sports: August 2009 Archives

Division race over, Braves turn sights toward wild card

By Mike Tierney on August 31, 2009 9:09 AM | 1 Comment

That big fork in the kitchen drawer that you're using to cook Labor Day grub on the grill? Pull that fork out now and stick it in the Atlanta Braves. They're dead, if we're talking National League East.

The wild-card race is another topic, and the Braves are alive there, though not exactly with a pounding pulse.

Continue reading Division race over, Braves turn sights toward wild card.

It's back to baseball as Braves invade Philly

By Mike Tierney on August 28, 2009 12:08 PM | No Comments

Now that Mike Vick fever has subsided in Philly, the sports phanatics turn their attention back to baseball. The Braves are in town -- seven games behind, five weeks to go, three big chances this weekend to inform the Phillies that the NL East leaders cannot go into cruise control during September.

Continue reading It's back to baseball as Braves invade Philly.

Vick scores in court, gains yards in stadium

By Mike Tierney on August 28, 2009 9:52 AM | No Comments

Let's roll the tape from Michael Vick's first public display of football since the last day of 2006:

He took six snaps from behind center, all but one in the shotgun formation. One play was wiped out by penalty. He threw four passes, completing each, though only one was downfield -- an impressive 13-yard bullet. He ran once, for a measly yard. Oh, he lined up wide once when Donovan McNabb was at QB.

Continue reading Vick scores in court, gains yards in stadium.

Vick steps into the court of public opinion again

By Mike Tierney on August 26, 2009 9:16 PM | 2 Comments

Big day Thursday in the tumultuous life of one Mike Vick (left).

It starts begin in Newport News, Va., with a morning appearance in bankruptcy court. All he and his lawyers must do there is impress one judge.

Continue reading Vick steps into the court of public opinion again.

Happy debut for Smoltz; Vick's is next

By Mike Tierney on August 24, 2009 10:16 PM | No Comments

Once upon a time, they were three of Atlanta's most hugged athletes. Whassup with them now?

John Smoltz wouldn't be the first big-leaguer to feel more relaxed in a setting other than baseball-batty Boston. After his Red Sox debacle, Smoltzie said hey to ultra-supportive St. Louis with a masterful five innings, albeit against the popgun-hitting Padres. He whiffed nine and walked none in a 75-pitch performance, allowing two runs. The Cardinals view him as a potential fourth starter down the stretch. And, no, the Braves should not have brought him back. Pitching ain't their problem.

Continue reading Happy debut for Smoltz; Vick's is next.

Smoltz becomes a Cardinal, could face Braves

By Mike Tierney on August 19, 2009 10:15 AM | No Comments

John Smoltz versus the Braves. Maybe.

The ex-Atlantan is becoming a St. Louis Cardinal, which may inject some drama into mid-September even if the Braves have fallen by the playoff wayside.

Continue reading Smoltz becomes a Cardinal, could face Braves.

Braves get their fill of Phils, lose critical series

By Mike Tierney on August 17, 2009 10:02 AM | No Comments

The Braves wanted two wins over the Phillies. They got one. Their division prospects are almost down to none.

Continue reading Braves get their fill of Phils, lose critical series.

Vick says he's sorry the right way on "60 Minutes"

By Mike Tierney on August 16, 2009 7:58 PM | 1 Comment

How many times have we heard an athlete accused of some wrong issuing a lame apology that's not really an apology? (My count: two-dozen and climbing.)

All future transgressors should take a cue from Michael Vick (left).

Continue reading Vick says he's sorry the right way on "60 Minutes".

Braves try to avoid divisional knockout punch from Phillies

By Mike Tierney on August 14, 2009 8:43 AM | No Comments

OK, Atlanta, get your minds off him and the news involving that other sports team from Philadelphia. This is now: Braves-Phillies in a weekend series at the Ted that could shape the rest of Atlanta's season.

Continue reading Braves try to avoid divisional knockout punch from Phillies.

Eagle's landing: Vick signs with Philly

By Mike Tierney on August 14, 2009 12:12 AM | No Comments

Seven thoughts on ol' No. 7 with the Falcons becoming a Philadelphia Eagle:

1. Tony Dungy knows his stuff. Vick's mentor predicted he would sign by the end of the week. Bingo.

2. Barring injury, Vick will not start this season but could back up
Donovan McNabb, whose current fill-in is an injured rookie. McNabb, who
knows Vick, reportedly endorsed the move and won't feel threatened, though some pundits see this as the lastest unfair slam of McNabb.

