Sports Columnists

By Rimfire

March 6, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Amen to that! Lord, please send us leadership to direct the Spirit to know the truth…

By Harry The Hawk

March 6, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

This ownership has proven time and again that they are a joke. They can’t even decide who really owns the franchises much less hire competent people to run them. Do the city of Atlanta a favor Spirit and get out of town! You guys are a disgrace to both the NBA and NHL and these franchises will continue to be mired in mediocrity as long as you run them! I hear Bozo and Cookie are available since they no longer run the Grand Prize Game!

By diamond dave

March 6, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Atlanta is the WORST sports franchise city in America. Hawks and Thrashers have so much talent and absolutely no leadership.

Want to send a message to the owners…boycott remaining games of both teams…maybe the owner will give up and look to sell once and for all.

By Peter

March 6, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Sell the team…….that would be good for Atlanta Fans in general……..this organization has proven to be total losers in every way.

By B. Thenet

March 6, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

I suspect the ASG will get the message once they see how few Hawks and Thrashers STH renew their seats.

You can make a strong case that this is the worst ownership group in all of professional sports.

By yr 9 of 15yr PLAN phase 2 the rebuild

March 6, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

the ASG is pathetic….the people they hired to run the teams are pathetic and so the teams are pathetic.

By yr 9 of 15yr PLAN phase 2 the rebuild

March 6, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

the ASG is running a SCAM, they the fans to pay more while they spend less. If you buy tickets you support the scam.

By cee

March 6, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

hey like mike gerrand or whateva is name is said if we got chris paul we wouldnt have the joy of having acie and horford

By Howard

March 6, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Season ticketholder Town Hall with DW tomorrow should be interesting. Maybe he will announce he is stepping down :-) If not, we should all advise we are not renewing. I am a day one STH and no longer can provide my support to this organization and frankly don’t believe they care if STH leave.

Now that they can’t blackmail us with playoff tickets, we should hold our money until October and see if they actual make improvements. We have the leverage now, lets use it and force them to do something - if they build it we will come.

This team has performed poorly all year. Outshot 75% of the games, slow/sloppy line changes, always outworked in the corners, other teams cycle while we dump and chase, need I say more? Hartley, DW and Brad have not been the answer.

By Left to Right

March 6, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Is there any way the David Stern can step in and take over control of the Hawks? I would also hope the NHL could step in with the Thrashers, but I don’t the league is strong enough to stand up to a team’s ownership, even an ownership as bad as the Spirit.

The Spirit are easily the worst owners any Atlanta professional team has ever had—think of that.

By Joe

March 6, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Mark, the problem is not the GM’s, it is the owners. They are too poor to own the teams individually and there is not one of them who is the leader of the group. I still do not know why Stearn and Bettman allowed this arrangement to start with, but they need to be dissolved.

By Left to Right

March 6, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Is there any way David Stern can step in and take over control of the Hawks? I would also hope the NHL could step in with the Thrashers, but I don’t think the league is strong enough to stand up to a team’s ownership, even an ownership as bad as the Spirit.

The Spirit are easily the worst owners any Atlanta professional team has ever had—think of that.

By yellowjax

March 6, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Is David McDavid still interested in this wretched lot?

By Tim

March 6, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

I have been their since the start (‘99), but next year I am NOT going to be a STH that is for sure. I will be interested to see #s of fans that do renew. This is a bad product that I am not buying.

By Rob

March 6, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Wow, what a waste of time that was last night. Classic GUTLESS outing by the Thrashers. Ex was a MESS along with all of our D men. Forwards were dropping BACK when we were in the offensive zone. Total confusion, ZERO disipline. I loved DW going crazy about the no whistle puck cover up. Hmmm, I’m thinking PLAY UNTIL THE WHISTLE BLOWS, Carolina did, Atlanta didn’t. Coaching??? I think so. WOW, I was lost for words last night.If I wanted to watch a gutless, no hitting team that goes through the motions, I’d pay to see the Falcons. Bradley, it’s about time for you and the AJC to start squezing this pitiful ownership group. Not sure what is taking you so long, but keep it up. Get Shultz (ugh) and Moore (ugh) to get off their respective arses and start HAMMERING the ASG.

By Sara

March 6, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Mark I think you’ve hit the nail on the head more than you realize.

While there have certainly been missteps by both GMs, there almost certainly has to be bigger questions about ownership and what role they have played in the ineptnes of both franchises. The ASG has been a mess for years. Aside from the in-fighting, there has been a diminished quality in both sports products as well as in the arena itself. And the only element those three things have in common is ownership. Nevermind the decrease in perks for STHs, not too mention the general public even (the giveaways this season for Thrasher games at least are well below the standards of previous years).

