AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > March > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USYou’re a good fit for Raiders, MeAngelo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
It seemed a departure from the man’s makeup and objectives late last season when DeAngelo Hall said: “I don’t want to be the highest-paid cornerback in the league and losing every game. Money only gets you so much happiness.”
How unfortunate when such pure thoughts get flattened by a Winnebago.
Hall is nearing a seven-year, $70 million contract with the Oakland Raiders. If the Raiders aren’t the worst franchise in professional sports, it’s only because nobody really counts them anymore. In the past five years, they’ve gone 4-12, 5-11, 4-12, 2-14 and 4-12. That makes 19 wins. The Falcons in that same span: 35 (and a playoff berth).
This is where DeAngelo Hall ends his pursuit of happiness?
Now, there’s no denying that Hall is a great athlete. He’s almost as good a cornerback as he thinks he is. So logic says this potential trade makes the Raiders better and the Falcons worse. But given the state of the Falcons franchise, Hall was more likely to be an obstacle than an asset in the immediate future.
The Falcons will be generally devoid of stars next season. When a team doesn’t have tangibles (players), it needs to make up for it with intangibles (effort, unity, chemistry). Hall only gets in the way — not because he’s talented, but because his words and actions have screamed that his priorities are elsewhere.
Coach Mike Smith preferred not to comment on Hall on Wednesday, partly because there’s no closure, yet. But his philosophies and his values don’t suggest a lot of overlap with the player who’s likely headed out the door.
“What people might not know about our defense in Jacksonville is we didn’t have a lot of guys who got much publicity throughout the league,” Smith said. “We had a solid group of physically tough guys who enjoyed playing together. Even in Baltimore, we only had a couple of bell cows. We had a lot of guys who understood about the team concept. That’s what we’re trying to establish here.”
Smith was an assistant with the Ravens before going to Jacksonville. The key to Baltimore’s Super Bowl team, he said, went far beyond the Ravens’ great defense.
“We had five games in which we didn’t score an offensive touchdown, and we won three of those,” he said. “That’s not just about the defense. It’s about the defense, the offense and the special teams staying together. It’s about the team staying together. There wasn’t any bickering or players pointing fingers. Nobody spoke out. When we won the Super Bowl, it was a testament, not just to the athleticism of the team, but to the heart, the determination and the mind-set of the players.
“It’s a culture we need to establish here, starting next week with the OTAs. Everybody has to be accountable toward each other. When you have that culture, that’s when you succeed.”
Hall did not make the Pro Bowl last season. If only that was the biggest problem.
Before the season, he told new coach Bobby Petrino he wouldn’t return punts or play snaps at wide receiver. (So much for that team concept.)
In the third game against Carolina, he melted down with three penalties totaling 67 yards (pass interference, personal foul, unsportsmanlike conduct) that led to a touchdown — and a loss. Then he yelled at coaches who dared to suggest he might want to calm down, leading to a $100,000 fine and being benched from the starting lineup the following week.
It’s noteworthy that teammates were consulted before the discipline was handed out.
In a late-season Monday night game, Hall ripped the scab off the Michael Vick soap opera when he walked onto the field carrying a Vick poster and wearing “MV7” under his eyes.
What was the purpose? To start a bonfire?
Two weeks later, while his teammates were merely trying to hold things together and finish the season, Hall held court for the media in front of his locker. Why? To squawk about his contract. But remember: It’s not about the money.
Oakland is willing to part with two draft picks for Hall. At least the Falcons will have a choice of personalities to choose from.
Hall’s future in Atlanta has been dead for some time. It needs to be. This franchise needs leaders and bonding agents. Hall has other objectives.
Permalink | Comments (98) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
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By Larry
March 19, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Bottom line? Any Man who feels the need to wear earrings and tattoos quite frankly has a lower than average IQ and even lower self esteem.
Any questions?
By jay
March 19, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
jeff schultz we wish you would go to the Raider’s organization for Sports Writers!!!..we don’t like your racist comments over the years here, you buy no tickets to get to see a falcon game, you hate black people we all know it, so please leave, your future here in atlanta has been dead here for a very long time….
By The Realist
March 19, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Schultz, I guess you’re going to write a couple of Hall-ripping columns per day until you feel better about your personal life huh? “What was the purpose” of this article? “To start a bonfire?”
By poopdawg
March 19, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
please quit writing anything negative about Hall until his but is out of here. I believe they have internet access in Oakland. Please don’t jinx this deal , i would trade him for a litter of kittens , but a #2& a #6 pick is wonderful.
