OU’s Robinson ready to come home
PINE ISLE, LAKE LANIER – Yeah, I’m getting this blog up because I’m officially shamming today. Playing in coach Mike Smith’s Hacks vs. Jacks golf tournament. Doing what they call in the journalism game: networking.
However, I talked to Big George “Duke” Robinson, the Washington High kid, who went on to star at
Duke Robinson, a former star at Washington High, is fired up about his workout with the Falcons. (Courtesy of the University of Oklahoma)
Oklahoma. He’s working out for the Falcons on Thursday.
What a cool kid. I’d talked to him before in a mass media setting at the NFL scouting combine, but our little chat on Tuesday was very nice.
He seems to have a real good head on his shoulders. I wanted to know why he went all the way out to Oklahoma. (Full disclosure: I like the Sooners. My first cousin, the great Weldon Ledbetter played fullback there for coach Barry Switzer 1979 to ‘83. He was a 7th round draft pick by Tampa Bay and went on to block for Herschel Walker with the New Jersey Generals in the USFL.)
“I wanted to get away from the things that were surrounding me,” Robinson said. “I wanted to change my life and see how far I could get. It worked out well for me. I’m proud of myself and my family is proud of me.”
Will the Falcons be singing "Tears of Clown" if they pass on Robinson?
Robinson, who is related to the great Motown singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson (his great uncle), is projected as a late first round or early second round pick. So he really doesn’t make sense for the Falcons, who appear to be set at guard with Justin Blalock and Harvey Dahl. The 24th slot appears too high for Robinson and he likely won’t be around when the Falcons pick at 55 in the second.
But the Tony Gonzalez scenario could come back into play on draft day with the Falcons trading down out of 24 and amassing second round picks. Then Duke, who’s 6-foot-5, 329-pounds, could be up!
Of course, he’d love to play for the hometown team. He’s also worked out for St. Louis, Cleveland, Miami and Pittsburgh. Most teams have him as a guard and some think he can play some right tackle.
“Right now, I’m just trying to stay focused,” said Robinson, who worked at Braves game selling peanuts and baseball caps in his youth.
He thinks that Oklahoma’s multiple sets and pro passing attack has helped his pro stock. (The Sooners have moved on since cousin Weldon was pounding the ball between the tackles from the Wishbone).
“We ran a lot of stuff,” Robinson said. “No-huddle, regular huddle-up offense. We had some great athletes.”
The Falcons went to Oklahoma in the second round last season and appeared to have found a middle linebacker in Curtis Lofton.
“We are cool,” Robinson said. “I played with him for three years. He’s my dog, but he knows I’ll put that hat on him, too.”
“Tears Of A Clown”
By William “Smokey” Robinson
a.k.a. The King of Motown
Now if there’s a smile on my face
It’s only there trying to fool the public
But when it comes down to fooling you
Now honey that’s quite a different subject
But don’t let my glad expression
Give you the wrong impression
Cos really I’m sad, Oh I’m sadder than sad
Well I’m hurt and I want you so bad
Like a clown I appear to be glad ooh yeah
CHORUS:
Well they’re some sad things known to man
But ain’t too much sadder than
The tears of a clown when there’s none around
Oh yeah, baby baby, oh yeah baby baby
Now if I appear to be carefree
It’s only to camouflage my sadness
And honey to shield my pride I try
To cover this hurt with a show of gladness
But don’t let my show convince you
That I’ve been happy since you
Cos I need to go, oh I need you so
Look I’m hurt and I want you to know
For others I put on a show …CHORUS
Just like Pagliacci did
I try to keep my surface hid
Smiling in the crowd I try
But in a lonely room I cry
The tears of a clown
When there’s noone around, oh yeah, baby baby
Now if there’s a smile on my face
Don’t let my glad expression
Give you the wrong impression
Don’t let this smile I wear
Make you think that I don’t care
Cos really I’m sad..
(I know, shamelessly stealing the lyrics thing from the DOB, but it works here. HOMAGE PAID TO THE DOB!!!)
Where do you think Robinson will go in the draft? The Falcons don’t appear to need an offensive lineman, but would Robinson be a good pick for them? Can you ever have too many good offensive lineman?
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217 comments Add your comment
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 17th, 2009
12:47 am
I like that, Nookah; I like that. We ought to express more confidence in TD’s decision making and settle for whom he decides that best fits our scheme.
I remember a few weeks ago, I researched New England’s draft picks during TD’s tenure as Director of Scouts. I wanted to get a feel of what kind of players fit “the Matrix” and what players prospered since his pickings. Y’all remember that?
I was just over Fox Sports and John Czarnecki, a Pro Football Hall of Fame selector, ranked each team in the same manner as I did New England. Czarnecki covered the time period 2003-’08 (the period TD would have been in New England). For the most part, most of the teams averaged C’s. Detroit and Jacksonville both failed with a D. Incidentally, Atlanta graded a B+. He was very stingy with grading teams with an “A” but the exception belong to the Cardinals, Cowboys, Colts, Steelers, Chargers and Giants. There was only one team that made the grade of an A+. You guessed it, the New England Patriots.
Say what you want, fellows. Despite all our mock(ery), Thomas Dimitroff (I can’t believe I’ve learned to spell his name without looking it up) will make the right choices and decisions for the betterment of our team.
