UGA

By Smitty

June 11, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Eventually all the bulldogs will be in jail or on suspension. They all think they have a free pass in life because they play a little football.

Their hands must hurt from all the slapping.

By J Willis

June 11, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

This is a waste of time, but here goes. They broke the law…end of story. If you break the law, you pay the price. If you do want to pay a price, then don’t drink. I do not care what other colleges or coaches do. I am not interested in being like all the others. We’ll survive and the boys will grow from it.

By dawgtown

June 11, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

For every arrest that is made, I bet there ae 3 other incidents that are covered up. And this goes for most national programs.

By J Willis

June 11, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

I feel this is all a waste of time and effort to discuss. It is simple to me. They broke the law…end of story. So they must pay the price. If you do not want to pay that price, then do not drink…period. As far as what other schools do, I do not care. I am am not interested in being like the others. We’ll survive and the boys will grow up some from all this.

By Yee Haw Dawg

June 11, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Another day, another arrest. This is getting old. And there is no reason to blame Athens or the cops. Oh well, at least Coach Richt can probably “arrange” the suspensions to not include the couple of real teams on our schedule.

Come on coaches, get a grip on these players. I’d like to at least have some backups for the first few games.

By pvbeachdog

June 11, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Hey Chip,

I am an accountant, but I must say, I do not quite understand your “22 game” logic as presented in paragraph 3. That’s akin to saying my firm has 60 years of experience when 3 of us have 20 years each. Don’t quite follow ya there! I count only 12 games on the schedule.

Athens has changed quite a bit since I attended in the early 80’s. I understand that if you break the law, there should be consequences. And, I do not know all the facts of each and every case. But, whatever happended to making guys get rid of the beer and go home. Do the cops truly have to arrest someone for an open container? If so, the State of Georgia better get busy building some more prisons.

By Erk

June 11, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Chip. Our football players should know they will be heavily scrutinized. I don’t understand why they can’t stay out of trouble. They should be subject to the same rules and consequences as everyone else. This is at least the third consecutive year I can remember that we will be without one or more key players for the first two games.

By jeff

June 11, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

well If the Dawgies would stop recruiting players straight from the Clarke county jail and other jails throughout the country they would not continue to have this problem year in and year out.

By david

June 11, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

well if the Dawgies would simply stop recruiting players straight from the Clarke county jail and other jails throughout the country they would not run into this problem year in and year out.

By gary

June 11, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

keep on drinkin’ … just have enough sense to pitch the bottle before going out in public! it aint that hard is it?

By walker

June 11, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

well if the dawgies would stop recruiting players out of Clarke county jail and other jails throughout the country then they would not run into this problem year in and year out.

By Big Daddy in Carolina

June 11, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Are you telling me this is not going on in other schools? These kids on full scholarships need to understand they are there to bring home a title while being sober and the same can be said with going out, they can bring home talent sober as well. NCAA rule, strip scholarships immediately, no questions asked when caught the 1st time with drinking or dope. I don’t care how old these kids are

By Chip Towers

June 11, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

pvbeachdog — I don’t understand what you don’t understand. Hebron, who was dismissed from school, accounts for 12 games (or the whole season), Smith for six and two each for the latest violators. I’m not accountant but that comes to 22 games in which players will be suspended.

By pvbeachdog

June 11, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Chip — Which 22 games are your referring to? Is UGA playing each team twice. What is your point? We have 5 players missing games. Some are missing more than others. Since when did journalists create this type of statistic?

By NCDawg

June 11, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

I understand that the law is the law but COME ON. I was in Athens for an event(not football) and two people next to me(not with me) were given a citation(not arrested) for the open container law. That is what usually happens. Give me a break, arrested for violating an open container law! I can see a ticket and the suspensions but an arrest? What is up with the Athens police. I don’t drink, but how many of you have walked around on a football Sat with a drink away from your tailgate? You are all against the law and should turn yourselves in. The players need to understand that the police are obviously strict on this in Athens but I think an arrest is overboard. That’s the same as an arrest for a speeding citation That’s all I’ll say

By gdawginkalamazoo

June 11, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Chip,

pvbeachdog will do your taxes too! LMAO. Hebron 12 games, Smith 6 games, Chandler 2 games and Barnes 2 games. 12+6+2+2=22. I did that in my head too, no calculator needed either.

Or one 12 pack + 6 shots + 2 funnels + 2 jello shots. Simple math.

That number is significant when these kids were scheduled to start, or possibly see quite a bit of playing time. With the exception of Barnes who possbily could have seen some playing time if we suffered injuries at that position.

pvbeachdog, point being lot of wasted talent for drinking beer in public.

By Elliot Ness

June 11, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

One more reason why it’s better to not drink…period. These guys fall in to 1 of 2 categories. Either they started drinking when they were 13-14 years old, (which is, sadly, the rule), or they waited until they were in college and away from home to start imbibing. Either way, the common denominator is alcohol. Weighing the pros and cons of whether or not to consume, there’s no contest. Fellas, next time, just say no. Even if you know you’ve got it under control, it’s not worth it.

By gdawginkalamazoo

June 11, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

NCDawg, I guess it was reported that they had beer bottles in their hands and not those “red cups” Stafford was pictured with at Talladega. Stafford needs to take the lead here and hand out some of those red cups to his buddies.

By The Truth

June 11, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Haha, no Chip…also being an accountant, that comes to 12 games in which players will be suspended. Sorry brother. This is getting to be a little ridiculous…kids will be kids and they will drink. It doesn’t make anyone a criminal. However, everyone in Athens knows the bars to go to if you’re underage, and everyone knows not to walk on the street with an open container. As it turns out, the rules aren’t that strict.

By A-ville Ranger

June 11, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

beachdog If you’re an accountant I’m rainman.I find it hard to believe anybody with even rudimentary understanding of such things could not understand the concept of man hours,days,games,etc.By the way firms be they law,accounting or otherwise routinely refer to man years of experience in advertising.

By pvbeachdog

June 11, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

I understand how the 22 was calculated. I just do not understand the significance. If I walk a mile with a buddy, have we walked 2 miles?

By TBird from Duluth

June 11, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

I understand that Barnes and Chandler were apprehending while walking across their apartment parking lot. If so, that is totally ridiculous and the cops should be dismissed for misusing taxpayer resources. I don’t think walking in one’s own apartment complex was what the lawmakers had in mind when the underage drinking/open container law was passed. The cops and the district attorneys are out of control and our country needs to wake up and rein them back in.

By A-ville Ranger

June 11, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Beachdog You stated counting as Chip did would be like saying your firm (real or imagined) had 60 years experience because 3 of you have 20 each.Well fella that is how firms state such things.

By gdawginkalamazoo

June 11, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger, excellent way to spell it out for those who didn’t get it. Chip meant “man hours” in relation to the game time missed.

By Cuz

June 11, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

If a drunk athelete trips coming out of a bar, and a cop is not there to see him, has a crime been committed.

I could not help the tree falling in the forest analogy. Hopefully we will have enough players to feild a team versus Okie State. Maybe we can get Bill King’s son to quit Ultimate Frisbee so we can fill out a team.

Hey it is almost five o’clock, Happy Hour anyone.

By pvbeachdog

June 11, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

A-ville, I realize that’s how firms state such things, but I’ve often wondered why, because, to me, it doesn’t mean a darn thing. Just as the “22 game” reference had no significance to me. I know I look forward to the year where we have 0 suspensions going into game 1. I certainly understand that math.

By Dawg Man

June 11, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Some college football players get suspended for some games, and people act like it is WW III. Who cares?

It is a college sport played by 18-21 year olds. World peace does not depend on the outcome of the games.

I do agree with Chip that just like during the Viet Nam War, if 18 year olds are old enough to be sent overseas to die, they are old enough to drink. The laws and rules are made by the same old farts who send kids to their death in wars overseas.

And jerkwads are happy when kids here get gigged for drinking and probably are the biggest boosters for sending more kids off to Iraq to die.

The system and the laws and the old farts who make and enforce them are screwed up, not the 18 year olds.

By gdawginkalamazoo

June 11, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Cuz, it was five o’clock somewhere 6 hours ago where were you?

