Sports Columnists

By Halsey

January 31, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

I guess I agree for the most part, but what the Falcons need more than anything is to get players who will perform well on the field and stay out of trouble on and off it. It seems they’ve always had trouble finding enough players with good heads on thier shoulders who can get it done on the field. That’s thier biggest problem. I wouldn’t say Blank’s hands on approach is the main reason for that.

By Chad

January 31, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Terrence,

If you hate everything in Atlanta so much, why don’t you just move? How about a little support for the new staff. Do you have an over abundance of anger stored deep within. Sounds like you’re trying to kick up a little dirt so you can get your face on ESPN again. Sad.

By scott

January 31, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

First of all the only reason I read your garbage Terence is that I love the Falcons, you on the other hand are an idiot. You also did not represent Sharpes statement accurately(why would you), this is what he actually said “Mr. Blank need to unnerstan that he hired Tom Dimitroff and Mike Smiff to do a job. Let dem do der job.” Why would anybody want to listen to someone that can’t speak?

By jd

January 31, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Great article and right on the money. By the way, any truth to the rumor that Blank was not happy with the wording of a team prayer led by PUTRINO? If so, then I dont blame the SOB for jettising to Ark.

By Sam

January 31, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

I don’t think the new Head Coach is the correct color for Terence Moore?

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 31, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Terence Moore would be this hated if he was white.

Sometimes it seems to me the real racists and haters are the people who post on the blog. If it seems like he’s being negative, well, maybe it’s because none of Atlanta’s teams are very good right now. You can’t really deny that can you?

The pride of Tattnall County is right. I’d rather have Arthur Blank than Steve Belkin’s penny-pinching a*, but Blank does need to back off. The key to being a good sports owner is willingness to sign checks. Other than that, an owner should be unseen and unheard.

By fury

January 31, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

One of TM’s better columns. It is a known fact in the inner circles the Blank is too involved in the Falcons. He wants the coaches to tell him what and why there are doing things. Now, that is his right as an owner but it doesn’t make it the smart thing to do. Leave the game to the professionals Mr Blank and stop trying get involved. You just might see things improve if you do.

By midnite

January 31, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Moore it is no wonder that nobody at your church, or at your barber shop will speak to you. I used to try to give you the benefit of the doubt, but you are hopeless. Mr. Ed Sharpe is probably the only person that would waste their time and talk with you in AZ. You are a disgrace to Atlanta you hate filled dolt. GO AWAY!

By Tyger

January 31, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Why would anyone be interested in what Mr. Ed had to say about the Falcoons?

By PAUL

January 31, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

terence you is ahouse boy just trying to get your face on espn as the man say.

By Chad

January 31, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

I think the race of the GM is the issue. Also, who couldn’t get a quote from Shannon Sharpe? That took a lot of journalism savy, Ha. This guy is still with AJC only because he would sue (racism) if they fired him.

By Derek

January 31, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Blah blah blah blah blah… That’s what I get out of a Terrance Moore article…

Any move is a bad move. He gets paid to write negative articles, but when the Falcons do well, then he jumps right back n the wagon, like in 98, right Mr. Moore?

By Herschel Talker

January 31, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Here’s Sharpe criticism for Shannon:learn how to speak English. On CBS, he sounds like a moron, dumber than a first grader. When he learns to speak English, then we’ll listen to his criticism.

By The Realist

January 31, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Chad, “if you hate” T. Moore’s writing “so much, why don’t you” stop reading & responding? I mean, even when T. Moore is simply reflecting the sentiments felt by most Falcons fans/followers (whatever), you folks rip him for the sake of doing so. Najeh Davenpoop, you hit the nail on the head!

By The Realist

January 31, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Uh, by the way Chad, technically YOU just made the race of the GM the issue. Why am I even bothering…

By michaelgee

January 31, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Nobody but Terrance Moore would actually go to the site of the SuperBowl and dredge up all the negatives he could related to past regimes that failed in Atlanta and blame everything on the white management and owner. Terrance, the owner is white, the Head Coach is white, yes it was a black man who put us in this predicament but rather than tell the truth you continue to blame whitey. Will you ever accept that you simply hate white people and that YOU actually ARE what’s wrong in this picture. Nobody but you would go to find a bigger stage to USE to REHASH your hatred for the Falcons and the City of Atlanta. Terrance, you are a small man but a much larger ATTENTION w*******. You use the negatives of the past QB to sling more and more mud at Arthur Blank. You disgrace the City of Atlanta nationally just to have something to write about, does the ajc have no shame in allowing you to continue your personal war against white ownership in Atlanta. You do not write about sports, you write to stir controversy between white and black Atlanta. You Terrance ARE what is wrong in this picture. You embarrass your city and the local sports franchises just to get another swipe at white ownership. You are a racist of the worst kind, you use rascism to sell newspapers and the ajc should stand up for what is right and replace you. We deserve honest and fair reporting and you are responsible for neither.

By Tom Foolery

January 31, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Real quick question folks: how many teams does Shannon Sharpe own? Oh, what’s that you say? You say that he’s currently a media employee spouting off about how an NFL owner runs his team, the very team he (that NFL owner) spent his hard earned dollars on? Wow! Maybe Ray Buchanan can come back and shove that studded dog collar in Sharpe’s mouth.

By Chad

January 31, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Get REAL!

By Zephyr

January 31, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

I’m a big Shannon Sharpe fan. He makes the CBS show. I go out of the way to make sure I see it.

He is dead on about Blank. However, Blank isn’t going to bow out. The Falcoons are his focus, and that’s where he’ll be.

