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AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USOn tough love and hot seats
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Another week, another player gone from Dennis Felton’s basketball Bulldogs.
It’s reached the point where you have to wonder: Is Felton the cure or part of the problem?
OK, the decision on the guys who’ve been suspended for not going to class enough was out of Felton’s hands. That’s UGA athletic association policy per Damon Evans. And it’s as it should be.
And the Billy Humphrey knife thing, well, that’s a combination of bad luck, UGA’s Barney Fife police force, university policy and, again, athletic association rules. I have a feeling the legal side of that case will never make it to court.
But the dismissals of Takais Brown and now Mike Mercer were Felton’s call. Nobody’s made public what they did, and maybe if we all knew we’d say, “Good move, coach. They were bad eggs.”
But the frequency with which this stuff happens has to give the Bulldog Nation pause. Were the dismissals really called for or just a result of Felton’s my-way-or-the-highway philosophy? Is hard-line discipline a positive if it’s decimating your program? And if it’s all the players’ fault, what does that say about Felton’s judgment in signing such a group in the first place?
Felton maintains these losses won’t impact Georgia’s season. Maybe he also believes world peace is at hand.
My basketball fanatic friend Herb, a Kentucky fan but a big Felton booster, assures me that Georgia fans should stick with our coach because he knows what he’s doing, he has a pretty impressive recruiting class coming in, and it’s going to pay off big down the road.
I hope Herb’s right. And that the Georgia basketball program can survive Felton’s brand of tough love.
ON THE HOT SEAT? If the rumors are correct, Chan Gailey’s future on the Flats could ride on how his Jackets do against the Dawgs on Saturday. I hope that’s not right, because like most UGA fans I’d love to see Gailey stay right where he is. Let’s just hope the Dawgs play up to their capabilities, like they did in the Florida and Auburn games. If they do, everything should be OK. Georgia is the more talented team by far. If not, well, the last time we faced a team that was said to be playing for their coach’s job, it didn’t turn out so good.
Comments
By Mikey
November 20, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Dawgs 44 Bugs 20
By dawgingatorville
November 20, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
Wins over Florida and Auburn will mean squat if UGA loses to Tech! MAN UP DAWGS! Bring the blitz and hit the nats in the mouth!!
By Fort Worth Dawg
November 20, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
I keep thinking I’ll see a low scoring game this year so maybe this is the one. UGA — 17, Pencil Neck Geeks — 9.
By DawgBall Fanatic
November 20, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Please be patient dog fans. Go to the game to tonight and check out the freshman class. You had to know when Chip said that Mercer was not rehabing and stayed in Atlanta all summer that he was one foot out the door. If you think about it, Mercer probably is way behind on his rehab, and with a huge suspension to start once he was cleared to play, he probably would never see the court this year. Put on top of that his inability to get his butt to class. This does not surprise me. What it does do is free up another scholarship to go after the loaded talent in Atlanta. With Zac, Price and Trey being the future, we will be back in the NCAA’s.
By Lee
November 20, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
After the Harrick debacle, I don’t see how anyone could question Felton’s strict, disciplined approach.
Kicking a couple of players off the team might be painful in the short term, but it will pay dividends in the long run. Mainly because the other players (and future players) will know that you mean business.
Worse thing a coach can do is to NOT discipline a player because they think that it will cost them a few wins. Once a player realizes that they can hold that over your head, then the player, not the coach, runs the team.
By Mark C.
November 20, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
2 things scare me about the Tech game. 1) Tech’s knack for winning games they should lose and losing games they should win. Nobody is giving then a shot this week. 2) I never like playing a team with nothing to lose and pulling out a W against the Dawgs would make Tech’s season. Dawgs need to come out and take care of business early.
Go Dawgs and Go Cats!
By Sirius Black
November 20, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
The dogs will dominate the jackets. There is no doubt that Coach Richt has the dogs clicking on all cylinders at the close of the season. He seems to do that every year. Coach Gailey has the talent to compete with the dogs but he just cannot motivate and lead the way Coach Richt can. I would bet that the dog fans would be screaming for Coach Richt’s head, if the dogs record was 0-5 against the jackets. Even most dog fans realize there needs to be a change of direction for the jackets. I see no let down for the dogs. When the dust has settled and the barbs have been slung, we will get ready for the Bowl Season. In the meantime, it is great to live in the South and enjoy the college football environment of all of these great schools. Happy Thansksgiving!!
