Atlanta Falcons Superfan Pleads Not Guilty To Theft
An Atlanta Falcons superfan has pleaded not guilty to a “theft by deception” charge this week.
Carolyn Freeman, known to Falcons fans as “BirdLady,” was arrested in November 2024, as reported by Fox 5 Atlanta.
According to an incident report filed with Atlanta PD, Tamira Southwood, a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, said she and her tailgate group wanted a catered tailgate before the Falcons/Chiefs game on September 22.
The group reportedly raised $14,000 for the party, which they paid to Freeman for a chef, live entertainment, and other essentials.
On the morning of the event, Freeman allegedly contacted the group. She said she had been in the hospital but would still provide the party services at noon. The party reportedly never happened, and Southwood filed a fraud report on October 7.
Freeman was then arrested by Fulton County Marshals and Georgia State University Police on an active warrant from Atlanta PD.
Who Is Carolyn “BirdLady” Freeman?
Freeman was nicknamed “BirdLady” in 1998 by Falcons legends Jamal “Dirty Bird” Anderson and Jesse “The Hammer” Tuggle after she caught their attention as a passionate fan.
After witnessing a player recover from a career-ending injury, Freeman became a regular fixture at Falcons games.
Freeman’s fandom has been highlighted by several media outlets over the years, including HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, Good Morning America, and a 2023 Super Bowl commercial promoting Rihanna’s halftime show.
Freeman waived her formal arraignment in court on Tuesday (Apr. 29). Her final plea hearing is set for July 7.
Atlanta Falcons Superfan Pleads Not Guilty To Theft was originally published on ronehotspotatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
