UGA blog finds new home
Morning all. As I’ve said a couple of times this week, we’re converting this blog over to a WordPress platform and it will be a permanent move the first of next week.
Those of you who are regulars probably know that I’m not what you’d call techno-wizard when it comes to these things. But from what I understand the technology offered in this new format should make the blogging and commenting experience better for all. Of course, I’ll be learning as we go along, too. But I’m hoping to provide more pictures and video and things like that which should bring the blog more to life.
Of course, this blog is nothing without all you guys so I want to heartily invite (read: beg) you to come over to the new site by CLICKING HERE ON THE NEW ADDRESS and save it in your browsers. As of Monday, Feb. 23rd, this will be the permanent home of the UGA blog you so love or, in the case of some of you, love to loathe. If you’d prefer to copy and paste or just memorize, the new address is: http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/.
See at the new place!
AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2007 > June > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFootball frosh report to campus
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There has been so much going on in the Bulldog Nation lately, I don’t even know where to begin. Like last week, I’m just going to clear my thought list and then keep this blog updated a little more often in the coming weeks.
First of all, as most of you know, most of Georgia’s freshmen signees reported to campus Sunday and Monday. This is a lot different than the way it used to be. Used to be, unless you enrolled spring semester, you didn’t show up to schools until freshmen reported the first of August. Now nearly 100 percent of the recruits enroll in summer classes and go through summer conditioning with the rest of the team. This is a good thing for everybody. The young guys are able to acclimate a little to their new lives, get into better condition so that they might have a better chance to compete for playing time in the fall and get to know their teammates and coaches. Plus, they get a head start on their academics. It’s a win, win, win situation.
I’m hoping to get some interviews with some of the newbies this week and write a story or two for you, but Claude Felton tells me NCAA rules have been changed a little this year regarding schools being able to facilitate media interview requests. One way or another, we’ll get in contact with some of these guys and let you know what is on their minds as they undergo this transition. I’ll gladly take your suggestions for specific guys you’d like to hear from.
On that note, it will be a telling week for signee Israel Troupe. The high-caliber wide receiver from Tift County apparently is already on campus but is expected to be drafted in the Amateur Baseball Draft this weekend. Word is that Troupe is not expected to go too high — he’s not listed among the top 200 prospects at this writing — and reportedly does not intend to play professional baseball unless he is a high, single-digit draftee, which he apparently does not expect. If he doesn’t go pro baseball, this AJC Super 11 prospect is expected to be an impact college football player and one whale of a walk-on for Bulldogs’ baseball coach David Perno.
You’ll never believe who I ran into this weekend. I was driving into the gates of Cuscowilla Golf Club down on Lake Oconee and was greeted by a sign at the entrance that said “Welcome Coach Harrick and Friends.” Sure enough, after I finished my round with three buddies, there was Jim Harrick eating a cobb salad on the clubhouse deck. He was surrounded by all his old friends from the Georgia Tipoff Club — Kevin Price, Allan Hixon, Ed Schimmel, Bob Wimberly and several others. I should say former members of the Tipoff Club because none of them have anything to do with it anymore since Harrick is gone, which is a shame. They’ve refused to embrace new coach Dennis Felton or his program, even though Felton had nothing to do with anything that went down. But I digress. Harrick said he and his wife Sally are doing well and miss Athens. “We really loved it there. We had it going,” he said. He still maintains a home in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., but spends the basketball season in Bakersfield where he coaches the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA developmental league. After Lake Oconee, Harrick was heading up to North Carolina to play Pinehurst No. 2, so he must be doing all right.
Those of you who are regulars know I’m not much of a recruitnik but I have to say I’m definitely impressed with the list of football commitments the Dogs have for February 2008. The latest to give UGA the nod was Griffin defensive lineman Toby Jackson, who by all accounts is another big-timer. He makes No. 12. Too bad for Mark Richt and Rodney Garner football doesn’t have an early signing period coming up in the next month or so. Otherwise they’d have a lot of their work done for 2008.
I’ll get up another blog by Wednesday. Until then, let’s hear what YOU have to say.
Permalink | Comments (78) | Post your comment | Categories: Football
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Comments
By Mark
June 4, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Chip, will Troupe for sure walk-on the baseball team??? If he does that would be a huge boost for Perno and the baseball team. What position does he play?
