Georgia sports for Monday, November 12th

The Atlanta Falcons have won 2-straight games to improve their record to 3-6 overall. Sunday afternoon, the Falcons beat the Carolina Panthers on the road 20-13. The decisive score came with 20 seconds left, as QB Joey Harrington connected with tight end Alge Crumpler on a 30-yard touchdown strike.

The college football weekend wrapup included wins for Georgia and Georgia Tech, while Georgia Southern lost their contest. Georgia's Bulldogs pulled away in the 2nd half to beat Auburn in Athens Saturday, 45-20. The Bulldogs in the new Associated Press rankings have moved up to number-8. Georgia Tech's Yellow Jackets won their game on the road Saturday at Duke, 41-24. Tech running back Tashard Choice ran for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns. Georgia Southern's Eagles lost their game to Furman 24-22.

Women's college basketball from Sunday included Georgia's Lady Bulldogs scoring the victory over George Mason, 84-56.

Georgia sports for Monday, September 17th

The Falcons are off to an 0-2 start to their NFL season, following their defeat at Jacksonville Sunday afternoon, 13-7. The Jaguars defense sacked Falcons' quarterback Joey Harrington 7 times, while Falcons' kicker Matt Prater missed 2 field goals--including one from only 26 yards.

The college football weekend included wins for Georgia and Georgia Southern, while Georgia Tech lost their showdown with Boston College. Tech's Yellow Jackets were dominated 24-10 in Atlanta Saturday night. Now with a 2-1 record, the loss dropped Tech from the top-25 rankings. Georgia's Bulldogs got back on the winning track with an easy 45-16 win over Western Carolina Saturday in Athens. Georgia's record is now 2-1. For the Eagles of Georgia Southern, they are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2001, following their win at Coastal Carolina, 42-34.

From baseball, the Braves blanked the Nationals 3-0 Sunday afternoon in action from Washington D-C. Tim Hudson posted the first complete game for a Braves starting pitcher this season. He scattered 7 hits and recorded 6 strikeouts in the 9-inning effort. The Braves-offense included Mark Teixeira's 2-RBI single, and a Kelly Johnson solo home run. The Braves won 2-of-3 games in D-C, and finished the road trip going 3-3. In the race for the National League wild card playoff spot, the Braves remain 5-and-a-half games behind leader San Diego. The final homestand of the season starts tonight--the Braves host Florida.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, September 4th

The Braves snapped a 3-game losing skid with a 5-1 win over the Phillies Monday afternoon, opening a series at Turner Field in Atlanta. The Braves' offense included a 2-RBI double from Brian McCann, one of 11 Atlanta hits in the game. On the pitching side, stater Lance Cormier threw 5-and-two-thirds innings, allowing only 4 hits and a run to go along with 5 strikeouts. 4 relievers followed out of the bullpen to wrap things up--Atlanta pitching allowed only 4 hits for the contest. With under a month of action to go, the Braves still face an uphill climb if they are to return to the postseason: they trail the NL-East leading Mets by 7-and-a-half games. In the wild-card chase, the Braves stand 5-and-a-half back. Game 2 of 3 against the Phillies goes tonight with Buddy Carlyle getting the pitching start.

From the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons are getting ready for their season opener, Sunday on the road at Minnesota. The Falcons fine-tuned their roster with a few moves, including the release of two players. Linebacker Jordan Beck and running back Jason Snelling were cut from the roster.

Georgia sports for Friday, August 31st

The Braves open a homestand tonight against the two teams ahead of them in the NL-East standings. In first are the New York Mets, who lead the division by 4-and-a-half games on the Braves. Atlanta also stands 4-and-a-half back in the race for the wild card playoff spot with about a month to go in the season. Tim Hudson gets the pitching start tonight against the Mets--he's going for a 16th win on his record. The Mets enter Atlanta riding a 5-game losing skid.

The first weekend of college football cranks-up tomorrow, with Georgia and Georgia Tech staging their openers. The Bulldogs will be home in Athens for a 6:45 kickoff against Oklahoma State. The Yellow Jackets are on the road for their opener, in South Bend, Indiana to face Notre Dame at 3:30. Geeorgia Southern opens their season next weekend.

