Sports Columnists

By Dead

March 13, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

sports in this town except for college football is DEAD.

By Tyrone

March 13, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!! Even in the Babcock era, We had a winning culture throughout the late 80’s and 90’s. A change has to happen!

By JC

March 13, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

The real issue is, shouldn’t the Atlanta Spirit sell the Thrashers, Hawks, etc, and get back to doing things they know something about? We can be grateful to them for trying, but good intentions are not enough. Move on and let someone else give it a shot.

By sick and tired

March 13, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

I agree Mark. I feel this ownership has its tail between its legs. Especially in light of the controversial comments of we as fans being “Unintelligent”. Why should we shell out money for a terrible product? Keeping inept coaches and gms (some one in the same) in place. It is awful to be a fan of the Hawks and Thrashers. At least we know the Falcons are willing to make changes. The ASG…ugh. Maybe we were pulling for the wrong side to win in court???????? Yes, I am talking about Belkin.

By new owners

March 13, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

FIRE DON WADDELL. FIRE BILLY KNIGHT. FIRE MIKE WOODSON. SELL THE TEAM TO A TRUE VISIONARY. MR. BLANK, PLEASE ASSEMBLE A REAL GROUP AND BE THE SPEARHEAD. WE PROMISE WE WON’T BUG YOU IF YOU WANT TO BREAKDANCE ON THE COURT OR SKATE AROUND THE ICE DURING THE HALFTIME SHOW.

By Realist

March 13, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Why are we even so sure that Horford was the right pick? The Hawks are going to win 32-34 games this year. They won 30 last year with the same group, minus Horford and Bibby. Thus, Horford has added no more than 4 wins to this team. And even if we give him credit for those 4 wins, that means that Bibby added zero, and the other players did not improve at ALL.

For my money, Knight is 0-for-5, not 1-for-5. Even if Horford has a nice NBA career, he completely negated the Shelden pick, which makes that pick even worse than a zero. Taking Horford didn’t make this team noticably better. They still have the same exact problems they had with Shelden at the 5.

By Eileen

March 13, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

I will continue to support the Thrashers next year. I am not happy with the big break down this season, but I enjoy hockey and the Thrashers. I have to wonder, is there a conspiracy at the AJC to run the Thrashers out of town?

By Rutuger

March 13, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

If Woodson and/or Knightmare are still here after this season, then the Spirit clearly DOES NOT CARE about winning, and thus DOES NOT CARE about the fans.

By Here We Go Again

March 13, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

How many comments are going to be posted trashing anyone people can think of, in BOLD CAPS, calling for DW’s head, etc. AJC, can’t you find a new angle for an article? ENOUGH! Everyone has been called out at this point. The answer to your question is yes. I will continue to support hockey in this town.

By plunged

March 13, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

TAKE THE PLEDGE BOYCOTT THE SPIRT

I really think it’s time to start working on an organized boycott of both the spirit teams. I grew up in Atlanta in the 60’s and 70’s and I never seen anything like this. The smith’s had some pretty bad years but they were at least a little more responsive to the fans they guys have really made it clear they don’t really care what the fans think. It time we sent them a message. While I still support the teams and I may watch them on TV or listen to radio,

I PLEDGE NOT TO SPEND ANOTHR CENT ON EITHER TEAM, UNTIL WE HAVE A COMPLETE OVERHAUL OF BOTH TEAMS INCLUDING NEW GMS AND NEW COACHES. I BE LAUNCHING A WEBSITE BOYCOTT THE SPIRT. COM VERY SOON.

By Jim Osterman

March 13, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Atlanta fans get smacked for not supporting their teams — specifically not showing up for home games.

But is it being a fair-weather fan to look at the mediocre product the Atlanta Spirit has created and decided my dollars could be better spent?

It’s not reasonable to think that the Hawks or the Thrashers will be contending for the top prize in their sports — but give us some signs of hope.

Right now the Atlanta Spirit operates like a small-market sports franchise — there’s only so much they’ll do to succeed, and once that point is reached they’re done.

Hey, those guys didn’t accrue enough wealth to buy two professional sports franchises by spending their money foolishly. Why should we?

By Fan

March 13, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

My patience has run out in 2 areas:

1)No “real” coach for the Thrashers along with certain players who have given up, and

2)Jeff Shultz and Mark Bradley.

By RegDunlap

March 13, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Like the previous poster I will continue to support the Thrashers by attending games as I have since 1999. Am downgrading my season ticket to half season, tho’ - just too much. I go because I like hockey and want to see the Thrashers do well.

What I don’t like is the way the team is put together and think it’s time for a serious change - from the ownership - management - players. The current leadership is horrible. Think staying home would be like cutting off one’s nose to spite the face.

By MIKE

March 13, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Amen Eileen. I am a big supporter of the Thrashers. And a REAL fan stick’s through the bad times with their team. And I WILL renew my tickets next year. Also when we do start winning. I do not want to see all you haters jumping on the band wagon.

