AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > December > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USStrange, sad end to Ball’s Tech career
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
His first collegiate home game ended with him being borne aloft in triumph. What should have been his last collegiate game will proceed without him, Reggie Ball having been declared academically ineligible for the Gator Bowl. In the history of college football, has there ever been a stranger career path?
(To address the obvious comparison: Yes, Quincy Carter’s time at Georgia was odd, too. But not this odd.)
Four years ago Reggie Ball became Tech’s starter at a time when nobody considered him a realistic candidate. He was a true freshman and not anything approaching a blue-chip recruit. Yet Chan Gailey saw something in Ball that made him bench incumbent starter A.J. Suggs and re-assign Damarius Bilbo to wide receiver. Sometimes for better and other times for worse, Gailey has had to live with that decision ever since.
Ball had his moments, more than a few. He beat Auburn twice (the first time in that aforementioned home debut). He beat Miami twice. He beat Virginia Tech. He beat Clemson twice (once in a truly spectacular midnight comeback). He took Georgia Tech to an ACC Coastal Division title. He won 29 games as a starting quarterback, as many as the great Joe Hamilton won, but the harsh reality is that almost nobody will remember the good things he did. What will stick in memory are the four losses to Georgia, the ACC title fizzle against Wake Forest, and now this whimper of an exit.
It wasn’t just that Ball seemed to get no better; judging by cold statistics, he was at his worst at the very end. (Somebody obviously did a terrible job coaching him.) He completed 15 of 51 passes, with four interceptions, in his last two games. Some Tech fans were looking forward to the Gator Bowl for no other reason than it would mark the last time they’d have to get mad at their quarterback.
Not many collegians have ever been subjected to this much abuse, both from cackling enemy fans and the supposedly friendly home folks. Not many collegians have ever been as scrutinized by the media. Perhaps not surprisingly, Ball fielded questions reluctantly, if at all. Tech publicists essentially gave up trying to make their quarterback available to the press, a move that did Ball no favors. It’s hard to seem sympathetic if you never tell your side of the story.
And surely there was (and is) something to tell. How does it feel to go from being Chan’s Chosen One to the sum of all Tech frustrations? How does it feel to play so hard — give Ball that much — and generate so little warmth? How does it feel to have presided over four consecutive winning seasons and to be branded a loser?
I can’t say I like Ball, but I was kind of hoping he would have a big game against West Virginia. Nobody, I thought, deserved to close a career the way he’d played against Georgia and Wake. But now he doesn’t even have the Gator Bowl as a finishing act, and that’s nobody’s doing but his. We can blame Gailey and Patrick Nix for not making him a better quarterback, but who else can be faulted for not making his grades?
His first collegiate home game saw him riding on the shoulders of his fellow students. His last collegiate game ended with Reggie Ball brushing past reporters and refusing comment. I wish I could say there’s some greater lesson therein, but I’m not smart enough to find one. I see only a strange story, a sad story, a story of potential unmet and opportunity gone sour.
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By DawgsSixIn_A_Row
December 20, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this
LOL! Reggie! Reggie! Reggie!
What a punk - thanks for the memories. It’s been a GREAT four years (three if Ball’s counting) to watch Reggie seeing the Dawgs in the Victory Formation.
By Bryan G.
December 20, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
Ball is a thug and a loser. His freshman year he tried to punch a UGA coach. Strangely enough, that was probably his least embarrassing loss to the Dawgs.
What a fitting and hilarious ending. Sad thing is, I don’t know if this should make Tech more or less of an underdog against WVU????
By GW
December 20, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
To be eligible for 4 years and then turn up ineligble at this point did Ball just throw in the towel during Fall semester? Ball was always his own worst enemy. It did appear that the coaches were afraid of him, which did him no favors. I just hope he finds a way toward a decent future in whatever he does.
By ConcernedCitizen
December 20, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this
I feel so bad for Josh Nesbitt. I hope he has enough sense to be asked to mover to S or WR at GTu. There is obviously no coaching over there.
Also, when do people start questioning Gailey grip on the program. Reuben Houston, Kenny Scott, Reggie Ball; these kids are upperclassmen. Does the program simply begin ignoring kids once their eligibility is expired?
By Joe
December 20, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
DawgsSixinARow, just the kind of comment I would expect from a dawg fan. A hole.
By Jon
December 20, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
shut up and go recruit more JUCO morons.
You’re in danger now that Reggie is gone.
By garrett
December 20, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this
And his final play could not have been more appropriate: taking a loss on a play by running out of bounds when he could’ve simply thrown the ball away. Talk about fitting conclusions!
By Nick
December 20, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this
I am sorry for Reggie, but happy for his replacement. Gailey became such a homer for Reggie, Bennett never got a chance previously to really show his talent. Well, Taylor, now you can show us what we have been missing. I wish you the very best.
By kDawg
December 20, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
Bold: REGGIE! Bold: REGGIE! Bold: REGGIE! Bold: REGGIE! Bold: REGGIE!
Sad news today but fortunately for ineligiBALL it does not affect his jersey being retired in Athens.
Bold: REGGIE! Bold: REGGIE! Bold: REGGIE! Bold: REGGIE! Bold: REGGIE!
By Matt
December 20, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
As a Georgia student, let me say how fantastic it is that Ball’s final games will be his embarrassing outing against Georgia (with the entire student section letting him have it) and the even more pathetic game against Wake. Could we please convince Chan to give him another chance next year? It just won’t be as fun beating Tech without him there.
By Techie
December 20, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this
Mark - This the first time in a long time that I have wholeheartedly agreed with every word of your column.
By chuck
December 20, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this
We should have seen this coming.Four years and some upsets still cant recant failure to pass.Cant understand how coaches cant findout what the kids grades are before they become kaput.Dodd never had this problem like Chan does. Well Hope Nebit gets chance to play quarterback rather than wide out.
By Dawg82
December 20, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
LOL at Tech’s academic superiority. Reggie just didn’t have the same “help” ‘lil Joe had staying eligble (see Tech probation)
Chan and Nix will now have to coach up Taylor Bennett to talk trash from the first snap just like Reggie
By GW
December 20, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
High and mighty Techies need not get upset when Georgia fans gig them on this blog. If it had been Greene or Shockley turning up ineligble as a senior the whole AJC sports and editorial staff would be be on UGA and Richt’s case and all Techies would be lovin’ it.
By Ibis
December 20, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
Unfortunately these two student-athletes didn’t hold up their end of the agreement, but life will go on and the team will have to bounce back…its life.
Hey Georgia Bulldog Fan Dawgs Six in A Row and the rest of you out there… look up the individuals on the list below and what they do and then call your AD in Athens to see if his staff would make this type of call: My guess is from your recent student-athlete academic success (or lack of) in basketball and football that any and every student-athlete in these two sports would be on the field. SAD, but TRUE when you play at UGA…you all are a joke academically in the eyes of people who work in college sports adminstration around the country.
Phyllis LaBaw Tim Brown Lynn Houston Aisha LaBarrie Daryl Lewis Cindy Moore Troy Peace Shetika Rogers
Tonya Simpson Trudy Wheeler
Class attending/passing student-athlete fan
By GT80
December 20, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
An indictment of Chan Gailey. And what a paradox. Chan was so convinced of his decision after Reggie’s 1st game that he could never coach this kid to his full potential. A mediocre QB but a good athlete, Reggie was what he was you some great wins and some horrible losses. Alas, did the failing grades make him play poorly his last 2 games, or did his poor play cause him to fail his grades. A sad sad finish for a kid who allways tried hard. Hope he stays in school and finishes his degree and has a successful career.
By BuzzTime
December 20, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
Okay a little confused here. So Bennett gets the nod against Incest U. If he has a monster game what does that say about Chan’s inability to pull the plug on that Cancer in the last two games. I don’t know if that won’t p** me off even more about Gailey’s Coaching. I still say we should have made Gailey the Ad and tried to hire Wisenhunt as the Coach. Well looks like Christmas has come a little early on the Flats this year!
By 10th Screet Crackhead
December 20, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this
You go dog!
Reggie don’t need no skool to mess wid him! He bad, dog!
Tech got de bes progrim in the dam natshon!
Reggie gone beet out Payton Maning necks yeer!
You yunkel toms don now studs ween youd seed dem!
I in skool wid Reggie an he dun pased al hid korses.
Dis sum bs frum de salvemaskers!
By No Dice
December 20, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this
Reggie was the victim of poor coaching and terrible playcalling. Chan couldn’t coach a whore into bed. Join us for no holds barred discussion of Tech football at http://www.bbuzzoff.com
By Ramble on!
December 20, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this
As my band Led Zeppelin said…”Noboby’s fault but mine”!
By 1992Dawg
December 20, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!
By Greg
December 20, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
The message is clear here. Reggie Ball and Kenny Scott are Seniors and they had no hope of getting a degree - they were at Tech to play football. So, once their last season of football was upon them, they just dropped the books in the dumpster and said “screw this ‘student’ thing…that’s not what I came here for”.
It would be very interesting to know just how far the esteemed Mr. Ball and Mr. Scott were from their prestigious GT degree. I’m sure Chan would have turned the other cheek had Tech not been caught with their hand in the cookie jar for playing academically ineligible players in the late 90’s.
By Spiffylubes
December 20, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this
Well done plugging the board for sorry depressed Tech “fans” No Dice.
The worst thing about this, in my opinion, is that it is quite possible that Reggie’s football troubles (maybe related to fans as well) could have had something to do with this ineligibility. All of you dawgs cheer and laugh like you WANTED him to fail his classes! I wouldn’t wish that on anyone in any college, not even the UGA players I hate the most. That’s like cheering and laughing when someone gets fired from their job. Talk about no class. Hopefully Reggie can still finish out his education at GT. This could have a much sadder ending for Reggie than I think anyone would wish upon him.
By Tator Tot
December 20, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this
Come on, Bradley, tell the real story: Chan Gailey stole Ball’s books! Hahaha.
How could any coach stick with Ball AS LONG AS FREAKING POSSIBLE? There must be something bad wrong with Gailey’s brain.
Note to 10th Street Crackhead: did you “borrow” my English textbook?
On another topic, Go Dawgs, smite the roundball Jackets!!
By Bryan G.
December 20, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
I bet before the class Ball said “It ain’t no speed bump or nothin. It’s just a test, dog.”
By Darnell Vincent
December 20, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
It is so good to read all the nice comments regarding Tech’s ex-quarterback, anybody remember NOTRE DAME ? I didnt expect any real expression of even kindness but, a thug? I hope a lot of college bound high school seniors read and listen to what is being said about Reggie Ball.Learn from it kids,maybe you will study harder while in school because you can’t depend on your fans.
By Brion
December 20, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
ineligiball
By Fuzzy Buzzy
December 20, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
Quick question…..are they ineligible according to NCAA regulations or Tech’s? I know Tech’s requirements to be eligible are higher. I agree with Bradley, sad ending to a rollercoaster career. I’m not surprised with the UGA fan’s (not alumni) reaction and lack of class once again. Reggie may be a jerk at times, but he still is just a kid who hasn’t learned how to win and lose with humility. I’m still proud to be a Jacket and like our chances in the Gator Bowl.
By TruthDetector
December 20, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
You go dog!
Reggie don’t need no skool to mess wid him! He bad, dog!
Tech got de bes progrim in the dam natshon!
Reggie gone beet out Payton Maning necks yeer!
You yunkel toms don now studs ween youd seed dem!
I in skool wid Reggie an he dun pased al hid korses.
Dis sum bs frum de salvemaskers!
Wow - even Leonard Pope chimed in on this one!
By WhiteandGoldFan
December 20, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this
As much as I love to see GT succeed, this is one athlete who did not deserve to a part of our program or university. I’m sick and tired of seeing him show up halfway through class and seeing him as an outcast of the team. At least Bennett realizes what teamwork is and isn’t just playing for #1. Even though it will be a rough Gator Bowl for the Jackets, I hope Bennett proves what we’ve all been dying to see…that he can at least match if not exceed Ball’s “talent”. GO JACKETS!
By ghg
December 20, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this
Well said, Mark. Simply put, it is hard to feel sorry for Reggie Ball…not a very likeable guy.
By Bryan G.
December 20, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this
You guys totally miss the point. If it had been Calvin Johnson, I wouldn’t feel as great about it. Calvin is obviously a bright, nice guy and always plays his tail off.
Reggie is a whiny little punk that won’t talk to the press and who tried to punch a UGA coach. He’s a jerk and is getting his just desserts.
I love the Tech fans playing the “oh we’re taking the high road game.” I don’t seem to remember them doing that for Quincy? That’s cool…keep taking the high road guys. See you in 2007 in Atlanta when you’ll be sans Reggie and Calvin.
By ramblin_wreck_ce
December 20, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this
It is an embarrassing moment for The Institute, that is for sure. Early on, there was such a feeling of hope and progress only to have descended into…THIS.
I am very interested to see how the Administration handles this. Having just been through hearings regarding “lack on institutional control,” it will be telling to see the response.
The loss of Ball should mean that we see a healthy dose of Choice, Grant, and Evans. Bennett makes good decisions but has lacked in execution in the times I have seen him play. So I also expect a decent amount of dink-and-dunk passing. However, if he doesn’t get too excited or rattled and manages to throw with touch, who knows what might happen?
With Ball, expectations weren’t high for the Gator Bowl. His departure certainly changes how I see the game. However, one thing doesn’t change from the other games this year—as the starting QB goes so goes the game.
Spilled milk or not, we’re pulling for you Taylor.
By Drexel Gal
December 20, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
Reggie Ball’s career at, and exit from, Georgia Tech bear a startling resemblance to those of Eddie McAshan (1970-1972). McAshan was suspended for the ‘72 Liberty Bowl against Iowa State for missing practice. However, unlike Mr. Ball, McAshan spent listened to the Liberty Bowl on the radio of Jesse Jackson’s stretch limo. Backup QB James Stevens became a hero in that game with a 31-30 win, went on to a 29-year career in the Air Force, and returned to Tech a hero. One more thing … McAshan beat Georgia in 1970.
By bigdawg88
December 20, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this
Dang! I actually feel sort of sorry for the guy! What’s wrong with me? Agggghh, the humanity!
Reggie, get in those books and get your degree man!! Surely you didn’t think you were going to the NFL, did you?
He’s not a player anymore so I’m not going to pile on the youngster. I hope you tech people have the decency to at least give him some counseling/help so at least he can get a degree.
Shows how much Chan Gailey really cared. If you knew his GPA was that low to begin with, you should have kept an eye on his grades. Most schools track all of their players, they even have people check to make sure they’re going to class. If I were you tech folk, I’d be firing Mr. Gailey.
As a dawg fan though, I say, keep him! We need a coach like Gailey. That’s one less school to compete against for recruits!! BWAAAHAAAAHAAAAHAAA!!!! GO DAWGS!
By nona
December 20, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry about Reggie Ball but applaude Tech for it’s honesty and integrity regarding eligibility. It does the instituion and it’s community great service to bow to the rules and regulations, unlike some other schools.
A round of applause for Reggie and for the team for it’s record. There will be another day for Reggie to, again, shine.
By 00 Dawg
December 20, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
Reggie Ball is my favorite Tech player of all time. I couldn’t have written a better ending to his storied career.
Then again, his professional career is just getting started — professional thug/beggar, that is.
