AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > February > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCrumpler tries to heal, move on
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Like any other player, Alge Crumpler returned to the Falcons’ practice facility after the season to clean out his locker. Unlike any other player, he seemed intent on wiping clean any evidence that he was ever there.
“I took everything,” Crumpler said Thursday. “I even took my pictures down. I didn’t want to have to do that Green Mile walk in the building later on, when the team did something.”
A staple in the Falcons’ offense for seven seasons, Crumpler’s tenure with the team officially ended last week. He was released with six others, the start of a roster flush by the new regime.
No specific reason was given for his release, Crumpler hearing the standard, “We’ve decided to go in another direction,” from new coach Mike Smith. But the biggest issue clearly is health, because it’s not any of those other things a coach wants in his locker room: talent, character, heart, desire, leadership, a sheer love for the game.
It follows that Crumpler is headed to an unusual event for four-time Pro Bowl tight end: the scouting combine. On Thursday he left Phoenix, where he has been working out, for Indianapolis, and will begin talking to prospective teams Friday.
“My agent was getting so many phone calls that I thought it would easier just to go there and meet with everybody,” he said, listing at least seven teams that he may meet with: Green Bay, Buffalo, Detroit, Seattle, Carolina, Tampa Bay and Tennessee.
“I’m not looking for the red carpet treatment. I’m just looking for a team I can win on. I’m not bitter. It’s not like I have to be in the NFC South so I can play the Falcons twice. I’m more concerned about the team that I’m going to play for.”
Winning has always been his primary objective. It’s why he took the last few seasons harder than most. It’s why he was stunned last April when he went to meet with new coach Bobby Petrino — whose name Crumpler won’t utter — waited for 20 minutes in the lobby, then was told to come back another day. He later received a phone call from assistant coach Hue Jackson, who said, “The coach wants me to take care of this.”
Crumpler: “I just wanted to know what my role was in the new offense. I wasn’t there to slow the train down.”
The problems with Petrino were easier to forecast than his health issues, or the extent to which the season would fall apart. In October, he vented following a loss at Tennessee, criticizing the offense and suggesting Petrino was phasing out veterans. The next day, he said, he told owner Arthur Blank of the communication gap between Petrino and the players.
“Arthur expressed that there needed to be an open door policy,” Crumpler said.
By the time the season ended, new regime or not, Crumpler believed he was done in Atlanta. So he wasn’t shocked last week. Smith phoned him twice — first on Thursday to say a decision hadn’t been made, then on Friday to deliver the news. “He wanted to do it face to face,” Crumpler said, “but I was in Phoenix. I appreciated the call. It’s something I know wouldn’t have happened under the old regime.
“My family was taken aback by everything, but I tried to prepare them. When the new coach was hired, I didn’t have any contact with him. When the new GM was hired, I didn’t have any contact with him. It was radio silence. I just had that feeling. I trust my gut on a lot of things.”
Now he’s trusting his body. He recovered quickly from arthroscopic knee surgery three years ago, playing in the Pro Bowl five weeks later. He expected a similarly short rehab period when he surgery in April, when doctors removed an osteophyte, commonly known as a bone spur.
But Crumpler labored. In August he went to see renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews. “He told me, ‘Oh, this is a six-month deal,’ ” Crumpler said. He was floored. In November, he saw two more specialists at Duke and in Cleveland, and was assured all he needed was rest, not further surgery.
Crumpler stopped just short of criticizing Falcons’ team doctors. “I’m not going to put it out there that I was misled,” he said. “I’ll just put it out there that there were different opinions. We’re talking about one team. I’m not going to let one team mess up the direction I want to go.”
He says he’s armed with medical reports and has been given assurances that he can make a full comeback. “I’m not trying to stir up any controversy but I understand how this business works — it’s a dirty business,” he said. “I’m not out to take shots at anybody. I just want to be prepared.”
