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Friday, August 24, 2007
Vick did what cowards do
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
A coward to the end.
He won’t directly say he killed dogs. He will admit to heading a group of degenerates when dogs were killed. Does somebody award points for semantics? “Ookie” tells “T” or “Q” or “P-Funk” to “Drown the dog,” but he keeps his hands in his pockets. Is this the Vito Corleone defense?
A coward to the end.
He won’t admit to gambling on dogfights. But he’ll admit to funding an illegal business enterprise that gambles. Well, that should appease NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Because I’m sure if “Bad Newz Kennels” ever accumulated significant gambling debts, a bookie would pressure “T” or “Q” or “P Funk” — not the NFL player with the $130 million contract who gave the money to “T” or “Q” or “P-Funk.”
How does this happen? How can somebody we admired for his courage on the field turn into such an invertebrate off it?
He runs in games. Did he have to run in the real world? Is it that difficult to admit guilt and say, “It’s my fault. Everything.”
We are, by nature, forgiving. We embrace the comeback. We want people to overcome obstacles, shed their baggage, become whole again.
This we shouldn’t forgive. First, we need to see remorse. Michael Vick hides behind attorneys like an offensive line. If only he had hid that well as a Falcons quarterback, he never would’ve been sacked.
He doesn’t care about the truth. He cares about exact wording in legal PDFs.
He doesn’t care about accepting responsibility. He cares about limiting blame.
If he feels anything, he doesn’t show it. It’s only obvious that he’s sorry he got caught. That doesn’t count. That’s pathetic. He’s pathetic. Vick doesn’t need a 12-step program for healing. He needs a conscience.
When will he realize that he did something wrong? When he’s lying in a cell, wide awake at 2 a.m.? When he’s scrubbing a floor or washing dishes for 12 cents an hour? Maybe while he’s under house arrest, walking around with an ankle bracelet?
Try avoiding the rush with that, big guy. There’s your new Michael Vick Experience.
This is not how people with character defects should begin rehabilitation. This is not how to repair an image or damaged career aspirations.
Come clean on everything. Express sorrow, contrition — then we’ll talk.
Vick did what cowards do. He not only hid behind some legalese, he agreed to cooperate with the government in turning in others. Maybe you view that as being a team player. But there’s another view: There goes the street cred.
Page 5 of the plea agreement reads: “The defendant agrees to cooperate fully and truthfully with the United States, and provide all information known to the defendant regarding any criminal activity as requested by the government.” It states this includes testimony at grand juries and trials. Vick also must submit to a polygraph test at the whim of the government.
Nobody agrees to such mandates unless they’re backed to the edge of a cliff, with the cavalry approaching. So why not just come completely clean? At least he would look like he cared.
I can’t imagine the hundreds of thousands of dollars Vick will have paid attorneys when this is over. I hope the verbiage was worth it.
We knew he struggled to read defenses. Turns out he can’t read an offense, either. The story broke in April in Surry County, Va. Vick’s reaction: “I’m never at the house. I left the house with my family members and my cousin. They just haven’t been doing the right thing. … It’s unfortunate I have to take the heat behind it.”
He thought it would go away, of course, like a disappearing water bottle incident. He goofed. Had he settled things with Virginia authorities, maybe the “United States vs. Michael Vick, a/k/a ‘Ookie’ ” never happens.
Then officials dug up the yard at 1915 Moonlight Road. They found dog corpses. Vick still thought, “I can’t be tied to this.” The lying continued. Vick’s fan base screamed racism or warnings about the Duke case revisited.
Then it fell apart. “T” and “Q” and “P-Funk” rolled on him. Suddenly, Vick was the last man standing. The last coward standing.
Maybe one day he’ll step to a microphone and express remorse. But we’re past the point of trust. Repentance needs to be wired to a polygraph.
Permalink | | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
Gailey will hit number again
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Two things we know about Georgia Tech under Chan Gailey: It will always beat somebody it probably shouldn’t, and it will always find a way to lose at least five games. Last season’s five losses took some doing, given that the Jackets were 9-2 with one game remaining in the regular season, but they found a way. That in mind, here’s a game-by-game look at how 2007 will play out.
