Sports Columnists

By Raleigh Dog

July 14, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Maybe Mr. Pollack can join Mike Ditka in the fight to provide financial support for other athletes permanently disabled by professional football. That would be worthy of Mr. Pollack’s grit and determination.

By MaconDawg

July 14, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Schultz, where did you get your medical degree again?

By Nic

July 14, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Why don’t you try interviewing Pollack for your next column about him?

It might help you realize that he’s not clinging on for dear life to his football career — he’s at peace with what happened, and he would be okay with not being able to play football again. He has quite a few other options, buddy.

I think you should know that when you’re writing a column like this, the most important person for you to talk to would be David Pollack himself, rather than assuming things from an interview with Willie Martinez.

By King Donko of Punchstania

July 14, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Shultz- It’s time for you to stop pretending to have a clue about sports- and life in general for that matter- and take your rightful place hosting a weekly Dungons & Dragons/ Magic the Gathering tickle pile.

By Dolie

July 14, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Great call, Raleigh Dog. His vigor would lend a youthful voice to the older players who haven’t gotten proper benefits from the union after their playing careers ended. Pollack will do well with whatever he chooses to do, but that would be a very positive thing for him to do.

By humbug

July 14, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Dave Pollack may have to give up thoughts of playing again. All his fans hate to see that but we would hate even more to watch him try and fail. And I will not bet that he will fail.He is one of the very best and gave us fans more to cheer about than most who we will ever watch and cheer for. He was one of a kind and his play will not be forgotten. Please don’t push it Dave.

By bo

July 14, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

While common sense indeed dictates that he shouldn’t play again, how does anyone know that Pollock doesn’t already know that? He’s simply playing the part of a star in talking up healing and possibly returning to the game. He won’t return, and I suspect he knows that.

By Tony Harrison

July 14, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

We would love to have David back at Georgia as an Offensive Line coach. He would fit right in with the head coach. We miss him anyway. Good luck David.

By Jason

July 14, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

i think david should spend the rest of his life charging into a brick wall head first, backing up, and then doing it again until he can no longer breathe.

By john the vol

July 14, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

What a terrible article…I can’t believe your AJC “editors” did not require you at least speak with David Pollack and see what he thinks regarding your medical assertions. Your article portrays a sense of knowing what is going on in his head, and that is not fair. I am Vol fan and wish him the best. It is bad people like you are now positioning themselves to say “I told you so” regarding the potential end of his career.

By Eeyore

July 14, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Uh Dr. Schultz, you have horrific bedside manner. May, I assume you hate the Rocky movies? I’m glad you weren’t treating Lance Armstrong’s testicular cancer! Not only would he not have won 7 Tours but he wouldn’t have resumed cycling. Seriously, what kind of moron are you to tell someone to give up on their dream? How dare you? Pollack heart is his biggest asset not a reason for him to be assume he can beat the odds only so many times. Please Jeff stick to the SPORTS you know so little about and leave the medical quackery to the real Doctors.

By Derrick

July 14, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Jason - bitter are we?….

By Noba

July 14, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Um, Tony Harrison - I don’t know how useful Pollack would be as an offensive line coach. He plays defensive line, soooo….

By Jeff Schultz

July 14, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

MaconDawg …. I’m the biggest of David Pollack fans. Please find me one doctor who would recommend he continue playing football, and I’m all for it.

Nic … David isn’t speaking, beyond the brief statement he issued on Friday.

King … I have no idea what you just wrote. If you do, I guess that says something about both of us.

I like the idea of working with Ditka and others, but I like the idea of him getting into coaching, more. He’d be a great teacher.

I’ll check back later JS

By eeyoreisrealdumb

July 14, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Eeyore,

Riding in the Tour De France again did not risk Lance’s neck or ability to walk like tackling can on the football field. What a stupid moron you and the others that have attacked the saneness of David giving up on football.

By Peter

July 14, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Wow. What an arrogant statement from a little man who didn’t even bother to interview Pollack before writing an article about him. Has the AJCs subscriptions fell so low that all you “writers” can do to spark interest is to write negative (and uninformed) articles about Atlanta’s greatest sports heroes. Well, I guess thats what we can expect from a low class, low talent writer that you have proved yourself to be over that last while. Why don’t you just stick to your favorite topic of Mike Vick’s public execution, Jeff?

