Coach Smith Fine/Charity Collections Information

by flip7 on Nov 11, 2009 5:14 PM EST

The community over at the Official Atlanta Falcons Message Board have put together a sort of charity collection in honor of the Mike Smith incident that took place during the Falcons/Redskins game.

It is likely that Smith will receive a fine for what happened(As Adam Schefter Tweeted.) In the same fashion that Smith has his players backs, we, the fans would like to show that we have our coach's back.

While we are aware we may not gather the full amount to pay off his fine, A goal of $2300 has been set. At the time of this posting, the total amount collected is $800 within the span of a matter of hours. The money gathered will be donated to the charity of Mike Smith's choosing.

Please, take a look over at the message boards: http://life.atlantafalcons.com/topic/3873689-the-official-coach-smith-finecharity-collections-information-current-total-81428/ for more information about the whole ordeal.

If the link doesn't work, check out the pinned topic within this forum: http://life.atlantafalcons.com/forum/45-talk-about-the-falcons/

Show your support, Falcons Fans!

EDIT: We broke the $1,000 benchmark at 6:00PM!!

This FanPost was written by one of The Falcoholic's talented readers. It does not necessarily reflect the views of The Falcoholic.

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Comments

I fully stamp my approval on this. The fact that fans are coming together in support of our coach

is amazing.

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by Adam Schultz on Nov 11, 2009 2:55 PM EST reply actions

If he doesn't get fined

I say we use the money to buy him a hat.

by Dave Choate on Nov 11, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

In the event he doesn't get fined

The money will still go to the charity of his choosing regardless.

Though, Adam Schefter was quoted as saying Smith and Hall would both receive a fine.

by flip7 on Nov 11, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

I fully support that

If charitable giving can come out of a situation like this—and from fans, no less—it sends a very good message.

by Dave Choate on Nov 11, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Kind of misguided IMO

Sure is a big to-do over a fine that hasn’t even been assessed yet. Collecting money before you even have a legitimized cause is something people usually frown on.

by tom slick on Nov 11, 2009 3:42 PM EST reply actions

“Sounds like fines will be handed out to, amongst others, Falcons HC Mike Smith and Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall for Sunday’s sideline fracas” —Adam Schefter via Twitter

Seems reasonably sure it’s going to happen. Though, the money isn’t going directly to Mr. Smith himself. (He wouldn’t be able to accept something of this nature) Rather, being donated to the charity of his choosing. Fine or not, It’s all going to a good cause. At the same time we’re expressing our satisfaction and support for Mike Smith and the Falcons for the fight and devotion this coaching staff has brought. It’s basically a “Thank You” for a great cause.

I fail to see how this would be frowned upon.

by flip7 on Nov 11, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions

I'm kind of like Ward Cleaver that way

Personally, I don’t donate money until I know exactly where it’s going. Others may feel differently and that’s their privilege.

My point was that the people collecting the money are doing so “in honor” of something that hasn’t actually happened. I’m not saying they’re going to flush your money down the toilet, only that it’s a tad unseemly to solicit people’s money over a fine that does not exist. They should have the common sense and good taste to wait until the fine’s been officially imposed.

by tom slick on Nov 11, 2009 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

I see what you're saying

If it did not say “to a charity of his choice,” I’d be more inclined to donate. For example, if they had pinned down a charity in the town he’s from that we can donate to in honor of Thanksgiving or something to that effect, maybe they’d get more donations.

As for contacting the media, I’m kinda lost on what purpose that serves. Heck, why not try and contact the Falcons organization or Arthur Blank himself, maybe in petition form. It all just seems a little disorganized is all, and while it’s certainly a worthwhile endeavor, I totally see where you’re coming from slick.

Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?

Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.

by FrankyWren on Nov 11, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions

Why not contact the media?

People have been contacting local radio stations, and many of the stations have said they will give us a shout out to boost support. Same goes for some of the local blogs/papers. The AJC appears to be onboard as well.

As for contacting the Falcons organization. I was told Mike Smith cannot make comments while a fine is impending. I expect some sort of press release from someone soon enough.

by flip7 on Nov 11, 2009 5:47 PM EST up reply actions

You're misunderstanding ...

AJC supports him already, thus there’s no need to push for positive media coverage. Calling into radio shows and the like is always a good thing, even when stuff like this doesn’t happen. Drafting a petition to submit to Goodell might be a good call.

All I’m trying to say is that his job isn’t at stake, it’s VERY unlikely that he’ll be suspended, and I’m sure that Smitty has himself already moved on in all likelihood.

Don’t misunderstand me, I appreciate any kind of joint effort between Birds fans, but what exactly are we trying to stop?

To be honest, I’m fairly sure TD and company want to move on from this, so I’ll do the same (if y’all nail down a charity though, by all means update your post and I think you’ll find that posters like myself and slick will come through for you).

Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?

Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.

by FrankyWren on Nov 11, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

Acutally..

I think your misunderstanding, actually. This is more about the gesture, than trying to push for positive media coverage for Smith. This is about showing our appreciation for our head coach, and his staff. We are all aware that his job isn’t at stake. All in all, it’s also about our fan base uniting, and raising money for a good cause.