He believes he can play “for four or five” more years. He said he harbors no resentment against the Falcons, but then adds, “Arthur and Rich [McKay] were getting advice from a guy who quit on us. His opinions of me weren’t good. But if I felt like I was anywhere close to retirement, I would hang it up.”
Teams will probe his knees. There’s no need to question his passion.
Permalink | Comments (57) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Tech / ACC
Comments
By SirReal
February 21, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
He gave this team a lot of good years. I hope that he’s successful wherever he goes. Most people who leave the Falcons do. Look at Patrick Kerney this past season. Veteran guy who went on to re-establish himself as an elite defensive end. Best wishes to you Crumpler!!
By cj
February 21, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
we need trade d hall to day.To day
By cj
February 21, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
we need trade d hall to day.To day
By Greg
February 21, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Crumpler is a big body but he was an inconsistent blocker (at best), and he had a lot of unexplainable drops last year. I think he has commitment and concentration problems. I’m not at all surprised he was cut, although I might have thought he could be traded. Surely Dimitroff shopped him around. Apparently no one was buying.
And I agree with cj: DHall has to go, preferably for a No. 1. The Falcons can’t go public with their desire to get rid of him, or his market value goes down; so don’t expect anything but “he makes our team better” from Dimitroff. But I’m certain he’s history, and the Birds will take whatever they can get for him. I also hope they can trade Roddy, who has some upside, but who doesn’t have enough “up there” to be consistently good.
By Tim
February 21, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Thanks Alge for the years of service. No matter what team you play for in the future, I will also consider you a falcon and cheer for your success.
You’ll win the Super Bowl before you retire from the game. Can you say, Deion Sanders…..
By mike
February 21, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
good ridden. Its not like he was Antonio Gates. He is a good player but he isn’t the “GREAT” player he thinks he is. Trade that THUG “D” Hall since he is the most overrated player and try to bring in some domesticated human beings.
By Stephen
February 21, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
It’s sad to see him go, but hopefully he’ll be happier wherever he plays in the future than he was here. I just hope he has no regrets about his time here and realizes how much the fans love him and appreciate what he’s done here. Best wishes to you Crump…I’ll sure miss cheering for you every Sunday.
By trainzo
February 21, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
U idiots!!! Why would we trade DHALL. He is all we have. Let me guess u want to keep Joey Harrington, Finneran and Brooking. Maybe we can keep upscale guys and keep losing!
By Diva118
February 21, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Alge thank you for what you brought to Atlanta. Without you and players such as Mike Vick the Falcons will be just like there were years ago before the days of you and Vick. I wish you and your family much success, and I will be watching to see what team will be lucky enough to get you. Much love and respect for real talent!!!
By Ken Strickland
February 21, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
I certainly hope we keep DHall, like the current HC and GM have indicated they want to do. His presence really gets some of you worked up. I wonder why? If he’s anywhere near as awful as some of you try to make everyone believe, why would another team want him? Is it because you really know that he’s good, but you can’t admit to your real reasons for wanting him gone?
MIKE-you are really quick to call DHall is a thug and an undomesticated human being because of his football related behavior and attitude. But what would you call the serial killer we’ve just discovered right here in metro Atlanta? Maybe, just maybe you need to look in a mirror before passing judgement on anyone elses behavior. After all, God didn’t make any of us perfect.
By BIRDMAN, SR.
February 21, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
THX, ALGENON. GOOD LUCK TO YOU & YOURS.YOU’LL 4 EVER BE A BIRD. NOW, THATS OUT THE WAY . LETS GET DIRTY! THIS IS G.E.O.R.G.I.A. BULLDAWG COUNTRY. ITS LIKE THAT FOR 1 PARTICULAR REASON……………….HERE WE PLAY SMASH-MOUTH FOOTBALL. LINE UP; YOU KNOW WHATS COMING, CAN YOU STOP IT! PERIOD. THIS TEAM WAS BUILT FOR #7. NOW ITS TIME TO TEAR DOWN A REBUILD. THAT’S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN 1 BASKET! I BEEN A BIRD ALL MY LIFE, & I STILL PRAY;THAT 1 DAY, WE WILL GET OUT THE NEST, & SAY. FROM THE WORDS OF A GREAT ANNOUNCER,” WE STEPPED ON THIER FACE WITH A HOT-NAILED BOOT”! GOD I LOVE FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!
