AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > March > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKeeping Waddell makes no sense
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
At the end of this Thrashers season, Don Waddell likely will be subjected to some sort of performance review.
We can’t know if owners will conduct separate reviews for each of Waddell’s jobs: executive vice president, general manager, temp coach. But given that he hasn’t helped create a significant hockey market in Atlanta, nor has excelled in player development, nor will coach his handpicked players to the playoffs this season, one failing grade should cover all three areas.
Most amazing is that we actually have to ask the question: Will he be back?
Logic says no. But logic seldom carries the vote in this organization. Logic shows up only on grainy black-and-white photographs, sort of like Sasquatch.
Last month, Waddell and owners shot down a report that he had been given a three-year extension. Yet, in a recent spin-mail to Thrashers fans following the Marian Hossa trade, owners spread sunshine about the team’s future, gave no hint of replacing Waddell as GM and punctuated the letter with: “Our summer agenda will also include solidifying a head coach who will take us to the next level.”
Now, I don’t know if Waddell has done much prepping for his review. But he didn’t act the part Monday. When asked how he would respond if owners asked him to justify being brought back, he said: “I don’t think I need to justify anything to them. They’re smart people.”
Sorry. Those thoughts don’t intersect.
Only eight NHL general managers have held their position since the 1999-2000 season. Only Waddell hasn’t won a playoff game. Three of the other seven have won Stanley Cups (New Jersey’s Lou Lamoriello, Detroit’s Ken Holland, Carolina’s Jim Rutherford). Another has reached the Cup finals (Buffalo’s Darcy Regier). Another is bidding for his fourth straight playoff season (Nashville’s David Poile).
Nashville and Minnesota, two other recent expansion teams, have had more success and stability than Atlanta. Columbus, the other recent newbie, floundered. So it fired GM Doug MacLean. Go figure.
When asked why he didn’t feel he needed to justify his job to owners, Waddell said: “They know our situation here.”
Which is?
“You’ve seen it.”
Tell me.
“There’s lots of things. We didn’t have the start we wanted to have.”
And?
“That’s it. There’s lots of things. But I’m not going to sit here and talk about that with you. What I talk to them about, I’m not going to share with you.”
But beyond the 0-6 start, what else …
“There’s lots of things. But nothing I can share with you.”
Michael Gearon, the most grounded of the Atlanta Spirit owners, did not return phone messages Monday.
Just as well. It’s better that Gearon rest now before asking Waddell why an organization that has drafted near the top for so many years recently had its group of prospects ranked 23rd by a Web site, HockeysFuture.com.
Better that he rest now before asking Waddell why Hossa, despite loving Atlanta, didn’t feel good about the team’s future and wouldn’t re-sign.
Better that he rest now before asking Waddell what’s to stop Ilya Kovalchuk from leaving as a free agent in two years.
Waddell always has been an optimist. But there’s a line between optimism and believing in the Easter Bunny. When asked Monday about how he viewed his sliding team’s reaction to the trade deadline, he said, “Well, we’ve gotten points in five out of six games.”
It sounds better than saying, “We’ve won one out of six games.”
This team, which Waddell believed was train-wrecked by Bob Hartley and superior to last year’s, has won only 7 of 22 games since mid-January and 19 of 49 since mid-November.
Justify that.
As coach, he has lapsed into expansion clichés. He actually said, “We’re still a young franchise,” the other day. Players are “working hard.” Also, and let me make sure I get this right: “We’re taking it one game at a time.”
A little math. The Thrashers have 68 points with 12 games left. They would need to go 12-0 to finish with 92 and pass first-place Carolina if the Hurricanes merely go 6-5 and finish with 91. It’s so over. But is he so over?
“Nothing’s ever been said to expect anything different,” he said.
Still waiting for justification.
Permalink | Comments (95) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Thrashers / NHL
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By The Grinch
March 10, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Wow, he doesn’t sound much brighter than Knight or Woodson.
By Sasquach
March 10, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Why should Waddell’s incompetence cost him his job? You still have yours.
By Ice Lad Larry
March 10, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
Jeff Schultz,
Eat a bag of cow excrement.
You have just demonstrated (again) you know absolutely NOTHING about hockey.
Those of us who have season tickets to the Thrashers and make that team our absolute PASSION, as opposed to some WarCraft-playing, closet homosexual only covering hockey as part of his [ahem] “job” for the AJC, know there was quite a bit of garbage going on within the organization this past year over which Mr. Waddell had no control.
For such a hockey simpleton who should be grateful he is lucky to have someone who is stupid enough to actually PAY him for this drivel, you certainly have a great deal of nerve calling for someone else to lose his/her job, Jeff.
Have you ever even put on a jockstrap, Jeff Schultz?
Have you ever even kissed a girl, Jeff? (Sorry, those transvestites you met at the STAR TREK convention don’t count.)
By Brad
March 10, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
“Nothing’s ever been said to expect anything different,” he said.
Wasn’t Waddell the one who said they had a ‘5-year plan’ with the team? We’ve reached almost twice that amount of time… FIRE HIS ARSE!
By Sage of Bluesland
March 10, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Thank you again, Jeff, for being the only AJC writer with the guts to expose the TRUTH concerning our bumbling GM…Seems he’s not such a “nice guy” as portrayed by the spin artists now, is he?
One constant in the Thrashers’ history. Eight years-One playoff appearance-Zero playoff wins-Numerable promises-All broken or so full of bluster that only a sheep could stomach them.
Don Waddell is a joke and we are back to where we started from: a near-expansion team yet again. Yet the pathetic excuses still come forth from the silly little lambchops!
Don’t kid yourself, either—our farm “system” (if you can call it that) is in shambles and the talent pipeline to the majors has never amounted to more than a trickle, if even that. That is NOT the ownership’s fault, try as you might to blame them for the pitiful drafting, sheep…It is bumbling Donny’s alone. Period.
Just face it: Donny has literally—and figuratively—“pulled the wool” over your eyes, sheep! Seeing how little the “fans” are interested in accountability, I no longer wonder why this franchise is where it’s at…Look in the mirror for a major reason of the entire cause of the problem…
STOP SUBSIDIZING THIS INCOMPETENCE!!!
By JT
March 10, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
It’s very obvious that the time has come for management changes. Don has had numerous chances to put a winning team on the ice. He has failed. The termination should come as soon as the lights go out on the last game of the season.
By Frustrated in Section 121
March 11, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
There is no objective basis for Waddell to retain his job. He has done nothing to establish any semblance of a defense. Our team is soft and is horribly inconsistent. We only draft well consistently if we have a top 5 pick (other than Stefan).
This ownership group needs to show some commitment to the fan base by hiring a proven GM and coach, and by building depth around Kovy.
By Joe
March 11, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this
The Fraud that the Atlanta Spirit has perpetrated on Atlanta is nothing short of genius. This is what happens when you let poor people own pro franchises.
If the NBA and NHL had any hopes of saving Atlanta as a sports’ town, they would disband the pathetic group that runs the Hawks and Thrashers. They are an absolute joke, and it is disgusting that we are stuck with their bumbling incompetence.