Sept. 1: Georgia Tech at Notre Dame
The Jackets beat Auburn at Auburn in the 2005 opener when the Tigers were coming off an unbeaten season. Notre Dame is coming off a disappointing year and has lost its three best offensive players. Charlie Weis, who’s looking a bit overrated, won’t divulge his starting quarterback until the day of the game. This is exactly the sort of test Gailey’s teams ace. Tech 20, Notre Dame 13.
Sept. 8: Samford at Georgia Tech
Something else nice about Ol’ Chan: He owns Samford. (He coached there for one season, going 5-6 in 1993, whereupon he left for the Pittsburgh Steelers.) He’s 2-0 against the Bulldogs, and students of Tech history know that’s no small thing. Bill Curry beat Georgia and Alabama twice each but never could master mighty Furman, going 0-1-1 against the Paladins. Tech 30, Samford 14.
Sept. 15: Boston College at Georgia Tech
And here’s exactly the sort of test Gailey’s teams flunk. The Eagles will be playing their first road game under new coach Jeff Jagodzinski, and Tech fans, high off the victory at Notre Dame, will be casting their eyes down the schedule and thinking, “Know what? We could be undefeated when Virginia Tech comes to town Nov. 1.” Know what? Tech won’t be. Boston College 20, Tech 16.
Sept. 22: Georgia Tech at Virginia
Remember when Al Groh was going to turn the Cavs into the ACC’s next colossus? Remember when Ralph Sampson was going to lead UVA to four consecutive NCAA titles? Groh has fallen into the same trap that ensnared Terry Holland (who did rather well in years without Sampson): Groh gets his constituency excited on signing day, less so on game day. Tech 27, Virginia 21.
Sept. 29: Clemson at Georgia Tech
The Division I-A record for career victories is held by Bobby Bowden. The Division I-A record for long-term occupancy of the coaching hot seat is held by his son Tommy, who has been in place since 1999 and has accomplished very little beyond keeping his job. Clemson whipped Tech badly last season and then went in the tank. Tanking starts earlier this time. Tech 24, Clemson 14.
Oct. 6: Georgia Tech at Maryland
The Jackets were playing their best ball of the season, having just thrashed Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, when the Terps came to town last October. Tech needed to fend off a first-and-goal inside the final minute to win. The guess is that Ralph Friedgen won’t call the same strange plays in the red zone that he did a year ago. Maryland 23, Tech 17.
Oct. 13: Georgia Tech at Miami
Another thing about Ol’ Chan: He has done well lately against the Hurricanes. (Granted, that would have been a bigger deal five years ago than it is today.) And it bodes well for Tech that Patrick Nix, who last season took a unit with Calvin Johnson and Tashard Choice and turned it into the nation’s 67th-best offense, is now coordinator in Coral Gables. Tech 17, Miami 10.
Oct. 20: Army at Georgia Tech
This would have been an intriguing game had Bobby Ross, who won a national championship at Tech, still been coaching the Black Knights. Alas, he resigned in January, leaving the job to assistant Stan Brock. This figures to be one of those games where the Jackets thrash about for three quarters before setting things right in the final 15 minutes. Tech 31, Army 20.
Nov. 1: Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech
The game to decide the ACC Coastal championship falls on Thursday night. Look for the Hokies, who figure to be an inspiring national story this season, to seize the chance to show the viewing public: (1.) That they’re a legitimate BCS team, and (2.) that they weren’t nearly as bad as they looked against the two Georgia teams last season. Va. Tech 28, Ga. Tech 17.
Nov. 10: Georgia Tech at Duke
Steve Spurrier gave Duke another 25th-place vote on his preseason ballot, which means the Devils have managed one more point in the ESPN/USA Today coaches’ poll than they managed victories on the field last season. Ted Roof, the former Jacket, has been coaching Duke since 2003. He has won five games. One of those was against Tech. This won’t be the second. Tech 40, Duke 10.
Nov. 17: North Carolina at Georgia Tech
The Tar Heels finally dumped John Bunting and upgraded to Butch Davis, who has already notched a well-regarded recruiting class. But Davis’ signees will be forced to play way too soon, and by this point in the season they’ll be tired and discouraged. Assuming Davis’ health holds, this will be a strong program down the road, but not just yet. Tech 24, Carolina 16.
Nov. 24: Georgia at Georgia Tech
One final thing to say about Ol’ Chan: He’s the worst-ever Tech coach in this one game. He’s 0-5. Nobody else who lasted this long at the Flats has taken so long to beat Georgia. He’ll need at least one more try. And right now you’re saying: But that’s only four losses. What happened to Five-Loss Chan? Never fear. The Meineke Car Care Bowl awaits. Georgia 24, Tech 17.