Contacting the local media was simply to raise awareness about what we’re raising.

by flip7 on Nov 11, 2009 6:05 PM EST up reply actions

Seriously dude ...

I didn’t mean any offense, I was only trying to clarify my thoughts. So my apologies if that came off abrasive at all.

I am entitled to my opinion, and in my opinion, I’m unsure what we’re trying to rescue Smitty from.

I was only suggesting that a better way to make the gesture (and a method that might make a few more people comfortable with donating) is to nail down a charity first, then go from there, that is all.

At the end of the day, we both agree that Smitty deserves our appreciation, but I personally think that there’s nothing special about this particular time in Smitty’s career that makes it absolutely necessary to rush the media or anything of the sort. I think there’s a clear consensus that Smitty is appreciated.

I am totally comfortable with uniting the fanbase for a worthwhile cause, but donating to a thus far unknown charity rightfully scares some people, that is all. I was only trying to suggest a better method for the madness, and no way was I implying that it’s not a good idea in the first place.

I’m not sure whether things get particularly chippy on the boards you’re used to, but we don’t really role like that here, at least from what I’ve experienced. We can agree to disagree because at the end of the day, both us want the same thing: success for the Birds. That is all.

Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?

Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.

by FrankyWren on Nov 11, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions

Well said, FrankyWren

Most people are understandably cautious about giving money to an unknown charity, through an unknown party. There’s no reason to be surprised or offended when people express normal skepticism over such a request.

No one’s questioning the gesture of fan support for Smitty (as if he needs it). Some people are going to have issues with the way this particular appeal for money is framed and presented, though.

We’re all Falcons fans, first and foremost. I don’t think anyone feels that your heart is not in the right place on this.

by tom slick on Nov 11, 2009 11:19 PM EST up reply actions

Fines announced on Friday?

This AJC article says that Landry and Haynesworth have been fined. I’ll leave you guys to read what DeAngelo Hall has to say NOW. Priceless!

by tom slick on Nov 11, 2009 6:16 PM EST up reply actions

When have Falcons fans ever been this cohesive to do something like this?

We’ve probably never loved a coach this way, outside of Dan Reeves during the 98 campaign. I say woo for them.

You have opinions. We all do. Some of yours may have to do with the Falcons. Sign up today and share them.

by Adam Schultz on Nov 11, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

I loved Greg Knapp like one loves a bout of the gout

by Dave Choate on Nov 11, 2009 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

I think we have something good going on here with our current coaching staff for years to come. The fact that we have the amount of people and donations that we do already is very inspirational. Many people are contacting the local news, radio shows, etc. to spread the word on what’s happening.

by flip7 on Nov 11, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions

It is inspirational ...

But never fear, I’m fairly sure that Arthur and TD have a man crush on Smitty just like the rest of us (i.e., he ain’t going anywhere).

Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?

Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.

by FrankyWren on Nov 11, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions

how about this for fan support...

be sure to keep us posted on the play by play as this all unfolds. It’s a great time to be a Falcons fan and stuff like this just keeps confirming it

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Nov 11, 2009 5:03 PM EST reply actions

Will do, I’m fairly new to this site, so I’m not 100% sure how everything works, but I’ll keep updating the main post with new totals, and media comments.

by flip7 on Nov 11, 2009 5:11 PM EST up reply actions

I'll be glad to keep everyone posted as well. Any major stuff, we can put in on the frontpage ASAP.

Just email me or Dave.

You have opinions. We all do. Some of yours may have to do with the Falcons. Sign up today and share them.

by Adam Schultz on Nov 11, 2009 5:19 PM EST up reply actions

Probably better

Yeah, its probably better if you update, more people will see your post than mine :D

I’m right in the mix of this situation, so I’ll let you know as soon as something comes up via email

by flip7 on Nov 11, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions

Update

We’ve passed the $1,000 mark!

by flip7 on Nov 11, 2009 6:44 PM EST reply actions

ESPN reports that Smith was also fined $15,000.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4647447

They just updated it. I’d pay that money in a heartbeat if I had it.

The NFL has to admit that this was instigated by that moron Hall running over to run his mouth. After that, the ropes should be loosened a bit, these people aren’t robots, they’re emotional players. When you talk trash, you better back it up, and Hall sure didn’t. (And didn’t get fined. Go figure.)

by Zippo729 on Nov 12, 2009 12:07 PM EST reply actions

RIDICULOUS

… that Hall was not fined. Roger needs to pull his head out of his … er, the sand.

Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?

Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.

by FrankyWren on Nov 12, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Wow, halfway decent money there

The league obviously felt Smitty had some culpability there, whether it was physical or something verbal. He can easily afford it, $15K is probably a few days’ pay for him. Doubt Smitty will be cowed by this, either.

Yet, D.Hall keeps running his pie-hole with no fine. The worst punishment for him would be to tape his mouth shut, his head would explode in a week!

by tom slick on Nov 12, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

I'll admit it

I’m legitimately pissed off about this. If the NFL had levied any kind of fine on Hall at all, I’d be fine, because it would recognize he had a role in this. Instead, he walks away feeling fine. Grrragh.

by Dave Choate on Nov 12, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions