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 > August > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNCAA cuts Cuff some slack
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The news spread like wildfire Wednesday afternoon. Vance Cuff, a highly-touted defensive back and Georgia signee from Colquitt County, finally gained his eligibility to play for the Bulldogs).
Seems there was a fairly collosal misunderstanding between Cuff’s high school and the NCAA Clearinghouse over whether a oral/written speech communication class should count as one of the 14 core courses needed for freshman eligibility. The high school filed multiple appeals, only to be denied. Georgia took up the fight and asked for a waiver and reportedly it was granted on Wednesday.
It would have been a shame — or at least a lot of Georgia football fans would have felt that way — if Cuff would’ve had to go to junior college because some high school counselors didn’t know the rules. That goes double given the leniency the NCAA showed some Auburn signees in the wake of a grade-changing scandal this summer.
But be warned: Such controversies will become even more prevalent going forward because, as of Aug. 1, 2008, prospects will have to have successfully passed 16 core courses to gain freshman eligibility.
Cuff is an interesting case because, admittedly, if not for football he never would have considered going to college. He would have simply joined his father in his buisiness of hanging drywall. But because of his athletic ability, Cuff was advised as a 10th grader that a scholarship was a possibility and he set about taking college-prep classes.
My question is, your obvious Georgia bias aside, does anybody have a problem with Cuff getting the nod from the NCAA? Clearly, if not for his football-playing ability, he would never have been admitted into UGA. Anybody outraged as more and more better-prepared applicants are turned down? On the other hand, Cuff would have never considered college if not for football and, whatever happens during his career, he should exit college a much more educated person that he would have been otherwise. What about the NCAA’s role in all this? Shouldn’t a university be able to educate anyone it pleases?
Not invoking an opinion here. Just posing the questions.
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Comments
By JayBird
August 1, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
No, I don’t have a problem because the course in question is used at other schools and is certified by the clearinghouse. You make it sound like Cuff did something wrong. He wasn’t in the wrong, the high school officials were. Why penalize a kid for someone else’s mistake?
By BullDawg Rick
August 1, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
Good for Cuff.. Chip.. This is D-1 football.. There are MANY students from EVERY college/university that “if not for his football-playing ability, he would never have been admitted into insert any school”.. Give the kid a chance & see what happens.. If he’s an average player & gets his degree then the system “works”.. He took advantage of the system & got an education & will be a positive contributor to society..
Welcome to UGA & Good luck to you Vance!!
By socaldawg
August 1, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
I’m clearly a biased Dawg fan. But I think you just have to have a standard and uphold it. If the NCAA allows other athletes to count a virtually identical class towards the required core, then they HAVE to allow Cuff to count it towards his core class requirements.
Now let’s hear from all the Yechies who’ll make up all kinds of crap about the intellect of UGA athletes. Can you dorks surprise us with something creative or will it be the same old yawning BS.
6 in a row inspires all kinds of envious non-sense.
By BlueMoon
August 1, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
The fact of the matter is, not everyones gifts are in the same area. You can’t just wave a wand and say hey, no one gets in unless they have a 4.0 and 1400 SAT. And regardless, Cuff was a good student and had, I believe a 3.4 GPA. He DESERVES the chance to continue his education.
Now getting to the football player part of the equation…no he normally would not have been given consideration at UGA without his athletic abilities but he also should not be shut out because of those same abilities. Remember the gifts in different areas sentence above? And in this case, it wasn’t even that. He’s just an ole country boy that thought his time was better spent helping the family business. Now, he’ll have better options and that’s not such a bad thing.
It should never be an issue when a young man (or woman) has the opportunity to better themselves and make more out of their life than the road they were on. Cuff deserves entrance.
By Anonymous
August 1, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
From my understanding Cuff was a good student. Met every requirement needed. It was just that one dumb class. To me, yes he should be in. He wasn’t even borderline for getting in. It was just that one class holding him up. So for his sake, justice was served in letting him in. Congrats on your accomplishment Vance and good luck. Go Dawgs
By georgiagirl
August 1, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
I THINK IT’S GREAT THAT THE KID GOT A CHANCE, BECAUSE HE DID WHAT HIS HIGH SCHOOL TOLD HIM HE NEEDED.
WELCOME TO GEORGIA VANCE CUFF, GO DAWGS!!!!! NOW YOU CAN GET AN EDUCATION AND PLAY FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!
AND CHAMP DOG LEAVE YOUR NEGATIVE REMARKS ABOUT UGA TO YOURSELF TODAY, BECAUSE I KNOW YOU’LL BE ON THE BANDWAGON FOR UGA FOOTBALL IF THEY COME OUT AND SHOW EVERYONE A DIFFERENT TEAM.
DAWGS FAN WIN, LOSE OR DRAW. GO DAWGS
By MS
August 1, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
As a tech alum, I see no problem with letting him in as the error seemed more on the high school than any wrongdoing by the student. And even then, a precedent seems to have been set by other cases.