Check out the review: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9453994/Draft-review:-How-every-team-ranks-from-2003-‘08?gt1=39002
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 17th, 2009
12:59 am
Thanks, Big Ray. Your explanation is on point (always wanted to know about 3-technique). Judging from that, who do you like for our DT situation?
irvin
April 17th, 2009
12:59 am
I think that as long as we find a good run stuffer to help with rotation that we will be okay on the interior. Your right on about the DT position Big Ray. To echo on that thought, Brace isn’t quite as good at penetration as Raji is, so he would never get the same kind of consideration. On a good year for DT’s he would probably only get third or fourth round consideration.
irvin
April 17th, 2009
1:24 am
If I might offer my opinion Stirg, I would say draft Dorell Scott to rotate with T.Lewis. He has good size and bulk and is very strong. He is stout at the Point Of Attack, can shed blockers and occupy the double team. Scouts say he does not have good stamina but he would be in a rotation anyways.
marko
April 17th, 2009
6:42 am
Ken Strickland, I don’t know that much about Connor I don’t care much for small school athletes. at least not in the early rounds. We should always temper this stuff a bit because Jerry Rice and Walter Payton came from small schools, and I don’t think that they turned out that bad.
The other thing that turns me off Connor is his limited resume. One year at the position, and stats produced at a lower level of competition don’t inspire tremendous amounts of confidence.
On the plus side he’s a big kid that runs 4.5’s all day long. Non stop motor, I wish I had a copy right on that phrase, Academic honor roll And a red zone threat at tight end. When’s the last time you saw a player record two sacks in the first half and catch a touchdown in the second? I suspect Dimitroff might be impressed by that kind of stuff.
I ran across him because he’s on the radar at New England. He’s called a Mike Vabrel clone, and a perfect fit for their system.
Does he fit our system? What is our system? All I know is that New England wants him with their first second round pick. I’m starting to think that if they want him badly they need to start thinking first round.
marko
April 17th, 2009
6:49 am
Orlando Da Man, Most this stuff is about exploring possibilities. What say, we explore the Possibility that the Falocons don’t select Clint Sintim this week. With A little effort We’re sure that you can come up with an equally lame choice. If I’m wrong about this, I prefer my crow well done.
dasocial worker
April 17th, 2009
7:35 am
Some people never fail to amaze me. If you are going to get Reshad from Alabama.. fine… but dont go drafting a corner or a linebacker. We can make due with what we have. Get some hogs up front first so we can get in the backfield. If teams would not be able to push our line around, then the corners would look a lot better. Plus we have a corner coming off an injury Von, and though short Brent Grimes plays 5 times bigger, so lets leave the corner position to next year and build from the line up… We have corners and linebackers, plus there will be plenty coming out next year. (which will be much better than the choices this year)
bigeasy830
April 17th, 2009
7:43 am
Ken Strickland, last year’s success of the Falcons can be best described as modest at best. 11-5 record, whoopie!! But, they lost in the first round of the play-offs. Your QB showed his true colors the last 3 games of the regular season and the play-off game. I have been browsing through your blogs from time to time and notice that you all have been dropping many names that you think may solve your problems on defense, namely Tre Lewis, who was a 5th or 6th round draft pick that has had knee injuries, Tony Gonzales, the aging TE that have seen his best days and a countless number of draft prospects. Now, congrats to the Falcons for their modest sucess of 2008, you are right no one not even most of you predicted it(except one heart beat Barry,shhh don’t tell anyone it’s a secret)hahaha. Last year is in the rearview mirror, 2009 is a new year and a new season. The Falcons were not even the best story of last year it was the Dolphins who actually won their division. Now, I am not a Saints fan but with Greg Williams as D-Coordinator to go with Sean Payton’s offense, they will be very tough in 2009. Falcons suck, Matt Ryan will look more like the next Danny Wuerffel than the next Tom Brady, and Michael Turner carried them to victories last year but the wear on him will show by midseason 2009. You better get another RB to help him out, Norwood stays hurt to much. You can post your counter arguments but only time will tell. They will start the season soon and the games will begin. Unlike the NCAA and the BCS the best teams and players are determined on the field.
Fresh for 2009, You…..
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 17th, 2009
8:19 am
Ken, do you want me to handle your light weight? Its been a long time since I been to the “Big Easy” (Saints v. Falcons, ‘01) and I roasted a few then. Its been almost ten years but I’d sure like to eat some crab right about now. Just let me know; I’ll get him.
JJ
April 17th, 2009
8:23 am
Not biting today….however, I do agree that turner cannot be over used again. I would love to see more of Jason Snelling! While Turner would tip toe to the line sometimes, Snelling is a steamroller with speed.
Although red stripe is a fine beer, how ’bout my bitch: St. Pauli!
8 days baby, 8 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FALCONSHATER2009
April 17th, 2009
8:32 am
I HAVE JOINED THE BIG EASY AND VS 2 FAMILY. THE FALCONS ARE GOING TO HAVE A MISERABLE SEASON. MATT RYAN IS GOIN TO BUST LIKE A CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE ON CONCRETE.