By Dawg4life

June 11, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Why are people blaming the alcohol policy for these suspensions. Who cares if the rest of the SEC doesn’t follow suit with suspending their athletes who break the law? So what? The fault is with the players who keep acting like knuckleheads and getting into trouble. From what I’ve read of these most-recent arrests, Barnes and Chandler were both walking down the street (either Lumpkin or Milledge) with open beer bottles in their hands (I don’t know if they were in the process of drinking or not). If that’s the truth, then that’s just plain stupid. We all know that it’s illegal in Georgia to do something so stupid. This isn’t New Orleans. So let’s stop blaming UGA for having such a tough policy. I like to drink as much as the next man (and I liked to do it even more when I was at UGA in school), but at least when I was drinking underage, I didn’t do some of the stupid stuff these guys are doing. If you’re gonna do it, why not do it in the privacy of your own home, or if you’re out downtown, don’t walk around with an open bottle in your hand. Throw the bottle away and just walk home!!

Chip is right: The coaches preach to these guys the importance of abiding by the rules. Coach Richt has stated time and time again that it’s his intention to not only mold these guys in to great football players, but model citizens and men as well. I certainly don’t think it’s too much to ask that they just stay out of trouble…and if they are gonna drink, use some common sense and don’t get caught with an open container walking down the street!!!

By DAWG FOREVER

June 11, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

This is why CMR ensures that we stay 3 deep. Matthew Stafford, Joe Cox (QB).. Coleman Watson, DaNerris Ward (TE).. We will Survive!! GO DAWGS..

By Renegade

June 11, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

If the first two games are lost because we don’t have our thrid string QB and a tight end, then we’re already screwed. Everyone chill.

By A-ville Ranger

June 11, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

beachdog no mas !!

By jim

June 11, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

pvbeachdog, can you count past 10 without taking off your shoes? You must be one of those people who argue with a sign-post. The problem of players drinking will not go away because they all think it happens to the other guy. While Barnes would be starting for most other schools in the SEC he will not be missed as Chandler will. Too bad, I hope Coach Richt can get a handle on this soon.

By Frank

June 11, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

I went through college on an athletic scholarship at an SEC school and I can tell you I drank plenty of beer. These clowns at UGA must be the dumbest bunch of goofs that are walking around. Drinking beer in public and giving beer to minors has got to be one of the dumbest acts that there is. Hey poochie dawgs, drink your beer in private and don’t give it to minors and don’t advertise that you are a GA football player.

By alodawg

June 11, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

I’m not worried about UGA’s tight-end situation. Someone will step up, whether it be Coleman Watson, NaDerris Ward or Aron White. Chances are, Blake Barnes wouldn’t have seen any playing time anyway unless Georgia was winning by 10 touchdowns half way through the 4th quarter. Ian Smith and Akeem Hebron still look like the biggest idiots becuase they would have probably seen the most playing time on the most thin, least experienced positions on the team.

By Bob

June 11, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

I think the law needs to be changed. Like you said, when I was 18 and in college it was legal. I’m still alive and ticking and I don’t even drink now.

But as long as it is the law, they have to be punished. Not agreeing with the law doesn’t give you right to break it.

By Lovemydawg

June 11, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

The players should know better but lets all get a grip. They should pay a penalty like running the steps at 5am every day for a month or extra laps or whatever. All this tells me the Athens cops have nothing meaningful to do.

These guys can go serve the country in Iraq but can’t drink a beer legally. Lets don’t lose it jumping on the bandwagon.

By oldtimedawg

June 11, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

When I was in school at UGA a certain well known football player was caught drinking, and causing a fight at a frat house. He was taken by the campus police to coach Wally Butts and that was the end of that. Except the player was invited to show up at the field every morning at 6am for a month. I know cause I was a good friend. And he never repeated his mistake. Lesson learned and privately

By redandblackdog

June 11, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

GET IT RIGHT! I attended college when an 18 year old person could vote, die for his country, and have a beer. Now you have to be 21 to have a beer. Politicians get their nose stuck where they do not belong for the sake of political expediency (witness Thurbert Baker’s studid appeal of freeing a 17 year old for having consensual sex with a 15 year old). If you make some one wait until 21 to have a drink, then make them wait until 21 to vote or fight in the military!!!

By Bugsy Siegel

June 11, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

OK, what’s up with these Dawgs getting arrested? I spent plenty of time getting drunk while at UGA, at times before it was legal for me to do so, but never got within a mile of getting arrested. What’s up with these knuckleheads? Are we on an every other year schedule of stupidity by players? I love to see these types of headines coming out of Knoxville, but not Athens. Get your crap together guys.

Oh, and another thing, this phenomenon of people writing CMR drives me nuts. Why is it done? Does it stand for coach Mark Richt? Wouldn’t it be more clear just to write Richt and eliminate any doubt? It reminds me of something the little girl on the TV commercial would do — OMGINBD (“Oh my God, it’s no big deal.”) Are you men and women, or are you little girls?

By Ramble ON!

June 11, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Were they caught spooning each other like the other two homosexual QB’s?

By cooter11

June 11, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

bet their parents drank.

.

Get that C11?

By I-DOG

June 11, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

Smitty,

Which other universities have a campus full of people who are under 21 and don’t drink? Bob Roberts U, the Yeshiva (where Jewish folks go to become Rabi’s) ? Even at those schools I bet half the folks drink underage. At most other colleges it is closer to 98%.

Yeah, Chandler and Barnes are just pampered athletes the NERVE of these guys walking down the street with a cup of beer in college!

Hebron, Barnes, and Chandler were doing the same things you did in college (if you attended) now Ian Smith took it too far being passed out in a public place. You can call him a pampered athlete if you want, but not these other guys.

By TruthBeTold

June 11, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

It’s colledge people are going to drink and do stupid things. But if they are given a scholarship they should be smart enough to keep it contained to their own personal areas and not those of the public where they will get arrested. These guys should be made an example of just for being stupid enough to get caught. It makes you wonder if they are mentally qualified to play on the football field much less have a free ticket to attend colledge without having to pay like everyone else by having their scholarships. They let the team down, they let their coach down, but most important of all “THEY LET THE UGA FANS DOWN”. This is not looking like a good season for the Dawgs!

By I-DOG

June 11, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

J Willis.

I respect your opinion on that. I disagree with it and believe the price for going that route is…

Welcome back to the days of Donnan. Where UGA never wins the SEC and very rarely finishes in the top 10. I don’t think we will get kicked back all the way to the days of Goff, but we won’t be able to maintain our status as one of the most competitive programs in the SEC,

By I-Dog

June 11, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Chip and others:

I’m not saying that the UGA players shouldn’t be “punished” when they break the law. I’m not saying that Athens police are out to get the players, but why is it that we have never read a single article on this happening at any other program?

When I read the article that two real football players in Tuscaloosa, Atlanta, Gainseville, Knoxville, Columbia, or Clemson, miss a real game or two just for walking around with a cup of beer, then I will change my tune.

I’m just pointing out that NO OTHER D-1A college football program suspends their players for simply posessing alc like Barnes and Chandler. If you all believe the law is the law, I respect your point of view. Don’t think for a 2nd it won’t hurt the program, though.

I just don’t agree that these guys are idiots and that Richt warned them. If you were talking academics or hurting someone or stealing, I’d be the first to agree. I have no problem with Paul Oliver being kicked off the team

Speeding is ilegal but “everyone” does it which is very similar to the situation of underage drinking on college campuses.

What if UGA starts suspending players if they get a speeding ticket.

5-10 miles over 1 game

10-20 miles over 2 games

2nd offense (ticket) Dismissed from team one year

By I-DOG

June 11, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

Agree with Love my Dawgs and Old time Dawg:

Renegade:

I agree lets not throw in the towel on the first two games by any means, but we have lost more than what you claim:

Paul Oliver - 1st team ALL SEC NFL prospect, academics (which I totally support) lost for every game

Ian Smith - Would have been a third lineman with actual game experience for this season (that would have been nice). Out the first six games. I would be willing to bet he never plays again for the dawgs, but I could be wrong about that. Top 100 in South player out of HS (I also support this one)

Akeem Hebron - 5 star redshirt freshman recruit lost for every game this season. Likely would have seen lots of playing time and possibly push for starting role

Chandler - Starting TE likely lost for first two games at least!