By Big Rich

March 13, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

I agree with Tyrone. I though Babcock was bad. Babcock couldn’t make picks, but somehow kept us in the playoffs. Maybe because he knew the right coach could get the best out of the talent he picked. Does anybody have Jeff Van Gundy’s number?

If you don’t want a retread, Kenny Smith is over at TNT or go get Michael Cooper who’s lead WNBA teams to championships, played under Riley on championship teams himself. If Byron Scott can get two teams, NJ and New Orleans to the top of the east and west conference, I think Michael Cooper has the same pedigree.

I’m not a GM but I’ve just laid out three options that are better than what we have

By Dejay

March 13, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

I’ve been waiting an eternity for a column like this to come out from someone other than a fan. It still peeves me to no end how national sports columnists from other places constantly rag on us for having the common sense not to spent hard earned $$$ on such a hideous product. You’re talking about a hockey team who has won as many playoff games as I have and a basketball franchise who has not picked an All-Star from the draft, despite having NINE LOTTERY SELECTIONS, since Reagan ran the show in 1984.

How long must I ask? How long do fans in this town have to be told ‘stay patient’, ‘we’re still young’, ‘we’re still building’, ‘in 2-3 years, we’ll have something’, etc.? I for one, am sick of it. Portland, Toronto, New Orleans, and Utah all started out just as bad as the Hawks a few years ago and all of them are winning ballgames right now. The Minnesota Wild was an expansion team who’s turned themselves into perennial contenders.

I need to get a job at the ASG because I can’t think of another employer in this town who breaks off contract extensions to guys in charge who are complete incompetent like they do. Even the folks at Grady Hospital think Knight and Waddell needs to go.

By Sam

March 13, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Plunge, the teams may not be there to watch on TV or listen to on the radio if your plan is successful?

By Johnny

March 13, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Trash the teams and owners all you want, but at the end of the day, they are our teams and all we got. Who are we going to trash-on when both teams leave town? I guess we can run the Falcons and the Braves out of town next.

By ATL SPORTS FAN

March 13, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

How in the world does Billy Night still have a job???????????

By Alan

March 13, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

I will continue to support the only sport I love, Hockey, in this city. For as long as I am a resident of the Atlanta area, I will purchase tickets to see the Thrashers, and I will attend any and every game I possibly can.

Now … should there be some sort of change in the front office? Yeah, I honestly believe there should be. However, the fact that the owners have gone on record to say that Don Waddell will not be fired will not keep me away from the ice.

By plunged

March 13, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

COPY ALL POSTS HERE DIRECTLY TO THE OWNERS. owners@atlantaspirit.com

Let’s send them enough e-mails to let them know they have a real problem here.

Please pass on the e-mail address to fan you know, I want them to get thousands of e-mails. We need to stop complaining and do something.

By STRETCH

March 13, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

This team does NOT deserve to make the playoffs….not THIS year! Ive been watching every game and its the same thing over and over.

They dont play with any heart when on the road. Only a couple of players show up for every single game.

When they play at home, they give a galiant effort but thanks to Woody, its all for not. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THIS GUY IS STILL A F@CKIN COACH IN THE NBA. ONLY IN ATLANTA….LOSERVILLE!!!!!!!!!!!

And dont get me started talking about the Fair weather fans. Halftime was almost over before there was even attendance. Even the play by play guys on FSN noticed. One of the guys even stated, qoute…”im glad we have better fans in Houston”

Sad that it has come to this, but this city is going to lose a franchise one of these days….Come on Atlanta!

By plunged

March 13, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Sam

Actually if my plan is succcessful we will have new GM’s.

By NASCAR Dave

March 13, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

What if Billy Knight, who has taken the wrong man with his first pick in four of the five drafts he has conducted for the Hawks, is allowed to continue as general manager?
HELL FREEZES OVER.

What if Mike Woodson, whose career winning percentage is .306, gets an extension after what will surely be a fourth consecutive losing season?

LAST I CHECKED, HE HAS THE WORST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN HAWKS HISTORY. HE IS TERRIBLE. THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL HE IS HERE NEXT YEAR, UNLESS THE HAWKS WIN THE FINALS… NOT HAPPENING.

What if Waddell, who has been in place nearly a decade and has succeeded in building the 28th-best team in a 30-team league, is allowed to continue at this plodding pace? (What with global warming, there mightn’t be any ice left by the time Waddell gets this franchise to the Stanley Cup finals.)*

THE FANS LIKE MYSELF, THAT SEE THE PROBLEM HERE IS WADDELL, WILL JUST STOP GOING. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. NO MORE MONETARY SUPPORT FOR THE TRASHERS, UNTIL WADDELL IS GONE..

So to answer your question Mark Bradley, I don’t know why the enablers continue to support this wretched pile of doggie poo? Perhaps they have drank too much Kool-Ade?

GO DAWGS!
NUFF SAID.

By George Holman

March 13, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

This seems to be a fairly consistent topic. The Hawks are a joke, and Woody must go. I am tired of his coaching which consists of giving the ball to Joe and hoping he can do something with it. No chemistry, no team, bum coach. I give up!