Falcon228
April 17th, 2009
8:38 am
So I guess your disappointment runs deep be830. Your guys choose Reggie Bush and he stays hurt. Your other running back, ole deucie, gets released because his knees are shot. Now I see he’s already broke because Nissan drove up to his dealership a few days ago and hauled off his inventory. So what’s next? Another high draft pick for ole Payton & Loomis to waste on a bust. Just as sure as you can find gumbo in the quarter NO will be looking for a new Head Coach come January 2010. Just about the time the Falcons will be waiting to see who gets to play us after the NFC Wild Card weekend. TD and Smitty don’t miss.
tbhawksfan
April 17th, 2009
9:20 am
While I wait for Led’s lateast mock; here’s another one from me.
#24: Maybin OLB
#55: DJ Moore CB
#90 Barnes CB
#125: Taylor DT
#138: Taylor FS (LSU)
#143: Maiva OLB
#176: Pascoe TE
The defense should have a real chance with thesee addtions. I know that puts alot of CB’s on the roster, but quality at a key position is vastly upgraded with two big, fast CB’s. Losing the weakest link wouldn’t be a bad thing. LB would become a team strength. Maybin has power and speed and Maiva could be a very quick OLB. Taylor is a big run stopper. He would definately help the Babs/Lewis and sometimes Andersen DT rotation.
#138 is a toss up. I’m tempted to look for an OL with this pick. A FS really completes the D though.
Add an OL FA and it seems the team is ready to roll.
Nookah
April 17th, 2009
10:20 am
Big Ray, thanks for the response man. I cannot articulate how much I look forward to this each day. It’s just great fun and excitement to read and exchange views about potential players for our beloved Falcons with you guys.
Anyway, Big Ray, I am giving Conner the edge because I think he has more upside and versatility (note I said “think”). Perhaps, as I mentioned in a previous post, someone with a coach’s eye may see something in MJ that I am not seeing (that’s why they get paid the big bucks), and may select him. If you read one of my earlier posts I also said if we selected MJ I certainly would have no problem and it would certainy allow me to defer to the braintrust. After all that’s why I blog about it and they get paid to do it.
However, where you and I are of one voice is when you “fantacised” about us getting both on day 1. Now that’s a dream that’s got lots of pipes!!!!! However, that’s one of the purposes of this blog…we can dream!!!
Irvin, I agree wholeheartedly with you, Conner is indeed raw but the question is, is he coachable or a “flash-in-the-pan”? We’ll find out in 7 days +, won’t we? However, I’m sticking to my pick (for now). Perhaps more information will become available soon.
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!
mars
April 17th, 2009
11:05 am
After perusing the new schedule, I must say I don’t understand what the fuss is about. I really don’t see anyone that appears overly intimidating. I was much more worried last year at this time. Schedule seemed a lot more daunting. All this is based on the assumption that we won’t start making stupid decisions like drafting tightends in the first round and other such nonsense.
angry banker
April 17th, 2009
11:28 am
well, the scedule looks pertty tough – but you never can tell who will have a good season. Sometimes it only takes an injury to change an entire season.
If we have a draft half as good as the last one then we’ll win the NFC south. I have a nagging feeling the saints will win it and we’ll get the wild card again.
D3
April 17th, 2009
11:29 am
Mornin’ boys! Great to be alive on a friday morning, especially one week out from the draft. That’s one thing about the draft that makes it so much fun for me, is that there’s so much build-up, talk, and anticipation for when actually does come its the good stuff. Great convo’s going on this morning. You guys brought your A games today, eh?
DOL – can’t wait for the new mock. You gonna follow your boy Steve and finally take Pettigrew for Stirg & I?
Stirg – I’d definitely say Raji would be an amazing addition, just depends on how far he falls. I’ve seen going as high as #4 to Seattle, but not dropping past Denver @ #12. Maybe a few had him slipping past the Broncs’, but not many. The package would be to great IMO to move up and give up picks past, say 18 or so. Good thought-provoking question as always. Will DOL finally pull the trigger and go with our boy?
Nookah – agreed on your analysis of MJ. I think he has the ‘potential’ to be great, but is so raw still. Some people probably don’t, but I put a good bit of stock in Mayock’s comments because he’s a tape fanatic, and that’s the thing he always brings up is the massive pile of tape that MJ just didn’t show up. I’d say only way to take him in 1st is if we move J.Anderson inside permanently, and that does not appear to be in the plans. Absolutely, Red Stripe over Labatts anyday. Can you shed any light for me on Red Stripe light? Sold in Jamaica, but evidently not in the US.
irvin – true points on Anderson. As Stirg research a while back, DE’s usually have a 2, but more likely 3 year learning curve. So this is definitely put up or shut up for Jamaal Anderson. Love the C.Davis signing, because he might just beat JA out. The dude just makes plays when he’s on the field. Key to big Trey is health. Two knee injuries in a year and a half. Gotta draft for depth and competition regardless.
Big Ray – what’s up my brother? Great minds think alike. LB class is it this year. And the draft is so volatile when you pick so late, you gotta be flexible and I believe that, as you mentioned, DT, S, & CB are all needs for us, but either have top-end talent and a huge drop-off (Raji-DT’s/Jenkin-CB’s) or not worthy of a first round pick (S’s). If any of following are available, I don’t see us passing on ‘em: Cushing/Maybin/Matthews/English. The lone exception is Pettigrew. I’m consumed way too much Pettigrew grape kool-aid because he would COMPLETE our OFF for years to come.
Got myself some brats to grill, and can’t wait to try Sierra Nevada’s new Summerfest. Jonesin’ boys, jonesin’.