We have a lot of fire power at just about all positions, but unfortunately, there will injuries and god forbid Lumpkin and Moreno happen to have a cocktail together. Would that be enough to hurt?

By I-DOG

June 11, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Elliot Ness:

If you are trying to turn this entire country dry… you have a big project in front of you.

There was a time when this country tried to legislate it. That didn’t workout real well. Although it did make you famous!

By Elliot Ness

June 11, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Maybe these guys will figure out that it isn’t worth it. It’s baffling to me that the only 100% foolproof way of preventing these situations is not even considered an option. If they are typical, these guys will have several more “wake up calls” in their lives. And just as typically, they will IGNORE them…until they are in too deep to simply “say no”. Resigning yourself to the fact that “kids are gonna drink” is even MORE simplistic and naive than stating that they should leave it alone altogether.

By Marietta Dawg

June 11, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

I guess this is Blake’s way of getting his name in the press. Last year, all we heard about was Stafford and Cox. I was starting to wonder if Blake still played for the Dawgs.

By Ramble 'ON!

June 11, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

The dawgs need to learn to lead a more sedentary life like the yellow jackets. None of our players/students party, thus, none ever get caught drinking. It’s so simple even a caveman would understand.

By Kendall

June 11, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

In 1984 I got a citation for open container. I was strolling up Baxter with a cold on in my hand. 30 days later I went and paid my $75 fine. Done and over. Never got caught doing that again. Papa Joes was great about giving you colored cups for the walk home. My point is this. Kids are gonna drink, always have, always will. Drugs are a different matter, imho. Why are they getting arrested for this? Someone bitter over at the Athens Police station? Do the math all you so-called accountants out there. Athens Georgia has more police per capita than any other city in the state. Guess they need to fill their time somehow.

By reality check

June 11, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

Chip, If your colleague is reporting accurately The Sporting News has the most stunning array of predictions about Georgia’s upcoming season imaginable.

According to what your colleague wrote, Sporting News is predicting upset losses to Tech, Oklahoma State, and Vanderbilt, yet they are predicting a number 14 final ranking for Georgia.

The only way Georgia can be ranked that high with 3 losses is by beating every other team they play, including Florida, who Sporting News says will finish number 5. In that scenario Georgia would be the SEC East champion and eventual SEC Champion.

Sporting News says LSU will finish number 2 nationally according to your colleague’s report. That would have to mean an early season loss to someone in the SEC West to deny them the SECC.

Wow.

By Dawg4life

June 11, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Athens being strict about drinking, especially underage drinking, is certainly warranted. The UGA administrators have taken so much heat in the press and from outsiders about what everyone considers to be a lax approach to policing alcohol. Students have died because of it, parents have probably complained, and the school has responded by taking a series of actions: notifying parents of alcohol-related violations, establishing alcohol-free zones on gamedays in usual tailgating spots, lobbying for publications AND T.V. stations to stop using the name “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”, etc.

Now we all know that alcohol is a prevalent thing on campus (as it is at most other colleges…but we have shirts that proclaim Athens to be “a drinking town with a football problem.”) My whole point is that we shouldn’t be attacking the laws here. If the laws were made stricter and policies enacted just in response to what the officials and administraters perceived to be alcohol abuse (regardless of age), then why is everyone surprised that these two (one of whom was underage) got arrested?

The law isn’t the problem. If these guys would just take the appropriate steps to not get in trouble, then there wouldn’t be any arrests. I think it’s just a matter of the mindstate of so many kids today. No matter how many times they see someone screw up and get in trouble for it, they never think it can happen to them. It’s the nature of being a kid. But this doesn’t mean that laws or punishments should be altered on account of kids not being accountable and learning from the mistakes of others…or just not being smart enough to know how to avoid trouble.

By Steve

June 11, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

reality check…the only thing more worthless than predictions are pre-season predictions. Just like an appendix…fun but worthless. Same for expectations. Like wishes…just expect in one hand and ‘you know what’ in the other, and see which fills up quicker. Much more fun to just let it happen (for fans), than to constantly be predicting, wishing and expecting…especially THIS early. Someone could predict UGA to go winless, and be serious about it, with reasons to back up the prediction, and it STILL wouldn’t matter. It’s worthless, therefore, not anything to argue about.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

June 11, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

So far we’ve had two different stories as to what happened. 1. they were walking across their apt. building parking lot. 2. they were walking down one of the busy streets of Athens. Chip, would you find out what happened? Ga., as does other SEC schools sets their own rules and as I posted last week ours are the toughest in the conference; however, what I don’t understand is why the A.D. rounds 10% up to two complete games. Why not one game and a quarter of another? That’s over 10% but it’s much closer to the rules that exist.

By UGAslobberknocker

June 11, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Im with you , Chip..if you’re old enough to get drafted and shafted, you’re old enough to get loose on the juice.

By DHNF

June 11, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Any other Dawg fans getting sick of this year in and year out?

Every single game against South Carolina EVERY SINGLE YEAR we have tons of players out for this game… It’s getting just stupid at this point.

By Matt

June 11, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Every single game against South Carolina EVERY SINGLE YEAR WE win the damn game. I’m sick of people smearing UGA football with absolute nonsense. Get a grip. These are college kids. The AJC has turned into the national enquirer. I’m not complaining though. I can always use it to wipe my backside.

By Nick

June 11, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Never should have been an arrest… OVER REACTION!!!!! No vandalism involved here. No fight. Just a couple of guys having a beer. There is no room for anyone to make a mistake? Was going to JAIL really necessary? The Athens Police need to take a course in common sense.(“Hey, kid…dump the beer and go home!”)

By Chip Towers

June 11, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Reality Check, that’s not according to “my colleage.” That’s my colleague reporting what The Sporting News reporting in its preseason college football issue. I’m not about to defend any of those ridiculous magazines that rush out to the shelves to steal your hard-earned dollars. They also listed Paul Oliver as an All-American.

By NC Dawg

June 11, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Did these guys bother to think about the first two opponents of the season??? Spoiled, irresponsible jerks! Let’s see, walking down a public sidewalk at 3A with the goods in your hand. How stupid is that?

By Ray

June 11, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

My friend Tara was raped, murdered, and her body was set on fire while she lived in Athens. Perhaps if these police officers would do more than patrol the streets looking for underage drinkers than her killer would be found. Do something that acutally helps people (the hard cases) and find that killer. Or you brag to you buddies you just a UGA player good! Sleep tight, that open container ticket will save a lot lives.

By Ray

June 11, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

My friend Tara was raped, murdered, and her body was set on fire while she lived in Athens. Perhaps if these police officers would do more than patrol the streets looking for underage drinkers than her killer would be found. Do something that acutally helps people (the hard cases) and find that killer. Or you brag to you buddies you just a UGA player good! Sleep tight, that open container ticket will save a lot lives.

By Bob

June 11, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Phil Fullmer at Tennessee just “disciplined” his starting center for an alcohol offense. He made him miss two practices this spring. Wonder why the whole team isn’t drinking just to miss spring practices…..what a joke!

By GW

June 11, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Our 21+ players need to do their drinking at the soon-to-be newly enlarged cocktail lounge in the Georgia Center, newly named Adams’. The under 21s need to stay off the streets. Meanwhile nobody drink in Jacksonville, PERIOD. Talking about hypocrisy. I agree the law is the law but you can bet the CHIPS officers really got their rocks off.

By Dan

June 11, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

As an alum of UGA and having partied in both Atlanta and Athens, I have never seen Atlanta cops “haunting” the Tech campus for alcohol-related problems, where it is VERY easy to in Athens….It is STILL a small college town…Let’s get things in the proper prospective, both media AND police!!!!

By JRB

June 11, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Hope Joe Paterno doesn’t find out about AD Damon’s punishment for alcohol abuse…he’d die laughing….

By foryourinfo

June 11, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

They were not read their right when they were arrested. This will go away. They already have attorneys. And Frank, Blake did not give Tripp beer. He bought it himselp. They just added that charge because Blake is 21 and Tripp is 20. They are kids…it happens

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

June 11, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

I beleive in consequences for actions. However the current punishement for players is not working. Perhaps Richt should think more along the lines of running steps, detention on friday and saturday nights, and public service. I personally think the athens/campus police are overreacting to some pretty petty things, but that’s just me. It’s funny that we try so hard to legislate a drinking age, but we allow the marketing distribution and allure of alcshol to be very pervasive even in venues where kids are the target.