By Left to Right

March 13, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Not purchasing tickets is the most effective way fans can try and force ownership to get it together and improve the Hawks and Thrashers. Purchasing season tickets, or even purchasing single game tickets from the ticket office or Ticketmaster, simply rewards ownership for its bad behavior and decreases the incentive for them to change.

Chicago Cubs fans are always held up as examples of “true fans” because they show up for the Cubbies no matter how bad the team is. But those fans are actually some of the worst in sports, because their unbridled support has meant ownership has never felt the financial need to try and substantially improve the franchise. The Cubs have not won a World Series since 1908, and unconditional fan support has been a large part of the problem.

Hawks fans, Thrashers fans—if you truly love your team(s) (and wish to see them win a championship in the next hundred years), you will stop enabling ownership mismanagement with your hard-earned cash. Rewarding bad behavior only gets you more bad behavior.

By Chimichanga Shapiro

March 13, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

The Hawks chose a radio flagship that can’t be heard outside the Philips parking lot. Genius marketing move there. Is anyone really surprised the front office consistently screws up EVERYTHING? Pack your bags, Hawks. Nobody cares.

By StathamDawg

March 13, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe that someone would think that the Hordord was not a good pick. Granted what he does may not show up in the win colunm this year, but you have to take into account that he is playing out of position. If he had been able to play the four all year and IF we had a deccent center, theres no telling how much better his numbers would have have been. With that said, Billy has tanked every other draft for the hawks and i think woody would have trouble coaching on the high school level. There has got to be some major changes in the off season.

By GaVaHokie

March 13, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Tabloid tabloid tabloid… yesterday two stories about the ASG and Don Waddell from Schultz and Custance followed up with a “Waddell is Staying” article… gee, I wonder what the reaction was going to be… then, when that didn’t get enough page hits, Mark Bradley writes a third ASG article.

Your Editor is a tabloid hack.

Damn, I just gave you a page hit.

By Ex-STH

March 13, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

The Thrashers are a team that consistently raises ticket prices and reduces the quality of hte product on the ice. Heck they even raised prices coming out of a lockout.

I’m a fan of hockey, and had hoped to have a hockey team in Atlanta to be fan of, but right now this is not an NHL team. This is joke that the owners will keep telling as long as they can put money in their pockets. When the money stops, they’ll use it as a tax write off. either way you will not see a championship in this city as long as they are the owners.

I’m not even sure why anyone cares. Have you been to a game a lately? It’s not even about hte sport anymore, people are showing up to games because it’s a place to hang out and be seen. (0% of hte people at any given game are either there to see the opposition, or have absolutly no clue about the game of hockey and no interest either. Atlanta is the worst Pro sports city I’ve ever been in.

By Don

March 13, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

You look at a man like Arthur Blank and see why he is wealthy. He feels the Falcons pain and makes the hard decisions quickly and swiftly.

You look at the ASG and wonder how on this green earth these guys got wealthy. No much sports brain power working there. The leadership and management skills aren’t showing. Must be wealth from inheritance.

By GaVaHokie

March 13, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Hey Mark… check some of these posters for email addresses… there aren’t any are there?

That’s because most of them are the same person.

By CDS

March 13, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

I am a huge Hawks fan, but to be honest I’ve only been to 2 games at Philips Arena. I refuse to pay higher prices to watch these guys stumble all over the court. If they hire back Woodson and keep Knight, then I would strongly consider dropping my loyalty to the Hawks because it’s obvious that the ownership group doesn’t care about winning. Hell, they don’t seem to care about winning seeing how Knight has tried to fire Woodson three times already.

Oh, and Chris Paul had another ridiculous double-double last night. What did Marvin do? Oh yeah, hit a couple of wide-open jump shots and turned the ball over.

By Smoothie

March 13, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

What with global warming, there mightn’t be any ice left by the time Waddell gets this franchise to the Stanley Cup finals

While I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment Mark, come on now. You are a better writer than this! No one uses the contraction “mightn’t”…not even the redneck Bulldawg fans that keep you guys in business!

I mightn’t read any more of your prize-winning columns since you seem to write about as well as a 7th grader from one of DeKalb’s many fine junior high schools.

By the way, global warming is as much a myth as Don Waddell’s ability and capacity for building a competitive (we’re not even asking for the SC Finals…just a a few playoff wins!) NHL franchise!

By Dave

March 13, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

The real issue is, shouldn’t the Atlanta Spirit sell the Thrashers and Hawks..

By snake

March 13, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

When people say Atlanta is a poor sports town they should have to read this article. 3 of the big 4 franchises in ATL have been rebuilding for most of their time here. The Braves finally got it right.

By Tron5000

March 13, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Did anyone else laugh out loud/throw something when Bob Rathbun asked the fans to secure playoff tickets (yeah, right) for this season by putting down a $249 deposit on season tickets for next year?

Talk about hubris. Who do these ASG people think they are, and what kind of fools do they think we are? Absolutely ridiculous.

By Carl Brewer

March 13, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

THANKS MARK! PLEASE STAY ON THE ASG UNTIL CHANGE HAPPENS!