By Matthew At The SLC
June 4, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Chip,
I’d love the hear from King and Troupe, of course. They seem to be the biggest “splash” kind of players. Talk to King about his difficulties with academics and coming off of a serious injury. Talk to Troupe about possibly making an instant impact on offense because of our severe lack of recievers who catch the ball on Saturdays like they catch the ball on Tuesdays. Also, maybe a column dedicated to Moreno, as he seems to be on the cusp of grabbing the reigns as a focal point of this offense. Also, maybe something from Butler, considering he’s a legacy.
Also, Chip, how could you be around Harrick without having to directly shower afterwards? And who are these cronies of his? Are they rich boosters or something? If they’re in the Harrick / Adams camp, then we don’t want their dirty money in any of our programs. The fact that the associate with that man tells me all I need to know about them: THEY ARE NOT REAL DAWGS. They should have their alumni cards revoked for “welcoming” Harrick within 50 miles of Athens. Because here’s the thing, accept for those guys, Harrick ISN’T welcome within 50 miles of Athens. The fact that he was here makes me want to take an immediate shower, because now I feel dirty. I wondered what that smell on the North Campus was this morning. Uugghh. What a slime. If he were half the man that Dennis Felton is… well, he wouldn’t have left THREE programs under the cloud of NCAA suspicions and sanctions.
By FSSikes
June 4, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Go Dawgs!!!
By FSSikes
June 4, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
From all the way up here in Greensboro, NC………………………………….GOOOOOOOO DAAAAWWWWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By marty
June 4, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
So I guess Eddie Munster is back coaching the Gators. So Orlando let him change is mind and back out of the signed contract but Florida wouldn’t let the kids back out of theirs?
By dawgfatha
June 4, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Chip - Thanks for calling out the Benedict Arnold faction of the tipoff club by name. What a bunch of sleaze. They will certainly look foolish in a few years when Coach Felton has us playing in the tournament anually.
By dawgfatha
June 4, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Chip - Thanks for calling out the Benedict Arnold faction of the tipoff club by name. What a bunch of sleaze. They will certainly look foolish in a few years when Coach Felton has us playing in the tournament annually.
By Fla Dawg
June 4, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
I’m in Orlando and word here is his wife had something to do with it. That and possibly he had less control of the team than he originally wanted.
By Matthew At The SLC
June 4, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Fla Dawg,
When are college coaches going to learn that they have it best in the NCAA? That goes for football AND basketball. In the NFL and the NBA, they can’t discipline their team. They usually have no real input on how they’re team is going to be assembled. The stars and players own the NBA, less so in the NFL. NCAA coaches are crazy for going to the NBA. I still think they’re crazy for wanting to go to the NFL because odds are, they’re going to be crap as NFL coaches. But going from the NCAA to the NBA is absolute lunacy. We’re talking total control to NO control. We’re talking Tim Floyd, Lon Kruger, PJ Carlisimo, John Calipari, Rick Pitino, etc, etc. If you are a success as a college coach, learn to live with it. You’re already coaching the best league you can coach in; for YOUR profession. Now, the pros are the best league for players to get to, because 1) they actually get paid (yes, in the NCAA they get an education and I’m against paying college kids, so back off) and 2) they have control over their lives on and off the field. In the NCAA the coaches have all of the control and many are well compensated to boot. These guys have to learn that coaching in the pros isn’t the top of the heap for them. Coaching in college is. That’s why Pete Carroll would be a fool to return to the NFL, where he was an abject failure. Players coaches never last long in the NFL, but they make great recruiters. Who here doesn’t think that Little Jimmy Mora, even as spoiled as he is, isn’t better suited for NCAA football instead of the NFL? I think he’d be a good college coach. He can turn on the charm with parents and recruit the best. But in the NFL, he’s a failure.
Coaches! Stop thinking the pros are better for you than college. They’re better leagues for players, not coaches.
Okay… off my soapbox.
By mcdawg
June 4, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
sounds like this Jackson recruit is a fairly soft commit-whats the point of committing and then going to visit every other school that gives you an offer??
By Buck Cochran in the NW
June 4, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
Chip, remember that column I sent you from the local newspaper out here that just brushed over the problems Harrick caused? The columnist, Ted Miller, was a Season ticket holder for two years. Are we in the middle of an attempted reputation restoration?