8 DAYS, 0 HOURS, 30 MINS, & COUNTING!!!!!!
JG
April 17th, 2009
11:31 am
dasocial worker,
I think I may have to agree with you.
But we have a ton of holes So I would use #24 for D Tackle (Peria or Ziggy, Brace), 2nd round on a Safety ( Rashad or Chung), Now we may need a Center- (Caldwell or Woods – both would be A-TYPE big Anchors on the O line) in 3rd round. 4th round a tightEnd ( Coffman Casey, Nelson) 5th Round- Back up Corner , 5th round -a backup Linebacker to Nichols or Wire? 6th round – Back up Tackle for Baker/Clabo…
I just need this draft to get here already..
larry w.
April 17th, 2009
11:36 am
There was a time when I posted regularly on the these blogs. I stopped because they became so negative and hateful. Venomous racism running rampant on both sides. Now it appears that real football people are posting. Some of the old regulars still have not come back, but we have some great new posters giving excellent insight. Ken is still hanging in there I see and continues to write well thought out, informative posts. I just want say, keep up the good work guys. It is a pleasure to read you comments.
Ken Strickland
April 17th, 2009
11:37 am
STIRG D-two heads are always better than one, so I’d welcome your assistance.
BIGEASY830-based on the civilized way you responded to my comments, you deserve a simular response from me. Just saying the Falcons and MRyan will faulter next season just doesn’t justify your position. Like I said before, you’re relying strictly on WISHFUL THINKING, and I can show you why.
You classify the Falcons’ 11-5 record as modest, yet you praise the Dolphins, who finished with an identical record, as some big achievement because they won their division. They won it because of a tie breaker with the Patriots, who also finished with an 11-5 record. If the Dolphins had been in our division the would have tied with us for 2nd behind the Panthers who fininsed 12-4. But you can’t afford to do any research or use common sense because you can’t dealing with reality.
Then you praise the Saints, who finished last in our division at 8-8, just because they have a new DC and HC SPeyton. Didn’t you notice HC SPeyton and his OFF were in place last yr when they finished last in the division? You carefully selected the last 3 gms of the season to judge QB MRyan, but what about the other 13gms? Saints QB DBrees was AllPro in 07, yet he managed to lead his team to last place and 8-8 in 08. QB MRyan, a rookie, did a much better job of leading his team than the highest rated QB in the NFL in 07. NOT BAD FOR A ROOKIE QB, WITH A ROOKIE HC, A NEW COACHING STAFF, A NEW OFF/DEF, A NEW OL, A NEW RB AND A NEW GM.
I want to show you just how uninformed you are and how stupid you appear when you make ignorant statements designed to promote your WISHFUL THINKING. You made the following statement, “TONY GONZALEZ, THE AGING TE THAT HAS SEEN HIS BEST DAYS AND A COUNTLESS NUMBER OF DRAFT PROSPECTS”. Well, that aging TE finished 12th in the entire NFL in receiving yds, and the closest TE to him was Dallas’ Jason Whitten who finished 25th. His 96 receptions placed him 4th in the entire NFL. If that’s OVER THE HILL, I’ll take it any day of the week, and so would you, if you had any sense.
IT’S PERFECTLY ALRIGHT IF YOU’RE NOT FALCONS FANS. BUT PLEASE, YOU GUYS HAVE GOT TO STOP MAKING AN ABSOLUTE FOOL OF YOURSELVES BY ESPOUSING THESE TOTALLY SENSELESS, TOTALLY UNSUBSTANTIATED COMMENTS ABOUT THE TEAM JUST TO FUEL YOUR FANTACIES AND WISHFULL THINKING. IT REFLECTS ON YOU FAR MORE THAN IT DOES THE FALCONS, NOT THAT YOU CARE.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU THIS SEASON, BECAUSE YOU’LL NEED IT WHEN THE FALCONS START KICKING BUTT.
Intramural Team is Aggressive
April 17th, 2009
11:40 am
I’ve really come around on Pettigrew. Our greatest need is defense, that’s for sure. But if TD’s scouting evaluations say that the drop off between the best defensive player available at 24 and someone we could take in the second round, and Pettigrew is a safer, better pick, then Pettigrew should get taken. After all, it’s pretty unlikely we’ll get as luck as we did last season with our draft picks becoming immediate impact players and a dynamic offense could really take some pressure of the young guys we bring in to play D.
D3
April 17th, 2009
11:50 am
marko – you got it on Barwin. As you and Nookah mentioned, its looking more and more like we’ll have to snag him in the first or trade out to a HIGH second, because he looks to be gone way before #55. Could imagine or dream if we got Pettigrew AND Barwin. Ah, to dream.