By DawgBall
November 20, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Amen Lee. I am tired of the UGA “win at all cost” mentality when it comes to the B-Ball team. Felton will make sure we are never in the Harrick situation again. The loss of Mercer will be beneficial in the long run.
By 82DAWG
November 20, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
My patience for Felton have run out. It does not take this long to rebuild a basketball program. I will give him slack for the first three years, but that grace period is over. Nothing but backpeddling and excuses.
By Josh Morey
November 20, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
I have been a big fan of Dennis Felton and the intensity that he brings to our basketball program. I’m also a big fan of him being a disciplinarian. However, I don’t understand why everything that happens always leads to a dismissal or suspension. I think the coaching staff needs to start figuring out a way to keep some of these great athletes around. Not to mention, our recruits are going to start wondering what the hell is going on in Athens once they find out that there is a suspension or dismissal every 2-3 weeks. There haven’t been just one or two bad seeds that been removed. There have been A LOT of players that have either left the program or have been dismissed. (i.e. Idrissi, Toney, Brown, Mercer, Wehunt, Sikes, etc.) All of these players could have really taken the team to the top of the SEC, which we know is one of the best basketball conferences. (primarily the two big men — Brown and Idrissi) And the suspensions…….WOW! I’ve lost count of all of them. Let’s look at last year’s Levi Stukes situation just before the Kentucky game. If you recall, that was the biggest game of the year and we were going into it short handed. Stukes was a senior that had weathered his fair share of negative things (i.e. Harrick scandal hangover, bad seasons, having no supporting cast). Now, here he was the day before the biggest game of the year with a chance to sweep Kentucky and more than likely make the NCAA Tournemant, and he decides to get into an argument with a strength coach and doesn’t even make the trip to Lexington. I just don’t buy that! That situation alone leads me to beleive that there is just something wrong with our methods of discipline or that, as simple as it sounds, the staff is just being too strict on the players. I just don’t see a dedicated senior blowing his last chance to make the Big Dance on some stupid argument with a strength coach. Discipline is a great thing, but just like all things, it should be had in moderation. I think we have finally cleaned up the program, Coach Felton……..it’s time to start figuring out how to win some games! GO DAWGS! BEAT ELON!
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 20, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
Don’t understand your argument Bill. I thought that the kids on suspension all missed academic appointments/classes. I thought that the knife thing is also a school/law matter. If the kids are on probation/suspension for violating the rules then I would expect Felton to be a little stricter with those kids to make sure they straighten up and DO THE RIGHT THING. I am glad Felton is not going into the details. I believe him. It probably hurts him more than it hurts the kids or the program. Good for Felton for doing what he is doing. UGA Men’s basketball has been a national joke in recent years. Felton is making sure that is going to change and I for one support him 110%. He has made his statement that NO ONE is above the team, the rules, the regulations. These kids need to learn to live by the rules. Don’t know why you are questioning him I would think you for one would welcome a program that follows the rules and builds an honest foundation.
