FROM THE GREAT WHITE NORTH: FREE AGENT FAN

by E. Spencer Kyte, Bugs and Cranks

I stayed faithful last year.

I was optimistic about the Jim Mora firing, even though I knew what Seattle knew. Atlanta wasn't Mora's fault. He got a raw deal like The Guvornator.

I applauded the hiring of Bobby Petrino, even though I know like everyone else that these college guys, no matter how good, never work out. I convinced myself Petrino might be different.

I stood by as our franchise quarterback lied to the Commissioner, only to recant his innocent plea as "friend" after "friend" lined up to let Mike Vick take all the responsibility.

As shook as I was knowing that the man whose jersey I proudly sported every Sunday afternoon was going to jail for dog fighting, I stood by my Atlanta Falcons.

At some point, everyone needs to rebuild. This was our time. We have some pieces in place. Alge, DeAngelo, Norwood looks like a burner. Roddy White in his third year. Still got stand-up vets like Warrick Dunn. He won't let this team give up.

Now, I'm done. I'm declaring my NFL Allegiance Free Agency. The Falcons are dead to me. Arthur Blank owes me some serious Depot Dollars.

The coach who was supposed to guide us in a new direction left before the season was out. Like everyone else from the college ranks before him, he realized where his best chance at success was and returned to the NCAA. Problem is, he left a trail of disaster in his wake.

Petrino alienated veterans, guys who had been the best the Falcons had to offer for years and those that would lead us in a new direction. Pro Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler saw less and less balls coming his way. DeAngelo's passion for winning got him fined. And benched. Jerious Norwood stood on the sidelines. Warrick got the hell kicked out of him every single Sunday.

The only bright spot was the emergence of Roddy White. But really, with Alge not seeing any passes, who else was going to catch the ball, Michael Jenkins?

As the season ended, the changes started.

Alge left town and moved to Nashville.

Warrick Dunn, a true role model and consummate professional, was released.

And now, DeAngelo Hall is getting shipped off to Oakland for a Second Round pick. I guy we took in the first round only a couple seasons ago that has blossomed into one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL is fetching us only a second round pick?

Like I said - I'm done with Atlanta. I'm a Free Agent. Where do I want to sign?

Jumping on board with champs isn't an option - I can't cheer for New York at anything.

No matter that the Patriots lost and the Celtics have come back down to Earth, I still hate Boston.

I want a team I can grow with. Someone I can look forward to the future with. A team that might not be there yet, but they will be soon and when that day comes, I'll be able to say, "That's My Team!"

Donovan McNabb married a girl I went to High School with, maybe I should root for Philly? (True Story - Raquel "Roxy" Nurse is a fellow St. Thomas More CSS alum - Hamilton Represent!)

I used to love the Bears simply for Ditka. Now that they're half decent I could back them again.

I love Chucky's intensity in Tampa and backing a division rival would be an extra twist of the screws against the stupid Falcons.

But none of those teams really do it for me. There is no bond between me and them like there was with Atlanta. I got on board at the start of the Mike Vick Era and was supposed to ride it into the Super Bowl Sunset. That was the way the storybook ended.

Franchise quarterback, franchise renovation, franchise reclamation. The End.

Now I'm left without a team. A Free...

(typing is interrupted by the ringing of the telephone)

Atlanta just franchised me. Looks like I'm stuck here for at least another year. Go Falcons...