By oldschool

July 14, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Jeff Schultz writes the funniest stuff ever printed in the AJC. He’s absolutely unsurpassed in that regard. But no one life can have it all, and this effort on a serious subject is ridiculous, for all the reasons already stated, and more.

By Russ D

July 14, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

The AJC has gone downhill big time. Schultz what decent piece of sports journalism have you ever given this city. You sir are a complete waste.

By Nic

July 14, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Well — if he isn’t speaking outside of that statement, that doesn’t give you a reason to assume so much about what’s going on in his head.

I ran into him a few days ago at the Georgia Club (He and David Greene were playing golf) and asked him how the recovery was going. He didn’t hesitate to mention that everything would be fine without football, so clearly it’s not his only dream in life.

By Nic

July 14, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Well — if he isn’t speaking outside of that statement, that doesn’t give you a reason to assume so much about what’s going on in his head.

I ran into him a few days ago at the Georgia Club (He and David Greene were playing golf) and asked him how the recovery was going. He didn’t hesitate to mention that everything would be fine without football, so clearly it’s not his only dream in life.

By Glenn

July 14, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Jeff,

Please find my one doctor who would recommend playing football for anybody.

By mike

July 14, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Shultz, The top of your head reminds me of an aircraft carriers deck.

By Creed

July 14, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

I agree with you completely Jeff. David has so much he can contribute to society. Why take the chance of taking himself out of it on one more play? Doesn’t make sense. Hope he listens to you and has 4 boys to coach.

By rod

July 14, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Hey Schultz go let your wife tea bag you ….you bee-otch

By edith

July 14, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Hey Schultz…..go f******* your mother u bee-otch

By Jason

July 14, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

hey derrick - no.

By Limp'in Larry

July 14, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Guess David, as smart as he is, didn’t get the message when his neck was broken. David, take the money and run. I can’t run because of my sports injury limp aquired when I was macho. Didn’t hit the jackpot either. But am a little smarter now.

By Greg

July 14, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

It’s one thing to formulate a common sense opinion of what someone should do with their future, but I don’t think you give Pollack enough credit for the type of person he is. While I don’t know him personally any better than you do, you have drawn some conclusions about athletic arrogrance and holding onto his glory days that probably aren’t accurate. As you stated, he’s got plenty of money and options beyond playing football that are open to him. The Bengals are paying him a lot of money so maybe he just wants them to realize that he’s not taking the decision lightly to give up football entirely.

By FalconFan

July 14, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

First of all I’m not a big Bulldog fan but Pollack seems like a pretty good guy. Not condescending or arrogant like Schultz. I agree with Peter, all Schultz seems to know how to do is write negative articles. Most of the AJC sports department isn’t worth wiping a mule’s a** with. Have any of those buster’s ever played anything? Yet they know whats best for Chipper, Andruw, Jeff & Smoltzie. They call out Billy Knight and Mike Woodson like they have been successful coaches or GM’s. They save their finest work for the Falcons and poor Michael Vick. I’m with most of the guys on here, to heck with Schultz, whatever Pollack decides to do I wish him all the best and I’m sure he’ll be much better at it than any of the hacks in the AJC sports department.

By John

July 14, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Let Pollack make his own “life decisions”.

By Win

July 14, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

I just found out he and David Greene had been best friends since they were 9…and lived together at UGA…how come no broadcaster ever mentioned that?

By Bradley

July 14, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

That is why you are the writer and not the professional athlete! You gave up some time ago in your life and decide to sit on the sideline and express your opinion. So sad! David, YOU CAN DO IT!!!! I see a Rudy sequel in the making.

By John

July 14, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Time for you to drop sports writing.

By John

July 14, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

What another sad, sad day for the AJC.

By Skram30082

July 14, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Geez, you people that are slamming Schultz are pathetic. Do ANY of you know the difference between an article and an opinion column? This is nothing more than Schultz’s opinion, and therefore does not require that he talk to Pollack. You Dawg fans knee-jerk so bad that one day you’re gonna break your jaw.