Prior ownership was no better as AOL/TW showed little to no interest in either the Hawks or the Thrashers.

While it takes smart management to field/ice competitive teams, more importantly it takes a true commitment from ownership to be willing to spend the money it takes and take other necessary steps to ensure the success of a franchise.

Just last night, listening to the commentators for the Carolina Hurricanes, they had a lot of good things to say about Waddell, including the fact he is a respected GM in this league among his peers. By no means has he been perfect, but he has absolutely been handicapped in his ability to bring in top-notch talent by ownership’s apparent unwillingness to pay for it. Issues like that are not going to be solved no matter who you bring in to run the club.

Until ASG either changes its business model or sells this team to owners more committed (or better prepared to commit) to winning franchises, nothing is going to change.

By Who Cares

March 6, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

It’s over for BOTH Thrashers & Hawks until new GM & Coaches are found and a NEW OWNER, NOT Owners !!!!!!!!

By Patman

March 6, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, on ths rare occasion, has it absolutely right. I never thought that an organization would come along that would make the Knicks and Clippers look good but ehre are the Atlanta Spirit. They are worse than a bad joke, they’re an absolute disgrace and the sooner they get out of town, the better. Since Oklahoma City is looking for a team I would suggest the Hawks but, then again, that still leaves them without a sports framchise.

By Season ticket Sonny

March 6, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Watching Wadddell go bonkers from the bench last night was truly the last act of a deseperate man. By the way, how the team react to that bit of buffoonery? Count me in as a STH NON-RENEWAL!

By Old School Al

March 6, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL… FIRE WADDELL… FIRE WADDELL… FIRE WADDELL…after that, FIRE WADDELL!

By Bob

March 6, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Does ownership, such as it is, bring back GM Don Waddell, who has been in place for a decade and has one playoff appearance - and no postseason wins - to show for it?

Oh, oh, pick me, pick me, I know the answer Mr. Bradley!

Uh, they’re be completely incompetent if they didn’t fire Waddell.

The Spirit is dysfunctional, that is clear, but they have given Waddell enough money to ice a competitive club. They spent max cap the first two years they owned the club, and it got them nowhere. The problem is not the money being spent, it’s the GM that is not spending the money wisely and drafting the right guys.

I don’t follow the Hawks closely, but it looks like the same situation, the money is there, but they have a bad GM and a bad coach.

By T

March 6, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Best scenario would be for this idiots to move the teams to a new city. Atlanta doesn’t need them and would be better off without them.

By drew

March 6, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

i think don waddell should be kept in some role with the team as he is well-respected around the league. do like the falcons did with rich mckay, move him upstairs and totally start over with new coaches, gm and scouting. what they are doing now is not working. as far as asg overall, they need a decide if they want to be in the sports business to win. they lost a lot of credibility with the dismissal of bernie mullen. i still do not understand that move.

By Long Suffering

March 6, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

I was STH for the Thrashers from day 1. But I only bought a voucher pass last year and nothing this year. Additionally, I will not go back until the overall “Philips Experience” is changed from pandering to the lowest common denominator of human intelligence.

By Bernie Mullin

March 6, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Suckers.

By What are you thinking?!

March 6, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

If either of these teams leaves Atlanta, I will personally headbutt every idiot who suggested it, even jokingly. Do you REALLY want to lose pro sports in this city?! Think about that. Stupid!

By kshizzle

March 6, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Born and raised here. This has been the worst years for Hawks, even worse then the Babcock years. It’s real encouraging to keep getting beat by teams with good point guards. Especially New Orleans who’s point guard should have been a Hawk. Marvin Williams instead of Chris Paul?????? Not only did we draft another 6’9” guy (when we already had the two Josh’s), we passed on 3 top 5 point guards a position we actually needed????? Marvin Williams did not start for UNC when he played. His value was the all powerful “potential”, which obviously was incorrectly judged vs Chris Paul who was clearly already the quickest and most talented scoring point guard in college basketball with room to improve. (something you need in the NBA) That was the most monumental failure in NBA draft history. Isn’t Billy Knight to be held accountable for that? New Orleans is the 3rd best team in the powerful West because of Chris Paul. Not to mention Williams with the Jazz. Billy Knight is clearly not a good GM, why does he have this job unless the whole plan with the Hawks is to drive them into the ground. He’s doing a fine job of that.