JJ – rockin’ the old school St.Pauli girl. Love it. Hadn’t had it in a while, but D@– good brew. Nothing like a good St.Pauli’s on a cool day. Gotta go with the Sierra Nevada Summerfest tonight. After going all cheap, domestic for so long, I’ve gone back to my college day and paying a little more to try to some good, new beers. If like in your face hops, try Hop Devil. Takes a minute to get used to, but is good stuff. D@–, is this a beer blog? I guess you know what my two favorite things are. Like what Snelling brings to the table, but here’s the big question: do we keep Snelling AND my boy from Tucker, TBrown? One of my fav. players of all-time, from Tucker, GA AND went to UGA AND went to the Falcons. Love those hometown boys.
tbhawks – sweet mock bro’. Most mocks don’t have Maybin slipping past the Broncos, but definitely past Houston or Washington. I’ve seen like one or two having him dropping to our area, but thats it. Love to get our hands on him. One tiny change: sub in Nelson/Cook/Coffman/Casey for CB Barnes. Just don’t see us taking 2 CB’s with what we got on our roster, or dropping past the 3rd for this deep, deep TE class.
mars & angry bank – agreed on schedule. There’s only a couple of games that worry me a little. As long as we “Defend the Dome’ we’ll be fine. Miami, Chicago, & maybe Washington put me a little nervous in putting a dent in our ‘Dome Defense’. 9-7 or 10-6. 11-5 would be masterful. Angry, me too on Saints. Sean Payton’s seat isn’t burning yet, but two bad to weak seasons in a row not good for him after his awesome first year. If they get Beanie Wells, I’ll be a good bit more worried. Reggie Bush is NOT an everydown back, IMO. Maybe he and his rockstar buddy Leinart should spend a little more time in the tape room or weight room instead of clubbin’ with the Kardashians.
D3
April 17th, 2009
11:58 am
Normally I say don’t take the hate bait, but Ken just put a smack-down @-whoopin on the board. Cool off bro: game, set, match.
larry w – welcome back my friend. I would be considered one of those new guys I guess, but this is my new favorite hobby. I try to get the ‘boys on here to not take the hate bait, because if nothing else it is not mentally stimulating. Same repetitive arguments over and over gives us true football fans nothing. Well-thought out, intelligent, and respectful arguments are a lot of fun and mentally engaging.
intramural – I know. The Pettigrew orange kool-aid finally seeped into my pores and brain. I’m sold. The only big problem is this after listening to Sirius NFL Radio this morning:
-The Bills will most likely not spend their #11 on Pettigrew, but if they trade T Jason Peters to the Eagles for their #21, than you can kiss Pettigrew good-bye.
F.Y.I
April 17th, 2009
12:11 pm
USC OLB Clay Matthews reportedly created a Facebook group during his junior season called “White Nation,” which showed a photo of an African American baby in handcuffs.
Under the picture was a caption saying “arrest black babies before they become criminals.” It also said “This group is not for the faint of heart. All members are athletes of Caucasion descent. We are just doing our duty of protecting the Arian brotherhood.” Brian Cushing, K David Buehler, and former Redskins draft pick Dallas Sartz joined the group. The athletic dept. billed the group as a joke. Matthews later issued a formal apology.
D3
April 17th, 2009
12:23 pm
Very concerning that Matthews would display poor judgement, but when former teammates of race in question publicly come out supporting him, it might actually be an inside joke. However, the severe lack of judgement is really stupid.
Football player Sedrick Ellis sent Gopaul a message explaining that “White Nation” is an inside joke on the team and that Matthews is not racist.
“My goal was that the picture and group be taken down,” Gopaul said. “Even though you have this inside joke, it shouldn’t be brought to Facebook because people will see it who aren’t in on it.”
Gopaul said she then received a message from Matthews.
“At first, Clay Matthews sounded a bit upset with me, and understandably so,” Gopaul said. “But he was very nice in his second letter once I explained my intentions and actions to him.”
Matthews said that another person posted the picture, and he was unsure of how to delete the group, Gopaul said.
He also wrote a formal apology to the members of “Clay Matthews (USC football player) expresses anti-black sentiment.”
“He told us that he immediately went online to explain it and apologize, and to say this is not indicative of his or the team’s attitude,” said Tim Tessalone, director of sports information.
“We talked to him about how something done without serious intent could be perceived in a negative light and he agreed; he felt badly for his poor judgment, and he quickly moved to correct it.”
A source from the athletic department said Matthew’s apology said he was sorry, and that the group was not serious and had no racist intent. He also said his roommate and best friend are black and said that it was poor judgment on his part to create the group
Entire Article:
http://www.dailytrojan.com/news/facebook-group-lands-usc-football-player-in-hot-water-1.206854
irvin
April 17th, 2009
12:24 pm
tbhawksfan- I have some concern with your mock. DJ Moore is only 5′9″ and though Barnes has good hight and long arms, he has thin hips and is a bit of a one year wonder. He also has major durability concerns and just plain can not tackle. I can live with the rest though.
Nookah- Thanks. Very excited about the draft as well. Barwin is a player that I will be watching no matter where he ends up.
FALCONSHATER2009
April 17th, 2009
12:33 pm
FIRST KEN NAME CALLING IS CHILDISH. YOU CLAIM TO KNOW SO MUCH ABOUT YOUR BELOVED FALCONS. FIRST OF ALL MATT RYAN IS SO DAMN OVER RATED IT IS PATHETIC. YOU HAVE NO DEFENSE AT ALL. YOU NEED MORE THAN A TE TO WIN IN FOOTBALL JUST ASK THE COWBOYS. SECOND YOU GUYS CANT EVEN WIN A PLAYOFF GAME LET ALONE A SUPER BOWL. MIKE VICK WAS THE NEW FACE OF YOUR WACK FRANCHISE. HE TURNED YALL INTO WINNERS. YOUR TEAM NEEDS ALL THE LUCK IT CAN GET. NOW BE A GENTLEMAN WITH YOUR RESPONSE CUZ I AM 2 GROWN FOR NAMES OR GAMES.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 17th, 2009
1:26 pm
FACT CHECKER:
MORA—>MCKAY—>VICK……..CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
SMITH—>TD—>…………..1 AND DONE.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 17th, 2009
2:07 pm
“FALCONSHATER2009″ – YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND SOMETHING ON THIS BLOG. THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT USE NAME CALLING IS QUITE SIMPLE. THEY ARE NOT CAPABLE OF HAVING INTELLIGENT DISCUSSIONS BECAUSE THEY LACK THE CAPACITY.
