June 30
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons safety Antoine Harris recently had a minor surgical procedure performed on his groin area. "He's progressing well," said Jeff Chilcoat, Harris' agent. "He should be back on the field and ready to go by training camp." Harris, one of the Falcons' top performers on special teams, will compete with Thomas DeCoud, William Moore, Erik Coleman, Eric Brock and Jamaal Fudge for a safety position on the Falcons final 53-man roster. The Falcons carried four safeties last season."
June 26
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Commissioner Roger Goodell says he is beginning to focus on evaluating Michael Vick's future in the NFL. But Goodell said Thursday his decision on the former Atlanta Falcons star quarterback will come "in due time" and not necessarily before the season begins. "I haven't given a timeline," on a decision about reinstatement, Goodell told The Associated Press during a telephone interview. Goodell says he has yet to speak to Vick, and won't sit down with him until after Vick is released July 20 from home confinement and federal custody. Vick is currently suspended from the league because of his involvement in a dogfighting ring."
June 24
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Mark Bradley
"
It was just a year ago we weren't sure the Falcons would win a game. Now they're all the rage. From Mike Smith being ranked the league's eighth-best coach by RealScouts to five Birds being listed among Peter Schrager's top 99 NFL players on FoxSports.com to Roddy White being named the fourth-most indispensable player by Bill Barnwell of Football Outsiders … And now this: Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com rates the Falcons' coaches the best staff in the NFC South. Which, given that Sean Payton has taken New Orleans to the NFC title game and John Fox has led Carolina to the Super Bowl, is saying something. And part of me thinks it's great. It's been a while since anybody had nice things to say about ..."
June 23
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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And here we'd been thinking Thomas Dimitroff was the real brains in Flowery Branch. Silly us. According to Bill Barnwell of the Football Outsiders on ESPN.com, the Falcons own the NFL's fourth-most indispensable player. (Link requires registration.) And now you're thinking … Dimitroff signee Michael Turner? No. Dimitroff draftee Matt Ryan? Nope. Roddy White. Color me surprised. I think of Roddy White as a fine wide receiver, but when I think of wideouts I think first of Larry Fitzgerald or Steve Smith or Randy Moss or even - pardon me for mentioning the name, lest ESPN the network do an hour-long special - Terrell Owens. But here's Barnwell's list of indispensables, and it's an eye-opener: ..."
June 22
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons signed linebacker Spencer Adkins, a sixth round pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the team announced on Monday. The Falcons have now signed five of their eight draft picks. The terms of Adkins deal were undisclosed. The Falcons earlier signed cornerback William Middleton, a fifth-round pick from Furman who graduated from Marist, defensive tackle Vance Walker, a seventh-round pick from Georgia Tech, cornerback Chris Owens, a third round pick from San Jose State and tackle Garrett Reynolds, a fifth round pick from North Carolina."
June 21
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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After Falcons safety Erik Coleman finishes chasing wide receivers, he heads home and starts working on his diaper-changing skills. "I can change a diaper in about 15 seconds now," Coleman said. "I'm trying to get my time down." Coleman and four other Falcons have recently had children, and Coleman's excited about his first Father's Day after the birth of his six-month-old daughter, Carmela. "It's a great feeling being a father," Coleman said. "I'm looking forward to it, to doing my best to raise her to be a responsible woman." Sabrina, Coleman's wife, is plotting a low-key celebration for Coleman, who doesn't think he'll get a tie, the time-honored Father's Day gift. "I'm guessing that I ..."
June 19
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Offensive tackle Renardo Foster, who was released by the Falcons on Tuesday, appears headed to the St. Louis Rams. St. Louis has placed a waiver claim for Foster, according to his agent Brian Ayrault. Denver, Buffalo and Carolina were also reportedly interested in Foster. The waiver period ends on Friday for Foster. Waiver claims are awarded to a team with the worst record. The only team who could beat a claim from the Rams, who were 2-14 last season, would be the Detroit Lions, who were 0-16. If the Lions don't make a claim, the Rams will assume the last year of the two-year contract Foster signed in 2007. Foster, 6-foot-7, 340-pounds, made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent in ..."
June 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Verron Haynes, who was not at the team's organized team activities on Wednesday, had a pretrial conference on charges for writing bad checks, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Haynes, a former University of Georgia standout, played for the Steelers for six seasons. He didn't play last season and was signed by the Falcons on April 29. Haynes, 30, is set to go to trial on September 16 for writing a bad check to a luxury car dealership in the Pittsburgh area. He allegedly passed bad checks worth $70,000. The Falcons would not comment on Haynes' personal situation. Haynes, 5-9, 222 pounds, played two seasons at Georgia, and might be best known for catching a ..."