By Rob

March 6, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Nice with the name calling. Nobody wants these teams to leave, we are just tired of the beatings, the bungled drafts, the poor GM’s, the poor coaching, the poor ownership. I lived in LA for 5 years and for the Hawks to be compared to the Clips is just about right. I thought that no franchise could be as bad as Donald Sterling and that wretched franchise, but the Hawks have taken the cake on that. As for the Thrashers, DW has had his chances, ownership or not the NHL has set it up to develop your own talent. We can talk about money all you want but the fact is if you draft well you have a good chance in the NHL. DW has shown repeatadly over the years that he CANNOT draft. Therefore we are in the situation we are in. He cannot draft. That is the bottom line. High picks for all these years and we have virtually nothing to show for it. Sad.

By alsim

March 6, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

I question whether the Spirit Group really wants to win. The Clippers are one of te most pathetic NBA programs but owner Donald Sterling has found a formula where he can make money regardless of the team’s record. I think these carpetbaggers are doing the same here in Atlanta.

By smartguy

March 6, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Long Suffering, I am very similar to you on the Hawks’ side. I went to many, many games for several years, but stopped at the end of last year, and have not been to a game yet this year.

Watching (and cheering for) a Mike Woodson coached team is more like punishment than enjoyment or entertainment. Its so easy to see, and so obvious to most observers, yet the Spirit are too stupid, too broke, or just doesn’t care.

I am dying to go see my favorite team play in person, but I just can’t do it to myself as long as Woody is in charge.

Steve Belkin gets smarter, and more right, by the day.

By bigeasy830

March 6, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

I wrote sometimes ago that the Hawks would fall at least 10 games below .500 and they did , I said check the schedule. Now I am telling you they will win 40 games this year and make the playoffs as the 6th seed they may win 41. Check the schedule. The will have an easier road now. The cannot beat a good team but have beaten teams that are under .500. As crazy as it sounds as long as Woody has not lost total control of this team they will be close to .500 at seasons end. No worst that 3 Games under.

P.S. RIP Snoop, Omar, Prop Joe, Butchie, earlier seasons Bodie, Wallace, Deangelo, and Frank Sabotka

A bird on “THE WIRE” says you “WAY DOWN IN THE HOLE”

By Don

March 6, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

ASG needs to sell, the future is very bleak with this group in control. However, i’m sure that the ownership could not agree on who to sell to, when to sell, and what price, even if they are willing.

By Dumbing Down

March 6, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

I just can’t catch the spirit. And then I get an email letter fom the owners (signed by Levenson) explaining the Hossa move. What a joke. No one read it prior to sending it out, after an EIGHT GAME LOSING STREAK? The owners are lucky. This is a “punk town” when it comes to sports. Practically everyone is from somewhere else, so the owners get a pass in many areas. They would be hung in effigy if they were in a “real” sports town (Philly for example).

By MIKE

March 6, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Born and raised here. Gave up on the Hawk’s a couple of years ago. However I’ve been a Thrasher season ticket holder from the beginning. And this team is so lost right now with one person to blame. WADDELL!!! Come on. How do let Hossa leave and you have one of the best young players in the game with Kovy. Please get some real leadership in the front office soon.

By Mark Bradley

March 6, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

To bigeasy830: Let’s not forget Stringer Bell.

By RICK

March 6, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

I have tickets tomorrow nite and the only reason I am going is it is my daughter’s b-day and I promised her. i will not spend another penny on the Thrashers until Waddell is gone. Enough is enough. How many years does he get? the TEAM (and I use that word loosely)has quit on the coach and themselves. You cannot fire the team so ASG needs to do the right thing. Another thing, don’t bring up the kids as they might win some games and ruin our draft position. There are a couple of guys who play hard every game, the rest are collecting paychecks. This comes from the top. I am through with this team until some changes are made.

By NASCAR Dave

March 6, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

STEP 1: FIRE WADDELL AS COACH.
STEP 2: FIRE MCCRIMMON AS COACH.
STEP 3: FIRE WADDELL AS GM.
STEP 4: BRING UP JOHN ANDERSON FROM THE CHICAGO WOLVES TO COACH THE REST OF SEASON.
STEP 5: HIRE PAT QUINN AS GM.

STEP 6: NASCAR DAVE AND FAMILY BUYS SEASON TICKETS.

FIRE WADDELL!

FIRE WADDELL!

FIRE WADDELL!

By yr 9 of 15yr PLAN phase 2 the rebuild

March 6, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

BOTH TO BLAME..Waddell and the ASG. If ASG won’t spend and Waddell is in a corner he should come out and say it! There is no way Waddell is blameless. If you review the Thrashers first round draft picks or what we received when the pick or the draft position was traded he has not done a good job at all.

By Sasquach

March 6, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

We have this saying in the woods: a fish rots from the head down. What we need to figure out is where the head of the fish is and how far down the rot has spread.

By Clarence Campbell

March 6, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

The only two guys who have lifetime jobs are The Pope and Don “Tremendous Upside” Waddell.