By Josh Morey
November 20, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
I have been a big fan of Dennis Felton and the intensity that he brings to our basketball program. I’m also a big fan of him being a disciplinarian. However, I don’t understand why everything that happens always leads to a dismissal or suspension. I think the coaching staff needs to start figuring out a way to keep some of these great athletes around. Not to mention, our recruits are going to start wondering what the hell is going on in Athens once they find out that there is a suspension or dismissal every 2-3 weeks. There haven’t been just one or two bad seeds that been removed. There have been A LOT of players that have either left the program or have been dismissed. (i.e. Idrissi, Toney, Brown, Mercer, Wehunt, Sikes, etc.) All of these players could have really taken the team to the top of the SEC, which we know is one of the best basketball conferences. (primarily the two big men — Brown and Idrissi) And the suspensions…….WOW! I’ve lost count of all of them. Let’s look at last year’s Levi Stukes situation just before the Kentucky game. If you recall, that was the biggest game of the year and we were going into it short handed. Stukes was a senior that had weathered his fair share of negative things (i.e. Harrick scandal hangover, bad seasons, having no supporting cast). Now, here he was the day before the biggest game of the year with a chance to sweep Kentucky and more than likely make the NCAA Tournemant, and he decides to get into an argument with a strength coach and doesn’t even make the trip to Lexington. I just don’t buy that! That situation alone leads me to beleive that there is just something wrong with our methods of discipline or that, as simple as it sounds, the staff is just being too strict on the players. I just don’t see a dedicated senior blowing his last chance to make the Big Dance on some stupid argument with a strength coach. Discipline is a great thing, but just like all things, it should be had in moderation. I think we have finally cleaned up the program, Coach Felton……..it’s time to start figuring out how to win some games! GO DAWGS! BEAT ELON!
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 20, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
But you have to think guys. What is so hard about playing basketball, practicing and going to class? How hard can that be to do? The basketball would be a God given talent to hone. The hard part would be the classes. Even there you get tutoring help etc. I fail to believe that Felton is pulling the trigger too soon on some of these guys. Some athletes have the egos and think that just because they are #1 & #2 scorers that they can get away with skipping classes and carrying blades around. Ask yourself again how hard can it be to play balsetball, go to practice, workout and go to your academic appointments. It’s your JOB if you are on scholarship.
By ActuaryDawg
November 20, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
I don’t blame Felton for being a strong disciplinarian after the fact. I do think there is a problem in his program in allowing this stuff to occur in the first place. It’s not like a football program with 85 team members (more including the scout team). It seems like an athletic department as big and prosperous as UGA’s could hire some grad assistants to more less shadow the basketball players to class and more closely monitor their off court activities. There is no excuse for a player being absent from class multiple times. The internal punishment should kick in after the first occurence to prevent the problem from growing to the point where suspension and/or dismissal become necessary.
By Hunk Erdown
November 20, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
I agree with zoo completely. If the Head Coach can’t have a my-way-or-the-highway mindset, especially under the circumstances that Felton inherited this program, He shouldn’t be doing the job. It IS his way or the highway. Anyone who thinks that Felton would purposely shoot himself in the foot… for what? some power trip?… by suspending a bunch of guys who don’t deserve it or whom he hasn’t bent over backwards for is just stupid. So the answer must be that it is still Felton’s fault because he should have been able to see the future and predict this behaviour??? Come on, give the man a break, He can’t be held responsible for making sure these kids are responsible. They know they have to go to class, and they know team rules have to be followed. I don’t know what the answer is, but I don’t think that getting rid of Felton is the answer at all. The most important thing for this program, right now, under the circumstances, is for strong team discipline to be enforced then build from there. I think Coach Felton should be applauded for what he has accomplished and what he is currently accomplishing, if a possible recruit is run off by the fact that at UGA you have to go to class and follow team rules, then let them go… that recruit is just a future headache anyway.
By Hunk Erdown
November 20, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
I am amused at the notion that because these blogs choose to discuss possible bowl scenarios or the what-ifs that are prevalent this time of year, that that relates to the team not being focused on the next game at hand. On all of the recent UGA blogs there is someone with the warning of staying focused on Tech or they might sneak up on us.
I have no doubt that the team is focused on the Techmites and the task at hand, and what the bloggers discuss has absolutely nothing to do with the Team’s focus or preparation. I would love to see more straight football talk on the blogs with the obvious focus being our next opponant, but if the subject drifts off from time to time or even degenerates into the stupid “who’s got the biggest johnson” slugfest that is brought on by haters and the weak-minded, that has nothing to do with what our football team is doing or practicing that day.
