Free agent Michael Turner was fined $1,000 and sentenced to 12 months probation as a result of his September DUI. Turner was arrested and charged with DUI after a Gwinnett County officer clocked him driving 97 MPH in a 65 MPH zone. The 31-year-old had the DUI charge dropped, and he pleaded guilty to reckless driving. Turner says that he plans to play in 2013, but he has generated zero interest since his release.

Free agent RB Michael Turner still plans to play in the NFL this season. Unsurprisingly, Turner has generated zero interest on the open market. He's 31, averaged 3.60 YPC last year and sustained an ankle injury of unknown severity in the NFL Championship Game loss to the 49ers. At this point, the best Turner can hope for is a minimum contract and short-yardage role. That opportunity my not come until training camp.

Free agent Michael Turner confirmed following Friday's release that he has no plans to retire. Turner turned 31 last month. As a declining running back who lacks passing-game chops and big-play ability, he will find a soft free-agent market. "I'm excited to begin a new chapter of my career," Turner said, alluding to his next team. "And truly believe I have a lot left in the tank." Teams will disagree.

Updating a previous item, Michael Turner's release was officially listed as a failed physical on the league's transaction wire. Turner has battled groin injuries for the last few years. He revealed late in the season that he played through groin tears in both the 2010 and 2011 seasons. He was also listed on the injury report last season with groin issues. However, Turner has missed just ten games in his nine-year career. He'll likely be on the open market a while, but that's mainly due to his age and wear.

Falcons released RB Michael Turner. The Falcons also released DE John Abraham and CB Dunta Robinson. All three players had been mentioned as candidates for release, but it's stunning to see the Falcons part ways with three veteran leaders in one fell swoop. Turner's release is by far the least surprising, as the 31-year-old former "Burner" simply appeared out of gas last season, averaging a miserable 3.6 yards on his 222 carries. His $6.9 million salary was prohibitive. The Falcons must now find a between-the-tackles, preferably veteran, complement for Jacquizz Rodgers. Free agent Steven Jackson is the most obvious candidate. In all, the three releases create $21.4 million in real savings, and $18.7 million in cap space.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Falcons are "likely" to release Michael Turner. That's the extent of Schefter's report, but it suggests a move is imminent, perhaps before the Combine is through. Releasing Turner and his $6.9 million salary is a no-brainer after he wheezed to 3.6 yards per carry during his age-30 season, and failed to surpass 1,000 yards rushing for just the second time since 2007. Turner is one of the most productive backs of the past half decade, but is fading fast. He won't generate much buzz on the open market.

Michael Turner is scheduled to count $8.9 million against the 2013 salary cap, while releasing him would free up $6.4 million. Turner, who turned 31 on Wednesday, is going to get cut. It's just a matter of time. He's lost a step or four as a runner, and the power that he once possessed is no longer there. Turner also doesn't fit the offense, and the money saved could go towards re-signing SS William Moore and LT Sam Baker. The Falcons will surely look long and hard at Ahmad Bradshaw, Steven Jackson, and Eddie Lacy in free agency and the draft.

Citing "those in the know," Dan Pompei of the National Football Post confirms the Falcons will likely move on from Michael Turner. Per Pompei, the Falcons "look to be in the running back market" and will likely pursue a younger back after 31-year-old Turner's latest late-season fade. NFL scouts told Pompei that Turner has lost his ability to "bounce and cut." His $6.9 million base salary will make releasing Turner an easy decision. The Falcons ought to have a close eye on Alabama's Eddie Lacy in the draft.

Michael Turner triggered an escalator in his contract, raising his 2013 salary from $5.5 million to $6.9 million. If the Falcons didn't have enough of a reason to cut Turner this offseason, then this $1.4 million bump in salary should do the trick. Turner, 31 next month, would have to take a hefty pay cut to return to Atlanta, but the Falcons would be wise to just wash their hands clean of him at this point. They'll be searching for a big back to carry the load, while Jacquizz Rodgers handles third-down duties.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says Michael Turner "probably won't be brought back" in 2013. If Turner doesn't take a hefty pay cut, then that's the popular sentiment. Turner, 31 next month, is due $5.5 million in the final year of a six-year pact next season. OC Dirk Koetter tried his hardest to phase Turner out of the offense on numerous occasions throughout the year, but scatback Jacquizz Rodgers proved unable to handle the load. Atlanta will be on the lookout for a bigger back to pair with Rodgers this offseason.