June 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan may have won rookie of the year honors, but there's still room for improvement during organized team activities. The Falcons, who conclude the workouts Thursday, have stressed the passing game this offseason. The focus for Ryan, who guided the team to an 11-5 record and the NFC wild-card playoffs, was to make better decisions and be more accurate with his passes. "I don't think those two traits can be overlooked," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "That's what we emphasized with Matt." Those are steps Ryan needs to make in order be considered an elite quarterback in the league, Smith contends. "I think I'm more confident at this point than I was last year, ..."
June 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons center Todd McClure debunked Internet chatter that he's planning to retire. A few months ago, the popular Web site ProFootballTalk.com, wrote that McClure planned to retire if his contract was not renegotiated. The site dusted off the rumor after the Falcons signed Jeremy Newberry on Monday. The former Pro Bowl center was fashioned as insurance if McClure walked. "That ain't going to happen," McClure said Wednesday. "I think Newberry was a great addition. He's been to the Pro Bowl twice. He can play guard or center. He's a veteran guy who can be there in case somebody goes down." Robb Nelson, McClure's agent, said the report was a "mischaracterization" of his client's situation. ..."
June 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons special-teams coordinator Keith Armstrong likes what he sees as the team is set to conclude organized team activities today. Armstrong has to take a different approach. He's not worried about quarterback Matt Ryan, defensive end John Abraham or running back Michael Turner. He's looking at the back of the roster, the rookies, second-year players and free agents who likely will make up the special-teams units. "The biggest thing, obviously, we are looking at is attitude," Armstrong said. "That's the one thing with a lot of the rookies who are going to have to make an adjustment. There's no doubt about that. The one thing we attack is the attitude." In addition to attitude, Armstrong ..."
June 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It was about a year ago this time when Thomas Dimitroff took his first vacation as a general manager. Of course, he brought his laptop. Also, a stack of DVDs of players in the next draft. Also a cranium that must have felt like it was about to implode at any minute. "I worked a lot, and took quite a bit of heat for that," he said Wednesday. "I'd watch players. I'd study the league rules and the salary cap. I was still getting my feet wet. I was in uncharted territory as a general manager, so there was a little bit of apprehension not knowing what was around the corner. But, yeah, sometimes I'd would be there at 2 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon, sitting and watching tape of a player, and ..."
June 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Mark Bradley
"
The good news: The Falcons have five really good players, according to Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com. The not-so-good: Only one of them is a defender. That'd be John Abraham, ranked 92nd. The others: Roddy White is 56th, Tony Gonzalez 47th and Matt Ryan 43rd. And Michael Turner is the highest-rated Bird at No. 38, which seems low for a guy who tied for second in the MVP voting. And I was surprised to see Turner rated below DeAngelo Williams, Jay Cutler and Carson Palmer. But quibbling isn't why I'm here, at least not today. I come to highlight a theme. The 2009 Falcons will be outstanding on offense, less so on D. The defense is young and reworked, and that's not bad in and of itself. ..."
June 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons made another roster move Wednesday, releasing offensive lineman Alex Stepanovich after they reached an injury settlement with him. Stepanovich signed with the Falcons as an unrestricted free agent from the Cincinnati Bengals on March 10, 2008. Last season, he played in four games, mainly on special teams. He had missed all of the 2009 offseason workouts with a back injury,"
June 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The question - repeated countless times on Twitter, sportstalk radio and across the Internet the last 24 hours - goes like this: How can Donte' Stallworth get 30 days while Michael Vick got 23 months? Stallworth, the Cleveland Browns wide receiver, pleaded guilty Tuesday to DUI manslaughter for killing pedestrian Mario Reyes while driving drunk in his black 2005 Bentley in Miami. Stallworth also reached a confidential financial settlement with the family of the 59-year-old construction worker. Vick served 19 months in federal prison for bankrolling a dogfighting operation, and is under home confinement until July 20. The Falcons released their former superstar quarterback last week. The ..."
June 17
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Sam Baker wasn't on the television show, but he feels like a survivor. After watching quarterback Matt Ryan pick up a slew of rookie-of-the-year awards, the Falcons' "other" first-round pick last season was elated when the season was over. Like Ryan, Baker, who the Falcons traded up towith the 21st overall pick, opened the season as a starter. But there, their seasons parted. Two major injuries and disc surgery disrupted Baker's first season. Falcons offensive line coach Paul Boudreau spent the most time with Baker. While Ryan and the rest of the team took flight, Boudreau saw the tackle's angst up close. "He told me that last year was the longest year of his life," Boudreau said. The ..."