When Tech started off the year and played Notre Dame, I thought they were going to be a true force to be reckoned with. I thought they would certainly dominate the ACC, but they seem to be mired in a pit of mediocrity. They certainly have a degree of talent on the team and have the ability to pull off an upset, (Hey, if App State can do it…) the odds makers seem to really feel that Tech will make a close one out of it, but I just don’t see it. Tech is mentally and spiritually in shambles right now… will the rivalry be enough to bring them around? Sorry, I just don’t see it… UGA 45 Techmites 17
By Alpharetta Dawg
November 20, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
The game this weekend is dangerous for the Dawgs. Yes UGA has way more talent, better coaching, and more to play for nationally and so too did OK when they lost to TT, when Oregon lost to Arizona, when USC lost to Stanford, and when OSU lost to Ill. This is Tech’s bowl game and they are playing for pride and their head coach while UGA is reading about how they have an “outside” chance to get to the NC game. Again, on paper UGA wins easily BUT the Dawgs need to hit Tech in the mouth quick and get up by a couple of scores early. If Tech hangs around in the second half anything can happen!
Go Dawgs!!! Go Cats!!!
By Cuz
November 20, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
We are doomed. Sure we are in the top 10 and everything looks rosy, Rose bowl reference there. But we have to play the diabolical CHAN. SOS is a choir boy compared to this evil genuis. He has purposley lost every game ever played against us just to stick in the knife, basketball reference, when we least expect it. Oh the horror.
By AltamahaDawg
November 20, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
Felton has NEVER made any excuses, Felton has NEVER backpeddled. What he has done is take a program i the negative and made solid, definable porogress every single year. I cant really see how he is “making excuses” for winning more and more game every year. (unless we are going to pro-actively critisize him this year for a record that doesnt exixte yet).
Bill, exactly what is it that makes you even question Felton is part of the problem? What problem? Is Felton somehow part of the problem that faces Felton? And then point out all the things out of his control. Doesn’t even make sence to ask the question. Nobody even thought mercer was even coming back to school 2 months ago. When other players are quoted as critical of him and basically saying he wasnt good for the program, that aught to tell you something. Brown is still a bit of a mystery, except he obviously was suspended 2 years in a row for failing to do the minimal academic stuff, so not really a huge mystery there. What exactly is the “problem” that Felton is part of?
By Hunk Erdown
November 20, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
I agree cuz…
It is just so like the genius mind we have come to know in the Diabolical One known as Chan to stage this game as he has. Pure brilliance to hold back all year long, even to the point of putting his job and reputation on the line, just to lull the Dogs into a false sense of security. To purposely lose so many games to us over the years so that he can now spring from the sage brush like a wildcat, ready to ambush our poor boys like a wounded impala… The man has gone to all lengths to set up this evil but admirable plan. Hopefully the dedicated members of the FOC has not waited too long in sounding the warning trumpet to wake up our guys for this unanticipated trap. The beauty of Chan’s scheme is that he has held it so top secret that his own University and followers can’t see it. Once again, I can only hope that the research and dedcation that the FOC has shown in uncovering this incredible plan has been done in enough time that our boys can adequately prepare. Special thanks to Esmerelda, the palm reader in Blairsville, who was able to help put on us on the right path in discovering Chan’s evil intentions. Who would have ever guessed that two crystal balls and an untimely yeast infection could have all come together in such an odd manner to expose something of such historical significance. I just hope that you can rid yourself of the terrible itching you now suffer from.
By AltamahaDawg
November 20, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Felton is no dummy, at the very least I’m sure the man enjoys getting a paycheck. No way does he kick anyone off the team that he doesn’t absolutely have to. Just makes his job and success (at least short term) that much more difficult.
By Upstat SC
November 20, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
Having new floors put in today so I’m off work and free to blog all I want. Oh the poor ACC, my Clemson buddies are in the dumps, and my GT buddy is worried about coming back to work after this weekend. Do not worry ACC, at least you may fill the stadium this year for the ACCCG.
Cuz, I heard a rumor that Chan and SOS are new golfing pals. Seems SOS is in need of an OC at the Univ. of Stupid Chickens and since Chan will be free in a month or so…??? What a win win for us, there will be no need to dismantle the FOC and the winning tradition can continue.
Oh yeah, GO DAWGS and to hell with GT you golden domed bastions of NCAA football. God bless America and take good care of Buck and the rest of the DGDs that have gone on before him.
