SO”….classic. Let me guess, you are wearing a hand lettered “Free Mike Vick” shirt as of this moment, aren’t you?

By John Harrington

December 13, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

In the new “perfect world of parity” all NFL and college teams would have .500 records, if that were to play out, right? Talent wise, we may actually not be too far off - look at NFL and college records this season.

Which means that you have to pay millions of dollars to get those extra wins above .500, doesn’t it?

Which brings us to lowlife “swine” like Petrino, the new head hog. He figured this out - that desperate universities and pro owners are more than willing to pony up huge dollars for each of those wins above .500 and he went out and began playing the game for himself.

In other words, he was enabled by those willing to pay him. But, do not kid yourself, Terrance, there are tons of Petrinos out there and tons of intellectually and morally challenged people willing to pay them.

They all deserve each other and that’s fine with me. None of these people put food on my table for my family and that’s why the entire big-time sports culture in this nation has become such a waste of time, money and emotional energy. We’re supposed to support them?

Are you kidding me?

By Commando Dave

December 13, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Arthur “Blankety” Blank: How the press conference could have gone @ [http://johnclaytondammit.com/news.html]

By jch

December 13, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

I don’t have time to read all the posts so this might have been expressed already but, what is Arkansas thinking????

Do they really believe this is Petrino’s dream job? That he’s been bouncing, deceitfully, from one job to another hoping and dreaming he could one day lead the Arkansas Razorbacks to fame and glory!!!

Honestly, how long do they think he’ll stick around Fayetteville?

I guess their only hope is the rest of the college and professional football world has seen his M.O. and aren’t stupid enough to hire him.

However, with guys like Blank and McKay out there, they’d lose that bet. Somebody having a tough season will come knocking mid-season next year, the year after latest, and lure him away.

Congratulations Arkansas, you’ve most likely just killed your already struggling program. Take a look at Louisville, 6-6 the first year after Petrino, and see what’s coming your way.

By Jimbo

December 13, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Right on, Terrence. Blank coddled Vick, now he’s in prison. If Blank, Mora and McKay had been tougher on Vick he might not be wear he is now. Now Blank is upset that his coach just left him. He should have seen it coming.

By JD

December 13, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Good article TM. Blank shares just as much of the blame as Petrino. I doubt those “issues” Petrino gave to Blank were going to be “resolved”. I’m sure some of them were specifically pointed towards Blank, like, “Stay off the field during games”, “Don’t coddle the players- push them around in wheelchairs”. We’ve all had jobs where we’ve had jerks for bosses. Those guys are usually hired by jerks, or people who want others to do their “dirty work”. I bet Petrino was hired to “clean-up” the Falcons, while Blank sat back and provided no support, just in case the publicity wasn’t there or it was the “wrong thing”. Blank’s got as much of a backbone as Petrino. I’ll say this, when Warrick Dunn is upset, then obviously Petrino was not cut out. Like TM says, the whole organization is in shambles and its going no where until Blank actually learns from this, which he won’t, unless the $ quits flowing in, which it will next year.

By Nolan School

December 13, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Bring professional football to Atlanta. Send the Falcons to Mobile…or Birmingham.

I’m beginning to miss the Clampett’s…er…Rankin Smith ‘nem.

My first post to any of the AJC Sports writers was my shock and dismay at the hiring of this beady-eyed backstabbing sumbitch narcissitic POS with a penchant for late night trips to airports and intrigue while espousing the Stalinistic adage that “If a lie will work, make it a BIG lie.”

Where was Blank’s due diligence here? I admire Arthur Blank but this is ultimately landing in his lap.

Some flunky in the Falcons HR department should have done a power-point presentation with the plus and minus axis for Petrino…the hire would not have happened.

Arthur should have taken a day or two to meet with this shallow self-promoter and my guess is he would have seen through this guy.

I’m glad the guy is gone. I haven’t watched a Falcon game since he showed up.

Got what he deserved, couldn’t handle dudes with bigger egos than his own.

To hear NFL players b*** about loyalty is the best joke inherent in this story. Hilarious.

