Former Georgia Tech players took to social media Friday to blast the NCAA's decision to revoke Tech's 2009 ACC football championship.
Sean Bedford, the center on the 2009 team, was the harshest critic, posting a scathing open letter to the NCAA.
In that letter, posted by Bedford on his Facebook page and reprinted on numerous sports message boards, the 23-year-old Gainesville, Fla. resident told the NCAA that if they want him to return his ACC Championship ring, they will have to “pry it from my cold, dead finger.”
The penalty was one sanction resulting from the NCAA's findings that Tech intentionally misled investigators in what began as a minor inquiry into $312 worth of clothes given to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.
Here’s Bedford's letter:
Dear NCAA,
Thank you for handing down penalties that only adversely affect the players who did things the right way. This reeks of an organization desperate to prove that it has some sort of control over its member institutions despite lacking the ability and firepower to police the serious offenders and protect the student-athletes whose interests you purport to have at heart.
While I realize that all violations merit some kind of punishment, I have a hard time grasping the notion that one of the proudest moments in my life (and the lives of every other individual that was a part of the team and program in 2009) is apparently worth $312 in your eyes. If that truly is the case, I'd be happy to provide you with that same amount of money (cash or check, your choice) in exchange for the reinstatement of the title my teammates and I earned through our blood, sweat and tears.
It took months of hard work, dedication and personal sacrifice by a team of over 100 players, 10 coaches and countless staff members to achieve that championship, but, evidently, it only takes the handful of pencil pushers, lawyers and professors on your infractions committee to strip us of it.
I was a part of the 2009 ACC Championship team and, while you can pretend retroactively that it didn't happen, I have vivid memories of an incredible season that was, and continues to be, one of the most fun, meaningful, important, and very real times in my 23 years on this planet. I'll be wearing my championship ring with pride and if you want that too, you'll have to pry it from my cold, dead finger.
Sincerely,
Sean Bedford
Bedford told the AJC on Friday that the letter was his “emotional response” to NCAA revoking the team’s championship.
He said he was “completely surprised” by the NCAA’s actions. “I heard it from a friend who had read it in the AJC and I was completely shocked,” Bedford said.
Bedford, who is entering law school at the University of Florida this fall, said that since posting the letter, “I’ve heard from a number people -- several of my former teammates, a lot of fans; I’ve even heard from some players that went to other schools.”
“I’ve been surprised and happy to see that their thoughts and their feedback have been entirely positive.”
Bedford said he hopes his harsh words cause no problems for his alma mater.
“I simply offered my opinions,” he said. “I hope there’s no blowback on Tech for this, but I’m a private citizen expressing my thoughts and opinions, and I don’t believe the NCAA is above criticism.
Bedford wasn't the only current and former player expressing his ire on social media. Several former players made their feelings known on Twitter:
Demaryius Thomas, former receiver: Swear they look for anything.
Phil Smith, current offensive lineman: They can't strip me of my memories.
Sedric Griffin, former linebacker: Can't win for losing as a Techie.
Mario Butler, former cornerback: Regardless of what happened I still got my acc ring.
Anthony Allen, former running back: Well good thing my ring is in a safe place but this is some bull...
Brad Jefferson, former linebacker: Just heard they so called, "took our acc championship away," dats funny..lol! Take something away from gladiator(ha), YEA RIGHT! All they can say is that they tried...
Scott Blair, former kicker: We beat Clemson twice in 2009. We only needed to beat them once to prove we were the best in the ACC anyway.
Former player Kyle Jackson has asked all Tech players to change their profile photo on Facebook to a picture of the ACC championship ring.
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