By Sgt Jabazz
November 20, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Chan is taking a bribe to lay down this week. But will the 22 Horsemen allow it to happen..? Kentucky will beat Tennessee and the Dawgs win outright…
By AltamahaDawg
November 20, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
Josh, which makes more sence? A 20 yr old would actually blow up and get himself suspended over something silly, or a grown man, high profile coach, would jepordize his job, the program, the post season, and screw everyone else on the team, by suspending a 20 yr old for no good reason before a big game? And then make up the reason why, tell the media, and have to face the team, knowing he was lying and screwing them?
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 20, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
HunkErdown and AltaDawg, I see we agree on this and this and you guys added a few more excellent points. Maybe Bill can explain himself as to why he thinks Felton is trying to sabotage the program by setting standards and expecting them to be met. Isn’t that what we were lacking the past few years? Isn’t that what made UGA basketball a laughing stock across the country? This dog fan appreciates the job he is doing. Might as well be a stand up program. I think the recruits and their parents would appreciate that more.
cuz, yep. Chan is just biding his time when it will hurt us the most. Like a snake coiled up in the grass waiting on his next victim. Watchout for the trick plays. Better look to stop Choice & Dwyer. Those guys are good, very good.
On the flip side of all this bowl talk and SECCG talk we theoretically could end up losing three games to end the season if we aren’t focused. Nevermind, that won’t happen. I like 12-2 or 11-2/3 for the record.
By Dr Morpheus
November 20, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
Altamaha’s got it right on Dennis Felton. In this life, you get the respect that you demand, not the respect that you deserve. The players have gotten themselves into these jams and DF is doing what he has to do to maintain a standard that we can respect and that other teams and schools will envy. Future recruits will know what they are signing up for and they can go elsewhere if they want to have it their way. Now, all Coach Felton has to do is show he can take the Dawgs to the top with his approach.
By Dr Morpheus
November 20, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Ditto to Kalamazoo and I’d like to add that Coach Felton has stood up for BIlly Humphrey in the “two inch blade” incident.
By Lee
November 20, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
I agree with Kalamazoo as well and would add that you don’t have to take shortcuts to have a premier sports program. Duke’s basketball program is a perennial contender and they do it with STUDENT-athletes.
By UpstateSC
November 20, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
I need professional help. I cannot believe I just went to Tech’s blog and put my two cents in. There has to be a proper name for this condition, something I can look up on Web MD or a medical journal. Maybe I am just bored waiting on Chip’s daily blog for Tuesday. I knew I should not have taken the day off work.
By Pat
November 20, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
You’ll have to admit that like Josh Morey said, all of these firings are at least food for thought. Are some of these kids getting kicked off for just grumbling while still following the rules? I hope not. How many other coaches are running off their own recruits at this rate? This has nothing to do with cleaning up the Harrick mess. That’s very old news that should no longer headline every UGA basketball story.
By Hunk Erdown
November 20, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Tech has a blog?
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 20, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
UpstateSC, I have heard other people describe that condition as “Tickle Pile Envy”. One possible cure is: 1 dose = Coke (12oz.) and a Smile (4oz. Jim Beam). Serve it with a full cup of ice. More than one dose may be required. Warning: do not exceed more that 4 doses in one afternoon due to possible gravitational forces that may lead to injury. Also, avoid staircases, excessive food consumption (such as free Rocky’s Pizza), and closing time at most bars. It has been statistically proven that the girls don’t get prettier at closing time.
By AltamahaDawg
November 20, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
To me the Felton debate is not so much about his rules, disclipline, etc. That’s HIS call. You can’t second guess that stuff, because you have no idea what your talking about. Unless we are in the room, we have no idea who did what. As we all say, there was a history around some of these guys, so its not really a shocker either. I’m pretty damn sure, whatever the rules are, there is absolutely no question about it going into it as a player. As a matter of pure logic, nobody makes thier own job harder than it has to be, just for the fun of being over the top tough. Certainly not unexpectantly. Unless there is some evidence, I’d say he did what he had to do with all the cases, and as the good Dr. points out, he has been very vocal standing up for some players as well. Heck, I dont even think he has done anything particularly admirable as far as releasing those guys. I’m sure he wrestled with it, and only did because there was really no way to avoid it.
