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A BLANK SLATE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 14, 2007

Since the 2004 Falcons reached the NFC title game, little has gone right for Atlanta owner Arthur Blank. Here is a timeline of some of the lowlights.

May 2005: Tampa Bay is awarded the 2009 Super Bowl over Atlanta, Houston and Miami. A discouraged Blank vows not to lobby for future Super Bowls.

Dec. 2005: Jim Mora tells a Seattle radio station it was his "dream job" to coach at the University of Washington, his alma mater. Mora later says he was only kidding.

Dec. 2005: The NFL fines Mora $25,000 for using a cell phone on the sideline during a 27-24 OT loss in Tampa that ended Atlanta's playoff hopes. "Expensive phone call," Mora quipped.

Jan. 2006: Atlanta closes out an 8-8 season with a 44-11 home loss to Carolina.

Nov. 2006: Michael Vick is fined $10,000 by the NFL for making an obscene gesture toward fans following a 31-13 loss to New Orleans at the Georgia Dome.

Jan. 2007: Jim Mora is dismissed as coach after a 7-9 season.

Jan. 2007: Vick surrenders a water bottle that allegedly smelled like marijuana to security at Miami International Airport. No charges were filed.

July, 2007: Vick is indicted by a federal grand jury on dogfighting charges.

Aug. 2007: Vick is suspended indefinitely by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell following his admission of guilt.

Sept. 2007: CB DeAngelo Hall is fined $100,000 by the Falcons for his meltdown vs. Carolina in a 27-20 setback. Hall was flagged for three penalties totaling 67 yards during one Panthers possession.

Dec. 2007: Blank tells a "Monday Night Football" audience he retains unwavering confidence in Bobby Petrino's ability to lead the Falcons as head coach.

Dec. 2007: Petrino bolts Atlanta with three games remaining in his first season to sign a contract to coach at the University of Arkansas.

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A BLANK SLATE