Titans camp notes: Crumpler going back, Johnson's money clean

Chris Johnson's wallet got dunked in water after team veterans gave the rookies a 'thumbs down' on their training camp skit. File

When Alge Crumpler returns to the Georgia Dome Friday night, he probably won’t recognize a whole lot.

The facility has been renovated with new red and black seats and the addition of luxury suites.

And he probably won’t recognize much about his old team, the Atlanta Falcons, either.

Gone is the stench of 2007 that started with the Michael Vick dogfighting conviction and didn’t end until first-year coach Bobby Petrino had bolted for Arkansas midway through the season, leaving only a letter announcing his resignation to the players at their lockers.

In is a new coaching regime headed up by Mike Smith to go with a new quarterback in rookie first-round pick Matt Ryan, who will get the start against the Titans.

The Falcons, to use the current in term associated with NFL divorces, have “moved on” and so has Crumpler, who signed a two-year, $6million deal with the Titans after being a cap casualty in Atlanta.

“The biggest thing is, and you guys see me every day, I’m extremely happy in my current situation,” Crumpler said. “I just want to make sure I can help my team win come Friday night when we kick off down there.”

Still, he expects there to be some emotion associated with standing the opposite sideline and dressing in the visitors’ locker room. After all, Crumpler still makes Atlanta his offseason home.

“It’s the organization that opened the door for me to play in the National Football League, so I’m highly grateful,” Crumpler said.

The way it ended for Crumpler in Atlanta, playing for Petrino — the mention of his name can still light a seething fire in the veteran tight end’s eyes — was tough. But he maintains that he harbors no lingering ill will toward the Falcons organization.

“I’m not bitter, and I’ve made it known I’ve never been bitter. I understand it’s a business,” Crumpler said. “Anybody that had anything to do with bringing me into that organization is not there anymore. The owner changed, the coaches have changed, the front office has changed. If all those guys are gone, at some point, I knew I would be next on the list.”

Titans coach Jeff Fisher knows Crumpler will take care of business in his usual professional manner, despite the emotions that may be involved.

“Anytime a guy goes back and plays against a team where he played from start to finish, there is some emotion associated with it,” Fisher said. “He’s a very, very mature veteran. He’ll stay focused and he’ll deal with it. He’s part of this team, and he’ll be concerned with nothing but making sure he can help contribute to our offense.”

The reception Crumpler gets in Atlanta should be a pleasant one for the four-time Pro Bowl selection. But even if it isn’t, he is prepared.

“I gave those fans everything I had, and I still live in Atlanta in the offseason,” Crumpler said. “Every time I’ve been down there, I’ve bumped into many, many fans, and they want their team to win. That’s why they’re in the stands. If I get booed or jeered, that’s all part of it. I like playing on the road anyway.

“As long as I go to the right sideline and the right locker room, I think I’ll be fine.”

FAMILY TIES: Crumpler has stayed in touch with some of his former Falcons teammates, and one in particular is attention-grabbing.

Crumpler revealed that he visited with former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in prison in Leavenworth, Kan., just before the start of training camp.

Vick was sentenced last December to up to 23 months in federal prison for his role in a dogfighting ring.

“I visited Mike right before camp, and I had a chance to sit down with him and talk with him about a lot of things dealing with life,” Crumpler said. “I tried not talk too much about football, but just what’s going to happen when he gets out eventually and just being there in support of him, as I’ve been. This is a situation where I could go and sit down with a guy and not have to worry about telling the world.”

Crumpler said his hope for Vick, when he is released from prison, is that he has his life in order first before he turns his attention to a return to football.

“I just let him know I’m there for him whenever he gets out,” Crumpler said. “I just want everything in his life to be in order when he gets out. He’s got an uphill battle. He’s certainly talented enough to play in the National Football League as a quarterback. Somebody will take him, but I think he’s got a lot more things to focus on, his inner circle, the people around him, so that he can be a better person when he gets out of this whole ordeal.”

MONEY LAUNDERING: Titans rookies got a code red Monday for their poor performance of a skit to entertain the veterans in camp.

Rookies had their clothes tossed into the team’s cold tub.

Afterwards, rookie first-round pick Chris Johnson had the money that had been in his wallet lying out on his locker to dry.

“We didn’t have a good rookie talent show,” Johnson said. “Fortunately, I just had some shorts and flip-flops, so I didn’t get it too bad. The good thing is [the money] will dry and it’ll be all right.”

FIGHT: Monday’s practice was interrupted by a skirmish between center Kevin Mawae and defensive tackle Tony Brown that spilled back into the group of players who were originally behind the play.

Several other players jumped into the fray, most notably center Enoka Lucas pinning Jacob Ford during the brief melee.

Mawae was blocking Brown in a passing drill, when Mawae took offense to a hit he called “cheap” during the play. Brown shoved Mawae and the fracas ensued.

Afterwards, both players said the matter was over.

“It’s football. Things happen on the football field, and you come back in the locker room and you’re boys again, and it’s no big deal,” Mawae said.

Added Brown, “It was two guys competing, and a little scuffle. I ain’t got nothing against the guy. It just happens.”

Fisher declined to say if the players would be fined, but practice field altercations usually involve such things.

INJURIES: Linebacker Keith Bulluck (calf) and receiver Lavelle Hawkins (ankle) likely will not play at Atlanta, according to Fisher.

Other players held out of practice Monday included running back LenDale White (ribs), cornerback Cary Williams (quad), linebacker Colin Allred (calf), tackle David Stewart (knee) and kicker Rob Bironas (groin). Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was backed down early in practice because of soreness.

Stewart also will not play vs. the Falcons. Vincent Fuller was excused for personal reasons.