As to your parting questions, I have to agree with BlueMoon. The problems in that area arise when you let students in that can barely read, or haven’t taken college prep courses. Those are the ones who should attend a JC of some sorts before transfering to a full university. With his 3.4 GPA in a college prep curriculum, it appears that Cuff doesn’t fit that criteria.
By P-Dawg in Tulsa
August 1, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
Congratulations Cuff! People get chances for different reasons. He saw an opportunity and took it. Smart. Anyone in this country who really wants an education can get it. If some kid is border line and doesn’t get a slot at UGA based on his grades he may have to start out somewhere else. If he wants to be a UGA student he can still get it. I remember they were starting the hope scholarship when I was in school. As it happened my timing was wrong and I missed it due to being about a year off. I still got my education and I don’t begrudge any of those who had an easier experience because they were born a year or 2 later. So happens Cuff was born with an athletic gift and the ability to recognize an opportunity. Secondly, the money he will help generate for the school through football contributes far more to the students than most will acknowledge.
Cuff, great heads up and I wish you well. Send the person who counselled you a big thank you note.
By Fort Worth Dawg
August 1, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
I hope he gets his degree and starts a construction company, hiring a few dozen guys to hang drywall. Nothing wrong with working with your hands, and college is not for everyone, but this is America, where everyone should try to go a little farther.
If Mr. Cuff makes it to the pros then he will be earning more than his classmates who became doctors or lawyers. Still, I hope he gets a degree for himself, for his father (who probably never had a chance to go), and for any kids who may end up looking at him as a role model. Getting admitted to college is an opportunity and he has to take advantage of it. Some of the 25 kids a year who get an athletic scholarship could have been admitted anyway. I don’t think the football players bumped anyone else out of UGA. I took the intro public speaking course with a bunch of football players and some swimmers. The football players were funny, articulate guys (the swimmers seemed to be dumb as turnips).
By P-Dawg in Tulsa
August 1, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
Clarification….Counselled you to go for the shcolarship.
By Dorsey Hill
August 1, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
The problem you run into is that if each school admitted athletes using the same standards as they admit other students, only really bad schools would compete at a high level. The NCAA has over the last 20 years tried to raise the level of achievement so that:
1) each school has a uniform minimum standard and
2) that kids who qualify actually have a chance at graduating if they apply themselves.
Anyone who watched college athletics during the 70’s and 80’s knows that some schools were letting anyone in if they were good athletes even when everyone knew they had no chance at being a true student.
So I think that the right balance between athletics and academics is being struck. The standards are also encouraging kids who would otherwise skate apply themselves but at the same time they aren’t so rigorous that some kids will simply not try.
By blake
August 1, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Why would anybody be outraged about so called “better applicants” getting turned down while ball players like Cuff get accepted? Instances such as this are a fact of life not exclusive to sports/academics. I actually got denied from UGA as an incoming freshman. And you know what, I was completely fine with that. While my GPA and SAT were undoubtedly higher than most scholarship athletes, I am just another “joe” in the eyes of the University. How many less qualified people in the world beat the more qualified for jobs. Why? Cause they know the right people. If you spend your whole life “outraged” about what you perceive as unfair/unjust, you are bound to not be a happy person.
By gdawginkalamazoo
August 1, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Chip, thank God for the counselor/ teacher that recognized the potential in this kid. Usually it takes a nice chunk of change to go to college and maybe he figured it wasn’t going to happen for him on an academic basis. Somebody mentions a scholarship possibility to him early enough for him to take control of his future and he works hard to achieve it. This is what colleges are for.
Besides, screw the student body if they can’t run a sub 4.5/40
By Dawg4life
August 1, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Good job Cuff. This was a hard-fought battle, and you deserve it. Chip, I think the Clearinghouse definitely did the right thing because they let the class count in other instances. I really don’t understand what the mix-up was to begin with.
As a matter of fact, Chip, when you say it was the fault of his high school counselors for not knowing the rules, what rules are you talking about? I haven’t read in any articles regarding this situation that the counselors came into play. Most articles I’ve read made it sound like the Clearinghouse had it out for Cuff or just didn’t want to let him through.
Can you elaborate?
Thanks!
And the more interesting point, I think, is whether he’ll redshirt this year. I’m pretty sure he will, given the fact that we have such a loaded secondary with redshirt freshmen seeing the field this year.
Go Cuff! Go Dawgs!!
By John
August 1, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Of course he deserved entrance. I received high school and college credit for a speech class or two and the NCAA didn’t want to give him high school level credit for it. How ridiculous.
By gdawginkalamazoo
August 1, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
Chip,
Why the Carteresque type headline with this one? Why are they cutting him some slack? Speech/communication sounds like a legitimate class to me. PE, basketball, art, art history, theater? Now those I would be second guessing. What we don’t want our football players to know how to talk? Maybe if Patrick Ewing would have taken speech/communication I would believe that Georgetown degree is legit.