Best of luck, Reggie…Georgia’s fans, players, and coaches will all miss you.
By EW
December 20, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
I’m suprised Tech is not letting him play, that’s what they usually do.
Fuzzy, Tech doesn’t set there academic standards to play, the NCAA does. It is no higher than the base. Usually they try to fudge it lower…hence the sanctions when you guys had as many as 10 academically inelligible players.
The funniest part of this whole thing is how GT holds there acadmics in such high regards…what a joke. UGA is quickly passing them by in that area as well.
By cb
December 20, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this
My favorite memory of having class with Reggie: For one class, the professor took role by calling on students to answer a discussion question. If you didn’t respond when called on, the teacher assumed you were absent and marked the gradebook accordingly. One day the professor called “Reginald Ball.” Long pause, no response. “Reginald Ball? Mr. Ball?” No response. Oddly enough, Reggie was sitting right behind me on the 3rd row. Too cool to talk in class, or too much of a dumba**? I would say both, but I forgot Reggie was NEVER cool.
By 10th Skreet Crackhead
December 20, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this
Truth doctor, do you no me?
Dem I says dat you dun ckallinged mi dam manhoud!
I dun gon to clas wid Reggie all time wid he dun ben her.
U dun now sheet but Reggis an me dun got it tite!
Dis bs cirnin Reggie do grade dun bs.
I dun got bistist gredes fur footsball teem ought of all dem palyergs.
Cavin an me tite! We dun gon dowangn!
He dude!Cavin an Reggie gon bus it up nest lelev!
Yu jus sum inorunt strsh!
By mc
December 20, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this
LEWsers!!! Tech fans don’t deserve jack sheeet…
You are such doush bags….you would rather beat UGA than win the ACC chaampioship?? You will NEVER be anything with that country- a* hillbilly sounding coach yall got!
Go Gamecocks!! USC….goooooooooo cocks!!
SEC is number One b***
By GoTECH
December 20, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
Anybody besides me think that after the ACC champ loss that Reggie just quit the team AND his “academic ineligibility” is a nice way (since finals are over and grades are out) to publicly handle the situation?
I am looking forward to a revamped offense with a new QB at the helm in the Gator. Even if we get smashed by WVU at least we get early looks at the talent at QB for the future…
Reggie - I gave u hell in the stands for 4 years but I do wish you luck in your future endeavors…
By GOTECH
December 20, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this
Anybody besides me think that after the ACC champ loss that Reggie just quit the team AND his “academic ineligibility” is a nice way (since finals are over and grades are out) to publicly handle the situation?
I am looking forward to a revamped offense with a new QB at the helm in the Gator. Even if we get smashed by WVU at least we get early looks at the talent at QB for the future…
Reggie - I wish you luck in your future endeavors
By yomama
December 20, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this
Anybody besides me think that after the ACC champ loss that Reggie just quit the team AND his “academic ineligibility” is a nice way (since finals are over and grades are out) to publicly handle the situation?
I am looking forward to a revamped offense with a new QB at the helm in the Gator. Even if we get smashed by WVU at least we get early looks at the talent at QB for the future…
Reggie - I wish you luck in your future endeavors
By GM
December 20, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this
To Mark Bradley: I think the main reason why Tech fans are so sick of Reggie Ball is because he is such a cocky, in-your-face, trash talking, loud mouth. You act like, “oh, poor Reggie” for Tech fans hating him. He never gave up, I’ll give him that, but he was awful. UGA fans loved him because he was like their 12th man - he was that for most teams. So basically, most of Tech’s wins were 10 against 12 on the offense. Pretty impressive.
As it turns out, Reggie is every bit the idiot that I knew he was by flunking out of school (or whatever). I wish no bad fortune on him in his future, but he needs to outgrow acting like a jacka$$.
At least Calvin has one game without him - whatever the outcome.
By GM
December 20, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
I forgot one thing about the Reggie thing…Merry Christmas Ga Tech fans!!!
…and to all a good night!
By Crosby
December 20, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
First, I don’t think any Tech fan is hurt by UGA fans talking about how Ball was their best player for the last four years. I think every Tech fan actually agrees with you there. Second, this is just another emberassment for the Gailey “dark ages” I hope our new AD will realize he can fire coach’s. I think the last coach we fired in a major sport was in the early 90’s when we got rid of Lewis. Here is an idea..have a coach’s meeting with all the coach’s in male and female sports. Tell them if you don’t beat UGA next year you are fired. Even if that meant firing every coach we have.
By Navigator
December 20, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this
Gailey messed up Pittsburg for awhile with “slash”, who never made it as a quarterback. He took a good Dallas team, and made them mediocre. He came to Tech with a solid program in place. He ran off the coaches, and got rid of their quarterback. He then spent the next four years building mediocrity. I think as we look back on this year, he was lucky to have gotten to nine wins. The previous regime had problems counting credits, but their offense was as good as any in the county. The question for our AD is how long does he stay with Gailey, if he falls back to seven wins a season? Braine said Tech would never be a consistent 9-10 win team, and with Gailey here it has been a prophecy. I wonder if there could be an Edsel in our future.
By DantheDawgFan
December 20, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this
I’m sure all the Tech fans are sending letters back to the homeland telling their relatives of the fall of the great hero.
This is funny, it really is! “It’s just a grade dog!”
By John Heisman
December 20, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this
Your GT prof. “took role” [sic]?
You mean the ROLL call?
Reminds me of the GT grad who vehemently argued that there was no such word as “formerly,” that the word was “formally.”
Academic superiority at Georgia Tech is a myth.
By huck from marietta
December 21, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
To my bookmaker: take the -10.5 on WVU!!!
By Bear Fan
December 21, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
Free at Last! Free at Last! Thanks be to God We are Free at Last!
The curse is ended and may we all now go in peace to love football again!
Go Taylor Go!
Please tell me next Chan and Nix are ineligible as well!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
By ZonaState96
December 21, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
What a sad world Atlanta is when it comes to college football. Eighty percent of these fans couldn’t make it into either schools’ classrooms because of academics… Now they criticize a college kid for not doing well enough, in those same classrooms, to be able to play in a game. Hopefully the kids can get their stuff together and get a great degree out of it. One of them deserves it for all the crap you’ve given him the last 4 years.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
December 21, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this
I make it a point to stay out of Tech problems, but, this column deserves a comment. I really don’t understand how or why your head coach didn’t bench Ball a long time ago. From afar his attitude and “me first” made him a really bad example for non-Tech fans. I would think Tech students and graduates would be up in arms.
By Record Straight
December 21, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this
Gailey “messed up” Pittsburg [sic] with “slash”? Are you retarded? Chan was the WR coach when the Steelers drafted Kordell Stewart in 1995. he had nothing to do with it. Gailey was promoted to OC in 1996 when cowher picked Mike Tomczak to be starting quarterback beginning with the second game of that season v. Cleveland. After the Steelers lost to NE in the playoffs, Cowher made Stewart QB for the 1997 season. With Gailey & Stewart, the Steelers made it to the AFC championship game v. Denver before losing. Stewart made a couple of crucial errors. Gailey then left to become HC of the Dallas Cowboys. So, it is arrant nonsense to assert that he “messed up” Pittsburg [sic] with ‘slash.” On the contrary, Gailey coached Stewart at QB for =one= successful season.
By mdbatl
December 21, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
As a Georgia student/diehard fan for 15 years, I feel sorry for Reggie Ball. Granted, he helped us win for 4 years, thus eliciting my sympathy, but I do feel he was undercoached. Four years as a starter with zero improvement cannot be put solely on the shoulders of the player. A sad way to end a career indeed, especially with the inelegibility.
By Dre
December 21, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this
Oh, here we go again with this THUG word. Goddness people, you’re not hiding anything by using that word.
By righton
December 21, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this
There are sone real sickos on this Board who probably never went to either big time college. You guys are ridiculous - it is easy to flunk at Tech and while I agree Reggie brought most of the dislike of him on to himself by being cocky and bravado - he still is a kid. I hope he graduates and I feel sorry for him right now. He put alot of time into going to school and playing and now the most important thing for him is to get his degree. Yet in all likelihood he will have to sit out awhile before going back to school. Get your degree Reggie and I respect Tech for making their football players go to school. It is admirable and absolutely the right thing to do. Reggie had his moments on the football field that were both brilliant and well, not good, but he wasn’ that bad - hopefully he will learn that an attitude change is in order. School is more imprtant than football, get on with what is important.
By buzzy ball
December 21, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this
Reggie will not realize just what he has lost until the Tickle Piles are held and he isn’t invited.
By Cap
December 21, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this
I was about to get into this blog until I started seeing the racist comments which are the embodiment of why “Georgia” and “Tech” are oxymoronic. Remember who the quarterback was last time Georgia Tech won the national championship. With that being said, Reggie was as good as he was going to get. If Georgia Tech wants to go to national championship contention, they need to recruit an athlete at quarterback that does not have a ceiling and could develop into an NFL caliber QB. Over the past several seasons, UGA has had at least two QBs on their roster that fit this bill while Tech has had none. I’ve never subscribed to the whole “have to be 6”3” to play QB” notion but at 5’10” 195 lbs. it was obvious that Ball could never be the physical talent that it takes to compliment a Calvin Johnson much like it took a Culpepper to match the size and speed of a Randy Moss and Cris Carter to physically overpower teams.
By allenlaw
December 21, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this
Anyone who takes joy from this is a pitiful creature. Any Tech fan who takes joy from this has no loyalty to a player who, as pointed out, has led four winning seasons and, from all appearances, has done his best. Who could rejoice to see a promising young man’s path end so sadly? And who can rejoice that a season of such hope has become such a disappointment?
Only a fool and a boor.
By SaseboJapan
December 21, 2006 01:14 AM | Link to this
Considering the spelling in many of these posts, no one here would appear to have any business commenting of RB’s academic skills.
By Dale R
December 21, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this
If GT had a more consistent QB they would have beaten UGA two years in a row and probably have one loss this year.
Xavier Lee at Florida State should have went there. He would have lit up the pups.
By DeltaDawg
December 21, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Reggie, maybe Doug Parker has a job for you in Phoenix with USAir?
By gt-fan
December 21, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this
Wow… Bradley I usually hate your columns but I think you presented this one pretty well.
I myself haven’t liked Ball from the start but I do feel he should have started this game.
Being ineligble doesn’t mean he flunked out, as most Tech alumns I’ve had my fair share of academic probation/warnings. It just part of being a student at Tech. The curriculum is tough, and thats what makes this institution/degree so valuable compared to other schools.
I just hope he stays and finishes up his degree. That’s the most valuable part of the whole thing, althele or not.
By Just a fan of Life
December 21, 2006 02:21 AM | Link to this
In todays college world it is hard for any student to fail given the unlimited resouces……and the quarterback……only Reggie knows why he quit in school, he quit on his team and quit on his fans. No he was never a fan favorite…..they love you when you win, blame you when you loose. I don’t think Reggie was able to accept that sports is a love hate relationship with the fans. Now he has to carry this for the rest of his life that he quit on his teammates. They will forgive him, but how long before he forgives himself. I wish him the best…..sad, so sad
By raiderbeater
December 21, 2006 02:42 AM | Link to this
If ifs and buts were candy and nuts we would all have a merry christmas. We win ….. you lose , as always.
Go Dawgs
By class-less
December 21, 2006 02:49 AM | Link to this
Dave Braine’s comments about this football organization seem to still be haunting this organization. This season is a prime example of how Tech had the proper talent. How Tech had the ability to be a 10+ win football team. I’m afraid Gailey has exactly the same mindset.
Also, GA fans really are at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to class.
By Rutuger
December 21, 2006 03:07 AM | Link to this
I could not have been happier to know that I have seen my final glimpse of R Ball in a GT uniorm. Dude was embarrassing trash.
Good riddance Reggie—sorry to hear you didnt even take advantage of the free education.
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 21, 2006 03:31 AM | Link to this
In a way I feel bad for Reggie, because with good coaching he probably would have turned out much better. Not Joe Hamilton better, but definitely more effective. He didn’t progress at all from his freshman year to his senior year, which is definitely a function of coaching.
But on the other hand, he did come across as an arrogant punk who thought he was a Heisman candidate, which makes it hard to really feel bad for him.
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 21, 2006 03:37 AM | Link to this
And I would disagree with the suggestion that Reggie can’t make it in the NFL. Obviously he’s not good enough as a QB, but he’s definitely got the athletic talent to convert to wide receiver or safety and become a role player somewhere. Penn State’s Michael Robinson was very similar to Reggie in athletic ability and talent and is now playing running back for the 49ers — I don’t think it’s out of the question that Reggie makes it somewhere in the NFL, or maybe the CFL.
By BCS Is Crap
December 21, 2006 04:17 AM | Link to this
WSB’s Bill Hartman threw the following softball question to Chan Gailey when discussing Balls ineligibility, “now, this wasn’t a situation where Ball did not go to class?” Chan’s answer should have been, “no, he was going to class, our coaches check that.” Instead, he says, “well, yes, this was a situation where he just did not go to class.” I can laugh about this becasue it shows Tech academics to be a fraud and because it is this young man’s responsibity and fault. Hey, at 21 to 22, he is not a kid, he is man. No crocodile tears for him.
But, the downside is that this should prompt Tech to fire Gailey. I mean, wasn’t the problem that got them on probation the fact football players and others played while academically ineligible because they were not attending class?
I’ll just let you brainiacs at Tech chew on that one for a while.
By marcus
December 21, 2006 05:17 AM | Link to this
the responsibility of maintaining his academic standing, is placed solely on reggie ball. the irony is that he was “eligible” prior to his last year. strange things happen when you (1) don’t win your conference’s title game (2)p** off the coaching staff because of your inconsistencies (3) in the last year of your 4 year deal. tech is good for carrying its players; remember joe hamilton?
By john
December 21, 2006 05:19 AM | Link to this
Weekly bashing of Ga Tech by ignorant, trailer-trash UGA fans…..
CHECK
By Reggie Ball
December 21, 2006 05:22 AM | Link to this
Yo, I just wanna apoligize to alls my fans. I shudda never been at Tech. I cant count to 4 in da football game, but its just a game dog. I knows where im from. I jus gotta keep it real. But to all my lil homies, schools cool. Peace
By Kudzu
December 21, 2006 05:31 AM | Link to this
Ball needs to be drug tested…good for Tech. You don’t pass you don’t play. Don’t blame this on anyone but the players. Ignorant waste of school money. Need to go see the latest Will Smith movie.
Go Tech…
By WFC
December 21, 2006 05:32 AM | Link to this
I was often frustrated with Reggie’s play but I want everyone to remember that he’s a COLLEGE KID who played hard and in NO WAY deserved the kind of abuse he has received.
By Ted Montgomery
December 21, 2006 05:49 AM | Link to this
Mark,, you have lost it… Sad ?. Whats sad is it didnot happen the first of the year. Along with some repoters here at the AJC. Sorry Mike and Matt..
By GSU Jacket
December 21, 2006 05:50 AM | Link to this
This may boost Gator Bowl ticket sales as nothing has before.
By kevin
December 21, 2006 06:05 AM | Link to this
It started when could not count to 4…..and his mind was in sex clubs now he is not allowed cause he blew grades…waa waaa cry away u choke in Acc game n other bowls games….Reggie (flunked school) Ball blame u players for u throws….so as Tech is whipped by WV 49-7 we all smile at chan..
