An NFC South rivalry gone too far?
 

In recent years, the rivalry between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons has been the best in the NFC South. Heck, I think it’s become one of the NFL’s best rivalries.

There have been some great games and even some heated words, especially after a 2010 game in which the Saints took pictures on the Falcons’ logo after a victory in the Georgia Dome. Add on this year’s free-agent defection by linebacker Curtis Lofton from Atlanta to New Orleans and the rivalry should only go stronger.

But now there is evidence the rivalry may be going too far. James Varney reports that the Falcons refused to allow their logo and images to be included in a “Rebirth’’ statue of Steve Gleason that was unveiled outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Friday. The statue captures a classic moment in Saints history.

It portrays Gleason’s crucial block of a punt in the first game the Saints played in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. The 2006 game was against the Falcons and Gleason blocked Michael Koenen’s punt.

There’s a punter in the statue, but he’s not in an Atlanta uniform and Koenen’s name isn’t on the back of the punter’s figure in the statue.

I understand this was a great moment for the Saints, but not for the Falcons. But I think that not allowing the use of Atlanta’s logo and images might be going a bit too far.

Anyone that walks by that statue that knows anything about history knows that the punt block game against the Falcons and that Koenen, who now plays for Tampa Bay, was the punter.

An NFC South rivalry gone too far? - NFL Nation Blog - ESPN


What do you expect from a crap organization...the dirty turds are showing there true colors on this one!

Better not to taint the statue with the Failclowns logo, IMO.

Just paint a little brown stain on the punter. Everybody'll know what team he's from.

Damn! Look at Pat Yasinskas going out of his way to have the Saints back!

If you are New Orleans and a Saints Fan you will know who the punt was blocked against like you know who Morgus and Mr. Bingle are!!!

bahahaha, love it

Brilliant, lol!!

This says all that needs to be said about the difference between us and them. We don't suck. They do.

Classy that they were even asked. Classless Falcons would have made the statue the way they wanted without asking.

Now, if only they would've replaced Koenen's face with that of Goodell, the statue would've stood for much more than it already does.

Benson should have put the word "Loser" on the punters back and a roasted turkey on the helmet.

Just another classless move in a long history of classless moves by the FAILCONS. Doesn't surprise me a bit. Wonder what Bobby thinks about that.

Oh don't get me started again. I've already gone on one rant today about that no count team and their idiotic fans because of what they were saying about the statue. So to keep my blood pressure down I've copied what I already said to and about their fans. Now it can be directed to the organization, term used very lightly, as well as their fans.

"Just one more example of why the Falcon fans are the worst, most sports uneducated, bandwagon, heartless fans on the face of the planet. I know all teams have their idiots who are without even a sense of moral conscience but the falcon fans take it to a whole new level and always have. This statue is NOT about them. It is a memorial and a tribute to a city rising from the ashes, or water if you will, and a monument bringing awareness to a disease that is so dibilitating there is no cure and is fatal. I think the majority of us on here and in WhoDat nation understand that sometimes it goes beyond a game and a hated rivalry. The same can be said for most if not all other sports fans. But falcon fans, you can piss off because you just don't get it!!! And for the one who said they hope they hit Drew so hard he vomits all over, well Brees will carve up your so-called team in between heaves. Let me quit before I get upset. "

This rivaly went too far decades ago. Its ugly, childish, rude, tasteless, crass, hateful, full of jealousy and bitterness. And those are the good parts.

The main difference is we love our Saints first and hate the Falcons second

The Falcons hate us first and love their Falcons second.

FTFY, There is only a very small minority of Falcons fans that really give a damn about anything. They are a pretty apathetic bunch.

But I love Mike Smith, he makes me smile whenever I see him.

Falcons suck. Period!!!! :P


Somewhere over the rainbow!

Why the hell would we let our division rival use our logo on a statue of a humiliating play on our part?

Because it happened, and denial doesn't change the past.


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlaZTgDZ_R...ad-in-sand.jpg

You think I'm in denial that that play happened??

Denial over the domination by the Saints over the Falclowns since '06?! :rolleyes:

Looks like we have won 10 out of the last 12... :bng:

The fact y'all didn't want us to use the logo is your perogative. But it's obvious by your statement that you and the rest of your fanbase just don't get it. It's more than a play in a game or a heated rivalry. Aside from the meaning to the city it is there to bring awareness to a fatal disease that Gleason is suffering from and will ultimately end his life way before his time. Besides, I wouldn't want the Superdome or the city of New Orleans to be defiled by a falcons logo anywhere on the property.

Well, the event portrayed in that statue is as much a part of your team's recent history as it is our team's, so the fact that you seem hesitant to want to face the memory of that said event does make feel that you are in denial of the fact that it took place or that you would like it to never have taken place.

Personally, I'm totally OK with the statue having an anonymous opposing punter for the reason I already mentioned, and you are certainly entitled to your opinion on the matter.

Not allowing their uniform to be represented is actually more embarrassing than showing their logo. I think all football fans would (or should) agree that it was an important moment for football in general, regardless of the opponent.

If the Falcons had a statue memorializing a play against the Saints, FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER, it wouldn't bother me a bit. In fact, it would only enhance the rivalry. I'm actually a little embarrassed that our biggest rivalry is with such a crappy team, and such an idiotic fan base.

F the falcons

Just put "LOSER" on its jersey and a big fat "L" on each side of its helmet.

Everyone will know its a Falcon.

Doesn't matter, we ALL know that moment in time. We know, that they know, that we know, it was against them. We will play it over and over and over when they come to town, LOL.

Your domination stops here. >:)

Yeah man, that Matty Ice guy really has me shaking in my boots.

no, it doesn't

ROFL..... isn't it fun being a Failcon fan? Here's another satisfied customer.

A receptacle for our pigeon droppings.

Because.............ya'll improved so much over the off season??????ROFLMAO:bng:

That video was so funny, thanks for the laugh!

Yes it does, my friend.

sometimes no means yes but this isn't one of those times

That's not a real Atlanta fan. He's only a bandwagoner. I really hate folks like those who always get discouraged when things get bad. If you really support your team when times are tough no matter what, they'll push through.

Heck yes, it's fun. I don't care what any of you say, I'm a Falcon fan until the day I die. We aren't a squad to be taken lightly, and you guys know it.

It's totally sad that I expect you all to be this classless

Yeah, most bandwagon fans I know get all tatted up w/ their favorite team of the week! You sir, are a moron! Go back to the ATL.

He'll be back in september.