Georgia sports for Friday, January 25th

The Atlanta Falcons officially introduced their new head coach in a Thursday afternoon news conference at team headquarters in Flowery Branch. The team also announced two additional appointments for the coaching staff. Emmitt Thomas will stay with the club and serve the role of assistant head coach. Thomas filled-in as interim head coach for 3 games to close last season, following the resignation of Bobby Petrino. The Falcons also hired Brian Van Gorder as new defensive coordinator. He leaves a job he had taken with South Carolina only 4 weeks ago. Van Gorder served as the Falcons' linebackers coach last season. Van Gorder is also a former Georgia Bulldogs' defensive coordinator, and served one season as head coach at Georgia Southern.

From the Atlanta Braves' offseason, the team has signed closer Rafael Soriano to a 2-year, 9-million dollar contract. Soriano was eligible for arbritration.

Women's college basketball action from last night included 17th-ranked Georgia scoring the 82-55 win over Florida. It was win number-700 in the coaching career of Andy Landers.

Out of pro hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers lost in a shootout to the Rangers in New York, 2-1.

Falcons to introduce new head coach today

The Atlanta Falcons will introduce their new head coach this afternoon in a news conference.

He's Mike Smith, who comes from the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he served as their defensive coordinator since 2003. The 48-year-old Smith is a 26-year coaching veteran. He replaces Bobby Petrino, who quit the Falcons in mid-December, only 13 games into his first season as the team's head coach.

Georgia sports for Thursday, January 17th

Men's college basketball from last night had action for Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Georgia Southern. Georgia's Bulldogs were 61-54 winners over Alabama in Athens. Billy Humphrey led Georgia with 13 points. The Bulldogs improved their record to 10-5 overall. It was oh-so-close for Georgia Tech on their home floor in Atlanta, as the Yellow Jackets fell to top-ranked North Carolina, 83-82. The Tar Heels at 18-0, are off to their best start since 1986. Georgia Tech's tough season continues as their record went to 7-9. Georgia State's club lost on the road to Drexel last night, 58-51.

In pro basketball, the Atlanta Hawks were beaten at Milwaukee, 87-80.

To the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons had a second meeting with Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett for the Falcons' head coaching job.

Former Georgia Tech head football coach Chan Gailey has found employment. He's been hired by the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs as their offensive coordinator.

Georgia sports for Thursday, December 13th

The Atlanta Falcons are moving ahead from the sudden departure of their head coach. One of the assistants on the staff, Emmitt Thomas, will serve as interim head coach for the Falcons' final three games of the season. The team has been hit hard all season long. The punches have included star quarterback Michael Vick landing in prison for a dogfighting conviction, and then the abrupt resignation of coach Bobby Petrino Tuesday night. The Falcons are 3-10.

From the ice, the Atlanta Thrashers suffered the 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins in action from Atlanta Wednesday night. The Thrashers fell to a record of 14-15.

West Georgia has hired Daryl Dickey as its new head football coach. Dickey comes to Carrollton via Florida State's program, where he served as quarterbacks coach for six seasons. He replaces Mike Ledford, who resigned in November.

Falcons' brass vent over Petrino resignation

One day after their head coach abruptly quit the team after only 13 games, top officials with the Atlanta Falcons vented their anger over the situation.

Team owner Arthur Blank used the words "betrayed", "let-down", and "abused" to describe how he felt in the wake of Bobby Petrino’s sudden departure late Tuesday afternoon. By late last night, Petrino had been introduced as head coach at the University of Arkansas.

Over the weekend, Petrino gave Blank some issues of concern with the team. On Monday afternoon, the two were joined by general manager Rich McKay to hash-out the issues. Blank said it appeared there was resolution of Petrino's concerns. At the end of the meeting, Petrino shook Blank’s hand and said "I’m your coach". Monday night the Falcons lost at home to New Orleans to fall to a record of 3-10 on the season.

Petrino quit 24 hours later.

Blank today spoke of broken commitments.

"My issue is not that he elected to go back to coaching in college. That is not my issue. My issue is timing, my issue is responsibility, my issue is commitment that was made to this organization, and made to everyone connected to this organization. That is my issue".

The Falcons’ season has been marred by star quarterback Michael Vick’s conviction and resulting prison sentence for dogfighting.

The team’s defensive backs coach, Emmitt Thomas, will serve as interim head coach the final three games.