By Andy
February 21, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Alge, You are still the best tight end in the NFL… More Pro Bowls, A Playoff Bound Team, A Super Bowl Ring, Lots of Good Things to Look Forward to My Friend!
By Dave
February 21, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
Nice job Jeff, way to kiss Crumpler’s behind. Maybe if you’re lucky Alge will invite you over for dinner, and you can do some more brown-nosing, butt kissing, and perhaps maybe even some action on your knees, just like you want.
By Dawgs2008
February 21, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
You would think that Alge was Joe Montana and we just cut ties with the best player in franchise history.
Perhaps our season would not have went down the toilet in 2005 if Crumpler doesn’t drop that easy touchdown, early in the New Orleans game on MNF.
Maybe if his fat a$$ lost some weight and kept his pie hole shut, he would still be on the team.
By SeminoleWarrior
February 22, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Alge is class. I recall a loss we had in Tampa a few years back when a certain #7 did not take time to even acknowledge several kids that were at the tunnel when we left the field in defeat. One of those kids, my five year nephew, waved at a certain TE as he left the field. That TE looked up and saw the little boy and tossed him a pair of gloves. That little boy STILL sleeps with those gloves under his pillow. He cried when I told him Alge was not with the team any more. Thanks, Alge for making the little boy happy and for all that you represented, good, bad, and indifferent. We wish you the very best!!
By KEEP IT REAL
February 22, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
If we are getting rid of injury prone players. Why just why do we still have Brian Finneran on the team????? He has produce NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IN THE PAST 2 YEARS. But I guest he is a guy with great character…. People all the cut were BLACK!!!!!!! That don’t look right at all. If the HC or GM want to lie about why they cut certain people. They need to come up with a better lie… I HOPE THIS ISN”T RACIST… 58% BLACK FAN IN THE DOME text to be linked
By David Duke
February 22, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
GOD, THERE ARE SO MANY STUPID AND UNINFORMED FALCON FANS.
Well, now we’ve done it! Queen Ken Strychnine doesn’t want us expressing opinions that diverge from his own. Queen, i think I speak for many when I say,”Screw you!” Better learn to lump it boy! Your opinions are those of a simpleton. Stick to contributing to that gay blog of yours! Just because you hang out in the Men’s restrooms at the Dome doesn’t mean you are an expert on football!
No, Duhangelo Hall is not to blame for the forty years of the Falcon’s storied history. However, he is to blame for much of the mess this pasty season and for the sorry showing the past three years. Crumpler was dropped from the roster, not because he’s not a capable player, but due to his sorry attitude and for his participation in the sorry salute to Mike Vick, an admitted felon, on national television. Hall and White should be dropped for the same reason. White is only a fairly good receiver and his attitude has an unproductive effect upon the team. Hall.s attitude has a destructive effect. He, singlehandedly, threw a game to the Panthers last season and then got in the faces of his position and head coaches. He needs to go! He can’t shut up long enough to shut anybody down. Opposing offenses love seeing that pygmy out there. They know they are going to roll on that turd.
Queen, thanks for typing in all caps! IT MAKES YOUR ILLITERATE PRATTLINGS SO MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE! See ya later Sir-Suck-A-Lot!
By Willy
February 22, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
That dude knows where he’s at and what’s up. He didn’t badmouth the org, even though he clearly could have. He’s a gamer, he plays hard, he’s f in good, and he wants a few more years. He knows where he’s at, hell, he’s going to the combine. How often do you hear that from a pro bowler? I wish the man well, hope he has his years to get it on, and applaude his service. Anybody who does less has a serious problem.
By David Duke
February 22, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
s it because you really know that he’s good, but you can’t admit to your real reasons for wanting him gone?