By WW5

March 6, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

WELL MARK, EVEN A BLIND SQUIREL MANAGES TO FIND A NUT ONCE IN A WHILE, AND A STOPPED WATCH IS RIGHT TWICE A DAY. NEED I GO ON?

By Conga

March 6, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

I think that the Hawks and Thrashers need to move to another city, so that Atlanta can clean it’s hands of basketball & hockey and focus it’s attention on the Braves and Falcons from now on!

By yr 9 of 15yr PLAN phase 2 the rebuild

March 6, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

SIMPLE SOLUTION, the fans do not realize the power they hold. Without fans these francises have no value. Without readers Mark Bradely and the AJC has no value. VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLARS AND TIME. I will from this point forward refuse to watch on tv or buy a hawks or thrashers ticket. I am not going to renew my trash season tickets. I am not going to blog at ajc or read any hawks/thrashers article. I do not feel the AJC has been critical enough with the owners and gm’s of these francises. Best wishes to all fellow bloggers! Goodbye til real change happens. Ilya K. Best wishes to all of you!

By EJH

March 6, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

If both of these franchises being the Hawks and Thrashers are mirror images of each other as for as losses, the blame then has to go on the ownership group. This franchise is indeed the L.A Clippers of the east, draft good talent and let it go elsewhere in free agency, because this ownership group can not afford to retain the talent. They are lucky they have Horford and Law, because that means they do not have to pay them big contracts until the next three years, which mean they to will leave as free agents just as both Josh Smith and Childress will do this summer. Ownership is the reasons for this mess, not the GM’s or the Coaches. Come on Ted Turner buy these two teams back, at least Mr. Turner was one owner and not 7 different owners.

By LAC

March 6, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

I held season tickets until last season, now I will NOT until waddell is GONE.

These “owners” you could use a bunch of more fitting or colorful words to describe them for sure, have no clue as to what a mess these two teams are in.

It is beyond belief they do not make changes. I guess it will make them “look bad” and weak if they do… Strong OWNERS make thecorrect changes and waddell has far outlived his usefullness in this town.

I still call rutherford snydel or what ever his real name is a LIAR for his comments opening night, a Total JOKE of a “man” and nothing but a stupid Georgia Goober.

They are always in hiding and never, never confront the issues at hand, just like a bunch of little kids which the are.

Until they are Gone, waddell gone, the Thrashers will remain the JOKE of the NHL.

Lastly, tripp tracy you little p*** wimp, you know NOTHING about professional hockey, you are as bad a color guy as waddell is GM, how Carolina keeps you around is beyond me, so keep your mouth shut about our team and here’s hoping you go out in the first round !

By NASCAR Dave

March 6, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

THESE PATHETIC PUKES MAKE ME SICK!!!

THIS SORRY EXCUSE OF A TEAM DWAD CREATED IS MISERABLE! WADDELL MUST BE FIRED! NOW! FIRE MCCRIMMON WITH HIM. THEY BOTH SUCK!!!

I AM TIRED OF WATCHING THIS TEAM GET OUTSKATED, OUTSHOT, OUTHIT EVERY DAMN NIGHT!!!

A BUNCH OF WIMPS! PANTY WEARING WIMPS! YEAH I’M TALKIN TO YOU TRASHERS. AND I’D SAY IT TO YOUR FACE TOO.

ATLANTA TRASHERS ARE **F%$##ING BABIES!!! TOTAL GUTLESS COWARDS! AND WHAT IS THE COMMON THREAD? WADDELL.

FIRE WADDELL NOW!

I AM BOYCOTTING THIS TEAM UNTIL WADDELL IS GONE.

NUFF SAID.

By Clueless

March 6, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Alexi Zhitnik- need I say anything else. You go Donny Boy!~!

By Terry in Dahlonega

March 6, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

The best way to go about this for the ASG is to just fire them all. Fire Waddel as GM of Thrashers. Fire Knight as GM of the Hawks.

Also fire the 2 coaches, McCrimmon and Woodson.

Then start all over. And hope you regain the respect of the fans.

When does baseball season start? Go Braves!

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 6, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

It’s way past time for Woody and Billy to be fired.

Oh yeah, don’t forget Lex, Stinkum, Brandon, Fruit, and the person/people who die in the leaked final episode (which is available for download at pirate bay by the way).

By Adam

March 6, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Wow Bradley. Way to make my day man…jeez.

By Brendan

March 6, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

I bet, if you asked the Atlanta Spirit Group, if they had a “P.R.” problem, they’d say, “No. We just have an internal matter to straighten out. But our relationship with the public and our fans is ‘Rock Solid.’” And see, isn’t that the crux of the problem? They don’t have a “handle” on ANYTHING!