Pro Sports has become vapid and empty, like a board meeting of any monolithic financial entity.

Here’s the best part. If the Falcons get their butts kicked this weekend, is it the coach’s fault, or Arthur Blank’s?

I’d write more but I have to go feed the pit bulls.

By Gman

December 13, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

It amazes me how often I hear the players saying that Petino didn’t treat them like men. DHall cost the Falcons a win acting like a child. Roddy White & DHall write on their uniforms and hold up signs acting like children. The whole team whinning yesterday calling Petrino names and acting like children. If I were unhappy in my job and someone offered me another that I thought would make me happier and that new job might not be available in three weeks, I’D LEAVE TOO!

By Rhett Butler

December 13, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one that remembers that Petrino was/is Rich McKay’s boy?? Didn’t I read a few stories about when McKay was at Tampa, he was trying to recruit Pertino for the coaching position over Gruden. McKay is the one everyone should be pointing the finger at Terence, not Blank. Frankly I am tired of people bashing Blank. He’s a good owner and honestly wants the Falcons to succeed and isn’t in it just for the money. He cares about the fans and their opinions and is working hard to make us happy. He has always been customer service oriented even at Home Depo. Once he finds the right mix of management and coaching staff I am sure the falcons will be consistent contenders because Blank is willing to spend the money. Everyone forgets that he is still relatively new to owning a sports franchise. He is entitled to make mistakes as long as he has learned from them. With all the mistakes he has made in last couple of years its only a matter of time before he figures everything out and we start winning super bowlssssss. So in the mean time Terence give the man a break. All you are doing is kicking him while he is down. A*shole

By VICK FAN

December 13, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

JAY, Crime know no color, drugs know no color, thugs know no color and racist know no color, but we all know what you are, DON’T WE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Richie

December 13, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

I agree with what Nate said. Terrance Moore does not have a positive spin on almost nothing that he writes about. Since coming to Atlanta fron Cincinnati, he has been a shining example of the cancer that AJC sportswriters have become. Nothing any Atlanta team does is good enough for them and their self righteousness. Arthur Blank took a chance on Petrino because he had what was needed at the time. Petrino would have been wildly successful had Michael Vick been available to play. There are many holes on the Falcons and they have existed for many years. Michael Vick was the catalyst for the Falcons both Offensively and Defensively. The plays that Petrino called would have been successful with Vick and the team would have reaped the benefits. Whatever you might thing of Petrino he was a winner and with Vick in the lineup, the Falcons would have been a winner. Without Vick in the lineup, Petrino only saw his winning ways reversed and he got out before it was too late. I condone the timing of his departure but I feel that he did the best thing for himself and the Falcons because his heart was no longer in the game.

By Allan Cobb

December 13, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Atlanta Fans,

Your owner is absolutely at fault. Your owner, and your owner alone!

We are all laughing up here in Louisville. You are just now finding out what we have known for a long, long time … Bobby P. has issues with honesty and integrity.

Don’t forget that your owner had his people contact Bobby P. right after he signed a ten (10) year contract. Your owner and his people contacted Bobby P. during the college football season. Your owner and his people did the exact same thing Arkansas did to you.

Arthur Blank picked-up a snake and was too stupid to realize it was just a matter of time until that snake bit him. Funny, Mr. Blank seems to pick-up a lot of snakes.

Laughing in Louisville

By Jay Black

December 13, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

December 12, 2007. We reported to you earlier this week that NFL’s Mike Vick was recently sentenced to 23 months in prison. But MediaTakeOut.com has EXCLUSIVELY learned that the football superstar may actually serve less than one year in prison.

That’s because, sources close to Mike Vick tell us that he is planning on applying to enter the prison’s Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (RDAP) - an intensive substance abuse treatment program which qualifies eligible graduates for a one year sentence reduction. The insider tells MediaTakeOut.com, that Vick plans on requesting to be admitted to the program.

And the story gets even better for Vick. Because he entered prison before his sentencing date, his release date could be pushed up even further. MediaTakeOut.com is hearing that, with credit for good behavior and the RDAP sentence reduction, Vick may even be out by the beginning of next year’s NFL season.