High school football opens tonight across Georgia. You can get a preview of what to expect this season, and hear just why prep football is so big in Georgia--on today's edition of Georgia Gazette on GPB Radio at 3 o'clock. Jon Nelson of GPB-TV's Prep Sports Plus will join us for a look at all things high school football.

From the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons play their final exhibition game of the preseason, hosting the Baltimore Ravens. Tomorrow, the Falcons must cut their roster down to 53 players to set their team for the season opener a week from Sunday.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, August 29th

A sacrifice-fly in the 11th inning scored the winning run for the Marlins, as they beat the Braves last night in extra innings, 4-3. The Braves rallied to tie the game in the 8th, as Chipper Jones drilled a 2-run homer to lock the game at 3. For much of the night however, the Braves were baffled by Florida pitchers, striking out 19 times to match a season high. Jeff Francouer struck out 5 times. John Smoltz started the game on the mound, but did not figure in the decision. The Braves and Marlins wrap the series tonight.

From the NFL, the Falcons waived 6 players to get to the 75-player roster limit. All were signed as free agents or undrafted rookies. The biggest name was cornerback Omare Lowe, who was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury--out for the season. Lowe was one of the team’s top special teams performers, leading the unit in tackles the past 2 years. The Falcons play their final preseason game this Friday in Atlanta. One addition to the Falcons’ roster was defensive lineman Montavious Stanley from the Cowboys.

College and high school teams begin their seasons this weekend. The squads of Georgia and Georgia Tech open their schedules this Saturday. Georgia Southern commences 2007 a week from Saturday.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, August 28th

The Braves opened their series in Florida last night, pounding the Marlins 13-2. Brian McCann ripped a grand slam, and Matt Diaz added 4 hits, including a pair of doubles and a home run. The offense supported pitcher Lance Cormier, who threw 7 strong innings for the pitching win. It represented the first victory in 3 weeks for a Braves-starter not named John Smoltz or Tim Hudson. With the win, the Braves drew a game closer to the Mets in the NL-East, now 6 games behind. Atlanta remains 4 back in the wild card race.

Amid all the off-the-field news created by Michael Vick on Monday, the Falcons played their first home game of the preseason last night, scoring the 24-19 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. With Vick banished from the team, Joey Harrington is the starting quarterback this season. He posted good numbers last night, completing 13 of 21 passes for 164 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Falcons play their final exhibition game of the preseason Friday night.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank in a Monday press conference expressed his feelings following Vick's guilty plea to a federal dogfighting charge. Blank said Vick "has let down his fans and his team--he's damaged the reputation of our club and the entire National Football League, and betrayed the trust of many people". Blank also said the team will not cut Vick from the roster right now for purely business reasons. The Falcons are trying to recoup some or all of 22 million dollars in signing bonus money from Vick's contract.

Georgia sports for Monday, August 27th

The Braves have fallen farther back in their hopes of returning to the postseason, after losing at St Louis Sunday afternoon 4-1. The Braves dropped 2-of-3 in their series against the Cardinals, and now are 2-5 on their road trip. On Sunday, the Cardinals scored 3 runs in the 5th inning off Atlanta-starter Jo-Jo Reyes. The Braves’ offense came from catcher Brian McCann, who singled home Mark Teixeira in the 6th inning. The Braves now trail the NL-East leading Mets by 7 games, and are behind in the wild card race by 4 games. The final stop on the road trip for the Braves opens tonight with the 1st of 3 in Florida.

From the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons will hit the field for their third exhibition game of the preseason--their first at home, facing the Cincinnati Bengals. The side story of course will be the absence of Michael Vick, who will appear in Virginia court this morning to plead guilty to dog fighting charges.

The Little League World Series champion banner will reside in Georgia for a 2nd straight year. Yesterday in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Warner Robins beat the team from Japan 3-2 for the title. It took extra innings--in the bottom of the 8th, shortstop Dalton Carriker knocked a solo home run to right field for the dramatic game-winner. Just last year, the city of Columbus celebrated its Little League title. Now, a celebration for the Warner Robins kids is being planned for later in the week.

Micheal Vick signs plea deal

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has signed a federal plea agreement on charges of illegal dog fighting and helping to kill dogs. On Monday, Michael Vick will enter a guilty plea in a federal court in Virginia on allegations that could land him in prison for up to five years.