By The True #7
March 19, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Hey Larry, You really shouldn’t profile people like that… A lot of us really would surprise you… I guess by asking “Bottom line?” you really didn’t believe your statement either…
Anyway, back to FOOTBALL… I’m glad D Hall is finally gone… Mr. Dimitroff is doing a great job, so far… He does have a proven tack record in drafting, so I don’t expect anything different this year…
7
By TheJama
March 19, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
I agree with your blog My Schultz. MeAngelo’s actions on the field and his words off of the field do NOT represent a player who embraces the team concept.
If you look at most winning organizations you will see teams that don’t always have the best players. Just look at the New York Giants. It is somple, get everyone on the same page pulling in the same direction. MeAngelo clearly would be a continual negative source of energy.
Once the trade is finalized I would say that the cleaing of the house has been swift and thorough. Great work so far Dimitroff and Smith.
By Shamus Thacker
March 19, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
This column is right on the money.
Nice job Jeff.
By Shamus Thacker
March 19, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Truth is not racism, regardless of what a given truth might be.
By ME
March 19, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
You guys are the biggest idiots. Im sure just 1yr and a half ago he was hands down the best corner in the league, in your eyes, RIGHT??
UHUH thats what I thought. So know that he is jumping your ship to join a ship that is still afloat and not sinking into the abyss like the Atlanta
pigeons. Can you really blame the guy for leaving a team that is scraping the bottom of the barrel for players and picking up the pieces after the MV dilema. I too would be bitter after losing a franchise QB, and a franchise CB in a years time. Lets be honest if he wsa playing in a falcons uniform next year he would be the best corner in the league, and all of the sudden he is leaving town to a team that is building for the future and is going to lock him up for years to come could you blame him? Im sure if your company changed CEOs and was in dissaray and business wasnt as it once was and the rival company offered you a new position and a big raise, you wouldnt jump all over it. Your crazy if you say you wouldnt! Now get off of your water cooler filled with HATORADE and get over it. Just think in 5 yrs from now you might just win a game!!! Or maybe MV will be on work release by then, theres always hope!!!!
By kev
March 19, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Good points. Even if you’re a part of the minority who believe Hall is a top-flight corner, you must concede his actions and mouth don’t mesh with a team looking to rebuild with character players. Trading Hall is addition by subtraction. Getting two draft picks for him is a bonus.
By Atl Steve
March 19, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
jay, your acusing Jeff Schultz of being a racist is absurd. You only need to look in the mirror to see a true racist.
Jeff Schultz is spot on with his assessment of D. Hall, who is all about me, me, me. DeAngelo Hall, don’t let the door hit you on the way out. We won’t miss your juvenile, selfish approach to the game of football.
The Raiders and you were a match made in heaven. Loud and over-rated!
By Shady
March 19, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
well said Schultzy
By Me
March 19, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
All of you guys including the writer are a classic example of a bunch of idiots with there heads in a place where the sun only shines when you sit on a log in the woods while camping!
By Dawg
March 19, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Great article…Oakland is a great place for him - I agree though lets don’t blow the deal. I also think he is an average DB….Gets lit up on key plsys/drives.
By RaiderFan
March 19, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
I believe you are forgetting the benefits of the Raiders acquiring a player like D.Hall. Once the trade is finalized they will create the BEST CB tandem in the league, not to mention to already go with their two safeties in Huff/Wilson.
The Raiders got better and for 2nd/6th round picks, we received a two time Pro Bowl player at the age of 24.
Asomugha/Hall will both get opportunities this year to increase their INT’s.
Raider Nation can’t wait!!!!!
By Rimfire
March 19, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
what a concept… …building a “TEAM”!
By FalconFan4Life
March 19, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Hall has got to go. He is not worth the powder it would take to blow him up. He is a terrible role model for our youth.
Right on. Larry, I am a Black man and I get sick and tired of men wearing earrings. You are exactly right, it points to low self esteem. It proves that money can not change ones self image. If you think you are crap, you will act and dress like it.
By WHAT?
March 19, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Jay = moron. First of all, learn how to properly articulate your thoughts before you decide to spread your stupidity…I can’t even bother to waste anymore time with this.
By The Realist
March 19, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Blah, blah, blah, “I agree,” blah, blah, blah, “he’s no racist,” blah, blah, blah…are we REALLY going to be subject to redundant Schutlz-on-Hall articles EVERYDAY now? Probably so…at least until Schultz actually learns enough about the team to give FOOTBALL insight instead of the SAME VENT-FILLED TIRED EDITORIALS ABOUT D. HALL. I’m just saying Schultz, if you haven’t taken a sec to come up for air from your personal “objectives,” we’re well aware of your feelings about D. Hall. What are your suggestions for the draft? Hmmm, maybe we should ship your articles to another section of the paper, because it really doesn’t take a sports writer to write this stuff.