By shane
August 1, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
i am glad he made it. the high school may be to blame for not clearing this course with the ncaa,but i am sure they thought their course was acceptable because other schools were having no problems with the same course. the ncaa makes these irrational decisions and than wants our respect. i for one am no fan of the ncaa and applaud any coach with the guts to stand up to them. i can think of two right away,both bball coaches,dale brown and bobby knight. these guys took all the heat from the ncaa,and believe me it was a lot,and didn’t back down.
By Doug
August 1, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
I don’t have a problem because you stated he wouldn’t have gone to college not that he couldn’t have gone to college. Some sage advisor told him to start taking college prep courses in the 10th grade. Once someone focused him, he worked on gaining admission. You have to applaud the kid for making and attaining a goal so early in life. Who says he can’t pass college classes if he puts some effort into it? Doug
By AltamahaDawg
August 1, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
hey, Just admit 10 more co-eds, and call it even.
By d
August 1, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Vance Cuff had a 3.2 cumulative GPA!!! This wasn’t some guy who barely slipped in thanks to some given grades by a few teachers his senior year. He took college prep classes and did so w/ high marks for an athlete. Lastly, the University System of Georgia and the SEC both accept the class. This was just another case of an NCAA bureaucracy.
By Marietta Dawg
August 1, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Chip,
The NCAA did not “cut Cuff some slack” as you state; they didn’t give him a break.
That implies that there is doubt about whether or not Cuff did what he was supposed to do to be accepted and admitted.
The NCAA did no cutting of slack. They did what they were supposed to do. They did what was right.
By Lamar
August 1, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
The NCAA finally did something correct. However, they still lack credibility with me: allowing Notre Dame several years ago to not be punished when a woman spent money on their football players. And now, letting USC and Reggie Bush get away with extra incentives with no punishment. It shows the NCAA only cares about the schools who make money for them when they want to look the other way.
By mcdawg
August 1, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
beats the hell out of hanging drywall
DAWGS in NFL Update: just attended Redskins training camp and looks like K. Golston is emerging as a real leader on Defense-working with 1st team and barring injury should sign nice contract after surprising rookie season (to some-not me)
Demetric Evans looked a little bit out of shape, it was hot but is going to get hotter
Philip Daniels is a freak-11 yr Veteran and the guy looks to be more athletic than anyone on the defensive or offensive line (heck of a nice guy as well)
all a tribute to the UGA system
By AltamahaDawg
August 1, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
zoo, you gotta love how old school that is though……..”hey, cut me some slack, Jack”. Don’t tell me that funny voice in your head wasnt saying that as soon as you read it.
By Robert Hydrick
August 1, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
The real issue is why would the NCAA Clearinghouse not approve the speech class for Cuff when the approve the same speech class from other school sytems in the state. That is why Colquitt County appealed this decision It is not a matter of preferential treatment for a student athlete but why is there not a standard policy from the NCAA on what should count as core class. It seems the NCAA putting themselves in a precarious legal position if they allow john doe at one school to be admitted in college and not John Doe from the neighboring county school system when they both have taken the same classes. What is not widely reported is that Vance went to summer school to get a second core class he needed to qualify.
By Wil Walton
August 1, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
“Clearly, if not for his football-playing ability, he would never have been admitted into UGA.” Umm… hasn’t then been the case for some prospects for decades??? Personally, I don’t think that the story is that he is abusing the system. The REAL story is that this kid’s ability opened the door and his eyes to the possiblity of higher education. Kudos to him for working hard to acheive the goals that he never thought he could attain prior to his 10th grade year. Good luck to you Vance!
By Out of Proportion
August 1, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
“Catch a break?” Yet again, an AJC writer tries to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Must be a slow day for the dogfighter. The bottom line is that the kid didn’t cheat, lie or steal his way into the university…and I think the University of Georgia shows PLENTY of due diligence in academic matters of potential student-athletes. Hey Chip, did we catch a break my not admitting Jamar Cheney into UGA? Apparently, Miss. State did not have a problem getting him admitted. Enough with the outrageous propaganda! The kid is a gifted athlete who is going to get an education in exchange for entertaining people in the fall. Let’s just leave it at that!
By will
August 1, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
The NCAA is such a large, beurocratic piece of crap. It reminds me of the Clinton administration where it wants to control all the aspects of life. I wouldn’t be surprised if the NCAA wanted to tell these kids what kind of cars to drive someday. Reminds me of Hillary wanting to take over all pre-school programs and make them government run. Can anyone say COMMUNISM.
By Lee
August 1, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
God gives each of us talents. It would be a shame to deny this young man the opportunity to get a college education, based on his talents, due to an oversight by his counselors. Good luck at UGA.
By reality check
August 1, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Cuff deserved to be cleared, just like Jamar Chaney, who now starts for Mississippi State and is on many preseason all conference lists, deserved to be cleared.
I’m glad Georgia fought for Cuff and I’m disappointed we didn’t for Chaney. In Chaney’s case the issue was an unusual rise in his board scores, but they were proven to be legit eventually.
