Tech

By Chris

October 25, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Further proof that know-it-all sportswriters (present company excluded) are worse than a sewing circle when it comes to gossip and spreading (unfounded) rumors.

In all likelihood, that was Dennis Dodd just blatantly making crap up to make more people read his crummy blog.

Hey Matt, I’ve got a brilliant idea. Why don’t you start a rumor that Texas A&M is coming after Richt at the end of the season with $3+ million. That’ll level the playing field.

By Glenn

October 25, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

As I have said all along, these kids need to select a University first and a coach second.

These high school athletes need to remember three things as they are being recruited:

1) There is no guarantee that the coach who is recruiting them will be there for the duration they will be on campus;

2)They may not get to play due to injuries and/or their place on the depth chart so they will need to have more of a campus life than just football; and finally,

3) Most of them will never play pro ball and so they will need to get an education that will give them a chance to have a great life outside of athletics.

Don’t get me wrong, coaches can be important…But some of them could just as easily keep a kid from going to a program (i.e. Bobby Knight)as drawing them to a program if they think they can play at the next level.

They just need to remember that few of them will ever make it to the next level and chose a University that will prepare them to make it if they don’t, no matter where they feel the most comfortable. That may be GA Tech, it may be UGA, it may be Georgia State, it may be Emory, it may be Morehouse.

By Keith in W.R.

October 25, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Jenkins, (I have read on message boards), is being influenced by his father to give UF a closer look, and back away from his committment to Tech. But then again, an offense that has only 2 TD passes in 8 games may be more of an influence on a Wide Receiver.

By buzz is wiser

October 25, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

By no means am I a Chan fan, actually hope the rumors are true, but as far as recruiting goes if a guy was commiting to Tech for the coach he would be in trouble anyway. There has been talk of Chan being fired for a while, it was thought he would be fired when the new AD came in he hasn’t been (sadly) and losses to VA and Maryland, teams we’re suppose to have beat is what Chan does. He’ll beat VT next week and lose to N. Carolina. If we lose to Georgia again he should be fired. So kids pay attention.

By YeOldeMtnWuss

October 25, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Yes it hurts recruiting. All my Hive girlfriends agree. Gotta go, my uterus is cramping.

By chris

October 25, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

why don’t you contact some more prospects, matt? maybe you can scare ‘em all off… why is this even a story. is there nothing else to talk about in the Tech football world? he’s not getting fired. He’s a good coach. At least we don’t have Tommy Bowden …

By Herschel

October 25, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Wait, y’all weren’t supposed to mention that Richt has that deal waiting for him.

By TechFan

October 25, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

If Tech’s season turns worse with a couple of losses, the rumors of Coach Gailey’s firing will intensify. If he loses to Georgia again, I believe he will be fired. I think this is a valid story.

By GM

October 25, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why rumors of Gailey leaving wouldn’t actually help recruiting. Calvin Johnson was starved at Tech by Gailey’s conservative offense, undeveloped QB, etc. As a fan, I’m surprised any offensive superstar would even consider playing for Gailey.

By Matt Winkeljohn

October 25, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Hey Chris,

You homer, maybe you think I’m supposed to be a homer, too.

Not.

I have a job to do, and it has nothing to do with your homerism.

I ask about a very relevant issue. And guess what? I wrote a story about it too! And guess what else? I contacted four, count ‘em FOUR, prospects.

The story will run Saturday. If you want to read it early, e-mail me, and I’ll send the un-edited version to you. In the meantime, spare me your feeble attempts at chastising me for doing my job.

My job and your agenda will not always meet.

Matt

By MikeGT

October 25, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Even IF the AD was dumb enough to make this kind of decision in the middle of the season, he wouldn’t be dumb enough to let it get out. DRad doesn’t strike me as dumb either way. This blog by dodd is purely BS.

By Mike Hendley

October 25, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

The worst coach in NCAA football….hasn’t had a QB in his 6 years…. worst statistics on offense of any major college team…..old and worn out ideas for running an offense and developing QBs….he is the worst….past time to go.

By hiveredtech

October 25, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Gee Matt

Thanks for calling our recruits to make sure they are aware of the report. Three out of the four you contacted were unaware.

Cmon man…lets leave it that way. That report was flat-out crap…both D-Rad and CG already spoke to it.

By MM

October 25, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Matt,

I agree with the others that you are adding fuel to a fire that was out 2 days ago. If another teams wants to try and use it for their benefit then fine but for you to contact recruits directly and also write a story about it only hurts the hard work that the Tech staff has put into getting them to commit in the first place. Unnecessary!

By Matt Winkeljohn

October 25, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Hey folks,

A kid who committed to Georgia Tech has de-committed and admits the blog had a little to do with it.

Let’s see, in my profession (not yours), do you say to yourself … “Gosh, I’d better not call any other Tech commits because I might tip them off if they don’t already know about this blog that was ON FREAKING CBSPORTSLINE, not to mention in various papers after the fact,” … uh, tough decision.