June 17
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons released offensive tackle Renardo Foster and punter Robbie Dehaze on Tuesday, the team confirmed. Foster, who spent last season on injured reserve, was released a day after the team signed offensive lineman Jeremy Newberry. Foster, 6-foot-7, 340-pounds, made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2007. He started two games and played in seven under former coach Bobby Petrino before suffering a knee injury. Dehaze was signed as a undrafted free agent on April 27."
June 16
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons agreed to terms on a four-year contract with fifth-round pick Garrett Reynolds, the team confirmed. The Falcons earlier signed cornerback William Middleton, a fifth-round pick from Furman who graduated from the Marist School, and defensive tackle Vance Walker, a seventh-round pick from Georgia Tech."
June 16
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons released offensive tackle Renardo Foster on Tuesday, the team confirmed. Foster, who spent last season on injured reserve, was released a day after the team signed offensive lineman Jeremy Newberry. Foster, 6-foot-7, 340-pounds, made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2007. He started two games and played in seven under former coach Bobby Petrino before suffering a knee injury."
June 16
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons signed veteran offensive lineman Jeremy Newberry on Monday, the team announced. Newberry, a 12-year veteran, has started for eight seasons and made the Pro Bowl twice and will add some depth to the offensive line unit. Newberry, 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, spent his first nine seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers after being selected in the second round of the 1998 draft. He's also played for Oakland and San Diego. He's played mostly center, but has also spent some time at right tackle and right guard. He has started 107 of 120 games throughout his career."
June 13
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons have officially slammed the door shut on the Michael Vick era. He was released from the team Friday and is free to sign with any team in the National Football League. "It's a situation that we have been thinking about for quite some time," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "We did our due diligence. We've been searching around the league and were looking for some interest as far as a trade. "In the very end, we came to a conclusion that it was time. It was best for both us and Michael Vick to move on, to turn the chapter." The Falcons said several teams were interested in trading for Vick. "But in the very end, without mentioning the teams, they just felt like it ..."
June 12
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons' expected release of Michael Vick puts him one small step closer to a return to the NFL. It doesn't necessarily mean, though, that he'll be suiting up this fall. While Vick is now free to negotiate a contract with all 32 teams in the NFL, he still must be reinstated by league commissioner Roger Goodell in order to play. Further, Vick must find a team willing to accept the risk of signing him and his accompanying baggage. Goodell indefinitely suspended Vick at the time of his federal dogfighting conviction. Goodell has said that he won't meet with him to consider reinstatement until after his sentence ends July 20. Teams are free to sign suspended players, but any team that ..."
June 12
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Jeff Schultz
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It's only a bookkeeping detail. But it's a significant detail. No more looking at the bottom of the roster and seeing, "Suspended. Michael Vick. QB." No more questions to the owner or the general manager or the coach, "So, when are you going to trade Michael Vick?" No more discussion about the implausible but lingering possibility that owner Arthur Blank would somehow change his mind and still bring back the quarterback who both saved the Falcons' franchise but then leveled it - at least by the small percentage of people who still wear No. 7 jerseys, scream his name and still hold a candle for him. Goodbye, Michael Vick. Finally. I'm all for his return - somewhere else. I'm all for him ..."
June 12
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Atlanta Falcons have released quarterback Michael Vick Friday morning, team officials confirmed. The team had been seeking to trade the former star quarterback, who was suspended by the NFL after his conviction on dogfighting charges. He last played for the Falcons in 2006. "We spent a significant amount of time this off-season trying to trade him to another NFL club, and we had some conversations with a few teams, but nothing materialized," general manager Thomas Dimitroff said on the team's Web site, atlantafalcons.com. "At this point, we feel releasing Michael is best for him and best for us." Dimitroff said he spoke with Vick on Friday. Vick is now free to pursue any playing ..."
June 11
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Nearly one year later, Von Hutchins still is not the same. But he's getting closer every day. The Falcons' defensive back was signed last offseason to be another veteran in the secondary, a nickel back to play ahead of, and teach, several young players. He didn't make it past the first day of training camp. Hutchins suffered a Lisfranc fracture when a defensive end stepped on his left foot during a drill. A day later he was put on injured reserve, and his season was over. "It's something that happens every day at practice, but this time it turned out to be something more than what I expected," Hutchins said Wednesday after participating in Organized Team Activities [OTAs]. "Right off the ..."
