Falcons officials "reiterated" yesterday that former
ACOG CEO Billy Payne "will not be joining the team in a
management capacity," according to Len Pasquarelli of the
ATLANTA CONSTITUTION. The team is "seeking to put to rest
any remaining misconceptions about their discussions two
months ago" with Payne, as various published over the
weekend linked Payne to the Falcons. Falcons President
Taylor Smith: "The whole thing (about Payne working for the
Falcons) was maybe a three- or four-minute discussion. How
it's grown into such a big story ... is beyond me. A job
was never offered." According to Smith, the two spoke in
October about how the team might "overcome public apathy"
toward the Falcons. He noted "he welcomed any input" from
Payne "and still does" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 12/9). It was
reported Saturday that the Falcons approached Payne "about
the possibility" of him becoming the team's top exec.
Payne: "They never made a firm offer. ... That does not keep
third parties from continuing to have conversations." The
CONSTITUTION's Maria Saporta: "Several people, both close to
Payne and the Falcons, believe he could be an answer to the
team's problems" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 12/7).