Continue reading Eagle's landing: Vick signs with Philly.

Tick-tick-tick to Vick's appearance on "60 Minutes"

By Mike Tierney on August 11, 2009 11:16 AM | No Comments

CBS' "60 Minutes," which got exclusive access at anti-dogfighting speech by Vick last weekend in Decatur, will air the footage during an episode of Sunday's show.
Vick's reps managed to negotiate a likely friendly interviewer, James Brown. The engaging host of the NFL pre-game shows, JB won't be giving Vick the third degree. Here's hoping Brown does not soft-pedal Vick's transgressions.

Continue reading Tick-tick-tick to Vick's appearance on "60 Minutes".

Mike Vick fix: interested teams, unfunny comic strips, "60 Minutes"

By Mike Tierney on August 10, 2009 11:59 AM | 1 Comment

It's only noon, and the Michael Vick happenings are coming fast and furious.

Continue reading Mike Vick fix: interested teams, unfunny comic strips, "60 Minutes".

White takes Falcons' money and runs -- back to camp

By Mike Tierney on August 10, 2009 10:17 AM | No Comments

So much for the protracted impasse. This was quick, Roddy White and the Falcons meeting halfway and agreeing to one helluva contract for a guy who's had only two standout seasons.

Continue reading White takes Falcons' money and runs -- back to camp.

Michael Vick's on the right comeback trail

By Mike Tierney on August 8, 2009 7:14 PM | 5 Comments

Michael Vick spent part of his weekend at a Humane Society function in metro Atlanta, speaking to about 50 people, including young men who are considered prone to engage in dogfighting.

Not a big deal, until you consider his hometown of Newport News, Va., planned a "celebration" for the unemployed ex-con. It would have been an ego boost to someone who surely needs it, but Vick's appearance with the Humane Society forced the event's postponement.

Continue reading Michael Vick's on the right comeback trail.

Harry Douglas' injury is worth cursing about

By Mike Tierney on August 6, 2009 8:18 PM | No Comments

Two interesting developments from Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas' torn ACL that wiped out his season:

1. Matt Ryan curses. The choir boy quarterback let out a good one at practice when Douglas went down. It may take something extreme to trigger a bad word out of Ryan, and now we know the threshold.

Continue reading Harry Douglas' injury is worth cursing about.

Marvin Williams commits long-term to Hawks

By Mike Tierney on August 6, 2009 6:43 PM | No Comments

You improve to 47 wins, finish fourth in the conference and win a playoff series. If you're the Atlanta Hawks, do you try to hold the roster intact?

To general manager Rick Sund, the answer is damn right. He has gotten Marvin Williams to agree to a five-year, $37.5 million deal, following long-term commitments as well from Mike Bibby and Zaza Pachulia.

Continue reading Marvin Williams commits long-term to Hawks.

Ten Atlanta Hawks games not to be missed

By Mike Tierney on August 4, 2009 4:42 PM | No Comments

The Atlanta Hawks' schedule is out, and so are the calenders of those who follow the bouncing ball at Philips Arena. Let's say you've been offered tickets to 10 games. (Dream on.) Fill in these dates.

Continue reading Ten Atlanta Hawks games not to be missed.

August 2009 Archives

Division race over, Braves turn sights toward wild card

It's back to baseball as Braves invade Philly

Vick scores in court, gains yards in stadium

Vick steps into the court of public opinion again

Happy debut for Smoltz; Vick's is next

Smoltz becomes a Cardinal, could face Braves

Braves get their fill of Phils, lose critical series

Vick says he's sorry the right way on "60 Minutes"

Braves try to avoid divisional knockout punch from Phillies

Eagle's landing: Vick signs with Philly

Tick-tick-tick to Vick's appearance on "60 Minutes"

Mike Vick fix: interested teams, unfunny comic strips, "60 Minutes"

White takes Falcons' money and runs -- back to camp

Michael Vick's on the right comeback trail

Harry Douglas' injury is worth cursing about

Marvin Williams commits long-term to Hawks

Ten Atlanta Hawks games not to be missed

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