By LAC

March 13, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Gavahokie, get a life, you seem to be as bright as asg… Your countless rants about everyone who wants something other than YOUR viewpoint is nuts !

I guess nobody can please you can they ? Does your wife ?

You really need to just go away and let the serious bloggers voice the true facts, of which you refuse to believe… Cheers !

By chad poarch

March 13, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

I would like to mention that Marvin Williams wasn’t a bust. Salim wasn’t a bad second round pickup. This past years draft was the best yet. The Bibby deal was awesome because I would rather have Candice Parker on the Hawks than Sheldon Williams. Now all we need to do is get rid of the Joshes, and Coach Woodson, and pickup a bonafide Center in the draft and in free agency.

By doc

March 13, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

NO!, not to the discriminatory fan who has limited discretionary dollars to spend. the owners wont spend why should i? unfortunately, the media takes that as a symbol that fans in atlanta are bad. no, fans in atlanta are smarter than the ordinary fan such as the fans of the knicks as a good example. ultimately, for the knicks they have a fan base more interested in being seen there than in having a real product. the big A isnt on that stage yet and probably wont be ever.

except for that run of 16 and 13 that started the season and was taken away the hwaks have fallen back to their .300 to .350 ball of the past two years not what was promised and excused for the last twp seasons as being young then being injured. timing of bibby trade awful where what they needed was a korver to come in a shoot lights out. if they had gotten him they would be hovering about the 6 or 7 seed rather than where they are now, but what do i know that billy doesnt right?

By KZGuy

March 13, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

The only reason BK, Woody and DW are still employed is because the Spirit ownership is CHEAP. They cannot afford to pay new GMs & coaches when the current ones are still under contract. I can’t see any fan buying Hawks season tickets for their own use. Most of the “fans” attending games now got free tickets from business clients. Atlanta will forever be an expansion city for pro sports.

By NASCAR Dave

March 13, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK MARK BRADLEY!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

FIRE ALL THESE CRAPPY BUMS!

IT’S TIME FOR ACCOUNTABILITY!

By Meezy

March 13, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Bradley,

I went to the game free last night courtesy of tickets from a friend. I was still upset due to the Sequoia drinking gas like the Hawks do gatorade during timouts. They owe me gas money!

By Harry the Hawk

March 13, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Atlanta still has a basketball team? How come I wasn’t notified of this? I listen to the radio every night and never hear a single game.

By Bob

March 13, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Would I continue to subsidize this apparent absence of accountability, or would I find another outlet for my disposable income?

Bingo, spot on. This season ticket holder (from Day 1, mind you) has already informed the Spirit that we’re not spending any more of our hard earned cash on season tickets for the Thrashers until they bring a competent GM in here and allow the new GM to bring in the right players starting July 1st.

There is a big movement amongst Thrashers’ season ticket holders, two Fire Waddell web sites are up and running, the [first one is here] (http://firewaddell.com) and the other one was posted on the Thrashers’ blog earlier this week, the guys that put up the second site were taking signatures outside of Section 319 on Tuesday night and you can sign up on their web site for the petition to get the Spirit to do the right thing and can Waddell. They already have a good number of season ticket holders on the petition, but everyone that wants to see our club improve needs to sign up.

check some of these posters for email addresses… there aren’t any are there? That’s because most of them are the same person

Hokie, most of us stopped smokin dope after we left college, put down the bong dude, the paranoia is getting the best of you.

By Irrelevant

March 13, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

The Hawks and Thrashers are irrelevant in this town, and until people stop spending their money on tickets, merchandise and concessions these “Bad News Bears” of an ownership group won’t get it. Most people would rather watch the 1983 Cotton Bowl on TV than watch or go to a Hawks/Thrashers game. I don’t feel the least bit sorry for any of you who give money to these owners. They are stealing your money by producing a pathetic product and until you wise up and stop supporting them financially, they won’t do anything about it. You wouldn’t keep paying a housekeeper who didn’t clean your house, would you? You wouldn’t pay for a car wash if your car came out as dirty as it went in, would you? Then why would you continue to pay for the Hawks/Thrashers? And don’t give me this “I’m a true fan crap” either. If you’re truly unhappy, voice your opinion with your wallet, not a chat room.

By sadthrasherfan

March 13, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

I have to say that Levinson does not have a clue about anything concerned with operating a pro sports team or the fans. First he claims Thrasher tix are the cheapest, XXXXXXXX, wrong answer. As it turns out they are among the most expensive in the league. Especially in the southeast. Combine that with the no-brain idea that Waddell is doing a good job and duh. I am a fan…huge big fan…but I will not support a non-winning team. I would purchase season tix if they would put quality first. Meanwhile their minor league teams continue to make the playoffs and contend year after year. As for the Hawks it is evident that both Knight and Woodson need to go, Knight is smarter than Waddell though. He did not fire the coach and take over in an ill advised backdoor coup. Anyhow just had to get this off my chest and well I hope that this summer the Atlanta Spirit Group figure this out!