MediaTakeOut.com tried to contact NFL officials for comment, but our calls were not returned.

Developing…

By Larry Flowers

December 13, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

I believe Blank wants to do the right thing by all people…that said, he created unrest in the Falcon team by coddling Vick by going onto the field during games and basically sucking up to Vick….Imagine how the other players felt seeing this….I hope Blank has learned a lessson from this….It’s a team sport…key word is team and not just one player. Vick delivered what he does bes….crap and deceit and in the end he betrayed a good man…Blank.I wish the Falcons well and better for the future. I wish Blan and the entire organization much better times. They deserve better than a trash QB (dog killer) and a lying, no honor coach (Patrino).

By VICK FAN

December 13, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Rhett Butler- Good point, Tampa Bay is still winning and coach Dongy is still winning with out Rich McKay and look where the Falcon are. Rick Mckay is a joke. Mr. Blank don’t forget your friend JERRY JONES(Dallas Cowboys ower) you can do with out him. Fire Rich McKay!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Kevin

December 13, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Here’s an idea .. hire a coach who has coached a team to a SuperBowl. Maybe that would gain the respect of the players and the city. Oh wait, we had one in Dan Reeves and he got fired because of Vick. Arthur Blank, bless his heart, made millions from being the first to cash in on the home improvement retail market. That has nothing to do with success in football. Money doesn’t buy success in any pro sport. If Blank doesn’t make the right choice this time, he owes it to the city to sell the team to someone who has a clue.

By LaVonda

December 13, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Although I agree with some comments that were made, I am still trying to figure out why you aren’t one those highly paid Athletics Director or at the very least one of McKay’s and Blank’s advisors. I mean, you know it all and you seemingly have all the answers. So tell me again, why you haven’t been offered a lucrative position as a ESPN Analyst like your so called friend? I will patiently wait on your repsonse!

By The Honest Truth

December 13, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

I think that the Falcons have become a symbol of what the “ATL” has become; a hopeless mess of individuals that lack self control and work ethic. Anything goes and is OK including torturing and killing animals, senseless violence, and shouting down others who disagree. The “ATL” is a human cesspool and Arkansas now sadly does have a higher standard quality of life for quailty human beings. Kudos to Petrino for getting his family and himself out of this awful place.

By Larry W

December 13, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

This is just normal attrition and as such, life in the NFL (NFL stands for “not for long”). Get over it Falcon Fans and also, get use to it. Let’s move on. It does no good to dwell on loses. Especially when it happens so often with this team.

By Eddie

December 13, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Torrence. Take your idiotic butt to another city maing, saying “Nobody with an accomplished resume should come here, not unless he has absolutely no place to go, especially given the depth of the Falcons’ mess.” After that comment, you really need to leave the city brutha!!

By Larry W

December 13, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Kevin. They did. Dan Reeves took the Falcons to the Super Bowl, and Broncos three times. He just never won it.

The question should be, why did they ever fire him? He was a real coach.

By Toni

December 13, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

I totally hear what you are saying. People love to blame other people for their transgressions, however, when you are in high positions your supposed to have people who can tell you about people as well as doing your own research. There is an elephant in the living room and no one sees it. Come on!!!!! There are alot of things going on with our Atlanta Falcons right now. Some we have no control over, some we do. I think the focus should be on how can you all win your fans back. Atlantans are best known for being fair-weather. I am a native Atlantan, I know how we are. expect for my brother.