By reality check

June 11, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

I was clear, Chip, that it was The Sporting News, not AJC that made the implausible predictions. I said nothing critical about the AJC or your colleague.

One question I do have, though, is why would the AJC bother to report what those “ridiculous magazines that rush out to the shelves to steal your hard earned dollars” have to say? Do you think reporting something that is stunningly illogical undermines the credibility of those who report it? Is that why you got a little defensive?

By SamoanDawg

June 11, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

I thought I told you guys not let the dawgs out. They’re to be chained up and do not let’em out of the yard… kidn’.

Seriously though…..

I’m not so much ticked off at the policy, but I’m extremely ticked off at our own guys, b/c these guys know the consequences if they get caught… and they go out and do it anyway. It’s beyond me.

What can Richt do? He’s probably ran out of ideas to try to attack and stop the problem. I’m baffle too, coach.

They need to outlaw alcohol like they do marijuana if that’s the case. Both substances have the same effect, I’m sure. I’m not sure if you can get pass out if you smoke too much weed… I wouldn’t know, I don’t do weed or alcohol, I do coca cola. I used to drink though, not my cup of tea really.

Stay on the porch guys, like all other good dawgs.

By Chip Towers

June 11, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Reality Check, that was my opinion, not the newpaper’s, and I should have specified that. People are interested, that’s why we report it. I didn’t mean to sound defensive. It’s just that a pet peeve of mine.

By Leroy

June 11, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Will richt even be able to field a team this fall? Half his team is in lockdown or in the drunk tank most of the time. At least he can save on printing costs for the footbgall program—-they can just use the mug shots from the police lineups and booking photos.

By Caveman

June 11, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

That’s not funny Ramble ON!

By Gen Neyland

June 12, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Some of you want the headline to read, Let the Big Dawg Drink…Until the rules are changed, the rules of engagement are the rules to live by. I too was eighteen when the legal age to consume adult beverages was the same. Ya’ll spouting for a change want to see the DRAFT reinstated also..? We lost 55,000 in Nam. We’ve lost 3000+ in Iraq. Draw your own conclusions…in Nam, beer flowed. In Iraq, taboo. Sometimes the logic posted within evades me…

By RobDaMBA

June 12, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

To the Accountant: What Chip means is that those players are missing a combined 22 games. Your firm may not have 60 years of experience, HOWEVER, your firm’s partners have 60 years of experience. That’s a great marketing tool . You ought to use it!

By UGA @$$ Holes REDNECKS

June 12, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

The UGA Fan base always calls other player thugs on other teams. Let the fan base tell it every body f^ck up but them. Any time you see a blog name with DAWG in it 90% of the time they come with a hateful point of view on players of color . Watch for your self how hateful they are! we all have problems. Being a Dawg does not make you GOD gift to the world.

By SamoanDawg

June 12, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

New game plan guys… first two games.

TE: Coleman Watson, Na Derris Ward both are recovering from injuries. Bruce Figgins/Aron White - rookies

More likely Trip will get suspended. So, we may have to ditch some of the TE set package and go more with the 3 - 4 WR set w/one back… sorry Southerland. You may have to wait ‘till we get closer to the redzone if we need to. Unless Watson and Ward emerged quickly.

I prefer a balance attack, but with the personnel we have at WR, we may need to put these guys on the field… of course, it all depends on a situation… the game has change so much to a situational game today.

We have plenty of skill players: Bailey, Massaquoi, Henderson, Bryant, Durham, Harris, Moore, Gartrell, Goodman, Wilson, Hill and Caleb King. These playmakers will make heaps of big plays, especially the first six guys… yes, I said it, we’re catching the rock! If we go with the 3-4 WR set often, Stafford could put up #s like Colt Brennan-Hawaii.

O-line… we’re straight… so am I.

80 mo’ days…..

By SamoanDawg

June 12, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

UGA AHR..June 12, 2007 12:14 AM,

You sound like a drunk a$$ bastard. Go sober up.. punk! Take your racial crap and shovel it up where the sun don’t shine… punk!

By jacketnation

June 12, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

At the Univeristy of Getting Arrested, this is not news. Perhaps UGA should provide shuttle service from the 52 bars in Athens. That way, the ball players won’t have to worry about passing out drunk in the street trying to walk back.

By OddJob

June 12, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this

This problem may be harder for a strait shooter like CMR to deal with than say Bobby Bowden.The truth is that many if not most 19, 20 year old kids will drink.Not just the problem ones but good normally responsible kids.So how does a guy like Richt not one to wink and nod deal with this in a realistic way ? I’m not sure, it needs to be done though,and soon.

By DAWG-MAN

June 12, 2007 5:49 AM | Link to this

I’m in the US NAVY (22 Years)serving our great country and we have the same problem with our under 21 service members drinking. they are all kids away from home the first time in their life. Some mature while others will make mistake more than once. Hopefully they want do anything to hurt anyone else. **=WE MUST HOLD THEM ALL ACCOUTNABLE FROM THEIR ACTIONS.

By GAman

June 12, 2007 6:13 AM | Link to this

Very simple solution. if you get busted you loose your scholorship. now is that to hard to figure out.

By pswift

June 12, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this

Is UGA the only school in the nation that suspends players for open container violations?

Dear Athens,

Last year’s student death was not the result of alcohol. It was a mixture of cocaine and heroin, stupid. Handing out open container tickets left and right is not gonna solve your problems.

By reality check

June 12, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this

Keep doing what you are doing Chip. It is a terrific improvement over your predecessor.

I’m not sure exactly what your pet peeve is though. Is it the magazines? That magazine was so far off base I had to point it out. If Georgia winds up doing what they predicted and losing to Oklahoma State, Tech, and Vanderbilt but wins all the rest to become SEC Champion that would be a good year, it just is almost impossible for it to happen that way.

I sure won’t buy that magazine.

By DawgBite

June 12, 2007 7:14 AM | Link to this

By jacketnation

June 12, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

At the Univeristy of Getting Arrested, this is not news. Perhaps UGA should provide shuttle service from the 52 bars in Athens. That way, the ball players won’t have to worry about passing out drunk in the street trying to walk back.

And maybe Tech players should elevate their IQs and buy those no trace cell phones to use when they try to peddle 100 lbs of pot out of their dorm rooms.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

June 12, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this

I happen to like all the preseason buzz from the different sources.Entertaining as far as I’ve concerned. Magazines, Barn harts Top 25, Si’s predictions and then see how wrong they are. The code under which the players are punished doesnt appear to take their past history into consideration. That bothers me above anything and I thought it might bother others but so far no ones mentioned it.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

June 12, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

Pardon me but I forgot. Does anyone recall about a month ago when, in a moment of speculation, I mentioned maybe Southerland playing T.E.?

By D.E.

June 12, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this

Dear Ramble On-GT’s offense was so simple even a caveman couild understand…

By Gene

June 12, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

Michael Adams’ social programs are not working. He fired Jim Donnan for a lack of discipline, however the behavior of scholarship athletes has steadily declined since Donnan’s departure. And what about the rapist, Tony Coles and Basketball 101?

By John

June 12, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

So, if a player was not going to play, is it a game lost?

By Dawg Hater #2

June 12, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

I see that Sporting news just confirmed my mediocre prediction in the AJC today, with an OSU upset in the opener and another loss to Vandy in 2007.

THUGA lives on!!! Go You Gawga Bulldogs!!

By jbeggs

June 12, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

I think what is missing is the seniors (each year) on the team stepping up in a closed-door team meeting and explaining how they are going to kick someone’s backside if they are caught in anything like this. My high schoool team won a state championship my sophmore year and before the season the seniors sat us down and explained what would happen if any underclassmen or senior did anything to hurt the team. Did it prevent any mishaps???? I know I thought twice about what I was doing!!