By Jedi Falcon

July 14, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

What a sorry, lazy, lame excuse for an article. You should write for tabloids, you have much skill in that type of “news”…

By Paul The Vol

July 14, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

How thin skinned can Dawg fans be? This was no personal attack on David Pollack, just a thought that maybe someone who has the focus, drive and work ethic of Pollack may have trouble recognizing what is best for his health. It wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened to an athlete. Pollack broke his neck and was in a halo for months. It doesn’t take a medical degree to know that when your head is immobilized for months you have experienced a serious injury. Hopefully his ultimate decision is the result of plenty of prayer and careful analysis and he and his family will be at peace with it.

By Ole Man Bourbon

July 14, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Hah hah, this is indeed a funny column.

By NashDawg

July 14, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

I’m a lifetime Dawg as well as a huge J Schultz fan. I think most of the commenters on here are reading way too much into Jeff’s column. It’s just his opinion which he has a right to. Anyone who remotely follows his column knows that he is very much a friend of the Dawgs, and in addition is by far the most entertaining writer of the AJC. Keep up the good work Jeff.

By ATLG8TR

July 14, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

GO GATORS!!!

By Ken Stallings

July 14, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Schultz, you never tell another man he’s finished in his chosen profession. If you are his employeer, you can tell him he’s finished with that one company. But the only man who makes that ultimate decision is the man.

His family may advise him. His friends may provide suggestions.

But frankly no friend would write a column like you did. The advice would be given in private to allow said friend the room to make his best choice. Your effort was nothing more than another journalist pretending to be something he is not.

You are not a doctor and you are not a friend of this man. You’re a scribe who puts words on keyboard to pretend yourself qualified to render medical advice!

It came across phony and insincere. Worse than that, it came across ignorant of the core issues and arrogant in the presumption you were even qualified to render the judgments.

By Chris

July 14, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Excuse my french but Schultz, you are a f*** idiot…

By J-Rock

July 14, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Time for Schultz to drop writing

Sometimes they can’t see the end. Sometimes the words that carried them escape their feeble minds. Even fish wrapper writers — sometimes they can’t see it.

They don’t look at the paper or the edits. The arrogance gene tells them: “I’m as good as Mitch Albom.”

Jeff Schultz should not be writing anything anymore. Editorial logic says he probably should never write again. Schultz doesn’t see that end, but don’t be surprised. It’s residue of the same arrogance that has enabled him to mock others with a column and hide behind his insecurities as long as he has.

It’s not about the money. Schultz could make more delivering papers than writing for one. If he wanted, he could go back to school and get his GED. Or clean toilets at McDonald’s.

His writing career has been far greater than anyone expected. For someone who doesn’t know how to write a compelling piece that demonstrates skillful prose, Schultz has done the impossible. Sometimes you have to get past the ego, past the I’m-a-better-writer-than-all-of-you attitude, past the editorial arrogance that has propelled you in the past.

It’s that time for Schultz. If he doesn’t see it, maybe it’s because he can’t read.

By steve

July 14, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Jeff—kindly tell me where you went to medical school and at what hospital did you do your internship ? And when was the last time you did a physical on David or spoke personally to his physicians. I know you sleep in a lot of Holiday Inns/Motel 6, but that does not give you the expertise to make this diagnosis. Climb back in the hole you share with Terrance Moore.

By Swollen Groin

July 14, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

What you say? If his damn neck heals up good as new he can continue playing. If not he should quit and he knows that!

Did I reduce your column to rational thought?

By CLTDawg

July 14, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

I love Pollack and all, but he’s an idiot if he actually plays another snap in any sort of contact sport. You only get one chance to survive a broken neck.

By Bryan G.

July 14, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

I really think most of you are overreacting and letting your love of Pollack get in the way of rational thought.

Another blow like that to David’s neck can lead to paralysis and possibly death. That kind of gamble just isn’t worth playing football.

I love Pollack will always remember everything he did while at UGA. He’s the greatest player since Herschel to play there. But it just seems wise for him to hang it up.

By falcon80

July 14, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

King Donkos post is the funniest thing I have ever read in the AJC!

By #47

July 14, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

“Let’s hope he eventually sees the stop sign.” Schultz

I wish someone at the AJC issued the stop sign before your column was posted. What a piece of doo doo. I want a refund for the 2 minutes of my life that you just wasted.

“But sometimes will and desire and attitude take you only so far.”

You should know, Jeff. Look @ where you ended up douche bag. Give yourself a big pat on the back. Kudos for working at the distinguished AJC.