MIKE-you are really quick to call DHall is a thug and an undomesticated human being because of his football related behavior and attitude. But what would you call the serial killer we’ve just discovered right here in metro Atlanta? Maybe, just maybe you need to look in a mirror before passing judgement on anyone elses behavior. After all, God didn’t make any of us perfect.
Queen, trying to inject your phony charges of racism into this is disgusting and totally predictable. Hall threw a game this past season. He committed threw ifractions in a row that paved the way for the Panthers to score a winning touchdown. Then he belligerently got into the faces of his position coach and the head coach. The Falcons don’t need this narcissistic albatross hanging around their necks. He is a liability on his best day and an utter touchdown allowing machine on his worst. Mike is right! Hall is a thug and moron we don’t need.
Why do you bring up a serial killer on this blog? What does that have to do with the Falcons? Nothing! Asking someone how they feel about a serial killer in relation to a garden variety thug like Hall is moronic but that’s right down your fudge packing alley, isn’t it? In addition to ridding the team of Hall, Shoddy White needs to go too. Put all the bad, destructive attitudes on the street! So long Queen.
By Najeh Davenpoop
February 22, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this
Alge had a lot of good years in Atlanta, but let’s face it, the Falcons are rebuilding and he’s on the wrong side of 30. I’m sure he has a few good years left in him, but even from his own point of view, why waste it on a rebuilding team that seems to want to shove his favorite QB out the door anyway? There’s no reason for a rebuilding team to keep high-salaried veterans on the roster when they are stocked with draft picks to replace them. Cutting Alge was good for the Falcons and for Alge. I hope he goes to a good team and does well for them.
By Najeh Davenpoop
February 22, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this
There’s a serial killer in Atlanta? Ain’t even heard about it… are you sure you’re not confusing real life with season 5 of The Wire?
By UGA75
February 22, 2008 3:23 AM | Link to this
Alge was and is a class individual, that has nothing to do with skin pigment. He was always a pro on and off the field. If character were all that was required we should love to have a roster of Alges. He was injured and his contributions were less than he or the team expected. The new Coach and GM have been told to win now, they don’t have room to guess or hope a player can contribute next year. It doesn’t matter whether the players cut or hired are black,white, green or pink, they just need to be winners.
Football and life are not all about race, a lot of white voters voted for Obama. We should be beyond all the racist crap from everyone of any race. You bet there are some stupid people making racist comment here and on other boards, either report them or ignore them. Atlanta is not perfect as a city or a people, but we are closer than those damn yankees (people not teams).
By David
February 22, 2008 5:13 AM | Link to this
If Dimitroff thinks we are a better team with meangelo hall,he is a damn fool.
By Lw28
February 22, 2008 5:27 AM | Link to this
I wasn’t a big fan of the Vick salute, but you’ve been a good ballplayer and an upstanding citizen. You’ll be missed. Congrats to whatever team signs you because they’ll be getting a good man. Good luck Alge!
By Matt the Brave
February 22, 2008 6:28 AM | Link to this
Schultz, good article as always. Good signs for me about the Falcons was that Smith was willing to meet face-to-face with Alge. I think that that telephone call was not enough for either side, so hopefully they will actually get to meet at some point. I hope he gets to be on a team that wins a Super Bowl. Great guy, good player…you know, something the Falcons NEED!
By Big Ed
February 22, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this
Why do bloggers like Duke, Ken, and Mike have to take it down several levels to get their point across. PATHETIC. It would be nice just to acknowledge A.C.’s contributions to the Falcons. He was M.V.’s babysitter. He was willing to communicate with management unlike several players, and above all he displayed character. I can’t believe there are so many better tight ends out there that he couldn’t at least retain a spot on the team going into training camp.
By sharon
February 22, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
I agree 100% with trainzo and Ken Strickland. Personally, I would love to see Deangelo Hall go somewhere he can be appreciated and stop wasting his time on loser fans and a loser organization. One man’s trash is another man’s gold.