The NCAA clearing house, as well as the NCAA in general, strikes me as rigid, arrogant and unreasonable. I will never forget their edict that Alabama couldn’t take their team to a teamates funeral. There is no justification for ruling against basic human decency.
As far as Cuff’s qualifications, they are fine. There are plenty of young men who will get into and graduate from Georgia - and Georgia Tech too for that matter - with less than a 3.4 average, and even if that weren’t true there are many degrees and kinds of genius.
By Ronnie D.
August 1, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
The NCAA Clearinghouse, colleges and high schools have to work more closely together. There was a kid I know who had to sit out a full year (b/w high school and college) due to a class he took that did not pass the NCAA CH. Fortunately, he is playing college ball today and did not fall by the wayside.
By GatorStud
August 1, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Another sweetheart deal for a uga player who doesn’t even belong in college. Approving this bogus, mickey mouse course is a total joke! No wonder all those players in Athens get arrested all the time.
By gdawginkalamazoo
August 1, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
GatorStud, time for you to go impregnate another lizard. Stud.
By Out of Proportion
August 1, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Any male that refers to himself as “stud” is more than likely still in the closet.
By brandon
August 1, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Good for Vance and Georgia. It’s about time Georgia got a break. Auburn and Florida always get their student athletes a break.
By Bobo
August 1, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Who cares about his grades, Is the kid good? Go Dawgs
By Brad
August 1, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Nice try GatorStud. Happy for Vance. The young man deserves a shot in the classroom and looking forward to seeing him on the football field. I’m sure he’ll make the most of both. Glad UGA stepped up for him. It must be a tough call with all of the scrutiny a move like that could bring.
By GatorStank
August 1, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Gators’ Meyer Could Use Help from Goodell
Stew Mandel’s current column on Gator discipline problems.
Ronnie Wilson - Firing semi Automatic Weapon. Brandon James - Drug possession Dorian Monroe - Removed Impound Boot Jacque Rickerson - Drug Possession Dustin Doe - Brawl John Curtis - probation violation
And what about Avery Atkins, last years projected STARTER. Domestic violence and released from the team. Now dead days after being arrested for drug possession.
How about Marcus Thomas being reinstated to the Gators after failing multiple drug tests. Glad Urban smarted up and finally cut him loose.
After reading about the Gators rap sheet, I bet the Bulldogs don’t mind a couple of scooter incidents.
Here is to a quite month for all programs or at least a month of having GatorStud shut his pie hole.
By mcdawg
August 1, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
hey stud bet you look good in those jean shorts
By godawg
August 1, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
Reggie Ball and his math skills gets in NATS no problem but Vance with his test scores and gpa gets hassled trying to attend UGA. What’s the deal???……Ohhhh, I get it…one’s a UNIVERSITY and the other’s an INSTITUTE. Never mind…..
By chase
August 1, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
Are UGA practices are closed to the public? sorry a little off topic
By AltamahaDawg
August 1, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Is it possible that somebody wouldnt know how queer it was to call yourself a stud while wearing a blue tanktop?
By WAR EAGLE KEITH
August 1, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
I am glad Vance got the waiver he and I are both from the same high school and I can say that it was not his fault. Colquitt County has produced many great football players that have wound up in the military or still working in town there. There is nothing wrong with the military, but they should have had a chance at college. Good Luck Vance and WAR EAGLE!!!
By Cedric
August 1, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Of course the kid should have pursued the options to further his education and try to excel in team sports at a school of higher learning. Just because he is using a athletic scholarship to do it is besides the question. I bet if he helps the bulldogs win an SEC championship it is not a problem.
By Jaime Gaverts
August 1, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Yeah, like wildfire. Woo wee. Another example of the tail wagging the dog for Athens Agricultural College. If it wasn’t for this kid’s football ability, he’d be no where near Athens. Speech class a college prep course? Ha. Thanks for keeping your reputation alive for the rest of the nation. Sacrafice academics for athletics.
By NC Dawg
August 1, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
That’s like asking, if not for some baseball abilities, would Chipper Jones ever had got a job in the Braves organization. Everyone knows that Major College football is the minor leagues of the NFL, so why not call a spade a spade. He met the criteria that was set, and as long as he passes the classes that he is required to take and live up to his potential on the playing field, he will play in the NFL, with or without a degree. Meanwhile, he and others like him will fill the coffers of the University and make it possible for others to get an education when they possibly may not have. I was an instructor at UGA and no one in my class ever got special treatment because they were an athlete. They had to pass the same exams as everyone else. Let him play….
By A-ville Ranger
August 1, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
I’m going to skip the fairness issue and just comment on Cuff as a player.I don’t think many people realize just how quick and fast he is.On the video I watched he was the Quickest guy on the field EVERY TIME and it wasn’t close.If there’s a quicker guy on the team it’s Mikey Henderson and maybe not even him.He should play 20lbs heavier than Mikey and has a sturdier frame.This kid looks like he could be a real difference maker on special teams and maybe as a D-back or reciever as well.