By Dlug

July 14, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

My gosh, this is an “opinion” column. It’s not a news story.There is a difference, despite the fact that a lot of people don’t seem to understand the difference. Opinion column writers get paid to write opinions.

By falcon80

July 14, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

I don’t care how many and about what subjects Schultz ever writes about again, he will always be invited to the next Dungeons & Dragons tickle pile!
King Donko-I’m still laughing. If Schultz has a set (not 12 sided dice), he has to reply!

By Tech Fan

July 14, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

I heard he hurt his neck in a tickle pile. What a f*.

By Mike

July 14, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

David will continue to publicly state he is not giving up the possbility of returning. He like most high profile athletes has taken a permanent disability policy for maybe up to $10Million. Those policies can not be collected on until 2 yrs.after the injury. In September 2008 David will state he is not going to play any more, retire, take the required physical and tests, and collect his tax free isurance money.

By dano

July 14, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

great column except i really think you shouldn’t call yourself a Pollack fan since writers are supposed to be objective.

By 2N4YEARS

July 14, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Jeff Schultz : In your response above ‘Please find me one doctor who would recommend he continue playing football, and I’m all for it’, why don’t you find ONE Doctor that doesn’t recommend him playing —that is ONE Doctor that’s actually seen his X-Rays. If it was such a cut-&-dry decision he’d probably already be in Coaching, or heading in which ever direction he see’s fit.

By ABJ UGA

July 14, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

“Dawg” fans are as thin-skinned and blind as Vick-suckers. The deluded Ygor-jock needs to retire before he turns into Roy Campanella.

By dd

July 14, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

Nashdawg, are you a plant by the AJC?

This guy is not a friend to Georgia. He referred to the Dawgs as the chihuahua’s one too many times so I gave up on him. I’m sure he thinks it’s cute, but it helped to turn me off from actually buying an AJC. I don’t read his stuff, but I thought something on Pollack might actually be worth checking out.

Don’t care what we went through with Goff & Donnan, that’s bush league, apprentice journalism and lingo I would expect only from Fla, Auburn, SC or GTech people, not a so-called professional writer.

I used to read him a long time ago and had never actually seen him, so I thought he was a tough guy.

Then I saw him on TV. He’s a dork. If the shoe fits!!!

By DRDAGREEN

July 14, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Mr. Schultz wrote a very timely article. He said exactly what needed to be heard. I support and enjoy watching the GA football team. It’s a shame that some of you Bulldog fans can’t wake up. Some of you have called for JS to stop writng….get a life! We should all admire his bravery for saying something that needs to get through to all who have read…DP must not play football ever again.

Bulldog fans stop thinking about the past greatness of this guy. Instead we must rejoice about his great non-football health….and not think about his football health which is not good by a long shot. He was paid on his potential in the NFL based on what he did in college……JACKPOT. Lets rejoice about that….Enjoy this great person while he is here. Write on JS…live on DP…….stop being foolish DAWG FANS.

By 2N4YEARS

July 14, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

J-Rock : Awesome piece!!

By Jeff Schultz

July 14, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Wow. I’m astounded that so many of you took this as an attack on David, when my intention was anything but. I think Brian G.’s comments summed things up best about where I’m coming from: “By Bryan G. July 14, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this I really think most of you are overreacting and letting your love of Pollack get in the way of rational thought. Another blow like that to David’s neck can lead to paralysis and possibly death. That kind of gamble just isn’t worth playing football.” But I certainly respect that there’s two sides to this issue. JS

By Jeff Schultz

July 14, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Oh, and thanks also to Paul The Vol, DRDAGREEN and others who may weighed in with similar sentiments. But I really don’t have anything against the rest of you. Well, most of you.

By No Way

July 14, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

Thin-skinned dawg fans? Knee-jerk reactions? No ability to read an article and make a rational decision = Uga fans.

Pollock was a stud in college. Took a nasty lick in the NFL. I’m sure he’ll make the right decision.

By GT GUY

July 14, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

I don’t have to read most of the article or most of the posts to say you are out of line Schultz! I’m a GT fan but Pollack is someone you can only cheer for. He and his doctors will decied what is best. We (including you) don’t know what is best for him contractually. It probably makes sense to hang with it in case some time related contract thing kicks in to guarantee him money. (like a certain amount of time on the roster). This is a baited article and I agree you are out of order (as usual).