By 10yr plan
March 11, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
Jeff,
Thanks for your article, nice to see some truth about where the franchise really stands after all these years. I would love for you to ask the ASG, who all are very successful businessmen in their own respective fields one question: Would you hire Don Waddell to run your personal business? I still blame Ted Turner / Harvey Schiller for hiring Waddell when Brian Burke, Pat Quinn and Cliff Fletcher among others were available at the beginning. Jeff, I would love to see an article after the season showcasing the moves of Waddell over the years, from draft picks, # of goalies, free agency, etc… Keep up the good work!
By CB
March 11, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this
If you saw the STH Meeting the other night, you saw an owner and a GM who weren’t too happy with each other. Look for Donnie to make the move himself.
By R. Stroz
March 11, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
Schultz - Have you noticed such phrases as:
Playoff Guarantee
Incremental Progress
and
Five Year Plan
have disappeared from the Thrashers vocabulary.
Simply Orwellian.
By GSU-Lee
March 11, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this
Why do so many people here hate on Schultzie?
By Simple_Man
March 11, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
Jeff (great name by the way),
I cannot say I agree with you often. But I agree with you on this topic. DW needs to go. Further, it seems many Thrasher fans are only judging DW by the things he’s done. But I respectfully believe these folks mistaken.
To sum it up, DW has failed more not for what moves he has made. But mostly for the moves he’s never made (and in part those made when it was too late).
By Brendan
March 11, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this
I do wonder, if the NHL would be willing to step in and run the Thrashers for us. (They ran the Buffalo Sabres while they were in bankruptcy.) The ASG probably won’t “spring” for paying Two (2) GM’s, as Waddell is under contract through 2009. That is, assuming he hasn’t been renewed through 2011, when the current CBA expires. (Coaches and GM contracts are kept INTERNAL by the organization, until leaked to the press.) And, well, they’re still paying Bob Hartley through 2009, as well.
Remember? Right after the Thrashers got swept out of the playoffs by the Rangers, Don Waddell said, “I stand by Bob Hartley 100-percent.” Yes, even after Hartley yanked “franchise” goalie Kari Lehtonen, after a one-goal loss, in favor of playing Moose Hedberg as their starting goalie for Game Two and what then Head Coach Hartley said would be “the foreseeable future.” (Hartley then started Lehtonen in Game Three, where he got schellacked, 7-0.) Waddell’s words weren’t “empty promises” though, or else Hartley wouldn’t have gotten a two-year contract extension. Which, again, got “hushed up,” per the ASG policy of “non-disclosure.” It took only six (6) games this season for Don Waddell to realize he made a mistake by supporting Hartley.
At this point, someone will inevitably jump in to say Hartley wasn’t the problem, Waddell was. Maybe it was both of them? But the larger point is, why renew a coach only to fire him six games later? The ASG renewed Hartley, at Waddell’s request. The ASG relies, EXCLUSIVELY, on Waddell’s judgement for ALL roster and personnel decisions.
And who Paid for that decision, Jeff Schultz? Yep, the Atlanta Spirit did. “Accountability” and “justification” ought to be on their minds! (Please refrain from joking that the ASG doesn’t have a brain between them.) Invariably, others will chime in, at this point, to state how well, financially, the Thrashers are doing with Waddell at the helm. Which, they’ll say, is why the ASG will keep him. Well, wouldn’t non-STH renewals and a predominantly empty arena wipe out whatever “profits” the Thrashers might be experiencing? Or, at a minimum, they wouldn’t be making as much money as they would have if the arena were soldout? I suspect these are things that don’t cross the ASG’s mind(s).
Don Waddell has his fans. Very, very loyal fans. (Some are even employees.) But the facts are as follows: Named the GM 10 years ago, this teams has one playoff berth, zero playoff wins, and is headed for the bottom third of the Conference for the seventh time in eight (7/8) seasons. This GM, alone, is responsible for every player who has ever laced up skates in a Thrashers uniform. Out of 27 defensemen drafted, Waddell can point to only a pair of 8th rounders (Exelby and Enstrom) to ever crack the starting lineup.
It is … what it is. Sadder still, is that the fanbase of this team has to beg and plead and SCREAM to get this ownership to do what ANY OTHER organ-I-zation would know to do INSTICTIVELY after such results.
But do they EVER “threaten” Don Waddell’s job? Well, the last time anything resembling that took place, it was in November 2005, when Levensen said, “If we’re still six games under .500 after Christmas, I think I’ll be using a word a little stronger than ‘concerned.’” That’s paraphrased a bit. But you get the gist of it. That was OVER two (2) years ago!! One might think that the ASG sent Waddell behind the bench to “fix” the roster he created. Did he do it? Is it “fixed” now? What leads a sane person to believe the results will be any different from the previous eight seasons? Does Waddell really just need ‘a little more time?’”
After two 1st overall picks, two 2nd overall picks, two 8th overall picks, one 10th overall pick, and one 12th overall selection, how can ANYONE say … the man didn’t have his chance? The ASG doesn’t draft players. Waddell does. Sorry, time’s up.
By common sense
March 11, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this
Wadell is a total POS. For years, he has thrown his players under the bus by talking “through the media”.
Hockey is the ultimate game of RESPECT. And it is very clear to me that players around the league do not respect this organization (ownership and GM/Coach). It is very difficult to attract top players to an organization that has no respect.
Hossa trade was ok at best(but we gave up more to get Tkachuk that we got in return for Hossa…Go figure). At the “town meeting” for season ticket holders last Friday, the owners and GM were playing the blame game stating “we have not gotten the productivity from our 3 veterans that we were hoping for”… Once again, GM POS Wadell is throwing the other guy under the bus.
This guy is a clueless IDIOT. I would hate to be in a foxhole with this guy on my side. I am sure the rest of the league feels the same way about his lack of integrity. DW is a proven loser, and it’s alot easier to replace a GM that to get rid of the trust fund brat current owners.
WADDELL MUST GO. It is the next step for the Thrashers to progress. Hartley saved DW’s A$$ by coming in and helping the Thrashers get to the next level, but DW failed miserably to continue on the successful path that Hartley lead us down.
The Thrashers have a dwindling season ticket holder base and will lose even more of us if DW comes back.
DW, do us all a favor and get out of town. You are a proven loser, and nobody around the league respects you.
By ScottBravesfan
March 11, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this
Jeff keep up the good work!!!!!!!!
How Waddell keeps his job is beyond me. He must have sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads in Mississippi.
Also what’s the deal with everyone hating on Schultz for? He’s the only guy on this site that actually knows and talks about hockey and you rip him? For saying that Waddell should not be back. If you think that Waddell is doing a good job you, then you are an IDIOT!!!!
By jake
March 11, 2008 6:36 AM | Link to this
Waddell is mediocre neither a good GM nor a coach, and the Thrashers have gotten worse instead of better. Maybe some day the knuckle-draggers will get it, Jeff. Then again, maybe they won’t. Nice job.
By LAC
March 11, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this
Common Sense & Sage & Brenden tell and Jeff… Tell it like it is !!!!!
waddell is a complete LOSER who has gone full circle more than once.
We are no better than an expansion team, he keeps losers like zit/klee/holik/larsen/slater.white players who CLEARLY are third or fourth tier players who we do NOT need and their play shows it… All season !
Then defense… Gee Whiz !!!