By Gordon
December 21, 2006 06:15 AM | Link to this
I am actually sorry for Reggie, but he has no one to blame except himself for not making the grades. I don’t understand the comment “If we had known earlier we might could have done something”. After the 10 player feaisco I would have expected the coaching staff to be all over the grades of the players.
As for Reggies problems all these years and Gailey’s determination to stick with him. Evidently most of you people out there never played football and have not really been watching these past four years.
Reggies problem is he wants to be the hero. He pushes too hard to accomplish that goal. The coaching staff makes decisions based upon practice and with no one watching Reggie shines because he is not pushing so hard. Then when they turn on the lights he goes too far trying to be the superstar.
I wish he did not have this fatal flaw because he could have been one of the best in the histroy of the school.
While I grip about the play calling and the poor performance of almost everyone when they make a mistake on the field, I do somtimes remember that no one is perfect and mistakes will occur. Sometimes at very inopertune times.
I hope Mr. Bennett is ready and the team will rally around him. I would love to see him pull this off and set the stage for the next season.
While I don’t always agree with Coach Gailey or Coach Nix, I doubt I could do better, I doubt you could either.
By Mark
December 21, 2006 06:37 AM | Link to this
These BLOGs get meaner and Meaner even to young people..These are really just kids playing a game.Hopefully Ball will have sometpye of education at Tech to fall back on. But Really I think the NET Blogs are getting to nasty.
By Dbow
December 21, 2006 06:49 AM | Link to this
The incredible comeback at Clemson never would have happened if another over-rated QB (Charlie Whitehurst) had lowered his head and picked up the first down that would have allowed Clemson to run out the clock. Instead, he ran out of bounds and they fumbled the punt snap allowing Tech to escape. I feel pity for Reggie - and blame Chan the Man!!!
By David Lee
December 21, 2006 06:56 AM | Link to this
TECH LIES AND CHEATS - VACATE TIME
By Ralph
December 21, 2006 06:59 AM | Link to this
I made the following statements on a another blog, but felt they were appropos for here too.
What is it about Tech quarterbacks who wear #1? Do any of our seasoned fans remember Eddie McShahan’s departure from Tech? I sort of saw this coming when I saw that Reggie was wearing #1 against BYU.
For the past four years, I have attended most Tech games, home and away. I was there for the two Auburn games, which were probably his finest hours. But I was also there for the games against Muttland, not his finest hours. I wish him all the best and I hope that he uses this as a vector to get his personal and post-college life in order.
But this is all about the Peter Principle and Reggie reached it. He became ineffective and inefficient.
But what made me the most hurt, angry, and disappointed is that Reggie never grew up. He thought this was all about him, not the fans, teammates, coaches, students, etc.., who really all wanted him to succeed. But when he didn’t we got frustrated.
Reggie was like a box of chocolates, you never knew what to get from him. I was so proud of him against Miami this year when he started off so bad, but finished so very good. He made some fantastic throws that game. I was so proud of him. But after the Muttland and ACC championship games this year, I was so frustrated, I sent my Gator Bowl tickets to a friend of mine so he could go. I did so out of protest since I saw no perceived benefit in going. Now I wish I had the tickets back.
Don’t blame Gailey and Nix for any of this outside of giving Reggie multiple chances to succeed. A lot more mind you than he deserved. Personally, I felt Reggie should have been moved to some sort of “slash” position a long time ago.
The Bottom Line: People (and I believe his teammates) lost confidence in Reggie and most regretably, he lost confidence in himself. My only problem is this, if Taylor Bennett succeeds, what does this say about Gailey and Nix?
By Terry
December 21, 2006 07:11 AM | Link to this
Listen up, you 13 year olds!
So he screwed up and became ineligible. I didn’t read that he was expelled, or had flunked out. Even if he had, he should get another chance to get his degree. Playing any sport and trying to get a degree requires a lot of time and effort. These are young people, and people screw up sometimes. You can learn a lot from your failures. Hopefully both Reggie and Kenny will. We should just wish them the best.
So back offf, cut out the garbage talk, and let him go in peace down whatever path he chooses.
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!
By DirtDobber
December 21, 2006 07:14 AM | Link to this
Remember the saying “be careful of what you wish for …”. Now we must face the outcome of our wishful/vocal opinions. If TB does not perform now what ?
By Pepper Rogers
December 21, 2006 07:16 AM | Link to this
Here is my take…
WVA now has to prepare for the unknown. You see, there is very little tape on Taylor Bennett, so they dont have a good idea about what they are going to get with him at the helm. I see CJ getting double teamed and that will open up the running game with Tashard Choice. WVA has some holes on defense. Our defense must stop Slaton to win.
My 2 cents….
By Papa
December 21, 2006 07:25 AM | Link to this
It is unfortunate that two young men tripped/slipped and lost the opportunity to write a high-note coda to their respective collegiate athletic efforts. I suggest only that they are still young and will discover that this is not the last falter down the road of life. I would love nothing more than to beat the cow college everytime out, but I also realize these are youngsters playing a game. Life goes on. And, as for the keen and witty intellectuals from the cow college, offering such sensitive and heartfelt thoughts, I have four words: Jan Kemp, Jim Harrick.
By DirtDobber
December 21, 2006 07:29 AM | Link to this
Who knows what happened to Reggie ? Everything you read here is speculation. DUH ! I suspect we will never know the truth. People writing in the BLOG like they are his best friend or roommate is more BS.
Opinions regarding the intent or state of a another soul are like armpits - most of us have 2 of them and they both stink.
I dunno what RB was all about. Whether he was a arrogant hotdog or just unlucky I do not know. Regardless I am ready to move on. Identifying the problem and making adjustments was long past overdue by a deficient coaching staff. Let’s pray they dont screw up TB too.
By GTmom
December 21, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this
Chan Gailey said he was disappointed for Reggie and Kenny. Disappointed for them? How about outraged? How about the embarrassment, disappointment, and outrage of the many Tech athletes who perform as well in the classroom as they do in their sports? Reggie has dishonored all of them. How about the embarrassment, disappointment, and outrage of Tech students and alums who support the football team? Reggie is responsible for his poor school performance, and I am NOT disappointed for him! I am disgusted!
By DirtDobber
December 21, 2006 07:41 AM | Link to this
TO cb
What class were you and RB in ?
By TheMan
December 21, 2006 07:45 AM | Link to this
Something certainly sounds odd here. It is very interesting how the fans want Bennett to start in the Gator, and the academic thing suddenly rears its ugly head just in time? Is this an easy out for Gailey?
Certainly Reggie never expected to play pro football and therefore he would make sure that his classes were going okay.
In addition, having Bennett start will give Gailey stats to use regarding the starting QB job for next year. Again, this is all too easy for Gailey.
In any case, go TECH! Beat WVA!!!!!
By gary
December 21, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this
It seems that the truth be known, Mr. Ball was not only uncoachable, but also unteachable. Someday Mr. Ball will regret the day that he got kicked out of school. Giving the current coaches the benefit of doubt, now we will see if they also need to stay or go. Maybe, the new AD will have enough courage,to make the tough decisions,that separate the winners from the losers.
By DumbleBee
December 21, 2006 08:02 AM | Link to this
It’s not that Reggie is to dumb to be a student. The loser here is that the self proclaimed “smartest people on the planet” chased & recruited him knowing all this. If the almighty Tech quarterback isn’t the 2nd smartest quarterback in the nation (Joe Hamilton being the smartest also not to graduate)perhaps all the hot air about “we’re in tougher classes, we’re the brightest, we get the biggest house” is just pure propaganda. The kool-aid has been spilled. Wake up & realize that you are not morally, ethically, or any other way superior to any one else! You recruit the same athletes everyone else does and put them in “erector set theory & management.” Athletes flunk out everywhere as do students, but you academically superior blow hards are the ones with egg on your face for your non-stop boasting that it could never happen to you. Again!
By truedawg
December 21, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this
Thanks for 4 great years of football reggie…..its just sad to see the bestthing that ever happened to georgia tech not be able to finish his last game…(hahahahahahah)
By Reggie Ball
December 21, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this
Whatever man! www.myspace.com/therealreggieball
By cane
December 21, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this
Ball is an idiot. Bad personality, and he cannot maintain a 2.0? What was he taking up, rocket engineering? Does he want to graduate? He’d better. If the NFl takes this guy, then I have a shot. My only regret as a Hurricanes fan is that Coker let this guy beat us twice. If I see Ball in the street, I wish he would give me a reason to rumble with him, and we will see how much of a tough guy he is then.
By big trouble
December 21, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this
Wow, just wow. OK several points…
Must pass 6 hours and did not. As a Tech graduate, this is not really that hard. Just don’t fail (2) 3-hour courses. Reggie, can you even spell DEGREE.
Must keep a 2.0 GPA. A little harder being at Tech with course load, but this still falls on Reggie.
Well, at least now I will get to watch a game without cursing Reggie’s name.
Now for the what ifs…
If Bennett throws 4 TD passes to Calvin, does he stay?
If Bennett has an amazing game, will it prove that Gailey should of benched Reggie mid-season?
If Tech had beat Georgia and WF, would Reggie been found academically ineligible?
Hoping for a great bowl game and a winning season next year. Bye, Reggie. Best of luck to you in life; looks like you’re going to need it.
By Eric
December 21, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this
You Bulldog fans sure are a mean bunch. I’ve never seen such vindictive vective. I’ll bet you claim to be Christians too. Coach (Jesus Jr) Richt must be so proud when he reads this garbage.
By cpgt1990
December 21, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this
Lots of lessons to be learned in the situation … you have to take responsibility for your own actions … the coaching staff needs a process of continuing player development. Like it was said earlier, this may be a blessing in that there isn’t much tape on Bennett for WVU to study. Perhaps there should be some more, like the Clemson, UGA, and WFU games, but that’s been blogged to death already. Another benefit with Bennett getting the start is prep for next year … he’ll get more snaps now as the #1, plus he gets to experience a big-time TV game in front of a crowd which will probably not be a Tech-majority crowd … should help get him and the team ready for Labor Day weekend 2007 at ND.
By Sturge
December 21, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this
Was the #1 a prediction on his overall GPA?
Congrats on joining the square root club Reggie!
By Reggie's Balls
December 21, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this
Why couldnt this have happened BEFORE the ACC championship game?
Good ridance to a no talented, poor excuse for a QB thug.
By randy
December 21, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this
eric, mark richt does not read this vent, you are a moron!
By The Man
December 21, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this
JOE AT 10:18PM LAST NIGHT IS A F#G!!!
ERIC AT 8:24AM LIKES MEN!!!
THEY POUND MEN IN THE A$$!!!
THEY LOVE MALE ORGAN$!!!
I AM THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Joe
December 21, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
Hey Cane, You are a loser. I’ll mop the floor with you and this is coming from an FIU fan. 404-612-1980, anytime pal.
By the banker
December 21, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
You can say what you want about academic levels and what not, but the bottom line is Chan has no control over his players. If he was doing his job and monitoring his players. This would have never happened. With all the tutor and academic resources that colleges give to their atheletes, there is absolutely no excuse for a player becoming ineligible, especially this late in his career.
Not only is Reggie a moron, so is Chan.
The sad thing is we may never know how good CJ could have been with an accurate passer.
By GREG
December 21, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
LIKE THEY HAD A SHOT ANYWAY!!!!!LOL!!!!!!I WANT GLENN AND DAVEY TO COMMENT ON THERE BEST SEASON IN 17 YEARS!!!!LOL!!!!MAN DID YALL EAT YOUR OWN SH$$ THIS YEAR!!!!LOL!!!!!
By Gen Neyland
December 21, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this
Reggie…I would love to see his transcript. Probably includes four ‘F’s’ earned being schooled by Dawgs…tsk,tsk…Go Vols
By Spanky
December 21, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this
Quit crying, Eric!! Don’t act like this is the first time you’ve ever read these blogs! We both know that you nerds get just as mean, especially right after Tech beats Miami. The fact that you brought up religion proves that you are a dumb@ss and a hypocrit!!
This might be a good thing for Tech….seriously! This is a good opportunity to see how Taylor Bennett handles pressure.
By GTmom
December 21, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this
Dumble, All colleges recruit the less academically qualified or interested football athletes, many of whom fail. The real issue is that college football programs are the farm leagues for the NFL. If the NFL would step up and develop a farm league, then the college programs could recruit only athletes who were academically qualified and interested in getting a college degree. However, the NFL has no incentive, when college programs provide facilities, management, fan base and do massive fundraising for the big bucks to run the programs. College football programs train many athletes to produce just a small percentage who go pro. Change is needed to eliminate the fiction that all good athletes are college material. Baseball has its own farm system, so why shouldn’t the NFL (& the NBA) step up and develop their own leagues?
By John
December 21, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this
The GT saga continues. Reggie should have been replaced weeks ago - so, him not playing the Gator Bowl really doesn’t matter. I had given up on this coach. The Bowl game means nothing. The UGA and Wake games meant everything! Gailey is the fool that kept playing him, now he doesn’t even have to bench him. He can let his grades do that. So wimpy.
By Bear Fan
December 21, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this
Hey Jackasses!
I went to Tech, I graduated with honors. I also played football in high school for a very successful program for 4 years. I am no racist, I am a minority and I don’t give a darn if Reggie is black, white or green. He was a “THUG”. I used to watch Miami play and they would get up after every play and smack talk to the other team. They also backed it up with great play and wins. Reggie did not, he was a “mini-me” thug with no talent. I stood by him and coach Gailey until this years UGA game. After every poor play on his part he refused to run back to the huddle. He insisted on “jaw boning” with the Dawgs. I was p**. Not because he was so ignorant, but because Gailey did not snatch a knot in his butt. We needed leadership not talk. He did it again against Wake on National TV. It was very embarassing. I am glad to see hinm go and please take Gailey and Nix with him.
Ken Whisenhunt for COACH!
By reverend run
December 21, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
you people are pathetic. who takes so much joy about a kid doing bad in school? get a life losers! i think mark was fair and balanced about the way he approached this. i have no idea why the rest of you have to act in such a vile, disgusting manner. the kid played harder than anyone. yes, there were problems with reggie but how could so many people take so much ridiculous joy over a kid flunking?
By dawg fan 1
December 21, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
By Terry
“Listen up, you 13 year olds!”
No you listen up, if this was a UGA player your stupid fan base would be on our blog trashing us. What’s good for the goose is good for the Gander. Besides its just a game dog!
By Burdell's Brother
December 21, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this
Quick points:
Reggie Ball is a classless individual who never should have gotten into Tech in the first place.
IF Taylor Bennett comes out and smokes WVU, Gailey needs to go, because it only proves his inability to make a tough decision.
Reggie and I now have something in common, neither of us will have graduated from TECH!
By Darlow Maxwell
December 21, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this
I am glad that I am old enought to remember when ALL the Ramblin’ Wreck football players actually were engineering students. I’ll bet his failure to maintain a 2.0 average was not even in any type of professional courses, but rather of the “basket weaving” variety!
By Burdell's Brother
December 21, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this
Quick points:
Reggie Ball is a classless individual who never should have gotten into Tech in the first place.
IF Taylor Bennett comes out and smokes WVU, Gailey needs to go, because it only proves his inability to make a tough decision.
Reggie and I now have something in common, neither of us will have graduated from TECH!