By GriffinMBABulldawg

July 14, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

David Pollack is one of the greatest Bulldogs ever. I wish him the best. Mr. Schultz should have spoken with David before writing this article for his input. As for Mr. Schultz’s idea of David running for Athens mayor - a man of faith like David Pollack would not be appreciated by the socialist Athens-Clarke County electorate.

By JT

July 14, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

I agree. UGA fans (I am a graduate) are the kind of people that let their loyalty outweigh reality, logic, and common sense. I wish the man the best of luck in his recovery. However, JS is right that many stars keep pushing and pushing to play. I didn’t get from the column that Pollack couldn’t or wouldn’t play…just that it make sense because of the fatal or harmful possible outcome to maybe consider giving in a to the thought of retirement. On the contrary, if everyone quit because of fear of a negative possible outcome, there would not be many sports played. But, most athelets haven’t already had a broken spine.

By DH

July 14, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

I’m still shocked that David Pollack did not win the Heisman Trophy … terrible injustice!!!

By Ronnie D.

July 14, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

It is not time for David to give it up, yet. Let’s see how the next 10 months of rehab goes and then let him make the call.

By Pitbull

July 14, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

I agree with Shultz. When you are in your early 20’s you think you can do anything and live forever. I do not want to see him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, when he can have such a full life outside of football.

By Reid Davis

July 14, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Interesting column, but…

“medical logical says” and “he could go into coach” ?

Copy editors on holiday?

By Disgusted

July 14, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Jeff—the arrogance and attitude seem to be your’s, not Pollacks. It may be time for him to end, I don’t know. But your insinuating that his leaving the door open is arrogance and ego is just disgusting. You’ve been around Vick too much.

By ColumbiaDawg

July 14, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

I deal with arthitic neck pain everyday, and I never came to putting it through the physical abuse that these football players do. There are days where I stay in bed because of the severe headaches that I get from it.

Even if Pollack never plays another down, the same thing could happen to him. I don’t want to think about what could happen if he did play football again.

By another pollack column?

July 14, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

From the 10 or so Pollack articles that have been run on Pollack the last few months in the AUC, it’s pretty obvious he knows he won’t play again. while money is not his God, I assume his insurance will pay at least a few hundred for his rehab and perhaps salary this year whereas if he retired, it would not.

This just seems to be a way for the AUC to write more about Pollack. Again, Schultz, you need to quit trying to write non-sarcastic stuff; it reads even worse than your typical stuff.

By moBEbetter

July 14, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

I just saw his wife out to dinner tonight without David at a Mexican rest. Where was David?

By Buck Cochran in the NW

July 14, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

As a Dawg fan and a big believer in David Pollock, I’m floored by what some of you people are posting. All JS did was to write his opinion with nothing bad about DP and some of you take off on him like he kicked the guy. A very well written opinion piece which is his job and the bitterness and ignorance of some post is amazing.

By JT

July 14, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

Take it easy folks. This is Schultz, not T. Moore. Schultz is a fan, I’m a fan, and most you seem to be fans too! This article was meant to insight emotion - it’s his job. He sent you over the edge and pulled you back. Pollack is smart enough to know whether it’s a smart idea to come back and Schultzy (Cox talk) senses that. Pollack is no Evander Holyfield.

We all want more of Pollack, even if it was for the Bengals. Richt was denied by Kelly, Elway, and Marino. Maybe Pollack was denied by the police friendly Bengal team.

God Speed Pollack!

By Nick

July 15, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Even more so than Mr. Moore, you always seem to make your living picking low hanging fruit. Congratulations, Mr. Schultz, tonight your family eats again. Maybe tomorrow you will write something that doesn’t involve taking the easiest and cheapest route. But, I’d bet not.

By NASCARfan

July 15, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Wow… the idiotic vitriol coming from many members who claim to be Dawg fans is pi$$ing me off. You people realize that Schultz was basically using a little common sense and asking Pollack not to take his life in his hands to come back and play.

Come on people! David is human. I know many like to pretend he isn’t, and I know many football players like to think they’re not, but he BROKE HIS FREAKIN’ NECK!!! And you people want to argue with a guy who’s asking Pollack to hang it up for his own good?

