(12 Dec 2007) EM4739
HEADLINE: Falcons react to coach's abrupt resignation
Falcons-After Petrino
CAPTION: The owner feels betrayed. Players say they're mad. The day after their head coach resigned, the Falcons had strong words about Bobby Petrino. (Dec. 12) 2008
23:43:55
00:04:24
[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE]
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Falcons react to coach's abrupt resignation.
Suggested caption:
((TRACK))
((SUPER: Flowery Branch, Ga.))
((VO of owner, coach.))
A SEASON THAT COULDN'T GET MUCH WORSE FOR ATLANTA FALCONS OWNER ARTHUR BLANK DID JUST THAT WHEN HEAD COACH BOBBY PETRINO ABRUPTLY RESIGINED TUESDAY.
((SOT))
((SUPER: Arthur Blank/Falcons Owner))
"I think the best way to describe the way we feel is betrayed and let down."
((TRACK))
((VO of newser, coach.))
BLANK, AND TEAM G-M RICH MC-KAY SPENT MORE THAN AN HOUR ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM REPORTERS.
THEY COULD OFFER LITTLE EXPLANATION FOR WHY PETRINO DECIDED TO JUMP SHIP.
((SOT))
((SUPER: Rich McKay/Falcons GM))
"He was frustrated by the pro game, and more comfortable in the college game. He was also expressing to me that it was having a negative impact on his family."
((TRACK))
((VO of Vick, coach, players.))
THE FALCONS LOST THEIR STAR QUARTERBACK BEFORE THE SEASON BEGAN.
MICHAEL VICK IS SERVING A 23-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO FEDERAL DOGFIGHTING CHARGES.
THE TEAM WON JUST THREE OF THIRTEEN GAMES UNDER PETRINO, WHO MADE FEW FRIENDS IN THE LOCKER ROOM DURING HIS BRIEF TENURE IN ATLANTA.
SOME PLAYERS EXPRESSED RELIEF AT PETRINO'S DECISION.
((SOT))
((SUPER: DeAngelo Hall/Falcons Cornerback))
"There was a lot of smiles going around this locker room."
((NATS))
Chant (or anything) from Arkansas newser, added in DC.
((TRACK))
((VO of Arkansas news conference
OTHERS WERE UPSET BY PETRINO'S DEMEANOR DURING A LATE NIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE IN WHICH HE WAS INTRODUCED AS THE NEW HEAD COACH OF THE ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS.
PETRINO PARTICPATED IN THE SCHOOL'S 'CALLING THE HOGS' CHEER.'
((SOT))
((SUPER: Joey Harrington/Falcons Quarterback))
"The hog chant or pig sooey or whatever it's called on national television, that's what pushed everybody over the edge."
((SOT))
((Hall))
"Once I saw that press conference, him smiling ear to ear and making it like he didn't want to leave Atlanta but I'm happy that I'm here, it made me mad."
((TRACK))
((PIC of letter))
PLAYERS WERE ALSO DISAPPOINTED IN THE LAST COMMUNICATION THEY RECEIVED FROM THEIR FORMER COACH, A 78-WORD - PHOTOCOPIED LETTER.
((SOT))
((SUPER: Joe Horn/Falcons Receiver))
"That's what most of the players are upset about - how he left."
((SOT))
((SUPER: Joey Harrington/Falcons Quarterback))
"To come in and see a form letter on your locker with a stamped signature talking about how he left with a heavy heart after you saw him the night before dancing behind the podium, what he said looses meaning."
((TRACK))
((VO of newser, coach.))
BLANK SAID HE ASKED PETRINO IF HE WAS COMMITTED TO THE TEAM DURING A MEETING MONDAY, JUST BEFORE THE TEAM'S 20-POINT LOSS TO NEW ORLEANS.
((SOT))
((Blank))
"His answer was, he shook my hand, 'You have a head coach.'"
((TRACK))
((VO of coach at Arkansas news conference ))
24-HOURS LATER, PETRINO QUIT, AND BOARDED A PLANE TO ARKANSAS.
STORYLINE
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