By Anonymous
June 4, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
Well mcdawg, he says he is 100 % committed but he is still going to visit other places. He is going to other camps just to make himself a better player. He is trying to go to as many camps as he can. Whether u believe it or not, most recruits visit other places during the season even though they committed…mainly because its a big sec game they get to see for free. Would you not check out 5 free big time SEC games if u had a chance? Our very own Tony Wilson who was committed at the time visited Florida for their home game against Florida St. and why….a free big game showdown. All we can do is take the kid at his word. So, Toby Jackson…welcome to the Dawg family.
By Anonymous
June 4, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
Matter of fact…u can join dawgpost.com and chat with Toby Jackson tonight about the commitment if u want. He’ll be on at 9:00 pm to chat with dawg fans. I’m more a rivals guy but im just throwing that tidbit out there for anyone that wants it.
By I-DOG
June 4, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this
A follow up to the Penn State scandal where half a dozen players were arrested for assault.
According to Sports Illustrated, those players are going to clean the stadium rather than the volunteers who normally do it.
It does not mention any missed games or even a missed snap for any players. It does not mention even probation for any of the players.
Anyone hear anything different?
I’m not saying that I think Richt and UGA should lower our standards to anywhere near that “low bar”
However, you have to ask yourself about the playing field for college football programs.
What would happen if this had happened at UGA?
My guess is a minimum of 2 games suspension for any player even at the scene of the incident. 6 games for anyone involved in wrongdoing (if they could plausibly claim they were defending themselves with no alchohol involved)
all the way up to an entire season/kicked off the team… depending on the circumstances.
At Penn State, they clean the stadium.
By UGA Kiss My A$$
June 4, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
Being the quintessential crotchsniffer, I don’t know how he isn’t still there.
By A-ville Ranger
June 4, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
I’m surprised with the Toby Jackson commitment.The way he was talking a few weeks back saying everybody would just have to wait and pay attention.I’ve seen and heard too many of these kids play that vain, arrogant game.I posted that he should go somewhere else.Maybe I misjudged the guy,it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been wrong about people.Welcome to the family Toby.
By Chip Towers
June 4, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
Man, you can tell it’s summer around here. Everything has slowed to an ebb, even in the blogosphere I guess. I’ll try to get you some updates on the new Dawgs before the week is out.
By Terry Williams
June 4, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the story on Harrick. I always thought his “deeds” were overblown by the media and the very jerk he tried to help. Guarantee you GA basketball would have a richer history right now….3-4 sweets and maybe a final four….if we had him rather than Felton (a good coach…but a lightweight)…the $300 thing was laughable. I attended his “father-son” camps with my son and they were outstanding. GA’s loss.
By Terry Williams
June 4, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the story on Harrick. I always thought his “deeds” were overblown by the media and the very jerk he tried to help. Guarantee you GA basketball would have a richer history right now….3-4 sweets and maybe a final four….if we had him rather than Felton (a good coach…but a lightweight)…the $300 thing was laughable. I attended his “father-son” camps with my son and they were outstanding. GA’s loss.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
June 4, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
At the SEC meeeting just held in Destin, Fl, the idea of punishment came up and guess what? Ga has by far the strictest code in the SEC. No one wanted to have a league wide punishment code and it’s left up to every school. Vandy doesn’t have one period. When the penalties were increased, led by ? Adams? the Dawgs were put in a bad position. CMR has no say so anymore. As strict as the Ga. code is, I think CMR will give less punishment to players in the future. Now we know why there appears to be so much difference between the teams because it’s true.
By AltamahaDawg
June 4, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
And to think I was bragging on coach Donavan a few days ago. I knew it felt wrong to say anything nice about a Florida Gator. Note to self.
By MR.FOOTBALL
June 4, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
UGA has to have a strict code because they have so many players getting in trouble. I would like to see the web site that states this.
By David Lee
June 4, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
I saw Billy Donovan eating some potato chips in Orlando. Big f’ing deal.
By AP
June 4, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
my only problem with the 2008 recruiting class so far: no offensive linemen. haven’t we learned our lesson? we don’t want to be stuck with the situation we’ve got this year, with only 2 O-linemen with experience on the entire roster
By Buck Cochran in the NW
June 4, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
MR. Football, just check with your local newspaper and find out who covered the SEC meeting and they;ll confirm it for you.
By Gen Neyland
June 4, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
The PRR is just around the bend…Any of youse guys gonna slog it with me and 49,999 others..? If so, let me know and maybe we can meet up. I’ll be the guy wearing the Tennessee hat…
By SamoanDawg
June 5, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this
Does Israel Troup really have a chance to play this season? I don’t see it, from my point of view. Man, look at the depth we have….