Permalink | Comments (108) | Categories: Mark Bradley, Tech / ACC
Dogs’ close of ‘06 gives hope for ‘07
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
There are so many reasons to cringe when contemplating Georgia’s upcoming football season. The offensive line is dominated by junior-college transfers and freshmen. The defense has neophytes everywhere. Who knows if the receivers actually can catch for the first time in a couple of years?
No problem.
Just take a deep breath, close your eyes and remember Auburn and the two Techs (Georgia and Virginia).
If you do such a thing, and if you’re among the barkers in the Bulldog Nation, you won’t have to consider peeking between your fingers at Georgia — from the opener in Athens against Oklahoma State through the visit in November to Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Courtesy of Auburn and the two Techs (Georgia and Virginia) last season, maybe the Bulldogs will survive South Carolina this season despite the Gamecocks’ renaissance under Steve Spurrier. Maybe the Bulldogs will leave Tuscaloosa smiling after ruining Alabama’s anticipated renaissance under Nick Saban. Maybe the Bulldogs will turn Big Orange Country in Knoxville into Big Blue Country. Maybe Georgia will make its fourth trip to the SEC championship game in six seasons by defeating Florida for only the third time since that other George Bush was in the Oval Office.
Maybe Georgia qualifies for a BCS bowl, and then maybe … then again, maybe not.
Surely you remember the way the Bulldogs finished last year. They shocked what was the nation’s No. 5 team in Auburn. After that, they returned home to dispose of Georgia Tech, ranked 16th at the time. If that wasn’t enough, the Bulldogs left the Chick-Fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome with an upset of No. 14 Virginia Tech. Mostly, they sprinted to goodness down the stretch of their season after looking rather ordinary or worse.
“I’ve been on a national championship team with Miami back in 1983, but I think one of the best situations that I’ve ever been involved in was what happened last year during that three-game stretch,” said Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, who has spent more than 20 years in coaching. “When you have adversity, you never know how you’re going to react to it, and during that three-game stretch, guys just tightened the screw down.”
Many of those guys are gone, including accomplished defensive ends Quentin Moses and Charles Johnson, solid defensive back Paul Oliver and all of those offensive linemen. And several of those guys are back — 45 returning lettermen, to be exact. They include rising quarterback Matthew Stafford, a trio of nice running backs (Kregg Lumpkin, Thomas Brown and Knowshon Moreno) and defensive back Kelin Johnson, who was among Georgia’s top five tacklers last season.
No question, Stafford, Johnson and Georgia’s other returnees recall what made Auburn and the two Techs (Georgia and Virginia) so impressive. There was that ugliness for the Bulldogs during each of their seven previous games. It began with a near home loss to a shaky Colorado team before Georgia barely survived a shaky Ole Miss team in Oxford. That all foreshadowed the Tennessee fiasco that had Georgia’s defense relinquishing 37 second-half points.
There also was yet another loss by the Bulldogs to the hated Gators, a near loss to shaky Mississippi State and brutal losses to Vanderbilt and Kentucky.
Then came Auburn and the two Techs (Georgia and Virginia), which showed three things about the Bulldogs: They had the talent, the coaching and the drive. They still have the talent and the coaching. As for the drive, well, let’s talk around Halloween. That’s about the time of Georgia’s little trip to Jacksonville.
Permalink | Comments (28) | Categories: Terence Moore, UGA / SEC
Jackets vs. Irish has created classics
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Furman Bisher
Off and on, Georgia Tech has been playing Notre Dame since 1922, for better or worse, and more times than not, for worse. Anytime Notre Dame is on the schedule, the floodlights go up, trumpets sound, bugles blare and the nation’s eyes are upon you, as they will be the first day of September in South Bend. Only five of the 33 times Georgia Tech has played Notre Dame have the Yellow Jackets come away in celebration.
No, make that six. (We’ll get around to that later.) The series record reads 27-5-1. It’s the “1” that takes the stage here, one of the monumental views I’ve ever had from a press box. And there have been some show-stoppers in this infrequent series. Twice, the Jackets have handed the Irish defeat under the circumspection of Touchdown Jesus.