By ugaclassof08

June 12, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

**I have sociology 2102 with joe cox and he was involved in a fight on Saturday night at a bar called the Library. I heard he got his tail whooped by some black guys downtown but I didnt believe it till I saw his right eye. It was damn near swollen shut!! All these guys are outta control. Especially Cox, the dude walks, talks, and dresses like he’s black. He’s also baggin alota black chicks (which there is nothin wrong with.) But that dude is out of control. Take a look at his facebook page and you’ll see what I mean.

By ugaclassof08

June 12, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

I have sociology 2102 with joe cox and he was involved in a fight on Saturday night at a bar called the Library. I heard he got his tail whooped by some black guys downtown but I didnt believe it till I saw his right eye. It was damn near swollen shut!! All these guys are outta control. Especially Cox, the dude walks, talks, and dresses like he’s black. He’s also baggin alota black chicks (which there is nothin wrong with.) But that dude is out of control. Take a look at his facebook page and you’ll see what I mean.

By ScottsdaleDAWG

June 12, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Why is it so hard to understand? Athens is a college town - as it is the same in College Station. Every college town police after the incident at VT is going to be more vigilant and non-tolerant of shenanagans. It’s just the way it’s going to be. Airports will never be the same after 911… Gas prices will never drop below $2 again.. These “top” scholarship kids don’t have a clue. Kids will be kids but somebody needs to be made an example of as a lesson for future recruits.

By jeff

June 12, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

People! This has gotten stupid! Who cares about weather it is 12 or 22 games! That was not the point. The point is, These players went out and hurt the brothers on the team. Each member of the team should know that everything they do will become public and it hurts there team mates, which are there brothers. That is what this is about!

By Dawgs Fan

June 12, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Sounds like we are trying to cathup with Florida State for matching arrests.

By Mike Gigandet

June 12, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

Every year it’s the same thing….Both players have shown that they lack respect for the team and the coaches…They should be told another incident and they can pack thier bags and go home. Barnes has shown that as a quarteback he lacks leadership and character and should consider transferring.

By Mike Gigandet

June 12, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Every year it’s the same thing….Both players have shown that they lack respect for the team and the coaches…They should be told another incident and they can pack thier bags and go home. Barnes has shown that as a quarteback he lacks leadership and character and should consider transferring.

By proteustein

June 12, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

You are all a bunch of frigging morons and need a life … if you don’t believe me read back through this blog and see how useless the whole chain has been. What the hell do any of you know about dying for your country or being an athlete under the microscope of a piece of crap liberal newspaper like the AJC. One of you that hasn’t screwed up as a teenager, throw the first stone … yeah right … Bull#$@%!

By dawg bone1303

June 12, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

The dawgs willl still win ten games this season

By dawg bone1303

June 12, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

The dawgs willl still win ten games this season

By dawg bone1303

June 12, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

The dawgs willl still win ten games this season

By RedandBlackAttack

June 12, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

Coach Richt needs to do a better job of motivating his players both on the field and ESPECIALLY off the field.

By jackets fan

June 12, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Maybe if the whole team had to clean up Sanford Stadium every Sunday after games as punishment for the screw ups of a few players, they’d start to police themselves and show a little bit of maturity and committment to their team. Richt needs to consult with Joe Paterno. His discipline of his team is old school. “You wanna be a drunk? Then you’ll do it at the expense of your teammates. Try facing them every Sunday, knowing that they are doing the time for your crimes.” I love it. I’d think twice if I knew that would happen. You don’t want 100 guys who can bench press 300+ pounds mad at you.

By K-Dog

June 12, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

UGA cops are bored during the summer, you will stick out like a sore thumb at 3 in the am walking down Lumpkin St. with a beer bottle in your hand and most of the some 30,000 students out of Athens for the summer. It happens at all schools, I think Georgia Coaches are right to stick to there guns and hold the players accountable and not try to sweep things under the rug. It will make them better you men in the future because they are held accountable and will learn that when you screw up you have to suffer the consequences of your actions.

By D.E.

June 12, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

TO UGA CLASS of 08’-WHO GIVES A SHI% IF JOE COX GOT HIS ARSE BEAT OR NOT….SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE JEALOUS Cause of

A. Your a black dude that is mad cause you said he is baggin black chicks

B. Your a black chick that he turned down.

By AltamahaDawg

June 12, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Buck, it wasnt just a month ago, that was about the 3rd time you had said it, and it wasnt a moment of speculation, it was one of your 2 big, on the record, predictions for the year.

By tim

June 12, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

the cops in athens are a*****. what student doesn’t try alcohol as a freshman. athens has about 1 cop for every 10 students so they have nothing better to do then make arrests for b******. open container should be a ticket and make you pay for your cab home. they still broke the law so they should be suspended for a game or two but to arrest someone over an open container is weak

By Floridafanswearjeanshorts

June 12, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Well, at least only alcohol related, they could be murdering, raping, stealing, taking money from boosters, fighting on the field, DUI, ect…nothing wrong with a couple of drinks

By ChampDawg

June 12, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Does a bear crap in the woods? Yes. Do most college students drink? Yes. College students will drink and there is nothing a parent or coach can do about it. Nothing, nada! They’re away from home and on their own now. Some get caught, some don’t. You get caught, you pay the price. Let’s just move on to other news. There’s nothing newsworthy here so let’s just let UGA handle this.

By Doug B

June 12, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

There probably is arrogance in assuming the law enforcement agencies in Athens are looking for athletes to arrest. It assumes they would know who all the athletes are and hone in on them watching for their mistakes. Gotcha you hairy dawg! It assumes that all police officers like sports and keep up with Georgia football. After all, there isn’t anything else going on in the world, like real violations of the law, even by Georgia football players.

UGA recruits as many of the best players it can find. There is no moral assessment instrument to predict who is going to get into trouble. And potential players who have had some trouble probably are given a chance to get a scholarship. One cannot assume that any given individual will mess up even if they have messed up in the past.

My concern is that it is perceived that recruiting is so limited in scope that there aren’t quality players to fill in when starters mess up or get hurt and can’t play. If the coaches aren’t creating for themselves difficult decisions concerning who to play then recruiting efforts need to improve. At any given time, a so called second string player better be qualified to step into the role of a starter, or the program is in trouble.

But myths are hard to over come. Most of us perceive that the starters are so superior to the other players that the other players should not even play unless they have to.

Gee, I wonder why the back-ups aren’t as good at the starters. No one believes in them and they don’t get to play.

I truly hope the Dawgs and the Jackets have enough good players to overcome the adversity created when starters get arrested and are suspended.

In fact, I suspect they do most of the time.

By Bama Dawg

June 12, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Lets try it this way, since we only play 12 regular season games this year. There will be 12 games in which an average of 1.8333 players will not participate (22 separate one game suspensions divided by 12 games equal 1.8333 per game). And who said Yech has all the mathmatical geniuses?

By Joe

June 12, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

I’m a non-drinker and a 1978 graduate of the UGA College of Pharmacy. The law should be followed, for sure, but the law should be EQUALLY ADMINISTERED too, and I question whether or not that’s happening. Several years ago a car driven by a UGA football player rear-ended my car on Lumpkin Street. It was a situation where a car ahead of us both slammed on brakes unexpectedly. I almost hit the car in front of me too, and the contact on the back of my car was negligible. When Athens Police came, I told them it was an unintentional occurrence and that I did NOT want any charges pressed against the driver/player. The Policeman then proceeded to try to convince me that I shouldn’t worry about getting them in trouble, that they should be held accountable, and so forth, but I said I would not pursue anything punitive. It was clear that the policeman wanted the book thrown at the football players. The player was very nice, very respectful, and simply made a mistake that anybody could have made under those circumstances. Are the football players being overly scrutinized ? It seems so. If they are, then scrutinize the frats, the sororities, the professors’ kids, the policemans’ kids, and everybody else under 21 as well. Again, I’m a NON-DRINKER, and I’m all for following the law, but I’m for FAIRNESS too.

By Andrew

June 12, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

I’m here at UGA right now, and I will say that you see plenty of football players downtown every single night. Heck Matthew Stafford is like a movie star to these bar owners, everyone knows that he’s under 21, but they willingly invite him into their bars. The same goes for all of the football players. These guys just soak it up and enjoy it because attention like that goes to ones head. Keep in mind that a big part of college culture now a days is alcohol, and sadly its one of the few things to do in Athens. The Athens-Clarke County police are obviously staffed by the worlds largest teeatotallers who insist on “cracking down” on underage alcohol consumption and have taken it on themselves to throw out the adage of “boys will be boys” and bring down whoever they can. By arresting Barnes and Chandler, they’re hoping to send a message that will ultimately fall on deaf ears. It’s college, let people enjoy themselves so they can have something to look back on when they’re sitting in a cubicle all day.