SOME OF THEM WRITE LONG WINDED AND BORING NON-SENSE ABOUT HOW MUCH MORE THEY KNOW ABOUT FOOTBALL. MY ADVICE TO YOU – LET THEM TALK. YOU SEEM LIKE AN INTELLIGENT GUY, AND YOU JUST LIKE EVERYBODY THAT KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL – THE FALCONS SUCKED BEFORE AND AFTER VICK.
F.Y.I.
April 17th, 2009
2:10 pm
This was published March 20, 2007 by The Daily Trojan (USC News):
White Nation Group Makes National News
USC football player Clay Matthews Jr. and his teammates will not be punished by the university for their involvement in the “White Nation” Facebook group, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The controversy first reported in the Daily Trojan before spring break garnered national attention and prompted discussion on the limitations of jokes, racism and Facebook privacy.
“He’s done what he could to apologize,” coach Pete Carroll said about Matthews to the Times. “I think he’s taken all the right steps for anybody that it offended. And there was never any intent of that at all.”
The inside joke started when running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd McNair jokingly referred to a group of Caucasian players on the kick-off team as “White Nation.”
“I made the name. The White Nation,” McNair said to the Times. “Just playfully, man.”
Clay Matthews Jr., a linebacker, created the Facebook group whose majors included teammates David Buehler, Brian Cushing, Dan Deckas and Dallas Sartz.
“This group is not for the faint of heart,” read the group’s description. “All members are athletes of Caucasian (sic) descent. DISCLAIMER: In no way are the following memebers (sic) intolerant of others, we are just doing our duty of protecting the Arian (sic) brotherhood.”
People outside of USC joined without Matthews’ knowledge and posted a graphic of a black baby in handcuffs with the caption “arrest black babies before they become criminals,” an image created by an online clothing company T-Shirt Hell.
Michael L. Jackson, vice president of student affairs, said the group reflects poorly on the university.
“While the group was evidently created as an offshoot to joking between races among teammates at USC, this joke was clearly taken to an improper length,” he said to the Times. “The action of the students involved goes against the core values of what it means to be a member of the Trojan Family – and doesn’t represent our diverse community.”
Stefanie Gopaul, a freshman majoring in health promotion and disease prevention studies, heard about the “White Nation” group and started the rebuttal Facebook group “Clay Matthews (USC football player) expresses anti-black sentiment.”
The day after the Daily Trojan article, the Los Angeles Times reported the story. Eventually, CBS, Sports Illustrated, Drudge Report and the Orange County Register also picked up the story.
The original article has nearly 300 online comments and more than 300,000 page views, the most in the history of the Daily Trojan’s website.
Many comments expressed the view that despite being a joke, the group is still offensive.
“I’ve frankly never heard of a ‘joke’ like this,” wrote a website commenter who identified himself as Tim. “This is a problem. We should see it and talk about it. The inability to explain why this is supposed to be funny is why the Klan always wore hoods.”
The spelling errors in the Facebook group descriptions also prompted comments from readers.
“Before we all get our panties in a bunch, I think we need to send the football team to a hooked on phonics class FIRST,” wrote a reader who identified himself as Andy.
Discussion about the issue erupted on the blogosphere and online message boards.
The athletic department and football team are putting the matter behind them.
“I think I speak for the whole team when I say we respect Clay, and we have his best interests at heart and we just hope it all goes away,” football player Sedrick Ellis said to the Times.
bigeasy830
April 17th, 2009
2:37 pm
Ken Strickland, it amazes me how you left out a few facts. The Saints ranked first in offense last year but almost last in all defensive catagories, the addition of a proven defensive coordinator will definitely improve that standing and make the Saints a very tough team in 2009. Eventhough both the Falcons and Dolphins had the same reecord, the Falcons were merley a playoff team that was one and done. The Dolphins won their division last year. They can lay claim to being the best in the AFC East. Before the rest of you Falcons fans chime in, how many years did you say at least the Brave won the East, ok enough on that. Tony Gonzalez did have a very good year last year, I never said he didn’t and he has been one of the best TE in the game for a while. But, last year he had 96 catches on a on a very bad 2-14 team. That’s like having a 25 point scorer in the NBA on a 13 and 69 team, but irregardless of that, the fact is Tony Gonzalez is 33, that is aging in any sport especially the NFL. An now to the subject of your main man Matt Ryan. He did play surprisingly well for the most part in the first 13 games, But in December when the Super Stars really start to shine, he played very poorly. He looked more like Danny Wuerfell than Tom Brady. He played like Tony Romo in the big games, choke, choke choke. Michael Turner really bailed the Falcons out in the last few regular season games. Those last 3 games, they did not win because of Matt Ryan, they won inspite of his play. Now you can disagreee with that assesment, but to call it “Uninformed” is a bit over the top even for you. But the most important point of them all is this, the Falcons were 11-5 last year and I have given them credit for a good year. I even acknoledge that after they beat Chicago last year at that time they were 5-3 and as Bill Parcells said “You are what you are”. But that was last year, 2009 is a new year and a new season, “Wishful thinking” is you expecting the football Gods to smile on that team again, but hey you are a Falcon’s fan and you should have “Happy Thoughts” about your team. But you can’t gut the the team of veteran players two years in a row and now face the 4th toughest schedule in the league and expect Lovie Smith to call a squib kick and Tampa to fall apart at the end of the year etc… and then dance into the play-offs. If your team goes 8-8, I have posted this before, just 8-8, I will stay off your blogs next season, because as long as Arthur Blank own the team, I would not cheer for them if my Granddady played QB for them and my Grandmother was the nose tackle.