By calvin Johnson
December 21, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this
* Well atleast I will have one game with a QB before I go to the NFL next year!!!!*
By sica
December 21, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
i wish i had the opportunities afforded him at tech. these kids have got to get a grip.
By masseycats
December 21, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
Reggie Ball’s disqualification was expected and not surprising. He doesn’t care or he would have attended to his studies. (Or maybe he forgot that he would have to make the grade to play in the bowl game. Did someone forget to remind him?) He is looking for a trip to the NFL. When will colleges realize that by lowering the academic qualifications and adding “simple” fields of study, they get what they deserve—a lower caliber of student. It’s all about “show me the money” from alumni and gate receipts. “You reap what you sow!!” Don’t put all the blame on the coach. He has enough weight on his shoulders!
By IMGT81
December 21, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this
Ball is unlikable because he was arrogant and overly combative. Despite mistakes like not knowing down and distance, and running out the back of the end zone he never realized he was accountable. Better to trash talk to cover-up. As much as I’d like to put 100% on Nix and Gailey perhaps uncoachable is the true Ball legacy. Being out of the Gator Bowl for academics is again a situation where he was expected to attend class, as a senior leader, but he and only he failed to attend. Bet if and when Ball talks about this it won’t be his fault. As for his NFL career he might make a sanitation engineer at the Falcons Facility or the Georgia Dome but he will get no closer.
By CyaReggie!
December 21, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this
I find it amusing that the Georgia idiots in here are talking about academic integrity… need we mention Basketball 101! Such hypocrits!
By mark
December 21, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!! What a loser! This kid has been the definition of classless! He’s a punk and will always be a punk! Prediction: Football was the only thing keeping this kid in school. His football career is now over, his G.P.A is now below a 2.0 (the article said seniors have to maintain a 2.0), he is done. There is no way in hell that kid is getting a degree from Ga. Tech. My guess is he’ll drop out and turn into a combination of Quincy Carter and Marcus Vick (minus the NFL experience). You can take the thug out of the hood but you can’t take the hood out of the thug!
By Linda
December 21, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this
Being academically ineligible is not only unacceptable but further proof that the coaching staff has lost control of the players. You expect this at UGA not Ga Tech. Tech has dumbed down enough through various relatively worthless degrees to offer most athletes and other special interest groups the opportunity to get a college education/degree from one of the finest schools in the nation. The alumni should be beyond livid at this point. I hope they keep their checkbooks locked up until the necessary changes are made. Chan has had the grades for a day or so now. Tech is now in the position of instituting major damage control. I love Tech but am embarrassed to be a fan right now. I doubt I’m the only one who feels this way. Tech handed the AJC and UGA their best gift of the season. Thanks Chan.
By Eermarked
December 21, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this
It doesn’t really matter who starts at QB for GT. WVU’s secondary has made Reggie Balls look like Peyton Mannings and whoever lines up as receivers look like Calvin Johnsons all season long. The question is which team will outscore the other…
By NCDAWGFAN
December 21, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
From a Georgia Fan. I hate to see any student athlete ineligible…..That being said. You can blame the play calling on the coaches…but when it comes to making the grades that in the end falls on the student……Coaches should check on their players’ grades as much as they can……….My overall opinion on Reggie Ball is that he was a cocky, overrated football player, who happened to be at the right place at the right time…… (A coach that was afraid to bench him and an excellent wide receiver)
By truthteller
December 21, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
I had the misfortune to live in Athens for about 12 years, so it is no surprise to me to read the ignorant, classless comments of the DAWG fans on this blog. All you have to do is be around a group of UGA people for a little while to realize how shallow they are. I also had a few UGA grads work for me in the past, and if they gained any knowledge from that esteemed institution it was basically how to get falling down drunk and bark like a stupid dog. As for the Georgia football program, they are legends in their own minds. Around the rest of the country, UGA is looked at as a program for non-qualifiers, who schedules 8 easy wins each year, and some years may win 10 if Tenn and Auburn have off years. Most people don’t remember their one and only championship some 25 years ago.
As to Reggie Ball….who cares? He was a lousy QB…good riddance. Kenny Scott is a fine player, and will be playing on Sundays for a few years.
By Bob E. Lemons
December 21, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this
Reggie can’t count to four….what makes you think he can get passing grades at Georgia Tech? He should’ve gone to UGA; he’d have a 3.5 GPA!
Get him tested for schizophrenia….you never knew if you were going to get his Dr. Jekyll side or Mr. Hyde side each Saturday for the last 4 years.
By JCH
December 21, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
It’s just a flunk out, dog.
By Gene
December 21, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this
The coaches and school are certainly guilty of ignoring Ball’s academic performance, or lack of it, but Tech will have a much better chance of winning the bowl game without him. I don’t think that Ball has the talent of Macus Vick or Quincy Carter.
By sica
December 21, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this
i wish i had the opportunities afforded him at tech. these kids have got to get a grip.
By Nathaniel Edwin Harris
December 21, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this
Hey, whoever said it, thanks for reminding me that we have to play at ND in September. HA! That will be embarassing. Oh, this just keeps getting worse and worse. Reggie: don’t let the door hit you in the a* on your way out.
By frank moye
December 21, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this
The real blame rests with Braine and the other nerds who could not see the talent of coach mcwhorter who won on west coast against a favored team in stanford. did not give him a chance and really treated him shabby. when you have hidden agendas you can not be sucessful. i believe the coach we showed no class or character towards is now offensive coord. at university of texas. we have been told for so many years tech builds character but none rubs off at upper level. frank moye
By JohnGTFan
December 21, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this
I am SO HAPPY Reggie did the right thing for the program, after only 4 years…purposely making himself ineligible!!!!! THANK YOU REGGIE!!!!
By theedge56
December 21, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this
The article said failed to meet both NCAA and GT standards. All this cheering because Ball is gone is awful. He gave everythong he had to this team. But that doesn’t matter the real issue is the best cover corner and a fairly speedy guy is gone. The secondary already had issues. It is not gonna be pretty when Renuad and Slayton are running down the field running routes and they are wide open! Hopefully Tenuta can pull a rabbit out of his hat one more time.
By Bo
December 21, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this
After reading the above some of us don’t have a Heart. Ball did the best he could,don’t blame him “Blame Gailey” he’s the one that put Ball in that situation. Tech has high qualifications, I hope Ball gets his degree. This is the season for Christmas and Love not hate. Go GT and GO DOGS Merry Christmas to all.
By Joe
December 21, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this
Best news I heard all week
By Gen Neyland
December 21, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this
Athlete’s on scholarship are given the grandest of opportunity to EARN an education. Most are coddled throughout their college careers. Reggie is a prime example. He either failed to buckle down and ‘finish his academic drill’, or some prof had enough of his ‘big shot tude’, and handed him the same exam the rest of the class had…I’ve no pity for one that may have wasted the gift of a free ride…ORDER UP !!!!!!!!!
By GT-GT
December 21, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this
There’s a big difference between Joe’s 29 wins and Reggie’s 29 wins. With the defense Joe had, Reggie would have a win total in the teens and with the defense Reggie has, Joe would have had a win total well into the 30’s, and probably a national title under his belt.
By John
December 21, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this
Awesome truthteller - so well written!!! Thanks, john
By Kay
December 21, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
There are good coaches and there are bad coaches. Coaches appropriate for big time and coaches for little time. Chan Gailey and Pat Nix do not belong at Ga Tech. Reggie played his heart out for Ga Tech. No, we didn’t like the calls, but those were from the coaches!!!! These coaches should know where these student athlete’s stand academically, and not just at the end of the semester!
By JohnGTFan
December 21, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
Let’s be honest…most of us on here happy about Ball not playing have heart…and it’s for the team! We all want what’s best for the team. Yes, Gailey and Nix both deserve blame, and hopefully both will be gone next year. But don’t kid yourself…NOONE made Reggie do the awful things he did, other than Reggie himself. He was a hot-head and will not be missed.
By Gea Strickland
December 21, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this
TO H_ _ WITH MARK BRADLEY AND ALL OF THE STUPID THUGS FROM UGA!!!!!!!!!
By Chan Gailey
December 21, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this
Well, I tried to get Reggie’s professors to change his grades. Fortunately, they DID!
By Spike
December 21, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this
I am no Tech or Ball fan, but it is kind of sad. What a waste of talent and opportunity for an education that so many others never even have a chance at. It is just squandered.
By J. Kendall
December 21, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
Just one more sad example of lack of control from the Chan crew. Counting the “probation” event kids, how many does this make. This has not been a trend until Chan came on campus. He is a nice well meaning but incompetent coach. When we will deal with this and move on to another choice?
By George
December 21, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
Lets just hope Reggie gets his grades in order next semester and graduates. Reggie can do a lot in his life with a GT degree.
As a Tech alum, I know the primary lesson at GT is to teach you to be a grown up and be accountable. It is a hard lesson to learn, even harder in the public eye like Reggie. Lets hope Reggie “completes” this one.
By Vince
December 21, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
From an empathic FSU fan:
Reggie Ball, meet Chris Rix. Chris Rix, meet Reggie Ball.
By JustMe
December 21, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
Thank you Reggie, for the wins that you gave us and the great plays.
I hope that you study hard and graduate from Tech.
Go Bennett!! Go Tech!!
By Joshua Barlowe
December 21, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this
There is hope for Reggie yet. I’m sure he can transfer to UGA and get a degree in no time.
I’m sure he knows how many points a 3-point basket is worth, and we all know he’s a hero in Athens.
Hey, you won’t even have to count him in your JUCO transfers!
By Scooter11
December 21, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this
truthteller and john need to arrange their own tickle pile. So much love. And, tt, how do you know how the rest of the country views Georgia’s program? Or what most people remember? As usual from folks like you - no facts, just a biased opinion. Just throw it out there like you’re an expert. Sad.
By Doug
December 21, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
Dear Tech fans: Good luck ever getting a player the caliber of Calvin Johnson, or even Taylor Bennett, ever again. Not only should it be glaringly apparent that the coaches on the offensive side of the ball at Tech couldn’t find their rear ends with both hands and a map, but after Flunkgate and now the Ball fiasco, rival coaches can make the case that Tech simply hangs its athletes out to dry academically. How could Gailey (or anyone else) not have known what thin ice Ball was skating on grade-wise? And how could they have failed to do anything whatsoever about it?
By theedge56
December 21, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
Real Tech fans do not waste their time writing in the UGAy blog page. We have a life and the fact that you guys spew so much bile in here proves what little life you have is for sure pathetic!
By jacsonp
December 21, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
Reggie down & Chan to GO! Now if Johnson will just stay for his senior year, Bennet will set single season passing records for Tech and Johnson will be the #1 draft pick and sign for all the money in the world…which he probably will deserve..I just hope the Falcons somehow end up with him.
By LimpStinger
December 21, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this
Gailey’s execuse is pathetic at best and incompetent at worst. How the heck does he not check-in with his starting QB during the year to see how he’s doing academically? The almighty GT academic program only requires 6 credit hours with a passing grade of 2.0 to be bowl eligible. The next time a GT graduate gives us any crap about GT academic standards I’m going to laugh in their face! See Reggie Ball in the dictionary next to L-O-S-E-R!!!
By reverend run
December 21, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this
MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! HAPPY HOLLIDAYS!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! HAPPY HOLLIDAYS!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! HAPPY HOLLIDAYS!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! HAPPY HOLLIDAYS!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! HAPPY HOLLIDAYS!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! HAPPY HOLLIDAYS!!!
let’s all trash a college kid just in time for the holidays. Classy move, folks. No matter how classless you think Reggie is, that does not excuse the vile garbage being posted on here about a college kid. There are truly some sad, sick individuals on here. Don’t you dare go pretend to be good Christians on Monday. YOu have shown your true colors today
By MJ
December 21, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
What a sad way to end a career. Don’t athletes at least have to carry a 2.0 GPA? If he couldn’t carry that …
By Gen Neyland
December 21, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
To those who feel sorry for Reggie Ball,
Tell it to the men and women at Walter Reed Medical that put their lives on the line for the likes of Ball. My son, as an example, put his college career on hold to enlist in 2002. Did a stint in Iraq, made it home safely, paid for his wife to continue her education, and will resume his own education in the spring. Like I said, No pity for the Reggie Ball’s of the world who squander a free ride…Matter of fact, they disgust me…
By LimpStinger
December 21, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
Talk about pathetic! Gailey’s lame comment about doing more if he knew his QB was in academic trouble!!! How do you not keep tabs on critical players academic standings???
The almighty GT academic program only requires 6 credit hours and a passing grade of 2.0 to be bowl eligible. The next time a propellerhead tells me about the integrity and standards of Tech’s academic program I’m going to laugh in their face.
By Matt
December 21, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=139695
Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! Georgia Tech=biggest joke in all of college football. Always has been. Always will be. Have fun mired in mediocrity for the rest of eternity. How does a QB play WORSE in his senior season than he did in his true freshmen season? That is simply amazing. Does Chan Gaily get a bonus for that? Georgia Tech=JOKE.
By DawgByte
December 21, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
Talk about pathetic! Gailey’s lame comment about doing more if he knew his QB was in academic trouble!!! How do you not keep tabs on critical players academic standings???
The almighty GT academic program only requires 6 credit hours and a passing grade of 2.0 to be bowl eligible. The next time a propellerhead tells me about the integrity and standards of Tech’s academic program I’m going to laugh in their face.
By John
December 21, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
Scooter11 - go blog on the UGA site. Here’s a real schocker - we could care less about you, your school, your city, what you think or say, your family or anything else that has to do with you. This is our page. Get a life and when you do, do us a favor and end it!
By U of T Grad and not Tenn
December 21, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this
I love seeing all the comments from these Pro-Dawg bloggers…..Like UGA really has something to brag about…..enjoy the Peach Bowl……you losers are still reliving the 1980 season…….26 Years ago…….
By gtalumn
December 21, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
Christmas comes early to Tech fans, although I am torn between elation and disapointment that we won’t get to watch the train wreck that is Reg-gie Ball one last time. I have become used to yelling at the TV after every bad decision and act of poor sportsmanship that he has displayed throughout his years at GT. I will have to get used to just watching the game and routing for the team again. I am glad for the rest of our players, who will be able to play the bowl game with a quarterback who will really try to win the game. Their disgust toward Reg-gie was obvious during the Georgia game and the Wake game.
Reg-gie is his own worst enemy. I too believe he became uncoachable. And GT-GT is dead on about the comparison between Reg-gie and Joe Hamilton. Our defense was so bad then, the only way we won games was if Joe and the guys scored one more touchdown than we gave up. And we gave up a lot! Our defense is now the biggest factor in our winning games, not our offense. We would have been below .500 if we had Reg-gie during those days.
Reg-gie is a hot-headed thug. He brought the Tech program down with his attitude. His poor play would have been forgiven if he had been a decent guy, but he’s not. His academic ineligiblity also proves that his attitude is no better off the field. I wonder how long it will be until we learn of his arrest and conviction for the life he will most likely pursue after this.
So long #1, we won’t miss you.
By sonnyliv
December 21, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
Poor Reggie will never get a decent job in ga. The uga fans think he is stupid and the tech fans hate him.
By John
December 21, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
Dumb DawgByte. A 2.0 at GT equals a 4.0 at UGA. You are so stupid and it shows - but we expect that since you went to UGA.