These are a probably decent-enough fellows. They “pooled their money together” and swooped in at the 11th hour to take two teams, and rights to an arena, that David McDavid couldn’t or wouldn’t finance. What they’ve discovered is … “too many chefs spoil the soup.” And, they’ve also learned that owning a professional sports team isn’t easy. Especially when there are two of them. And the word “accountability” exists in every English Dictionary.

Here’s what they could do, but won’t. They could agree to meet with Belkin and finally settle this matter, once and for all. Keep offering Belkin a buyout offer, until he accepts it. Or, sell all the teams and the operating rights to the Arena, and split the profit based on the percentage invested in it when it was purchased.

Either way, Belkin gets paid and is sent on his merry way, a very rich man. None of this will happen, however. As Belkin “thinks” he’s going to get these teams AT COST. Which, I think is ridiculous. He’s doing more harm to his investment than he would be to just accept a lucrative buyout offer. But, I don’t really know what the truth is.

I know this much. If the Hawks and Thrashers don’t make managerial changes, nothing will change. And if they hire or fire coaches first, they’ve just made more headaches for the “new” GM’s. If the ASG has a brain among them, they’ll just hire two GM’s and get out of the way! The new Hawks GM and the new Thrashers GM will then hire/fire coaches and hire/fire scouts, and then the teams can begin to flourish again. But that hinges on these new GMs making good decisions, and getting the ASG to finance them.

When that happens, the paying customers will return, in droves, and it will be a “happy day” and a “profitable” one for the ASG.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 6, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

And Little Kevin, Old Face Andre, and George “Double G” Glekas.

By Krib

March 6, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

PLEASE NO MORE CHRIS PAUL TALK!!! DEAL WITH IT. LETS MOVE ON. THE REALITY IS THAT IF WE HAD GOTTEN CHRIS, WE WOULD NOT HAVE AL !!!. IF I SEE ONE MORE ARTICLE SAYING ” WE MISSED ON CHRIS PAUL, I AM GOING TO SCREAM!!”.THIS IS 3 YEARS LATER AND WE ARE STILL POUTING!!. IS DETRIOT POUTING ABOUT MISSING ON DWADE, CARMELO AND CHRIS BOSH!!…NO!.

By STEVE BELKIN

March 6, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Okay to anyone that will listen: THE COLD HARD TRUTH DID YOU KNOW?

That Phillips arena was the number 3 rated arena in the country for the second year in a row for show and concert sales!(Behind Staples and Madison Square Gardens) Imagine they would be #1 if the Hawks drew over 500 a night!

So with this knowledge, it is no wonder the Spirit group could care less that the sports team suck, or the fact that they are 25% under the salary cap on each team….They are making money on all the concerts, wrestling , ice shows and others. They got the arena in the original deal which is what they wanted…Trust me people these guys are not the d******* they appear to be…..they are not losing money at all!

By woody

March 6, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

You dont get it do you.

The reason they have the Thrashers is here is so opposing team’s fans ,that live in Atlanta, can see their team beat up on the Thrashers.

You should try it just root for the visitor and you will be guaranteed a better experience.

By woody

March 6, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

You dont get it do you.

The reason they have the Thrashers is here is so opposing team’s fans ,that live in Atlanta, can see their team beat up on the Thrashers.

You should try it just root for the visitor and you will be guaranteed a better experience.

By woody

March 6, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

You dont get it do you.

The reason they have the Thrashers here is so opposing team’s fans ,that live in Atlanta, can see their team beat up on the Thrashers.

You should try it just root for the visitor and you will be guaranteed a better experience.

By woody

March 6, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

You dont get it do you.

The reason they have the Thrashers here is so opposing team’s fans ,that live in Atlanta, can see their team beat up on the Thrashers.

You should try it just root for the visitor and you will be guaranteed a better experience.

By GaVaHokie

March 6, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

If they fire Waddell and hire Pat Quinn there will be a “for sale” sign infront of the arena the next day… Pat Quinn does not work well with ownership. Just imagine him working with THIS ownership.

Quinn is used to working in Toronto where he got everything he wanted.

You guys have no idea what you’re asking for. Firing the only guy in the organization who has a good reputation in the industry? Real smart!

You guys complain about the retread players, and now you want a re-tread GM? Funny!

By scribe

March 6, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Blow both of these disasters up and start over. I have no desire to see either team play

By Who the hell runs this team?

March 6, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

It’s after lunchtime….let’s hope ASG burps; checks the standings (they might lose that lunch); then FIRES WADDELL!

By Don Cherry

March 6, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Did Waddell get wacked yet? I’m putting off playing with my famous dog ‘Blue’ waiting for the phone to ring!