The ten page plea agreement details charges dating back to 2001, when Vick and his former co-defendants, operated the Bad Newz Kennels. Authorities say Vick purchased the Virginia property for the sole purpose of raising and training pit bulls to fight.

News of how losing dogs were put to death prompted animal rights activists to call for Vick’s ouster from the NFL. However, a spokesperson for the NFL says it will wait till Monday to decide Vick’s future.

On the federal charges, Michael Vick will have to pay a fine of 250-thousand dollars, and is subject to three years supervised release following his jail term. Vick could still face state dog fighting charges in Virginia.

Georgia sports for Thursday, August 23rd

The Braves dropped a 2nd-straight game to the Reds in Cincinnati, falling 4-2 last night. Lance Cormier took the pitching loss, allowing consecutive home runs to Josh Hamilton and Jeff Keppinger in the 4th inning--the Reds scored 2 more runs in the 5th. The Braves' scoring came from solo home runs off the bats of Brian McCann and Andruw Jones. With the loss, the Braves remain 6 games off the pace of the Mets for the lead in the NL-East division. However, Atlanta has now fallen 2 games off the lead for the wild card playoff spot. The Braves and Reds complete their 4-game series tonight.

Braves' shortstop Edgar Renteria has re-injured his right ankle. Renteria had just been activated off the disabled list, after missing 17 games since August 3rd with a sprain. Last night, the team says Renteria "tweaked" the ankle while batting.

College football teams around the state are in the final stages of preseason practice, with openers just over a week away. The same goes for the state's high school teams, with most opening their schedules a week from Friday.

From the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons will continue in life without Michael Vick, playing their 1st home game of 2007 on Monday night. The Falcons will host the Cincinnati Bengals in exhibition inside the Georgia Dome.

Falcons' reaction to Vick plea deal

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said last Friday before the team’s second preseason game in Buffalo that he would act decisively once a resolution came-in concerning Michael Vick. However, he has been asked by the NFL to hold-off on any action, until the league makes its decision on their action. Blank did speak to the NFL Network yesterday after news came down that Vick would plead guilty next week:

"From a personal standpoint I think he's doing the right thing, and that's been my counsel to him quite some while ago and publicly as well to get this behind as quickly as he can and take responsibility for whatever he did".

There was reaction from a teammate of Vick's. Wide receiver Joe Horn joined the Falcons in the off-season, but has known Vick for longer. He spoke to ESPN Monday:

"Mike is a friend of mine, and he’s going through some stuff right now in his life. People make mistakes. Was it wrong to fight dogs?...I don’t agree with that at all, but I love Michael Vick as a friend, and I’m always going to be his friend. People go through things in life".

The Falcons will play their 1st home game of the year next Monday, a preseason game at the Georgia Dome. It will be the same day Vick enters his plea in Virginia federal court.

Georgia sports for Monday, August 20th

The Braves scored a 6-2 win Sunday afternoon to salvage 1 victory in 3 games played against the Arizaon Diamondbacks over the weekend. 1st baseman Mark Teixeira knocked a pair of 2-run homers to support the strong pitching of John Smoltz. The Braves veteran pitcher posted a season-high 12 strikeouts in his 8 innings on the mound. In the process, he became the Braves’ all-time franchise strikeout leader, passing Phil Niekro on the list, with #2,913 in the 3rd inning. The Braves went 3-3 on the homestand, and now hit the road for 10-straight games. They'll open a 4-game series in Cincinnati tonight. In the standings, the Braves are in 3rd place in the NL-East division, trailing the leading New York Mets by 5-and-a-half games. Atlanta is closer in the wild card chase, trailing the San Diego Padres by only a game-and-a-half.

Warner Robins' Little League team split its 1st 2 games of action from the weekend in the Little League World Series up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. A victory Friday over a team from Lake Oswego, Oregon was followed by defeat on Saturday to a team from Hamilton, Ohio. The Warner Robins kids face the New England representative tonight at 6pm-—a team from Walpole, Massachusetts

Out of the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons appear to have lost 3rd-string quarterback DJ Shockley for the entire upcoming season. The former Georgia Bulldog suffered a torn ligament in his left knee Friday night, in the Falcons’ preseason win at Buffalo.