P.S. T. Moore is a bore.

By Lynn

January 31, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Some of you are in serious denial. This franchise is fodder for jokes…it is what it is, and contrary to what you WANT to believe, its not MV that caused that, its the egotistical owner. Ego isn’t a bad thing and expected for billionaires, but he’s got to know when his is clearly getting in the way. If you listen to any of the local sports shows that are ALL airing from Arizona, you will hear guest after guest say exactly what “Mr. Ed” said. The most complimentary thing I heard today was Lenny Pasquerelli’s response to the Mike Smith hire, he said “why not?”….how sad is that??

By Dannyboy

January 31, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Oh, wow, look it’s Terrance with an article a couple of months too late after all the other sports writers have already written about it! What a surprise! Hey, Terrance, does the AJC have another “journalist” job open like yours?

By Mr. Ed

January 31, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Someone tell that moron Shannon Sharpe to shut the hell up. First of all, “if it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense.” DUDE, kudos to you for quoting about fifty rap/hip hop songs that are out. And how could you bring Parcells into the conversation as to why Blank is doing wrong? Is that big-tongued Shannon Sharpe too freakin’ stupid to realize that Parcells leveraged Blank’s interest in him to get more money out of Miami? How is that any reflection of what kind of job Blank is doing? Shannon Sharpe is an ignorant man who has been given a powerful forum to discuss his ignorant views simply because of the fact that he could play football. Please, Terrance, don’t give that moron Shannon Sharpe any more press time

By Getaway

January 31, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

I live in a part of the country that doesn’t live and breath Falcons. Or loathe them for that matter. I asked my frieds here who the worst owners were. Dan Snyder and Al Davis came up the most and others, like Herzanga(sp?) in Miami brought more scorn. Because they have squandered storied franchises. Blank is mostly seen as working hard to build something from nothing.

I love that the #1 complaint about Blank is that he goes down to the field during the game. It’s usually just for the last few minutes and it’s been a while since he’s talk to anyone of consequence during the game. But oh the hatred for it. Man paid $500 mil for the team and bunch of people who have never had the drive to earn .1% of that condemn him for going down to the field.

I think there are legitimate complaints about the recent hirings, but only because I think there were better candidates that didn’t get interviews. But it’s over with now and as a fan I feel compelled to support the team the Falcons are. I could give a squat about where Blank is during a game, nobody in Dallas kvetches about Jones and he’s down there too.

By Will

January 31, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

What is everyone’s problem? Does Mr. Blank spend his money or not? If he does then he must have some sort of say and some control over what happens with the team. Maybe he does need to back off a little but to disappear? Are you crazy? If Petrino had been so great he could have handled the situation at Atlanta but he simply couldn’t take responsibility for changing too much too soon and failing to communicate with the players. Mora wasn’t a bad coach but he surely didn’t command the discipline of his players. He wanted to buddy buddy with them and so When Blank did it suddenly it was all wrong? Come on give the man some credit. He has surely been screwed over by a couple of people he trusted most. His decision on removing McKay as GM was certainly hard for him, given the fact they are good friends. Yet he knew that McKay wasn’t the best for GM in the rebuilding mode. Why don’t we simply stop writing negative reports unless we also give the positive as well Mr. Moore. Perhaps you need to disappear and let someone else write your columns.

By bigeasy830

January 31, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

I do not like Terrence Moore, I wish he would move back to Ohio, but, I can’t stand Arthur Blank. He destroyed the Falcons. He does put his face on TV to much when it involves the team. I could not blame Petrino for leaving and Blnk looked like an idiot after Patrino left the day after Blank made those statements on MNF. Blnk should have never been on MNF speaking anyway. Also, you people are stupid if you do not respect the oppion of Shannon Sharp. A super bowl winner, futer hall of famer and one of the greatest TE of all time. You PETA lovers love to call someone stupid. You are the real idiots.You are the same people that will not give respect to Deon Sanders when he says he wants to coach. Deon is very knowlegable and the young players respect him. You dummy’s are not even real Falcon fans and you are probably not from GA. Why don’t all of you move away with Terrence Moore. A real Falcon fan knows that the Falcons have always sucked. The only reason the dome sold out was because of MV7, we tried to warn that dummy Arthur Blank but he listened to you PETA lovers and you all trcked him that you were going to support a losing sorry franchise. HAHAHAHAH, He got what he deserved.

P.S. MV7 for comeback player of the year in 2009, and as a FALCON, Blank has not cut him yet remeber he is a business man and he loves lying and tricking people maybe he lied to PETA, also.

By Great Falconi

January 31, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Sharpe is right about Arthur Blank. Look at how Jerry Jones meddles with the Cowboys. How many playoff games has that team won since Barry Switzer rode the Triplets to one last Super Bowl victory? Jones meddled with Jimmy Johnson for years, but Jimmy was able to have enough control to make that team a dynasty. I don’t know that Blank’s ego is as big as Jerry’s, but his constant visibility versus his team’s lack of success does not help matters. Let Dimitroff and Smith succeed or fail on their own merits. Keep yourself out of it, Blank.