By Mike Hunt
December 21, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this
The only person who could possibly make worse coaching/managerial decisions than Chan Gailey is Bobby Cox.
By You Suck, Ball
December 21, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
They knew Ball couldn’t pass real Tech classes, so they put him in pretend ones: I’m guessing he was a sports management, general studies, communications or sociology major. What kind of retard can’t pass pretend classes? All you have to do is spit out a couple of coherent sentences about how [insert field of study] is a lot like football. Notwithstanding his child-like social skills and low IQ, this bastard will still end up making more money than most legitimate Tech grads.
By SuwaneeDawg
December 21, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
First of all, I’m not one of those Georgia folks who simply writes in to insult you guys
I’m not a Reggie fan in any way, shape or form. I think you would be hard pressed to find someone whop dislikes him more than me. Yes, you make your own bed and Reggie goes to great lenghts to prove what an alpha dog he is (no pun intended?. However, there’s enough blame here for everyone. I find CG’s claim that they would have helped Ball and Scott if they knew how serious the problem was hard to believe. The athletic assoc. counselors know every academic step these guys make. For the counselors and coaches not to know, I think, is next to impossible.
Also, we all know Reggie is a jerk and terribly immature, even for a 21 year-old. And - if anyone tried to coach him, he may have been one of those to simply continue to do his own thing. But nobody can say he didn’t play hard. He simply made bad decisions and lacked the ability to execute fundamentally. Isn’t that a coaching issue? Isn’t the main objective of any coach to put his/her players in position to succeed? Yes, CG and Nix gave him opportunity after opportunity but did they ever play to his strengths? I mean this is the team that has Calvin Johnson wearing their jersey and they don’t find a way, any way, to get him the ball - other than having their extremely-inaccurate-over-10-yards QB throwing him bombs.
Mark made a quick comparison to Quincy Carter and though this is a different situation, there are still a lot of similarities. As much as I dislike him, I (as well as most true Georgia people) don’t wish Reggie ill in life. I hope he can earn his degree, get his head out of his @$$, shape up his attitude and not fall down the path Quincy did.
By Nathaniel Edwin Harris
December 21, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
Hey Vince … can we throw Mr. Weatherford in there too? How about our man Jeffy boy? :) love, a Nole grad.
By keitho
December 21, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
I feel for Reggie. My guess is that he did all that was within his power to win games for Tech. The coaches failed Reggie on and off of the field. And the administration has failed the Tech family for retaining such mediocre coaches year after year.
By Bob
December 21, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
While I don’t bemoan Reggie’s own self-inflicted fate (proving he’s about as smart off the field as he is on it), I do question the monitoring of academic performance by the coaching staff. George O’Leary was well known for his hands-on attentiveness to that aspect of the “student-athletes” endeavors and if Gailey had taken that approach this outcome could almost certainly have been avoided. But I like their chances better in the Gator Bowl this way.
By Juan
December 21, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
No wonder QB Pat Carter left for Louisville - what a joke this coach’s boy of a QB is!
By JustMe
December 21, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this
Why are ugay fans so stupid? Is it the water in Athens?
Why do ugay fans have so much “free” time to write on Tech blogs? Are they all really unemployed?
Why are ugay fans so jealous as to have such negative emotions about Tech? Are they really that envious of our National Championships as well as our academics?
Maybe Reggie can transfer to ugay to get a college diploma. All he has to do is drive by and order it in a speaker, right?
By dawgs30
December 21, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
The campus on North Ave and everything that goes with it lives up to their name. It’s a rambling WRECK. And it’s sound like it is only getting worse. REGGIE!REGGIE!REGGIE!
By woodstockgt
December 21, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
I ve been hard on Reggie the past 4 yrs, especially this one. He is a college player that isn’t paid to play football. However, he is expected to act like a decent human being on the field. He failed miserably in this dept. We should of seen this coming 4 yrs ago when he commented after the Auburn win that they wouldn’t lose another game this yr. As for the great wins, I don’t believe he really won those games. Our defense did. How many pts did we put up against Auburn (in the two wins) and Miami last yr. The VT game 1st qtr was his best game in his career, and he followed it up in the second qtr with two consecutive interceptions. His final two games, Tech had the ball with over a min. and two TOs against UGA, down by 3 and over 2 min and 2 TOs down by 3 against Wake. Both games, I knew what the result would be. He never could win a game for us, or even put us in a position to win. When Joe H. was out there, you knew the guy would make plays to give us a shot. The only game I remember was that Ball did that was the Clemson Miracle 3 yrs ago, but Clemson botched punt contributed mostly to that. The guy is not a winner. It takes more than atheletic ability to win games, it takes smarts. Throwing the ball away instead of running out of the back of the end zone for a safety (VT game 3 yrs ago), throwing the ball away instead of forcing something that wasn’t there and ending up with an int. (to many games to count), running out of bounds or getting down instead of taking on multiple defensive backs and ending up fumbling the ball (to many games to count), clock management, etc.,etc. Finally, knowing what down it is and not throwing it away when its 4th down. I am a true believe that Tech has won despite him, not because of him. Most of the blame goes to the coaches for starting him all these yrs and not having anyone behind him to replace him. Tech may get beat by W. Vir. but I truly believe they have a better shot without him out there. I am now going to the gator bowl to support my team. All I want is for them to play hard and play smart. Our chances for a win just increased.
By t bone
December 21, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
Reggie, Reggie, Reggie, I truly believe my dog could carry a 2.0 GPA.Have a great career in the Arena league. NOT !!!!!!!!
By Linda_Hertog
December 21, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
Something else to consider: As a student-athlete playing a varsity sport the student-athlete receives three credit hours for playing a varsity sport. The varsity sport is worth 3 credit hours. Did Chan Gailey fail his own students or did they fail every other class but the varsity sport?
Tech academic requirement is higher than UGA and NCAA: The student needs to pass six credit hours with a 2.0.
UGA and the NCAA academic requirement is one class with 2.0.
By Nathaniel Edwin Harris
December 21, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
Think about it - this is the best thing Chan could have hoped for. He is spared from making the QB decision, and if we lose, he can blame it on Taylor Bennett. What a crock.
By JacketsRULE
December 21, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this
feel bad for Reggie..at the end of the day….dont’ get me wrong, i’m a staunch GT supporter, but Reggie is still just a kid…good luck Reggie
By sam
December 21, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this
man you guys are tough. this is a kid who probably failed one class at the very end of his acedemic career. the last game of his life and he wont get to play in it. instead of feeling bad for the kid, you guys are trashing him. have some campassion for the kid. its kind of sad that you folks put all your pride and self worth in the hands of a bunch of kids playing football. I’m sure all you guys played 4 yrs of division 1 football, right? Actually I’m pretty sure most of you chumps just watched from somewhere and now live vicariously through your kids that cant play a lick either. get a life, their just kids. Merry Christmas!
By Matt
December 21, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
To all the Tech fans and supporters crying about big ole meanie Georgia fans, this is how it works. You talk smack AFTER you’ve done something that warrants it. If you guys were half as smart as you claimed to be you would understand this very simple concept. Georgia fans have taken shots from Georgia Tech fans all year. Why? You hadn’t beaten us since 2001. Guess what? You didn’t beat us this year either. Maybe it would just be best to keep your traps shut about Georgia football and we won’t have to go through this. Just some friendly advice.
By Mark
December 21, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Something is bad wrong, no, stinks in Tech’s athletic department. First there were 17 ineligle football players, some who had as little as 2 years progress toward a degree after FIVE years on campus and NCAA probation. Now this one. And the coaching staff acts like it is a revelation to them and there could be more casualties. Tech is getting a real BAD rep folks. We are talking alot of smack about academics and our coaches claim not to have a clue as to academic progress. And who is minding the store? Who are the people charged with academic progress and informing the staff? Is this Tech’s “don’t ask don’t tell” program at it’s best? Techsters it’s time to do some serious introspection. Our academic cesspool has to be cleaned up before we lose all credibility.
By John
December 21, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this
TO HELL WITH GEORGIA - ONCE, AND ALWAYS, THE CESSPOOL OF THE SOUTH!!
By ga_tech_92
December 21, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this
Guys,
Football is a game. College and your education are not a game. I wouldn’t wish poor grades on anyone. To laugh and have fun about it is extremely poor taste. Think of your son…your daughter…should they have a similar experience…will you find it so funny? Education is important, football is not. I hope both of them are able to refocus on their education and pull their grades up. A degree from Tech will go a lot farther than playing in one game for the vast majority of football players. Have some class people. Good luck to all students, it’s not an easy job, but it’s important…do your best and good luck!
By Will
December 21, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this
To anyone regardless of affiliation who finds humor, gloats or ridicules Reggie Ball’s situation, you people are the epitome of what’s wrong with this world. I’m not a fan of Reggie’s but I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. Your comments are low brow and low class. Those who feel this way are in my opinion the bottom feeders of the earth and your comments are unacceptable. What if it were your son or daughter? Not as funny right? Regardless of what you may think of Reggie all of us have are own individual situations where we have fallen short of a set standard. In Reggie’s case his is done in the public eye. I only hope that instead of doing the easy thing of pointing fingers and degrading someone (who is still young and learning to make it in this world) that you actually think for a second, understand the severity of this unfortunate event and show some compassion for the young man. Yeah your team may have been hurt by this, but it’s just a game. I’m more concerned for the young man who life is at a crossroads right now. Yeah it’s no one’s fault but his own, I just hope he gets a second chance and is able to graduate. If it weren’t for second chances where would we all be? Reggie, every obstacle that is put in your path is a reason to work that much harder. Keep your head up and good luck in moving forward in life.
By Jarvis
December 21, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
2 Points.
Reading Tech blogs from the week before Thanksgiving is fun.
At what point do you stop calling an almost 23 year-old man “a kid”. He’s a grown-a$$ man.
He should understand that there are consequences to ducking responsibilities by now.
By Good Luck Reggie
December 21, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this
Show some clas Tech Fans..this is what supposedly seperates us from the dawg species.
Reggie - how quickly fans forget about your fight and contribution over the years. You are 22 years old and have your whole life ahead of you. This horrid coaching staff continued to put you in the situation you are in.
To the GTAA - no more blaming O’Leary for academic issues. I simply can not believe this could happen with the recent past and NCAA violations in the backdrop. You can’t pimp these young men and not provide them support systems to succeed in the classroom. This goes far beyond sports and strikes at the very heart of our school’s mission and reputation. Clough - wake up and take notice..this is (another) disgrace!!!!!!!!!!
Chan you really should do us a favor and retire - go have that deer in the headlights look when your wife sends you out to buy groceries or pick up the dry-cleaning…hang it up, head to FL and stare at your TV..please get off the sidelines. Stand up and take some accountability as the captain of this ship…for once!!!! You have consistently pushed the failures of this program off to the kids that bust it for you. WWJD? Probably not start and blame Reggie repeatedly!
By GTGreg
December 21, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
Wow, the UGA fans are REALLY classy… even classier than usual. Noone deserves what Reggie has gone through. I hope he rights the ship for himself, gets his degree and moves on to bigger and better things. What’s the good word?
By jcfromindy
December 21, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
Okay, here we go again. Now Reggie is a thug this and that. Spare me. I have never seen a bunch of losers happy about a young man’s failure. As stated before if these so called thugs (mostly categorized as african-americans) where not playing for these pimping thug coaches and schools like Tech, UGA, Ohio State, and every other big school, then it wouldn’t be a sport for you thugettes to watch.
How many UGA football players graduate? I certainly wish every young african-american man would attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities, so they can get the nurturing needed to help them provide a life for themselves instead of being criticized by you clowns who scream and shout for their blessings on the field, and jump even higher for joy when they fail.
Please folks, let’s not gloat in the failure of young people. Sports has always been a mechanism for helping young adults stay on a path of positive success. Instead of criticizing his failure why don’t some of you brainiacs, call and ask him if he needs some help.
Sports, is not the end of life. Let’s help supply these kids with the tools that they need to be successful instead of killing their dreams and aspirations.
Much Success Reggie! Keep your head up!
By gdawginkalamazoo
December 21, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
Can’t say I feel sorry for someone who was so fortunate to have the opportunity that he did and squander it like he did. Hope he can finish his degree in whatever program that wasn’t even interesting enough to show up for. How do you put that on your resume?
By Jarvis
December 21, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this
Another point.
I love Tech’s academic superiority complex. You do realize that the only people in the world that think UGA is a bad school is Tech fans, right?
And fortunately we are too busy working as doctors, lawyers, bankers, and generating revenue in general for our companies to care what the IT department thinks.
By jamie
December 21, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this
The really sad part of all this is that Reggie has thrown away more than just his football career. “Started at QB for GT” looks awfully good on your resume to a lot of important people in Atlanta. Ball was given a great opportunity, and he blew it. But his coaches and advisers were culpable, to say the least, and should be men enough to stand in front of the press and tell us how and why this happened.
By Nathaniel Edwin Harris
December 21, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
Yeah, Jarvis, “only people in the world that think UGA is a bad school is Tech fans.” You ARE absolutely correct…
There are reasons why we think so; mainly, because we chose to go to Tech over UGA. Jeez.
By joe
December 21, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this
I had the experience of watching Ball at 1 Tech game. He was terrible. Why on earth did they ever pick this guy as the starter? He threw like an inexperienced high school freshman. No I am not a UGA fan either, but kudos to Tech for standing up and holding their athletes accountable for their grades. Now if other schools would just do the same, they wouldn’t have illiterate college grads going into the NFL! Glad he’s gone; hope he has fun loading trucks for a living.
By GTgirl
December 21, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
You UGA fans are pathetic. Reggie is responsible for his grades, you can not argue that. It is MUCH harder academically at Tech (even in Management) than it is at UGA. But then again UGA is such an academic mecca (or so you say). How about the scholar athlete of the UGA/Tech game. 2.97. Is that the best you could come up with?? What a joke.
By Mark P.
December 21, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
You gues defending reggie crack me up. I’ve said this before but you people are trying to make Reggie out to be some ambassador of Ga. Tech, a leader who displays good sportsmanship and a positive attitude. The kid was punk with an attitude who was plagued by poor decisions on and off the field. He was a trash talking, immature, pouter who was about as consistent as the weather! You guys wanna feel sorry for him? Nobody deserves what he’s had to go through? Here’s a thought, CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE AND YOUR THOUGHT PROCESS!!! STOP BEING A CRYBABY WHO CONTINUALLY MAKES BAD DECISIONS AND BE A MAN!!!! He will continue this downward spiral until he makes some changes within. I don’t feel sorry for him at all! His choices his consequences. Time to grow up and accept some RESPONSIBILITY for your actions!!!
By Frontman
December 21, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
Hey, Jarvis: Go ask anybody who’s not from Georgia if UGA is a good school. Do you think that 8 out of 10 are going to say, “Wow, now that’s an institution of higher learning!” I thought not. Just shut up and go back to your job of sticking your head as far up your boss’s a$$ as you can (my guess is you’re in sales or accounting) and praying that your inconsequential a$$ can go with him as he climbs the corporate ladder.
By yellow1990
December 21, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
“Hey Earl! Put down that sheep and come back in the trailer! They’re talkin’ ‘bout that Reggie Bawwwwwwl boy in the paper agin! I’m going to go on that thar googles internets that the president talked about and tell them how much he sucked…won’t that be a hoot? And then we can shout ‘go dawgs’ and fire off that new gun you got fer christmas! It’s at ajc.com..”
