ATL AM: Atlanta Sports News 5/10

May 3, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) listens to fans heckle in the final minutes of their 115-105 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at FedEx Forum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 118-105. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to another addition of ATL AM where we round up all the good Atlanta sports news for your enjoyment. This one is going to be a bit shorter than yesterday’s because I have been off the map for a bit and am putting this together LATE. I apologize, but am planning to have a lot more on the site today, so be sure to check back.

MLB–Jonny Venters threw off of the mound for the first time on Thursday since a plasma injection on April 2. It did not go as planned, as Venters was forced to stop after feeling discomfort in his elbow:

"Venters threw approximately 10 pitches before cutting his bullpen session short at AT&T Park before the Braves’ series opener with the Giants. The left-handed reliever was planning to throw at least 20 pitches.“It just wasn’t as comfortable as I wish it would have been,” Venters said. “We’ll see what tomorrow brings and we’ll go from there.”When Venters was able to throw off flat ground without any discomfort over the past week, he knew his first test would come when he put some added stress on his elbow by throwing on a downward plane off a mound."

AtlantaFalcons.com–The Falcons have waived a kicker and a cornerback from the roster:

"Barth, 5-11, 188 pounds, set school records at the University of North Carolina for consecutive extra points and career field goals made during his four seasons with the Tar Heels.Thomas, 5-9, 185 pounds, started 35 of 42 games at cornerback Colorado State, logging 151 tackles (99 solo) with 15 passes defensed, five tackles for loss, and five interceptions."

AJC–Mark Bradley is doing it again… writing well, that is. This time, he is critical of Bradford Doolittle’s claim that the Hawks could land both Chris Paul AND Dwight Howard this offseason:

"Still, we ask: Can you really see Paul and/or Howard choosing to sign with a team that, at least at the moment, flies below the national radar?That’s the issue on which Ferry’s restoration project will hinge. Somebody of substance will have to take a chance on this GM and his vision. Somebody will have to believe in a franchise that, not to be cruel, has made believing difficult. That said, times and attitudes do change. We’re about to see if Danny Ferry can move a mountain — or two."

Again, sorry for the length of today’s links, I promise to have something up for you guys later on today. Stay tuned.