By Carl Brewer

March 13, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL

By Donn

March 13, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Bottome line folks is as fans, we must remember the definition of insanity; doing the same thing over again and expect a different result. If you ccntinue to support the Hawks by going to the games while the Hawks continue to perform at an unacceptable level, why would you expect anything different? What incentive does this ownership have to commit to winning? Dispite the public outcry, they continue to do nothing but gladly accept our hard earned dollars. Can’t you hear ownership laughing while their cash register continues to ring? I’m sorry, but I refuse to go to another Hawks game until the direction of this club changes. I would hope more fans would do the same. Atlanta deserves better.

By Bondo Fender

March 13, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Poor performance should not be tolerated. Do you think the AJC would put up with a blogger who posted every two weeks or so, and even then allowed comment for only 10 minutes or so? Do you? Oh wait, they do. It’s call ed the Falcons blog with lead blogger(?) Steve Wyche.

By A Lang

March 13, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

As Andre Iguodala leads Philly into playoff positioning with a nice W over Detroit on the road last night, we must reflect on the players passed on just since 2004 in full:

Chris “MVP” Paul Deron Williams Brandon Roy Andre Iguodala Al Jefferson Biedrins Bynum Rudy Gay

You literally could start a team USA dream team with the players passed on by the Hawks. We could easily fill every need we have. We are killed by lack of size nightly basis so how can you pass on Jefferson, Bynum, Biedrins and not draft anyone over 6 10”??

Boris Diaw is the best value pick,#21 in 03 and we traded him. Why would we need a 6 9 guy who can play every position? Oh yeah. To get Joe Johnson. Nothing against Joe, but he has some responsibility here. With his record, Woodson shouldn’t even coach a pick up game, but Red Auerbach couldn’t do anything with this team. Ahhh, another curse. To add to the Nique curse, Steve Smith curse (no playoff app since trading him away for JR Rider)

And get used to the idea of no playoff this yr.

By Chikara

March 13, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Compare how the Falcons are rebuilding their franchise to what the Thrashers or Hawks are doing and you can quickly see the difference.

In this rebuilding mode you see the Falcons have an actual philosophy in mind. They have hired a coach who is going to create an old-school run first mentality: run the ball, then stop the run.

As a result they didn’t try to go out and sign any flash-in-the-pan QB. They went out and got an RB who is comparable to the kind of game they are looking to play next year. Also it looks from many indications that they are going to draft a lineman who can stop the run. The big deal about this is that the owner, the GM, and the coach are all on the same page. All they need to do is draft a QB (which they’ve already stated they will do) and I believe the fans will support a team they know has a plan in place for the future.

Now compare them to the Hawks. When Billy Knight successfully eliminated a lot of the salaries on this team he had a vision of creating a team that would in his words “run the opposition out of the gym.” Ok, if you’re going to do that then why hire a DEFENSIVE MINDED COACH? Imagine if he hired a Rick Adelman, I bet no one would complain about his draft picks then. His biggest mistake was hiring a rookie coach when this team needed someone with experience, not someone who was learning on the job.

Now the ASG are at odds with Knight over his desire to get rid of Woodson. This is what happens when the owners, GM and coach are NOT on the same page.

The Wizards have a roster similar to Atlanta’s yet they have been very successful because they hired a coach who fits in with the philosophy of the GM. Even though Grunfeld was hired after Eddie Jordan the owner Abe Pollin stated that he would only hire a GM who had the same philosophy as his coach.

As for the Thrashers they were victimized by the GM getting star-struck in hiring Bob Hartley without a plan in place. They got Ilya but then never understood how to build a team around him. Once again, coach and GM not on the same page.

If you need another example of how to rebuild successfully in Atlanta, just look at the Braves. The GM and coach were on the same page and decided to build through the farm system by trading away veterans in their primes. It paid off I would say.

By NASCAR Dave

March 13, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

ATLANTA FANS WAKE UP!!!

STOP ENABLING THE INCOMPETENCE!

DO NOT SPEND ANY MORE MONEY SUPPORTING THESE TEAMS UNTIL THE PROPER CHANGES ARE MADE!

FIRE DON WADDELL!
FIRE BRAD MCCRIMMON!
FIRE BILLY KNIGHT!
FIRE MIKE WOODSON(come on, that’s a given!)!

STOP SUBSIDIZING THE INCOMPETENCE! HIT THEM WHERE IT HURTS…. IN THE WALLETS!!!

By Thrashyourself

March 13, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Ownership must act. They already fired Bernie Mullin (CEO). Act now to get new GMs and start the search for new coaches. Or simply invoke the BIGGER FOOL clause now.

The BIGGER FOOL clause: In sports, there will always be a BIGGER FOOL to come along and pay too much for a franchise than you paid.

By jat

March 13, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Loser mentality for these owners in this city. I gave up on all of the teams except for the falcons, now I have given up on them. Any team that would release Harrington and sign him back has a loser mentality. Its over. Good Bye

By Carl Brewer

March 13, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

fire waddell

By Clyde

March 13, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Steve Belkin

March 13, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Let Knight be GM of Thrashers and let Waddell be GM of the Hawks. Sure couldn’t get any worse.