Sean Bailey, Mohammed Massaquoi, Mickey Henderson, Kenneth Harris, Kris Durham, AJ Bryant, Michael Moore, Demiko Goodman, T.J. Gartrell, and Tony Wilson.
If he does play, that’s even greater! But, he sure does have some tough competition infront of him. Hmmmmm… next season, adding AJ Greene and Tavarius King… wow!… :)…. BIG smile on my face.
By SamoanDawg
June 5, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this
Just keep on piling in the blue chippers guys. It’s nice to have bunch of talented kids committed already. Richt and Co. are doing a superb job. Now, if we can just go ahead and sign them on the dotted line would be even more superb. Go Dawgs!
By AltamahaDawg
June 5, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this
Where did the idea that Mark Richt has no say so in the discliplinary action taken with his footabll players? Name a time when the university stepped in and interfered with that.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
June 5, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this
testing
By duff
June 5, 2007 2:21 AM | Link to this
I find it hard to believe that anyone would let that SOB Harrick show his face in the State of Georgia!!! That piece of %&!@ should be strung up by the thumbs and then sunk to the bottom of Lake Oconee. He should never be allowed to coach basketball again, on any level. My stomach turns thinking that he is yuckin’ it up with some old cronies in our state. Tempts me to track him down and go ‘Tony Soprano’ on his a** myself, however that would be beneath any true good Bulldog.
You have a special place in hell waiting for you HARRICK.
By duff
June 5, 2007 2:49 AM | Link to this
I find it hard to believe that anyone would let that SOB Harrick show his face in the State of Georgia!!! That piece of %&!@ should be strung up by the thumbs and then sunk to the bottom of Lake Oconee. He should never be allowed to coach basketball again, on any level. My stomach turns thinking that he is yuckin’ it up with some old cronies in our state. Tempts me to track him down and go ‘Tony Soprano’ on his a** myself, however that would be beneath any true good Bulldog.
You have a special place in hell waiting for you HARRICK.
By Nikki
June 5, 2007 6:16 AM | Link to this
Whew! That’s a load off of my mind to know Jim Harrick is okay. I wasn’t sleeping at night. I can’t believe there are people who have turned their backs on Dennis Felton as some sort of sign of allegiance to Harrick. That’s really pathetic.
By JB
June 5, 2007 6:48 AM | Link to this
Awesome recruiting class but why anyone would side with Harrick, is beyond me. We are better off without those folks.
HBTD!
By Buck Cochran in the NW
June 5, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this
Altahama, I was talking about the automatic suspensions that are part of the university code now. I certainly didn’t mean minor violations. Ga. does have the strictest code in the SEC so we can not expect to see other schools now Levey the same punishment as Ga. does so for some who complain about the difference it’s a waste of time. whatever policy for punishment is up to each school.
By AltamahaDawg
June 5, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this
Are you SURE that Vandy would not suspend a college student for one semester on his second arrest for criminal underage drinking on campus?
By gdawginkalamazoo
June 5, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
I think most of you guys would agree that if a player comes to UGA and performs on the field that he has a very good shot at making it to the NFL. With the NFL now looking at the character of the players it will accept and allow to play in the NFL, I think UGA shouldn’t have a problem still attracting the good kids. IMO I think it will help with the parents who are concerned about what their kids do in college off the field. Sure the temptation will always be there but maybe this will help the kids focus more on what not to do. Unfortunately Hebron was an example that I hope will at least pay dividends in the example dept.
Harrick. Might be a good basketball coach, but definitely not a man of character. Chip are you sure that Mike Adams wasn’t hiding in the womens bathroom waiting for you to leave?
By gdawginkalamazoo
June 5, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
AltaDawg, has VANDY ever had any trouble with one of their players that makes the headlines?
By TOPDOG
June 5, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
DAM IT FEELS GOOD TO BE A DAAAAAAAAWG
By Ft Worth Dawg
June 5, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
I think it is amazing that UGA can demonstrate that it will strictly punish its student athletes, and then go out and recruit an outstanding class. Maybe the kids realize that the discipline is a good thing. (Or maybe they think they won’t be a goofup, or that they won’t get caught when they get to college).
It seems like a few years ago that college administrators were going to take over discipline because coaches were treating violations by athletes in a “no big deal; boys will be boys” manner.
Proposed next topic: UGA has 12 “commitments”. How many scholarships are left? Who should UGA go after? What positions should UGA go after with those remaining scholarships?
By Anonymous
June 5, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Well, at this point it is basically whoever commits first gets those spots. I know Jeremy Longo DE who plays with Blair Walsh(Kicker commit) is considering committing to the Dawgs on his visit this week. We also may be close to an OL commitment with Jonathan Owens out Alabama. Those may be the next two commits. I think we plan on signing 25 kids this year. Also, I think we are done recruiting at the CB position with Pugh and Boykins committed. I think we are still recruiting for every other position besides Quarterback.
By gdawginkalamazoo
June 5, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
FtWorth Dawg, you mean like coaches having the team pick up trash in the stadium during summer break for gang fighting?
By I-DOG
June 5, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Mr. Football:
UGA has players getting in trouble mostly for the victimless crime of drinking underage. There have also been a few driving with a suspended licenses.
The last time, we had a guy suspended for something else was a fight a couple of years ago (Golston)
You asked what web site shows UGA has the toughest penalties for wrongdoing. You ask for that because you know there is no ranking of toughest standards for football programs. Lets turn it around:
Mr. Football. Two questions for you. Please name me ANY other college football program that has suspended two highly recruited football players for 2nd offense drinking after missing multiple games for the first offense. I know of exactly 0 and yet I’m quite sure that other football players drink. Are you telling me that every other D-1 player in the nation obstains from alcohol?
2nd question: Who is your team?
By Renegade
June 5, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Jim Harrick is the quintesitial slicked-up a-hole that alot of 40-something “Georgia supporters” like. The old folks and the new generations of Dawgs seem to relish the fact that we have good men leading our football and basketball programs instead of tricksters like Harrick. Don’t be surprised by the fact that Harrick was seen at Lake Oconee. Harrick Jr. had the nerve to hang around Athens Country Club after his sorry A$$ was fired like he owned the place. The lesson here folks…don’t be fooled or coerced by people claiming to be dawg supporters. If they have slicked back hair, a lot of gold jewelry, and a rat-fink smile, don’t trust ‘em. Go Dawgs.
By I-DOG
June 5, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
AP:
I understand your concern, but think we are OK at OL. Here is why:
The problem we had at OL that Donnan created was a lack of class seperation of OL. That left us with two cycles where we had virtually no Juniors or Seniors at the position.
That isn’t where we are today for two reasons:
1.) We are likely to sign 2 OL this year, We hope to land AJ Harmon and BJ Brand had committed earlier but is going to look around. I would bet we will get at least one of those two.
2.) We signed a ton of OL the last two years, but they will be seperated into several different classes because some played as Freshman or will this year, some redshirted or will this year and two are Juco’s whose eligibility expires a different time.
If we had signed 5 guys per class and they were all going to use up their eligibility in the same two years, and then whiffed for a year or two at the position, that would be a problem.
We can’t afford to sign a big clas of OL this year, ship wise, but if we land one or two good ones each of the next two years, that will be enough
By Buck Cochran in the NW
June 5, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Altahama, read what I said. Vandy has NO set policy. I didn’t say what they would do and I said the as far as the SEC goes it’s up to each school to set their own policy.
By I-DOG
June 5, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
altamaha:
I am not certain, but I have NEVER heard of a player missing mutltiple games for drinking underage at another program. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.
That doesn’t mean that Vandy or some other school wouldn’t do it, but if they have… they sure keep it quiet.
Ft. Worth Dawg: I agree excellent class shaping up and I am very relieved that UGA’s unique punishment schedule is not hurting our recruiting.
How can we sign 25 guys this year? Counting ships is about as easy as it was to unravel Enron’s year end financial statement, but I just don’t see how we can sign 25 this year.
Great suggestion for the topic of how many ships we plan to offer? (The coaches would know)and who our top targets are?
By Buck Cochran in the NW
June 5, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
I-DOG, if I can get some time I’ll find the website where I read the article about Punishment. CHIP. WHO FROM THE AJC COVERED THE SEC MEETING? THEY WOULD KNOW? CAN YOU CHECK ON THAT?
By Buck Cochran in the NW
June 5, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
For anyone who’s interested, go to macon.com and read Josh Kendall’s report. The headline is : Georgia’s on it’s own.
By I-DOG
June 5, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
Buck in NW:
Thanks for the great info on the article by Josh Kendall. Great info.