You folks do your jobs. I’ll do mine. The idea of tipping off recruits does NOT enter my thinking.

That’s like saying if you’re a real estate agent, and you have a client who’s interested in a house you’re showing with a $1 million price tag that maybe you shouldn’t show another house that’s very similar even though its $800,000 because your buddy is the listing agent for the second house, and you don’t want to scoop him.

Not. Doesn’t work that way. You work for your boss, and your principles, or at least I do.

Matt

By matter of time

October 25, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Just a matter of time before most tech fans can’t stand winkeljohn b/c he doesn’t use common sense. Just b/c you think its your job, it doesn’t make it right to do or professional. In this case it may qualify as your job, but its borderline tabloid and frankly really unprofessional. Your responses to people upset at your tabloid like efforts are even worse.

Heck, why don’t you report on what’s in Dan rads trash for details. That too would be investigative and your job…but pathetic. Much like this last effort.

I suggest stopping your blogs. More and more dislike you after you write them.

I also suggest if you write them, to not respond, one at a time when you open your mouth another person doesn’t like you.

Matt W…the next Mark B.

By One more thing

October 25, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Oh and one other thing. You are slowly becoming another sportswriter that doesn’t know when to draw the line. Why don’t you call your colleague in Oklahoma and talk to her what that is like.

Alot can be your job, and alot can be your job and done classy. Calling 18 year old kids about a CBS sportsline BLOG on someone’s quote unquote inside info is careless, unprofessional and frankly meddling.

Whats next, you are going to investigate Gaileys kids and ask them if their dad is going to leave tech? I guess that would also be part of your job…but classless…much like this entry.

By Kevin

October 25, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Matt,

“Three other out of state commitments I reached all said they were unaware of it as of Wednesday evening.”

Well they are now. Really credible source you’re quoting to our recruits (the same source that claims Butch Davis is leaving UNC after one season…..right). Thanks!

Maybe if you wanted to do your job you would talk to some boosters, guys who would know and be willing to actually talk before you go running your mouth to recruits. I don’t know, maybe see if there’s ANY validity to the report before quoting it to 17-18 year old kids.

By Matt Winkeljohn

October 25, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

One more thing,

Talking to Tech commits when one has de-committed and said the rumor about Chan was a factor is unprofessional? How? Because its sensitive? How is that more unprofessional than calling kids asking what school they’re thinking of attending? Or calling them when the commit to a school. Funny how well-received recruiting news of those natures seems to routinely be.

It’s professional when you like the tone, unprofessional when you don’t. I’ll give you credit for this: Your stripes are crystal clear. Your criteria is based on allegiance, not on common sense.

Sorry you don’t see what I’m trying to say. Tech’s recruiting coordinator understood what I was doing when I spoke to him for the story. Giff Smith didn’t complain, or try to talk me out of the story. He cooperated … professionally. And then he said, “if there’s anything else I can do to help, let me know.”

This is all about reality, not about agendas, or playing favorites, or protecting favorites.

And no, I won’t stop responding, or start worrying about whether or not everyone who reads what I report, or blog, is my buddy.

Matt

By BUZZGT

October 25, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

FIRE CHAN NOW FIRE CHAN NOW FIRE CHAN NOW HE P** OFF WHO DO YOU THINK GT FANS FEEL I REPEAT FIRE CHAN NOW

STOP THE CRAP CHAN NEEDS TO GO NOW

By BUZZGT

October 25, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

FIRE CHAN NOW FIRE CHAN NOW FIRE CHAN NOW HE P** OFF WHO DO YOU THINK GT FANS FEEL I REPEAT FIRE CHAN NOW

STOP THE CRAP CHAN NEEDS TO GO NOW

By BUZZGT

October 25, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

FIRE CHAN NOW FIRE CHAN NOW FIRE CHAN NOW HE P** OFF HOW DO YOU THINK GT FANS FEEL I REPEAT FIRE CHAN NOW

STOP THE CRAP CHAN NEEDS TO GO NOW

By Matt Winkeljohn

October 25, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

Kevin,

This story, the one that will be in Saturday’s paper, is not about the validity of the blog on CBSportsline. That was addressed the very next day, in last Sunday’s AJC.

This is the next step: what’s the aftereffect?

Why in the world would I talk to boosters? Is Bobby Louder on call at Tech? Do you think it’s more up to boosters than Radakovich, whom we spoke to last weekend on the matter?

By techfanplus

October 25, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Matt, You are irresponsible to even write about a matter that may have no validity whatsoever. As far as anyone outside the Tech Athletic Dept. knows this is just a rumor and should not be repeated.

By Frank

October 25, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

Matt, I have appreciated your coverage this year. I also understand that you have a job to do in reporting stories and helping sell papers.

The only part of the story that was unprofessional and irresponsible was that you know that Radakovich and Gailey both have debunked the CBSSportsline report - you know the report is not true - and you still run the story as if there may be some basis behind it.

