Owner Blank offers optimism...

Owner & CEO Arthur Blank: Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is trying to ease the pain that all Falcons football fans are feeling right about now. And yes, that includes me. I wrote a story yesterday telling both sides to get their act together and come up with an agreement so we can get this new football year started. I realize that story sounded like I was whining, and needed some cheese with that whine. But I do realize there is more to it. There are rules and regulations for everything, including professional football. You just can't say, "get out on the field and play ball."

Blank reminded fans to be patient and that both parties are working diligently to try and get a new contract in place before the start of the new football play. He noted that both sides did not want the outcome that we are currently at right now. He also stated that life will go on in Falcon Land with General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and company are preparing for the 2011 NFL Draft, which is slated to happen in April. But now there are rumors that players might boycott the draft. There are rumors as well that the players are telling the top prospects



that are going to be invited to the draft, not to go. This I have to say, is sad. This is once in a lifetime for these kids. Let them enjoy a dream come true.

I know that there is optimism in the words that Blank stated. But what people have to realize is that is what everyone wants him to say. If he were to come out and say it  looks bad and there is more of a chance that there will be no football in 2011, then people would really be causing a fuss. I know Blank is a good man. I mean, he turned this franchise around when he bought it back in 2001. But I know there is probably a little doubt in his mind that the worst case might happen as well.

Lets get a deal done guys, so the game can go on.