By a

March 6, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

I AGREE WITH NASCAR DAVE! THE THRASHERS ARE TOO DAMN SOFT! THEY NEED TO GET SOME HEART AND PLAY HARDER!

By T-Bone

March 6, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

I was a STH since day one of the Thrshers and after trade deadline day returned my invoice for next season marked cancel. I would have expected to get a phone call to try and talk me out of the decision but to date nothing but silence from my ticket rep. Gotta love the service from that group. And these hastily scheduled Town Hall Meetings and Family Skates on Saturday smack of rank desperation to goose renewals. Too obvious fellas! That should have been stuff you were doing all season, not the week of renewal deadline.

By a

March 6, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

I AGREE WITH NASCAR DAVE! THE THRASHERS ARE TOO DAMN SOFT! THEY NEED TO GET SOME HEART AND PLAY HARDER!

By a

March 6, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

I AGREE WITH NASCAR DAVE! THE THRASHERS ARE TOO DAMN SOFT! THEY NEED TO GET SOME HEART AND PLAY HARDER!

By Ex-ST Holder

March 6, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, Just got back from lunch! Waddell been fired yet?

By a

March 6, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

does anyone agree?

By GaVaHokie

March 6, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Waddell needs to fire McCrimmon and Dan Marr… they need a coach and a scout who are on the same page. How can you expect your prospects to suceed at the pro level when you’re playing a completely different style in the minors?

By kurtz

March 6, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Steve Belkin, using your logic, playoff dates that would need to be scheduled for the Thrashers or Hawks would most likely impact ASG profitablility negatively. Maybe the Atlanta teams could try to join the SEC.

By NASCAR Dave

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

does anyone agree?

HELL YEAH, BROTHER! I’VE BEEN B++++ING ABOUT IT ALL SEASON!

WE ARE SOFT, WEAK, WIMPS!

WHO SIGNED THESE GUYS?

FIRE WADDELL!

By Henry Bibby

March 6, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

The Spirit needs to go. That said, do you think Wyche or D. Orlando will ever post a fresh blog entry? It’s 10 days and counting.

By richbrave

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

MARK BRADLEY:

Reference to your query about firing GM or Coach. Whom do we see about firing the REAL problem, the ASG?

By Mark Bradley

March 6, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

And let’s not forget Bubbles’ friends Sherrod and Johnny. And please, no spoilers about Sunday night — I’m already depressed enough by the thought of losing both “The Sopranos” and “The Wire” in the course of nine months.

By Howard

March 6, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

It would be nice to see Knight, Waddell, and Woodson go but to think that would remedy the situation is shortsighted. It is the owners that have to go. They don’t know what they are doing and they don’t want to invest what it takes to make a winner. I am not renewing my Thrashers tickets because they won’t spend any money. They even cut the prizes on the spin the wheel at the games and nobody participates in that anymore.

By rj

March 6, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

We are still suffering from the Hartley syndrome [ stuck in the 80’s ]. Come summer hopefully DW will find a coach [ and assistants ] along the lines a Therion [ Pit. ]. A coach ready for the NHL of 2009 not 1989.

With our draft picks and developing players we can easily turn it around next year much like the Penguins did this year. Get a progressive coach and say goodbye to the coasting old guys and hello to some hustling, hitting young guns.

BLAM - Playoffs easy in 09. Just get the right coaching staff.

By Scott

March 6, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Brendon (12:41 entry) is the only one who has even come up with anything decent to suggest. The current ownership situation is completely disfunctional, and with the way they are hemmoraging, they’re headed for even worse times ahead.

However, I really believe I have a solution to the Hawks/Thrashers ownership snafu…..SPLIT THE BABY!!

Belkin has always “dreamed” (in his words) of being an NBA owner, but I’ve never heard him even speak of the NHL, and the rest of the Spirit Group are a great bunch of guys, but seemingly in over their heads.

So, here goes: Belkin gets the Hawks, the ASG gets the Thrashers, and we get out of court and back to the business of running the businesses. The net worth can’t be too far apart, and should be somewhat easily worked out. Both sides win and both sides lose, but the teams and fans both WIN.

As it’s going, both groups will be bankrupt soon anyway and have to sell out. Compromising gives them both a chance to survive and possibly succeed.

Bottom line: egos must be put aside, and common sense take over.

By Ex Season Tix Holder

March 6, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Atlanta Spririt - the “Standard of Incompetency.” Bad people + bad decisions = bad teams. Waddell is a bad GM that has hand-picked mostly bad players. I hope he’s not around to waste our next draft picks! But really, what does it matter. Thios team will be sold to a Hamilton, Ontario group.