If you reported the same story - but indicated that the CBSSportsline report was completely discredited by both involved parties - that would be responsible journalism. Instead, you say: “I don’t think there’s enough smoke at this point to spook of many of the kids Tech is recruiting.”

That is where you went wrong. That is why you feel so touchy about all this. Truth hurts. Sorry.

And, when you start calling recruits and telling them about a report that you know has been discredited, it is intellectually dishonest to tell them about the report without also telling them that it has been debunked. I hope that you told the recruits that. I am sure your integrity as a journalist means something to you.

By Anonymous Suit

October 25, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

Well Matt, I work for the IRS and I think I’m going to do my job and have a close look at your tax returns. I think I’ll call your current and past employers and ask if they’ve heard that you are being scrutinized by the IRS. But don’t worry, I’ll make certain I tell them that it’s nothing really, just routine.

By BoozinBuzz

October 25, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Matt-

I agree with you in that this is a story for the papers… BUT Is it really necessary? This is like calling up the parents of victims after a tradgedy and asking for their thoughts, a little sadisitic and self-serving. Is this Pulitzer winning stuff?

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

October 26, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

Chan must go!

With said, I do want to ask you a question, Matt.

Did you at least tell these young men that there has been no other reporting or sources saying this? Other than these blogs, which I think everyone knows is full of fans with very little inside information, and Dodd’s blog, there has been no other solid sources stating that Gailey is in trouble. Did you mention this to the commitments?

Hopefully, you did.

Chan needs to go now.

By GTguy

October 26, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

The only problem I have is that when a sportswriter form the AJC calls a recruit asking about this story, which supposedly is bunk, it may make a recruit think the AJC thinks there is substance. Therefore, it will make the recruit worry about it when in fact it is bunk. Example: I heard Richt was humping Dooley’s wife. OK Matt, now call Dooley and Richt’s wife and ask them if it affects their marriage. Would that be good journalism?

By Dave

October 26, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

Tabloid journalism at its finest. Matt, it is hardly professional to propogate a totally unfounded and irresponsible rumor posted on a blog and perpetuate that damaging falsehood by writing articles and interviewing recruits. Shame on you.

Your analogy is very poor. A better example would be that someone posted in a blog that Matt Winklejohn is gay and tested HIV positve. Then an AJC reportor started calling ex-girl friends asking if the report of you being gay and HIV positive had any effect on them dumping you. How professional would that be? And how fair would that be to you?

By GT student

October 26, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

I like to read Matt’s blog, purely because there is no other substantial reporting on Tech. Our own newspaper (the Technique) comes out once a week on Fridays, but the only sports story tells how we fared in last Saturday’s game (and in softball).

I don’t think Matt was wrong to contact the recruits, or to make a story out of the report. It’s a bye week, and there isn’t much happening of the flats that’s worth reporting. I personally don’t care to read another story about whether the passing game will improve this week or whether or not we should water the grass because of the drought. The blog report was newsworthy because it invokes emotion, which we’ve clearly seen, and that’s what the papers are trying to do in order to, get this, sell more papers.

What I do find unprofessional and, frankly, downright hilarious is the fact that Matt is so angry in his responses. I can almost see him in a dimly lit office, hunched over his laptop pounding on the keys with his teeth clenched, every now and then throwing his hands in the air in disgust and proclaiming the readers of his blog to be “freakin’ idiots!” He pounds his fist on the desk, splashing some coffee that he thought was decaf, and wonders through squinted eyes and flaring nostrils why he can’t sleep, even though his wife (girlfiend? lover?) has been calling him, no, texting him to come to bed for hours.

Me? I’m up late studying for a test. The comical relief of this blog is giving me my second wind. And fortunately for me I go to Tech, so there is no lover or girlfriend calling, I mean, texting me to come to bed. That would be super annoying.

Who the freak is Adam Smith anyway? And what does he have to do with economics??

By GTguy

October 26, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Matt - unless you think there is something to the story, why do you fan the flame by continuing to talk about a rumor that is obviously detrimental to GT and its staff? A pure negative rumor that has been adamantly denied by GT is not news. However, if you have a source or believe it to be true then I think you are justified in flaming the fire. Otherwise, I think you are way out of bounds.

By gtfan

October 26, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

well you lost this fan matt. and here i thought you could actually write.

i am no chan gailey fan but sheesh are you stupid?

the hive even has a thread specifically for YOU. ‘stories that matt dinkleberry can write about the jackets’. there were none to your liking?

guess you couldnt stand what little success you had with the jacket fans. oh well.

i am ashamed that you are a fellow buckeye fan. i now dub you a f*ckeye.

if you did this kind of story on the buckeyes some fan would beat you to a pulp… and deservedly so.