Hnidy was a LOT better than klee but we dump Hnidy… Belanger was better than white, but we dump Belanger…
Who did this DUMB don waddell !!!!
How inthe hell can anyone with half a brain say waddell should not be fired ?
The guy is a complete failure at “trying” to bean NHL GM… his time in Atlanta has to be OVER, no more BS from the owners !!!!!
Esp Mr.Potty Mouth bruce levenson, the biggest loser of them ALL !!!!!
By Sara
March 11, 2008 6:58 AM | Link to this
Schultz all I can say is I hope you follow this story up with one blasting the ASG as well. Abyssmal performances by the Hawks and Thrashers and crappy service and product at the arena all point in only ONE direction together. I’m tired of cheap spending and cutbacks to presumably save money for their legal defense fund.
Nevermind raising ticket prices for a sub-par product and having the audacity to curse a season ticket holder in public and in front of children. Of course, that’s also talking about an owner who is three sheets to the wind during every in-game interview he gives on SportsSouth.
The Waddell-haters always scream for accountability at the top - so make sure you take the accountability all the way to the top.
By Glenn
March 11, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this
Hockey,we have a hockey team? Oh yeah the Crusaders,no the Flames.
By WW5
March 11, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
the headline should have read: KEEPING AJC SPORTS WRITERS MAKES NO SENSE. or WHY ARE CURY, LARRY, AND MOE STILL WRITING FOR THJE AJC!!
By Buzzard
March 11, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
Jeff,
Good article but instead of asking if Donny will be back, you should have asked for his immediate dismissal. I think his exit with 6 games left in the season would be an appropriate response to the firing of Hartley 6 games in.
The sad truth is the ASG has little sports savy and the odds of improving the Thrash or Hawks is slim. My boss would have fired me long ago if I preformed like Wadell or Knight. Maybe this is the year of the Falcons……
By HOHOHO Don's Gotta GO!
March 11, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Hey Ice Lad Larry anyone who calls themselves Lad shouldn’t be throwing around homophobic insults. Does your mom call you that when she yells down to you in her basement that your dindin is ready. And if you really think DW should not be fired it’s you that is a simpleton.
By Hotrod
March 11, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Don Wadell has had some brilliant shinning moments, but , the not so brilliant backfires are really adding up. They come with all kinds of reasons, but the bottom line is, they are on his watch.
It may be in Wadells best interest to move on.
By top shelf
March 11, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Sage of Bluesland,
EXCELLENT post!
By bravos
March 11, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
Waddell is a complete embarrassment to this franchise. His comments are an absolute joke when he tries to spin everything to the media with his BS optimism. Whenever I read his quotes or see him speak, I am completely astounded at how he has the audacity to really think peoples views will change based on what he says. This guy belongs in politics!
Bottom line is that we are LAST IN THE LEAGUE in regulation wins. And we haven’t won a game in regulation in our last 18 games (which spans more than a month)!! Those are the facts, Waddell…spin it any way you want.
By Don
March 11, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
I was insulted to get the “Everything is alright” email from the ASG. I am calls weekly wanting me to buy more Thrasher’s tickets and I just laugh in the guy’s ear. The ASG is without question the WORSE thing to happen to Atlanta sports. It is obvious they have no clue with either team how to hire a GM or a Coach. Who knows, based on their blunders they might just hire Mike Vick to be their spokesman and community relations manager when he gets out of jail. At this point nothing would surprise me about this disfunctional group.
By top shelf
March 11, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
Good article Jeff. Waddell sealed his fate by not “cleaning house” of all the older players & rebuilding. Could have picked up draft picks , but instaed we wanted to make a “playoff run”. How did the “fired up” Thrashers do? LOSE SIX IN A ROW!
Have NEVER seen a team who cannot win in regulation like these birds. When they change the point system next year, we will LOSE those games.
Nashville, Minnesota, Florida, Tampa, Carolina ALL have done much as “YOUNG TEAMS” Don, you said the team “quit on Coach Hartley”. They seem to have quit on you too!
By woody
March 11, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
When Don Waddell took control of the coaching position that was it. Obviously Don unwillingness to hire a coach said that his GM job was on the line and he could not trust his position to anyone else.
He had total control of every move on and off the ice this year.
HE FAILED AND FAILED BIG.
DON THIS WAS YOUR LAST STARW YOU ARE GONE!
By woody
March 11, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
When Don Waddell took control of the coaching position that was it. Obviously Don unwillingness to hire a coach said that his GM job was on the line and he could not trust his position to anyone else.
He had total control of every move on and off the ice this year.
HE FAILED AND FAILED BIG.
DON THIS WAS YOUR LAST STRAW YOU ARE GONE!
By Big Al
March 11, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Who cares about Waddell? Keeping the Thrashers and the Hawks doesn’t make a bit of sense. They are losers in second class pro sports.
By The Other Bob
March 11, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
People like Ice Lad Larry crack me up….simply because someone voices an opinion that differs from theirs….and can at least base it on facts….well, they get their panties all in a wad and question the writers manhood.
Makes you wonder what…shortcomings…they are compensating for, doesn’t it?
By rj
March 11, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
I do agree that DW should have shotgunned the ‘veterans’ out of the Thrasher’s system. Not only are they not trying, I also wouldn’t doubt that they are poison in the dressing room.
Blast the old guys out for whatever picks you could have gotten and bring up the young guys and go for it.
Esposito should be playing here NOW.
In reference to the ‘5 yr plan’. No plan could survive the Heatley situation.
I hope Kari isn’t signed long term. He is vastly overrated.
By Thrasher Maniac
March 11, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Waddell should have been fired last year—-this team has underachieved and is getting worse. Get rid of him now! Is there any way they can get a new ownership group, to replace this pack of clueless morons running the hawks and thrashers? These idiots don’t know the difference between a blue line and a blue light special. What a joke of a sports franchise!
By robo
March 11, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
You so called hockey experts dont get it. The Thrashers are a train wreck, I mean they are not getting beat by superior talent but whether our guys give their best efforts?? Come on, this is pro hockey. They are getting outshot by at least 10 sog per game. Waddell had his chance- bring in some hockey experience and a coach who will not tolerate mediocrity, else we can expect more to come in the coming years from this “I have all the excuses to explain our play” franchise.
By FanfromtheStart
March 11, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Sorry Ice Lad Larry or maybe we should call you Don? As a STH from the beginning, I for one am not happy with Don’s efforts and I’ll NOT be renewing this year. Believe me, I am no Jeff Schultz apologist, and he does only pipe in occasionally on hockey when its convenient for him. But even though he has no skin in the game like we do(did), he is right on this count. Someone has to be ultimately responsible foe the efforts, and results of the team. Non of the owners want any part of that, and we already fired the coach who only lost 6 straight. Our current coach lost 8 straight, and right now 9 out of 10. But he chooses to point out that we have 5 points in 6 games. He also fails to say that there is no EFFFIN way we’ll make the playoffs this year, or any year in the future for that matter. Even though I am a huge NHL fan, this local group has tarnished the taste for me. With the money I’ll save from not buying Season tickets, I’ll get a very large HDTV, and the Center Ice Package. The beer will be colder and cheaper, and the game will be easier to turn off when we look like we have no clue what we’re doing on the ice! Don is responsible for the talent on the ice, he just never acquireed enough of it to make a difference. Bye Don!