By sl
March 19, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
You gotta love what Dimitroff & Smith are doing. As a long suffering Falcons fan…and not one of these band wagonners, it is fantastic to see managment so clealry decide the direction of this franchise. I don’t know how long it may take, but we are surely on the right track to building not only a solid “TEAM”, but franchise for years to come!
By Carl Winslow
March 19, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Hall is a solid cornerback, but this contract pays him like an elite corner. I haven’t seen any top QBs that play against Atlanta try avoid throwing in his direction. In fact, there are times you feel that he is being picked on…
By TURTSNAP
March 19, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Good article Jeff. I didn’t realize just how bad of a franchise the Raiders have become. And DeAngelo is tired of losing? HMMMMM
By How-Dare-You?
March 19, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Interesting, looks like the real thugs are online…
By Jester
March 19, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
He wanted out of Atlanta. I agree with Jeff. Race really has nothing to do with it. Trading him makes sense. The Falcons are about to be in at least a two year rebuilding mode. Whats the point of signing him to a 70 million dollar contract and wasting that cap space when you aren’t gonna be competitive for a few years? He is good, but he is no Champ Bailey. Against TO, Chad Johnson, Steve Smith, Roy Williams, etc. He got his lunch ate every time.
By AdiosHall
March 19, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
I love how Hall just wanted to be on a winning team, but neither the Jaguars or the Giants would pay him the money he wanted, so there was no trade with these playoff/Superbowl teams, and he goes to the only team so unorganized and crazy they will pay him what he thinks he is worth.
I also won’t miss him, I don’t really think he is a great corner back.
By Boots
March 19, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
While I have been critical of Hall, he’s a great athlete who is very immature, selfish and self-centered.
I don’t know if he’s capable of absorbing the concept of “team” since everything seems to be about him… what he thinks, says and does or doesn’t do.
Until Hall comes to realize football is a team sport, he will be useless to any franchise and my guess is he’ll be a short timer at Oakland.
DeAnglo, it’s time to put up and shut up.
By hop
March 19, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
the falcons are finally getting the concept of what a true team means!
dhall has much talent,but his “me first” attitude has no place on a team of 53 man.
the falcons front office is showing good patience, unity and hard work that will one day payoff.
mr. blank needs to let the football professionals do their job and stay away .
By Reggie
March 19, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Jeff,
Did athletes take your lunch money in high school. Why Is Keith Brooking still on the team?
By TheJama
March 19, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Read a Raiders blog earlier and all I can say is WOW. Talk about seeing life through rose colored glasses. Their free agency spending spree will have them strapped for cap space for some time. The NFL pundits are already projecting Javon Walker to be the biggest free agent bust. Yes, the will have a pretty good tandem of CB’s but it will cost them 20 million per season. Add that to overpaying for a new safety, the before mentioned Walker, Tommy Kelly (who?), and I wish the best of luck to them and MeAngelo.
You see, it really is all about him and the money. If it were about team or playing for a winner he wouldn’t be in Oakland right now.
By Dan
March 19, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Good riddance. God what a difference between a real player and a Warrick Dunn. Hall will never be a team player or a great player except in his own mind.
Jeff Schultz (racist) I don’t think so. get a life. Hall’s a jerk.
By The Realist
March 19, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Come on now Reggie, you know nobody has anything to say about Brooking. He’s a “team player” & “high character” guy. Only those interested in talking FOOTBALL will recognize how vulnerable the run defense is with him in the middle. Who cares that they run him over every other play?!
By Blank Fan
March 19, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
So those that hate Vick, hate Hall do you also hate Blank? Are you excited about this season? Are you roaring for a season led by the allstar REDMAN leading the way? PLEASE!!! I have never scene more heart than Michael Vick in Green Bay taking matters in his own hands to score! That was football man! What we will get to see next year will be REDMAN (sorry I cant say that without being absolutely disgusted) leading a bunch of guys that couldn’t score against my high school team who didn’t win a game in my 4 years there!!!
Thanks Blank, you are really gonna fill those seats this year!! Great job!! hey maybe REDMAN gets hurt and the mighty Harrington can save the day!!!!
(insert Dad’s bad joke Here) I put two 2008 Falcons tickets on a car windshield when I parked outside the grocery store, when I came out there were 6!
I may have messed that up more than Blank has messed up this team. Imagine if he would have taken all the quality products out of Home Depot and replaced them with KMart brand,,,Same Same man.
By toni
March 19, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
i’m so happy he’s gone he and is mouth.he dos not have class and education.he spitted on the plate where he eated.
By Blank Fan
March 19, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
New Home Depot mission statement: Who cares about the product, as long as we have good wholesome employees. They dont need to be helpful, or know anything about hardware as long as they dont fight animals, and love their mommas.
Come on. Sorry guys I am not buying tickets to watch guys who have been playing less time than I have owned the underwear I have on right now.