By rebel

October 26, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

It was good while it lasted. I really enjoyed Matt’s reporting all season. I don’t know if someone made him mad and he pulled this crap for revenge or if he just wasn’t thinking. Either way, I suspect that his relationship with the Tech fans is done. Don’t really care any more about what he has to say. He can jump in the pile with Arey and the rest.

His immediate response was to become overly defensive. I think the proverbial hit Dawg has hollered. If it was so professional why would he care what some fans on a blog say.

By Rambling Reck

October 26, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

Matt-

You have been banned from the hive. Have a nice day!

PS- Please listen to my commentary on the NFL Network and on sports talk radio in small town GA.

By Bush

October 26, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this

Matt,

A complete bush league blog on your part. The fact that you are giving life to a rumor that has been flat out denied by all the important people at GTAA is a disgrace. I thought I could respect you as a journalist.

Bush League

By Tech Forever

October 26, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

What freakin difference does it make. Chan Gailey could sign Barry Sanders, Jerry Rice, and John Elway and still find a way to finish 7-5.

If kids decommit because Gailey leaves or gets fired we’re really not missing out on much because if they come here and he stays we’d never really know what they could do on the field anyway. Much like we’ll never know how good or bad John Bond is while he and Gailey co-exist.

I think Chan Gailey is one of the nicest, most honorable men in all of sports…..but a good college football coach he ain’t.

By North Ave Pimp

October 26, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

Te-hehehehe.. You tell’em Matt. Thats awsome…keep up the good work. We have to get Bum Gailey out of town and Quick. Chris your a Homo or a homer or something like that lol

By Biggus

October 26, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

Matt, you are classless garbage.

By surfrider

October 26, 2007 3:39 AM | Link to this

Like you said it should’nt effect most of the kids Tech is recruiting. Education is probably important to most of those kids and they would be interested in Tech under many coaches. Last year was a good year in recruiting but other than that it’s been pretty much average/slight above average. The school, ACC, Atlanta, etc..should help sell the program. Winning out surely would help.

By Buzz

October 26, 2007 6:10 AM | Link to this

Matt,

and you are a graduate (yes, we all know that is a big assumption) of ?

Excuse me brothers and sisters that i need to leave. I have printed Matt’s column for the most appropriate use, the bottom of the birdcage.

Matt, here is hoping your press pass is revoked at GT!

Thus, you can spend more time in Athens promoting the true agenda of the AJC. Does you department actually have formal meetings to discuss how to slant the coverage to UGA or is it more of an understood policy?

By golden goose

October 26, 2007 6:27 AM | Link to this

Georgia Tech recruiting will suffer as long as Chan Gailey is coach. What good QB would want to play for a Chan Gailey offense? Chan hasn’t developed even one QB that was average. For in depth discussion of Chan Gailey and GT football join us at: http://www.bbuzzoff.com

By WFC

October 26, 2007 6:48 AM | Link to this

Matt, thank you for your excellent coverage of GT football. I’ve been a Jacket fan since 1960 and we’ve never had as good info about our team as you provide.

Most of us don’t need Dodd’s blog (the name is ironic) to tell us that Chan’s in trouble. We also don’t need it to tell us that any firing decision has NOT been made at this point. Simply hasn’t happened.

Chan is good at establishing a program, quite a feat. He’s a weak game day coach. If he would let Bond run the offense as he lets Tenuto run the D, I think we would be OK. Sadly, I don’t see this happening. Chan’s conservative approach simply won’t work in today’s modern football… unless your team has OVERWHELMING talent.

I wonder if bloggers will be hammering the BC coach next year when Matt Ryan and the 17 grad student seniors are gone?

By GTech

October 26, 2007 7:14 AM | Link to this

Matt, really appreciate your blogs. The complainers are the same Hive wussies that believe what is said on their girly board affects recruiting. They love their Hive circle jerk and hate it that they can’t control your blogs. What a bunch of pathetic, fat, middle aged, dumpy losers! Not surprised that Giff wasn’t bothered by your questions. He is a good man. Keep up the excellent work! Go Jackets!

By son_sir

October 26, 2007 7:18 AM | Link to this

What a great service you provide….contacting recruits about unsubstantiated rumors and blogs. You folks at the AJC wrote an article earlier in the year about how GT is not media friendly. This is why. All you writers at the AJC have fleas and you know it.

By GM

October 26, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this

Matt: You seem pretty defensive about your article. Usually great stuff, but you missed the mark here. Maybe you should go ahead and admit it was bad judgment?

“The idea of tipping off recruits does NOT enter my thinking.” Perhaps it should have after you discovered the first one had not heard about it.

By Racinoto

October 26, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this

Matt keep up the good work and ignore fanatics. If Gailey goes, so be, I’ll party hardy. If he stays, he’s still our coach. An eighteen year old makes his decision based upon many factors. No offense, but I don’t believe your prose or that of CBS will make much of an impact on his decision. I enjoy your comments, insights and objectivity, keep up the good work.