“Hey Earl - how do you spell ajc???”
By GT Girl
December 21, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
Oh and Jarvis….My Fiance is a Tech Grad. and is a Doctor! Imagine that…I thank Tech for our great educations and the 5 carat diamond I get to wear on my left hand!
By gdawginkalamazoo
December 21, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
Gen Neyland, Amen! There are people who bust their a*******es to do the right things in life. Who work hard for the opportunities presented to them and benefit from them. Reggie didn’t.
By ga_tech_92
December 21, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
It’s very easy to sit here and trash a college student who has no way to respond to you. You big ol’ studs of intimidation! Your mothers are probably very proud of you for jumping on the college-student-at-opposing-school-slam-wagon. You guys must stay up late at night thinking of this clever stuff.
By Reggie Ball
December 21, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
Gradumatin’ ain’t no road block, dog. Grades is grades dog. I ain’t got no good ones but it ain’t my fault. Da refs should bail me out.
By Mark
December 21, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
I have been a Jacket fan for over 35 years. I have never in my life witnessed the vulgar, childish impish behavior by a columnist and the people of this region. Shame on the UGA fans for attacking a young man when he’s down. More shame to the Tech fans(Yeah right) who attack their own. This is a mean spirited article written to get mean spirited response…and it succeeded UGA and Ga Tech will get their just desserts…Oh that’s right, they both suck now!! You people deserve your misery. This is exactly why I have left sports in the dust. You guys calling RB a thug?! Your a frickin’ thug!! You people suck as human beings…
By Roundtree
December 21, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
My heart goes out to Reggie Ball. Sorry to hear about the ineligibility. Be encouraged. Poor grades wasn’t new news. They knew the kid was failing and didn’t do anything about it. Just so happens they got caught and had to react to the problem so as to maintain the integrity of the Tech sports program. Surely the coach knew his grades weren’t sufficient before the bowl invitation. Hang in there Reg. Now that sports isn’t a distraction go ahead and get your degree even if you have to go somewhere else. You have the ability to be successful too. Some folk still believe you can do it. Make the “naysayers” a lie. Remember, he who laughs last laughs LOUDEST.
By Google
December 21, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
The sad thing is that everyone at GT was so excited when Reggie Ball started out at Tech and now they hate him.
It makes me wonder if the same fate awaits Taylor Bennett, even when Tech loses to WVU. It will start out with it was so great to see someone else at QB and in two years it will be why does Chan play Bennett when we all know he cannot get the job done.
You know it is going to happen.
By Mark
December 21, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
One last thing, Bradley you bum:
I wouldn’t talk to your sorry A* either unless it was telling you to go to hell, fat pig.
By Junior
December 21, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this
By Tech Hater
December 21, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me? Tech thinks they are all so smart! They think they are far above UGA grads. Just goes to show you even a dumb brick can get into Tech. Tech can’t win WITH or WITHOUT Reggie. Reggie NEVER beat Georgia! GOOooo DAWGS!
By John
December 21, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this
“Tech learned too late that Ball and Scott were struggling.”
It’s strange that this continues to happen, while graduation rates and grades at Central Florida are up. O’Leary had a resume problem, but he seems to know how to keep kids in school.
By Joyce E.
December 21, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
I find it interesting now that Reggie Ball is ineligible to play, he’s such a terrible person and deserves what he got!!
Let’s face it, high school and college sports use players for their own advantage and when they have used them up, they throw them out! This has been happening for as long as I can remember! It’s easy to say that it’s his own fault for not making the grades, but GT has also made it clear that what’s important is the ball game, not the classroom!! As long as student athletes are willing to play the sport and sacrifice their own well-being, schools are willing to explote them!!
By Mark P
December 21, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
ga tech 92- no those clever comments come pretty natural.
Mark- it’s too bad we share a name. Why should I feel bad for him? I’m sure he is down. Why is he down? Is he down because of a bunch of good decisions he made? Is he down because he is a mature adult? Is he down because he got a raw deal? NO!!!!!!! HE’S DOWN BECAUSE OF A LOOOOONG LINE OF BAD DECISIONS HE MADE ON AND OFF THE FIELD THAT HE IS NOW PAYING FOR!!! HE IS DOWN BECAUSE HE COULDN’T KEEP A “C” AVERAGE!!! HE IS DOWN BECAUSE HIS SHI##Y ATTITUDE GOT HIM WHERE HE IS TODAY!! You people are the ones with the problem. This is not a naive 17 year old kid we’re talking about. This is a 22 year old man who has gotten what he deserves. If he had a good attitude, was a leader, studied hard, didn’t continually make bad decisions, would he be in this situation? NO!!! Does anyone on here feel sorry for Marcus Vick? Quincy Carter? THey put themselves in their positions by making poor decisions! ADULT DECISIONS!!! What Reggie does towards righting his ship, or not, is still up to him!! Don’t ask me to feel sorry for a grown man who has put himself in this position. I know what…let’s keep giving him chances so he doesn’t have to be held accountable for his actions, that should teach him a lesson! THAT’LL TEACH HIM RESPONSIBILITY!!!!!!
By Captain Truth
December 21, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
Can we put to bed this whole notion that Tech had these “talented” teams the past 4 years and that Reggie kept them down? Tech was not the “better team” in any of their losses this year. Just look at the # of NFL guys on the roster compared to UGA’s. Reggie was just another typical, 2-3 star tech recruit. There are a few exceptions, but thats it. Dave Briane was right. GT will never be big time.
By Jarvis
December 21, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this
Why do I have 6 Tech Grads in my UGA MBA cohort?
Did their undergrad degrees not prepare them for getting into a “good” business schoool?
By Google
December 21, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this
Hey GT Girl, it sounds like you are more fond of your 5 carat diamond ring than you are of your husband. Obviously you are just an empty headed materialistic hussy that will probably dump his butt the first time he fails to support your lazy rearend in the manner you expect. Or then again, maybe he will wise up and trade up to a woman who loves him for who he is, and not for what he can buy you.
By Junior
December 21, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
Reggie’s problem was not a coaching or ability problem. Reggie’s problem was a lack of character. His trash talking punk attitude on the field indicated his lack of character. His news conference comments or lack there of, also indicated his lack of character. And finally his lack of academic success confirms the problem.
We will be OK with Taylor Bennett at the controls along with Calvin and Tashard’s talents.
Goooooooooooooooo jackets!!!!!!!!!
By Doug
December 21, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
I’m calling shenanigans on GTgirl. Everyone knows there aren’t any girls at Tech.
By GT Girl
December 21, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this
Google - sorry I come off that way. That is far from the truth. My point was that people from Tech can succeed too. I graduated from Tech and have a secure job myself. I can support myself and don’t need a man to help me. I have no intention of ever “dumping his butt” when you get married you say vows…”till death do us part”.
By GT Fan Jeff
December 21, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this
Questions that come to mind after reading this blog:
Why is there so much concern about the rest of Reggie Ball’s life and career and so little about Kenny Scott’s?
Why do so many people assume Reggie will never get his degree from GT just because he flunked a course?
Why do so many people assume GT has no chance against WVU just because Reggie will not play? (Remember 1972 and 1985)
Which will be more of an indictment of Chan Gailey’s failure as a coach — Taylor Bennett playing well in the Gator Bowl, or Taylor Bennett falling flat on his face against WVU?
How many more “train wrecks” is it going to take for Chan Gailey to be removed as the “Head Engineer” at GT?
Why are so many UGA graduates and fans so interested in what happens to Reggie Ball now?
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Beat West Virginia!!!
By GT
December 21, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
Reggie is a bad egg. He has no respect for the system, which sometimes places him into the same category as a reporter. Both think they are just doing a job in their world and there is a simple answer to their problem. One thinks if he can be left along all his problems would dissolve. The other thinks telling the world through this reporter will right the ship. Neither one has any merit to me. Isolating yourself allows you to blame the problem on someone else besides yourself thus never solving the problem since the only person you should be blaming is yourself. And the civic minded reporter who makes his living kicking up dust and twisting the story to suit his purpose, mocking the player for not wanting to tell his story and when he tells his story mocking the story for commercial exploitation. Does anybody set their compass anymore by the reported word, especially the sports writer’s?
By booger
December 21, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
LOL @ GT girl @ home w/5 carats while her dude is out doing a Hooters girl. Have fun w/the ring.
By jarvis
December 21, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this
I certainly wasn’t implying that no one from Tech is successful. That would be as ridiculous as implying the same about UGA.
Of the 6 in my program, 5 of the Tech folks are great people. One in fact, is one of the brightest and hardest working I’ve ever had the priv to know. The 6th is a bit of a douche-bag, but you can’t have it all. I’ve worked for a company that had a Tech Grad as CEO. On the other hand, I grew up next to an alcholic Tech Grad that was so cheap he refused to even buy his children clothes. The point I’m making is that all schools have all kinds of folks. Some good, some ridiculous rednecks (My season tickets are next to the latter at UGA), but it’s tiring to see people bashing my education all of the time because it apparently makes them feel better about their football team having a bad go of it.
By KickYourDawg
December 21, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
Two words: Vanderbilt, Kentucky
Maybe Q. Carter and R. Ball can sit around and smoke dope together while tailgating in Athens.
By Tech&UGA Alum
December 21, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this
Where was all this hate when Luginbill was quarterbacking in the 90s?
By SICEM
December 21, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this
I just called my bookie and hedged my previous bet on WVU. Now that Ball flunked out I am going with Tech.
By social security
December 21, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
I’m wondering if Tech will continue to throw way too many sideline jump type almost out-of-bounds passes and will I be just as aggravated at the new QB… Hope not…twice!
By gtjacket
December 21, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
An early Merry Xmas to us all! I actually danced around the apt for a couple minutes last night in pure joy! I’m eager to see Taylor in action and Calvin without a horrible QB throwing to him. And to Reggie, I’ll see your thug a* behind a McDonalds counter soon enough!!!
By Dawgfan01
December 21, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
Reggie seemed in good spirits Saturday night at Moondogs! Its evident by the way he played against UGA and Wake Forrest that someone is paying him off to lose the games. There is no other explanation for a D1 QB to play so poorly with the greatest college receiver in the past 10 years on your team.
By Cottoneye Joe
December 21, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this
KickYourDawg—
One word : Georgia
By joe
December 21, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this
When Gailey started the drug dealer in the bowl game last year, we saw Tech’s “commitment” to ethics and values. Sure a judge ordered him on the team, but it was Gailey’s call to start him.
Leadership starts with the coach. Ball is a reflection of Gailey. Gailey allowed him to trash talk instead of teaching him to be a leader. Gailey allowed him to flap in the wind of critisism after a loss instead of taking the blame.
Tech people always want to lord over UGA as a superior school, but when it comes to athletics, the chickens come home to roost!
By Davetv
December 21, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this
Tech players give up going to class.
Georgia players drink and drive.
Which one is worse, need i say nore.
Go Jackets.
By WV Native
December 21, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand BUZZ TIME’s need to deride our university as ‘Incest U’. Wasn’t ‘Deliverance’ actually filmed in Georgia? My father-in-law and I were discussing this and I said: “Uncle Frank, those Georgia Tech jerks need to be taught a lesson.” I don’t know about crack, but speed kills and y’all are in for a long day come New Year’s Day. By the way, my Grandma/Half-Sister says you can all kiss her A**.
By dave
December 21, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
Thanks everyone for a good laugh during lunch. Mark, I suggest a follow up column on Quincy after the holidays to keep this bantering going. Better yet, perhaps a column on the return of UGA’s basketball program after they stomp the Jackets this Friday?
Reap it, Jacket fans…you suck in all sports.
By joe
December 21, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
“Tech&UGA Alum
Where was all this hate when Luginbill was quarterbacking in the 90s?”It was on the sidelines against Bill Lewis and lobbying for Donnie Davis….. ask Ryan Stewart!
By theedge56
December 21, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
Will all you UGAy fans get the rocks out of your head before I call the Dog Whisperer on you. The NCAA standard is 2.0 and 6 hours. The Tech standard is higher! The paper said he failed to meet both. A few years back Theodis Tarver was ruled ineligible by Tech but still met NCAA standards. This is Reggie Balls fault and nobody else. I agree it would be in the coaches best interest to be pro-active. All the help in the world is there for these kids and he for what ever reason did not take advantage of it. And quit acting like he failed all four years! It could be one class one semester below 2.0.
Hopefully all of the harsh critics won’t cause him to make the grave mistake of not returning to class next semester and graduating. I for one applaud him for playing and giving everything he had. Best wishes in your future.
By forgetful
December 21, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
Hey Davetv
I agree drinking and driving is horrid and players should be punished. How do you feel about GT DB’s making big drug deals???????? Pot-Kettle-Black
By joe
December 21, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
“I for one applaud him for playing and giving everything he had.”
48% completion percentage 1-1 TD/Int ratio “everything he had”…….
By Sturge
December 21, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
Mark and gatech92- You are the epitome of what is wrong w/our athletic department. I hold you personally responsible for atrocities like Chan Gailey’s contract extension and Cynthia McKinney being elected to office. Reggie is lucky to have clowns like you and Chan defending him. But guess what dawg, the GT professors are apparently fans and made the tough decision when idiots like you two wanted to be good liberals and keep giving an inept punk thug chance after chance. There’s no outcome based results in football dawg. Shut up and go find a tree to hug or go play soccer, the only alleged sport you two have probably ever played.
By the chief
December 21, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
I was not going to Jacksonville and watch RB again. Now, I cannot go to Jacksonville, but I’m gonna buy a ticket and donate it just so somebody can go see our new quarterback and possibly lift the curtain on a bright future.
Go RB! and take CG with you!
By Willie K
December 21, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
Will someone ask the VT staff if R Ball can play for them in the Peach Bowl???? I would love to watch that train wreck play one more time.
By theedge56
December 21, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
Apparantly that was his best and either there was nobody better or the coach made poor decisions. Since you and I are not on the team we do not know the answer to that question.
By sam
December 21, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
GT girl sounds like a real keeper..not!
The truth is the whole rivalry between Tech and UGA comes down to one thing…. who’s got the hotter chicks?
I think we all know the answer to that one
By sam
December 21, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
Sturge=Pud
By Doug
December 21, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this
Sturge, what the hell is the matter with you? Why in the world do you keep bringing politics and Cynthia McKinney into a discussion of a college quarterback? Are you just trying to demonstrate that all right-wingers are shrill, one-note ‘tards? If so, thanks, but I didn’t need to be reminded.
At any rate, I’m both a liberal AND I think Reggie Ball is a first-class douchebag, so there goes your theory.
By GTVegas
December 21, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
Was this unexpected? Not really.
Is it disappointing? Yes, for both Ball and Scott, but especially Ball.
Whose fault is it? Ball’s, he is an ADULT.
My biggest question is, Where the ** was Gailey and his coaching staff? They are supposed to be monitoring this stuff, both attendance and grades. IF they would have known this was potentially coming, they could have done two things. They could have tried to help Ball stay eligible with tutoring (maybe they did). Second, they could have played Bennett more to get him ready given the high liklihood that Ball would not be able/allowed to play in the bowl game. This just tells me that Gailey does not deserve to be Head coach. There really is no good answer for him. If he did not know of Ball’s impending ineligibility, he’s was asleep at the helm. If he knew, then it is his fault that Bennett did not get more playing time. Either way, this falls solely on his shoulders and he should publicly take the blame for Tech not being ready for this bowl game. If Bennett plays poorly, it is Gailey’s fault for not giving him playing time. If he plays great, it is Gailey’s fault for losing the last two games by refusing to play Bennett. Either way, Gailey let down this team, and its’ fans.