When did the idiot redneck faction of Dawg Nation learn how to use the internet?

David would be best served in coaching and witnessing. Heck, maybe even preaching might be his path. But his football career SHOULD be over. Even if he could get back on the field, what happens if he messes his neck up again? Does he get paralyzed? Does he die? And you people want him to play?

Shame on you bunch of idiots!

By Paulitik

July 15, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

I swear the sports page for this paper is going to force me to go on anti-depressants. It’s the g##-dam# sports page, you know the part of the paper we go to get away from the fact that we have a chimpanzee for a president, I have no health insurance, and I have to put a gallon of gas on layaway. Come on! You guys want soooo bad for Michael Vick to be guilty, the Braves to lose, the Hawks to suck forever, and now you have to take a whiz on a guys hopes to heal and fulfill his potential. What is the point of this cynical crap? No wonder we have the worst fans in the country.

By schucks

July 15, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

thanks for pointing out how dumb the UGA fans are by thinking he would be elected mayor of athens. worst article i have ever read, only good thing is that moore(on) didnt write this article or we would have thought pollack was in the kkk. this paper sucks please someone start another atlanta paper.

By jimmy

July 15, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this

all other comments aside….. jason, you suck! go back up north

By 2N4YEARS

July 15, 2007 2:19 AM | Link to this

NASCARfan : Maybe you’d be best served watching the race tomorrow. I really don’t think anyone, myself included, wants Pollack to get hurt again, especially Pollack. Tell you what: Let’s let him and His Doctors make that decision. Not you. Not I. Not Jeff Schultz.

By Luda

July 15, 2007 2:43 AM | Link to this

Who the f* are you to tell Pollack what to do. He can do whatever he wants. He is David Pollack. I’ve seen him take the ball right out of a QB’s hands. I’ve seen him show Erasmus James that he isn’t worthy to carry his jock strap. I’ve seen him make Reggie Ball throw the ball out of bounds on 4th down and the game on the line. We should retire 47 forever.

By Andrew

July 15, 2007 3:04 AM | Link to this

I think this article is pretty good. Somebody has to use some common sense when it comes to these type of injuries. Sure, I would love to see Pollack come back and have a great career and become a hero. But I don’t want to see him end up in a wheelchair for life trying to do so? Cause if he does, I’m sure most of the people on this blog will recant their statements. And why is this idiot above keep referring to the newspaper as the AUC???? That AUC is a group of colleges on the West End of town. The AJC is the newspaper you idiot!

By P.J.

July 15, 2007 4:07 AM | Link to this

At least Jeff has the yardles to respond to many of you goobs. I think the level of vitriol has less to do with Jeff’s opinion than the jealousy that he earns a living for a job many of you would gladly donate your left testosterone-producing orb for.

By heeldawg

July 15, 2007 5:01 AM | Link to this

David Pollack is one of the greatest college football players I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen some great ones—Herschel, Steve Young, Bo Jackson,Dan Marino, Garrison Hearst, Champ Bailey, Emmitt Smith and Terry Hoage, to name a few). His drive, effort and character are unparalleled. But he should never play football again. Jeff is correct. You don’t need a medical degree to understand the potential risks involved in playing NFL football with a broken neck that is judged to be unstable enough to be a potential liability. David is a young man with a bright future no matter what he does for a living. He’s already made more money playing football than most people will make in their lifetime. To risk paralysis or death to play a sport, even when one loves the game as much as David does, would be a selfish and irresponsible act. David has a wife who loves him and a family to raise. He should close the book on this chapter in his life and thank God that it has turned out as well as it has.

David is a very fortunate young man. I am certain he realizes this and will make the right decision, however painful that may be.

By the way, I am a doctor who has played football. And I am a lifelong Dawg fan (season ticket holder)and U.Ga. alumnus. The key to understanding Jeff’s article (which is, by the way, an opinion article, one that does not require anything other than Jeff’s opinion) is that this isn’t about football. It’s about a young man’s life.

By edith

July 15, 2007 5:28 AM | Link to this

heeldawg…..GO TEABAG YOUR DAUGHTER

By Cuz

July 15, 2007 6:13 AM | Link to this

I am with you Buck and Nascar, I am amazed at the ammount of people who think this is an attack on David. I thought it was very respectful. I too will give up the opportunity to watch him play knowing that he will be safer doing what he was obviously meant to do, motivating young people. There is no give up in David, and he won’t quit until he is told it cannot be done. Then he will flash that grin and go on to the next stage of his life. I think he would make a heck of a coach or a preacher. God has plans for this young man that neither I nor David know. I am sure David will put his faith in the Lord to guide him onward.