Fresh for 2009, You…….
irvin
April 17th, 2009
3:03 pm
be830- Dude, your contradicting yourself. First you come on here implicating that the Falcons are over-achievers and that we should expect to go 8-8 at best. Then you say that as fans of our team, that we should be optimistic of our chances at a good winning record. WTF? We are optimistic! So why are you so set on downing us? We are happy about our prospects for the year. If you are not, that is fine too, but you don’t need to bother us about it. Why wait to leave our blog? You can just leave now.
bigeasy830
April 17th, 2009
3:24 pm
irvin, read the entire post, or better yet, I don’t know how long you have been on these blogs but this goes way back. I don’t think the Falcons will win more than 5 or 6 games, I actually believe they will go 4-12, but I posted if they go 8-8 I will stay off the Falcons blog. And, why is it “our” blog, it’s free country irvin. What, you can’t handle someone disagreeing with you, “It’s just Healthy Conversation” irvin. Why do you think the AJC reports MV7’s every move, to spark that dialogue. So if you don’t like what i post now irvin, you will really hate me once the season start. I have been somewhat dormant during the off season. I have been playing in the big sandbox in SW Asia all winter. But, I will be home soon and OTA’s are just around the corner. So VS, VS2, new family members WILLSTER and FALCONSHATER2009, its time to rise up. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Fresh for 2009, YOU SUCKERS!!!!!!!!
row3
April 17th, 2009
3:35 pm
BE…What did your Grandmother’s combine #’s look like, might could pick her up as an undrafted FA.
irvin
April 17th, 2009
3:37 pm
Bills to trade LT Jason Peters to Eagles for their 28th overall, a 4th and an undisclosed 2010 pick. WOW! We may be out of the running for Pettigrew. Eagles may take him at 21 or Bills may reach now at 11.
irvin
April 17th, 2009
3:45 pm
Not hating on you dude, but you do seem to be zeroing in on the Falcons is all that I am saying. Though I have not been posting on this blog long, I have been reading it for many months. New baby hasn’t allowed me to sit down and chat with you guys. None the less, I do respect some healthy conversation. Can do without the bashing though.
irvin
April 17th, 2009
3:51 pm
Robert Ayers had a visit with the Falcons. Thoughts?
row3
April 17th, 2009
3:54 pm
Bills may have to look at OL with their early pick.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 17th, 2009
4:02 pm
IF “JOE FLACCO” COULD DO IT – WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR.
bigeasy830
April 17th, 2009
4:07 pm
I feel you irvin, but bashing goes on in this blog, some days it gets down right ugly. It’s all in good fun from my end can’t speak for everyone else though. row3 she is slower than christmas and weaker than a Matt Ryan pass, but I gaurantee you she will at least match Jamal Anderson’s 2007 sack totals and she can plug the middle against the run, hahahahaha. Just kidding grandma.
Fresh for 2007, You…..
FALCONSHATER2009
April 17th, 2009
4:08 pm
well irvin i cant let u come at my boy like that. just face the truth the falcons will be a mediocre team. yeah last season was good for you guys but this season the falcons wont even make the playoffs. matt ryan is like a one hit wonder
irvin
April 17th, 2009
4:16 pm
Hey whatever floats your boat! JA better get off his arse this year.
row3- You are probably right on that.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 17th, 2009
4:21 pm
MATT “RYAN LEAF” IS THE BUST I THOUGHT HE WAS – HE SHOULD GIVE MICHAEL TURNER AND RODDY WHITE HIS SIGNING BONUS MONEY.
Ken Strickland
April 17th, 2009
7:35 pm
FALCONHATER-I agree, it does take more than a TE to win in football, and no one knows that better than the Atlanta Falcons. After all, dinn’t we manage to win 11 games without one? As far as QB MRyan is concerned, I have no less of an authority than all of the NFL players and coaches who voted him into last yrs Probowl as an alternate. I’LL PUT THAT UP AGAINST ANY SELFSERVING OPINION OF HIM YOU CAN COME UP WITH. You berate the Falcons for not winning a playoff gm last yr. I’m certain the mighty Patriots would have gladly traded places with us since they didn’t even make the playoffs. You have to crawl before you can walk fella.