Georgia sports for Friday, August 17th

The Braves were denied a sweep of the Giants last night, getting ripped by San Francisco 9-3 in the finale of the 3-game series. Starting pitcher Chuck James allowed 4 home runs in his stint on the mound, lasting only 3-and-2-thirds innings. The Braves remain 3-and-a-half games back of the Mets for 1st in the NL-East division. The Braves stay at home through the weekend, opening a new series at Turner Field tonight--hosting the NL-West leading Arizona Diamondbacks.

Many in the city of Warner Robins will have their focus on Williamsport, Pennsylvania starting tonight--and they hope, through the following weekend. The city's Little League All-Star team begins Little League World Series-play against a team from Lake Oswego, Oregon. Warner Robins is the southeast U-S champion. Warner Robins hopes to follow the fortunes of the team from Columbus, Georgia last year--crowned champs of Little League.

From the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons hit the field for their 2nd exhibition game of the preseason. They're in Buffalo, New York to face the Bills tonight. The Falcons were losers on the road last week in their preseason opener against the Jets.

College football teams are drawing closer to their season openers, roughly 2 weeks away. High School teams also in the closing stretch of preseason practice. Most prep teams in the state begin play on August 31st

Georgia sports for Wednesday, August 15th

Chipper Jones delievered an RBI-double in the bottom of the 9th inning to lead the Braves to a 5-4 win over the Giants last night from Turner Field in Atlanta. The Giants had tied the game in the top-half of the inning off closer Bob Wickman. Earlier in the game, the Braves had turned around a 3-run deficit in the 6th inning: A Mark Teixeira home run, Yunel Escobar 2-run double, and Matt Diaz RBI-single accounted for the outburst.

Game-2 of the series goes tonight, with Tim Hudson getting the pitching start. The Braves remain 3-and-a-half games behind the Mets for 1st in the NL-East.

One other note from the Braves-game last night: manager Bobby Cox was ejected from a game for the 132nd time in his career, and that now stands as a new baseball record. Cox was tossed in the 5th inning, defending Chipper Jones after he was called out on strikes by home plate umpire Ted Barrett. Cox had gone 7-and-a-half weeks since his previous ejection.


Football teams across the state continue preseason practice, from high school to the pros. The NFL's Atlanta Falcons will be on the road this weekend for their 2nd exhibition game of the preseason, facing the Buffalo Bills.

Vick may be in plea talks

Attorneys for Falcons’ quarterback Michael Vick are reported to be in plea negotiations.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a source close to the talks indicates Vick might reach a deal with federal prosecutors before new federal dog fighting charges come down next week.

The remaining two of Vick’s three co-defendants in the case are set to enter guilty pleas later this week. 35-year-old Purnell Peace and 28-year-old Quanis Phillips have plea hearings scheduled for Thursday and Friday respectively. Another defendant, Tony Taylor, pleaded guilty to charges late last month.

The four are accused of running an interstate dog fighting operation on Vick’s property in Virginia.

Vick has been banned by the NFL from participating in preseason practice with the Falcons. The league is conducting its own investigation. It denied a report Monday saying it was ready to suspend Vick for the entire 2007 season.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, August 14th

After an off-day Monday, the Braves return to action tonight in Atlanta, opening a 6-game homestand. The San Francisco Giants are in town first, with Barry Bonds in tow. Bonds just last week became baseball's new career leader in home runs, surpassing Hank Aaron. For the opener of the series tonight, John Smoltz gets the pitching start. The Braves stand 3-and-a-half games behind the Mets for 1st in tne NL-East division.

Out of the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons are in workouts ahead of their 2nd preseason game this weekend. There is good news for the club, as veteran running back Warrick Dunn has returned to practice. He underwent back surgery last month. The team hopes he can play in their 3rd exhibition game--August 27th.

From college football, preseason practice rolls-on for the teams of Georgia, Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern.

Georgia sports for Monday, August 13th

The Braves were 5-3 losers to the Phillies last night in Philidelphia, wrapping the series and road trip. Ryan Howard drilled a 3-run homer against the Braves’ Buddy Carlyle in the 5th inning to turn the game. The Braves-offense included a Chipper Jones 2-RBI single, and a Martin Prado run-scoring double.