Gailey needs to go and the AD needs to go talk to Wisenhunt.
I am sorry for Ball. I hope he did not flunk out of school and still gets his degree. I also hope this humbles him and he learns a lesson from it.
Anyone saying he is just a kid and should be afforded pity….pity would be easier given to a player that treats others with respect and respects what chances he has been given. I do not believe that Reggie realizes that yet given his actions (mostly off the field) over the past four years.
Regige - you need to grow up…fast.
Chan - You need to go…fast. This is not an issue of whether you can coach or not, it’s an issue of refusing to see reality and manage your assets.
By Sturge
December 21, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this
Wow sam, you sound like quite the genius. Go sip on a Zima and relive your soccer days.
By Sturge
December 21, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
Wow, did I touch a nerve Doug? You are generous in your assessment of calling McKinney a politician. That’s like calling Reggie a leader. Can I assume you’re a Chan Gailey supporter? If you read carefully before you talked (something liberals don’t do) you’d have noticed that was my theory. Seriously though, did you play soccer?
By Ramblwrk68
December 21, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
This fiasco is completely on Gailey’s shoulders! He cannot find out that two stars are down on the grades and behind in hours?????
AD Dan needs to clean house! Fire the whole lot, release all the verbals from their commitments, find a winner head coach and let him rebuild from the ground up. Write off the next two years, but make it clear that by year 4, there had better be a BCS bowl!
FIRE GAILEY AND THE LOT, NOW
By sam
December 21, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
actually Stooge, i played hoops at a Big east school and me an your momma like to drink beer in your old bedroom
By theedge56
December 21, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
Chans failure to stay on top of this is at his own peril. Schools are expecting higher graduation rates from their athletic programs. And with limited talent as it is you cannot be sucessful losing anyone unexpectedly to academics.
I do however think at many other places of higher learning there would be something done to make it right. Regrades, review boards, make-up work or something of that nature. I think holding the student-athlete to a standard is important and am glad to see Tech show the fortitude to do what is right.
Lets be real about the upcoming game K. Scott is ten times more valuable in this game than Ball would have been. Bennett gets a go at the 108th defense against the pass with Calvin. The defense gets to face three players (Slaton, Renaud, and White) that are faster than anyone on the defense.
Threet and Nesbitt are probably bummed that Taylor has this chance because Chan has had the tendency to stand by his man.
By Ripdog
December 21, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
Here we ago again with the use of the word thug. It’s amazing how racist people are when they can hide behind a screen name. Anyway, this is just a kid and he shouldn’t be subjected to the kind of abuse the irresponsible reportin that AJC subjects him too. Wasn’t he a winning quarterback and took his team to four straight bowl games. How come Tommy Luginbill didn’t get this much bad press after a 1-10 season? I’m sure deep down inside, the good people at the AJC know why. Ok, so Reggie is ineligible. Judging from some of these posts, half the people that are criticizing Reggie for his academic problems probably couldn’t get into Tech more less graduate from the school. Sure 50 players on the UGA roster got a 3.0 or better. That’s easy with courses like the “The Fundamentals of Baskeball” or “Air Hockey 101”. Reggie, get your degree and shake off the haters.
By mika
December 21, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
I hope he still get his Degree. But this is a awful way to end a collegiate career…
By Sturge
December 21, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
yeah right sam, keep dreamin’…that’s the worst mamma line I’ve heard. I took such liberties w/your mamma last night that I’m legally recognized as your father in 29 states.
By Forever_UGA
December 21, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Ya know, it really doesn’t matter if Reggie or Kenny Scott was eligible or not. WV is gonna hand you your a** at the Gator Bowl. Just like they did us last year? Right?(lost by 3pts) Only this year, that translates into 3 TD’s at least for y’all. I know it’s almost ‘cliche’, but CHAN IS THE MAN!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
By Gene Summers
December 21, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
I am simply amazed the way people are so quick to gloat, criticize and condemn a young man because he did not either win or lose enough “precious” football games (depending on your fan base). Let’s be honest, college sports is all about money. The powers that be turn his/her head when it’s convenient, and doesn’t mind sacrificing young men or women when necessary. Politics and money – you can’t separate the two when it comes to college sports and creating a huge fan base. How many coaches receive million dollar contracts based on their win/loss stats? Do you think they care if a student with overwhelming athletic ability passes when it all comes down to what is in the win/loss column? Does any one honestly believe that no one knew Reggie Ball was ineligible until just days ago! Come on! If you believe this you’re a bigger sucker than Reggie Ball has been for not focusing on what college is really supposed to be about, academics.
Using kids with exciting athletic ability to better a school’s program isn’t anything new. So let’s take our heads out of the sand. This practice was just so much more obvious in the 70’s, 80’s and even early 90’s. Don’t fool yourself into thinking it still doesn’t happen. However, some of these kids were truly coached and mentored to use such an opportunity to his/her advantage and were not always looking for the “PRO” thing. Obviously, no one told this kid – neither his parents nor his coaches – that there are no guarantees in life. As is shown today, hero today, worst person on the planet tomorrow (to some – not to me, I could care less how many games the school won or lost). Loyal fans will still support a school and its program through thick and thin.
Reggie, you’re a young man and with the right attitude and support and training – you can still be anything you want – even a PRO football player. After all, this is still the United States of America. As far as the individuals who attempted to communicate with improper grammar as a stab to stereotype you, they just documented their ignorance. They are simply hidden by their tag names. These are the idiots no academically sound school would acknowledge.
By charles Jones
December 21, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
Again this proves too large an ego is a bad thing. Reggie, a good education can go a long way, especially when its doubtful you’ll play at the next level.
By Anin
December 21, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
You people should be ashamed of yourselves, instead of bashing him you should be asking what went wrong. Obviously Tech shares the blame also, you would think that an instituion of such high esteem would be able to help its starting quarter back with at least a 2.0 average. Thank God my son and I were both educated at Southern Cal!
By randy
December 21, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
gene summers! you are a moron!
By crackbaby
December 21, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
Some terrible comments on this blog.
Kudos to those with constructive comments. We like to watch football and root for our school, but the chances of succeeding in life are far greater through education than athletics.
I wish good luck to Mr. Ball in his future endeavors and Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays and Happy New year to all (Jacket and Dawg fans alike).
Both the Gator and Chick Fil A bowls should be good games.
By One Dawg
December 21, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
This is a sad close to a young man’s career at Georgia Tech. As much as I bleed red and black, I do feel sorry for Reggie. Alot of people are taking joy in his demise and if Reggie is looking for anyone to blame for that he should first look at himself. Most disdain was over his arrogant attitude which seemed to be a reflection of how insecure he was. The wheels have now fallen off. Hopefully he can get it together, but he will need to change his attitude first.
By Jim Chambers
December 21, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
The only thing that would make me happier than seeing Ball go is to see Gailey go too. Two losers we don’t need.
By M-STRONG
December 21, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
What a dumb-a*. Typical black athlete. Does not care about anyone, but himself. While he is out trying to find fat white girls, his teammates are actually studying, in order to give back to the university that gave them a $100,000 education for free. That loser will never make it in the NFL. He will be flipping burgers across the street at the Varsity (if he is smart enough).
By Someone with Sense
December 21, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
Reggie Ball is a young man first, a college football player, somewhere in priorities down the line. GT wasn’t paying him (he is an in-state student so don’t bring up tuition that a part-time job could have paid had he not been spending unpaid hours on the football field). He did the best he could and if that wasn’t good enough for the fans, then put on a jersey and try out for the team and stop living vicariously through him. The amount of pressure this kid is/was under is tremendous; more than what most adults can handle. I can definitely see it as a distraction from being able to focus and concentrate on studies. His chances of making it to the NFL were already slim and to play anohter game to be critized and berated, I don’t think so! Reggie, forget them….go on with your life…refocus and get your degree!
By sam
December 21, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
from the sounds of you guys, you would think that he smoked a bunch of crack, stole a car and crashed in to the police station. he failed a damn class and cant play in the nothing bowl. too bad, sos sorry. who cares? I’ll bet he ends up with a better life than most of you dorks.
By Richard Hanson
December 21, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
At GT all the tough classes are in the first year or two. Nobody flunks out as a senior unless they quit trying. At least we can give Reggie credit for raising expectations.
By Doug
December 21, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
As a matter of fact, Sturge, yes, I’m a HUGE Chan Gailey supporter … but then most of us UGA grads are. I hope you keep him as Tech’s coach until he croaks.
By Mark P.
December 21, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
Ripdog- “thug” is only a racist comment because you made it one. Do white people get offended and scream racism when they get called “trailor trash?” NO! Is “thug” now going to be a forbidden word because it is offensive? Please, don’t be so sensitive. Nobody has ever said that a degree from your institution isn’t a good one. What people are saying is that this guy has had an inconsistent career, coupled with a p** poor attitude, an ego that outweighed his laughable 5’8 frame, and a track record of bad decisions. Put all those together and what do you get? A 4 year starting senior who is ineligible his last year in college before his last game, because of more p** poor choices!!!
By Artie
December 21, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
Forever_UGA:
That was the BIGGEST 3-point blowout of all time!!!! The Mountaineers were obviously on cruise control after they went up 28-0. BTW…I’m not a Tech fan..just pure, unbiased viewpoint.
By Gen Neyland
December 21, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
Gene Summers
Individuals make a team a program. When a chink in the armor appears, a weakness follows. Reggie is that weakness. The system didn’t fail Reggie, Reggie failed the system. Any excuses on his behalf becomes the chink that enables more failures to follow. I’m sure Reggie knew that his God given abilities would ultimately produce revenue for Tech. In return, Reggie was given a free ride to the promise land of his own economic security via an education…You see Gene, the game of football teaches NO EXCUSES. Some get it, some don’t…
By Captain Truth
December 21, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
Why is it racist to call someone a “thug?” I bet you think its racist to call Brian Nichols a “murderer?” Or to say that Mike Vick “can’t throw accurately?” How about “DJ Shockley is 10 times better than Troy Smith?” Oh wait, thats comparing two guys of the same race. Sorry.
Its a shame that one cannot criticize an african-american athlete without being labeled a “hater.”
By Captain Truth
December 21, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
Artie-
Cruise control? Rich Rod even said after the game (in reference to the fake punt) that he knew UGA was going to score every time they got the ball. They were running for their lives, not on “cruise control.” Great job of pulling it out by WVU.
By Johnathan Manns
December 21, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
It’s just a game. If you are foolish enough to gamble on college sports other than for fun – you deserve your disappointments. I am not a sports fan of either UGA or GATech, but I support both regardless of their opponents. These schools represent Georgia and so do many of their fans! It is fine to blog and to have fun between rivals, but to attach this young man so viciously is absolutely insane. Reggie is an example of what happens to young men/women who are USED for their athletic skills and abilities only. Do you really believe the coaches knew nothing? Please, get a grip. Reggie is not a thug by any means. He has probably done much less than most – but because of his race – he’s going to be vilified if he spits on the side walk. It’s a fact of life whether we want to admit it or not. After all, this is the South and most notably, it is Georgia. Most of these crazy sports critics/fans never expected Reggie to achieve anything positive other than win games to support their bragging rights or huge salaries/contracts.
Some parents need to truly face the fact that their child will be sought out strictly for their athletic abilities. It’s a money game. But these parents need to take responsibility and ensure their student is being responsible and achieving at academics as well. There will be many more Reggie Balls in the future, and there have already been many in the past. As far as the people who see Reggie as a thug or some other negative person, it comes with the source and nothing else. I hope someone will help him to prove wrong all these mightier than thou individuals. Of course, they would then only find something wrong with him achieving success. Some folks will always need something to make them feel better than the other guy – even if only in their mind! Go Reggie, go live a good life and forget about this craziness. Be a role model and talk to ALL high school athletes about this experience and encourage them to focus on education no matter how many games win or loose. Let’s see how many fans will stand behind this wonderful thought. Merry Christmas, and I do mean Merry Christmas with no harm intended towards anyone else.
By getajob
December 21, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
What a joke, he had his arms covered in crap as if he was already a pro athlete, now who’s going to hire this clown? I actually heard a tech fan claim that Calvin deserved the Heisman BECAUSE he was able to catch even when thrown bad passes by this clown. What an idiot, what a waste.
By JDawg
December 21, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
funny- the “techie tribune” writer never mentioned anything about Reggie being THE biggest smack talker in college football…don’t shed any tears for that miserable puke!
By gdawginkalamazoo
December 21, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
joe, re: your 1:49 post. Well said. That is the root of Reggie’s problems. The coach is suppose to guide and teach the kids when they make mistakes. There are many ways he could have done this early on in Ball’s career and he didn’t. Same with the classes, doesn’t Chan have a compliance officer that checks up on these things? And if so, wouldn’t they check up on the starting QB?
WV Native. Please rip Tech another new one. They deserve it. The difference you will see between the Georgia team you played last year and the Georgia Tech team you play this year is that they are quitters. So if you build that 28 point lead, they won’t come back like we did. You will see a bunch of sad faces like the UGA fans were last year except instead of sticking around to watch the game their a*******es will be headed out the door. What few they will have there. Good luck to you guys. I will be traveling but by the time I reach my destination I would like to see Slaton and White have record setting days.
By GT04
December 21, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
The racism is appalling, though not unexpected in this state, I suppose.
Who would expect such vitriol to come over football? Get a damn life. I’ve seen Reggie play like a pro (last drive against Miami) and I’ve seen him play badly. Either way, remember that it’s just college football. No need to kill anyone over it.
By Chris
December 21, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
Your last semester should be gravy. For Ball to go 3 1/2 years with no academic problems until now is crazy. So now he is out of football and is in jeporday of graduating, what a lose/lose. To be honest Ball has hurt a ton of people, his family, Coaches, Fans, Students, up and coming black QB and most of all HIM.
He will have to live with this for the rest of his life. This may make a triva game in the next few years.
What QB was not able to play in his last career game due to academics?
By BabyboyBill
December 21, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
Damn, you people act like this young man robbed the Waffle House this morning. He had a bad semester in school. It happens. Reggie, if you’re reading this, don’t worry about these ignorant fools. You are very young and a Management degree from Tech will open many doors for you. Please concentrate and get your degree. There are many athletes who wish they would’ve stayed in school to get that degree. I don’t care how many times you fall, get back up, and keep your eyes on the prize. They can never take that degree away from you.
By coach
December 21, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
I almost fell out of my chair when I found the following quote atributed to Chan Gailey talking about the West Virginia coach. He was talking about the WV coach changing his offense to fit the players he has.
“A lot of guys won’t do that because they want to be known for a certain type of offense,” Gailey said. “He doesn’t let his ego get in the way of doing what is best for his team. That to me is what he’s done great.”
Hopefully, Gailey will look and learn. I would love to be an opposing coach with the task of stopping a Chan Gailey offense. He is so damn predictable.
