But the level where this Gruden idiocy touches the countrys perilous moment is where the NFL arguably one of the most popular and therefore influential organizations/corporations in the country could and should use Grudens buffoonish racism and sexism to make unambiguous statements to its fans, which is to say just about everyone in the country. 10, Following proposed changes to Georgia voting laws in early 2021, Blank released a statement saying, We should be working to make voting easier, not harder for every eligible citizen, and that his businesses and family foundation will support efforts that advance voting access for the citizens of Georgia and across the nation. 11 Blank also participated in an online call with over 100 corporate executives to discuss taking action following changes to state voting laws including the possibility of delaying investments in states that pass allegedly restrictive voting laws. So there wasn't a word on the other end of the phone. United States, Copyright 2023, Georgia Public Broadcasting. /Height 155 By all accounts, those associated with the new stadium and the Westside view their presence as at least a 10-20 year commitment toward revitalizing a downtrodden community and bringing the city together. It is making no promises that it will reveal everything it has found out about the Redskins and others who had contact with the team. And then he worked in the laundry. Hey, Senate DFLers, Dont Forget The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact! 2010-2023 Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. It's good to be different, said Blank, but he said it's the intolerance of some that worries him about the future. Atlanta, GA 30318 The family foundation has already invested over $20 million into the surrounding community. But that was typical of my mother. No. When he came out, he was on house arrest and I took a meal to him and his family from his favorite restaurant here in Atlanta. Steve Bullock, and the Democratic National Committee, to name a few, according to records filed with the Federal Election Commission. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank responds to Georgia's election reforms Arthur Blank is getting more involved in the political process. Soccer fans don't want to feel like they go into a stadium and they're a second-class citizen citizen. Arthur Blank is worried that capitalism is getting a bad rap. But Still Not Even an Indictment. This is chaos and were buying into it. Which country do you come from? And they love the camaraderie. ATLANTA Protests over the death of George Floyd have been gaining national attention. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is married to Angela Macuga, his third wife. You know, he uses the phrase community of chaos, that we move away from chaos and towards community and community in a very broad sense, community with each other. And so he speaks to people throughout the United States, young people primarily, about that. I mean, it wasn't like, You're Republican or Democrat. Scott Jensens Dramatic Fall Shows Ads Still Matter. They survived. I want you guys to come up with real solutions. How do you help repair the world if we can use that expression? 15, Two of Blanks children, Dena Kimball and Kenny Blank, sit on the board of directors of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. I stayed in touch with him to some degree when he was in prison. That Vote for Secretary of State? America has long struggled to deliver a fair and equitable democracy to all of its citizens. Team owner Arthur Blank, who has high expectations for the franchise, sat down with FOX 5 Atlanta one-on-one to talk football, philanthropy, and Kanye West. Theres at least one more level to the Jon Gruden disaster that NFL fans should consider about the leagues remarkable influence. They have no serious public, political advocates. He just opened the door. More must be done to address systemic racism. This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. We have to be better than burning down our own homes because if we lose Atlanta what else do we have?, I want you to go home. And he should know. Blank, who is Jewish, also addressed the administration's failure to recognize the losses suffered by the Jewish people during the Holocaust. Arthur Blank on Trump policies: 'Troubled by anything that So we had 35, 40 players kneeling before that, after that speech, we had close to 300 players kneeling because they took it personally and their families took it personally and their parents and their siblings and their grandparents and their heritage was being challenged. Arthur is committed to changing the narrative around sports stadiums, said Frank Fernandez, the VP of Community Development at The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, to The Daily Beast. He's done a lot of work in terms of animal rights, which has been great and been appreciated by all of those agencies and all those institutions. Arthur M. Blank is responsible for the sorry state of the Falcons. The NFL owners club is a remarkable collection of avaricious gargoyles. Also watchRISING UP: A Westside Story,a documentary film by David Lewis Productions that gives viewers a detailed look into the ideation, construction, and impact of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on the city of Atlanta. Proceeds from sales of Good Companygo to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. So, that represents that melting-pot philosophy: Were all in this together. When you find common solutions that work for everybody and [are] respectful of everybody to represent the best of you. During the 2020 elections, Blank contributed $300,000 to Biden Victory Fund, $35,000 to the Democratic National Convention, and tens of thousands of dollars to state Democratic Party committees. Blank also contributed $28,500 to the Obama Victory Fund in 2008. Is Arthur Blank the Only Good Owner in the NFL? - The Daily Beast 260 14th St. NW PDF Arthur blank politics "I know what he cares about and he cares about a lot of the same things that I care about.". Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Wednesday he is encouraged by the progress of quarterback Desmond Ridder and the potential of building around the rookie. Blank Launches New Voter Education Project - Atlanta Jewish Times But, we really could not have done it without great service, great pricing, and great product knowledge. Players and coaches appear giving quick testimonials. And there are two [robbers] and they want to know, "Where's the money, where's the cash?" In 2022, they plan to connect with over 1 million voters/ potential voters through phone banking, text banking, in-person canvassing events, and going door to door. A reckless high-profile meathead, now out the $60 million remaining on his contract. So thats Gruden. Its more like cowardly, and meatheaded. Stop feeding fear and anger every day. He's committed to his wife now, his children. The next thing is making sure you exercise your political bully power and going to local elections and beating up the politicians you dont like., It is time to beat up prosecutors you dont like at the voting booth. The Atlanta Falcons new stadium is going to be beautiful. ATLANTA - Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United Owner Arthur Blank said Tuesday afternoon he believes voting should be made "easier, not harder for every eligible citizen" and his business and non-profit partners plan to support efforts to advance voting access. Falcons' Blank excited about building around Ridder at QB 5) And so think about the implications of the choices you're making for yourself and for your loved ones, etc. The Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, the co-founder of Home Depot with a net worth of $3 billion, at first glance certainly fits the bill of your standard billionaire athletic team owner. /Subtype /Image Democracy - The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation 8 . Inside The Political Donation History Of Wealthy Sports Owners They all have a great set of values. These are not political issues, they are human issues that need serious, earnest attention from leaders and citizens alike who understand that diversity is our strength and fair treatment is everyones right. At the end of the day, you can have differences of opinion, which is a great thing to have, and different approaches, which is a great thing to have. Peaceful protests of the past have led to new ways forward. I, like almost everyone else, had already started celebrating at halftime. And somebody knocked on the door. Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank released a statement Monday on the importance of fair elections and democracy: "Free and fair elections are vital to the health of our. That was in 1979. But tell me what I can do to help? And they said, Well, you know, the reality is about 40% of our stadium is empty. Blank, who is worth about $6.2 billion, per Forbes, is one of the higher donors among Biden's billionaire backers, who outnumber Trump's at 134 to 101, although more of Biden's backers have given the $2,800 personal maximum. Arthur blank politics The largest donation made to a political party by an Atlanta Falcons employee was by Arthur Blank. Can We Please Kill Off the Tipping Mumbo-Jumbo? Do it in November. Pictured is the famous napkin deal that sealed Arthur Blanks agreement with Taylor Smith to purchase the Atlanta Falcons for $545 million in 2001. One reporter asked Fontenot whether he thought the Falcons were getting Watson. We believe that voting rights are critically important, and our home state of Georgia is at the center of the struggle. "This grant will help The Center add to its existing . "It's not a red issue or a blue issue, it's about how you treat people, whether it be guests, fans, customers, associates, or shareholders in the case with HD," said Blank, whose Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has granted over $800 million to help underserved people across the nation. Download the FOX 5 Atlanta appfor breaking news and weather alerts. I worked with him for over 40 years and we shared the same bathroom for over 30 years, which is more than any of our marriages lasted," said Blank, who's currently valued by Forbes at about $6.2 billion. On Thursday, Falcons owner Arthur Blank's foundation donated a five-year, $17 million grant to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. 16 Blanks son, Kenny Blank, also sits on the foundations board and is the executive director of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. NFL Owner Political Donations: Who Gave to Obama AND Rubio? - The Big Lead /SA true Because It Delivers Comfort, Status and Cash. Then I would not be bashful about asking questions. Paul, are you OK? I was going to call his secretary, thinking Paul got a heart attack or something. /ColorSpace /DeviceRGB Big Game by New York Times Magazine writer Mark Leibovich, BLM Has Achieved Much More Than Its Critics. %PDF-1.4 One where guys like the Vikings' Mark and Zygi Wilf and Arthur (Home Depot) Blank of the Atlanta Falcons come off as comparatively rational. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. He also goes public about the pain of learning of Michael Vicks role in an illegal dogfighting ring, along with other ups and downs in a life of unimaginable financial success. (Airlines resisting vaccination mandates for passengers are another prime example of failure of true leadership.) Atlanta Falcons vNew Orleans Saints Owner Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Flacons reacts before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 10, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. my patience level probably is not the level it would have to be to sustain myself in this political atmosphere today. Blank is a strong supporter of the Democratic Party. Arthur M. Blank Foundation donates over $5 million for mental health Yet the team continues to unite Atlantans during the ups and downs. He had three children with his first wife Diana Blank, whom he divorced in 1993.