By Big Dawg
August 1, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to Vance Cuff as he will have an opportunity to further his education. As for the NCAA what can be said other than it shouldn’t have gone this far. Good fortune Vance and I look forward to seeing you in the Red and Black.
Go Dawgs
By uga student
August 1, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
i agree a-ville ranger. his junior season highlight tape is reggie-bush like. its not like he was playing against bad teams either. colquitt county is in the same region as tift county, lowndes, valdosta, coffee, warner robins, and houston county. all those teams in region 1-AAAAA are really, really good. i saw the tape of the CC-tift county game and he absolutely shut his fellow UGA recruit israel troupe down all game at cornerback. then he had 2 TDs the same game as a receiver
By CapeCodDawg
August 1, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
Vince. Play some football son Go Dawgs!
By Forever_UGA
August 1, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
I have to say that, this kind of story really hits me in a very good way. I know all too well his situation, not from an athelete standpoint, but from an academic standpoint. I too am the only person in my family that went to a university, much less graduate(UGA BSA class of ‘99 ). My dad was a farmer, and my mom was a housewife until she had to work part time to make ends meet. They weren’t able to save anything for college for me, but I was determined to get an education. It took me close to 15 years to get my bachelor’s degree, and I know that sounds bad, but it wasn’t because I was dumb. It was because I had to work full time and take classes when I could(on lunch breaks, night classes, etc…) at a junior college. It was frustrating, but I remember the day I got accepted to UGA, the sense of accomplishment overwhelmed me. I was so proud, but then it was also a wakeup call that ok, you’ve made it, now you’ve got to make the grades to stay there. I wish Mr. Cuff nothing but the best, and hope he succeeds, because an education is something they can never take away from you(unless you’re good enough for the NFL, then it’s nice to fall back on LOL!) This is one DAWG that is proud of what you’ve accomplished so far!!!!
By Lee
August 1, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
I think college athletes should have to apply to college and get accepted just like every other student who walks through the door. No athletic waivers or special consideration. No going to Hargrave Military to game the system.
You apply to college.
You get accepted based on your academic credentials.
You can then participate in athletics.
Simple process.
But no. Colleges sign these idiots with room temperature IQ’s. They then have to pay personal tutors and class checkers to make sure they even bother to go to class. They allow them to speak to a news crew and prove to the world how illiterate they are.
But, I guess when college coaches are pulling down million dollar salaries, you can expect that…
By Forever_UGA
August 1, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
Before the grammar police jump on me for my previous post, it’s athlete, not athelete. Just wanted to nip that in the bud before the PC idiots feel the need to correct me
By Forever_UGA
August 1, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
Before the grammar police jump on me for my previous post, it’s athlete, not athelete. Just wanted to nip that in the bud before the PC idiots feel the need to correct me
By Sam Cunningham
August 1, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Seems that this course is the same high quality, academically challenging type of course that is offered at uga. What’s the big deal?
People don’t go to uga for an education. They go to party and for football.
By Gen Neyland
August 1, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
gdawginkalamazoo
I must say ol’ chap, you is getting on your game face…Keep it up but don’t pull a muscle…
By Gen Neyland
August 1, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
Sam Cunningham
Partying and football are a huge part of college life, coast to coast. UGA is no different than Boise ST…To foolishly single out UGA is simply, stupid…
By shane
August 2, 2007 4:38 AM | Link to this
general,sir my respect for you continues to grow. you know idiocy when you see it. just imagine,38’000 football players! you thought fulmer could recruit! i guess sam cunningham is a usc fan,who refuse’s to play us because we ARE NOT WORTHY,but buys bush’s mom and dad a house,then gets away with it. i guess money really does talk,i wonder what it cost to buy off the ncaa. oh i forgot,the trojans are above the rules! were they to be on probation they would lose scholarships and the sec might win the nc again,and the champ has to be from a major market. how stupid of me!
By Jeff
August 2, 2007 7:06 AM | Link to this
Nope, doesn’t bother me one single bit if this kid was treated differently. Happens everyday at UGA. But I’m not talking about athlete prefential treatment. I’m talking about other minorities. Minorities are being admitted to UGA with considerably lower scores than other students that have been denied admission. At least the athletes are getting tutoring, etc. that will help them learn how to study. Because of their skin color, these other kids are being admitted not being academically qualified and end up not making it. Meanwhile students that were more qualified are relegated off to W. Georgia and G. Southern because of their skin color. After 4 years of school, a vast majority of the athletes are still there with many going on to graduate. Look at the retension rate for this other minority group. Horrific. So, again, no I’m not bothered if the kid got different treatment. Goes on everyday. Doubt what I’m saying? Look it up. The numbers speak for themselves. It’s sad….
By CDawg
August 2, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
How do you know that Cuff would not have been admitted to UGA unless he was a football player? There’s never been any issue raised about his GPA, only about whether the NCAA accepts the speech communications class as a core course. Considering the university’s expressed desire to attract qualified minority students, he may well have been accepted had he not been a football player.
