Sports Columnists

By Ryan

January 4, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

Mr. Moore, I have to agree with you on this issue. I am a firm believer in college athletes succeeding with what they went to college for(i.e. a degree). I am happy for Shock for everything he has done. Not everyone has the ability to go to college and he was fortunate enogh to have been blessed with a gift to get a free education(not saying that he cold not have gone-his parents are good people and Shock is a bright young man). It shows class and respect to a university for him to graduate and be proud. It is just one more thing about Shock that I will always admire and respect. Congrats Shock on everything and good luck with whatever you do in life!

By desertdawg

January 4, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

amen, Thank You DJ—you make all of us DAWGS proud—good luck in the future

By MickC

January 4, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Is this a positive story from Mr. Moore? What gives? 4 days ago you wrote that Shockley was used and abused for staying at UGA and not transfering. and today all is good? Congratulations to Shockley and his parents on getting his diploma, and good luck at the combine. Mr. Moore you are one weird dude.

By Kennesaw Dawg

January 4, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Speech communications degree? I found one of those in the bottom of some cracker jacks I ate yesterday. It made a good paper airplane.

By Hairy Dawg

January 4, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

You hit the nail on the head, MickC. I’m scratching my head right now about this column, but I’m glad that Mr. Moore mentioned the most important reason why a student attends college: to get an education and a degree. D.J. Shockley has been a great Bulldog, but he’s been a better student and man.

By MickC

January 4, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Well seeing how you are not an NFL caliber athlete, Kennesaw Dawg , I;’m sure you don’t have many microphones pointed at you everyday. On the other hand Shockley has to speak to countless reporters every day asking anything from important questions to mind numbing repetitive ones. So a Speech communication degree would really help his current career plans.

By the way, you might benefit taking some communication classes yourself, from the looks of your stupid post.

By George

January 4, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

What a kind of jerk would down someone for accomplishing something that they and there family are proud of. I guess hairy dawg would and with a name like that how could you blame him. Way to go Jerk!!!!

By michael

January 4, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Way to go Dj! Mr. Moore, your article is perplexing given what you wrote only a few days ago.

By george

January 4, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

I apologize to Hairy Dawg my comment was directed at Kennesaw Dawg!

By Hairy Dawg

January 4, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

George, you’re referring to Kennesaw Dawg. You owe me an apology. I demand satisfaction. Gimme.

By Hairy Dawg

January 4, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Well, satisfaction came before I could demand it. Thanks for the correction, George. Go Shock and Go Dawgs!

By Chuck_Uuga

January 4, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Kennesaw Dawg is not a UGA fan. Get real. He’s either Tech, Florida, Auburn or Tennessee. Simply put, he is the jealous type like most of their UGA=hating fans.

Terence, thanks for writing this article. DJ is one of the greatest Bulldogs of all time. I want to see his name in the Circle of Honor with Hines Ward and others. He will have a long, successful career in the NFL. What an arm!!

Chuck

By Jim Kelley

January 4, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

Amen!

Your comments about D.J.’s accomplishments off the field can’t be stressed enough…you are right on!

Thanks for making us think about them.

By Steve

January 4, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

Thanks DJ! If my sons grew up to be “Like Shock”, I’d be proud.

Thanks TM.

By Justin

January 4, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

I just wanted you to read this Mr. Moore. I watched you on the WSBTV BCS preview over the weekend and what you were saying about WVU not only sounded wrong then, ended up, in all reality, being wrong. You said WVU and the Big East had no shot, did not even deserve to be in the BCS. Wonder how you feel about that now? For one it does not make you classless for believing UGA would beat WVU, it does however make you that much more classless to say a that a team of college athletes, just kids, does not deserve to be somewhere when throughout the season they did everything asked of them to be there. You do not belittle any college athlete, especially ones who play by the rules, make the grades and are good kids. It only shows what a jerk a person can be when they cannot see past their own nose.

How about Mr. Greg Blue? He said he was going to introduce WVU’s freshman to the SEC and that when he sees the words freshman and quarterback his eyes light up. I wonder if he ever actually got the chance to introduce himself to the WVU freshman, or if he could even read their names on the jerseys as they ran right by him. Then he said, after WVU just ripped them for over 500 yards of total offense and put 38 on them, that WVU was not a top ten team. Well all I can say to that is if that WVU is not a top ten team, then UGA should not be a top twenty team. They got smacked in the mouth and now all you hear around here are excuses. Top ten football teams do not make excuses, they do it on the field when the chin straps are buckled and UGA just got beat. Its not even a matter of opinion anymore, its merely a simple fact.