BIGEASY-again you use trivial facts to try and support your WISHFULL THINKING. You berate MRyan and the fact we finished 2nd in our division with an 11-5 record. Yet, you make a big issue of the Saints finishing 1st in total OFF, even though it didn’t prevent them from finishing LAST, LAST, LAST in their division with an 8-8 record. A new DC can’t compensate for a lack of DEF talent. As weak as our pass rush was last yr, DE JAbraham managed to register more sacks than the entire Saints starting DEF, WOW!!!!!!!. And you’re dumb enough to think a new DC will somehow completely turn that around.
YOU KNOW WHAT, CLOWNS LIKE YOU, MV2 AND FALCONSHATER ARE SO FAR REMOVED FROM REALITY, YOU’RE PROBABLY DILLUSIONAL ENOUGH TO BELIEVE STARWARS WAS A DOCUMENTARY. IT’S OBVIOUS YOU GUYS ARE UNABLE AND/OR UNWILLING TO DEAL WITH PERTINENET FACTS. BESIDES, THERE ARE FAR TOO MANY INTELLIGENT WELL INTENTIONED INDIVIDUALS POSTING ON THESE BLOGS FOR ME TO WASTE ANY MORE OF MY TIME AND EFFORT ON YOU CLOWNS. THEREFORE, I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO SAY TO ANY OF YOU HATERS, BECAUSE YOU’VE DEMONSTRATED REPEATEDLY THAT YOU SIMPLY HAVE NOTHING TO SAY.
FALCONSHATER2009
April 17th, 2009
11:02 pm
ok ken to come at you directly the falcons suck ok. u talk reality but u r living in a lala land buddy. so what the falcons went 11-5 last yr. when was the last time the falcons had back to back winning seasons. oh by the way i cant stand the patriots either. micheal turner carried the falcon offense last yr matt ryan was just there enjoying the show. and who brags about have an alternate in the pro bowl. all that means is he is a replacement.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 17th, 2009
11:03 pm
I THINK HE’S GOING TO CRY
bigeasy830
April 18th, 2009
5:10 am
Ken Strickland, the cold fact is this. You keep holding on to your warm and fuzzy memories of last year. As I stated in my my post on this blog, 2009 is a new year and a new season. They strap on the Rydells in September. By November 1, you will be sitting at home singing along to Barbera Streisand song “Memories of the way the Falcons use to be, in 2008 they were Lucky,That’s the way they were”.HAHAHAHAHA
Fresh for 2009, YOU SUCKERS!!!!!!!!!
Ken Strickland
April 18th, 2009
1:09 pm
Everyone is aware of the fact that IGNORANCE AND STUPIDITY ARE MAJOR FACTORS WHEN DEALING WITH DENIAL. I’M JUST CURIOUS, AND I WANT TO KNOW THE DEPTHS OF THE IGNORANCE AND STUPIDITY IT TAKES TO CONTINUE WITH YOUR RAVINGS.
Answer the following question and I’ll have my answer. WOULD ANY OF YOU RATHER HAVE A TEAM THAT SUCKS, AS ONE OF YOU CLOWNS PUT IT, AND STILL MAKES THE PLAYOFFS, FINISHING 2ND IN THE DIVISION WITH THE NFC’S 3RD BEST RECORD AND TIED FOR THE NFL’S 6TH BEST RECORD, OR HAVE A TEAM THAT LEADS THE NFL IN TOTAL OFF, AS ONE OF YOU CLOWNS PROUDLY PROCLAIMED, AND FINISHES LAST IN THE DIVISION WITH AN 8-8 RECORD? A SIMPLE YES OR NO WILL DO, OTHERWISE, DON’T BOTHER RESPONDING BECAUSE YOUR IGNORANCE AND STUPIDITY WILL BE ASSUMED.
FALCONSHATER2009
April 18th, 2009
1:29 pm
Ken you are the dumbest guy on the planet to call someone ignorant. last season is done with. thats all u talk about is last year and what yall did. we r in 2009 not 2008 so plz wake up before its 2 late. yall have no answer for the Brady-Moss combo man. so what u had one good season. yall not ready to compete wit them yet sorry
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 18th, 2009
2:09 pm
DOOMED DOOMED DOOMED
WEAK ARMED “OVER RATED QB” — 5 YEARS AND CAN’T WIN THE WEAK ACC.
WEAK LINEBACKERS
WEAK SECONDARY
4TH TOUGHEST SCHEDULE
4-GAMES AFTER OPPONENTS B-Y-E
4-CONSECUTIVE ROAD GAMES WITH PLAYOFF CALIBER TEAMS
DOOMED! DOOMED! DOOMED!
THAT SUSPECT 11-5 RECORD WAS BASED ON 3 FACTORS:
1. WEAK SCHEDULED —— OPPONENTS RECORD WELL BELOW .500
2. 2ND LEADING RUSHER IN NFL (MICHAEL TURNER)….ANOTHER MIKE
3. NO FILM ON THE ROOKIE BUST.
AFTER THE WORD GOT AROUND HOW WEAK HIS ARM WAS, THE LAST 4-GAMES (CRUNCH TIME) WAS EVIDENT BY THE 4-GAMES OF THE FOLLOWING STATS:
3-TOUCH DOWN PASSES
5-INTERCEPTIONS
4-FUMBLES
1-SAFETY
ALL RESULTED IN SUB PAR PASSING RATINGS AND A “1 AND DONE” IN THE PLAYOFFS.
DOOMED! DOOMED! DOOMED!