My whole deal is, forget the restoring integrity, the man HAS had success and shows very measurable progress…. bottom line. The biggest critisism I read is that he doesnt yet have one of the best programs in the country. Lots of teams, and much more seasoned coaches were not last year either. UGA would have tied for first place in the SEC West last year at 8-8, after barely winning a single game 2 year prior. And has doubled the season win totals. What specifically do people call progress, if thats not it? Guess what? He prabably isnt going to be one of the best this year either, but neither is 80% of the country going to be that spectacular. To me, he got about what he could out of his recent players (no discrespect to them, but there are limitations to what you can do with a group). Now, even though they might not win 20+, might not even go to the NCAA’s (along with over half the SEC teams) he has JUST NOW put together the player, and getting more appearantly, that will allow him to go to the next level of competitiveness. Unfortunetely that transistion wont be as smooth now, with the loss of a few players. When you see these young guy play, you’ll feel better about the future. It takes a real simpleton to just say, ok (this many years) have gone by and we demand (this or that) now. By that standard about half the coaches in the country would be fired every year.
By UpstateSC
November 20, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks Zoo, I just can’t believe it happened to me. I have been a loyal Dawg fan since I was a small child and even converted my yankee wife from Minnesota into a die hard Dawg. The Good Lord must be upset with me for asking Him to take time out of His busy schedule to help UGA hold the lead against KY last week.
On a football note, I am curious, does anyone know where Lomax is from? He has been a beast on defense but is not getting near the love that Curran is.
Long live the FOC and to hell with GT.
By AltamahaDawg
November 20, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
No Pat, nobody does has to admit that questioning the suspension of a player, By totally making up unsubstantiated speculation about it, provokes intelligent thoughts, or helpful debate.
What “grumbling” kids otherwise following the rules are getting kicked off? Certainly not these recent dismissals. Can you name a single player that Felton has dismissed for anything that we have any info that makes it questionable? I dont know exactly what the other coaches in the country are doing, but I’d be willing to bet that basketball players not lasting on a team is not a rarity.
I’ve never read a single comment made by coach Felton that blamed cleaning up harrick’s mess for anything, have you?. The fans bring it up, but I’d be willing to bet you, if you asked Dennis Felton about it personally, he would say: this is his deal , his team, his players, and he is doing things his way.
By Hunk Erdown
November 20, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Pat said: “You’ll have to admit that like Josh Morey said, all of these firings are at least food for thought.”
If they are food for thought, they are like burgers with no meat. What possible good would Dennis Felton get out of firing players that would benefit his team, if he could keep them? He recruits them, spends untold hours training them, builds a team around them, and then fires them so that he can show everyone he is the boss? Makes absolutely no sense. If anything sinister is going on (and I’m not saying there is) it would be the gangster/thug mentality that filters down from the pros to the college level making these clowns think they don’t have to follow rules or respect authority. If that stuff ever gets started on a team, it is like a cancer that has to be cut out bit by bit as it flares up and until it is gone.
By Pat
November 20, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
No, I’m not in the room with Felton but I do find it a little odd that every time we turn around there is a suspension or dismissal. I guess Bill King, Josh Morey and myself are the only ones just wondering.
By Dawgbyte
November 20, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
I agree with ????? that what is said on these blogs is not worth a bucket of warm spit in the overall scheme of things. That said, however, if we don’t think what we say on here matters, why waste the time? I guess it is to talk to fellow fans and remind each other of what could and may happen. As for what will happen, if one of you has that gift me and my wallet will be over before you can say, “Get me down on…!”