June 9
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Mark Bradley
"
It has been speculated for some time that Michael Vick, of whom you've heard, is apt to play in the UFL before he returns to the NFL. The UFL, as you might not know, stands for the United Football League, a start-up that includes all of four teams. On ESPN.com, Pat Yasinskas speculates that Vick would most likely land in Orlando. (The other three franchises are based in New York/Hartford, Los Angeles/Las Vegas and Sacramento/San Francisco. If this sounds confusing, here's a fine explanation of the UFL from Ted Fleming on the Tampa Bay Sports Examiner.) Yasinskas' reasoning: The UFL operates on a regional basis, and Orlando would get dibs on anyone who has played in the NFC South. Also: ..."
June 9
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Michael Vick is scheduled to attend a bankruptcy hearing Tuesday at Norfolk, Va., federal court. It will be Vick's second court appearance since he was released from federal prison on May 20. Attorneys for Vick - who is serving two months of home confinement to complete his dogfighting sentence - will try to convince Judge Frank J. Santoro to approve Vick's plan to emerge from bankruptcy. Santoro rejected the latest version in April, saying the numbers didn't add up in Vick's plan to climb out of $20 million in debt. Vick's attorneys say any bankruptcy plan depends on the suspended Falcons quarterback's return to the NFL. Vick remains suspended by the league, and the Falcons are seeking to ..."
June 8
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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At 27 years of age and with just five years in the NFL, Erik Coleman is an elder statesman now. With apologies to Ernest Hemingway, a book about the Falcons safety could be titled "The Old Man and the Secondary." Lawyer Milloy, with his 13 years of experience, was not re-signed. He was one of five starters from last season's team that will be replaced in 2009. That makes Coleman the oldest and most experienced player among the Falcons defensive backs. Of the 15 defensive backs currently on the Falcons' roster, 12 have three or less seasons in the NFL. Nine of those 12 have two or fewer years in the league. "It feels different," Coleman said last week after an Organized Training Activities ..."
June 6
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons announced Friday the signing of two draft picks - cornerback William Middleton, a fifth-round pick from Furman who graduated from Marist, and defensive tackle Vance Walker, a seventh-round pick from Georgia Tech. Terms of the contracts were not released. All other picks remain unsigned. They are defensive tackle Peria Jerry (first round), safety William Moore (second round), cornerback Chris Owens (third round), defensive end Lawrence Sidbury (fourth round), offensive tackle Garrett Reynolds (fifth round) and linebacker Spencer Adkins (sixth round)."
June 5
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
It's not too early to start thinking about your fantasy draft. About 22.5 million Americans play fantasy football, according to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, and many already are doing their homework. If your 2008 strategy included picking Michael Turner and Roddy White, chances are you contended for your league title as both shattered expectations. This year there won't be as much value in picking Falcons, because fantasy experts have never been higher on them. "Now the secret's out on Atlanta," said Dave Richard, senior fantasy writer for CBSSports.com. "They're going to be a trendy team in drafts this year, and that puts the target on the backs of their big fantasy players." ..."
June 4
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Stephen Nicholas might have finally cracked the Falcons' starting lineup. Just don't tell him that. "Oh no," the linebacker said Wednesday. "I don't look at it the way. I look at it the same every camp. I just go out and compete." However, the fact remains that Nicholas is running with the first unit. He was there in mini-camp in May. He is here now during Organized Training Activities (OTAs). He will be there for the start of training camp on Aug. 1. With the loss of linebackers Keith Brooking and Michael Boley in the offseason, Nicholas has stepped in right along with free-agent Mike Peterson and second-year player Curtis Lofton on the starting unit. "He's running with the [starters] ..."
June 4
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Falcons offensive lineman Tyson Clabo signed his restricted-free-agent contract on Wednesday. Clabo started 37 games for the Falcons over the past four seasons, including all 16 games last season at right tackle. In another roster move, the Falcons signed undrafted free agent wide receiver Bradon Godfrey. The 6-foot-3 Godfrey, had 128 receptions for 1,440 yards in a 36-game career at Utah. To make room for Godfrey, the Falcons released linebacker Brock Christopher, an undrafted free agent from Missouri."
June 4
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Defensive end John Abraham made his first appearance at Organized Training Activities [OTAs] on Wednesday. Abraham has not attended any of the team's workouts following mini-camp in May. Falcons coach Mike Smith said he was glad to have Abraham back but understands that the veteran needs time away from football to recover and refresh. Quarterback Matt Ryan concurred. "You need to take time to freshen up before the real grind starts," he said."