By HA - HA

December 13, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

I DONT KNOW HOW IN THE WORLD ARTHER COULD FEEL THE LEAST BIT BETRAYED ? WHAT DO’ES HE THINK HE’S BEEN DOING TO US A LOYAL FANS FOR YEARS?FIRES A COACH WHO GETS TO THE SUPER BOWL, BEGS THE FANS TO COME OUT AND SUPPORT HHIS TEAM AT THE SAME TIME HE KEEPS JACKING UP TICKET PRICES, DRAFTS A Q.B. WITH A BAD HISTORY, GOING BACK TO HIS CHILD HOOD AND ARTHER WANTS US TO BELIVE HE DID NOT KNOW,WITH ALL THE REPORTS OUT THERE? HIRE’S A G.M. WHO CAME FROM A LONG LINE OF LOSING,HE EVEN FIRED TONY DUNGEE? BUT AT THE SAME TIME BOTH KEPT LYING AND COVERING UP FOR VICK UNTIL ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE AND THEN THE TWO LOSERS COULD NOT COVER IT UP ANY MORE! IS THIS NOT BETRAYING THE FANS?ARTHER WANTS A NEW STADIUM I’M SURE HE WILL GET IT. ALL I WANT FROM ARTHER,IS BACK TO BACK WINNING SEASONS BEFORE I DIE, PLEASE HURRY UP I’M ALREADY IN MY 50’S, I;VE ALREADY WAITED OVER FOURTY YEARS. OH- BY THE WAY COACH BOBBY JUST FIRED THE FALCONS INSTED OF THE OTHER WAY, THE FALCONS FIRING HIM

By Sting

December 13, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Terence Somebody has to have the balls to tell the truth, even if it hurts. The Falcons need a strong dose of integrity right about now. I have Michael Singletary’s number if you need it!

Sting in H-town

By yea!!!

December 13, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

moore was talking about blank and some how the haters always find a way to bring up vicks name.well since were bringing up other people in this subject lets bring up clemons and pettittes name thrown in the media from the supplier(trainer)for steroids.does that explains why they are so called good.oh but i betcha that wont be a big deal because they got class right?i would rather have GOD given talent and go down(vick)than get caught cheating and making millions and go down and know that my whole career is a lie.

By Ben T.

December 13, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Isn’t journalism grand? You do nothing except criticize others while using the gift of hindsight. How you can blame Blank or McKay for Petrino’s departure is beyond me. Do you really think that they would have hired him if they thought this disaster was likely? Give me a break. Plus I think it is ridiculous for you to gloss over Petrino’s deceitful and inconsiderate actions. He leid and that is wrong. Think about the number of people this has affected. Even now I find it hard to believe that anyone could be so self-serving, arrogant, and false. So how was Arthur Blank supposed to predict it?

By Bob Goligoski

December 13, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Falcons players, management and ownership are using Petrino as the scapegoat for all the ills of the franchise. Poor decisions, poor football and poor character are the causes of the current state of affairs. Blank undercut the University of Louisville to hire Petrino and the Falcons players are using Petrino to cover up their own lack of skills and character.

They all get what they deserve.

Go Pack Go!

By Larry W

December 13, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

I can see why Pertrino left and am surprised at everyone’s disbelief. With all of the crap that he went though or put up with all of these self absorbed self righteous, non following player “individuals” on this “team” would have made Lombardi leave. Half of these guys on this team, if they were not playing football, would most likely be in jail of prison, like their leader … Mike Vick.

By bocabrave

December 13, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Great article, Mr. Moore. The people who own sports franchises are always ultimately responsible for their teams’ performance, on and off the field. I know Mr. Blank from some community work in Atlanta. He is a good hearted, intelligent, and warm person. However, his self-awareness may not be what it needs to be, meaning that he may not understand his role in the downward spiral of the last few years. However, just as I believe in redemption for Michael Vick (not convinced re Petrino-pathological liars may be in a special category), I believe in fresh starts for managers. Sometimes you have to hit bottom to realize that you must change. Maybe the Falcon franchise just hit it.

By Ken Strickland

December 13, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Author Blank got where he is by being a master salesman and businessman. He also mastered his people skills. He recognized that his employees are the ones that help make him successful. He took that same approach when he took over the Falcons.

It’s obvious he is impressed with people he perceives as people persons and good salesmen. Mora used that approach to simply blow him away. He hired Petrino for the same reason Petrino took the job, to take full advantage of the talents of MVick.