By dr soul

January 31, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

I think Petrino had to deal with the cards dealt to him by the Falcons, beginning with Blank (and play the game Blank’s way…telling him what he wanted to hear..), as Blank who is not exactly the kind of person most intelligent people would want to stay with very long…it is obvious without Bernie to manipulate the strings over his head, the ‘real Blank’ has shown itself..and, thus the position of the Falcons..you do not have to go far to list all of the amateur decisions that he has made since trying to function on his own..what p** lil Arthur off was that someone handed his own crap back to him.. his egotistical arrogance does not allow for any display of intelligence on his part. Petrino should not be judged for being in the same pot with Blank..I think most anyone with intelligence would have dealt Blank’s own cards back until they could cut the strings and get the hell away from lil Art and the ‘Blank Buffoon Brigade’(and, yes, that might even mean misleading lil Art just like he has mislead a lot of others)… just because a man did not want to lower his own reputation by continuing to work under someone who could cause that, should he have to carry that cross with him.. Petrino will continue to be successful in an environment where there is ‘successful’ support backing him…was not with Blank or in the Falcon organization…

By hoping for a good draft

January 31, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

I think when Blank bought the Falcons he was hoping for a strong owner/coach relationship like Jerry Jones/Jimmy Johnson. You can’t blame for wanting that.

That type of approach might have worked, but it hasn’t so far so perhaps it’s time to try something new.

I like hearing the thoughts of other Falcons fans, but the race comments are such a downer. Let’s try to bring out the best in each other. I know it’s corny and preachy. No need to flame me.

By ole fan

January 31, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

You act like the Falcons problems are all due to Blank. The man has made a honest effort to give this city a quality ball club. Granted things have not worked out right but he tried. I don’t fault Blank with the kind of money he spent if his fantas is being a hand on owner-with that kind of money he has spent he deserves the right.

By Junior

January 31, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Another day, another predictable Terrence Moore article. It is quite obvious that due to the fact your can’t actually write anything meaningful you have resorted to just being negative. Your live a miserable and sad life.

By mahjk17

February 1, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

Best article you wrote moore, and i do agree, mr. blank should let dimitroff do the business and see what he gots. But i really want the falcons to draft matt ryan thats the only thing that mr. blank should take control of. AND DRAFT LINEMAN IN THE 2ND THROUGH 4th WE NEED THEM

By Henri

February 1, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

If Arthur Blank is doing more than coming to the sidelines I don’t know, and neither does anyone posting here. If he is constantly wanting the coaches to report to him, then I can see that as a problem. There should be no need for him to be meeting with the coach weekly when there is a GM. I really like Arthur Blank as an owner and hopes everything will be turning around starting with these new hires. If Arthur’s only fault is to go down to the sideline then to me that is all crapshoot. I remember John Kincaide started that garbage, and several of you hopped on following that ego -maniac. Blank spent $545 Million for the team and all he has done since is to spend money to put a winning franchise in the ATL. THANK YOU ARTHUR.

By Scott

February 1, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this

What’s up with Atlanta and it’s bloggers always bringing up race? If you don’t like a Terrence Moore article it’s because he’s black. If you don’t like Michael Vick, it’s because he’s black. Maybe they don’t like the Moore article because it’s not very good. Maybe they don’t like Michael Vick because he kills and tortures animals?

Moore is actually alright at his job, which I usually can’t stand sports writers. But he’s not bad. I like Jeff Schultz as well. The AJC does have good beat writers that follow the team and like their blogs.

By scott is a retard

February 1, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this

scott, don’t act like it’s the bloggers that bring up race. terrence moore can’t string together a simple thought without mentioning race. in this particular article, he’s implying blank will run these people out as well because he’s bitter that there were no minority hires. he doesn’t come out and say this, but he does hide behind shannon sharpe because he’s a vajayjay.

By Stew Granite

February 1, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

Scott, I agree Vick is a dumbass it is not a matter of like or dislike or white or black its stupidity and that goes for Arthur stick to what you know and get out of the way of your ego the common man/fan hates to see an owner on the sidelines you look like a Jew sucking up to the black man for being successful get a hooker and lay of your female employees and stay in your box

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 1, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this

“terrence moore can’t string together a simple thought without mentioning race. in this particular article, he’s implying blank will run these people out as well because he’s bitter that there were no minority hires. he doesn’t come out and say this, but he does hide behind shannon sharpe because he’s a vajayjay.”

I could use equally retarded and twisted logic and say that since Furman Bisher goes out of his way not to write about or comment on popular black athletes or predominantly black sports (seriously, when is the last time he wrote an NBA column?) he is a racist against black people.

Y’all are idiots.

By aaaetc

February 1, 2008 6:23 AM | Link to this

No hate here for Terence, but this is NOT the reason Atlanta is in a mess right now. What do you expect a former player to say? It’s not the players’ fault, it’s the owner’s for being too visible. Huh? Jerry Jones seems to do okay. Not the norm, but not unheard of. Let’s focus on real problems: mediocre player personnel decisions & questionable head coaching hires. That falls on McKay, mostly. Hopefully, Dimitroff & Smith can get this turned around. Time will tell.

By otis

February 1, 2008 6:29 AM | Link to this

If Mr. Moore’s articles are hated so much by so many what is the point in your reading him complaining day after day after day? just dont click on the story.

By Paddy

February 1, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this

Mr. B just stay off the field after games. It is so “POP WARNER”.

By some sense

February 1, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this

Very irritating to see Mr. Blank on the field; you don’t even see h/s principals on the field. But…he owns the team and he can do what he wants. Guess what…he’s gonna do what he wants.

It’s the players. The core of the Falcon’s roster is either old or arbitrary. Gotta blow up the roster.Dimitroff and Smith are up to the task…really good people around them.

Over the next two years the Falcons must do two things: Find some way to purge the smell left by the Vick’s and Rankin Jr.’s of this world and reivent the roster.

Other teams have proven often that such a turnaround doesn’t take an eternity.