Oh yea and Mike Smith says, we didnt score a touchdown in 5 games and we won 3 of them….WHAT!!! Oh man I am siked!!! I cant wait to go see the Falcons play Miami and see them STOMP them 0-3! YES I am SOOOOOOO excited.
We went from the best QB in football to REDMAN
If you cannot tell, I was they gu hoping someone might think of trading up in the draft to get a star QB, yea that is not happening, we will probably trade down so we can have 5 second rounders!!!! YES!!!! or maybe we can trade down and have 10 4th rounders!!!! LETS DO IT!!!!!
is my sarcasm too much?
By The Realist
March 19, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Blah, blah, blah, “uneducated,” blah, blah, blah, “thug, thug, thug,” blah, blah, blah, “Schultz’s no racist for dogging a Black athlete…but T. Moore is when he supports one,” blah, blah, blah…word association can be a monster. Now, all racial biases & denials aside, are there any takers on the Brooking issue?
By SickandTired
March 19, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Hey Blank Fan….it’s funny you can’t see the forest for the trees. A new day has dawned in Falcon Land. They are moving in a new direction that doesn’t include “too legit to quit”, W******* the night before the Super Bowl, Dog fighting, dope smoking, mouth running about new contracts and generally not being a good citizen on and off the field. A whole new group of Falcon fans just might surface that have been gone for awhile. The funny thing is the model for this new endeavor has been staring Arthur Blank in the face right here in Atlanta and it’s the Atlanta Braves and John Schuerholz. For the first time in years I’m ready to renew my club level seats early. It may take a couple years or three, but this team will be built for the long haul now with the New England Patriots method.
By Joe
March 19, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are a better product with Hall out of the workplace. Draft picks are just icing
By Walter Earl
March 19, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
DH you’ll fit right in out there with all the gangs out there I don’t think you’ll be able to keep talking your way out of……you’re going to a place where you’re going to see a lot of running send me the number of the first truck because everyine in the both NFC and now the AFC is going to see the TAPE that you can not tackle. Be careful with the Orkland Bay Bridge you’re started to run out land hope you can swim.
By za
March 19, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
If the Raiders are the worst franchise, where do the Falcons rank?
The Raiders have 3 Superbowl wins and one of the best franchise win percentages in the NFL.
The Falcons have 0 Superbowls and have never had consecutive winning seasons.
The Raiders may have fallen on hard times, but the have a. been in a superbowl this decade b. have an actual legacy in this league.
The Falcons are an older version of the Thrashers… So much hype for so few accolades.
By al strauts
March 19, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
ok, I can get the tickets again..the D was a Major A-hole..thank god he’s gone and taken his big fat mouth with him…last year I saw every one of his interceptions…all luck..I also saw him beat when it counted…what a jerk..what a friggin loser…Prediction…he will be hurt this season..after he gets nailed for long td’s..
By Josh
March 19, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
I agree Jeff i just think we could have gotten at least an extra 3rd/4th rounder as well, but losing his selfish attitude is almost as valuable as an extra pick
By Matt the Brave
March 19, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
MeAngelo. Says it all, doesn’t it? First of all, it’s not a black or a white thing. If DHall were white and acting this way, I’d still say it’s time for him to move out. This team is so bad with chemistry that we don’t need someone like that in our organization. I hope that he enjoys making lots of money and wish him the best in Oakland…but they’re not going to win any more or less with him there.
By walt
March 19, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
you sould like a person who is bitter…you know and we all know the hall is a good not great cornerback. we the raiders need help and with the draft at running back we should look and just like the falcon were before mike vick…haha i cannot stop laughing. but ok we were the best teams before everybody started make fun of the raiders.(post 90) haha.
By How-Dare-You?
March 19, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Great SICKandTIRED, sounds like you should be nice & comfy at the Dome now. Don’t worry, you’ll have PLENTY of room to stretch out. Feel safe yet? All the thugs are gone. You can come out now. By the way, while you’re at it, care to address the dope smoking & prostitution that politicians bring to our town? Now that I think about it, you might want to stay at home for a while. Wouldn’t want you to run into any of those folks on the way to the Dome. Give us a little while. We’ll get it all cleaned up for you. Hey, we just want you to feel SAFE!
By Big Red
March 19, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Hey ED. Why do they have to be thugs? Why can’t they just be people with bad attitudes or something? I get tired of yall f* hiding behind a screen and calling those guys thugs when yall cowards whouldn’t call them a thug to there faces. F*
By De Shabazzzz
March 19, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
MeAngelo would have been a better fit in Glanville era…that team had a swagger and would hit you blind.
At the Panther game where he had his meltdown…he cost the birds…my team…the team I support…the team I spend money on…the team of my city….a crucial game when this team without MV7 was trying to find itself.