By Augman

March 13, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

nobody cares about this team anyway. When was the last time you saw a someone in town wearing a Hawks ball cap or a jersey? Everyone knows it’s a joke.

By Tom

March 13, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Been saying it for a long time,

Fire Waddell

Not rocket science, just logical. Great guy and would probably have a blast over a cocktail with him but he has proven he is not the man to manage this team and ownership.

By The Losing Formula

March 13, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

ASG = LOSERS

ASG+BILLY KNIGHT = LOSERS x 2

ASG+BILLY KNIGHT+WOODSON = LOSERS x3

So it’s simple math, the Hawks are destined to be losers. The only way to fix the equations is to Fire all 3: ASG, BILLY KNIGHT, and WOODSON. Then we can start seeing some real change.

By Scott

March 13, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

I still like the Hawks and continue to follow them through the ajc and I check on their games via yahoo. But the inconsistent play is too much for me to go pay money to watch them in person, or even to watch on TV any longer (although when I’m working night shift, I still try to sneak a peak at ESPN’s sports highlights to see how they did). As for the Thrashers, I don’t care at all. Couldn’t even name any of their players.

By Good Job AJC

March 13, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Lol, only in this town would people be upset at the local paper criticizing our poorly run teams. This is what a paper is supposed to do, as opposed to being happy to go watch these two pathetic franchises. The AJC is not trying to run the teams out of town. If that happened, the writers would be out of a job, making sense? Of course folks upset at the AJC are on their cell phones at games, are socializing instead of paying attention, and actually get irritated that it’s loud in Phillips!!!! These are the same people that get more excited about the between period entertainment than the actual game. Which with watching these two teams I can’t say I blame you for that at this point. Bradley, good job, keep the pressure on these clowns to make changes and put a quality product there for us. Only in Atlanta (and Clipper land!) can two GM’s (DW and Knight) be this horrible for this long and still have jobs. Only in Atlanta can we have two coaches who could be this horrible and still have jobs, DW and Woody. It’s a disgrace and totally inexcusable. Bradley I will be at the game tonight, but my tickets are free also. I would pay to see Calgary though, a tough HARD playing team with a lot of heart. Those words aren’t heard much in these parts for professional sports (go dawgs!), but I would pay to see the Flames. Also, nice move by DW, talking about bringing up prospects, but not actually doing it. WHAT IS HE WAITING FOR? He is a mess. Bye Don, Bye Billy, By Woody. Happy St.Pattys day, drink up!!!!

By Remember Loserville

March 13, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember the 70’s. Atlanta was called loserville. Seems like we are back at it. The only way the Hawks and Thrashers are going to get better is to start over. Sell the teams. We need new owners/GM/Coaches. The Braves are descent and and the Falcons have an owner willing to spend money

By Dr. Warren

March 13, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

I was in China this week, Shanghai. I told a Chinese kid working at a health club I was from Atlanta, and he laughed and said, “Oh, the Hawks’ city. They always like to lose right?”

By Bruce Afleck

March 13, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

fire waddell

By MariettaFalconFan

March 13, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Boycott the Thrashers and Hawks!

GO FALCONS AND BRAVES!

By priest

March 13, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

WE NEED NEW OWNERS!

By BA

March 13, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Hey Bradley, how about an article that took more than ten minutes to write? Aren’t you getting paid to write these? My five year old could come up with something more introspective. Ajc, get rid off this guy and the racist Terrence Moore.

By Sasquach

March 13, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

You lost me at “global warming.”

By SKINFAN

March 13, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Man, we stink…no…we stank!!! The Thrashers, a season of implosion. Waddell, you ARE NOT a coach!!! Billy, what in the Heck am I doing Knight. All those players in the draft and you got 1? And then you went and got damaged good…(somebody got something on you?? You owe people? Just checking before I say…you suck!!! I have not seen bonehead moves more in my life than, the Falcons and the Thrashers!!! The only thing that keeps me here is my job and the ECONOMY!!! I just refuse to watch any sports. The Thrashers aren’t my cup of tee. The Braves, I’m over it. Football is my game!!! But the Falcons are as exciting as a Golden Girl reuninon.

By chief of smoke

March 13, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

FIRE Waddell

By Terrence Moore

March 13, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

See, the problem with the Trashers is that they have no blacks on the team…

By Brendan

March 13, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, good column. My response is … I’ll find another outlet for my disposable income.

What are the other choices?? Stop. What are they “really?” If you make a lame argument that says … the NBA or NHL might leave …. that’s absurd. It can’t leave, and won’t, for another 12-13 years. You, the Fan, finally … have an owner, (in this case, owners,) by the “short-n-curlys.”

All you have to do … is nothing at all. Don’t go to games. Don’t spend any money. That’s it. You’ll force them to change. And if they sell teams, then GUESS WHAT????

Yep, THAT WAS THEIR PLAN ALL ALLLLLONG!!! You got “hoodwinked, snookered, bamboozled, flimflammed, and hornswaggled** into believing these guys really care. They don’t. This was a ‘straight up’ BUSINESS DECISION.