June 1
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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There still was an hour of daylight left, and the big-shouldered trout of the Soque River were hungry. But like the feeding fish, splashing all around, the coach part of Mike Smith was surfacing, too. Tomorrow was another Falcons off-season practice, and the head man's mind had begun drifting back that way. RELATED FALCONS LINKSSchedule • Beat Blog • Standings Pages: Matt Ryan • Michael Turner Travel with the Falcons Photos: Mike Smith fishingRELATED STORIES Web site releases video of Vick at home Falcons coach spends free time fly-fishing on quiet rivers Dimitroff evaluates Falcons' draft class • More Falcons "He's afraid his team's going to fall apart if he misses one ..."
June 1
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The gossip Web site Radar Online.com has published photos and a video showing suspended Falcons quarterback Michael Vick comfortably adjusting to life under house arrest in Hampton, Va. In the video, Vick talks with someone off-camera about his days in prison and is seen interacting with his two daughters. Vick's fiancee, Kijafa Frink, can be heard behind the camera. In the photos, according to the Web site, Vick is visiting with children from the Vick Foundation, a nonprofit for at-risk youth. Vick spent 19 months in federal prison after his conviction for financing a dogfighting operation. He will spend the next two months being monitored at his five-bedroom Virginia home and working a ..."
May 31
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Orlando Ledbetter
"
Hey y'all, things will slow down in the Bird Cage in June and through the early part of July. We'll pick it back up hot and heavy in Mid-July before the start of training camp. In the meantime, here's a little video from last season I found that you can keep replaying. Just a couple of things before we lower the lights for awhile. THE RETURN OF GANDY?: The Falcons will likely add a veteran free agent shortly after June 1 to help on the offensive side of the ball. This makes sense because if they'd signed him before June 1, the signing would affect the number of compensatory picks they have coming in the 2010. Not sure, who the veteran could be, but perhaps tackle Wayne Gandy gets ..."
May 29
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Their ladder has an extra rung. When you are an undrafted free agent, the climb to the NFL is a little higher.The draft came and went without their name being called. They start their NFL careers as afterthoughts. And they know it. "Being an undrafted free agent, you just want it that much more," said Falcons guard Jose Valdez, one of 11 undrafted rookie free agents taking part in offseason training. "You're not - I don't want to say favorites - but you have to put a lot more into it. You have to take it a lot more serious. It's not that others don't take is seriously, it's just as a free agent, you've got another step to go before you're actually on the team." While they are long shots, ..."
May 29
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Michael Vick and the Humane Society are using each other, and there's nothing wrong with that. So says Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. "We're using Mike Vick. We're both using each other," Pacelle told KNBR radio in San Francisco Wednesday when asked about criticism that the Humane Society is being used. "We have an agenda to eradicate dogfighting in America. He can be a valuable instrument in that. If he can demonstrate that he's a changed person, good for him." Pacelle visited Vick in federal prison at the request of Vick's lawyer. He said he came away believing the former Falcons quarterback could make a huge impact on teenagers who might be attracted to ..."
May 28
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Michael Vick will "be a better man" because he spent 18 months in federal prison, his father said in an interview. Michael Boddie told The Daily Press of Newport News, Va., that he knows firsthand what being locked up can do. "You have a lot of time to reflect," he told the newspaper. "Looks like he came through it in one piece. I think he'll be a better man for it." Boddie, 47, and Vick have a strained relationship, but they visited for 10 to 15 minutes last Friday at the Hampton home where Vick is serving two months of home confinement. "I told him, 'Son, what don't kill you will make you stronger,'" Boddie told the newspaper. Boddie, who has had problems with drugs and drunk driving, ..."
May 28
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Rookie cornerback William Middleton, a fifth-round draft pick from Furman, suffered a hamstring injury in practice on Wednesday. "He pulled a hammy in a pass coverage drill," Falcons coach Mike Smith said after the organized team activity two-hour session. Middleton, 5-foot-11, 186 pounds, played high school football at Marist. He was the 125th pick overall in the NFL draft. Some of the veterans not in attendance at the optional workouts were defensive end John Abraham, kicker Jason Elam, tackle Quinn Ojinnaka and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux. "I know where every one of them is," Smith said. "I'm not taking attendance, but the principal is aware of it. We've talked to every one of ..."
May 27
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
Peria Jerry almost died one day on the practice field. That was the major hurdle he overcame on his way to starring at Mississippi and becoming the Falcons' first-round pick (24th overall) in the NFL's 2009 draft. There were other hurdles, including weight problems, lack of interest and alleged laziness as he followed a family tradition, climbing the football ladder out of rural Mississippi to the NFL. But for a fast-acting coaching staff, none of this would have happened. Back on a sweltering hot day in 2004, Jerry was on the practice field at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. "He got dehydrated, and his whole body locked up," Hargrave coach Robert Prunty said. "We had to rush him ..."