By A-town down

February 1, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

I am a current season ticket holder. I do feel that what the Falcons have accomplished with their hirings, the are headed in the right directions. T.Moore, I have read your articles and blogs mostly to laugh at the people that scorn you for what they believe to be negativity and racism from you. I just hope that when the Falcons recover from this melt down as a team, I am in the same boat with others when it comes to you. T. Moore, I have see you on ESPN laughing and plowing this organization under the mud. Maybe the AJC should consider moving you to D.C. You’ll probably win a pulitzer prize since it’s not working here.

By Falcons Stink!

February 1, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Thug-ville, Racist-ville, Loser-ville! You maroons! Race was not mentioned in this article but you knuckleheads had to bring it out. Loser-ville, Race-ville, Thug-ville does not deserve a team, its owner, Mr. Blink, should sell and get out, he’s an idiot as are you thugs and race pimps! Almost all of you, I’m not talking about all Falcon fans, some of you are really nice people, however some of you are losers, racists and thugs, you know who you are, you thugs, bigots and racists need to drop off the face of the earth. Loser, racist, and bigoted maroons! I can’t believe some of you maroons have the intelligence to string enough letters together to make a word much less string together enough words together to make a coherent sentence. Oh, thats right you can’t! Idiots!

By mart

February 1, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

At first I thought what a weak article this must be if you’re relying on a blowhard like Sh. Sharpe as your main source. Then I read it and thought he’s right. Sharpe obviously comes across better in a newspaper interview than he does on tv.
In any event, there’s nothing wrong with the Falcons that a 9-game winning streak won’t cure.

By Johnny Falcon

February 1, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

Moore is an idiot. I read this paper in spite of him - and I’d certainly read it more if he were gone.

By Scott

February 1, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

You had to go to Phoenix to let Shannon Sharpe enlighten you about the Falcons problems? Sharpe is no genious, everyone with a brain knows that Blank is part of the problem. He needs to stay in his box seats and let the coach do his job if he wants a winner. I’m not sure his ego will let him do that, but time will tell.

By TI

February 1, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Arthur Blank owns the Georgia Force too, and the Force do not seem to have any problems whatsoever, in fact they have been one of the best teams in the AFL since Blank bought them. I don’t think Blank takes any blame whatsoever.

By GAKnight

February 1, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

First, enough with the racist comments. People hate to take criticism more than just about anything. Basically, they can’t stand the truth. Clarence Moore is simply reporting the facts wrt Shannon Sharpe. Falcon fans would love to see a winner, but the facts say the Falcons have pretty much ALWAYS been a losing franchise.

Blank is going to do what he is going to do. I just hope he is not directly involved in the personnel decisions. A GM worth his salt would tell Arthur to go find a hole and get in it or he would quit. I would.

The Falcons must NOT get hung up on a so-called franchise QB or RB. Their needs go FAR beyond that. They might begin by unloading some of the riff-raff like a certain CB) for more draft choices and to make some smart free agent pickups (spell that DL and OL). It all starts with the line.

I hasten to remind everyone that the Dallas Cowboys traded a “past his prime” Hershel Walker for multiple draft picks which led to three (count em) Super Bowl wins. The Patriots and Brady are great in large part because of their offensive line. It was pieced together from draft picks (and not first round picks either) and free agents by those who recognized talent. Add Bellichick to the mix and voila!

Clarence, you keep on writing—you do that well. I know you care about the Falcons, hell, they are your home town’s FB team and you cover them. Finally, not all of us want short answers to difficult questions—we are in it for the long haul.

Let’s see this organization produce consecutive winning seasons. Now that the Buccaneers have returned a kickoff for a TD, the most pathetic statistic rmaining for the NFL is that the Falcons have never had consecutive winning seasons.

By 1eyedJack

February 1, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

Ok, now that they have new Knights, Bishops and Rooks in place it’s time to find some Pawns who are willing to make the sacrifice. After the first round in the upcoming draft the Birds need to find some guys with muscles between their ears. Instead of 4.3 forties they need millisecond nuerons.

By powerhouse neckville rednecks

February 1, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

Dude just bring back vick then I don’t care what you do!

By Greg

February 1, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

for 20 years ive attempted to read your columns and i still cant. good work.

By John

February 1, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

For some time I have read the articles asking for Arthur Blank to be less visible in his ownership of the Falcons. I believe Blank has every right to be involved, he owns the team. That said, Blank does not put on a helmet, call the plays, or formulate game plans. If his presence on the sidelines bothers coaches or players, then they need to put their big boy pants on. Both coaches and players are pros and if the owner’s presence effects their performance, perhaps they should look no further than at themselves as to why, and not look around for excuses for poor performance. I sincerely believe Arthur Blank wants a winner in Atlanta and I applaud him for his efforts and sincerity.

By shadyshoe

February 1, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

I was going to read this article until I read Shannon Sharpe’s name. Why the long face?

By old fart

February 1, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

To: TM … good article CC: Everyone else … get off TM’s a*. He’s just doing his job.

By anotherdawg

February 1, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Maybe Petrino left because he couldn’t handle losing! Everyone wants to blame A.Blank for the Falcons failures, but in reality, when a team is built around one player, especially a very gifed one, it is very, very difficult to succeed without him. The NFL is tough! To succeed ,takes everything from top to bottom, working together. At least A. Blank is committed and trying as hard as he can. Patience!