By D-Cider
February 22, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
Hey, Jerk Schultz, maybe one day soon, you will move on as well
By mike
February 22, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
So much player hate here. Does this mean all you talented fans will show up for falcon practice and showcase your talent since you seem to know so much about football? Algie and Hall Pro Bowlers. You talented fans sitting at your computers showing how much sports knowledge you dont have.
By Manny
February 22, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
Have you noticed that Alge Crumpler and Rod Coleman is currently being courted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Oh, and are you aware that DeAngelo Hall is being courted by the New York Giants?
And do you know that these organizations are chomping at the bit to get more of these Falcons?
To me, it looks like the Falcons are just making their competition better and mortgaging the current for a chance at making the playoffs in 2011.
By Paddy
February 22, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
Birdman, Sr I think Larry Munson said “Hob Nailed boot not Hot Nailed boot.Don’t believe there are making that hot nailed brand anymore since “Stride-rite” went under.
By Bubba from Buckhead
February 22, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
Good luck Crumpler!
It’s true, there are some Dodo Birds in the coop
Getting rid of D-Hall? This makes no sense. Stop the bllsht! These same idiots would probably want Jason Seahorn to come out of retirement
Don’t be fooled by the crap!
By LThompsonNC
February 22, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Alge, Always remember—“Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” and “He that has begun this work in you shall perform until the day of Jesus Christ”. Thanks for all your contributions and for giving young people hope for a better tomorrow through your unshakable faith today. You have/are making a difference! We love and appreciate you. The best is yet to come!
By dash
February 22, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
I am still amazed by the lack of footbal knowledge that some of the fans have. We cut a ProBowl tight end for no reason and for what reason. Do we have a great backup who was pushing for playing time? Milner was not very consistent at GA so I doubt it. But we kept Finneran who will probably never play again and Brooking. Brooking needed to go because the Falcons have several young and fast linebackers who can play and need to get on the field. We have Boley, D Willams, Tony Taylor, S Williams and Beck as well as several good LBs in the draft including Phillip Wheeler. Cutting Crumpler will haunt us like letting Kerney go. To David and Mike, stop writing in the blog until you know more about Pro Football! As far as DHall goes, you have to be crazy! Cut an AllPro that runs a 4.2-4.3! To get what? Hall does talk trash and he does get burned sometimes but what corner does not get burned. All of that is not on his shoulders. With no pass rush and no safety help, a corner is on an island. I know that if we improved the pass rush and pick up a great pair of safeties would be in much better shape. Maybe J Williams will finally show up this year and perhaps Stone from Maine. Come on guys, watch the NFL channel!
By Manny
February 22, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Congratulations that the Falcons pick 3rd in the draft. Watch them mess it up by picking a QB with that pick.
Watch Matt Ryan’s name get picked. I’m going to laugh. He’s not going to be a help in 2008. Or 2009. 2010 looks good.
Now if the Falcons want to “WoW” me this draft, they’ll trade down or get an offensive lineman, or a defensive run stopper. But getting Matt Ryan, Darren McFadden, or any other “sexy” pick just tells me that Dimitroff doesn’t know what he’s doing.
By scribe
February 22, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
“My agent is getting so many phone calls…..” yeah, right. The only reason you go to the combine is that teams are scared of health/attitude and are not calling. Alge-we didn’t fall off the turnip truck. You were hurt and a cancer in the locker room
By kno knes 80
February 22, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
algae you will be missed!you played with heart and desire.you knew where to be on the field when needed.we have the 3 pick lets get that stud runner.then spend the picks on big men with fire in there bellies and big motors.unless a talented qb falls in our lap,move on.without mules up front it will be irrevalent whom is at qb,they will not beable to maintain consisent play having to run for their lives.dhall shut up and play or take it elsewhere .that scene last year should never of been allowed .you do not backtalk any coach,you need to shutup and PLAYBALL.PEOPLE ARE COUNTING ON YOU!enough ranting.algae thanks and good luck!