I can’t even believe that “any student caught possessing alchohol underage will automatically be suspended for two semesters”.
I had freinds at UGA who had 4.0’s in microbiology (one of the harder majors at UGA) and I hate to think of a kid like that getting suspended for two quarters because he posessed a beer underage.
This makes as much sense as making pre-marital sex illegal on campus with a two semester suspension for first offenders.
College is a wonderful experience, but is also full of pressure at times. Why should a 20 year old hard working (otherwise) law abiding citizen have to worry about getting suspended for 2 quarters for something so benign?
.
By gdawginkalamazoo
June 5, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
I-Dog, I don’t think it is quite that simple. I am pretty sure you have to be an a-hole and do really stupid things to “get caught”. Maybe the days of staggering around campus are over but as the saying goes “nothing good ever happens after midnight anyway.” From my understanding the Hebron thing was due to his actions and behavior more that having a beer in his possession. And Smith? Well being that big and passing out on the street and in the bathroom stall is just being a public nuisance. I truly believe that if acting in a law abiding manner and being “caught” with a cup of beer you would be asked to pour it out if you are apologizing profusely to the officer. Kinda like our pledges to our God above that “I swear I will never ever do this again if you stop the room from spinning right now”
By Bulldog-Lover
June 5, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
I love the bulldogs so much.
By AP
June 5, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
I just hope we sign 2-3 offensive linemen for 2008. We need to diversify across positions and not get a surplus at one position and be left hanging with nobody at another position, like what happened this year with the offensive line
By Chip Towers
June 5, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Buck:
Wih all due respect to my colleague Josh Kendall at the Macon newspaper, what he wrote in that story is incorrect. The reason Akeem Hebron was suspended — and I am in no way agreeing or disagreeing with how it was handled — is because he was arrested for underage consumption WHILE ON PROBATION for a previous arrest for the same thing less than two months earlier. You are not automatically suspended two semesters for one alcohol- or drug-related address. Like anything, sanctions get progressively worse depending on the number of violations and the severity of those violations and they care considered independently by the office of student affairs and, if required, the student judiciary. Following is UGA’s written policy addressing these issues:
If a student is found to be in violation of alcohol and other drug related misconduct, possible sanctions may include:
Probation Community Service Referral to an Alcohol Education Program (Prime for Life: Campus, DUI school, etc.) Suspension from University Housing Suspension from UGA Parental Notification Parental Notification Policy The Office of Judicial Programs will notify parents or guardians when a student is found to have violated Code of Conduct policies on the use or possession of alcohol or other drugs when he/she is under the age of 21 and one or more of the following occurs when:
A student has been found to have violated the alcohol or other drug policy a second time and every subsequent time. There is significant property damage. Medical attention to any person, including the student, is required as a result of the student’s alcohol or drug-related behavior. The student demonstrates reckless disregard for his or her personal safety or the safety of others. There is evidence that the student’s alcohol or drug-related behavior negatively impacts the learning environment.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
June 5, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this
Chip, thanks for correcting Kendall. Last year I emailed him a couple of times about his writing and he never responded. I’m glad that I remembered where I had picked the info up. I wasn’t misleading anyone. What about the rest of the info. Doesn’t Ga. have the toughest rules? Was (I correct when I said the Vandy has no set policy? And the statement that no one wants the League to set a policy so each school can have their own punishment?
By Chip Towers
June 5, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
Buck, the only way to know what everybody else’s rules are is by inquiring directly or researching each school’s website for their alcohol and drug policies. So I just don’t know at the moment. Like Richt said, UGA is where he works so it really doesn’t matter what the others are, Georgia’s is what it is.
By shane
June 5, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
i am glad uga is serious about improving the off field behavior of athletes,it’s about time.no fan wants to see their school with a big black eye because some kid acted out.i hope we are in the lead on this,and will continue in first place.i think i have seen a pattern in the way uga recruits,we seem to recruit linemen one year,then skill posistion players the next.we also seem to target players that will fit our o and d schemes,we may go after a 3 star player instead of a 4 or 5 star if the coaches think he will fit in with our program.i think this is a wise course of action,and i don’t second guess the coaching staff. of course uga will go after a freak of an athlete regardless of need,these guys don’t come along that often.
By A-ville Ranger
June 5, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
This is a tough post for me.I’m a UGA man and a huge college football fan.There is a problem in the sport maybe the worst misuse of kids I’ve seen in college sports.A study was done on NFL offensive linemen in the 80s.That study found the average life span of these players to be in the mid 50s.The reasons sited included the battering inherent in the game.They also sited the weight these men carried at that time the average was 280 or so I believe.When this group of huge kids was signed I didn’t read or hear one question from fans, coaches,analyst,etc as to the effect this will have on the health of these kids.Coach Richt is a good and sincere man but he’s turning a blind eye to this problem for competitive reasons.My proposal is that a study be done by the ncaa and rules on healthy weight and minimum condition of these guys be met to qualify as players.We have academic requirements and yet there’s little doubt many of these kids will suffer tragic health problems and even early death so that our line is bigger and stronger than theirs.We all share in this disgrace.
By A-villeRanger
June 5, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
Well that stopped the conversation cold.
By Gen Neyland
June 6, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
Mr.Donavan, meet Mr.Cremins…Also, Mr.Donavan would like to avoid the WWF chokehold manuver and I can’t blame him…
Now to punishment for college level athletes. Sad PennSt will issue a community service hand-slap for it’s stars of tomorrow. Teaches a big lesson…See Mike Vick…A big part of the College experience is learning to live in the real world and to baby a student- athlete isn’t what many of them will face out here in the world of reality. Kudos to the institutions that face the fact that Life may begin at the crack of the gavel and sends that message to it’s student-athletes…
By SamoanDawg
June 6, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
Coach Searels needs to check this kid out if he hadn’t already. He dominated all the guys at Tech’s camp, including big AJ Harmon. I think Troy is one of few school has offered him so far. He hopes Georgia will offer.
Ben Jones 1v1 Scout.com Elite Camp… not sure if you can view this.
By SamoanDawg
June 6, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger,
I’m with ya on that. Sure there’s certainly some concern for the health for some of these kids. Especially among linemen. I think coaches are well aware of the health issues and the heat index in two a days. But I think the main issue comes down to when an athlete playing days are over. Some guys let themselves go and some takes good care of their health. I guess it all depends on the individual. I don’t know, I’m not an expert, just base on an opinion.
By ConyersDawg
June 6, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this
Samoan, Ben challenged all of the best defensive guys there and dominated. I heard Toby was the only guy to touch the pad.
Ben says it would be his dream to play for the dawgs and I would love to see this kid become a dawg.
By SamoanDawg
June 6, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this
ConyersDawg,
I saw the video. If that was Toby that touch the pad, then I would’ve estimated he reached the pad at right about 4 seconds. That means Ben Jones won the battle. I hope we sign him. He’s a natural. Quick feet and good balance for a big kid. He’ll fit right in Searels’ scheme.
By F Y I
June 6, 2007 3:00 AM | Link to this
Somoan I was refering specfically the pressure on the lineman to carry 40 or fifty more lbs than just a few years ago.Something needs to be done.I’m not naive,if it will win games coaches will go along.If it will help them compete the kids will put the weight on.That’s why the only solution I see is to have rules on body mass,fat percentages.etc so that the playing field is level and the kids are protected.If every team has 290 lb linemen the game will play the same and we’ll be doing the right thing.
By Lee
June 6, 2007 5:23 AM | Link to this
Re underage possession and “I truly believe that if acting in a law abiding manner and being “caught” with a cup of beer you would be asked to pour it out if you are apologizing profusely to the officer.”
That might work in your hometown, but Athens/Clark County gets soooo much revenue off this, it’s unbeleivable. The UGA student is a cash cow for them
The best advice to give your prospective college student is; “Never get between a cop and a $100 bill. You’ll lose everytime.”
Regarding linemen and their weight. It doesn’t seem all that advantageous to have a 300+ pound lineman if 40 pounds of it is gut hanging out over the belt. David Pollack proved that you don’t have to be a monster to be successful.
Personally, I’d rather have line full of in-shape 275 pounders than a guy at 325 who is gasping for breath in the 4th quarter.
I’m telling my age here, but I remember when a couple of 225 pounders on a high school line was considered a big line.
By Vince the Prince
June 6, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this
Not sure what all the hype is about, since the Dogs are 12 point underdogs to OSU in the opener, and predicted to go 8-4 this season.
Athens is nothing but alot of noise and barking, and UGA fans who have no clue about being true champions with alot of class.
Get a winning streak going, win some national titles (more than 1), then you can come to talk; otherwise, put a lid on it,tee it up and get back to the Jim Harrick exams.
By Anonymous
June 6, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
Vince the Prince….where did you get your prognostications from, Phil Steele has us winning the SEC east, and ESPN has us winninng the ESPN east so your obviously being an bias rival like always. Not goin to spend much time on hate in this blog. Anyway, does anyone know whats up with Cuff and why he has not moved on campus yet? We know why Logan is not there and thats because he is battling mono but I was just wondering about Cuff?
By Anonymous
June 6, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Nevermind on Cuff, I found out the NCAA Clearinghouse is questioning two of his course classes and thats why he is on the hold up.
By Big Dawg
June 6, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
AP and others,
We are on track to sign 3 to 4 Offensive Linemen this year, like several of you pointed out we signed some great OL the last two years. So with this these guys are looking at redshirting next year unless we have a lot of injuries or they can prove that they are better than the guys that are already there.
Go Dawgs
By gdawginkalamazoo
June 6, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Lee, good point on the revenue thing. Back in my day that wasn’t a big concern. We were usually ordered to pour it out and turn over any full bottles.
By reality check
June 6, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
Vince the Princess is a liar. The line on the Oklahoma State vs Georgia game has not yet been established and won’t be for months.
When it does come out you can rest assured Georgia will be favored
By A-ville Ranger
June 6, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
I know some people will read my post on the size of some of these kids and think I want to bring back leather helmets.We all talk about doing what’s best for the student athletes.What if a coach was a conditioning coach and his job was to put a kid in healthy shape.Does anybody think he’d tell a 330 pound guy with 25% fat he was in good healthy condition ? That tells me their interest supersedes their duty to do whats best for the kid(not the player).Just five or ten years back a 310 player was at the high end.It’s this last class that really woke me up when we all salivated over guys 30 or more lbs over what any doctor would consider a safe weight.One last thing to consider,the player who came in and wowed the coaches is Trinton Sturdivant at around 295.
By shane
June 6, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
you make a good point ranger,i have one question however,how do you enforce size regulations?it seems the ncaa has it’s hands full trying to enforce rules already on the books.the fact that an o lineman has a gut is not always a bad thing. a big gut,butt and thighs, gives him a lower center of gravity,making it harder for a d lineman to get penetration.that said,o linemen are the most underated athletes in sport.they must be strong enough to hold theie place when pass blocking,and agile enough to move their feet in time with FAST d linemen. guards and centers must be quick enough to get out and make blocks on lbs.and safties on running plays.they must also be smart enough to know all the plays,adjust for audibles,read the d,and remember the snap cout in the middle of all the chaos and with deafening noise from the crowd.they do all of this knowing that the only time their no.is called out is when they screw up.what special people they are!
By ncdog
June 7, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope he choked on the cobb salad.
By Cuz
June 7, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
There should be a Jim Harrick wanted poster.
Wanted for impersonating a basketball coach. Prefferabley alive but bleeding bad in extremely painful, non life threatening places. I mean somewhere in this world there has to be at least a handful of idiots, uh friends who like this guy.
By I-DOG
June 7, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
Chip and Others:
Thanks for clarifying the UGA policy. After reading Kendall’s article, I thought UGA was going to suspend students who were caught posessing alc for a first offense. IMO, that would be excessive.
I understand that Smith was passed out and not just drinking and I think some sort of stiff penalty was appropriate. Anyone know if he will ever play another down of college football?
Hebron was not nice to the bouncers of a bar and got caught drinking a 2nd time.
In the Smith and Hebron case, I don’t think the players would have missed any games, let alone entire seasons at FL,AL,TN,tech,Penn State, TX,NE,Mich,Ohio State, LSU, or USC.
I can’t be certain of that, but look at the Penn State situation recently. Can anyone tell me that they would take alc possession 10 times more seriously than assault?
Look at FL, they suspend a DL for multiple violations with illegal drugs for a few games (after the UGA game)
At Tech, a felony drug trafficker is welcomed back for the very next game after plea bargaining.
The great news is that UGA’s tougher punishment scale has not hurt recruiting. Richt and his staff are doing an outstanding job.
By Cuz
June 7, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Leave us not forget, Tech is a great recruiting ground for Hezbollah, Hamass or Al’s Quesadilla’s.
Guess I am just in a fowl mood. Been eating too much chicken lately for dieatary purposes. Even with that, I am one tough Mullah.
Bring on dem Cowpokes, we’ll show em how to do it Dawgstyle.