Petrino quits as Falcons' head coach

In a season of unprecedented adversity for the Atlanta Falcons, the team sustained another blow early Tuesday evening--its rookie head coach quit after 13 games. The team has confirmed Bobby Petrino resigned his post. Reports indicate that he will return to the college gridiron to coach the University of Arkansas.

The abrupt move by Petrino comes only a day after the team's once-star quarterback, Michael Vick, was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for his involvement in a dogfighting operation. Monday night, the Falcons lost for the 10th time in 13 games this season--a 34-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Petrino in January signed a 5-year, 24.5 million dollar contract to leave his college job at Louisville and coach the Falcons. Soon after, troubles out of his control began--mainly revolving around Vick. On January 17th airport officials in Miami seized a water bottle from Vick with a hidden compartment. Later tests revealed there was no illegal substance, with Vick cleared of wrongdoing. But in April an investigation of Vick's Virginia residence turned-up evidence of a dogfighting operation. Vick's major legal troubles grew from there, resulting in his prison sentence Monday. The absence of Vick and dark cloud over the team from off-the-field distractions has been a factor in the Falcons' dismal on-field performance.

Some Falcon players at different times this season have had vocal issues with how Petrino has handled the team.

Before Monday night's game, Petrino reportedly was asked by team owner Arthur Blank whether he intended to be with the Falcons in 2008. Petrino told Blank he definitely would return as coach. That changed late Tuesday afternoon.

The Falcons have called a 2pm Wednesday news conference to address their coaching situation.

Vick gets 23 months for dogfighting

Suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick today was sentenced to 23 months in prison for his bankroll and involvement in a dogfighting operation.

Vick could have received the maximum of five years behind bars from U.S District Court judge Henry Hudson. Federal sentencing guidelines recommended a term of 12-18 months. Last week, two of Vick’s co-defendants were sentenced to terms of 18 and 21 months respectively.

Vick appeared in Richmond-Virginia federal court dressed in a black and white prison jumpsuit. In the 90-minute hearing, he acknowledged using "poor judgement" and that he was willing to "deal with the consequences".

Vick in August admitted guilt to financing the dogfighting operation, and executing some dogs who didn’t perform up to expectations.

Vick’s legal troubles are not over. He and his three fellow co-defendants face state charges next year. Vick also is being sued by two banks for repayment of loans and lines of credit. His team, the Atlanta Falcons, is seeking repayment of bonus money from his 130-millioin dollar contract.

Georgia sports for Monday, December 10th

The final chapter in the Michael Vick legal saga is set to be revealed this morning. The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback will be in a Richmond-Virginia federal courtroom to learn his sentence for his role in a dogfighting operation. Vick could get the maximum of five years--prosecutors have recommended a term of 12-18 months. U.S. district court judge Henry Hudson will hand-down the sentence. Vick reported to prison last month to get a jump on serving his time.

Vick's old Falcon teammates will be in action tonight in Atlanta to face the New Orleans Saints. The game is set for the 8:30 kickoff from the Georgia Dome.

The high school football championship game matchups are set following a weekend of semifinal action from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. In Class 5A, North Gwinnett has earned a trip to its first-ever title game--they'll face Lowndes on Saturday. For Class 4A, Northside-Warner Robins and Ware County will tangle on Friday night. The Class 3A championship will match Carver-Columbus against Cairo on Saturday. The 2A final will pit Lovett against Buford Saturday, while 1A will feature the matchup of Emmanuel County Institute and Wilcox County Friday.

Women's college basketball out of yesterday included Georgia at home scoring the 79-65 victory over Davidson.

Georgia sports for Friday, November 30th

Georgia Tech’s search for a new head football coach includes at least one former assistant. Connecticut coach Randy Edsall was in Atlanta yesterday to chat with Tech officials. Edsall served as defensive backs coach with Tech in 1998. For this football season, he led the UConn Huskies to a 9-3 record and berth in the Meineke Car Car Bowl December 29th.

The Atlanta Falcons have lost yet another player for the season due to injury. Offensive tackle Todd Weiner will watch the rest of the team's games from the sidelines--he's on injured reserve with a knee injury. The 10-year veteran is now the third starting tackle to face a season-ending knee procedure. The Falcons now have 12 players on injured reserve, meaning they are done for the season.

Pro hockey last night--the Atlanta Thrashers lost their 3rd straight game, falling at home to Toronto 4-2.

High school football tonight around the state will stage its 3rd round of playoff action. Next week, its the semifinal weekend from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.