Sources: Falcons' Hall asked to be traded
Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall asked the franchise to trade him last week, according to two sources. The Falcons informed Hall that his request will not be immediately granted.
"He's going to play out the season and see what happens," said a source close to Hall. "He's not happy, but he'll calm down and see how things are … I would expect some teams will be asking about him, but the Falcons said they won't trade him."
Both sources said Hall's antics during a loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3 were a product of frustration with losing and from his dissatisfaction with how the team has handled numerous issues. That includes the treatment of quarterback and close friend Michael Vick – suspended by the league and asked to repay the Falcons $20 million in signing bonuses in relation to his guilty plea on federal dogfighting charges.
Hall was fined $100,000 after being flagged three times for 67 yards on the game-deciding drive and then arguing with Petrino against the Panthers. In addition, Hall was benched during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Houston Texasn.
Asked if Hall and coach Bobby Petrino were getting along, one of the sources said, "Let's just say, they'll have some time to figure it out."
Hall is considered one of the top players on the Falcons roster, particularly after the loss of Vick. Hall, who has two years remaining on his contract, was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.
During the offseason, Hall said he wanted to wait until free agency before signing a new contract.