I am from the gorgeous state of West Virginia, but have lived in GA for the past 6 years. I met my wife here. I just cannot understand why certain people here cannot believe that there are good football teams outside of the SEC. Why cant I be in a grocery store with a Mountaineer hat on and not get the “finger” or a rude comment thrown my way? Just more classless acts of people who are just as ignorant as people on TV saying that they should not even play the game because its going to be too ugly to watch and then watching as their teams heralded defense gets physically handled or a football player saying that a record breaking performance, which stood for 20 some years, was not done by anyone special. Can you tell me why?

Thank you for your time and Go Mountaineers!!!!!

Justin

By OLDWHITEMAN

January 4, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Another great job Mr. Moore. DJ makes me proud,we need more young men like him.

By Randy

January 4, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

Terence, great column… D.J. is everything you do not hear about in the headlines today. He is a true leader and will do well in life. He is the type of person that everyone wants their child to look up to… I also agreed with you on your previous article regarding D.J. He should have left - but I’m sure glad he stayed……

To Justin - dude get a life… I lived in Texas, Tennessee, Michigan, Virginia and Florida before returning home for good. Guess what? I took a lot of garbage, but always took it well and understood that I was in their backyard. Have fun with it or move back to West Virgina. Life’s too short..

Congratulations on your win, and be thank-ful Georgia took your precious Mountaineers too lightly. Once they woke up - they owned you to the tune of 35-10. Deep down inside, you have to know that Georgia was the better team… Good luck next year, keep those two studs healthy and you should have another great year…

By Dacula Dan

January 5, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

Randy, deep down inside: I know that WV won the Sugar Bowl. WTF does your word “better” have to do with anything?!?! So, we should just quit playing the games and whoever the majority thinks is “better” we declare winner? Deep down inside, you have to know that Georgia was the better team Haha. Sorry, but my definition of better is who won the GD game. Not who has the best 40 time. Sometimes you dawgs amaze me. You say that like its suppose to bother a WV fan. I dont think any WV fans are losing sleep because your “better” team didnt win.

Justin, seriously dude, get a life. SEC fans like to give people a hard time over their teams, what do you want them to do, give you a group hug?

And LARRY, keep up the great posts. I agree with everything you say, lol. Those Dawgs deserve every bit of heck you can give em. :)

By College Park

January 5, 2006 12:59 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Mr Moore, for BOTH articles regarding DJ. BOTH views needed to be expressed…I’ve followed DJ since his early high school days and always knew that he had great things to contribute to any team. He was spectacular in high school and would have done even greater things for UGA if he was given opportunity to play and develop. Oh well! …But, we (NCHS) are so proud of him and the character he’s shown over the past 5 yrs. Incidentally, that HEART and class he exhibited comes from a good foundation and strong family support.

Contratulations, DJ. YOU’VE MADE US PROUD…! It’s been so much fun watching you! (NCHS-FANS)

By hollywood

January 5, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this

Kennesaw Dawg, Speech Communication Degrees from one of the top educational institutions, not only in the State, but in the Nation. “Don’t Hate, Apprciate!”

By GW

January 5, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

Maybe DJ Shockley showed us all that life is about much more than what happens between the hedges. Right now that’s a lesson that I can really use. Thanks DJ. His parents need to start giving parenting seminars. Fantastic job. CYNICS NEED NOT REPLY.

By Andrew

January 5, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

Mr. Moore has the habit of looking for a negative angle in every story to find a “hook.” Is it too much to ask to simply rejoice in the fact that DJ is obviously a wonderful person and athlete who performed heroicly when given the opportunity. To suggest that DJ would have been better off at North Carolina is a bit foolish—-look what four years of standing behind a crummy line did to the pro QB prospects of Ronald Curry. At UGA, he was coached by a man who has groomed multiple NFL qbs and he WILL be drafted as a QB. Trying to imply that the fact that DJ had to wait for his chance was the result of some racial bias is irresponsible—Mr. Moore forgets that DJ’s first two years were marred by by foot and knee injuries. He dishonors DJ’s sacrifice, work ethic and performance, as well as the performance of his teammates, when he suggests that he succeeded in spite of his “foolish” decision to attend UGA and the “foolish” decision of his coach not to play him over the QB with the most wins in NCAA history.