By Barry

February 1, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

Shannon Sharpe is Right. Arthur Blank needs to step back and let football people run the operations of the football team. All we need o see of Arthur Blank during games is him seating in his box seat with binoculars and a wine cooler in is hand enjoying the games with the rest of us fans. and savor in the wins and/or loses, which we know will be more wins with football people running things, and our trip(s) to the Super Bowl. Arhtur Blank, we in Atlanta love you,man. However, we love you as an executive and owner of the Falcons and an avid community supporter. However, we do not love your not allowing football people to do what they are paid to do. To include getting stressed out if they are not producing, on whether you are going to fire theem oor not. But until that time let them do their thing. Then maybe we all will be happy: exeucutives, GM”s, coaches, players, and of course, THE FANS!!!!

Love you Arthur Blank. But stay out of football operations. Let the football guys you hire handle that. Stop micro-managing. In fact, stop trying to manage at all. You hired people already who will do it. And have the experience to do so. As smart and gifted as you are in Home Depot, stay out of NFL stuff, especially withyour never playing football at a professional level in your life.

See you in the box seat, Arthur Blank. I love you, brother.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!

He. I think Shannon has read one of my previous blogs on this issue. Go Shannon Sharpe.

Ringold

By Dave

February 1, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

I think in the past maybe Arthur Blank has become too close to his players. When you are pushing Mike Vick around in a wheel chair and are maybe overlooking some of the danger signs of your QB in his behavior and those he is associating with I think you need to step back some. Shannon Sharp is right in this case in his comments. Warrick Dunn is probably going to be hard to cut because he is a nice classy guy, but he is 33 and making $5 million? He needs to let his people do what is best for the team in some cases Arthur Blank became too close to his players.

By Jack G

February 1, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

When you hire someone to do a job, you get out of their way and let them do it. If you feel you constantly have to micro manage them, you have hired the wrong person

By William

February 1, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

By anotherdawg February 1, 2008 9:16 AM You do get it…thanks for bringing that out. Who cares about Moore? The Falcons are the subject. I believe the past policy of faster but smaller plays for the spread offense is a joke. Build a team with a real wall for the front line. Big tough, mean, dedicated football players. I have asked my friends, “How many players can you name on the Patriots team?” They smiled and said maybe two. Now that is a team! Not based on one or two players but everyone. I am glad Vick is gone. Give me a later round draft pick for QB. I believe thats where the best are. If a receiver can not catch the ball, drop him and look for some else. If the RB can not break free, replace him. If the linebacker arms tackle, retrain him or drop him. BUT, build around big men. Fast men are not fast every play but big strong men are big every play. Its Arthur’s team!!

By Bobby Purturdo

February 1, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

This comment from a high school prospect re Bobbyhog (Ark)shows how immature they are:

“I just got a good vibe about Coach Petrino from the start: He is straight up and honest about everything,” Ford said.

Of course chronic liars like Petrino are good at what they do. Some people never learn until it is too late. Oh, and its too sad to print what Fords high school coach was suckered into saying about Petrino.

By Apaul404

February 1, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Sharpe has a valid point. Good article. I knew from the day he wheeled Mike Vick on the field that we were in trouble. The good news is that Rich McKay can’t hurt us anymore. Things can’t get any worse.

By George Holman

February 1, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Sharp is merely stating what a number of fans believe. Blank is everywhere! That tells me that he is everywhere behind the scenes as well. Who would want to work for a guy who is always looking over your shoulder.

I, for one, am tired of seeing Blank on the sideline! Stay up in the box and leave the coaching and credit (to the extent there is any) to the coaches and players.

By matt

February 1, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

I did not realize how short Terrance was until i saw him….that explains it

By Edgar

February 1, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Maybe he’s learned a hard lesson. It took Mr. Smith many years to finally figure it out. It also took Taylor a few years too. I’m not willing any longer to wait 4 or 5 MORE years for Mr. Blank to figure it out.

By Doug

February 1, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

It is common knowledge, at least to me, the biggest ego in GA resides in Arthur Blank. It is also clear to me that the star of the Atlanta Falcons should be Arthur Blank, at least as far as Arthur Blank is concerned. Problem is, he is clueless when it comes to Football. Does any of us old-timers remember a certain Ted Turner who thought he could even manage the Braves? How pitiful were the Braves when he was the star of the show? It was only when he got interested in something else, then hired the right people (Cox & Schurholtz), that the Braves took off. Arthur Blank needs to go find a hobby and forget about the Falcons. Maybe he can go mess with the Force and turn them into crap!

By michaelgee

February 1, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

If we had a winning season last year, nobody would be focused on Arthur Blank.

Once we start winning again, Mr B will be the toast of the town, just like he was before.

Words like meddlesome will not be spoken and the crybabies in Atl won’t have jack to whine about. Especially Atlanta’s number one hater, Terrance Moore. Moore rode the Falcons for the last 12 months because he has no sports knowledge and even less insight into football, all he can do is dredge up old skeletons. TMoore is the negative face of the ajc, he is partly the cause of such low subscribership. Sure, people read these blogs but mostly I come here every day just to see if TMoore is gone yet.
Why does the ajc endorse thia writer dragging out city and the ajc’s name through every gutter he can find? In EVERY interview TMoore has done this year, he brings up EVERY negative possible. AJC, if you want to ever get subscribers who would actually pay for a newspaper, maybe getting some knowledgeable writers with some level of professionalism would help. TMoore doesn’t bring interest, he promotes his agenda against Mr Blank and the ajc pays his way. Apparently Mr Blank’s support of Michael Vick has cost him too much, far too much. Has TMoore ever written that Mr Vick should be responsible for the current state of affairs?

Not even once.

By OpinionsAreLike

February 1, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

If there one thing worse than being a falcon fan that would be a sports journalists who has to write about them.

By Jimmy Etheridge

February 1, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Shannon Sharpe is a buffoon.

By ChicagoPOW

February 1, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

1. I like seeing the General on the front lines. Blank should be commeded for fostering a family atmosphere, meeting the press, and taking the heat for the poor judgement of his subordinates (Mr. Sharpe that means employees - people that work for him).
2. I guess Sharpe’s a national figure so if he talks about the Falcons you have to print it, but did the “imploding” question have to be framed so negatively?
3. Please get Mr. Sharpe on camera and ask him “have you ever been to a dog fight?” Same for Irvin, E. Smith, …

By Jeff

February 1, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Come on now, look at these two figures.

Will Sharpe be on much longer, a year maybe two tops? Terrance, can he make it anywhere but Atlanta?

By Northwest Dawg

February 1, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

I’m a little confused by some of these posts- the Falcons suck and are a complete mess- what do you expect the man to write? It must be fun living in Lollipop Land where the Falcons have actually EARNED good press. Get over it— THE FALCONS SUCK and bashing Moore will not change it one bit.

By Longer than you

February 1, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Mr Blank can walk on the field for all I care. It’s only the idiots like “Not so Sharpe” running his gums about owners? Come on, Here is a man ( Blank ) who is doing everything he can to help the Falcons and build a championship team here. He’s working harder than any owner out there to be the best. You cannot blame a man for trying. ( unless your T. Moore. He blames every white man he can. I promise you, if the owner was black, Moore would be saying it’s the white fans fault.

By JKS

February 1, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

‘Seems to me that maybe a reason that many people in the NFL don’t want this job or see Atlanta as a toxic environment is represented in these comment forums. While some people are willing to discuss football with some degree of aptitude, so many on here are reactionary morons who would rather make racial comments and make personal attack on columnists than make any meaningful comments about the topic at hand. If these are the same people who really represent the Falcon fan base, then why would any coach want to represent you… or those of us who are NOT you? Pathetic.

By Dawgbyte

February 1, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

TM: Are you telling us that in your belved Oakland that “Just win Baby” didn’t, or doesn’t, involve himself in his team. How about Jerry Jones? Snyder in Washington? Etc., etc.? The point is: He owns the team and, yes, get’s the flack, but he “oversees” it as he sees fit. I’d involve myself, too. I think he has the right men now to do the job, but that doesn’t mean he has to stay in his box. He is the 800lb gorilla, and he stays where he wants, whether you and Flap-jaw Sharpe approve, or not.

By drmondo

February 1, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

My main complaint is this: I check out these columns for news about the team. Things like free agent news, injuries, draft analysis, coaching hires, offensive and defensive scheme ideas, likely starters and other relevant facts and opinions about the team. This stuff is a soap opera script. Its also old news. Please give us something more important than complaints about the owner being too involved. With all the changes coming can’t you find anything more worthwhile to report? How about asking which free agents the Falcons are interested in or who would be a good fit? How about analyzing the coaching philosophies of the two coordinators? Something that will have a direct impact on our team next season instead of dwelling on old news!

By Steve

February 1, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

I think every Falcons fan needs to think back several years ago at how it was. I mean would you rather be owned by the Smith family who didn’t really care what happened on the field? Or would rather have a passionate guy who cares about his players and community and the FANS. Mr. Blank has done everything possible to make the game a fan friendly enviorment. I personally think we need better football decisions and I think that will come from the new GM. Petrino was a quiter. Let’s watch and see what happens now that he is in the SEC. Mora thought he was still a player instead of a coach. Great guy just bad choices in coordinators. Let’s give Mike Smith and crew a chance. We can’t get any worse or can we?

By Steve

February 1, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

I think every Falcons fan needs to think back several years ago at how it was. I mean would you rather be owned by the Smith family who didn’t really care what happened on the field? Or would rather have a passionate guy who cares about his players and community and the FANS. Mr. Blank has done everything possible to make the game a fan friendly enviorment. I personally think we need better football decisions and I think that will come from the new GM. Petrino was a quiter. Let’s watch and see what happens now that he is in the SEC. Mora thought he was still a player instead of a coach. Great guy just bad choices in coordinators. Let’s give Mike Smith and crew a chance. We can’t get any worse or can we?

By Steve

February 1, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

I think every Falcons fan needs to think back several years ago at how it was. I mean would you rather be owned by the Smith family who didn’t really care what happened on the field? Or would rather have a passionate guy who cares about his players and community and the FANS. Mr. Blank has done everything possible to make the game a fan friendly enviorment. I personally think we need better football decisions and I think that will come from the new GM. Petrino was a quiter. Let’s watch and see what happens now that he is in the SEC. Mora thought he was still a player instead of a coach. Great guy just bad choices in coordinators. Let’s give Mike Smith and crew a chance. We can’t get any worse or can we?

By Twomuch

February 1, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Everybody acts like they hate Terrance Moore and what he says…Why on earth does everybody read it then. Even though everybody hates what he says, You all still read and respond to what he writes about.

By The Druid:

February 1, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Go Hawks! And take the Falcons with you!

By TM=idiot

February 1, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

TM

When you spend over $500 million dollars on a team then you run it the way you want.

By wayne

February 1, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Mr. Blank, Talk to Ted Turner and learn from him that when he turned over his baseball team to his coach and GM and returned to the stands all he got was a winning team.