Stop. The Nashville Predators (NHL club,) are “valued” last out of 30 teams at $143 million. Prospective buyer, Jim Balsillie, of Canada, offered to purchase them for $238 million. Had the NHL not interceded, he would own that franchise. The ASG bought the Thrashers, valued at $148 million in 2007, for $131 million in 2004. So, already, the ASG has made $17 million. But let’s say they “flip it” to Balsillie, for $238 million. Wellllll, The ASG just made $107 million!!! (238-131 = 107.)

Wouldn’t YOU sell??? I would!! I sure could use $107 million dollars, in exchange for being a “caretaker” owner of an NHL franchise for 4-years. That’s more than $25 million profit, on average, per season!!!!

It’s INSANE not to sell!!! Total Insanity!!! If someone is stupid enough to pony up that kind of money, the ASG would be foolish to reject the offer. Even if they only get $176 million for the Thrashers, they still made $45 million, for owning them for four years. That’s over $10 million a year in equity.

Face it, folks. The ASG just doesn’t want to hear your opinion … about their “business plans.” You can Make THEM hear it, though. Don’t give them another nickel of your money. They don’t care about winning. They don’t about your happiness. They don’t care if you are satisfied with their product. They don’t care if you think puppies are cute. They just want your money. They’re having a hissy-fit that you won’t give it to them. Just keep watching them.

They’re just like a spoiled brat a Target telling his Mom he’d BETTER buy him a “Ben 10” watch, no … make it TWO, ‘cuz he’s not sharing with his brother, Belkin. And you’re supposed to say, “Yes, my ‘sweet, sweet treasure.’ Here’s your watches!!” When all that’s needed … is a little “tough love” to discipline your child. Next time, he won’t “act up” when you’re shopping at Target. Folks, in the end, this will just be a “hiccup” in the franchises’ history, once the ships get righted.

By NASCAR Dave

March 13, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Not willing to pay for patience

THAT’S RIGHT BROTHER. THEY OUGHTTA PAY US FOR HAVING TO SUFFER THROUGH WATCHING THESE PATHETIC LOSERS PLAY!!!

By David

March 13, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

does anyone know if the hockey team and basketball team going to sell?

or is it going to be the hockey team?

By anphill2

March 13, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the insightful commentary. Unfortunately, my dog won’t be able to urinate on this artice.

Better question:
Is Josh Smith a shot-blocking force, or a lazy positional defender, that appreciates his stats more than the greater good of the team?

By Dejay

March 13, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

As I said before, no one on this blog would tolerate a bad product elsewhere and keep coming back for more; not at a restaurant, a store, a movie theater, a fast food place, NOWHERE. In fact, we’d tell everyone under the sound of our voices not to spend any of their $$$ there either, at least until they’d gotten their ish together. What’s the difference between that and what the Thrashers and Hawks are doing?

Its time to call it like it is; both GMs need to go. They’ve had enough time. They’ve drafted enough lottery picks. They’ve hired enough coaches (you trust BK enough to hire another one after Woodson?). They’ve collectively FAILED TO GET THE JOB DONE. In the real world where the rest of us live, when an employee doesn’t meet the standards at his/her job, they’re let go. There’s no debate or discussion about it. The fact that Waddell got extended after this debacle, all while Minnesota, who started around the same time the Thrashers did, are perennial contenders, clearly shows that the ownership group here is not only incompetent but downright negligent.

To just blindly ignore this and keep going to Philips because they’re ‘my team’ is enabling ownership to continue status quo. And when that status quo results in the arena league team hosting more playoff games than the both of them have the last nine years COMBINED, its time for changes. HIGH TIME.

To continue going would be like the lemmings in Chicago who for years packed Wrigley while Tribune took their $$$ and put it squarely in their pockets. They’d see a packed building every night and say ‘why in blazes should we invest in the farm system and add to payroll when they show up regardless of how terrible we are?’ You know when Cub fans will stop blindly showing up when their team is putrid? When the owners there pipe up about a new stadium and tear Wrigley down in the name of more $$$.

So let the folks in Chicago and Philly trump their ‘hardcore fan’ title all they want. Their basketball and hockey teams have won before. Ours keep spinning their wheels, hoping that folks here won’t notice.

Psss, ASG….we have.

By stendec

March 13, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Good guys up 2-0 after a period. Thanks Letemin. I knew you would not let me down against my favorite NHL team! A shorthanded goal plus one to Iggy. You will always be Finnish crapola! On course for six goals. Is that not about average for these quitters? Glad to see team on Philips Arena ice playing with fire, pride, heart and determination. Welcome back Flames. We miss you guys so much! On to second period. Have not enjoyed Thrasher matchup like this in weeks. Cheerio all!

By WW5

March 13, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

HERE IS A HINT THAT EVEN YOU, BRADLEY, AN AJC DOLT, CAN UNDERSTAND: PEOPLE PAY TO GO TO THE GAMES BECAUSE THEY WANT TO SEE THEIR FAVORITE TEAMS PLAY. GET IT!