By reality check
August 2, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this
Partying and football SHOULD be a huge part of college life. Like Bear Bryant said one time, “Maybe it isn’t the way it is supposed to be, but no alum is going to come back to Alabama to watch some kid take a chemistry test.”
I successfully took Physics and Chemistry and Calculus and all sorts of challenging courses in college and grad school, but the really valuable lessons didn’t occur in the classroom.
As Mark Twain said, “It would be a shame to let school stand in the way of a good education”.
By Greg
August 2, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
Just a small correction. Of the two Auburn players in Mobile with the grade changing incident, one has been cleared because he was academically eligible before someone messed with the computer. In fact, he was tempted to graduate early and start summer school at Auburn. The other kid was going to be borderline all along, but he may still make it, WITHOUT THE GRADE CHANGES. The NCAA didn’t have to get involved in this, because it was the high school that allowed someone to tamper with their computer system. The real story is who wanted to damage these guys by dragging them through the mud like this? WDE
By BMDPD
August 2, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
For Jaime
By AltamahaDawg
August 2, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Can I get some clarification? Is this an NCAA requirement NOT relative to average incoming frechmen, or is this a University requirement to enroll as a freshman.
If its simply an NCAA requirement, which seems to be the more likely the case, why is this even an issue as to outrage about UGA admission. Seems like if its any big deal at all, its all about the NCAA rules and how they administer those given such a huge discepancy from state to state, town to town.
Is it so obvious that he coudln’t have gone to UGA (expence aside). Maybe he could , maybe he couldn’t, but isn’t his football eligibility and his college status 2 seperate issues???? This NCAA rule has nothing to do with his admission to college does it? Just playing footabll for a college? I understand that getting cleared for eligibility, landed him an opportunity for a scholarship,, thus a mechanism to attend UGA, but the question seems to be off base to me.
One last thought. Its not the ADMISSION to college, or the circumstances that occured to get there, as long as legit, that people judge a persons education (and the institution), its the GRADUATION.
By AltamahaDawg
August 2, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
Plus nobody ever said THIS class was one of the college prep classes he took. How many times are you guys going to misquote, mispeak, and flat out miss the point, in an effort to slam your home town team? You just end up looking like an idiot and reveal more about your personality, than score any points for being a wisea$$.
By NHSeagle1
August 2, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Lee, seeing how most room temperatures range between 75-90 degrees I can guarantee you you will not get into UGA with that IQ. IQ’s lower than that require you to sprout leaves. I know what UGA academic standards are. The freshman class this year will have over 17000 applicants. Roughly 9000 will be accepted.
By Auburn Maniac
August 2, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
No way this guy would have gotten into Auburn, a school with real academic standards. UGA will take anybody, just to win.
Mark Richt’s motto: Just Win Baby!!!!
By Gen Neyland
August 2, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
reality check
You bring up good points RE: Life and College. As a sidebar to the issue of Samuel Clemens, I have wondered on occasion if Lewis Grizzard was the reincarnation of that American writer…
By jack
August 2, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
I don’t know that he got a break, it has been brought out several times in other cases. So, when UGA entered, they probably showed NCAA that some student athlete that had been cleared before..This possibly could have led down the wrong road. Good luck to him, sometimes people just need a break.
By Tbone
August 2, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Auburn maniac
sat avg Fresh 1228 1170 GPA 3.76 3.52
By reality check
August 2, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
General, I think both Samuel Clemens and Lewis Grizzard were raconteurs extraordinaire, but their styles and substance were very different. Lewis was strictly southern and could make you laugh and cry. Clemens was a man of the world who could make you think.
I always enjoy reading Grizzard. His humor was gentle and tinged with ethos. Clemens tended to have a biting edge and an unprecedented ability to capture complex truth in a simple turn of phrase.
About college. Over the years I’ve noticed no correlation between someone’s success and where they went to school, what they majored in, or what kind of grades they had. I have friends who graduated high in their class at Ivy League schools who struggle financially. I have other friends who barely made it through less prestigious colleges who are worth literally hundreds of millions. The wealthiest person I know personally never graduated from college. How does that square with your experience?
Some of the people who come on this blog seem very confused. I think this blog is supposed to be about football, but for many it seems to have disintegrated into a conversation about academics.
I find discussions about academics Boring with a capital B. I would rather discuss football.
What’s the word out of Knoxville about Tennessee’s running game this year? To me that was the biggest problem y’all had last year.
By GTGraduate
August 2, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Socaldawg, You are a biased inbren redneck. I am a GT graduate and if he qualifies, let him in school. The bottom line is for him to graduate with a meaningful degree (something you probably do not have). I hope that he graduates and is able to play football at the same time. See you in November.
By sobedawg
August 2, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
Great Job, Cuff…More power to you…
By gator the dog catcher
August 2, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
I think the biggest concern this year for UGAY is the lack of team speed. If they were faster, as once claimed, they would have outrun those Athens police officers like they used to back in the good old days! But then again kids are lazy nowadays…….always riding mopeds around instead of walking.