The Braves lost 2-of-3 in the series against the Phillies, and recorded a 3-3 record overall for the road trip, that including wins in 2-of-3 against the Mets. The Braves now return home to open a series against the Giants tomorrow night. Atlanta is 3-and-a-half games back of the Mets for 1st in the NL-East.


From the weekend, the Atlanta Falcons suffered a loss in their exhibition opener Friday night, falling to the Jets up in New Jersey’s Meadowlands. It was the NFL coaching debut of Bobby Petrino for the Falcons.

Georgia sports for Friday, August 10th

The Braves survived a 9th inning rally by the homestanding Mets Thursday afternoon, winning at New York 7-6. Leading 7-3 into the last of the 9th inning, the Mets scored 3 runs off reliever Tyler Yates. Oscar Villareal was called upon to get the final 2 outs for the save, earning the pitching win for Tim Hudson. Offensively, the Braves had home runs from Chipper Jones and Mark Teixeira. The Braves are back to within 3-and-a-half games of the Mets for 1st in the NL-East—-it’s now a series in Philidelphia opening tonight.

To the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons are in New York for their 1st exhibition game of the preseason, facing the Jets this evening. It marks the first game for new head coach Bobby Petrino, and the debut of Joey Harrington as starting quarterback, who stands in for the banished Michael Vick.

Preseason practice continues for the college teams of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Georgia Southern. Bulldogs' head coach Mark Richt had the perfect remedy to help his players beat the heat yesterday in Athens. Following a morning practice, he took the Bulldogs to the campus swimming center for some fun and relaxation in the afternoon. Coach Richt led the way, performing a backflip dive off the high board into the pool.

Georgia sports for Thursday, August 9th

It was the tough night for the Braves in New York, as they lost to the Mets 4-3 Wednesday. Moises Alou broke a 3-3 tie with a home run in the 8th inning off Braves-reliever Rafael Soriano. The Braves had the perfect opportunity to re-tie the game or take the lead in the 9th when they loaded the bases with no outs. But, Jeff Francouer and Andruw Jones failed in their efforts at the plate: Andruw hit into a game-ending double play. The Braves and Mets wrap the series this afternoon with a 12:10 1st pitch. The Braves now stand 4-and-a-half games out of 1st in the NL-East.

To football, while college teams are a little more than 3 weeks away from their first game action, the pro teams start play this weekend--in preseason action.
The Atlanta Falcons will be in New York Friday night to meet the Jets in exhibition. With Michael Vick on a forced leave-of-absence mandated by the NFL while he deals with federal dog fighting charges, the Falcons will give the number-one quarterback reigns to Joey Harrington. The battle for the backup QB-job is now between former Georgia Bulldog DJ Shockley, and Chris Redman.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, August 8th

The Braves won the opener of their 3-game series against the Mets up in New York, the final of 7-3 last night. It was the big evening for Jeff Francouer--he had 4 hits, including a 3-run homer. Matt Diaz cracked a home run, and Chipper Jones added 3 of the Braves’ 15 hits. On the mound, Buddy Carlyle got through 5 innings for the pitching win as he allowed 6 hits and 3 runs. The Braves are now within 3-and-a-half games of the Mets for 1st in the NL-East. John Smoltz gets the pitching start for Atlanta tonight.

From college football, preseason practice continues across the state for the teams of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Georgia Southern.

To the NFL, training camp rolls-on for the Falcons--they’ll hit the field in New York Friday to face the Jets in the preseason opener.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, August 7th

It’s a key series set to open tonight in New York, as the Braves face the rival Mets. In the NL-East, the Mets lead the division by 4-and-a-half games on the Braves. Buddy Carlyle gets the pitching start against the Mets’ Oliver Perez. The Braves have won 6 of 9 games played against the Mets this season.

From the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons will be without tight end Alge Crumpler for at least a week of practice and action, as he’s suffered a setback from his recovery from off-season knee surgery. Crumpler to this point, had only taken part in a limited amount of work in the team’s 15 practices through Monday. The Falcons’ 1st preseason game is this Friday in New York facing the Jets.