By Racinoto

October 26, 2007 7:40 AM | Link to this

Matt keep up the good work and ignore the fanatics. If Gailey goes, so be it, I’ll party hardy. If he stays, he’s still our coach. An eighteen year old makes his decision based upon many factors. No offense, but I don’t believe your prose or that of CBS will make much of an impact on his decision. I enjoy your comments, insights and objectivity, keep up the good work.

By 2D

October 26, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this

Hey everyone…

Matt’s job is not to further the prospects of the GT Athletic department. It is to REPORT on it.

Is Dennis dodd an idiot??? Yeah, probably. Do his BLOG prognostications have much merit??? Probably not. However…

Even with the slimy tabloids for sale in the supermarket, there is usually a kernel of truth to the story. When there isn’t, they get sued and lose a bunch of money. I’d find it very interesting if Gailey/DRad actually sued Dennis Dodd for his BLOG. If there isn’t any truth to the rumor and Dodd purely made it up, they could probably win, and potentially cause severe damage to Dodd/CBSSportsline, etc. Now that would send a message wouldn’t it!

My hunch is that there is a kernel of truth to the Gailey situation, Dodd reported on the kernel he heard from a source and that has caused a ripple effect that Matt is simply reporting on. That’s good journalism. I was only on the High School paper, but let’s face it, the basics are the same whether it’s your HS, College, Local or National paper. If you hear about a story, you investigate it then write the best, truthful article you can.

I don’t care what all of the “HOMERS” say. Great job and keep up the good work!

By m

October 26, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this

It doesn’t take a blog to point out that Chan Gailey is a pathetic game day coach. All the recruits (and the whole world) can see it every time Tech plays. Gailey should NOT be fired at the end of the season….He should be FIRED TODAY!!

By Burdell's Brother

October 26, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

Gentleman…

IF a call from Matt to a recruit asking about a BS story tips the scale on if they will come to Tech or not…then several questions arise… Where they really coming to Tech in the first place? Did our coaches do their job in making these kids feel great about coming to Tech? Do these kids feel good about the direction of the program over their upcoming four years?

The answer is NO. AJ de-committed because his father, a UF grad, has held him to the coles over picking us over FLA.

The bigger question is why would any elite offensive weapon, that must rely on a QB come to Tech as long as Gailey is there?

The weak offensive numbers speak for themselves, and unfortunately without Choice next Thursday we may get a nice glimpse into next year.

Gailey has single handely destroyed our offense, I cannot recall a time in our football history that we have had this much talent and been so offensively inadequate.

My suggestion..take your anger that you direct at Matt, and put it at the real guy who is letting us down year in/out…Chan Gailey!

By Beeski

October 26, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this

Matt,

Are you still beating your wife?

Just by asking the question itself you become an agent provocateur rather than a reporter. Us Tech fans are very sensitive to Dodd’s complete and utter BS report, which was obviously a plant to damage our recruiting.

Hopefully this will be a learning experience for you…..please stop being so defensive….keep up the good work.

Beeski St. Croix, VI

By Backstreet Buzz

October 26, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

Matt,

Why don’t you contact Dennis Dodd and try to find out if his story has any merit.

Do you think that might be part of your job too?

By m

October 26, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

Beeski, we can only pray that Chan is fired so this long Tech nightmare can be over. This team should have been a BCS contender….but, unfortunately we have only a ‘BS’ underachiever as a coach. You Gailey apologists might accept this mediocrity…but the vast majority of Tech fans want CHANGE….NOW. FIRE CHAN TODAY!!

By Tom

October 26, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

Actually, m, it’s not anywhere near a ‘vast majority’. “Vocal”, yes…..”majority”?…..not even close.

By GT

October 26, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

Tech is not a destination school for a football coach like Southern Cal or South Carolina, it is popular because it is not in the sticks, near large and sucessful minority populations,great career path education and has huge television exposure. These are things the modern football recruit and parent look for and the rest are byproducts. If Richt loses to Florida like I think he will and Auburn like I think he will four years over there may be a stretch too so if you are a recruit like the school not the coach no matter where you go. One last note when has Tech fired a coach. Lewis, who gave losing a whole new meaning, was the last one. Tech doesn’t fire coaches, that is what they do in the SEC and other football factories. “Mama don’t let you children grow up to be cowboys.”

By bh

October 26, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

for those who made up rumors: if they are tech fans, they need to be fired as tech fans. if they are Ugag fans, they are just who they are.

By A Friend

October 26, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

You’ll find out today that Rashan Grant has a broken Fibula.

Dwyer will probably start next Thursday’s game, Choice may be back, but in limited functionality.

By George W.

October 26, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

Matt—

If you are just following your principles and those of your employer, might be time for some real soul-searching.

By Joe Colvin

October 26, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

Matt,

This article should have never been written. The AD and the Coach told you the rumor was not true.

Why would you take it upon yourself to try to keep it going?