By pdillon

June 12, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Maybe I’m a lone voice here, but I think we’ve gone way overboard as a society with restrictions. We’ve lost our pioneer spirit, and run the risk of becoming rigid a rigid society run by moralistic control freaks.

What has happened to these kids is going way overboard.

By JBird

June 12, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Towers does point out that the players are in the wrong for being underage and having open containers. However, what he fails to realize is how Athens and Campus police disproportionately target students as offenders. Does he really think the police are enforcing the open container laws against the 80,000 plus UGA fans on football Saturdays?

By babadawg

June 12, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

What about the guys not on scholarship? I haven’t heard lately of any walk-ons getting in trouble? Perhaps they need to be given the trouble-makers scholarships…get told that up front when they come to UGA…think that will help?

By Actuarydawg

June 12, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Hey Gene. I agree that we are seeing a rash of alcohol related arrests under Richt. But this is peanuts compared to the cocaine problems (Carter, Sanks, Greer) the team had under Donnan.

By Jonny Lee

June 12, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

The police and the police state in Athens is out of control. In Europe or many more civilized, less poverty and violent crime ridden places you can drink a beer in own yard not to mention on the street. Not to mention at 16 or 18 instead 21. Athens-Clarke County likes to make criminals out of as many people as they can and I am ashamed at the community for allowing the police (city and campus) to target the people instead of protect them. Have you ever tried to get a smile and hello out of one of these dunce bike patrols? We should hold their managers or maybe ourselves the voters responsible for disgracing the community with these harsh southern manners and this way of life that forces anyone with choice to move elsewhere.

By CLTDawg

June 12, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

What these kids have to realize is that the main responsibility of cops in Athens is keeping alcohol related problems under control. It’s really not that hard to understand. You just can’t run around town drunk in the middle of the night like these idiot football players are doing. Thank God, but Athens cops just don’t have an extensive list of real criminals to keep them off of college students backs about drinking. I know Richt’s big on senior leadership when it comes to practice and faith. We need some senior leadership at the bar. Haven’t we all learned that the “just say no” mantra doesn’t work.

By I-DOG

June 12, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Elliot Ness:

You make it sound like Barnes and Chandler are spiraling down the path to being crack addicts. I think it is MUCH more likely they will go on to be fine citizens, productive members of society and good family men.

I understand that you don’t think anyone should drink and you wish that EVERYONE under 21 obstained from alcohol all together. I don’t think that is a realistic solution.

By Rick

June 12, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Number 1: Even if the drinking age was 18, drinking on a public street would still be illegal. Number 2: This type of thing will continue because a two game suspension is not a strong enough determent. Total or partial loss of a scholarship would be. Number 3: There is more to worry about in the first two games than the loss of these players -namely OSU and USC.

By Rick - Too!

June 12, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Rick - you say that a two game suspension is not strong enough … UGA has one of, if not THE toughest policies in the NCAA …

1- They are college kids. 2- They made a mistake. 3- They got caught. 4- They will pay the price that UGA deems appropriate. 5- If they were at almost any other college in the US of A … they would be planning their next party and we would not be discussion this. 6- Find something else to critize UGA’s policy on - because you missed the mark on this one.

By Ramble ON!

June 12, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

JacketNation University of Getting Arrested, that’s awesome! They leave the Police no choice but to arrest them just like Odell driving around that “borrowed Escalade” booming his gangsta rap and being the belligerent punk that he is. You see what you stupid fleabags don’t understand is that these are all just spoiled punks you recruit and when they drink that’s what they act like because they know Richt isn’t going to do anything to them expect run sprints.

Oh yea, GT is going to beat the snot out of you come Nov.

By Ramble OFF

June 12, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Rmable On, At Yech you can deal drugs and still play. Why are you passing judgement here?

By Rick

June 12, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Rick - too? They are college kids getting a free ride from the state. I know kids make mistakes, but with all the previous incidents, I would hope a college student would be smart and responsible enough to avoid the same pitfalls. Finally, I’m not sure UGA has the toughest policy and I really don’t care. The policy is what it is. I’m quite sure Coach Richt has made all his players aware of the policy and told them if they want to play for UGA they will have to abide by it.

By Staff Infection

June 12, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

We seem to be getting away from the REAL question here. Who’s the rookie that actually arrested our starting tight end instead of covering it up?

We used to have people who were football fans AND cops in Athens.

By 2N4YEARS

June 12, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

There’s no doubt that these types of things don’t help, but I’m not sure that this latest incident is really going to hurt all that much. While Trip Chandler is a starter, how many times do you think he’ll actually save the day in the first two games?? All said and done, we’ll be fine with a TE just mainly blocking those first two games. They can concentrate on blocking for our new stable of RB’s & our WR should step up this year & do the catching anyway. At the end of the day, this really won’t hurt our year.

By I-DOG

June 12, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Jackets fan:

Thanks for the laugh in using Joe Paterno as the example of discipline.

Half a dozen of his players get in a brawl and are arrested for assault and battery… nobody misses a single game, they just have to clean the stadium after a game (if you even believe that will actually happen).

I’m waiting for the report that UGA suspends a player for getting a parking ticket or j walking. I’m sure that will only carry a one game suspension.

By I-DOG

June 12, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Some are posting that they believe the law is the law. the players are acting foolishly and there should be consequences.

Will you be singing the same tune if GOD FORBID the next guy who gets caught drinking underage in Athens is Matt Stafford?

Don’t think it can happen? I don’t know the guy, but if he is like any other college student or football player on any other campus, it can easily happen!

It is simply a matter that the QB at FL or tech or Penn State doesn’t have to worry about it because they will be running stairs not suspended for 2 games or more.

If he were to actually commit some sort of serious offense, like DUI, or get in a a fight, or worse, I’d be depressed about it, but I’d totally support giving him a heavy punishment.

Barnes, Hebron, and Chandler already paid a penalty for their transgressions. They were arrested and had to pay a fine. $2,000 for having a beer is a pretty steep penalty from where I sit. That was four months living expenses for me when I was at UGA.

By Auburn 01

June 12, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

This does not happen at Auburn…Hell my drunk roomate was driven home by an Auburn cop! Now that is service!

By Born2Bark

June 12, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

All you tech fans out there: just keep playing D&D and hating UGA for @ss raping you the last 6 years! Doing it again this year will be privilege. Hey RambleON: if you want to talk about thugs just take a look at Reggie Ball: An attitude and character we should all aspire to have. I’m sick of all these anti-UGA assbags who post these insults to our program. You people are so self righteous. You talk like your teams are comprised of altar boys. that’s rich!

By I-DOG

June 12, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

2 in 4

I’m with you that losing the starting TE by itself likely won’t tip the scales in the first 2 games. The problem is we have already lost an all american cb and an up and coming LB for the season. Add the Center/Guard out half a year and it starts to add up

If nobody else gets arrested for posessing alc then we will be fine. I’m concerned that we are unlikely to go unscathed the rest of the way as things are getting tighter and tighter in Athens.

I am an optimist by nature, but the real question is who is next?

By Buck Cochran in the NW

June 12, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

I wonder how many times those two have ever been in trouble? Does anyone know”

By Vince

June 12, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

These players have been warned many times about this and seen their teammates get penalties.

Evidently, something more is needed. I wonder if stronger FCA and church involvement and volunteer work and character mentoring partnerships could be implemented for our athletes at all of our major universities. Efforts to “stamp out” behavior by penalties does not seem to work well; perhaps there is a need for substituting positive behaviors and more helpful moral developmental mentoring with the guys.

Its important these young men be well mentored in the greater meaning of life, God, and serving others. All of us need such help on the way; any more specific skill like athletics and academics is never enough to prepare us for the difficulties and problems of being human and being in relationships.

Vince

By Rick - Too!

June 12, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Rick - go back and read my #4 - I stated that they will pay the price and I have no problem with that.

The fact that you don’t care if UGA’s policy is stronger than most in the nation and you still want to complain shows your bias against UGA and your misdirected criticism.

CMR DOES make his players aware of the policy and DOES make them abide by it … so what in the world is the problem?

By Buck Cochran in the NW

June 12, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

two Reptiles arrested in So. Fl. One FB and one basketball. purchase of and possession of the wrong kind of tobacco.

By James Stewart

June 12, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Drinling goes on on all schools and even at Ga Tech. as I went to high school on tech campus and you would see beer bottles all the time but unlike Athens the Atlanta Police have other thgings to do. Athens police have to give someone a ticket so they choose the sports players as an easy target.

By James Stewart

June 12, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Drinling goes on on all schools and even at Ga Tech. as I went to high school on tech campus and you would see beer bottles all the time but unlike Athens the Atlanta Police have other thgings to do. Athens police have to give someone a ticket so they choose the sports players as an easy target.

By wallybutts

June 12, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Advice for UGA Football Team:

1. Do not attend Talladega
2. Do not attempt to lift kegs
3. Do not start or participate in non-football related fights
4. Do not take druken pictures of oneself
5. Do not hook up with Auburn chicks
6. Do not walk around with open Colt 45 containers
7. Do not hang out with Ian Smith
8. Do not hang out at any bars called the Library
9. Take “Your Cab”
10. Drink at Starbucks or SmoothieKing

By James Stewart

June 12, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

never say anything negative about Norht Ave trade school as the fish wrapper will not print it jamess2003@comcast.net

By duder

June 12, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Compared to arrests that occur at other schools (assaults at Tennessee, brandishing ak-47s at Florida, burglary at Texas) I’m really not that bothered by some UGA players drinking underage. Just as long as they don’t do it on Friday nights in the fall.

By BC

June 12, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

oops. at least UGA’s didn’t make ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=2902082

By shane

June 12, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

bear bryant was once railing against his players,an asst. coach said”coach,you are being to hard,we have some mighty good boys”.to which the bear replied,”that’s the problem,they are all good boys.now ya’ll go find me some mean old boys that we have to get out of jail on saturday morning so they can play football for me in the afternoon”.when you fet this many young guys together,you will have problems,it has happened before and it will happen again, young men aggressive enough for football at this leval will have problems at times,at least most of them will.

By gdawginkalamazoo

June 12, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

jacketnation, At the Univeristy of Getting Arrested, now that was a good one I will give you that.

By Elliot Ness

June 12, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

If you don’t drink, alcohol related offenses and issues will not be a problem. It’s simple. And as far as being unrealistic…it’s as realistic as you want it to be. No one is holding a gun to your head. Grow up. Prohibition didn’t turn teetotalers in to organized crime figures. But prohibition didn’t work (and never could). Abstaining from alcohol, legally consumed or otherwise, is realistic and 100% foolproof.

By Ramble 'ON!

June 12, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

LOL You dawg fans are soooo easy to rile up. Loosen up dawgies! I just like joking with you. I love the dawgs even though I’m a Tech fan. I just enjoy pushing your buttons. And you alwaaaaaays take my bait.

By Rick

June 12, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Rick -Too! - I do not feel that my criticism is misdirected - unless it is wrong to criticize student athletes who are on scholarship and selfishly go out and do things off the field that hurt the team and also hurt the university’s image. Perhaps what is misdirected is the seemingly prevailing thought among most fans that these players are the victims and should be pitied because “they only did what everyone else does”. Ideas like that are the main reason UGA had to create such a tough policy in the first place.

By Cuz

June 12, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Ramble On, when Tech actually wins a football game against UGA then you get to say you are going to whip us in November. Until then, you are limited to the two weeks before the actual game. Until Georgia beats Florida, you will not hear me say we are going to whip them at the end of October. I would rather not look like an idiot as say you, for instance. If I were you I would claim that I had been overserved at one of the strip club buffets for your 12:53 post.

By OddJob

June 12, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Gaman I don’t agree with throwing a kid out like trash for one mistake. Now if they commit a felony,that’s something else.The best answer is the family solution approach.From what I’ve heard CMR has put things in place such as the older teammate assigned to mentor freshmen.I don’t want some Draconian rule that throws the baby out with the bath water though.These kids should come to school and grow, it would be wrong to crush their dreams over one mistake.

By SmellyPig

June 12, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Something that accounts for a large number of these arrests is the fact that cops in Athens are generally arseholes. Especially the biker cops that patrol downtown; they seem to have an inferiority complex that they take out on anyone they can get their mitts on.

By johnboy

June 12, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

I am tried of being arrested for an open container in Athens. Yes, this is a place were all cops first name is Barney. We need to group together in a protest, next Saturday, on Broad Street in front of the arch. Just bring one can of beer, we will all open them together just see if all the Barneys in Athens can hall in 1,0000s protesters! Go Dogs!

By TommyP

June 12, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Chip: You’re a joke and that’s taken me awhile to say that.

It took you all this time to start touting our new basketball recruit and give some background info on him?

What the hell have you been doing with your time, Sparky???? Pathetic.

At least you read the bloggers (i.e. me and someone else) that told you how ridiculously wrong you were about how Tompkins was the first 5 star that Felton had recruited. (woohoo…you referenced Louis Williams but NOT Mike Mercer)

Pansy.

These other sites (Scout, Rivals, etc.) make your little pathetic job irrelevant.

At least TRY to stay ahead of the curve.

By The 70's and UGA

June 12, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Those were the Days, the early 1970’s! Yes they were sure fun! You could have an open container STREAK BUTT NAKED across campus with tens of thousands of your best friends and not worry about being 18 and getting arrested! Yes, my friends those were the days and yes we thought they never end! and to the girls that was running in front of me…Dam Good Butt!

By I-DOG

June 12, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

BC,

Thanks for the link about the two FL players arrested for drugs. Great info.

Suspended indefinately is an interesting term. Does that mean that the football player will be suspended until the season starts?

It will be interesting to see how many games he misses. At UGA this would be at leat a one year off the team punishment similar to Hebron. It will be interesting to see if this guy actually misses any games.

I think FL starts with two complete cupcakes, so I’ll bet he misses those two games and no more so that it doesn’t hurt the team at all.

By gatordan

June 12, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

just another excuse for your annual loss to the titletown gators!!!FLORIDA RULES!!!!

By gamecockgary

June 12, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

u better have all your poor little personel when the ole ball coach come a calling…GAMECOCKS-37, PUPPIES-14…BETWEEN THE TWIGS…2007 SEC EAST CHAMPS…YOUR SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS!

By Paris

June 12, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

It sounds as if the Dog players arrested are a victim of celebrity justice. If others that are not in the limelight only get a citation, then the law is coming down extra hard on them. Sort of like when somebody servces a 45 day jail sentence, instead of 5 day jail sentence for the same broken law.

In away the Bulldogs arrested are the Paris Hilton’s of Athens. Maybe they will find God and be on Barbara Walters too.

By The Dawgs

June 12, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

Ok Gamecokgary, I just hope you Chickens scores points. If I remember the Dawgs shut you little cocks out 18 to 0. Eat more Chicken!

By Dawgon63

June 12, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

If you are old enough to drink, take the punishment. It,s not like most men who have played sports at the college level have not made mistakes. I can’t stomach the little nerds jumping on board to bash these young men. We don’t jump up and down and scream at you when you pass out at the Star Trek convention.

By The Dawgs

June 12, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

If think the Cocks will lay an ege once more! Eat more Chicken!

By BJohnDawg

June 12, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

When did it become Mark Richts job to cure on campus drinking( as someone earlier said)? Hell its hard enough just to worry about if they will get the grades and try and win some games.Now he has to play booze police?

And underage drinking does not happen at LSU, FLORIDA,BAMA,AUBRUNT,and TECH?…give me a break. It happens there just like at UGA, just for some reason Wink Wink there are no arrests.There they say “Pour it out boys and get your butts into bed. You got a big game tomorrow.Oh and can you sign this for my kid?”

Frankly I agree with those that say 18 should be the limit. Thats was the legal age in my college days. And I turned out just fine.

Now if I can only find that fifth I stashed in the sofa.(Hiccup)

By Sam Cunningham

June 12, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

They broke the law they pay the price but what I object to is the disproportionate coverage UGA Student Athletes seem to get. Do Student Athletes at other schools never drink? I guess they are all choir boys.