Take you back to 1942 and a freshman named Clint Castleberry, still a mystical figure in Georgia Tech football history. A local kid, not of national renown, Castleberry so rattled the Irish that Tech upset them in South Bend 13-6 and in the process insured himself of All-America status. Sadly, he never had another season. Somewhere out of North Africa the bomber he was piloting during World War II disappeared, and he was never heard from again. His jersey still hangs among Tech’s display of historic memorabilia.
The fuse was lit, and something was bound to explode in 1953, when Tech, saddling an unbeaten streak of 31 games rode into South Bend. Naturally, the Irish were favored, particularly since Bobby Dodd elected to start a freshman quarterback, Wade Mitchell. The weather was gray. The stadium was stuffed and the heavily bundled spectators were full of negative charm. This was the game in which Frank Leahy failed to appear after halftime, stricken by a pancreatic attack in the locker room. The game turned on a high snap and a blocked punt, and the Irish won 27-14. Names of the perpetrators, one dead, the other long retired, are omitted here in the interest of good sport.
Six years later Georgia Tech returned to South Bend, this time with more exhilirating results. Snow had fallen overnight, and the campus was scenic in its whiteness. Should have been Notre Dame kind of weather, but Marvin Tibbetts took control at quarterback, and with a surge from Taz Anderson, then a fullback, he scored both touchdowns and managed a 14-l0 victory, most definitely an upset.
Tech never won again until 1976, which, it turned out, was not a partcularly good year — Pepper Rodgers’ team put up a 4-6-1 record — but Saturday, Nov. 6 was a good day. It was a rare game in that the Jackets never threw a pass. Gary Lanier, a stubby little quarterback, kept the ball on the ground, and Tech humiliated Notre Dame at Grant Field 23-14. The most memorable view remaining is the sight of the Notre Dame coach Dan Devine striding out on the field holding a fish in his hand for an official to see, one delivered by some knave in the student section. Devine wanted divine intervention, but got none.
Now, about that “1,” the one tie in the series. The year was 1980, Bill Curry’s first as head coach. Tech had beaten Memphis State and no one else. Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, even Tulane had shredded the poor Yellow Jackets. Notre Dame rode into Grant Field No. l in the nation. It was the same day Georgia was playing Florida in the glamour game of the season, the “run, Lindsay, run” game. Nobody was paying attention to Grant Field, except a few devout football Catholics.
Tech’s starting quarterback, Mike Kelley, was hurt. Two replacements came on and got nothing done, but neither did Notre Dame. Curry turned to a player who had been recruited as an end, and sent him in with the cautionary message: “Whatever you do, don’t dare throw a pass.”
The kid — he was from Augusta — maneuvered into field-goal position late in the third quarter, and Johnny Smith kicked a field goal. Incredibly, Tech led 3-0. Late in the fourth quarter, Notre Dame’s Harry Oliver kicked a wobbler through the pipes, and the Irish got out of town with a tie. Since everybody else on our staff wanted to be in Jacksonville, I got the short straw, but I got to see one of the most memorable games of my life.
Oh, the name of the freshman “quarterback” from Augusta — it was Ken Whisenhunt, later an NFL end for the Falcons and Redskins, and now, as you may have noticed, head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. So there you are, and Georgia Tech returns to South Bend to open the season this year. Nothing will ever match the tie of 1980, and as it turned out, Georgia later completed a state sweep. The Bulldogs played Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl for the national championship, and won.
Permalink | Comments (26) | Categories: Furman Bisher, Tech / ACC
Dogs’ schedule says BCS bowl
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
It’s amazing how far that “what’ve-you-done-for-me-lately” mentality can carry you. Georgia closes a season with victories against Auburn, Tech and Virginia Tech, and suddenly everybody forgets about coupled losses to Kentucky and Vanderbilt for the first time in 33 years. But in this case perception is reality. Georgia will return to a BCS bowl this season. Not that it’ll make a difference in Jacksonville. Ugh(a).
Sept. 1: Oklahoma State at Georgia If Mike Bobo is nervous about inheriting the play-calling duties from Mark Richt, this should be a nice sedative. Oklahoma State’s offense can score, but the defense is a doormat. The Cowboys ranked 92nd in total defense last season and allowed 30 or more points in seven of their last 10 games. Check? Georgia 41, Oklahoma State 16.