And, what are you doing calling Tech recruits to ask them about it? I agree with one responder who suggested you start a rumor about UGA. You could also call some of their recruits and ask them about it.

This is the most unprofessional journalism I have seen in a long while.

I thought maybe you had decided to start writing about the positive things with the Tech program - and there are many. But, no, you just degrade into sports yellow journalism.

Why don’t you take Furman Bisher to lunch and ask him to start mentoring you so you can develop into a sportswriter with real class?

By M Winklejohn

October 26, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

Sorry guys, i shouldn’t have posted this. I’m still very upset that I’m no longer the Falcons beat writer. I obviously can’t hack it - soon I will be in Alaska writing about Iditarod recruiting or something. Please bear with me while I drive my career into the ground.

By m

October 26, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

Tom, you are sadly mistaken if you think the majority of Tech fans are going to continue to put up with this incessant MEDIOCRITY of Chan Gailey. He was (and is) TOTALLY UNQUALIFIED to be a college coach and he proves it every Saturday. He has taken a team that could easily be undefeated and lost 3 games. He is truly pathetic. It is just a shame that the Miami Dolphins didn’t hire him last year and rid us of this nightmare. Tech deserves better….FIRE CHAN TODAY!!

By North Avenue

October 26, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

It’s a rumor, Matt. It’s not newsworthy. You’re spreading gossip. It is unprofessional.

By TheTruth

October 26, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Beeski and Tom go back to the Hive and play with each other, tickle, tickle. The VAST majority of Tech fans want igonorant, arrogant, stubborn loser Chan FIRED. No one believes your BS, except for the Hive circle jerk anyway (which does NOT represent the overwhelming majority of Tech fans). Take your total load of crap back to policed asylum from which you get your worth, the Hive.

The Truth The Hamptons, NY

By Glenn

October 26, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Guys, back off of Matt on this.

If you think he is the only one who has/would ask a recruit about the Gailey rumor you are the crazy ones.

Every coach recruiting against Tech are in the living rooms, making calls, and are text messaging these kids doing the exact same thing.

It was a fair question for Matt to ask and let us know what they are saying.

In fact, it is probably a service to the Tech coaching staff to see how the recruits were responding as they only have so many times they can contact the recruits.

By Mattt Winkiejohn

October 26, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Sorry guys I goofed. I hope that I never write trash like this again. I understand I was stirring the pot when I called recruits and asked them about this stuff and brought a big lie to their attention.

That’s my job - to highlight lies.

-Winkie J

By George P. Burdell

October 26, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Matt, after you got demoted at the AJC from the Falcons beat, is this an attempt to have it not happen again by being controversial?

By YeOldeMtnWuss

October 26, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Ouch, the truth hurts my ovaries.

By Joshua Barlowe

October 26, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

I would gladly lose a WR or two to get rid of Gailey.

By bonzie

October 26, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Fantastic. Our own beat writer working against us.

By Can Chan

October 26, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Guys, let’s be wise about this topic.

With the way how our talented recruits has been developed over the years under Gailey, I really don’t see an issue of losing top targets if we can Chan.

I am sure we will find a better coach that could develop even less talented players and produce better results for tech (i.e. Jim Leavitt, Paul Johnson, Jimbo Fisher, etc…)

Don’t get me wrong, I do want to have great recruiting classes, but it doesn’t do us any good to have them if we can develop their talents at the college level. So, there’s really no drop off if we lose Chan and the talent getting on board with Tech.

Do you guys agree?

By North Ave Pimp

October 26, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

North Avenue get lost u bum, get off my SN. MATT Heell of a job buddy, keep up the good work, help us get this offensive Guru out of town. Chan Blows!! Who do we play first in Hoops ?

By mike

October 26, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Talk about throwing gasoline on a lit match. I have to agree with most of the folks who have posted here. I think this is designed to hurt Tech and bring on more tensions. Bad news seems to sell more newspapers. I guess Matt you have to do your professional job. Sadly, I thought Matt was going to be a Tech favorite, but he has already mentioned his teams are Ohio State and Bowling Green. Just another disappointment from the AJC. Keep digging dirt, reporter.

By Beernutts

October 26, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Hey WinkleJohn,

“Are you an Idiot?”

Classic.

By George P. Burdell

October 26, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

What a jackarse. I think I’ll call your wife and ask her if the rumors about you and that female writer are affecting your sex life.

By Tom

October 26, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Gee, sorry I hurt your feelings, m.

Unlike you, however, I am in a POSITION to actually know what I’m talking about.

By Glenn

October 26, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

One more thing I would like to add.

You guys keep talking about canning Chan. You seem to forget that he convinced the best defensive coordinator in the country to join his staff so he must be doing something right.

Give Bond some time to work his side of the ball and you might be surprised with the rest of the team.

By Ramblor

October 26, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Matt,

Stick to reporting how the team is doing. You’re not a recruiter for Tech so please stay away from their recruits. Just because Dodd pulled something useless out of his @ss, you’re spreading it even further.

