Ricardo Allen
An Atlanta Hawks security guard opens a door before a media tour of the State Farm Arena, home of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks basketball team, Friday, July 17, 2020, in Atlanta. The 16,888-seat facility will be used as a poll location for the upcoming election. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Column: Beyond kneeling, T-shirts, sports push major changes

By Paul Newberry Aug. 07, 2020 06:11 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 4, 2020, file photo, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley catches a pass from Matt Ryan during a team strength and conditioning NFL football workout in Flowery Branch, Ga. It would be easy to overlook Calvin Ridley, being a receiver who plays on the same team as Julio Jones. Ridley, though, has other ideas. Heading into his third year with the Atlanta Falcons, he's planning on a breakout season and making sure everybody knows his name, too. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, FIle)
Falcons WR Ridley eager to step out of Julio's large shadow

By Paul Newberry Aug. 06, 2020 05:40 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2019, file photo, Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) looks to block during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Atlanta. With sports still largely on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, athletes and coaches have been looking for ways to pass all that unexpected free time. For Atlanta Falcons lineman Jake Matthews, it's brushing up on his grilling skills. (AP Photo/Michael Zarrilli, File)
Falcons' Allen says idea of practice is 'nerve-racking'

By Charles Odum May. 09, 2020 10:51 AM EDT

Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo (74) scores against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a 35-yard touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12/29/2019

Dec. 29, 2019 01:26 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn speaks to players during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Falcons' Quinn saved job with strong finish, players'support

By Charles Odum Dec. 28, 2019 02:20 AM EST

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn, center, celebrates with quarterbacks Matt Ryan, left, and Matt Schaub (8) during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/John Hefti)
Falcons choose stability: Quinn, Dimitroff to remain in 2020

By Paul Newberry Dec. 27, 2019 09:10 AM EST

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn reacts as his defense stops the Jacksonville Jaguars on a fourth down attempt during the fourth quarter to hold on to a 24-12 victory in a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Quinn wants to return as Falcons coach, but status uncertain

By George Henry Dec. 23, 2019 06:46 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn speaks to players during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Falcons score 2 early touchdowns, beat woeful Jaguars 24-12

By Paul Newberry Dec. 22, 2019 04:38 PM EST

FILE - In this July 25, 2019, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Malcolm Jenkins speaks with members of the media at the NFL football team's training camp, in Philadelphia. Veteran defensive backs and team leaders Richard Sherman of San Francisco and Malcolm Jenkins of Philadelphia are among 32 nominees for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
Sherman, Jenkins among 32 nominees for NFL Man Of Year award

By The Associated Press Dec. 12, 2019 09:00 AM EST

Carolina Panthers interim head coach Perry Fewell, left, speaks with Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn before the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons 12/8/2019

Dec. 08, 2019 12:34 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn speaks to his team during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Saints looking for NFC South threepeat against Falcons

By Charles Odum Nov. 27, 2019 12:32 PM EST

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) beats Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Sean Murphy-Bunting (26) on a 16-yard touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Michael Thomas giving Saints a big return on investment

By Brett Martel Nov. 26, 2019 07:15 PM EST

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) reacts after throwing an interception to New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Falcons vs Bucs: 2 teams with an eye on 2020

By Paul Newberry Nov. 21, 2019 07:38 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Tale of Two Seasons: Falcons turn it around after 1-7 start

By Paul Newberry Nov. 20, 2019 06:10 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) hands off to running back Brian Hill (23) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers 11/17/2019

Nov. 17, 2019 01:21 PM EST

Seattle Seahawks fans watch teams warm up before the first half of an NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons 10/27/2019

Oct. 27, 2019 12:44 PM EDT

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) motions during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Jones speaks up, tries to get Falcons on track

By George Henry Oct. 24, 2019 05:51 PM EDT

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) anduring the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
High hopes for Falcons defense have been thoroughly dashed

By Paul Newberry Oct. 17, 2019 05:40 PM EDT

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn, left, greets Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 34-33. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Falcons players say Quinn remains steady despite 1-5 start

By Charles Odum Oct. 16, 2019 07:30 PM EDT

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals 10/13/2019

Oct. 13, 2019 03:37 PM EDT