By The Punisher

February 1, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Terence, you need to be pimp slapped like the little media w******* you are. This is absolutely “The National Enquirer” reporting at its best. You go to “Mr. Big Mouth” of the NFL and get his thoughts on Bland and the Falcons??? You and Mr. Ed need to talk about something worth reading. This wasn’t!

By T Moore hater!!!

February 1, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Terence Moore you are a complete jerk who hates the Atlanta Falcons. Shannon Sharpe can barely speak correct english and you expect us to listen to what he has to say? Please leave AJC and go work for the NY Times. Your attitude of defeat would fit right in!!!

By Teamplayer

February 1, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Mr. Sharp is correct, Blank is to involve…and don’t you remember when Thomas said the new coach was not on his final list..Blank needs to step aside and let the people he’s paying do their job…..WINNING STARTS at the top…You don’t see the CEO at Ford down on the line building cars.

By mike

February 1, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Shannon Sharpe?Who cares what he thinks.I like the fact that blank is a leader.Hes a fan and is trying.If it were easy it wouldnt be fun.Why cant we get terrance back to san fran?

By Clearlogic

February 1, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Truth be known it doesn’t matter where AB watches the game from, he owns the team, pays the lease on the dome , owns the practice facility, pays the malcontent, whiney players Mckay has assembled, lets face it HE IS THE MAN, get over it. It doesn’t matter to me if he watches the game from the friggin moon as long as we have a winning product on the field and all the players play; team first. What we have on this team are alot of me first players. One in particular comes to mind that talks about being in the pro bowl before the first snap of the season has taken place, and his attitude is evident on the field (#21). This team has to be retooled, talent wise and attitude wise. So as long time, and long suffering Falcon fans,true falcon fans, we need to support our new GM , coach, and owner to put the best product on the field of competition.

By btwarren

February 1, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Come on people. Let’s be real. Have the falcons ever been good. I have been a falcons fan for almost 30 years and I love them as much as anybody on this blog. But all this talk about who destroyed the Falcons, MV or Blank, as if they are a storied franchise that fell into the wrong hands. I could not point out any member of the Smith family, the former owners for you pretenders out there, if they were sitting right next to me and that certainly did not lead to any dynasties.

By David

February 1, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Has nothing to do with Blank - the problem is that McKay has sucked as a GM for several years and they finally put the blame where is belongs. His personnel moves have been terrible, little to no control over any personnel issues, and hides when the going gets tough. I think there will be a huge improvement under Dimitroff/Smith and really dont think Blank’s involvement has anything to do with it.

By David

February 1, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Has nothing to do with Blank - the problem is that McKay has sucked as a GM for several years and they finally put the blame where is belongs. His personnel moves have been terrible, little to no control over any personnel issues, and hides when the going gets tough. I think there will be a huge improvement under Dimitroff/Smith and really dont think Blank’s involvement has anything to do with it.

By dannyc

February 1, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Would anyone like to be locked in a room with Sharpe and Prime Time? You would never be able to speak.

By John

February 1, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

I’m surprise you could understand what Shannon “Mr. Ed” was saying. Did you need an interpreter?

By michaelgee

February 1, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

The only reason this was a socalled HOT TOPIC is because motor mouth Moore always brings it up in every interview. TM is an instigator, not a sports writer.

But TM, you wwere all over a bigger story, why didn’t you ask Shannon about his presence on Mike Vick’s now defunct website? TM Missed a bigger story again because of his blind hatred for A Blank.

FWIW- did Shanon Sharpe ever explain why there are pictures of him with his PIT BULLS on now defunt Michael Vick Website?

http://www.bulldogbreeds.com/discuss/viewtopic.php?t=22763

See Terrance Moore’s best buddy, Shannon Sharpe, who was somehow linked to the Mike Vick dog website.

See for yourself, Shannon has a nice Presa Canario right next to Mike Vick’s picture. hmmmmmm, smoke, fire, uhhh

Maybe Shannon has some cleaning to do around his own door. TMoore, you missed a much bigger story than the mud slinging spat you had over Mr Blank.

By Whitey

February 1, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Lets get rid of all the racist — Terrence and Furman

By falcon1

February 1, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

who cares what moore has to say let me hear from somebody who actually has a voice that people respect.

By Paddy

February 1, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

I will say it again… stay off the sideline after games. IE: Philip K. Wrigley, George Stienbrenner, Gene Autry and many more OWNERS nowhere in sight, but great owners. It looks so foolish and amature behavior. Like they say… ACT LIKE YOU HAVE BEEN THERE BEFORE. And never, never push a wheel chair again…

By toshie

February 1, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Maybe Sharpe and T. Moore need to hook up, because they are 2 of a kind. All the know is to critize someone. You can tell that both are jealous of Mr. Blank’s money. It is so obvious when they make their comments. Neither knows anything about running a business or managing any organization. I think Moore needs to be run out of town and Sharpe keep his mouth shut about the Falcons. Since it is neither one of their business what goes on with the team.

By toshie

February 1, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

The reason we keep reading and commenting on T. Moore and Jeff S. articles is that we hope someday the owner of the AJC will actually read some of the blog and fire these rwo morons.

By JCC

February 1, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Let it go Terrance. We have already heard this same story over and over.

By Jonnie Keith

February 1, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

In your article, I noticed that you did not not mention the one owner who is the poster child for being the face of the franchise, Jerry Jones (I don’t have to tell his team). I think it is intellectually dishonest to condemn Arthur Blank for what he does without discussing an owner who is apparently successfully doing it. How many owners are in a nationally televised commercial where they take over their teams coaching responsibilities and send the coach out on a soft drink break?