Man…glad Petrino is gone, but glad Crump and MeAngelo are gone too.
By Gray Mule
March 19, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Isn’t it funny. The guy says, “I don’t want to be in Atlanta any more. If they don’t trade me, I will sit out the first 10 games in protest. I have a contract, which I agreed to and signed, but it’s not big enough.” This is team football? Then, a writer says Hall should go (Wonder why) and now he’s a racist? What does color have to do with the trade?
Where did he even hint that he should go because of his color? Hall wants to go to a team that wins a lot more than the Falcons - And he believes he’s found it. Good!
Worried that the Falcons will be big losers without Hall? Why? We lost a lot while he was here. Did he make Atlanta a better team? He may be a great team player in his new home. Good! We can only wait and see. Time will tell.
By How-Dare-You?
March 19, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Well, BIG RED, it’s for the same reasons they had nothing to say about Harrington mouthing off to the media about Petrino before the imposter quit…but roasted Crumpler for doing so. Also, if you haven’t noticed, all friends of you-know-who have gotten the thug label.
By matthew gray
March 19, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Yeah thats what oakland fans said about Randy Moss last year and we all know what happened. The raiders just acquired the Falcons best player, so how can this guy write about how this move helps the falcons???
By michaelgee
March 19, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Hall is NOT gone just because he doesn’t want to be here. Hall is gone because he needs to be gone. Thanks for telling it like it is Jeff.
By Falcon Fan
March 19, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
You know a guy is full of it when he says he is tired of losing and goes to the raiders. Don’t let the door hit you in the behind. Hall needs to grow up in a desperate way. His temper tantrums cost the team last year. See you and don’t want to be you. Please don’t draft no more VT crap. They don’t think very well.
By Dale
March 19, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Er,um, I think the consensus is the Raiders are improving. I haven’t heard anyone say the same about the Falcons.
The Raiders will field a team that’s competitive in 2008. How about ATL?
Trading DeAngelo Hall will hurt, as will passing on McFadden or Mendenhall and signing a career backup to be your starting RB.
The Falcons are a mess.
By Steve
March 19, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Well said Jeff. Good riddance MeAngelo. He and the Raiders deserve one another. And please…don’t draft anymore players from Virginia Tech!
By Paul Hamilton
March 19, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Haha, nice rant ME. Best cornerback in the league. Haha. You didn’t watch many falcons games last year did you. DHall wasn’t even in the top five.
I love how DHALL compares himself to Deion Sanders. At least Deion backed up his trash talk, oh and he played professional baseball in his spare time.
It’s sad that we have to trade him, but he just ran his mouth way too much last year. DHall and Chad Johnson should marry each other.
By Oakland Raiders Front Office
March 19, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
Suckers.
By How-Dare-You?
March 19, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
oops: I meant to say that “admission is the first step…”
By Apaul404
March 19, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
This is not racial. Period. He is a child in a grown man’s body. I’m still left waiting to see the shut down corner he claims to be. Vastly overrated as of right now. Good luck with that Al Davis. I won’t miss him.
By Najeh Davenpoop
March 19, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
“If the Raiders aren’t the worst franchise in professional sports, it’s only because nobody really counts them anymore. In the past five years, they’ve gone 4-12, 5-11, 4-12, 2-14 and 4-12. That makes 19 wins. The Falcons in that same span: 35 (and a playoff berth).”
This is the dumbest sh-t I have ever seen. Gee, I wonder who exactly was here when the majority of those 35 games were won by this franchise?
Oh yeah, a certain Michael Dwayne Vick who apparently won’t be playing for this franchise again, and who is given absolutely no credit otherwise by people like you, Jeff Schultz, for elevating this team at least to playoff contention while he was here.
Before Vick came, the Falcons were worse than the Raiders. Now that Vick is gone, the Falcons are once again worse than the Raiders.
So why, exactly, would an admittedly me-first player like Hall not want to go to a team with some upside rather than one that any day now is going to cut one of the top 5 players in franchise history and has been working on a 40-year rebuilding project? At least the Raiders have some home grown talent, at QB, in the secondary, and at linebacker. The Falcons have, uh, Jerious Norwood, and? How, exactly, is going to the Raiders a downgrade from being on the Falcons?
There are legitimate reasons for trading Hall, most of which Terence Moore already pointed out in his article. Number one is that he doesn’t want to be here. But if any team shouldn’t be getting rid of super-talented players because of non-football related issues, it’s the Falcons. Not just because they set a standard for futility in the NFL, but also because the last time they let go of a guy because of an off-field issue, it was Brett Favre.
But of course, leave it to Jeff Schultz to overlook any and all actual football talent and focus entirely on some manufactured character issues. Yes, D-Hall is a me-first player. So is Randy Moss, and last I checked his team did just fine this season. Same with Terrell Owens.