By dave

January 5, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this

The SEC may be the only conference that doesn’t have a GENERAL Studies major. Don’t knock Comm. major. DJ deserves all the credit he gets for what he has accomplished at UGA. Moreover, he is a class individual, and comes from a ver classy family. Be proud he is a graduate of UGA, and support him in whatever he does. He will represent UGA in many great ways in the years to come.

By BB in Canton

January 5, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

As a Dawg fan for 40 years now, I am proud of what the Dawgs did this year. It was more than anyone expected, not perfect, but very few teams out there are perfect. We can argue the point of which conference is the strongest forever, but the truth is that on any given Saturday…… I am proud of the fact that DJ stayed, got his degree and will be successful at whatever he does in life. Mark Richt has the Dawgs on the right track both on the field, in the classroom and in life. No I didn’t go to Georgia, I graduated from another football powerhouse, Ga State Univ. In America we have the right to express our opinion and support whatever team we choose. Mr Moore has that right as well. We don’t have to agree with him.

By jl

January 5, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

Justin : The people shooting you the finger at the grocery store must have been the same GA fans the camera kept showing during the game, talk about backwards!

By Mojo

January 5, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

Lets see….Everyone already saying that DJ is a third round pick at best. I think the Falcons should trade Schaub, and take DJ as there backup. Think about it. He would be a similar QB to Vick, and would compliment the Falcons very well….Get a couple of decent draft picks for Schauby, and we could have a hell of a dynasty like New England in 3-4 years! Thoughts??

By Ala. Jim

January 5, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

DJ is a cool guy.He did succeed and he will succeed.

By GOLDEN DAWG

January 5, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

Five Undisputable UGA Facts:

1. DJ is the MAN.
2. His parents deserve a MEDAL.
3. UGA Bulldogs (2005 SEC Champions) are once again an established POWER -even in a ‘Rebuilding’ year. Great Job - Richt!
4. UGA will again SHOCK (pardon the pun) the nation in 2006 - Thanks to super recruiter, Coach Gardner.

5. The SEC - with five teams in the Final AP Top 15 and three teams in the Top Ten - is the toughest conference, bar none.

6. So, Thank GOD that we are priviledged enough to live in the GREATEST STATE in the GREATEST COUNTRY on EARTH.

GO DAWGS! And Pray For Our TROOPS! HOOAH!

GOLDEN DAWG.

By Paul

January 5, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Justin, you think your people up in WV would treat a UGA fan any better? Get real. An opposing fan has to put with garbage anywhere around the country, not just here. And by the way, if UGA played WV 10 more times in a row, UGA would win at least 9 of them. UGA just spotted WV too many early points. Take away the first quarter and the score was 35-10 UGA.

By Big D

January 5, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Guess what Terence? Everybody is on your side today, you’re the man…..But, the blogs are no fun if there is no CONFLICT. As you see, the responses go down when you don’t raise a debate…. Terence, you have become the columnist that people love to hate. SO LIVE UP TO YOUR REP…

By Old Dawg

January 5, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

This may be the only time that I have ever agreed with anything Mr. Moore wrote. Shock is to be commended for getting his degree. I wish him well with whatever he chooses to do with his career. There is nothing sadder than an ex-college football player going home after 4 years to work in a car wash, fast food joint, or other non-professional field because they didn’t take the opportunity to get their degree. On the subject of the game, face it. We got beat. They played a better game and just wanted it more. On top of that, they also out coached us. All night, they had a better plan and they executed it better than we did. Ten wins in a rebuilding year is great but I won’t celebrate until we put a W next to Florida, Auburn, Tennessee, and Tech!

By LFG

January 5, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

What can you say about DJ that has not already been said? DJ showed character, dedication and charisma throughout his college years at UGA. He is a true representative of what student athletes should be about. With all the on-the-field and off-the-field shenanigan, embarrassments and “prima donna� behavior among many collegiate and professional athletes, DJ is a refreshing reminder of what athletes should be “selfless,� “sacrificing� and “team players.� For these qualities alone, DJ should play on any given Sunday. You can teach football schemes, but you cannot teach character. Thanks for giving my son and I a positive example of why sports is still positive and decent despite the unprecedented amount of appalling headlines and stories involving a significant number of collegiate and professional athletes in recent years (A former Ohio State player comes to mind). DJ - Many blessings to you and your family!