By 59bulldawg
November 20, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
I hope you folks will forgive me for being off topic with this post. Like a lot of you out there in blog land I enjoy following my team and giving a friendly good-natured jab or two to fans of the team on the opposite sideline. Except for an occasional jackass who wants to get personal or crude or lecture the rest of us, most of the teasing is all in great fun I guess as long as long as we don’t take ourselves or our comments too seriously. But now I want to be serious for just a moment. By now I’m sure that most of you have heard the news about former University of Alabama running back Siran Stacy and his family. Please say a prayer or two for Stacy and his three-year old daughter Shelly who remain in serious condition in Alabama. I hope the University of Alabama football community will reach out to and rally around Stacy and Shelly and show them all the love and support that they can. Life is precious and everything else, even football, pales in comparison. So whether you’re a War Eagle, Bulldawg, Volunteer, Gamecock, Tiger, Gator, or Yellow Jacket, please say a word of prayer for this family and perhaps hold your own just a little bit closer during this Thanksgiving holiday. And I hope the rest of you knuckleheads out there in blog land stay safe this week too as you travel around the country leading up to the big day on Thursday and the food and games and fellowship that follow the rest of this upcoming long weekend!
By UpstateSC
November 20, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
Amen to that 59bulldawg, kinda puts things into perspective, don’t it?
By Stephen
November 20, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
59bulldawg, well said. Yes we are rivals, but we are also fellow human beings. God be with Siran Stacy, his little girl and the entire family in this time of trial
By AltamahaDawg
November 20, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
Pat, surely when you say things like “every time we turn around” ignoring that its been limited, specific, and with reason, folks tend to pass you off as overly dramatic. Much like when some folks said “every time we turn around” some football player is in jail. I did ask you specifically WHO, which player, has been suspended that you question the agenda behind it, (it was an attempt to let you clarify your point).
BTW Felton just reinstated Humphries becasue it’s the right thing to do. Perhaps it’s really situational?
By Dawgbyte
November 20, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
Someone always posts something serious when I am “going with the flow”. Never-the-less, I will be in Enterprise for Thanksgiving and although my being near the place of the accident will not make my prayers get there any sooner, I will send one for Siran and his little girl. May God bless them and accept into his Kingdom, the others that lost their lives. A tragedy does not wear colors.
By Big Dawgs
November 20, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this
Thanks 59Bulldawg for bringing up Stacy and his daughter Shelley. Please include Buck Cochran in your prayers as he has been placed on a morphine drip and has been slipping in and out of conscieousness.
Almighty and heavenly father we humbly beseech thee to reach down and speed the healing of Stacy and Shelley. May you bless, comfort, and strengthen them. We also humbly pray for brother Buck Cochran may you ease his suffering and bless, comfort and strenghten him. All this we ask in Jesus’s name Amen.
Go Dawgs
By I-DOG
November 20, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
Cuz,
I’m very sorry about your friend Buck. I hope that he is able to make it through Saturday and can enjoy at least one last UGA win.
While I do not know him, I enjoyed his comments on these boards and it was obvious he was a damned good DAWG.
Our prayers are with him.
By Dr Morpheus
November 20, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
I too will be happy to add my prayers for those whose lives hang in the balance. I’m proud of the Dawgs who are fiercely loyal and passionately proud of our teams but who have the compassion to care about those who play under a different banner. It’s a free country and people have a right to be ugly but it’s great to read posts that raise the bar to such a height. Go Dawgs, all the way to Atlanta and beyond. And here’s to Billy Humprhey, coming back from an athletic near-death experience and hitting the floor on fire.
By Hunk Erdown
November 21, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this
If people who die go to Heaven and become angels, Matt Stafford has got it made. I wish there was a way to convey to young Stafford the fact that he had such a dedicated fan in the form of Buck Cochran. It’s easy to pull for someone who is doing great and has the world by the tail, but Buck has stood behind Stafford and saw greatness in him even when Stafford himself would admit that on a particular day, he couldn’t hit the ground with his hat. I hope that Mr. Stafford fulfils the greatness that Buck envisioned for him and somehow feels the connection and confidence that Buck had for him.