Those of you that are so full of hate, and get all worked up over the issue, need to check yourselves. Remember, Vick wasn’t the only one that confessed to killing dogs. He’s just the only you and the AJC want to focus on. The way most of you are coming off, it appears killing dogs isn’t that big of an issue to you, unless MVick is doing the killing. Otherwise, why is he the only one being mentioned and/or villified. The way you and the media are acting, putting MVick in jail will end dogfighting and the killing of dogs throughout this country. There doesn’t appear to be any interest in the fact that dogfighting and dog killing is a nationwide problem. Every municipality in this country has a standing order to euthanize any dog that is overly aggressive, especially towards humans. For decades, the military has routinely destroy its attack/guard dogs that can’t be successfully trained or retrained. Greyhound owners have routinely done the same thing to dogs that can’t successfully compete or no longer run. What do you think happens to greyhounds that go unadopted? But judging from your comments and reactions, dogfighting and killing is limited to MVick and his property in Surrey County, Va.

LARRY FLOWERS, you seem to be using selective memory when judging ABlank’s approach to ownership. What about the fact JJones, the Dallas Cowboy owner. He is regularly seen on the sidelines and he embraces his players and coaches when they win. Mark Cuban, the most successful owner in Dallas Mavericks history sits close to the players bench and openly embraces them and the coaches after a win.

Anyone that believes star and/or franchise players don’t get special treatment in every sport is dillusional, as well as stupid. There is more than one way to successfully be a coach, owner or QB.

By Dr. Phil

December 13, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

I grew up in Atlanta reading the Journal and Constitution when they were two papers. Both had remarkable sports writers, of whom, only Furman Bisher remains. These individuals knew sports, and they knew how to write, and they were fair. Terrence Moore is telling us the obvious in this article as if it is a great revelation. Anyone who could read could see that Petrino was an opportunist of questionable character and unproven ability. Arthur Blank certainly should have seen this, but he was blinded by his desire to produce a winning franchise. I think that Terrence’s objection to Petrino was more racial than anything else. I have been reading Mr. Moore off and on for a long time, and he simply must inject race into every issue. I remember when Moore cried “racism” when the Braves signed Greg Maddux instead of Barry Bonds. We know how that turned out. Moore began sarcastically calling Matt Schaub “The Great Matt Schaub” in response to fans becoming tired of Vick’s low completion rate, interceptions, and off field antics and wanted a change. At that point, Moore supported Vick and said that criticism was racially motivated. In retrospect, the Falcons would have been much better off giving Schaub a chance, which he never really had. Most recently, Terrence attributed Maddux’s and Glavin’s Cy Young Awards to the fielding of Andruw Jones. It didn’t matter to Terrence that Jones was not even on the team at the time. Either Terrence is ignorant of sports facts, or he is only interested in inflaming race relations among readers. At any rate, this is sloppy journalism. Race relations are pretty much at an all-time low in Atlanta, and Terrence Moore has certainly contributed to this state of affairs by injecting race into nearly everything he writes.

By .

December 13, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Blank is white, it’s all his fault.

By hitwriter

December 13, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Truman said it and it’s the same for all leaders including Blank… The buck stops here.

By Jay Black

December 13, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Thank you Ken S. Everybody has selective memory on this blog. It seems they only use examples when they benefit their point. Why can’t Blank roam the sidelines and Jerry Jones can? It’s not like he’s out there calling those terrible Petrino plays. Hypocrisy everywhere!!

By Real Falcons fan

December 13, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

What the heck??? I don’t live in Atlanta but I’m a fan of the Falcons. I can’t imagine why on earth you even live in Atlanta. You apparently are a hateful little man that has nothing better to do than put down everyone else. Why, because your a writer and that gives you the right to? Saying the falcons are a mess and will be for ever (I paraphrase), is ridiculous. They have an owner that tries his best to make this team a winner and yes some of the decisions have not panned out, but that doesn’t mean we all should just quit. They have a very good young core of talent, a few very good veteran players, and this year a potential good draft selections (at least 9 picks). Also, if you don’t recall, they lost several games that were very close. It’s not like they have been out of every single loss. Plus obviously this coach wasn’t giving his all because he apparently wanted out so bad he took an enormous pay cut. I think we’ll be a good team very soon. And at that time I can’t wait to see what you have to write about.