By Hawknomore

March 6, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

BOYCOTT!!! A total boycott of the Hawks and Thrashers is what is needed. What a poor excuse for ownership. The Atlanta Spirit is “clueless”. I think the Falcons have tunred this thing around but in reality who really gives a *&^% about the NBA anyway. It has become the &^%$# Brothers Association and Hockey in the South, who cares.

By Sam

March 6, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

You are so right Nascar Dave. Is it youth? Do the players not realize what the rest of people make actually working their butts off. I am so tired of watching them give it much less than 100% every night as they collect their healthy paychecks.

By Sasquach

March 6, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Why don’t I hate Bradley like I hate Schultz and Moore? Maybe because he’s not an a$$-hat. Seriously, I love the Thrashers, but something must be done…heart transplant, lobotomy, Zhitnikectomy…something.

By Poor White Thrash

March 6, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Scott, Brendan, Everyone

ASG wouldn’t give up the Hawks to keep the Thrashers and in that scenario, which side gets to keep the Arena Cash Cow?

NHL teams receive nothing substantial from television contracts, whereas NBA teams certainly do.

Versus pays NHL teams roughly $2 million per team per year, while NBC’s deal is based upon advertising revenues only after production costs for NHL broadcasts.

Canadian rights paid by RDS, TSN and CBC go primarily to Canadian teams but they’re not providing an additional $28 million per team.

Even for ASG, it’s tough to lose money on the Hawks if they’re spotted $30 million each season.

Fact is there is only one person charged with making personnel decisions for the Thrashers and the Hawks. Both have shown few strengths and many glaring weaknesses.

They’ve had more than ample time to make an impact. In Waddell’s case it has been 10 years, because he was “on the job” prior to the Thrashers first season.

Allow me to demonstrate the chant that should echo from the rafters tomorrow night, and every night through the end of the season at Philips:

Good-night Don-nie, Good-night Don-nie, Good-night Don-nie, you’re going to leave us now!

By Boulton's Bruisers

March 6, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

If they are smart, they’ll fire Waddell before the Minnesota Wild game, a team that Waddell’s Thrashers have NEVER beaten. EVER.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 6, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Damn, so the Thrashers have a guy whose name starts with a Z from the Soviet bloc who sucks too? Looks like the Hawks and Thrashers have more in common than previously thought…

By Rocco Malone

March 6, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Man it sucks to be a Hawks fan. Every year i say this is the year. If I had $300 million I would buy this team. I am only $299,999,500 short. We (Hawks Fans) need to make a change. I hate losing and I am sicked tired of it. I’m finish with being a Hawk this year. I will return next year with a new coach, new GM, and a better team. Fire Billy and Woody. FIRE BILL AND WOODY AND OWENERSHIP.

By smartguy

March 6, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Najeh, you are definitely the funniest, man. That post from SS’s blog about Emmit Smith was hilarious. The similarities between the Hawks and the Thrashers are more than coincidental.

The Hawks ended up with better players (probably by luck), but the leadership from coaching to owners is pitifully inadequate, yet they seem more entrenched than ever. They have no problem “letting go” people in the front office, but when it comes to performance on the court/ice, the ASG is woefully slow and stubborn to react.

By bart

March 6, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

So, Bradley this must be the easiest topic for column that has come along in months. How did you get lucky and draw this one? Schultz and Moore should ragging you for a long time on this one.

By woodie

March 6, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

How did these ASG guys become successful on their own ? They are like Keystone Cops. Surely they are playing with daddy’s money.

By BeachGaBulldog

March 6, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

I laugh everytime this sorry a* excuse for a hockey team loses. I keep hoping the franchise will fold. I grew up watching the Flames, and I was a HUGE FAN, win or lose. When they left, I said to hell with hockey here for good. I tried to get into the Thrashers when they started, but never could. The whole organization is a G** JOKE! I live in a town that has a winning hockey team, in addition to championships in all 4 major sports, and no not N.Y. I would rather take an enema in that cesspool city!

By Jim

March 6, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

I predict the NHL will be out of Atlanta within 3-5 years and hopefully another city such as Las Vegas will get the Hawks out of Atlanta. We will be better off with just Pro Football, Baseball and College Sports as it is.

By Jim

March 6, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

I predict the NHL will be out of Atlanta within 3-5 years and hopefully another city such as Las Vegas will get the Hawks out of Atlanta. We will be better off with just Pro Football, Baseball and College Sports as it is.

By Jim

March 6, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

Woodson and Waddell are non-inspirational coaches who have failed to get the most out of their troops. Both teams seem to be going through the motions although the Hawks shold spurts of hustle. The Thrash have folded the tent and many of the players have already gone home. Perfect time to save some headhunting fees by combining the coach/GM searches into one effort. Good-bye Donnie, Billy and your assistants- you have failed miserably.