I think you should have at least explored the difference between the two. I’m not saying your article is wrong. I just think it is incomplete.

Jonnie

By Ryder

February 1, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Here’s what I think TM is missing the point on: Mora was a butt kisser who felt he was entitled and played favorites. He talked bad about Falcons legends and to the Atlanta media. In addition he talked about leaving a team in the middle of a playoff race to coach his alma mater. Joking or not, he didn’t have that leadership presence that the team desperately needed.

As for Petrino, he had a reputation for bailing out on teams and lacked professionalism.

You can’t blame all that on Blank. As for Dimitroff and Smith, they come from professional franchises and know how to behave and act like MEN. Yes I know this comes with time but still I like the direction in which they’re going. No gimmicks just straight up football.

By Tee

February 1, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Stop crying! You know if we still had the Smith’s running the team you guys would still cry. At least Mr. Blank is trying. No one cry’s when George(NY)or Jerry(Cowboys) puts their hands in the mix of their teams. Hell its like if you have a problem with your house. If you keep spending money on a leaky roof but the leak is still there. Sooner or later you will be behind the roofer to see what the hell is going on. Terrance the color of the GM or coach does not matter. As long as they can get those jackass to play some ball. I watched the falcons play against the Rams in Dec. They looked beat or like they lost their lil puppy!(Vick). O cry me a river the rest of you bumbs have a job to do! I say release Dunn let Norwood start and get rid of those bumbs that we have under center. Either make a run for McNabb or get Ryan and let him start from the jump. On defense damn its so many problems. I say we have to keep D. Hall but if he flys off at the mouth and blows coverage again and again then we trade is a* before the deadline next year. Brooking i love you man but it might be time for him to go! Get a younger guy in and see if he has more energy. Lately he has just been getting beat to damn much. An go back to the drawing board on WR’s. We need another young guy to go with R. White. They should have never picked up Jenkins. What in the hell were they thinking?? I would even pick him up on Madden! Hopefully this GM with sometime will make the right moves and do things right. I will always support my Falcons, Hawks, Braves, and Thrashers. I just hope i don’t die before i see another Championship ring!

By Blank= franchise killer

February 1, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Blank is a an egomaniac of epic proportions. He is just like jerry jones, with the exception of being less abrasive. Blank is NEVER going to back off. He will CONTINUE to call the shots behind the scenes while he marches out his yes men, who will give off the impression they have some power. Blank IS the problem with this franchise. Please, no more denial falcon fans.

By DR

February 1, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

yeppie

Two individuals from whom every one should take advise from:

Terrence Moore and Shannon Sharpe

Is there any possibility we can ban Terrence from the sports page?

By K-Ro

February 1, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Have you read Christopher Price’s new book about the Patriots, “The Blueprint?” Please do. It is badly edited, without question, but it is compelling reading nonetheless. Robert Kraft was a mega meddler for 6 years before he hired Belichick and Pioli, at which point, he told them, “Just don’t sign any hoodlums,” and backed out. Now we here that Kraft is Blank’s good friend among the owners, that he recommended Thomas Dimitroff. assuredly, Thomas knows all this. Assuredly, he went into this gig with open eyes. Methinks, Arthur is about to let a cerebral GM/Coach combination have free reign. Now, I look forward to the Falcons cleaning out 3/4th’s of the roster (or whatever it will take), to get rid of the malcontents, to get rid of the dead weight. Get in the regular guy players. Heck with the superstars, go for depth. Coach ‘em up, as the old ballcoach says. I know that Terence has an itch to take the billionaire down, but even he might like what’s going to happen by the time the 14th street bridge stops aggravating my wife’s morning commute. Late.

By smart

February 1, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

To michaelgee

A black man didn’t get us in this mess. Remember no whites wanted him anyway you wanted shaub. The reality is tha after Vick was gone all you guys really see how much this team really did need him. Also I think it is racist in a blk city that we cannot have a blk head coach are Gm that is just ridicoulous.

By Falcon to bone

February 1, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

You know what’s funny? If Vick’s cousin hadn’t got busted, the Bad News Kennel hadn’t been discovered, and Vick could have exploited Petrino’s high octane offence, the Birds might have made the playoffs. The defense wasn’t bad….and Blank and Mckay would have been geniuses.

By Northern Falcon

February 1, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Terence Moore and Shannon Sharpe should get married. Two self absorbed idiots!

By Big Bull

February 1, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Who cares what Shannon Sharpe thinks. If he fell in the gorilla pen at Grant Park the other gorillas wouldn’t even notice he was there. Nothing racist intended… some people look like a Bulldog..He looks like Willie B.

By Green Tea

February 1, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Once again ladies and gentlemen a garbage article from one Terence Moore talking trash about Mr. Blank! Great job Terence, you are a true MORON. I only have one question for you. WHO GIVES A FLYIN’ FLIP WHAT SHANON SHARPE HAS TO SAY??? Who the hell cares! Have you ever watched the broadcast where he shows his verbal “expert” commentary because I sure have and he sucks. Much like you so no wonder you would quote him in another one of your ‘Bash Mr. Blank’ articles. Seriously dude, do us all a favor and go jump off a bridge into what’s left of Lake Lanier.

By joebrave

February 1, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Terence Moron,I would like to be the First person to Invite you out into the Back Yard,you piece of $hit,and Whup yo AZZ,then Lynch you. What a patethtic piece of Garbage you are,you have got to be one WORTHLESS SONOFABITCH!!!!