By drmaryb

March 13, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

Hey Chikara

Great Post-up! Awesome stuff. Too bad posts like that are way too far and way too few between all the tired REPEATERS & ORATORS OF THE OBVIOUS

That was Nice & Fresh! I especially liked your comparison between Arthur & the Falcons -vs- ASG & the Hawks.

The philosophical differences is the key to LOSING. You are dead-eye correct when you look at the Falcons and Braves committment to be on the same page.

I was over on Dave O’Briens Blog for the first time today and what a refreshing experience to actually see everyone talking sports and not bashing other’s opinions for a change.

I kept hearing all day about the FALCONS and the new SYSTEM. The GM & HC are definitely on the same page and they could care less about the PAST.

That’s why they call it the PAST Because no one cares about old stuff!

Now they have new blood and fresh ideas. ( What A Novel Concept)

The team held a Press and Media party today to embrace the process of sharing inside information about the team and what the philosphical strategy would be in the upcoming draft. You, as a fan, can be confident that they will draft on the lines first and pick up the missing pieces in FA

They were talking about coaching the right type of players who fit the new SYSTEM I wish the HAWKS could emulate that there over here.

The Braves we all know will be strong in the pitching rotation - Why? -Beacuse that is their philosphy! (It’s What They Do!)

My concern is not that the Hawks don’t have a strategy (long, athletic & defend) - But, simply put, there is no leadership nor implementation.

Thank God we have more than one sports team in this beautiful A-Town!

Why? - Because this beautiful city really does deserve a WINNER!

By drmaryb

March 13, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Losers & Bullies Attack People - Winners *Just Do It - They Beat the Opposition!*

By Katie

March 14, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS: If you sit in Sections 319 or 320 for hockey games at PHILIPS ARENA, it has now been additionally confirmed that you are indeed DUMBER THAN Michael Vick’s bleeding, VD-saturated rectum.

In other news, typing rage-filled, illogical rants in all-capital letters STILL does not make the point logical.

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 bravesfan79

March 14, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

The perfect guy for the Hawks job is Van Gundy!! He was a great coach for NY, and did a great job of installing a VERY good Defense in Houston. No the Hawks dont have Mutombo or Yao, but the defense would still improve BIGTIME!

Wed be best off trading Marvin for a young pt guard. I like Jarred Jack alot….im always seeing highlights on ESPN of him in Portland…and he hits big shots. I also like Critt…maybe im biased because im a GT fan… But regardless there both really good.
Then in the Draft get a big man, maybe someone really good will drop to us in our first pic….how about that 7”5 guy George from UNC ashville i think it is?? haha…he is big and slow yea…but he did lead that conference in field goal percentage…and i think perhaps leads the nation in that category…

By Mr. Heat Miser

March 14, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

Katie, I’m 319-L-23 - how ‘bout you come tell me in person how smart I am?

By jerry

March 14, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

You take a pig. You put some lipstick on it. You brand ATLANTA on its rump. Voila! Instant loyalty.

By Billsen

March 14, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Katie…. Katie…. Katie…. YOU S*CK!

It was kind of funny watching you getting escorted out of 319 - back to the 400’s for you!

Proud to be a member of the Nasty Nest…

Billsen

By Chikara

March 14, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Good looking out drmaryb I see a lot of your work on the Hawks blog as one of the few sensible people there. Must be a DC thing! Once I got out of Atlanta I saw just how awful the sportswriters, “fans” and the ownership really is. I appreciate this area a lot more.

By dj nowhere

March 14, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Hey Katie, sorry about your lobotomy. It must really s*ck having to sit there and watch all us having fun at a hockey game. Maybe you can take your hands out from under your butt and do something with them, like make noise!

By jasen

March 14, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

“If I had to shell out real money to watch these teams flail, would I want to hear some voice advocating patience?”

Yet, you think we should give Felton another year? Interesting. The costs are much less, but the travel time and support required to get from ATL to Athens 10 times a year is substantial.

By drmaryb

March 14, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Hey Chikara

Hips Don’t Lie! You have a very beautiful name even if it is a sign-on? Either way I like it.

What state are you from? Seems like you left Atlanta. Yeah, I had been over there on Sekou’s Blog. It’s so bad, even he left town. The title over there is MIA - What a hot-mess!

The only thing left to do is fight each other’s dialogue and opinions because that BLOG is dead in the water.

Anyway, nice chat. Go Hawks!

By Chikara

March 14, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Thanks drmaryb. Actually I’m in VA. It’s funny how people in this area perceive the Atlanta teams. I usually get the same reactions: “Sucks what happened with the Falcons, hope they get it together” or “The Hawks should be much better than they are”

I read Sekou’s blog every now and then but it’s full of the same comments and banter without anyone offering real solutions. I might return there if the Hawks actually get it together, in the meantime I’ll stick with the Falcons. They may be a year or two from winning but at least I know they are going somewhere.

Oh well, being a doctor i’m sure you’ve got a lot of work to do. Catch ya later!

By Daniel in 120

March 14, 2008 8:53 PM |