By Aville Ranger

June 12, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

BJohn There’s an old saying,it is what it is.The fact is drinking while being stupid has become a problem and CMR is where the buck stops when it comes to anything effecting the team and his players while in Athens.

By SamoanDawg

June 12, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

I think all those cops are either Tech fans or they enrolled at Tech at one time or another….: )

By Gen Neyland

June 13, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

Three instances loom large to me. First, Jennings of UGA in the 80’s…Second, Mack of GT under Bill Curry….Both paid a toll. I worked with their Dad’s. If the circumsances evade you, research them…the third is my own to bear…BTW, I’ve called out to anyone running the Peachtree. I’ll be there. Any others..?

By Hunk Erdown

June 13, 2007 3:34 AM | Link to this

I’m glad these guys didn’t get behind the wheel of a car when they were drinking, however, this ridiculous law could prove to backfire and make the kids think that their chances are better if they do put their containers in the console and try to make it back to the dorm quicker.

College kids are going to drink, thats a given, but it should be an easy decision to not flaunt it by walking around outside with an open container. Toss the container and either pick up the phone to a friend or cab. The penalty for the offense is too strict imo, but at the same time there is a big difference for these football players between now and back when the law was different. The drinking age law was changed to deter so many alcohol related deaths and injuries when these younguns get behind the wheel, its bad enough with so many idiots that are sober and can’t drive. Another difference is that when a recruit comes to UGA these days his chances for playing on a championship team are way better than the past; that and the potential income at the next level should be enough to at least modify/govern ones behaviour. I agree that it doesn’t make sense that one can die for his Country but not enjoy a cold one, on the other hand, why does alcohol have to be a “right of passage” just because you’re in college and playing in one of the best football programs in the Country? Its a tough situation, and as I said, the penalty for open container is too harsh. Some levity is in order: look at what “could have happened”. The kid made a mistake by drinking, and compounded it by toting his bottle around, but he didn’t put others at risk by DUI.

At the end of the day it boils down to this: Blake and Tripp, having witnessed what has befallen others on the team were stupid to not toss the container before walking in public, whether the law is reasonable or not, they knew what it was and knew the consequences. It is as a few others have said, a slap in the face to their team mates, coaches, and fans… it is also a bit arrogant under the circumstances. I’m all for changing the law and certainly “team rules” for such a minor offense, but until it is changed these guys need to use their heads for something besides a hat rack.

Just my humble opinion.

By SEC is Football

June 13, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

Sam Cunningham…I would be shocked if athletes at other schools didn’t drink. I think the difference is, they don’t get arrested for doing so. UGA football players, for the last several years, have made bad decisions when it came to drinking. However, it is not a matter of whether or not they choose to drink. It is where they choose to do so. I didn’t go to UGA but I know there is an open container law in Athens. A student surely has to know this so what are Barnes and Chandler doing carrying around open containers? Also, if the cops are really out to get the UGA football players (as some people on here claim), why would these guys put themselves in a position to get caught? Its called not using common sense.

I don’t think Richt needs to enforce the drinking laws of Athens or UGA but I think if he wants this behavior, which is pattern of poor decision making, to stop, he needs to do something that will send a message and not just go with what is a university enforced penalty. He has the ability to do so. The question is, will he?

By DawginLex

June 13, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

WHY DON’T WE GET SOME PRESS COVERAGE ON THE 2 GATORS ARRESTED AND SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY ?????????

Gamecock Gary-See you in Athens for your annual beatdown

By gdawginkalamazoo

June 13, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

I still believe that the policy Richt needs to set forth is to have the ENTIRE TEAM run sprints when somebody goofs like this. Talk about peer pressure to drink. This would be peer pressure NOT to drink. I bet that these guys straighten up and think twice before they get the entire team on their arse. Can you imagine having to face the entire team after getting arrested? Richt “Okay guys your teammates Chandler and Barnes were arrested last night so for the rest of the week we got sprints at 6 am. If you have a problem with that then talk to them.”

Why not, it is a team sport and when these guys do stupid things, especially Chandler since he was scheduled to start, it hurts the team.

By SEC is Football

June 13, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

gdawginkalamazoo…..if you want to take it a step further, you have the entire team run while the 1,2, 3, etc…guys who were arrested watch them run. That would really help the team enforce some discipline on these guys who are getting in trouble. I saw that when I was in school. A kid skipped class and the entire team had to run laps around the track while the kid who skipped class had to sit in a chair and watch. Needless to say…I never heard of that kid skipping class again. :)

By gdawginkalamazoo

June 13, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

SEC is Football, excellent additional to the plan. I think they would look out for each other a lot better.

By Hunk Erdown

June 13, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Be careful guys, i don’t want CMR to end up like the drill instructor (R. Lee Ermy ?) in Full Metal Jacket. “The way I see it, you all owe me for one jelly do-nut!!!” “They’re paying for it, Pyle…You eat it!”

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

June 13, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

gdawginkalamazoo and SEC is Football I couldn’t agree more. It’s a team and reversing the peer pressure to use some common sence makes a lot of sense. Good Call!

By Cuz

June 13, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Hey kids, Lamecock Gary is back predicting another loss by the Dawgs to the Gamechickens. His record of correct predictions is just as good as Lee Corso. Put down a W for the SC game, the Lamecock has spoken.

By Johnson is a Johnson

June 13, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

If I were Blake Barnes, I’d be drinking too.

By austindog

June 14, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Why’d they shut down the “long odds” blog? Didn’t look like anyone crossed the line.

By Big Dawg

June 14, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Cuz

Good one Cuz, “Lamecock” but seriously at least Lee Corso gets it right once in a while. Ha

By Cuz

June 14, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

I think if you look at the tone of the long odds blog and some of the language that some people were sliding by, that looks like the reason they shut it down. Or maybe they just got tired of people repeating themselves. Or maybe they just got tired of people repeating themselves. Oh gosh, I am doing it too.

By austindog

June 14, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Well. As we were saying…

They need to require that teams win their conference title game to earn a BCS title game berth, which if read between the lines says that the BIG10 and ND better get together or neither of them are going.

The “3 yards and a cloud of dust” conference needs to get with the times and man up. The Rose Bowl is for pansies.

By austindog

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

I wonder if the ajc closed “long odds” blog because it has something to do with gambling. Bah.

By Cuz

June 14, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Gambling. Guess I should have never sent Buck that double or nothing e-mail. Curses foiled again.

By Cuz

June 14, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Hey GTDC, I know you are out there. Did you think that your Gators would play for the NC before the season started and if so why? Of course, besides the patented by you answer, because we will beat the dawgs in Jax. Remember, beating us does not count as strength of schedule until we win one. Oh Lord I long for the good old days. Got to leave now and light some candles to rid us Dawgs of this curse.

By AltamahaDawg

June 15, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

How obvious is the lack of insults and jokes about the recent story about all the UF player in trouble? I guess those remarks have always come from UF fans in here, and of cource, tech guys, who of cource are nothing more than closet wannabe gator fans.

By Cuz

June 15, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

I liked it better when they stayed in the closet.

By Coyote

June 18, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

Ultimately, the players should have known better. I don’t expect them to go through college without drinking a beer but when you know there is a major crackdown underway, you just need to keep a lower profile. Even so, I still have two beefs with the latest trend…

1. The same offenses are simply not enforced or punished to this extent at other schools, not even close really. Maybe this is the righteous way to go but it definitely puts UGA at a disadvantage on the field and gives the school a public black eye that most other programs that ignore these problems simply don’t have to endure.

2. It strikes me as odd that I can walk rigth past the cops with open container 7 Saturdays each fall with no consequence and yet when I enter the stadium, there will be numerous players standing on the sidelines in street clothes because they did the same thing.

By Gator Hater

June 21, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

pvbeachdog - You must be like the Italian who leaves his pants unzipped in order to count to eleven. Chip is right. There 22 impacts on 12 games on the team by these guys thinking the law doesn’t apply to them. Like it or not, the law is the law. If you don’t like the law then get your representative to change it. As a father who had a daughter run over and killed by a drunk driving college kid I have no sympathy for them.