By cp
March 11, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
What Don can not say in the media is that ASG can not spend the money on high priced free agents. He has done a remarkable job putting any team on the ice under the financial constarints is is operating under. How will any other GM operate better with the same mandate to not spend money. I agree it sux for the fans to see a subpar product, but the blame goes to ASG not DW. By the way, he is a first class gentleman.
By Bob
March 11, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Only eight NHL general managers have held their position since the 1999-2000 season. Only Waddell hasn’t won a playoff game. Three of the other seven have won Stanley Cups (New Jersey’s Lou Lamoriello, Detroit’s Ken Holland, Carolina’s Jim Rutherford). Another has reached the Cup finals (Buffalo’s Darcy Regier). Another is bidding for his fourth straight playoff season (Nashville’s David Poile)
Bingo. Spot on, Schutlz. Hilarious to see Waddell dance around your questions, think he can get away doing that with the owners?
Thank you for writing this article and holding the Spirit’s feet to the fire. This isn’t about Waddell anymore, those of us that have been around hockey (for decades now in my case) have known for years that Waddell is incompetent.
This is now about the Spirit and what they’re going to do about it.
I have been a Thrashers’ season ticket holder since Day 1 and want nothing more than to see this team succeed and I love live hockey. But I’ve already informed the Spirit that we’re not renewing until A)they bring a new competent GM in here and B)they let the new GM make the right moves beginning July 1st.
Then we can talk about me (and many of my fellow fans I talk to at the games) renewing our tickets.
If Waddell is in house, I’m stayin’ in mine
This is the most pivotal moment in Thrashers’ history so far. Waddell has been the anchor dragging us down since Day 1. The man has proven to all that he just isn’t an NHL GM.
If there’s not a press conference held by the Spirit on April 7, 2008 (you can’t fire a man on Sunday), then this franchise is beyond poly-screwed.
By tulsathrash
March 11, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Waddell’s a bum. Get rid of him. Now!
By The OTHER Other Bob
March 11, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
ATTENTION, UNinformed Thrashers “Fans” (So-Called):
Don Waddell did NOT ask or want to be the season-long coach.
Don Waddell did NOT ask the high-priced veterans to play at one-quarter speed ALL YEAR LONG.
Top-Notch coaching options were NOT available 6 games into the season. I think BLUELAND will be quite excited with the coaching option we will have this summer.
If you don’t like Don Waddell or are not truly LOYAL to the Thrashers, win or lose, then please do NOT go to the games. The puck will still drop without you.
Everyone will learn the truth during the upcoming off-season when those who quit on the team are no longer here, including a coaching staff member who threw the team under the proverbial “bus” over money.
The Other Bob is Jeff Schultz posting on his own blog.
The polish sausages sold in the upper deck at Philips give me intestinal bleeding.
By The Other Bob
March 11, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
FanFromTheStart and HOHOHO - You know, I think your right,….this idiot Ice Larry Lad* is either Don Waddell or one of his little stoolies out barking at anyone who dares question the “Great One”.
When The Ice Man called out the ASG and DW last week, there were the some one-post creton that dropped their little homo blog-bomb there too and then scampered away like a little girlie-man…so they are probably one-in-the-same.
By Adam
March 11, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
The fact also remains that not only was Donny a “Defenseman” when he played the game he was also on the competition committee that gave us this “Faster Game” at the end of the lock out. So tell me how is it he hasn’t made our defense any faster? Why is Hnidy out west and Klee here?
With the forwards, look at the list of players that were here and are doing well on other teams now. The list is a lot longer than Savard. Donny doesn’t have the guts, heart, intelligence, wisdom, or moxy to make quick moves correctly. I really do think he wants to be everyone friend more than his fragile ego can handle being the bad guy for making the right decision. The end result is the players think he’s a pushover and don’t respect him.
When Hossa didn’t resign over the summer DW should have at least looked to see what was available via trade then. When the season started in the crapper and it was obvious that Hossa was becoming a cancer in the locker room he should have took whatever he could have gotten for him and sent Hoss packing. Would that have been a popular move? No. Would it have been the right decision? YES! The team would have known what they were working with and attitudes would have been much better in the locker room.
Don’t even get me started on the BAD free agent signings he’s made… and why Holik is the captain and not Kovy is beyond me…
Go to another game this year or Season tickets for next? Get real!!! If there’s a new GM before the end of April I’ll give renewing for next year some thought. Otherwise Center Ice is where I’ll get most of my hockey fix. I’d even drive to NC and watch the Canes beat up on us once and a while before I set foot in Phillips again.
Sara is also right about the concessions being deplorable, which is why I made sure I ate before I got to the arena the last 2 years.
Lastly the poll needs to have a fifth option: All of the above!
By himthatknows
March 11, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Why don’t we focus on the REAL problem. Let Belkin buy them out so there is one person in charge. THe rest? Trust Fund babies playing at owning sports franchises!
By himthatknows
March 11, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
And don’t get me wrong. I completely agree with DW’s need for accountability (the picks and signings ar laughable) but when an ownership group refuses to spend to the salary cap while promising Stanley Cups how can you take them seriously?
By Smarty Jones
March 11, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Folks…Welcome to Atlanta…THE capital of LOSERVILLE!!!!
IF it weren’t for the Braves’s former success (Still only 1 title..ouch) THEN ‘LOSERVILLE’ would justified everywhere.
The only good out of ‘LOSERVILLE’ is that my season tickets are great values to see the ‘WINNING’ Franchises of all major sports.
Waddell deserves to be fired BUT please bring in someone that has won the cup before.
By GaVaHokie
March 11, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Go Waddell… keep giving Schultz a hard-time!
By GaVaHokie
March 11, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Schultz… when’s your performance evaluation?
By NASCAR Dave
March 11, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
WELL LOOKIE HERE… ONCE AGAIN SCHULTZ SPEAKS THE TRUTH!
THIS TEAM IS PATHETIC! GUTLESS WIMPS! HANDPICKED BY DON WADDELL!
10 YEARS LATER AND ONLY 2 DRAFTED D-MEN BY WADDELL CRACK OUR STARTING LINEUP? THAT IS NAUSEATING!
WADDELL IS A CRAPPY COACH, A VERY CRAPPY GM, AND A LIAR!!!
THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL THAT SAD SACK BUM KEEPS HIS JOB! WE MUST RUN HIM OUT OF TOWN BEFORE HE KILLS NHL HOCKEY IN ATLANTA FOR THE 2ND TIME!!!
NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK AT IT, EVERYTHING ALWAYS FALLS BACK ON WADDELL! EVERY PROBLEM YOU SEE WITH THIS TEAM IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO DON WADDELL! HE IS AT FAULT HERE!!! DON WADDELL HAND CREATED THIS PILE OF DOGGIE POO!
PEOPLE, PLEASE GET A CLUE AND STOP TRYING TO BLAME THIS DEBACLE ON OWNERSHIP! THIS IS NOT OWNERSHIP’S FAULT!!! IT’S WADDELL’S FAULT! HE MUST BE FIRED!!!
IF OWNERSHIP HAD A BIT OF INTELLIGENCE, THEY WOULD SEE THAT DON WADDELL MUST BE FIRED ON APRIL 6, 2008!!!
NUFF SAID.
By LAC
March 11, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Don’t worry Jeff… This gavahokie, DUMB name, just LOVES don waddell, must be a relative or something…
You are RIGHT waddell is a COMPLETE LOSER like gavahokie, just a kick to see anyone stand up for waddell makes no sense and to keep him for even tonights game is a mistake.
Lastly gava, open your tired eyes, and see Saga & Jeff & LAC are RIGHT about waddell… when is YOUR evaluation on the blog coming up ??
By NASCAR Dave
March 11, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
LAC - I THINK I HEARD VAGAHOKIE IS WADDELL’S DAUGHTER! SHE SHOULD HIDE IN SHAME RIGHT NOW!!!
By Bob
March 11, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
LAC, I’d like to call a moratorium on who’s right or who’s wrong here, it’s getting old to see you say it over and over and over and over. The facts are in, the jury members have made their decisions, a few hold the Spirit solely accountable, most hold Waddell accountable, and others hold both accountable.
But it’s an argument that is over, it’s now in the hands of the owners.
April 7, 2008. They need to do the right thing. If they don’t, this franchise is doomed to more floundering under Waddell and we’re all screwed, . That’s all that matters now, not who’s right or who’s wrong on these blogs.
By NASCAR Dave
March 11, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
SCHULTZ - SEEMS LIKE WADDELL IS SCARED TO ANSWER YOUR “NOT SO TOUGH” QUESTIONS!
HE MUST BE JUST AS BIG OF A WIMP AS THE PLAYERS ON THIS SORRY, PATHETIC EXCUSE OF A ROSTER HE CREATED!
FIRE WADDELL!!!
By Jeff
March 11, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Wow - Ice Lad Larry must be Amish and not have television. HAS HE SEEN THIS TEAM PLAY THE LAST SIX WEEKS? How does a team with all that late-season momentum from last year, playoff sweep excluded (not to mention a team that sat in first place as late as this February) fall apart like this? You can’t blame this on Bob Hartley, Don. He only lost six in a row. Your team lost what, eight, just last week? Larry, there’s no “garbage going on within the organization.” There’s no conspiracy theory. This team has simply failed on the ice, period. For whatever reason, the Thrashers have not gotten production from their key veterans and have not drafted young players that appear capable of being stars on the NHL level. ALL OF THAT falls onto Don’s shoulders. And his snippy answers to the media don’t help. You are responsible for this team, Don. You’ve created it and you’ve coached it and now YOU should have to answer for it. I love the Thrashers - I went to Friday’s game and had a blast (it helped that they broke their long losing streak.) But even then, it’s evident this team is struggling. They couldn’t score on a 5-ON-3 POWER PLAY, they flipped the puck into the stands to draw a delay of game minor and they could not control the puck to save their life. They were actually lucky to pull that one out. Why are teams like Pittsburgh, Washington or Carolina able to rebound from bad years by drafting smart and getting good free agent pick-ups? Why has Atlanta struggled mightily with that for their entire existence, save for players like Kovalchuk or Hossa? Jeff Schultz is right on the money, calling for some accountability. Fans like Larry are what keeps franchises like the Thrashers, Hawks and Falcons stuck in the muck. Winning franchises hold people accountable. Losing franchises make excuses (our team started 0-6, we’re still young, Woodson’s system hasn’t gelled yet, our quarterback is in jail, etc.) Enough. I’m tired of the excuses. I used to be a Don fan, but not anymore. Bob Hartley was the best coach we could have had and he fired him. Now he’s run this team into the ground over the last two months of the season and we’re almost last in the Eastern Conference. Time for a new GM, a new executive VP and a new coach. This team’s core is good enough to make the playoffs, and probably make some noise there. So enough of the crap - let’s clean house in the front office, let’s get a renewed committment and let’s put a winning team on the ice. GO THRASHERS! And goodbye Don Waddell.
By notafan
March 11, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
What is “hockey”? Who is Bob Hartley? Why are you people even talking about this? Oh, wait a minute..I just googled “hockey” and apparently they take a basketball arena, turn the floor into ice(are you kidding me?) and then these guys dress up like the Michelin Man and actually slide around the floor on ice skates (sounds very gay)with a long stick in hand and try to push a little rubber thing into a net…this sounds so bizarre. Why would they be playing a game like this in Atlanta of all places? And I still don’t know who this Hartley character is.
By David
March 11, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Thank you Shultz I hope the ASG is reading this and knows fans from the the begining agree with you. I have sat through every season including all the losing ones. I know these jump on the band wagon fans who came on board last season and got hooked by hockey’s amazing lure think Waddell is great. I have been booing waddel since season 2 when i booed his primaddona Goalie Rhodes as well.
Long time fans cantruly appreciate the ridiculousness of Waddell and his mishandling of Audette,Savard Brunnette, and we knew he would fail to pull the trigger with Hossa as well. If we keep him and Kovy wants more than league minimum then we will lose him too!
YOU SUCK WADDELL
By hirsutedawg
March 11, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Hey Smarty if you don’t like it here move the EFF someplace else. It’s jacka$$es like you and your rump ranger friends like Ice Lad that give our fair city a bad name.
By David
March 11, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Thank you Shultz I hope the ASG is reading this and knows fans from the the begining agree with you. I have sat through every season including all the losing ones. I know these jump on the band wagon fans who came on board last season and got hooked by hockey’s amazing lure think Waddell is great. I have been booing waddel since season 2 when i booed his primaddona Goalie Rhodes as well.
Long time fans cantruly appreciate the ridiculousness of Waddell and his mishandling of Audette,Savard Brunnette, and we knew he would fail to pull the trigger with Hossa as well. If we keep him and Kovy wants more than league minimum then we will lose him too!
YOU SUCK WADDELL
By notafan
March 11, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Also, who is Don Waddell? Does he skate, too?
By David
March 11, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Waddell Resign Now Waddell Resign Now Waddell Resign Now Waddell Resign Now
By David
March 11, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Waddell Resign Now Waddell Resign Now Waddell Resign Now Waddell Resign Now
By Rob
March 11, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Shultz nice job. Waddell is a mess. I’ve blogged for months for him to be fired. Draft record, HORRIBLE, ranked 23rd in the league, ahahhahahahhaha. I love it. Is Exelby actually getting worse? I didn’t know if that was possible, he’s making the loss of Sutton look really bad. ahahhahahah, geez, what a freakin mess this franchise is right now. As far as being a “true fan” (the Other Other bob). I will go and boo and yell all game long. It’s a sport, I pay to get in. If i dont like the product (but love hockey) then I’m going to boo. So you continue to sit on your hands and take the crap that DW and ASG feed you. The puck will drop without you, if you don’t like the booing and such, then don’t go to the game. It’s a part of sports, like it or not.
By Bye, bye, Blueland!
March 11, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
How about these numbers:
STH for (8) years: $50K.
ROI: 0 - as in none - playoff wins.
…and we think gas is expensive? No more, Waddell!!
By Jeff Schultz
March 11, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Good comments everybody. I’ll try to get back to you later, but I wanted to share a chart with you that ran in the print edition but not online (I don’t think). I touched on this in column.