By Jameson

March 6, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Wait, wait, wait… How does Mark know that Knight and Woodson are under contract through June 30th? I could’ve sworn that the terms of manger and coach contracts were not disclosed by the ASG, and were highly regarded as national security secrets.

By Joe

March 7, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

ALL FANS LETS NOT GO TO HAWKS GAMES UNTIL WE SEE SOME PINK SLIPS!!!

By bigeasy830

March 7, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

How could I forget about Stringer. I thought about him after I sent the post. I did not forget about Sharrod, but that was Bubbles burden to carry. I have watched the final episode but I will not play spoiler. It’s great to know a another fan of the Hawks is also a fan of Great TV. The other bad news is it looks as if Woody has lost control of the team and also looks as if the Bulls and Wizards may be getting it together. The Bulls through trades and the Wizards are getting healthy. Go Hawks your shedule is favorable now so you better take advantage of it. Also, if we do not make the palyoffs wouldn’t it just suck if our pick ended up being the first pick in the draft or a top 5 pick, we could have had a great chance at Mayo, Rose,Beasley,Gordon or Super Soph point guard DJ Augustin. DJ may end up beng as good as CP3.

By Crazy Diamond

March 7, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

They are making money on all the concerts, wrestling , ice shows and others. They got the arena in the original deal which is what they wanted… Philips Arena may be a profit maker but it cannot cover the losses of two franchises. When ASG says they lost $20 million in court papers in th Belkin case, believe it.

They bought the teams at a bargin price from Time Warner with a business plan to fund the losses for a few years. As soon as the Belkin deal blew up, they were off the plan. Belkin has not put up cash since.

NHL continues to be a lost cause profit wise in too many cities, including Atlanta. Too bad for us.

Hawks can make money if they win - given the right players on the court and the right coach. We have neither, yet. Gotta spend in the NBA to achieve.

Like you said: Heaven help us.

By Joshua

March 7, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Look forget the Larry Brown talk it’s just talk , What the Hawks should do is promote Dominique to GM , Hey it worked with Joe Dumars and Kevin McHale . And Isiah was great in Toronto . Let him go out and find us a coach . Shouldv’e known that this team ain’t making the playoff for at least five more years after Childress and Joshua Smith leave this off season and Bibby’s traded to a contender . I think I’m going to be a Bobcats fan if this continues .

By Joshua

March 7, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Look forget the Larry Brown talk it’s just talk , What the Hawks should do is promote Dominique to GM , Hey it worked with Joe Dumars and Kevin McHale . And Isiah was great in Toronto . Let him go out and find us a coach . Shouldv’e known that this team ain’t making the playoff for at least five more years after Childress and Joshua Smith leave this off season and Bibby’s traded to a contender . I think I’m going to be a Bobcats fan if this continues .

By terrell barron

March 7, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

The Spirit probably made Billy select Marvin because Paul would want too much money after his rookie contract was up. lol!

By Sasquach

March 7, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

I would rather see a crappy hockey game than a great football game any day.

By David Robertson

March 7, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Will the Atlanta Thrashers be for sale soon?

By devin

March 7, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

VERY SIMPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BBOYCOTTOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT. UNTIL THEY HIRE A COACH/GM WITH NBA EXPERIENCE NOT A FIRST TIMER!!!!!!!!! I REFUSE TO SEE OR BUY ANY TICKETS!!!

By devin

March 7, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

DOMINIQUE IS A GREAT PLAYER BUT FAR AS COACH/GM..NO WAY..LOOK AT HIS HISTORY OF BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS. HE IS A TERRIBLE BUSINESSMAN..LOOK AT HIS PUBLIC RECORDS AND JUDGE FOR YOURSELF…WE NEED SOMEONE WITH EXPERIENCE AND WITH ACCOMPLISHMENT.

By The Realist

March 7, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Hmmm…amazing how Bradley can write this kind of article & receive “amen’s” while T. Moorre is accused of being “negative” when he does the same. ANYWHO…I’ve been watching the Hawks for years & I must admit they look as hopeless as I’ve ever seen. Bradley’s right, with ownership, they really are a mess from top to bottom!

By David

March 7, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

I am interested in buying the Atlanta Thrashers.

this is not a joke I am very serious about buying this team.

Here is my e-mail address davidmullally2007-08@hotmail.com

By Corliss

March 7, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers simply need to go. The novelty act has long since worn off and due to these clowns in ownership, the Thrashers are getting what they deserve. The worse thing that could have happened is the Atlanta Knights winning their ch