By Gen Neyland
August 2, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
reality check
Last year, UT’s O was geared to the passing game. You could see it in the OL and the lack of run blocking fundamentals..with the exception of Sears who could get upfield. UT’s RB’s did a fine job of protecting Ainge in the passing game. This year, I feel that we’ll see more of a run game, maybe not with the success of the old Cobb—Webb backfield of the 80’s, but more of an emphasis on it. The mind of Cutcliffe is a thing to behold. He’ll have some changes in the O game to compensate for the loss of his WR’s and the losses suffered on the OL…For us to compete in our division, we’ll have to have some freshman step in and make plays. The question in the BF will be, who wants the ball..? TE should be a strength. For the most part, I feel UT will move the ball if they can hold it….
By I-DOG
August 2, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Open Letter to Oklahoma State fans:
Dear Cowboy fans. We look forward to hosting you in Athens. We know that you have a great team and great fans and are excited about the challenge of a quality big 12 team like yours.
We have an unfair advantage in that our stadium holds 92,000 and will be rockin’. Therefore, we agree not to play many of our best players in the spirit of competition.
We pledge the following:
We will not throw any passes to our tight end. That will allow your defensive coordinators to worry about fewer options from the UGA offense.
Naderris Ward a five star redshirt freshman recruit at TE will not play because he was passing on the right last week on a moped in Athens, GA. Yes, you read that correctly.
Trippe Chandler, the starting tight end will not play because he had a beer outside in Athens this Summer and he is not 21. He will also not play against Steve Spurrier’s USC Gamecocks the following week.
So, no pesky tight ends to worry about. Dawg fans are a very generous bunch as you are about to see.
We also pledge to not play our backup QB, a junior four star recruit, he was caught having a beer and being outside with it. Despite the fact that he is 21, he will also sit the first two games.
You may not know this, but we have only three offensive lineman that have ever played in a college football game on our roster. We figured that is too many and have kicked Ian Smith off the team, he was a four star recruit who would have a been a redshirt Sophmore. Too much experience at the offensive line position, just takes up a spot from all the freshman we were hoping to play, and that wouldn’t be nice.
He got caught drinking in Athens TWICE. The 2nd time he was passed out in a restaurant bathroom. No, nobody got hurt or was even yelled at by Mr. Smith, but as Dean Wormer once pointed out “fat drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son” Smith is kicked off the team, so that you now only have to worry about two offensive lineman who have any experience.
We also feel that five star Running back, Caleb King would be overkill, therefore we suspended him from the game for another moped traffic violation. Yes, there is such a thing as a moped violation don’t be a smart *ss. We have plenty of other guys with 4.4 speed and power, they grow on trees here in Athens.
Our crowd can be quite loud, so in the spirit of friendly competition, we also kicked Akheem Hebron off our team and sent him to a military academy. He is a five star linebacker who would have been a redshirt freshman.
He got caught drinking underage twice. No, he didn’t hurt anyone or commit any other crimes and he has never been in trouble before, but newspaper reports clearly indicate that he was rude to a local bouncer during the 2nd offense. Clearly something we can’t tolerate in Athens or on the UGA football team.
Speaking of 5 star LB’s, we understand you have one who was in the same recruiting class as Hebron. He will be suiting up for your team against UGA depsite admitting to statuatory rape of a 12 year old girl and facing trial for even more serious charges.
Your coach was quoted in USA today as saying he would play unless he quits or the authorities literally drag him from the field. We are very PC here in Athens these days and we sympathize with the amount of pressure that must be on your head coach to allow him to play.
Of course, the 12 year old was given loads of alcohol, but the difference is that your player didn’t actually do any DRINKING, just statuatory rape of a 12 year old. We understand the subtle difference. If he got caught having a beer underage at OK state, he would certainly have been ineligible for our game next month.
We suggest that his trial be postponed until after he uses ALL his eligibility at OK state, that way the little girl will be 16 and have the maturity to handle the trial a lot better, even if she will still be too young to drive herself the courtroom. We have to think of the victim here after all.
So you can see that we will not attempt to challenge you with our full compliment of players, we will do without a star LB, Two tight ends, a much needed starting offensive lineman, a five star freshman rb and our back up QB.
If we still feel confident, we might just offer more. Stay tuned.
A little advice for those OK State fans visiting fair Athens:
Don’t drive a moped within Clarke Country Limits. Two UGA football players were arrested this month on mopeds. The police chief is very sensitive about Dawg fans complaining that our athletes are being targeted.
It was brought to his attention that since there are 100 UGA football players (approximatley) and more than 60,000 students and residents of the town, the Athens police will have to arrest more than 100 moped riding non football players in the month of September to make the numbers work out. Otherwise, these crazy Dawg fans might have a point.
The goal for September is 100 arrests of moped riders in Clark County, so we highly suggest that you leave the mopeds at home. Those jail sentences can ruin a football weekend.