Don Waddell is one of only eight NHL general managers who have held their position with the same team since at least 1999 but the only one who hasn’t won a playoff game. General manager (Team) Started Report card Lou Lamoriello (N.J.) 1987-88 Won 3 Cups, currently No. 1 in Eastern Conference Ken Holland (Detroit) 1997-98 Won 2 Cups, nearing seventh straight division title Jim Rutherford (Carolina) 1994-95 Won 1 Cup, twice in finals, nearing fourth division title Darcy Regier (Buffalo) 1997-98 Cup finalist once, conference finalist 3 times David Poile (Nashville) 1998-99 Three straight playoffs, 51-23-8 last season Larry Pleau (St. Louis) 1997-98 Slid after playoff run, stripped of power in ‘06 George McPhee (Wash.)1997-98 Cup finalist ’98, improving after long drought Don Waddell (Atlanta) 1999-00 On track for 6 of 8 losing seasons, 0-4 in playoffs
By joyaman
March 11, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
All:
Let’s direct this well-intended blogging energy toward a specific goal/outcome: Ensuring that Waddell is replaced as GM. Hopefully this could happen prior to the upcoming NHL Entry Draft in Ottawa (June 20-21).
DW’s nonresponses at Friday’s joke of a “town hall meeting,” as well as his inability to articulate legitimate reasons for his decade-long failure as GM in today’s AJC article, only underscore what many of us have been saying since season #5. It’s now time to take action.
We will be collecting e-mail addresses tonight between periods outside of Section 319. The purpose is to organize STHs and other Thrashers fans around one specific goal: Don Waddell’s dismissal.
Yes, there are other issues regarding ticket pricing, STH benefits, ownership issues, etc… These can all be addressed separately. Right now we need to focus on the root of the club’s failure to field a contending hockey team: DON WADDELL.
Please join us tonight near Section 319 to help us articulate our case to ownership.
-joyaman
By NASCAR Dave
March 11, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Keeping Waddell makes no sense
YEP, COULD NOT BE SAID ANY BETTER THAN THAT…. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. THIS BUFFOON WADDELL HAD HIS CHANCE AND HE BLEW IT!
TIME’S UP! OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW! THIS INCLUDES ROSTER PLAYERS (HENCE THE WORD “OLD”)!
HE HAS HAD MORE THAN AN AMPLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO RIGHT THE SHIP AND HE FAILED TO DO SO!
HE FAILED AT TRADE DEADLINE DAY.
HE FAILS IN EVERY DAMN DRAFT!
HE FAILS EVERY SUMMER WHEN HE CREATES THESE ROSTERS OF JOURNEYMEN AARP MEMBERS THAT NO OTHER TEAMS WANT!
ATLANTA FANS WAKE UP! WE DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS!
IT’S TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE……. FUNNY HOW WADDELL DISLIKES SCHULTZ SO MUCH….. IT’S FUNNY BECAUSE NOTHING SCHULTZ HAS SAID IS NOT TRUE! IT IS ALL 100% FACT!!!
IF WADDELL IS TRYING TO AVOID THESE TYPES OF QUESTIONS, THAT BRINGS UP ANOTHER PROBLEM IN ITSELF. IT’S TIME FOR SOME DAMN ACCOUNTABILITY!!!
By Doug
March 11, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
When the Atlanta Spirit brass fired Hartley, they got rid of the wrong man. The real source of the team’s issues is and has been Don Waddell, who lacks vision both on-ice and off. You can market a team in a million ways, but nothing sells like success. The Thrashers are flopping (again) and only a handful even care.
By Ghost Rider
March 11, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
My fear is that DW will not go because no one else in the Thrasher organization knows hockey. Do we really want the current ownership group looking for a new GM? They might has Knight to take over so they only have to pay one GM for both teams instead of two..
By HOHOHO Don's Gotta GO!
March 11, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Ice Lad Larry shouldn’t you be putting on your pirate outfit so your mom can drive you to Long John Silvers for your shift instead of reading blog posts?
By GaVaHokie
March 11, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
I wish Levenson was there to call Schultz a “smartass”… I wouldn’t answer his questions either… he covers hockey once a month and then tries to be “controversial”… real intimidating! That’s why Craig gets the real answers, he’s earned them.
Nascar, LAC and bob are just upset cause they know about as much about hockey as you… oh and they’re notorious cry babies… but you have their support. Congratulations!… I guess?…
By atldave
March 11, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Well Schultzie, it didn’t take long for Levenson to respond to your editorial. Craig just reported that Atlanta Spirit co-owner Bruce Levenson said ownership has no plans to make major changes in the Thrashers front office following the season. Thrashers general manager and head coach Don Waddell’s job is safe, despite the fact that the Thrashers have taken a step backward this year and a playoff berth is highly unlikely. Citing crucial decisions like hiring a new head coach, being a serious player in free agency and getting ready for the draft, Levenson said it wouldn’t make sense to make major changes this summer.
Maybe it is the dreaded owner “vote of confidence” but I doubt it. What is your take Schultzie. Keep the pressure up.
By SGS
March 11, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Kansas City Thrashers????
By NASCAR Dave
March 11, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
HOKIE - MIKE VICK JUST CALLED. YOU ARE LATE FOR THE DOGFIGHT!
LOSER.
By B. Thenet
March 11, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Let’s just hope this is “The Dreaded Vote of Confidence” and not an actual vote of confidence in DW as the GM of the Thrashers.
He has crafted one of the oldest teams in the NHL, yet bemoans that we are still a young franchise. Of course if DW had done a better job of drafting players, deciding which players to offer contracts to, and selecting UFA’s we would be a younger team with a brighter future…and not an aging club on the verge of a total rebuild.
We picked up a guy off waivers from Pittsburgh…that nobody else in the NHL was interested in…and that player is on our top scoring line. I love Recchi, but it is a stinging indictment of what Don Waddell has done.
By Dawgbyte
March 11, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Jeff—If you ever decide to write a positive column please give us some advance warning. As it is, I usually pass over your’s and TM’s drivel ‘cause I know in advance that it will be nothing but negativity. Have a nice day. You do have those occasionally, don’t you?
By Bob
March 11, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Let’s just hope this is “The Dreaded Vote of Confidence”
Of course it is. And if it’s not, then the owners are just as incompetent as Waddell and they deserve what’s going to happen to them (empty house next year).
By Jim Osterman
March 11, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
The only shame that can be attached to this story is if people keep shelling out good money for mediocre hockey.
The Atlanta Spirit Group, to date, has done nothing to consistently raise the spirits of hockey or baskeball fans. Mike Bibby was a nice trade, but that’s like finding a shot glass on water in the middle of a desert — it doesn’t begin to reverse a bad situation.
Bring back Waddell. Keep Billy Knight and Mike Woodsen. Flounder around and make excuses for the lousy product offered.
Suddenly those 14 straight division titles hanging on the Atlanta Braves’ wall look pretty good. That’s 14 years of winning. And 14 years of post-season play.
If we buy Thrashers or Hawks tickets this the shame is on us.
By Tom
March 11, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
As a Carolina Hurricanes fan living in north Georgia, I hope the Thrashers do keep Waddell. Interpret that as you wish. ;-)
By RICK
March 11, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Hey Dawgbite, What positive story is there to write about concerning the thrashers or hawks? At least Scultz brings up the obvious. Just because ASG is oblivious doesn’t mean the rest of us are. I will not go back to watch this so-called team unless Waddell is gone. Take exleby with you Don.