Good article Jeff.

By rob

July 15, 2007 6:45 AM | Link to this

Attention, this columns headline has been changed to read…

Time for Schultz to drop writting By Jeff Schultz | Saturday, July 14, 2007, 03:39 PM

By Buck Cochran in the NW

July 15, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this

finally we’re getting some common sense. Maybe you didn’t take Journalism 101 and don’t know what an opinion column is so we cut you a little slack and if you to give your opinion on this Blog about DP do so because that’s what it’s here for…. Schultz, Jeff, I don’t always like your opinions but I know you don’t intend to and I don’t want you to stop with your opinion. I can always post my different idea on the blog. DP is a man of God and he’ll ponder on the situation and make the right choice.

By barneyb

July 15, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

Opinion column or not, it lacked class and made assumptions (like the comment about arrogance?) that just showed Shult’z ignorance. David Pollack is an incredible athelete and human being, and anything Pollack has said publicly has been nothing but what you would expect from a man of his calibre. David knows what he’s up against, and his attitude and way he has ALWAYS carried himself in public are what makes us proud of be UGA graduates & fans. Schultz, you know nothing. God Bless you and your family, David…you are always in our thoughts & prayers. We are so proud of you, whatever you end up doing. Come home to GA. where you are so loved.

By LakeDawg

July 15, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

As a C6 broken neck survivor, I can tell you that many days you wake up forgetting that anything ever happened. You feel great, then by the end of the day, you have this stiff neck with a slight headache. Its not all that painful, just annoying. You really want to get back to your active life, but underneath, you remember all your loved ones worrying if you were going to be a paralyzed vegetable. How bad would you feel if you had to rely on everyone else to take care of you, until now a very self-sufficient, bulletproof individual? I know those things are going through his head. They still go through mine - every time I go back out and get on a wakeboard without telling anyone what could happen if I take a bad spill. Interesting how we justify what we really “want” to do instead of what we “should” do.

By StAugDawg

July 15, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Pollack should consult with a group of physicians and determine if the injuries are completely healed or career ending. Remember Scott Brantley? He wound up having a long and satisfying career in the NFL. I doubt he’ll be too depressed if it’s over though. He might turn into a great coach or broadcaster. He’ll definately channel his energies somewhere, and wherever that it is, they will benefit. Heck, he may even wind up on CMR’s staff. He’d be a great D-Line coach and eventually a DC.

By gt81

July 15, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

You should all get a life and quit living your pathetic lives through your beloved ex dogs. Life is fragile football is just part of it for DP. After playing in college you realize it is a means and that is all. It was an absurd article but what do you expect from this sub-par monopoly ofa paper…. And by the way the fans take this GT/UGA stuff much more serious than the actual guys that matter, gthe ones that play the games…

By Dan

July 15, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

Pollack didn’t go to Tech! He won’t give up so easy.

By JSS

July 15, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

I see the THE NO TALENT HACK crawled back from under his rock… Hey Schultz, what’s this, four op-ed’s in the last nine weeks? I guess the fact those indictments that were going to be handed down in a certain case which still have not come down made you look foolish once again.

David Pollack is a grown a** man, if the education the he received at the supposed flagship university of this State has not taught, fostered, and ingrained in him the ability to reason the right thing to do, then what does that say? If the so-called deep religious upbringing and faith that has been instilled in him has not shown him the right thing(s) to do in a moment like this, what does that say?