Sept. 8: South Carolina at Georgia
Steve Spurrier is upset about admissions policies in Columbia, as if this were Princeton. Or even College of Charleston. He either really believes he has elevated the program to the extent that it should be above such things, or he’s already looking for an exit strategy. The Gamecocks are better, but so’s everybody else in the East. Quarterback Blake Mitchell can be a pretty good when he’s not in a bar fight or blowing off summer school. Oops. Georgia 27, South Carolina 14.
Sept. 15: Western Carolina at Georgia
Nothing like scheduling the annual punch-buddy from the Southern Conference. Western Carolina lost its final nine games last season, ending with a 62-0 face-plant at Florida. The Catamounts play Alabama and Georgia in the first three weeks. Presbyterian can declare last rites in week four. Georgia 48, Western Carolina 3.
Sept. 22: Georgia at Alabama
UA-Tuscaloosa gave Nick Saban a $32 million contract, which basically means there are several potholes in Alabama that aren’t going to be fixed for a while. But lost in Saban’s rock star status is the realization that ‘Bama just isn’t very good. The Tide is no closer to winning the conference than the Dolphins were to winning a Super Bowl when Saban arrived there. So right now, the man is selling dreams. Georgia 24, Alabama 16.
Sept. 29: Mississippi at Georgia
The Rebels are still losing (3-13 in the SEC under Ed Orgeron), but at least the quality of losses has improved. They gave scares last season to Georgia (14-9), Alabama (26-23, overtime), Auburn (23-17) and LSU (23-20, overtime). But the offense is still a Yugo, and Georgia gets Mississippi the week after it’s slapped silly by Florida. This time, not close. Georgia 24, Mississippi 6.
Oct. 6: Georgia at Tennessee
Everybody remembers the losses to Vanderbilt and Kentucky. But the season’s implosion really began when the Dogs allowed 51 points at home to a Phil Fulmer offense (which is sort of like trebled damages). But the Volunteers don’t have much on offense, and tailback LaMarcus Coker is on one of those chemical suspensions. Noteworthy: Ray Goff and Jim Donnan were 0-5 in Knoxville; Richt is 3-0. Georgia 27, Tennessee 24.
Oct. 13: Georgia at Vanderbilt
The Dogs will tell you they’ll be motivated for the Vandy game. Like that made a difference a year ago. Stomped by Knoxville (51-33) one week, humbled by Nashville (24-22) the next. Fortunately, Murfreesboro (Middle Tennessee State) wasn’t on the schedule. The Commodores return 17 starters to a team that went 4-8. Is that good news? Georgia 26, Vanderbilt 10.
Oct. 20: Bye week. 7-0.
The annual premature national title parade goes down Lumpkin, then left in Milledge.
Oct. 27: Georgia vs. Florida (Jacksonville)
Three titles in two sports in a span of 13 months. There are few things that can make a Georgia fan feel worse, except maybe this: Uga VI’s new caretaker — Michael Vick. Florida loses nine starters on defense. The offense is young. Does it matter? Have you not been watching for most of the past 17 years? I’ll believe a turnaround when I see it. Until then, here’s the safe bet: Florida 31, Georgia 27.
Nov 3: Troy at Georgia
The annual dirge and funeral procession will start down Lumpkin. … Fans in a funk. Players in a funk. Fortunately, here comes Troy, which actually isn’t a bad team, assuming you play in the Sun Belt. Georgia 37, Troy 16.
Nov 10: Auburn at Georgia
With Saban at Alabama, Auburn is back to being the ignored team in the state, even if still the better one. Auburn was 9-1 when its SEC hopes were punched out by a 37-15 home loss to the Dogs, who were coming off a loss to Kentucky. The Tigers might feel like they have something to avenge, but it won’t make a difference. Their running game will be average, which means Brandon Cox will be average, which means this year they don’t get to 9-1. Georgia 23, Auburn 20.
Nov. 17: Kentucky at Georgia
The Wildcats last year went 8-5 and won their first bowl game in 22 years. It would be time to give Rich Brooks another contract extension, except I think his current deal runs through 2027. Seriously, Kentucky has a good quarterback and, like, so what? Georgia 41, Kentucky 20.
Nov. 24: Georgia at Georgia Tech
Richt is 6-0 in this game and the worse news for the Yellow Jackets is the window for ending the cross-state misery probably closed last season. Letdown? Forget it. A BCS bowl awaits. Georgia 20, Tech 16.
Permalink | Comments (214) | Categories: Jeff Schultz, UGA / SEC
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