By shane
November 21, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this
hunk,amen brother,buck certainly hung in there for his”boy”.buck stayed cool and level headed when the blogs were blowing up with the”bench stafford,fire richt” posts.these are the best posts i have read in quite a while.no name calling,no filth,none of the my school beats your school junk.could it be because it is just us dogs?cuz,as head of the FOC you have been the voice of one crying in the wilderness.i am glad others are begining to realize what a dangerous and worthy opponent we have.our only hope is that he forgets the running game in the third quarter again saturday.i mean,you can’t expect a man to think of everything,can you?are you sure about sos and chan buddying up,what a nightmare.take care guys,and rest easy buck.
By TROTTINGHOMETUDD
November 21, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this
SHUTUP BILL.
MAYBE IF YOU WORE SOMETHING OTHER THAN A PULL OVER SHIRT YOU COULD GO TO ATHENS AND FIND OUT ABOUT BROWN AND MERCER.
By Cuz
November 21, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
It is with deep regret that I inform the Bulldawg Nation of the passing of our West Coast chairman of the FANS OF CHAN, Buck Cochran in the great Northwest. Buck left us yesterday at noon for the trip that he has been waitng on for the last year. He fought the good fight to the end and now his race is won and the prize he sought is now his.
Buck has been fighting terminal cancer for a long time now. He never complained of the hand that life dealt him. With his faith, he and I were convinced that a better life awaited him. I spoke to him a week ago last Sunday, his time was drawing near and mostly what he talked about was the evoloution of his favorite player, Matthew Stafford. That was Buck, always thinking of others and not concerned about himself.
His final joy, was attending the Party in Jax this year. I knew that with him going, there was no way we were going to lose. Buck was our secret weapon. He got there in a wheelchair and they upgraded his seats to field level from the nosebleed section. He told me how nice the Gator Bowl staff was in attending to his needs. This game took a lot out of Buck, but he told me he would have had it no other way.
I mourn the loss of a friend, I celebrate the life and faith of the man. All who came into contact with this man were blessed. Just remember, he is where he wants to be, without pain. Him and Erk will watch the game together this weekend. Buck save me a seat, I will see you in the bye and bye. God bless you and go rest in peace. You deserve your rest and you inspired me and others with the way you lived your life.
By 59bulldawg
November 21, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
Thanks for sharing that Cuz! He sounds like a wonderful person and I wish I had had the opportunity to meet him! May God bless you both!
By Dogforlife
November 21, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
I expect Heaven looks pretty familiar to Buck.
Main streets there are named Lumpkin and Baxter, aren’t they?
Buck’s family is in our thoughts. God bless them all.
By shane
November 21, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
so long partner,now you have the best seats in the house.
By Dawgbyte
November 21, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget Lewis. He will be sitting with Buck and Erk. Surely the Debbil will give him time off to see the Tek game. And what a cheering section that will be.
By BigNCDawg
November 21, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
We are with you Cuz. Thanks for sharing that and I will be in prayer for Stacy and family.
Go DAWGS
By FLA DAWG
November 22, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this
God Bless your friend and his family. Our Dawgs will execute some fine football over the next two weeks.
The Dawgs are focused on Tech - Believe it! I don’t think UT can stop the KY Offense. Dawgs go to Atlanta and win the SEC then onto - who knows! If not, UT deserves to go. The Dawgs still end up in a better bowl than UT!
UNCHAIN THE YARD DAWGS ‘N LET ‘EM EAT!!!!!!!
By robdawg06
November 22, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Mike Mercer was a 18 point per game loss. I think UGA basketball is doomed, this year anyway.
By AltamahaDawg
November 23, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
robdawg06, Mercer hasnt played in quite some time. They prabably won’t actually go with only 4 players on the court because he is gone.
By robdawg06
November 23, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Keep your day job Altamahaw… They will have 5 players on the court but if Mercer ain’t one of them then the talent has been downgraded signifigantly. Maybe you are one of those happy go lucky fans ? Felton is keeping this program down just like the Harrick idiots did. If you can’t control your players then you don’t deserve to be the coach.
By sciencedawg
November 25, 2007 3:38 AM | Link to this
I think we (uga fans) should unite in writing anonymous letters to Tech in support of Gailey. In other news, if you haven’t already done so, take the time to vote for Richt in the coach of the year fan poll at:
Link: go here to vote
cheers