Better to buy one of our t-shirts in the local bookstore. “I got arrested on my moped in Athens, GA”. Get there early, they will be hot sellers. Best of luck,
Sincererly,
Dawg Nation
By AltamahaDawg
August 2, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
reality check, My suggestion would be: spend more time with that freind worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
By reality check
August 2, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
General, I hear you on the run offense. With the receiver losses it would make sense to reemphasize the run.
What I’m talking about though should be hard wired in General Neyland’s DNA, and that is the run defense. Tennessse has always had a good run defense, but last year it slipped some. I still maintain Georgia shoulda stuck with the ground game. It was working big time, but we abandoned it and bad thigs happened.
Didn’t The General say, “defense, the kicking game, and offense, in that order.”? Talk about capturing complex truths.
Truer words were never spoken, even now. To me, success all starts with run defense.
By reality check
August 2, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Alt, that is superb advice. I can see you have been very well educated, sir.
He went to Tennessee, though, and it always makes me nervous when he starts hitting on his sister. So I don’t hang out with him and his sister much.
Gator, don’t worry about Georgia’s team speed. Caleb was slowed down considerably trying to run with that moped. A football is much lighter.
I will leave it to others to draw out what made those Florida players so slow they got caught. The accounts I read they weren’t carrying anything.
By kriddi
August 2, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
to dorsey hill, you say the ncaa has standards, I say bs. brandon lang couldnt gain entry into UGA due to test scores, but he could get into Troy. I am happy for brandon, but is he was eligible for Troy, then he should have been eligible to get into UGA.
By blake
August 2, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
I DOG,
THAT WAS AWESOME. SEE YOU IN SEPT.
By Mr. College
August 2, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Auburn maniac: please, put down the crack pipe! Academic standards? Are you serious??? Auburn doesn’t have any—-if you can breath and can write your name, you can get in Auburn. If you can’t write your name, you can get in after some coach writes it for you on your application. Auburn’s a total joke and way behind UGA in academic quality. UGA is the top academic school in the SEC behind Vanderbilt—not even close.
By EB
August 2, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
I’m no Dawgs fan, but … The NCAA is ridiculous, and the combination of getting out of Colquitt County and the opportunity for a good education is the best thing that will ever happen to this kid. Glad to see him get over this hump and get his chance.
By AltamahaDawg
August 2, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
I dont know, that hitting on his sister around you, sounds more like a hint. I’m sure he can’t pronounce that french term for it though. Plus thats not the cool kind.
And werent those UF player actually weighted down by those automatic weapons?
I-Dog funny, I actually think those t-shirt would be a hot item, as hot as WLOCP shirt are in going to be in Jville for the next few years……… (soon the be replaced by “I rode a commuter bus to a football game played inside a building” t-shirts.)
PS. You do realize of cource traffic violation do not carry game suspension.
By AltamahaDawg
August 2, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
EB, not a Dawg fan????? That my friend is what’s ridiculous.
By DavidsonGrad
August 2, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
I played fuutbol at Davidson College in the late 60s when they gave some scholarships. I would never have been admitted to this school of high-brow academics because my grades were marginal. While Davidson is not a football power - they wanted to have a winning team. I started as a Soph., graduated in 4 years, went on to law school and now I am a barrister in Atlanta. So give the kid a chance - he may become the next O.J. Simpson or even a Homer Simpson.
By shane
August 2, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
reality check,i don’t know about the general,but defense,the kicking game,then the offense sure sounds like coach dooley. with him,the offense usually consisted of off tackle left off tackle right,draw play up the middle,then punt and try to pin-em back. don’t do anything stupid and hold on to the ball and wait for the foe to make a mistake,keep the game close and win it in the fourth quater.
By socaldawg
August 2, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
Let’s be honest.
I don’t care what kind of grades a player makes, what classes he took, how good of a person he is, and if he can keep his butt out of trouble or not! The only issue that matters is: CAN HE PLAY FOOTBALL.
Techies, get lost.
By I-DOG
August 2, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
Altamah Dawg:
Thanks for the comments. It was of course satire, but what makes it funny (in my opinion) is that it has so much truth behind it.
Are you saying that Caleb and Naderris won’t be suspended for two games? I can’t imagine that would be the case. Weren’t they both arrested? I know it hasn’t been “decided” yet but I am assuming they will not be in uniform for OK State. Am I wrong?
By I-DOG
August 2, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this
Auburn maniac,
Your post is funnier than mine. I admit it.
By Dave
August 3, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
The initials NCAA tell volumes. Ever heard of them cutting UGA slack before?
By gdawginkalamazoo
August 3, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
I-DOG, that letter presents nothing but God’s honest truth. Well said.
By lawdawg
August 4, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
I-DOG,
I’m 99.9% sure that Caleb and NaDerris won’t be suspended. They were not involved in alcohol incidents, and Richt’s comments about them thus far sounded like he thought their arrests were pretty stupid…running stairs, sprints, or gassers is a more likely punishment…