I thought you were doing a good job as a beat writer, but this is pathetic. You’re trying to CREATE news and not just report it. You suck!

By Jaime Gaverts

October 26, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

While writing a reactive blog entry to hogwash internet rumor is bad enough by actually giving it credence, you are going to write an article on it and are perpetuating the hogwash by contacting other recruits? What’s hilarious, yet sad is that you actually make yourself look worse by coming here to defend yourself. You’re admitting you’re screwing up by doing that. Best thing would be to just leave it alone. It’s not a story, it’s been shot down by all involved, yet as the Tech beat writer you’re throwing gas on a fire that’s been put out and doing Tech an injustice.

By Jim

October 26, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Lewis Gizzard used to do this during every recruiting season in order to help UHA recruiting against GT. I hope Gailey files a complaint with the NCAA on this matter.

By Tom

October 26, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

I think many folks here are being a bit quick in assuming “Matt Winkeljohn” is always Matt Winkeljohn.

Or am I too quick in assuming it’s not?

By son_sir

October 26, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Ahhh….the AJC subterfuge at work again. This sounds familiar. Remember last year when Chan talked to the Dolphins and Steelers right “smack dab” in the middle of recruiting season. You blasted the events and did your best to make it negatively influence GT recruiting. The result,…the Jackets sign their best recruiting class in years; perhaps the best ever. You’ve got to hand it to you guys though. You are resilient. I’m not a huge fan of Chan, but you folks at the AJC seem to have an agenda going here. Does anyone else smell dogsh%t ??

By GTech

October 26, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

You know what really sucks. All of you whiney little babies complaining that Matt has done something wrong. The whole sports world knows about the Dodd story. You just want to squash it like on the Hive, and you can’t. You are so self important that you believe what you can’t control on the internet will kill Tech’s recruiting. You can all bite me! Chan sux, has sucked, and will always suck! Thanks Matt for keeping it interesting.

By Billy

October 26, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

I love that you people are getting mad at a reporter for DOING HIS JOB! Give me a break. Like someone mentioned, if these recruits are going to decommit because of Matt, then they weren’t really committed in the first place. Another thing…I love the fact that you believe EXACTLY what the coach and AD are saying. Oh, no, they would never lie to keep from losing every recruit…

I’m a lifelong GT fan and a grad, and this is literally the first time that I’ve been ashamed. You people are acting like a bunch of babies. Even worse, you’re acting like the UGA posters. Get your heads out of the sand, people.

By George P. Burdell

October 26, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

If Matt were doing his job he’d figure out the source of the rumor and see if there’s any truth to it. Instead he’s doing his best 13 year old girl impression.

By Corporate

October 26, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Mr. Winkeljohn, I am filing an NCAA complaint against you as an agent of the University of Georgia for interfering with Georgia Tech recruits.

By Matt WinkeIjohn

October 26, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

ALL yoUR bAsE ARe bELOnG tO US!

By Tinklejohn Sux

October 26, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

You have to be kidding!?!?!?! WTF?!? Why would you contact a kid about a rumor that is so ridiculously wrong that no reasonably informed person would ever believe it?!? I think this is the most blatantly sadistic thing any writer has ever pulled on a coach. How can you even look yourself in the mirror!?!

By da Boze

October 26, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Matt, if you are going to survive in the blogosphere you need to develop a thicker skin. Responding to every criticism only adds fuel to the fire. Just put it out there and be quiet.

By Stephen Dawg

October 26, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Rivals.com has tech’s recruiting class ranked 31st with zero 5-star recruits and zero 4-star recruits. You do have a 3-star QB out of Arizona who is tall and runs a 4.5, but at three-stars he probably isnt that great of a passer. As for your run game, both of the recruits you have wont be filling TC’s shoes. By the way, Georgia’s class is ranked 2nd overall with three 5-star recruits and ELEVEN 4-star recruits. And the kicker at 3-stars is the highest ranked kicker in the country(he only has three stars because of his overall impact potential next year.) If you guys want to turn your program around, you have got to get rid of Chan. He is dead weight.

By Tom

October 26, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Stephen,

Yes, it looks like Richt is putting together yet another fine class……and the coaching staff at Hargrave can’t wait to get their hands on ‘em.

By Stephen Dawg

October 26, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

I like talking about the number of stars our recruits have because it makes me feel better about my miniscule manhood.

By Male McMuffie

October 26, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Stephen Dawg, you are banned from the Hive. GT recruiting is great, just check Scouts, the paramount of recruiting analysis. Ahhhh, my labial contusion feels better already.

By son_sir

October 26, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Stephen, We’re used to UGA ranking that high in recruiting. Yes, You’ve gotten us for 6 in a row, but check the scores the past few years. Not exactly dominating. We’ve been taking 2 stars and competing with your 4 and 5 stars. Based on the recruiting services and results, CMR is an underachiever. And last but not least, GO GATORS !! It’s time for the Dawg meat feast again ! Will Willie be the scapegoat again or will it be placed on CMR ? THWG !!