Ultimately, if your organization is f-cked up to the point that it repeatedly can’t make the decisions necessary to accumulate talent and put a winning product on the field, what little talent you have is gonna get p-ssed off. It would be nice if your talented players would handle it better than D-Hall. But he is perfectly within his rights to feel the way he does about this organization. In fact, it would be a lot more concerning if he wasn’t p-ssed off about this organization’s stupidity.
A team full of talent and no character is gonna beat a team full of character and no talent 9 times out of 10.
Oh, and by the way, Hall is not the highest paid CB in the league, even after this contract. Asante Samuel and Nate Clements off the top of my head get paid more. So much for the theory that he just wants to get paid, huh? No, he wants to be part of an organization that is not as f-cked up as the Falcons. And believe it or not, even the Raiders qualify.
Jeff Schultz continues to set lower and lower standards for the AJC.
By Gunner
March 20, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
Go back andwatch the jam on Steve smith that was called a penalty. what was wrong with it? Did he jam him too hard. He had both hands to the sholder pads. Loked like a bad call to me. The Ref gave Carolina that touchdown, not D. Hall.
By SC
March 20, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
You are right, Jeff. It was better to trade the bell cow named DHall to another team. He’s going to love it out there in Oakland, but he isn’t going to win any division titles.
The Falcons may need a few years to undo the damage of the McKay era, but the team is going to get a lot better.
By Mike
March 20, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
I’m glad he’s leaving, although he is a very good corner. I just thought they could get a 1st rounder for him, but I guess the rest of the league doesn’t want to put up with his BS either.
By Eric
March 20, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
ATLANTA, HOME OF THE WORST FANS IN AMERICA!! I CAN STILL REMEMBER SOME OF THE SAME COMMENTS ABOUT DEION SANDERS, WHEN THE WRITERS AND FANS RAN HIM OUT OF TOWN. HE’S A ME GUY, HE’S A HOTDOG, HE LEFT ATLANTA AND WON A RING. THE NEW GM IS ASSEMBLING THE LEST TALENTED GROUP OF PLAYERS IN THE LEAGUE. IT’S GOING TO TAKE 6 OR 7 YEARS TO TURN AROUND, AND THE WORST FANS IN AMERICA DON’T HAVE THE PATIENCE.
By DJ
March 20, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
What a shameful display of journalism. Schultz you opened the wound by starting off with ” Meangelo ” everything went down hill fast from there. While I think we all grew frustrated with DeAngelo..he is probably our most talented young defensive player. Do you blame him completely for expressing his frustration. Come on Falcon fans we can do better than this type of ugly dialogue. Unfortunately, I will bet that D-Hall will be great in Oakland and unfortunately we will struggle. History proves that once you leave Atlanta ..Superbowls, playoffs and pro bowls are your destiny.
By roman88
March 20, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this
by the way the other corner, the better one, probably won’t be back after next year he’ll demand assante money and espn john clayton reports al has already sold raider shares to raise money for all these moves. they’ll never get past chargers anyway. maybe bo and plunkett could come outta retirement
By roman88
March 20, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
I agree with you big red shockley hopefully can rebound from the injury and compete for a spot this preseason,it’d be better than the alternative. dawg nation 08
By Tom
March 20, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this
Screw the dude. Why give him 10% of the team salary cap and he wont even return kicks or punts? Check out T McGeee for a real all in one CB. All I remember is D Hall getting burned, not D Hall talking smack in the papers 5 days before the big game. dude is the only person I have watched lose a game by himself due to penalties? later D. your highlight reel is as long as Tim McKyer’s. sweet. anyone remember the Moss torch job by 5 strides?
By teachme
March 20, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this
AS a black man and ATlanta Falcons fan, I agree with this blog! DeAngelo Hall is a jerk and he is not a team player. He yells at coaches, gets burned on regular ocassions and he is a bad representative of a professional organization. I live in S Florida, and the Dolphins didn’t want anything to do with him. I wish him well, but I think Blank has finally made some good hirings. This new GM and coach are doing a wonderful job. If you noticed every player that yelled at Bobby Petrino last year is gone! They are still cleaning house. This draft is going to be very important and they better take Matt Ryan if he is there. The other picks can be used to sure up both lines of scrimmage.
By Jimmy Boy
March 20, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this
I don’t like MeAnjello either…. I must be a racist!
By Joebrave
March 20, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
Redman will suffice just fine Until Flacco is ready.
By Danimal
March 20, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
Positive move by the Falcons. Now, all of the negative players that ruined the team last year are gone. Build with character and moral fiber and the organization will blossom in 5 years. The racist crap is just that. If you choose to be a multi-million dollar thug or Mac Daddy, don’t expect to be liked because you won’t be. Folks work too hard for their money to watch a whining rich DB slam his bread and butter.