By Jeff Schultz
March 11, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Alright …. This will be my longest set of replies in a while. If I missed you, sorry. Let me know and I’ll try to get back to you after going through my wife’s list of things to do… …
IceLad: Adjust the meds. Brad: I think it was one of those five-year-rollover plans Sage: You hit on a biggie: It always starts with the draft and player development. Everything flows from that. Frustrated, Joe, Others: This is where ownership comes into play. It all starts with accountability. How can players and coaches be held accountable when the front office isn’t? It’s a bad message to be sending. CB, others: Yes, I’ve heard a lot about the STH townhall meeting. Not good. Last I checked, fans buy tickets. Or at least used to. Brendan: Nice column, as always. ScottBravesFan: Must admit, I’ve been tempted to visit that crossroads myself on occasion. Sara, others: I’ve written several columns on the owners (as I’m sure they’d tell you) and I’ll continue to. But really what makes the most impact are empty seats. If people don’t support a product, it forces change. It’s pretty much up to you and everybody else. Buzzard: I thought I was fairly clear on my position. If not, I certainly was six games into the season after Bob Hartley’s dismissal when I wrote that the wrong guy got fired. Bravos: I didn’t know about the 18-game streak. Haven’t checked it but if it’s true, wow! RJ: There will be a big turnover off this roster following the season. I’ll be curious to see Esposito. I’m sure they’ll give him a good look to see if he’s ready. HimThatKnows: I’m as big a critic of the Atlanta Spirit as anyboduy. But we don’t know for a fact that ownership wouldn’t let Waddell spend to the cap, so I won’t put that on them. DW’s philosophy has been to go on the cheap and leave himself room before the trade deadline. There’s a degree of logic to leaving yourself a cushion – but not at the expense of building your team. AtlDave – Yeah, I know. I just got off the phone with Custance. He’s going to have a great Q&A with Levenson in the paper Sunday. Honestly, some of Levenson’s answers scare me. Dawgbyte – My previous columm before this one was on Warrick Dunn. Go back and read it. Either way, the thanks for the love, bunky. Jim: BINGO! As I said above, you fans have more power than you realize.Selah (oh wait, that’s Bish) Jeff
By Wayne
March 11, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Hi Gentlemen,
Here are my pros and cons about DW :
(+)Is a good Trader: Marian Hossa for Christensen, Armstrong and Esposito AND 1st round pick lately was a complete steal. Give some time to those 3 young guns to fit and improve chemistry in the Trashers roster and you’ll see that the Pens have been stolen for a rental of Hoss.
(+)Is a good Manager:DW is recognised in the league as someone that doesn’t stand in front of problems without bringing solutions. For instance, he won’t let key players go for nothing at the end of the season such as Darcy Reijger did last year in Buffalo while losing both Briere and Drury. He will try his best to give ST holders a good immediate value.
(-)Was not able to back up with a good scouting staff: DW biggest error in my oppinion was to trust the actual scouting team that have proven to be incompetent even with some high picks in most years : How would you explain our prospects are so low rated and the future so dark from our developpment system? This bad scouting group forced him oftenly to trade for rental players in recent years (such as KT) to compensate the lack of deepness among the Trashers’ farming.
(-)Should not be both GM and Coach: A tired coach canot motivate correctly its roster while GM tasks should take easily full time.
I trust in DW still but 1)please hire key scout leaders in the league such as Trevor Timmins(MTL) and 2) it’s urgent to find a coach to replace him behind the bench. If 1 is not quckly fixed, I just can’t be optimistic even with those new thrilling young guns traded from the Pens.
By JSS
March 11, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
What a CLOWN!!! Hey Buffoon, you’re a supposedly trained JOURNALIST and you are sitting around telling people to adjust their meds?
The Thrashers made there bed last Spring when they gave St. Louis the farm to make the run to the playoffs.
So “Mr. Hockey Expert” tell us just what right thinking hockey management type is going to take the hockey operations job after what happened to Bob and Barney? Answer: NO ONE!!! Let the Spirit get their house in order and then let’s see where next season goes… Oh, email I.J. and ask him to give you some writing lessons you “NO TALENT HACK!”
I have more respect for Elliot Spitzer then Jeff Schultz. At least his money went to grown women and not trolling area playgrounds like our two “so-called” Atlanta hockey pundits.
By Sara
March 11, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Schultz I’ve seen your prior articles on the Spirit Group. My thing is, even if they did let Waddell go, unless those buffoons get their heads out of their rears, NOTHING will change for this club. Frankly, what GM candidate worth a plug nickel would come here with retards like these as owners? While I know Brendan and others might be quick to say, hey any current Asst GM would JUMP for an opportunity, don’t be too sure of that. If someone thinks they might come out of this looking like as big of an idiot as Waddell potentially might (and that is NOT a given), they may just as soon bide their time and wait to see if something else comes open.
By Gilligans_Islanderfan
March 11, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
Hey Jeff, I just realized who Bruce Levensen is. Bruce Levensen is the boy who’s in love with the town tramp. Everyone else in the tri-state area knows she’s a “brazen hu$$y.” Except for him. Let’s pretend that instead of being the Thrashers GM, that Don Waddell were actually Bruce’s girlfriend, named Sue Ellen. And every time one of Bruce’s friends says, “Ya know, buddy. Sue Ellen is no good. She’s nothing but trouble for you. You really shouldn’t get so ‘attached’ to her. She’s been plucked more times than the ‘Rose of Tralee.’” Then Bruce covers his ears like Bob Denver on “Gilligan’s Island,” screaming to the Skipper, “You can’t make me listen. You can’t make me. You can’t make me!”
Okay, so Bruce arrives home a little bit EARLY one day, to the ‘figurative’ House of Thrashers, only to find Sue Ellen giving a player … uhh .. let’s just say … an “extension.” Instead of being furious, Bruce says to the player, “Hey buddy. What brings ya by the house? It’s great to see you.” The players turns and says, “Bruce, my pants are around my ankles. And you’re actually asking me what the ‘circumstances’ are that I find myself, alone, in the house, with Sue Ellen? Bruce shrugs, and says, “Yeah.” The player rubs his chin and says, “Well, I’m just here … getting my ‘contract’ extended. “Well then, carry on,” says Bruce, walking away, merrily humming a tune.
What can you say??? If Players are “Playaz,” then they know how to “cash in” from a slot machine that is “paying out.”
By NASCAR Dave
March 11, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
CAN’T WAIT TO WATCH THE TRASHERS WET THE BED AGAIN TONIGHT AND TO SEE DON WADDELL’S DEER IN HEADLIGHTS LOOK WHEN THE FANS BOO THE HELL OUT OF HIM AND HIS PATHETIC TEAM!
WHITE OUT? HOW FUNNY. I HOPE THE BLACKOUT WORKS.
WAIT, YOU MEAN THEY ARE ACTUALLY GIVING SOMETHING OUT TONIGHT….. I GUESS THEY ARE ONLY CHEAP B******* 6 OUT OF 7 NIGHTS THEN.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BOBBLEHEADS OR PLAYER STATUES? BUDGET CUTBACKS TO PAY RUCCHIN’S SALARY? WHO THE HELL KNOWS ANYMORE….