LFG in Norcross

By Buz

January 5, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

Dear Mr. Moore,

Thanks for your kind column re DJ.

He is a outstanding young man and I am proud that I have a degree from the same university that he does.

Be careful, kind words from the AJC regarding UGA could put your job in jeopardy.

By Pete

January 5, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

Speech Communication—Isn’t that something that we learn in kindergarden? That must be as difficult as Basket Weaving. They sure have some tough courses for the jocks at UGA!

By In Rod We Trust

January 5, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

D.J. Shockley is a class act and a credit to everything it means to be a student athlete. Oh, and BTW, he’s one heck of a good football player. An NFL team would be crazy not to draft him. Without him UGA would not have had near the season they had.

As far as this inner self “deep down you know Georgia was the better team” crap, all I know is that deep down WVU (Big East and Sugar Bowl champs) showed the SEC and the nation that good football is played in other parts of the country, even in the East. 3 out of the 4 BCS winners come from a 500 mile stretch from Columbus, OH to Morgantown, WV to State College, PA (as Mike Tirico brought up the other night). Not too shabby. And UGA is now 0-6 against teams from the Northeast in their bowl history (0-7 if you count UVA). You can look it up. Congrats on a great year, Georgia, and I wish D.J. good luck in whatever he does. You know he will be successful, no matter what. Compare him with Marcus (Blunt/Thug/”it was an accident when I stomped on that lineman’s leg”) Vick and you really see the disparity in what college athletics are all about for some. See you in the NCAA basketball tournament. It’s a great time to be a Mountaineer!!!!!

By steve

January 5, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

To Kennesaw Dawg: You are obviously have a problem with someone who is on the right track for success in the real world. Now, from which institution of higher learning did you graduate and in what discipline? Your comment is unwarranted and hateful. What a goober!

By Kennesaw Dawg

January 5, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

I’m a Georgia grad myself, but come on guys, speech communications degree? Please. Getting that type of degree just illustrates how big of an oxymoron the words “student athlete” really are. Thanks for the magical season Shock. You choked in a few big games, but 10-3 is all right I guess. Go Dawgs!

By Justin

January 5, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

Randy, looks like you are the one who needs a group hug, whining about the “deep down” stuff. Did the loss get you in touch with your feelings? And really, I dont care about the IF they played again or 10 more times. Fact is, they played once and UGA got beat, just admit it. I can handle the trash talk and the humor involved between people with different teams, but when someone in a store tells me I cant buy anything in HIS store and to F—-Off because I have a WVU hat on, well to me thats pretty stupid. When someone throws cokes and whatever they can find in their truck at mine, pretty stupid also. No one in West Virginia would have gone that far. And overall people have been pretty cool about it. My post was about Moore and (if you read) a few CERTAIN people who cannot handle the fact that their team did not play so well and got outplayed. And even today, 3 days after, the excuses are still coming. I said nothing bad about UGA, they are a good ball club, but there is a lot more to good teams than all americans and 5 star recruits. And I think Blue is a punk, but he only proved it to me after the game with his mouth. I’ll bet he wakes up at night with the cold sweats and images of Slaton running by him. Maybe the 2 of you should get together, just add a few more people and you have your group hug.

By WVU

January 5, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

Dear UGA,

We are sorry to burst your bubble…..

• WVU

By LarryDawg

January 5, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

West Virginia fans, and others who are pretending to be whatever, can you stick to the subject? This blog is to recognize a young man (what if he were your son?) for finishing college! If he went to WV or Ga. or anywhere else, you ought to be proud for him and for his parents. Can’t you win with more class than that? This is about a YOUNG man who made all the right decisions and I, for one, am glad it work out for him! Way to go DJ.

By Larry

January 5, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

Sometimes we cant help it you silly Dawgs!!! We just have to remind you about how them mountain boys put up half a hundred on your beloved dawgs!!!!!! YES SIR YES SIRRRR!!!!!!!!!!! HALF A HUNDRED, I PREDICTED IT, I told you UGA boys how it was going down. I told you fellers about how they was gonna see half a hundred HAHAHAHA