And to Dan… Going to Georgia does not give one a corner on guts… We buried a young football player here in Middle GA last month who fought for life with every once of his mortal being… People at Tech have guts look up Clint Castleberry or the last years of Bobby Jones life…

By FormerPLAYER

July 15, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

This is not a question of “giving up.” What I’m reading here is a bunch of ignorant fan-speak about an injury that 99% of people have no experience with. While Pollack may “look” okay, there is nothing easy about rehabilitation from a spinal cord injury. I played NCAA Div 1 football for four years - two years as a starter - at LSU. My family has been involved in college athletics for over 50 years. What I and nearly every person who has competed at that level will tell you is this: there are some injuries you just SHOULDN’T try to come back from. A broken neck is one of those. I played against David Pollack in 2003. He is one of the greatest defensive players to come out of the SEC - hell, the NCAA - ever. Off the field, he is a devoted Christian and a just a wonderful guy to talk to. He is the epitome of sportsmanship. But, I would caution him not to tempt fate twice. He has a beautiful wife and a loving family - focus on that, David. Think of the impact you could have as a coach. Just because you can’t play, doesn’t mean you can’t be effective. As far as fans go, you people need to start educating yourselves better or just keep it shut. I am so tired of non-athletes thinking themselves experts because they “watch” sports on TV or in the stands. Be entertained. Support your team. But keep your armchair diagnoses to yourselves.

By Matt

July 15, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

I’m sure at some point when Pollack is finally not cleared to play again, he will be welcomed here in Athens in some position on the team, hopefully as the defensive line coach.

By Antonio

July 15, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Cincy resident who hopes David Pollack retires. He’s rubbed us the wrong way up here ever since he claimed he lived to play football and loved God in one hand and on the other hand went through a prolonged training camp holdout and cost himself and the team development in his transition to linebacker

Please Athens, take this phony back!

By BK

July 15, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

The medical logic of Pollack delaying his decision to return to football is sound. Players need all of the motivation they can muster to overcome that kind of injury, rehab as hard as they can, and to return to game shape. If David puts that decision off, he’s got that extra motivation to get back into shape…then let the Dr. decide. If it’s a no, then his being back is game shape surely won’t hurt, and he’ll be able to live with himself, knowing he did all he could do. Giving up now is the worst thing he could do.

By NASCARfan

July 15, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Thank you to the people on here who exhibit some actual common sense and concern for a player we all love as a DGD.

And once again, shame on Y’ALL you want him to keep on playing, or encouraging him to get back out there to play. It’s not quitting, eaving the field behind. It’s called common sense. It’s called thinking about the future. And when Jeff talks about arrogance, he’s talking about the kind of arrogance it takes to play sports at its highest levels. He’s not talking about the kind of arrogance that people like “edith” and “2N4YEARS” are exhibiting in their supreme stupidity on these blogs. Just because my name is NASCARfan doesn’t mean I’m the biggest Dawg fan out there.

I commend Buck and formerPLAYER for coming on here and try to set some of you idgits straight. In attacking Jeff Schultz, you’re attacking the wrong person and showing a complete lack of reading comprehension. There is NO ONE BEING ATTACKED in this article. It’s just a writer who sounds like he actually likes Pollack the person as much as he enjoyed watching Pollack the player, and because of that, wants Pollack to move to the next path his life is supposed to follow for Pollack’s own good and for the good of Pollack’s family.

How any person could take any other line on this article baffles me.

Seriously, I know Georgia leads the dregs of education in this country, but you people have to be really, really stupid to think this is an attack on David.

Man.

By godawg

July 15, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Antonio, DP held out on the advice of his agent because the Bengals were trying to screw him on his contract. DP wanted to be in camp. Good thing he listened to his agent or right mow he’d find more than his neck was broke…

By NASCARfan

July 15, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Antonio, I think maybe you should be attacking your cheap-@$$ and TERRIBLE owner, Mike Brown, and NOT David Pollack.

By Dave In Tampa

July 15, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Maybe he should, maybe he should not. At his age and being in his prime could YOU just walk away that easy Jeff? Of course I have to ask you “Have you ever played any kind of sport at the college level or higher?” My guess would be no because you don’t appear to be an athlete and because of that you would not understand Mr. Pollack’s situation.

By HUNKER DOWN

July 15, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Yeah I think Pollack needs to stay off the field before he does to mch dammage…I could see David as a great D-Line coach at Georgia! Come on back Pollack…once a DAWG always a DAWG!

By JT Money

July 15, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Good College Player DP was not that good as a pro, no big deal for the Bengals. This shows the importance of having depth at linebacker. The 4-3 scheme minimizes the impact of losing a linebacker and requires fewer subs at that positiion. AJ Nickelson was a better player hands-down, too bad about the legal trouble, he’ll be a good signing for someone.

By JT Money

July 15, 2007 12:55 PM |