By Jay Black

December 13, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

December 12, 2007. We reported to you earlier this week that NFL’s Mike Vick was recently sentenced to 23 months in prison. But MediaTakeOut.com has EXCLUSIVELY learned that the football superstar may actually serve less than one year in prison.

That’s because, sources close to Mike Vick tell us that he is planning on applying to enter the prison’s Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (RDAP) - an intensive substance abuse treatment program which qualifies eligible graduates for a one year sentence reduction. The insider tells MediaTakeOut.com, that Vick plans on requesting to be admitted to the program.

And the story gets even better for Vick. Because he entered prison before his sentencing date, his release date could be pushed up even further. MediaTakeOut.com is hearing that, with credit for good behavior and the RDAP sentence reduction, Vick may even be out by the beginning of next year’s NFL season.

MediaTakeOut.com tried to contact NFL officials for comment, but our calls were not returned.

Developing…

By Homey the Clown

December 13, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

just another transgression against our people propagated by the man(Arthur ‘Ritz Cracker’ Blank)!

By Nolan School

December 13, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Aaaawww…give Terence a break. Yes it’s an obvious point, the buck stops at the top. McKay would be shown the door in corporate America just to balance the ledger.

Superstars being pushed in their wheelchair by owners is a good publicity shot but I’ll guarantee you Mr. Blank has learned his lesson there.

Did Mike Vick ever have a complete season anywhere he stopped?

He hasn’t mentioned Singletary once. I will. Go get him. Not because of his race, because if he can instill one percent of his intensity to this underperforming team it will become a joy to watch.

Even tubby white dudes from the burbs love spirit in a football team. I do. The last great hitting team I’ve seen was the Buford Wolves, last week, in a high school play off. The Falcons persist as the worst tacking team in the league.

I think Singletary could cure that disease.

My eternal picture of Petrino as a Falcon coach is seeing him all pruned-up-and-p** on the sideline, a picture of “a very unhappy human being who looks like he’d rather be ANYWHERE but where he is”….

Now…let’s work on getting football games back outdoors where they damn well belong.

That’s a community cause worth coming together for.

By the way; the pit bulls said to tell ya’ll hello.

By Jay Black

December 13, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

On another note, The MLB is finished!

By GE

December 13, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Right on Terrence. Mr. Blank is proud executive who will not admit to a mistake. He will do as all executives of his stature do…blame his subordinates. He needs to hire a good coach and get out of the way. Personally, I do not believe that his ego will let him do it. Jerry Jones at Dallas gets involved, yet the Cowboys win. If the Falcons improve the OL, get a good QB and secure a firm and dedicated coach, they will be alright. There is a lot of young talent on this team contrary to popular belief. They just need someone to bring them together as a cohesive unit.

By HAHA

December 13, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

OpinionsAreLike-Sure there is a light at the end of the tunnel…IT IS ANOTHER TRAIN!!!

BTW, before someone like Artie buys up a football team just because he has extra money lying around, shouldn’t he be required to complete and pass Owning A Football Team 101?

By BRENT E. WHITE

December 13, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

payback blank for covering up for a dog killer. atlanta is a cess pool anyway and the fans that like vick are crap

By BRENT E. WHITE

December 13, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

payback blank for covering up for a dog killer. atlanta is a cess pool anyway and the fans that like vick are crap

By BRENT E. WHITE

December 13, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

payback blank for covering up for a dog killer. atlanta is a cess pool anyway and the fans that like vick are crap

By Travis Bickle

December 13, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Blank and McKay deserve each other. McKay quit on the Bucs with a few games left in 03 and the next Sunday was in the visitor’s owners’ box yukking it up. Arty didn’t have a loyalty problem then. In fact he lectured Glazier on letting a man leave when he’s unhappy.

Arty got his GM, who has proven to be a fraud, and spent many weeks on national TV pushing Vick around in his wheelchair, elevating him above the team. In the end Mr. Blank the egg on your face is exactly what you deserve you pompous windbag.

By Ted Turner

December 13, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

I love how these athletes and this owner act as though they have the highest standards of morals in the world. Let’s talk about how many “out of wedlock” children some of the players have…

“Me thinks though doth protest to much”

By Patrick

December 13, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

You know, Terrence, you have a point here, but is it really necessary to twist the dagger in Blank’s back at this point?