By hiveredtech

October 26, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Some of our beloved GT posters on here are obviously ADD or ignorant.

This has ZERO to do with whether or not you are pro and anti- CG (which is a subject best left for December if you are a true GT fan that wants what is best for the program).

This is about keeping recruiting successful this year and next regardless of who the coach is.

This is what is best for the program!!

Calling our recruits about an unsourced article that was already flatly rebuked by our AD days ago is simply silly.

By Matt

October 26, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Please forgive GTech for supporting me. I have been humping him for 6 months and told him I’d cut him off if he didn’t. GTech - luv ya!

By Stephen Dawg

October 26, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

son_sir, For your information, CMR has won 2 SEC championships in the past 5 years. That’s not exactly underachieving. And as for you “competeing” with Georgia over the past two years, A) You still lost and B) You had an experienced QB both years. Based on your current recruiting stance you won’t have a decent QB for another 3-4 years. I wasn’t trying to start a big conflict, but merely point out that you must bite the bullet and fire chan reguardless of what further damage can be done to the 14 slouches you’ve managed to recruit thus far. Dont blame winkeljohn for the p** job your program has done in recruiting decent players.

By sportsliner

October 26, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

“I think I’ll call your wife and ask her if the rumors about you and that female writer are affecting your sex life.”

Who said anything about being a female?

By Mattie Ice

October 26, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Here’s a rumor for you, Matt. Chan was killed in a car wreck. When you find out in a few minutes that it’s not true, you can call all of Tech’s recruits and check in with them about how that rumor affects their decision. The “aftermath,” I think is what you called it. How’s that sound? Deceitful? You bet!!! Now you’re getting the point.

By SAR

October 26, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

4 of Matt’s co-workers I contacted were unaware of his secret meth lab and child prostitution ring.

By Oakland

October 26, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

I hope Giff Smith did not furnish names and contact information on verbal commitments to you. I’m not sure but isn’t that an NCAA violation to release information on a propective player before he signs a National Letter of Intent? I hope you got your contact information from another source.

By Bobby

October 26, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

The only way Gailey stays is if GT goes 8-4 including a victory over UGA. Anything less or a loss to UGA and his mediocracy style of football is history at Tech.

By Mike D

October 26, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what is worse that you’re dumb enough to do this to recruiting or that you don’t seem to even realize how dumb it was. You needing to write a story does not give you the right to screw with tech recruiting, find some other way to fill your space without being a complete idiot. I had been a huge fan of yours, now I can’t wait until your gone from the tech beat too.

By DirtDobber

October 26, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Am not surprised by another typical B.S. article by the AJC . The whole sports reporting staff @ AJC need an award for consistently pumping out such fine B.S.

Here’s a great idea for an article … Call some non-atheletic students and ask them what if they were a higly recruited athelete , would their commitment decision be swayed if …. blah, blah, blah …..WHO CARES !!! Next time you think you have a great idea for a sports article do us all a favor and LET IT GO .

Paul Hewitt was “right on the money” last year when he criticized the direction/focus of sports reporting. You guys need to get together , try to assemble a single brain cell amongst yourselves, and refocus before you lose all your readers .

Gee wiz - what a bunch of garbage !

By John A

October 26, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Your contacting recruits of GT about a rumor is about as low a thing as I have ever seen.You say you only talked to four, have you not noticed how close recruits get and how they stay in contact with each other? You don’t think they have not begun to contact each other and begin to question whether or not the rumor is true since a reporter with the Atlanta fish wrapper is calling us? What good could you have possibly gotten out of such trash journalism?

By Fall Jacket

October 26, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

you all are missing the point. Matt contacted the recruit b/c he had already de-committed. That’s news and he simply followed up on that news. Now, he shouldn’t have asked or seeded the question to relate to the report of Gailey. But he had every right to contact the kid b/c it was news.

Grow up and get over it. We need a QB before we start whining over de-committed Wide Recievers.

By InquiringMindsWantToKnow

October 26, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Is there any truth to the rumor that Matt Winklejohn is a child molester? Should we call his mom and his wife and his friends and ask how the rumor affects their feelings about him?

By stoney

October 28, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

id take a bad year of recruting just to get rid of gailey.imseason ticket holder but if they lose to uga again . i want buy another ticket or give any money to tech until gaileys gone..fire gailey before we have to go thru another year of losing to terams we should beat. make tanuta the head coach or randy edsell from u conn

By Calvin

October 30, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Hey Winkeljohn, you add to the rumour damage when you write about a rumour that you know is false. That’s unethical, and the AJC ought to call you on it. You once said that you’re not a Tech fan, but your job is more pleasant when Tech wins. If that is not a lie, then explain why you are willing to damage Tech’s recruiting by perpetuating rumours that you know to be false.