By CourtneyJ
February 22, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Get rid of D Hall for what??? Ok so you wanna get rid of a man that… Earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod in 2006 after tallying 56 tackles, a team-high four interceptions and a career-high 16 passes defensed.
Ranks first among NFL players for interception return yards (308) since the start of 2005, averaging 30.8 yards per pick.
Named NFL’s Fastest Man at the 2006 Pro Bowl competition…and 17 career interceptions. REAL SMART FALCON FANS TO GET RID OF THIS ONE…HOW DUMB CAN U REALLY BE?
By quint
February 22, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Manny, Deangelo Hall can’t be “courted” by any team because he is under contract with the Falcons. If that is true, that would be against NFL rules. He has to be a free agent to be “courted.”
By Richie
February 22, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Atlanta is filled with so many haters who do not know football or what a team needs to be a winner. They ran the best Defensive Back in the history of the game, Deion Sanders, away to bigger and better things. They helped to get rid of two of the best players the Falcons had in Crumpler and Coleman and now they want to get rid of the best defensive back we have had since Deion Sanders (Deangelo Hall). I plan to buy season tickets this year to give the new regime a chance . However I will not keep them if they keep making questionable decisions like giving away one of the top five Tight Ends in the game today and the best interior rushing Defensive End.
By Avg White Guy
February 22, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Good riddance crumpler, we should have traded him for Kyle Brady before we cut this beast. he is upset petrino made him wait in the hallway, but petrino probaly did not want to meet with him because he could not understand the EBONICS alge was speaking. Now that we have the 3rd pick we need to consider Ryan if available or Howie longs son Jake. DO NOT and I mean DO NOT waste a pick on one of those NOGS. once you give them $$ they go crazy with the speeding,strip clubs,rapes,fighting,drinking and drugs. Roddy white and NOGangelo hall need to go also if we are to start anew. Finneran will be back and I can now show my kids what a real receiver is not an uneducated thug like white or joe horn. I would trade warrick dunn and that other boy norwood, he looks like a dog with those braids, its obvious he is a thug like PACMAN plus he cant speak either. Jacob HESTER from LSU would be a great late round pick. Dimitroff needs to sucker NE into taking D. Hall off I hands and in return we get Matt Cassell, I believe he is ready to go after spending his pro career behind Brady and his college career behind lienart and palmer at USC. Move Brooking to his natural position and look at that LB from Ohio St to cover the middle, I think he is named Laurenitis and his dad was a rassler so you know he is tough. bottom line keep the low life THUGS off the team and I will support the Falcons again, but if you keep drafting criminal NOGS from Va Tech
By c pendley in n ga
February 22, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Thanks ALG, you were the best tight end the Falcons ever had. Sorry to see you go out on a bad note, but you help to stink it up. Maybe now you’ll get back to being a team guy for someone else.
By Zeke
February 22, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
I see th knuckle draggers are out today! Have you people not been paying attention for the past few year? Have you not noticed that Crumpler was the only receiver that we had with hands? What kind of idiot thinks that he won’t be back and excelling on another team? How the hell can anyone blame last season on him is beyond me. Good luck sir, I salute you.
By kno knees 80
February 22, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
i do not mean dhall is wthout tremendus talent,even though i saw him doing alot chasing for whatever reason last year.he has the status to become aleader on the team.if he can not get it,even with his tremendus talent,bye bye.there is someone with maybe not the same talent wanting his spot.their is no I in team.so please get it d.hall we can use you.time to work out these old creaky knees
By kno knees 80
February 22, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
i do not mean dhall is wthout tremendus talent,even though i saw him doing alot chasing for whatever reason last year.he has the status to become aleader on the team.if he can not get it,even with his tremendus talent,bye bye.there is someone with maybe not the same talent wanting his spot.their is no I in team.so please get it d.hall we can use you.time to work out these old creaky knees
By kno knees 80
February 22, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
i do not mean dhall is wthout tremendus talent,even though i saw him doing alot chasing for whatever reason last year.he has the status to become aleader on the team.if he can not get it,even with his tremendus talent,bye bye.there is someone with maybe not the same talent wanting his spot.their is no I in team.so please get it d.hall we can use you.time to work out these old creaky knees
By Halberstram
February 22, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Good luck to Alge wherever he ends up. He was one of my favorites while here. I always felt like he gave 100%.
Lets cut out the worthless racial talk, no need for all of that.
By Larry Reed
February 22, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Wow! average white boy. Such hostility and hatred for a fellow human being. You live your life through sports while all the time hating the players on the Falcons team. What a shame! Petrino quits but you still support him? No one else on the team quit. A black player shows emotion so you label him “thug.” A white player shows emotion and you label him “fired up.”Don’t show the world your ignorant, idiotic and stupid grasp of life. The Falcons were not good in any phase of their operation. You paid to see “everybody.”
By Jodi
February 22, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
@ Halberstram
I agree with you - the racial comments and “stereotypes” are pointless. Shame on me for thinking in the world of football, that all athletes were only judged on skill set.
Anyway, good luck Alge! I am very interested in seeing who gets traded next…
By Manny
February 22, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Quint:
The Giants has expressed PUBLIC interest and let it be known that they are interested in DeAngelo Hall. That was in response to DeAngelo Hall expressing his desire to play for a winning team and/or getting a long-term contract.
That, my friend, is called “courting.”
By Need Diversity Training
February 22, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Thanks Alge Crumpler,really appreciate all you did as a Falcon.Good luck with landing with a winner in which you truly deserve.This town will never have a winner due to diversity issues within the fan base. I have never seen such racial hate since the terrible early years of racial hatred throughout the South. The more we think things have changed the more they remain the same,just in a different form. I pray for all those that continue to see everything in Black and White.Grow up people, life should not be like this. Have’nt enough people died and suffered under this type of regime. Words like thug and all the other negative tones used because someone is different than you or does not look like you are not needed. As a fan base we can’t go forward until we put our differences aside and come together as one group cheering for the home team . Please stop all the name calling and negative write ups. If you can’t say anything good, keep it to yourself and stay off this blog until you have gotten past your issues. Go Falcons.
By Naydean-NY
February 22, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Good luck Alge Crumpler to you and your family. The new team that will acquire your services will receive a first class guy. Happy hunting and never forget your days as a Falcon especially the good ones. Take Care
By GABred
February 22, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Alge- Thanks for your heartfelt years of service here in the city to busy to hate. You are appreciated. Knowledge is “Golden”, some of these comments would indicate that the economy is worse than first reported. Going to the combine doesn’t mean Crump is running, jumping, or testing for scouts. He is going there to meet face to face with football personnel. Good luck Crump, the educated majority here in Atlanta appreciate your contributions to satisfying our football jones.
By Left to Right
February 22, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
The paragraph concerning the opinion of team doctors was confusing. The team doctors’ opinion and Crumpler’s doctors’ opinion were not clearly identified.
By Morris Hames
February 22, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Hey, Keep it Real, when most NFL teams are largely black why is so odd to you that when cuts are made most of them will be black? Would you be happier if a quota system was instiuted that mirrors the population at large - where blacks would then be the minority in the league? So shut your mouth and be happy with what you have, moron.
By falcon in va
February 22, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
good luck alge , you were one of the bright spots on the team . you stood up when things were not right . I love m falcons but they are tainted right now i really dont know what direction the team is headed but thanks for the years.
Rod you were a beast in the middle with grady . we went from one of the best front d line ( kerney, grady , coleman, abraham )to garbage . i just hope brooking is next it make no sense why he is still on team
By CHawk12thMan
February 22, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
The Seahawks would be the right fit. They need a good, proven TE and Alge fits that bill. This can work out just like Moss did for the Pats this past season. He isn’t even close to being done with a great career and if the Hawks got him, he would certainly prove that to be true. The Offense the Hawks play is a perfect match for his talents, as well. Win-Win from my perspective. Go Hawks!