By Joe

December 13, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

I wonder how Mike Vick is enjoying his “fried chicken”.

Classic.

By doc

December 13, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Terrance,I worked in the organization for 12 years and you are right on. Blank and McCay got what they deserved.They should not be surprised at Petrino,they are just like him. It is the players,equipment guys,video guys etc that I feel sorry for.

By gimmeabreak

December 13, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Come on, Terrence. Take it easy, man. Blank has shown a lot of class in his operation of the Falcons and all he’s gotten is a steaming pile of #*&( on his plate. The last thing he needs is you poking a stick in his ribs by making the easy after-the-fact observations.

If this was so crystal clear to you, why didn’t you say so when they HIRED Petrino?

By michael

December 13, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

The Falcons problems fall in the lap of Arthur Blank. His biggest mistake was the firing of Dan Reaves. Mora had a slim resume as an assistant coach. He passed on Lovie and Romeo. They ignored the record of college coahes in the NFL who failed. Saban and Spurrier for example. The players never brought into his system and they had very little respect for him.

Michael

By shane

December 13, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

People just stop reading TM’s Sh*t. That is the only way to get rid of this idiot.

By BUSHWACKER

December 13, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Seriously, how can Blank and McKay say with a straight face they did not see this coming. Are you kidding me?? They allowed the players to run him off by basically quitting before the season started and never giving the man a chance. If they ddi not see this coming they are the only 2 men on the planet that did not. Of course they did not see the VICK DOGSH_T coming either when wrote it hear months before it happened that something would happen before would get to training camp.

Either I’m the next Nostradomus “not likely” or Blank and McKay have been spending too much quality time together in the jungle alone.

And for the players to talk about Petrino quitting, they quit before the season started just like the year Vick broke his leg, and it cost Coach Reeves his job!

Let’s see, thats’ 3 coaches less than 5 years who THE PLAYERS COST THEM THEIR JOBS.

If the team and owner and McKay now try to blame the whole season on Petrino,they are not being honest which means the problems this team will not get addresses.

The biggest problem now for a new coach is the players “inmates” now know THEY RUN THE ASYLUM!

By hitwriter

December 13, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

gimmeabreak… there is more to class than strolling the sidelines in expensive suits.

By T.C

December 13, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

i call all posters with negative comments 5 minutes of fame on the ajc.and those of you all that make these comments,do yall actually think vick,patrino,blank,mckay,ect…. give a hoot about what yall post? get a life and get out of everyone elses.

By A_Town_Down

December 13, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

First, I will say that I have nothing but love for MR. Blank. But he made huge mistakes in hiring Mora and Petrino. He gets a pass on the firing of Dan Reeves beause 90 percent of the fans wanted it to happen, myself included.

Mr. Blank must exhibit stronger leadership. He always takes the easiest route when confronter with a crisis.

I don’t view Petrino’s actions any different than the departures of other coaches.

By Falcon Fan 101

December 13, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Would Mike Singletary make a good head coach? While he was all-pro and a most outstanding linebacker, and linebacker coach, does his current job as assistant head coach qualify him for a head coaching job. Just what does an asst head coach really do? If he is doing head coach work, then it would, but if it is just a title, then it would not. Should we be looking for someone with hands on head coaching job experience, rather than hoping that someone we hire will grow into the job?

By michaelgee

December 13, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Using your example we should ALL be protesting your presence here to ajc management, they hired you.

You are not a sportswriter, you are a simple back biter.

By GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

December 13, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

THE FALCONS ARE LOCK UP FOR 23 MONTHS OR MORE AND THEY SAY VICK IS A COACH KILLER FIRST YOU HAVE TO HAVE A REAL COACH BLANK GOES FOR COACHES THAT HE CAN TELL WHAT TO DO SO IF ANYONE WANT TO BE AN ASSISTANT COACH COME TO ATLANTA

BLANK GO BACK TO HOME DEPO WHERE OTHERS MADE YOU LOOK GOOD SIR YOU ARE GARBAGE

By GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

December 13, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

I FEEL SORRY FOR ANY KID COMING OUT OF COLLEGE AND ATLANTA TAKE THEM IN THE DRAFT ” QB OR RB” BECAUSE THEY WILL BE INJURED THEIR FIRST YEAR

WE NEED A BETTER FRONT OFFICE AND A BETTER SCOUT TEAM TO FIX THIS FRANCHISE

THANK YOU M. VICK FOR GIVING US FASLE HOPE THAT WE TRULY DID NEED THIS TEAM SUCKS IN EVERY WAY

FREE MIKE VICK HE DID THIS COMMUNITY A GREAT SERVICE

TEXT TO BE LINKED

By The Nos

December 13, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

anybody can be like me, baby, just make a prediction, oh, I don’t know, a guy with one eye, riding a white three-legged animal, with wings(let’s keep it interesting), will bring destruction and eventually peace to the world, oh yeah, and there’s an drunken aardvark hanging around somewhere…now what a few hundred years or so, and eventually it will happen, or at least something really really close…look Ma, look at me, I’m friggin’ Nostradamus already!

By Harry

December 13, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

In my opinion Petrino was totally disgusted with the effort(or the lack of)on Moday night and that sealed the deal for him. Say what you will but if you were at that game the players were just drawing a pay check that night and the coach had finally had enough. Blank needs to put a foot in the players butts and get rid of a few of them to show he means business.

By COMMANDO DAVE

December 13, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Arthur “Blankety” Blank: How the press conference could have gone @ (http://johnclaytondammit.com/news.html)

By D

December 13, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

I would rather dig a ditch, have a tooth pulled, make small talk with a co-worker than coach pro athletes, it’s got to be something like managing a wild rock band.

By Mark Wills

December 13, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

It is totally unbelievable to read these post and wonder why this city is where it is. Everytime something happens in Atlanta it becomes a Black/White issue. I often laugh at the good old boy’s and the brothers here in the south. You still have not figure it out after all this time, you idiots are still fighting the civil war here. Me and my friends (white and Black)are sitting here reading your post and it is amazing to read the racial undertones each of you use (Black and White)in your post. This city will never be a great city becuase you are to segregated on issues like this. Mr Blank is to blame becuse he is the BOSS and at the end of the day that is where this stops. Sure Mr Vick did not help the situation but again Mr blank is the BOSS, but it really makes no difference who is to blame, what needs to be done like any good organization does is regroup. Sure he felt betrayed but this is business Mr Blank remember you ran one once.. So be a leader and guide us out of the storm stop listning to angry fans or consumers and get the job done. The scary part is if you hire anyone of color I think it will divide the city even more. It’s so sad that we cant just hire the best man for the job regarless of color, who cares if we get a black QB or white Qb or a black coach or white coach as long as the job gets done and we produce a winning franchise. Lets come together you fools instead of separating.

By Henry O

December 13, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Terence:

You nailed it except for not mentioning the Blank fired one of the class coaches in the NFL when he let Reaves go just to hire the likes of Mora and Patrino.

Good job.

hjo

By michael

December 13, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

ajc hired you to do a job. i can see your view. you’re right, new owner, m.g.= green behind the ears, maybe blank should stick to retail employees being paid minimum wage. they are easier to control than the mostly uneducated millionaires and greedy upstarts….

By jmt

December 13, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Terrence I am starting to see your point lately, I think that Arthur Blank is hiding more than people think, after all they went after Petrino when he had signed a contract with Louisville and now he is hurt, please. As much as I love Michael Vick I did not condone what he did and I believe that Arthur was aware of it all the time but since there is no law against this in Georgia did not think about the laws in Virginia, Michael will never give him up, I guarantee you he knew more than he will ever confess to. I believe he also knew Petrino was leaving and put that word out that he was staying knowing all along that he was leaving but did not want to look bad himself, he did the same thing to fans with the season tickets. Arthur Blank will be exposed real soon and he will leave Atlanta high and dry, but you cant blame him with all the rednecks looney tones they have in this city. I have to give you credit you were right on with this story.