By Earl Campbell
December 21, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
Individuals make a team including the coaches. Yes, I agree, Georgia Tech made huge revenues from Reggie Ball – nothing new in college sports, right. He also started at Tech as an 18/19 year old kid who should have had some decisions made for him when it came to playing the game if/when grades were below the school standards. However, because of this revenue stream, many turned a blind eye. I ask, if he was performing so well for the first 3 years and suddenly failed in the last semester – did any one even consider it may have been something more serious (not drugs or acting like a thug – let’s be a little serious). This young man has been heavily criticized day in and day out regarding his performance. Yet, he suffered through the media and the fan. Why didn’t the coaches make a move – do they not bare any responsibility? Are they just there to bring in the money - forget about the kids and the problems that may come with them? In the corporate environment, real leaders (not the crooks) not only care about their company, they also care about their employees. The coaches at Georgia Tech cared more about themselves than Reggie Ball.
Yes, Reggie is responsible for becoming academic ineligible. How many classes were on his schedule? Two classes perhaps may have been all he needed to graduate. He flunked one, there you go! Do you think he is the only student at Georgia Tech to flunk a class, Black, White, Asian, other? What if this one class was the only class he ever flunked! So now he is the worst individual to ever set foot on the campus of Georgia Tech. Maybe not, however, none of us know the full story, but we sure have been able to rip him royally. For those of us who in honesty and fairness – the numbers are very few based on the people who have been blogging this story! I hope none of these screen names belong to people who call me a friend.
To the individual who thinks every black athlete (apparently blacks general) are dumb/ignorant – do you still wear a sheet or do you openly express your opinions so everyone knows what you’re really like (both your White, Black, Asian and Other associates – dare I say friends). Just curious. Screen names are wonderful aren’t they. Even coaches can defend their actions.
By coach
December 21, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this
I almost fell out of my chair when I found the following quote atributed to Chan Gailey talking about the West Virginia coach. He was talking about the WV coach changing his offense to fit the players he has.
“A lot of guys won’t do that because they want to be known for a certain type of offense,” Gailey said. “He doesn’t let his ego get in the way of doing what is best for his team. That to me is what he’s done great.”
Hopefully, Gailey will look and learn. I would love to be an opposing coach with the task of stopping a Chan Gailey offense. He is so damn predictable.
By TECH MAN
December 21, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this
ITS A SHAME HE DIDNT FLUNK OUT 4 YEARS AGO, THEN WE MIGHT HAVE BEATEN UGA 2 OR 3 TIMES—HOPEFULLY GAILEY WILL FLUNK OUT NEXT. I FEEL MORE CONFIDENT AGAINST WVA WITH BENNET—HE IS GOOD, JUST PASSED OVER ALOT BECAUSE OF BALL.
By ntruroman
December 21, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this
Reggis Ball is a remarkable natural athlete. Were it not for these gifts, GT would never have considered accepting him. Ironic, then, that GT chooses this time to reject him based upon academics. Rest assured, everyone saw this coming. His coaches, his profs, his tutors - everyone.
I have admired Reggie’s athleticism as often as I have been frustrated by his decision making. But I have never questioned his will to win or his effort, and that is about all we could ask from him under this coaching regime.
As for young Mr. Bennett - he’s a very smart kid with a rifle for an arm. He’s a very different style of player than Reggie, and we’ll all have to get used to that. But give him a chance - more than one high-profile Janurary bowl game - and he may well impress. Such a shame he’ll only have this one game with Calvin. THAT would have been something to see - a throwing QB with 21 on the receiving end.
Good luck, Taylor. Carla, Erik, Kyle, Sean and I will be rooting for you and the Jackets.
By Jean Young
December 21, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
To the ajc: Do you realize how this blog has allowed people to tear down a young man over a sport. How many of these bloggers actually care whether he flunked a class or even if he will graduate, most only seem concerned that he isn’t going to play in the last game or that the coach didn’t pull him earlier to prepare someone else.
Then the racism. Oh, I forgot – Georgia – enough side. Now how do you like this criticism – see my point. Some of you seemed to be so brained washed from your childhood background (parental influence – no matter what your real experience was like) and hatred - you can’t see the forest for the trees? And we think religious FANatics are nuts!
By Aaron Holt
December 21, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this
I guess the Racist need to keep Georgia’s reputation alive. I pray none of them are in my organization – it would truly be a cataclysm if these people revealed themselves and made visible the real “stench” in this country.
By Bomar Olds, GT '51
December 21, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this
Surprise! Surprise! Ball can’t “pass” . . . a football or academics! How long does it take to find out that an athlete is “Flunking?” We thought the GTAA had tutors who monitored academics! How long does it take to find out these things? As a member of Ga Tech class of 1951 I think we have suffered enough over the football thing. Have you noticed that the shops are still advertising “1990 National Football Champs” T shirts! Maybe Tech should put it all into basketball and baseball & forget football especially bowl games which mean nothing anymore . . . . . except money! It was an honor yesteryear to be selected!
By Ball Licker In Athens
December 21, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
How FITTING that the one person who could “do in” Reggie Ball was…REGGIE BALL! And for all of the WHINERS crying about his “failure to develop” somehow being the fault of bad coaching — What a load of BS!
Ball HAD MORE OPPORTUNITY AT GT THAN ANY OTHER PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF GT SPORTS He started more games at QB…He instilled TERROR in the hearts of the coaches, allowing him to pretty much do whatever he wanted on the field and with the Press…He played when other players would’ve been BENCHED based solely on POOR PERFORMANCE…He was allowed to TRASH TALK REPEATEDLY during Nationally-Televised Games (how embarrassing for one of the TOP 10 Public Colleges in the USA)
And how doe he repay TECH, his coaches, his supporters, his dad, etc??? He manages to BOMB OUT off the field, through ABSOLUTELY NOBODY’S FAULT BUT HIS OWN! As if he couldn’t bring enough SHAME and EMBARRASSMENT to TECH ON THE FIELD…NOOOO, not Reggie Ball! He has to SET NEW STANDARDS (of the undesirable kind) at TECH by PROVING HE’S A QUITTER AND A COMPLETE FAILURE in the classroom too!
Reggie Ball’s TATTOOED BODY was always more developed than his BRAIN. Now he can tattoo a BIG FAT “FAILURE” on his A* as he packs his bags and tells everyone at TECH to kiss his a* on the way out, DOG. Good-Freakin’-Riddance to this Trash-Talking, Tattooed THUG that had absolutely NO BUSINESS being on the TECH campus for even ONE SEMESTER! He should’ve been at UGAy…
And for you UGAy MORONS, it’s:
Georgia Institute of Technology…NOT Georgia Tech University. But why should we expect more from a bunch of morons who couldn’t even COMBINE THEIR SAT SCORES and get into TECH?
And EW, find somewhere ELSE to show your IGNORANCE, like a UGAy message board where you’ll feel more at home. GT REQUIRES SENIORS to maintain a 2.0 GPA…That’s a TECH STANDARD, not an NCAA Standard! And you think UGAy’s “quickly passing Tech by in Academics”?!??!! You, Sir, must be the BIGGEST MORON of the whole bunch. One school is viewed as an extension of HIGH SCHOOL, while the other is recognized as being in the TOP 10 OF EVERY ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE TAUGHT. Learn to distinguish fact from fiction, TRUTH from LIES…
The University of Georgia IS and WILL FOREVER BE Georgia Tech’s Academic B***!
By Reggie REGGECTS Reggie
December 21, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this
ntruroman: Sorry, but you wrong, Dog! Here what you say: “Ironic, then, that GT chooses this time to reject him based upon academics. Rest assured, everyone saw this coming. His coaches, his profs, his tutors - everyone.”
Here where you wrong:
GT never choosed to reject me cause of academinics…It just The Reggie Way to end something. You know, Dog, I always givin peoples false hopes, then pull rug out from under thems at last minute. I does that in Big Foosball Games and now I get evin better! I does it before Big Foosball Games!
They won’t let me play no more because I didn’t make the grade, Dog. Nuthin special, you know, just a grade Dog. I the one who pulled out rug from under meself this time! Wait a minute. Reggie pull out rug from under Reggie? I thought they still let me play even whin I flunk out. They always let me play whin I fumble on 1st play of game or do sumthin else stupid on the field!
Reggie never saw Reggie REGGECTING Reggie like this. If you so smart, why you didn’t post that I was going to REGGIE MESELF be4 I did it, Dog? Thin I mite be playin 4 Coach again.
By ugalum
December 21, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this
GT is a great school. If you want to be an Engineer, there are few schools (MIT and the likes) that can top Tech’s program. However, if you want to major in…. Business, ya go to UGA Journalism, ya go to UGA Education, ya go to UGA Want a great public law school? Go to UGA. How about Pharmacy? UGA Wanna be a Vet? UGA baby!
UGA a “cow college”? We are a top 20 public. Incoming freshman score 1250+ on their SAT’s and post high GPA’s.
GO DAWGS!
By InsectInside
December 21, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this
So at least the dog fans know what we’ve known all along. For the past 2 years, your team was not the better team, just barely winning because of RB’s mistakes. I didn’t care for his personality or his play, but I have no doubt he gave his all on the field. I fault Chan for not pulling him when he wasn’t performing. Too bad his academic commitment was not on par with his athletic commitment. Because of that we have to read the mindless, playground trash of UGA pukes who want to pretend that academics on Georgia athletes compares to that at Tech. THAT is what should be laughed at.
By Huskdawg
December 21, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this
GUYS! C’MON! These are COLLEGE KIDS we’re talkin’ about! Now I know most of us didn’t play college ball, but, remember your college years. You were away from your parents for the first time, hot shot on campus(these kids), on your own for the first time. Luckily, these boys have a coaching staff to at least hold them accountable to some degree. I’ve been a long time dawg fan, but I work with and have a lot of tech friends. That doesn’t diminish my feud, and they know that. With that said, I actually feel very sorry for Reggie, unlike some of my dawgs. True Dawg fans hate Florida and Tech, but it’s on the field. Think about it, what’s worse, having Reggie not in the bowl game, or losing to Vandy and Kentucky in the same year? Both schools have their problems and we are always going to jawjack back and forth. Just know there are some dawg fans who will be “aggressively civil” when we talk about the rivalry, not down right crude. Yes, we both love it when the other one loses a game, but damn, we don’t always have to smear their face in it. These blogs are great, and let us get our “stuff” out there. Some of the posters on here are just trying to start a riot. I’m all for a fight, but keep it clean. I guess I’m old school. GO DAWGS!!!!!!
By GT Fan
December 21, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this
Reggie, Thank you for the sacrifices you made on behalf of the team. People on the outside looking in, don’t know you.
I never knew that people could beso mean. That is karma they will have to pay back.
By Huskdawg
December 21, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this
And Bran, great post, but please, interject some punctuation in your posts;don’t fret, I love you man!!
By someonethatknowswhoyouareandsawwhatyoudid
December 21, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this
It’s really amazing how hateful you are and has always ben towards Reggie. I should not be surprised from the offsprings of slave masters and plantation owners. You’re merely trust fund babies, you wouldn’t understand the hard work Reggie has put in as a Quarterback at Georgia Tech. You’re not fans,merely fans and trust fund babies and nothing good could possibly come from you, not good thoughts or deeds.
By someone that knows who you are and saw what you did
December 21, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this
It’s really amazing how hateful you are and has always been towards Reggie. I should not be surprised coming from the offsprings of slave masters and plantation owners. You are merely trust fund babies, you wouldn’t understand the hard work Reggie has put in as a Quarterback at Georgia Tech. You are no fans, merely spectators and trust fund babies and nothing good could possibly come from you, not good thoughts or deeds.
By billyloco
December 21, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this
Dr Ecker (a former All American football mega star at Tech) is frothing at the mouth!!
By Huskdawg
December 21, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this
someone, you’re a freakin IDIOT!!! Look at my freakin post you moron. I gave Reggie props. You sound like a f*******$ing liberal who knows nothing about life or the way things really work. Get off your liberal horse and come home. Now I’m going to take politics out of this and once again tell you that I don’t have a problem with Tech, and love the back and forth. I know you want Hillarly for pres, and I know I want anyone but. I was trying for anyone BUT that silly bit$h Let’s stick with anyone but her.
By Your lost memory
December 21, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this
You all represent the ugliness that is America, the worst of humanity! Reggie should not lose one moment or thought in your direction. You have always been sick and pathetic, you can’t help it it’s what you come from. The wretched of the earth. If you were as upset over this awful government as you are over football, we could make some progress. You are such disgusting hypocrites.
By Johnathan Manns
December 21, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this
It’s just a game. If you are foolish enough to gamble on college sports other than for fun – you deserve your disappointments. I am not a sports fan of either UGA or GATech, but I support both regardless of their opponents. These schools represent Georgia and so do many of their fans! It is fine to blog and to have fun between rivals, but to attach this young man so viciously is absolutely insane. Reggie is an example of what happens to young men/women who are USED for their athletic skills and abilities only. Do you really believe the coaches knew nothing? Please, get a grip. Reggie is not a thug by any means. He has probably done much less than most – but because of his race – he’s going to be vilified if he spits on the side walk. It’s a fact of life whether we want to admit it or not. After all, this is the South and most notably, it is Georgia. Most of these crazy sports critics/fans never expected Reggie to achieve anything positive other than win games to support their bragging rights or huge salaries/contracts.
Some parents need to truly face the fact that their child will be sought out strictly for their athletic abilities. It’s a money game. But these parents need to take responsibility and ensure their student is being responsible and achieving at academics as well. There will be many more Reggie Balls in the future, and there have already been many in the past. As far as the people who see Reggie as a thug or some other negative person, it comes with the source and nothing else. I hope someone will help him to prove wrong all these mightier than thou individuals. Of course, they would then only find something wrong with him achieving success. Some folks will always need something to make them feel better than the other guy – even if only in their mind! Go Reggie, go live a good life and forget about this craziness. Be a role model and talk to ALL high school athletes about this experience and encourage them to focus on education no matter how many games win or loose. Let’s see how many fans will stand behind this wonderful thought. Merry Christmas, and I do mean Merry Christmas with no harm intended towards anyone else.
By surfrider
December 21, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
The reason Ball did’nt talk to the media is simply BILBO who did talk to the media and we see what Chan did with him. For whatever reason the QB’s are told to keep their mouth shut with the press but we were lucky Joe A. opened his mouth with one game left. The buck stops with the head of the ship, Gailey. He is in charge of player development and management. O’leary rode the players to go to class though he may have taken in more questionable students than Gailey appears to. Gailey seems to like the NFL model where it’s really up to the players. However, at Tech this does’nt work in modern times. Tech needs a total person concept to keep the players in school. I think Reggie was shorted at Tech. He should have been redshirted but Gailey did’nt want to have another Scuggs/Bilbo controversy. He seemed less patient with them than he was with Reggie who had four years to show what he could and could’nt do.
By techaholic
December 22, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this
When the HC says there is no better than Reggie Ball to play QB at Tech - with a boatload of QBs going through the program and either transferring or the positions being changed, SOMEBODY should take notice of the coaching and decision makers!!
Chan Gailey and Patrick Nix annointed Ball the chosen one and did nothing to change that over 4 seasons. You’ve got Mr. All World at WR in Calvin Johnson and you sit on your arse with an offense that ranks in the 90’s and 70’s in the nation with that kind of talent????
Why any great Offensive player would want to come to Tech these days is questionable and asking for defeat with Chan leading the way and Nix is protege!
There’s one very good coach on Tech’s campus and he leads the D - that’s it folks.