By augustadog
March 20, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
RIGHT ON THE MONEY Good riddance to an idiot with zero class. Let’s get the Falcons back to a TEAM. Not a bunch of Me’s
By dd
March 20, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
What do think Blank is doing with the hire of the Patriots GM and Smith as coach?
Their mandate is to clean this mess up and try to put a respectable product on the field with players that represent the city of Atlanta with class.
Good start so far.
Vick will never play here again.
Bye Bye Hall!! Another positive
Maybe now they can build a real team.
By Bud Wiser
March 20, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
DeAngelo Hall could not provide good cover on a fat 58 year old white man with one leg. The reason the Raiders are so pathetic is that they throw millions at has-been never-was losers like Hall. Good riddance to bad rubbish! Take the picks and continue to rebuild…NOTE…avoid Virginia Tech players; as a whole, their group mentality and way they conduct themselves off and on the field is reprehensible. Did someone also mention Pacman Jones? You must be brain dead. The Raiders are going to get their coin’s-worth from Hall though. Maybe they will improve from 4-12 to 5-11. GO BIRDS!!
By lakeman
March 20, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
i think va tech should be off limits when it come to drafting by the falcons…we have got nothing from that school but hooligans…that is what beamer is known for in his recruiting…perhaps this new falcon administration will try to go for character instead of the thug concept..
By KneeJerk
March 20, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
At least Charles Dimry was a team player…….
By Real Realist
March 20, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Why is Jeff Schultz a racist for wanting a man that wants to be the highest paid corner in the league when he isn’t even in the top 5, has made it clear he doesn’t want to be here, cost his team a game last year, and, most importantly, as we all know, will be replaced by another black cornerback. If Jeff Schultz was saying he wanted Deangelo out so we could get Jason Sehorn in, that might be racist - otherwise, its just wanting a player with a crap attitude out.
The Braves cut Bob Wickman last year because of his attitude, yet I don’t remember anyone calling them racist for doing so.
By KB
March 20, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Jeff and Larry,
This article shows why the Falcons has never won the Super Bowl or has back to back winning seasons. Yes, D. Hall was immature and needed to be checked from once in awhile, but he knew that the Falcons are in a rebuilding process for the next four years. The Raiders will be better faster than the Falcons will. I’m sorry, but it seems to me that Atlanta as a whole gets rid of their talent in whatever sport they have. You can say that in baseball, hockey, basketball, and now football. So if D. Hall leaves Atlanta, history has shown us that he will be playing for more meaningful games than the Falcons will. It is a shame that most of the fans and the sportswriters for this city doesn’t notice this trend.
By Rob
March 20, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
D Hall is the most over-rated CB in the NFL and I have been saying that for 3 years, good riddance! On the Brooking subject, he too should be gone or take a big pay cut. I’m blown away that they plan to keep him in the middle. That alone will make the D bad. MV was fun to watch and did win a lot of games for us taking matter into his own but he screwed up big time. He’s gone and is not welcome back so accept it people and move on for christ’s sake!
By Chris
March 20, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Raiders! We can always count on you to take the league’s castaways.
I am a Giants fan, and got nervous a month ago when there were reports of a possible trade for D Hall.
I’m glad he won’t be on the Giants, and I think the Falcons are better off without him too.
By The Realist
March 20, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Real Realist, if you’ll re-read my entries, I never called Schultz a racist for wanting D. Hall out. I think he’s racially biased based on his body of work. Do you recall him writing back-to-back articles ripping Wickman? NOW, on a football note, what’s your take on what we should do about the inadequate Brooking?
By Son of a Gun
March 20, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
“When a team doesn’t have tangibles (players), it needs to make up for it with intangibles (effort, unity, chemistry). Hall only gets in the way — not because he’s talented, but because his words and actions have screamed that his priorities are elsewhere” -I completely agree.
Did someone seriously just post that DJ Shockley is our only hope for QB? You ignorant UGA fans need to get over your love fest with him, and wild dream that he’s going to take over this franchise. It’s not going to happen. He’s still milking and recovering from an injury. Even when he’s healthy, he’s average at best.
By opieandy
March 20, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Bye Bye, Angela. She was a blight on the team. I’m glad to see her and her prima donna attitude gone.
By Joe Don
March 20, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Yes, MeAngelo was a bit of a troublemaker, but make no mistake - the guy could play cornerback. He was already one of the top 3-4 corners in the league after his third season. I wish the team could’ve had a prayer meeting with him, and foound a way to keep him. We will definitely miss his play, not his immaturity. Who’s going to replace him?