By John Ex-STH
March 11, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
FOR SALE:
Season Tickets, Lower Bowl, Section 112.
Call Bruce Levenson at 404-DUMBA$$. Tell him John sent you.
By HOHOHO Don's Gotta Go!
March 11, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Schultz why do they hate you so? Seems like you’re just saying what’s plain to see. But man oh man they go nuts when you say it. What gives?
By NASCAR Dave
March 11, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
WELL WHAT DO YOU KNOW? THE GUTLESS WIMPS ARE BACK AGAIN! DID YOU SEE THEM? NO DAMN PRIDE!!! GAVE UP ON THE GAME IN THE 1ST DAMN PERIOD! PATHETIC LOSERS!
OUT-COACHED AND OUT-CONDITIONED BY EVERY DAMN TEAM IN THE LEAGUE. EVERY DAMN NIGHT! AND THEN WADDELL SAYS IT’S MOOSE AND THE D’S FAULT! WHAT A CROCK OF DOGGIE-POO!!!
WHY NOT JUST SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE AND ADMIT YOU HAVE FAILED AT YOUR JOB, DON WADDELL??? I WATCHED YOUR PRESS CONFERENCE, WHERE YOU CALLED OUT YOUR DEFENSE.
WELL GUESS WHAT, YOU SIGNED THESE PLAYERS YOU A-HOLE! QUIT DEFLECTING THE BLAME! YOU CREATED THIS DISASTER, NOW YOU ARE GONNA TAKE THE BLAME!
EVERYTHING WRONG WITH THIS TEAM FALLS BACK ON WADDELL. AND YET HE REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY!!!
IT’S TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE FROM THE TOP ON DOWN. WADDELL, MCCRIMMON, ETC.
INCOMPETENCE BREEDS INCOMPETENCE, AND THE ATLANTA TRASHERS ARE INCOMPETENT AS IT GETS!
SAD, PATHETIC, SORRY, GUTLESS LOSERS WITH NO PRIDE LED BY AN INCOMPETENT BUFFOON, MAKING EXCUSE AFTER EXCUSE AND REFUSING TO ACCEPT REALITY.
LAUGHED MY A$$ OFF WHEN THEY BOO’ED THE HELL OUT OF WADDELL!!!
SERVES HIM RIGHT. AND I HOPE THE OWNERS TOOK NOTICE OF ALL THE EMPTY SEATS.
NUFF SAID.
By John 26
March 11, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
Nothing is sadder than a fool who thinks he is smart. And that is part of DW and the ASG’s problem. They believe that the general public is stupid and will buy anthing they tell them. If you don not beieve me go sit in my seat for the game as the building leaks over head. I have only reported this dozens of times and asked to be moved but the wonderful staff tells me tuff. This team cares only about your money and nothing else. I am going to spend the 6 grand I normally spend on the thrashers next year and take trips to see other teams. If they want my money they will fire the GM and rebuild. (I am aware that to rebuild some thing had to be built to begin with but you know what I mean)
By George Peacock
March 12, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
I know my comments will be totally disreguarded, but I’ll make them anyway:
THE SO CALLED MANAGEMENT AND SO CALLED COACHES OF BOTH THE THRASHERS AND THE HAWKS SHOULD BE FIRED NOW!
The Birdman and long suffering fan.
By atldave
March 12, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Jeff, since Craig is the beat writer for the Thrashers he has to balance reporting and his opinion in order to keep getting access to players and Waddell. However, his Q&A session with Levenson must have given him some further insight into whether the owner “vote of confidence” is the dreaded kiss of death, or a true vote of confidence. In your discussion with Craig and others do you get the sense the vote of confidence is the ax about to fall or a real vote of confidence and Waddell will be back next season.
By NASCAR Dave
March 12, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
WOW, IT’S AMAZING IT TAKES PEOPLE THIS LONG TO SEE THE TRAGIC FLAW WITH THIS ORGANIZATION - DON WADDELL!
THIS GUY IS FLEECING ATLANTA! HOW MUCH MORE OF THIS WILL YOU TAKE, ATLANTA FANS? EVERY SINGLE PROBLEM YOU PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT CAN ALL BE TRACED BACK TO ONE INDIVIDUAL, DON WADDELL.
HE THINKS HE IS FOOLING US WITH HIS SHEEPISH EXCUSES! DO NOT BE FOOLED! THIS GUY HAS HAD 9 YEARS TO BUILD A SOLID TEAM, AND HIS “VISION OF A TEAM” CAN’T EVEN WIN 15 GAMES IN REGULATION?
ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC! A TEAM OF GUTLESS WIMPS LED BY A TOTAL FOOL NAMED DON WADDELL!
HE SUCKS AT DRAFTING, HE SUCKS AT TRADING, HE CANNOT BUILD AN NHL ROSTER, HIS BEST PLAYERS LEAVE THE CITY BECAUSE THEY DO NOT SEE ANY POSITIVE DIRECTION WITH THIS TEAM! DO YOU BLAME THEM? I WOULD WANT OUT THIS $H!THOLE OF A FRANCHISE TOO!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! ATLANTA FANS DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS!
JUST ADMIT IT, WADDELL. YOU HAVE FAILED AT YOUR JOB AND FAILED MISERABLY.
THE FANS HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF DON WADDELL’S 5 YEAR PLANS, AND BASELESS PROMISES, AND PLAYOFF GUARANTEES. WHAT A LYING BUFFOON!
ASG NEEDS TO WISE UP, FIRE THIS LOSER, AND SEND HIS A$$ TO THE AHL WHERE HE BELONGS!!!
NUFF SAID.
By NASCAR Dave
March 12, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
I SUGGEST ALL THRASHER FANS HIT THE TEAM WHERE IT HURTS THE MOST…. THE BOTTOM LINE.
STOP GOING TO THE GAMES.
STOP SPENDING YOUR MONEY THERE.
DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO SUPPORT THIS TEAM.
THEN MAYBE THE OWNERS WILL GET A CLUE AND REALIZE THAT DON WADDELL IS HOLDING THIS FRANCHISE DOWN!
IF YOU STOP SHOWING SUPPORT BOTH PHYSICALLY (BY ATTENDING THE GAMES) AND MONETARILY, THE OWNERS HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO BUT MAKE CHANGES.
THIS IS A BUSINESS, AND THAT IS THE ONLY WAY THIS BUSINESS WILL NOT FAIL. CHANGE BRINGS ABOUT CHANGES.
By evel
March 12, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Getting rid of DW is only a temporary fix. The whole ASG needs to be axed.
By Katie Couric
March 12, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
BREAKING NEWS: If you sit in Sections 319 or 320 for hockey games at PHILIPS ARENA, it has now been confirmed that you are indeed dumber than mule feces.
We’ll have further updates as these idiots continue to make ill-conceived comments and act like they are smarter than self-made millionaires.
By Buzzard
March 13, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Me thinks Levenson protests a little too much. Jeff, you hit his last good nerve. Fellow Fans and Bloggers - impact change - wait until the last possible moment to re-up for season tickets, do not buy concessions for the remainder of the season and for sections 319 & 320 start a “Waddell” chant instead of the opposing goalie’s name.