By WeJustNeedaBreak
March 20, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
BEST ARTICLE HE HAS EVER WRITTEN….GREAT JOB!
By Football Fanatic
March 20, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
It’s good to see the healing is in full force. Out with the garbage and bringing in good decent human beings! WOW we may end up with a team that the whole city can be proud of! The new management is going to mold this team the way the Braves did if you arent a quality person you dont play for Bobby Cox plain and simple. GO FALCONS! Oh and Va. Tech please dont send anymore players this way! LOL!
By Pirate
March 20, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Watch the tape. MeAngelo never hit anybody in his life. Tight coverage (sometimes) is only half the position. You gotta hit and tackle too. He talked big, but he never hit anybody. Can you remember a big hit or tackle he ever made? I thought not. Good riddance. The Raiders are a joke. Thanks for the draft picks!!!
By NightTrain
March 20, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
For De Hall to be the #1 corner in the league, he first needs to learn to tackle, keep his big mouth shut and think about the teams goals and not his personal goals.
Good Riddance!
By Dawgbyte
March 20, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
If the deal with Oakland falls through, buy Hall a bus ticket.
By Mike
March 20, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Thank goodness. Vick, Hall, Crumpler, Duckett, etc. We are getting ever so close to riding the organization of street thugs and criminals.
I mean what is the point of the NFL conbine if all your personality inventories tell you it’s okay to sign losers. I hope they all end up in Oakland.
By Mike
March 20, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Thank goodness. Vick, Hall, Crumpler, Duckett, etc. We are getting ever so close to riding the organization of street thugs and criminals.
I mean what is the point of the NFL conbine if all your personality inventories tell you it’s okay to sign losers. I hope they all end up in Oakland.
By Josh
March 20, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
This just in, DHALL just got burned by TO again for another TD.
By Peter
March 20, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Quick question folks, did the guy ever make a tackle? I have seen him jump out of the way as others came to his area on the field to make a hit on a ball carrier.
Good bye I say, let’s get some hitters at the corners and at the Safety position I say !
By Regal1_Got 1
March 20, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
It will be too hard for Arthur Blank to get his money’s worth when he sells the falcons if the falcons have perceived bad characters on the team. The hiring of a vanilla coach and an unproven GM helps facilitate the change over once the team is sold. Had Arthur hired a top flight coach and a top flight GM, then the temptation would be to keep the team and see where it leads. At least with this disguise, it looks as if the team is trying so desperately to remake itself into an image conscious team while window displaying this team to potential power groups that may be willing to buy the team within the next three years. Of course this is just a theory that was passed on to me on the 9th hole tuesday by an assistant to an x NFL’er who is looking to buy a franchise. Not saying that this is true but I noticed that no one else was laughing but me when it was talked about. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
By Troy
March 20, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Any corner who gets beat by a receiver wearing only one shoe should be traded.
By Peter
March 20, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Hey “By keep it real”…wow you are definitely NOT keeping anything real…..
Why all the “HATE” there..????
I been to many Falcon’s games as a season ticket holder, and the guys we are letting go, were distracters, and not team players.
When you take a few guys with BIG yaps out of the mix, we can have a better team, even if it means sometimes you let talent go to create a “TEAM Atmosphere”.
Plus if you watched the games, he got beat constantly by the better receivers in the game, and didn’t want to hit….. I saw him jump out of the way, instead of getting in a Hit.
I loved Deion Sanders, he had a big mouth, but he really played, and he did what was ALWAYS good for his team, no matter where he played !
By Mitch
March 20, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
First of all this is why good athletic should stay away from any Atlanta Teams, people try to throw you under a bus, if you voice your opinion. Get over it. Because the Raider isn’t doing good doesn’t mean that DeAngelo Hall isn’t going to be a big part of the Raiders who is looking to get better. MY TAKE IS FOOTBALL PLAYERS, THAT CAN’T TALK SHOULD NOT COME TO THE FALCON OR PLAYERS THAT DON’T HAVE A BACK BONE SHOULD NOT COME TO THE FALCON, BUT MY BEST ADVICE IS DON’T COME AT ALL.
People in the ATL and FAN are the worst ever, two faces people in the world.
Big Mitch!!!!!!
By Silly
March 20, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Awwww shut up! You sound like bunch of 5th graders. HE IS GONE NOW, LET IT GO!
By kendall meeks
March 20, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
i think deangelo is where he needs to be and thts away fromthe falcons and so the rest of the team. when you turn your back on some teammates and don;’t back them you’re nothing as a francise. arthur blanke and the ret of falcons you’re the one thats hurting see where it gets you next year. as for the new coach how can you comment on Deangelo you know nothing about this man. Dangelo is the real man in this who stood for his friend showing respect to his friend.i commend you Deangelo you’re the true winner from this mess.now go falcon