Radio host apologizes for question to Richt
Sports radio talk show host Chuck Oliver said Monday he was guilty of “horrible timing” in asking UGA Coach Mark Richt a question about losing big games after Saturday night’s SEC Championship Game.
Oliver, part of the “Chuck and Chernoff Show” on 680 the Fan, said he used “awful, terrible, wretched, horrid judgment” in posing such a question after Georgia’s emotional 32-28 loss to Alabama, a game many are calling the greatest SEC championship game ever.
In the exchange at a post-game press conference, Oliver asked Richt: “There are some people, whether its fans, media or whomever else, that may want to make further conclusions about you or your quarterback specifically in big games. Would you have any response to those people?”
Richt: “I don’t know what you’re saying. Why don’t you just say it straight up what you’re trying to say.”
Oliver: “There will be people who say that you and Aaron Murray specifically come up short on the biggest stage against the biggest opponents. Do you have any response to that?”
Richt bluntly asked if it was Oliver who was saying that, and Oliver responded that’s what he hears on the radio every day. Richt then says, “That’s for you to worry about then — if that’s what you say then I’ll answer the question; if you think other people are saying that, I’m not worried about that.”
After leaving the press conference, Richt returned briefly and said, “If anybody thinks our guys didn’t play their tail off, and Aaron Murray didn’t play his tail off, they’re crazy. That’s unbelievable that anybody would even bring that up.”
Oliver said his first reaction after the exchange was, “I really wish I could undo the last 90 seconds of my life.”
Was Oliver out of line in asking the question when he did or did Richt overreact to a legitimate question?
View the Oliver-Richt confrontation.
Listen to Oliver’s explanation.
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587 comments Add your comment
AltamahaDawg
December 4th, 2012
4:39 pm
Mike S. is my new favorite poster.
I have argued every one of those points from your 3:52 post, but never as plainly and simply put as that.
Your follow up were very spot on as well.
One other thing I might add is this: I asked several folks some time back……..IF Saban left and Alabamna had to replace him, who would Alabama hire that would make Alabama better than it is right now. In short, who can Alabama hire that would beat Saban as of late. ………..They all said nobody, or suggested that Kirby Smart would get the job. Would Kirby Smart be better? No. Would Kirby Smart be beating Nick Saban right now? No.
And THAT is the bottom line. If even Alabama (and I am sorry to break this too you Dawg fans, they ARE a better football school than we are) cannot hire somebody that is going to beat Alabama right now, who on Earth is Georgia going to go out and get that would?
And isn’t that what we are talking about? NOT beating Alabama. Richt didnt beat Saban. I get that folks are drudging up some games or records from 4 yrs ago to pile on, but does anybody really care about that now. really?
15 Minutes from 'Dem Hedges
December 4th, 2012
4:42 pm
Hey, here’s a suggestion…let’s make an emotional decision to fire CMR, give him a quadrillion dollar buyout and hire………………………………………………………………………..Jim Donnan….GET REAL!!!!!!!
Worst Georgia
December 4th, 2012
4:44 pm
Georgia has a fine program with an administration that cares. What is going on with UWG who goes 13-37 over five years with Daryl Dickey as head coach and bring him back after his fifth year winning only 3 games, including a loss to Shorter? Can someone please help get a change at UWG? UWG alumni, fans, and supporters deserve better and want the same chance to compete just like UGA! I am proud of those Dogs!!! Dog fans, please help shed some light on how bad things are with football when you Go West.
DawginLex
December 4th, 2012
4:46 pm
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
December 4th, 2012
11:18 am
DawginLex
December 4th, 2012
11:13 am
Because it was a stupid question
=======================
Hahahah………Because RICHT has NO EXCUSE (with the talent he has) to lose these game year after year after year.
***************************************
You are a dam fool
And I say that with all sincerity
Done talking to you
You have to own a fully functioning brain to get responses from me
Join the list
SSI
flat tire
you
AltamahaDawg
December 4th, 2012
4:52 pm
Yea, I’m sure that plan would work out just fine.
Fortunetely, UGA hasa professionasl that run the AD. And there isn’t a school in the country, Including Alabama, that would even remotely be considering firing Coach Richt. I dare say if anyone of the chest thumpers in here HAD to run the UGAAD, neither would they.
Fred
December 4th, 2012
4:52 pm
Another case of a personality being BIGGER than he really is.
You stay classy Oliver. Go back and teach history. It repeats itself.
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
December 4th, 2012
5:02 pm
C. Oliver Q: Coach RICHT what color swim trunks will you wear next year at the High Dive?
C. Do Little to upset UGa cause I am a homer and WSB TV guy: Damn Chuck Oliver you took my question.
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
December 4th, 2012
5:05 pm
Fred
December 4th, 2012
4:52 pm
Another case of a personality being BIGGER than he really is.
==================
Great comment. Why does Richt he is something Special? He and Bobo have done NOTHING. Richt’s Personality is inflated for NO REASON.
Kyle
December 4th, 2012
5:09 pm
Oliver was was promoting Alabama the week before the game. He would have fit in well with Lundquist and Danielson as far as how excited (to put it nicely) they were when talking up Alabama every chance they could. That being said there is no excuse for loosing that game and no excuse that this team hasn’t had the coach and talent to win 5 more National Championships since 1980.
Reporter Apologizes for Question to UGA's Mark Richt | Robert Littal Presents BlackSportsOnline
December 4th, 2012
5:12 pm
[...] Richt in the clip is Chuck Oliver, an Atlanta sports talk radio host with 680 The Fan. Per the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Oliver apologized for his line of questioning on Monday saying he used “awful, terrible, [...]
kral
December 4th, 2012
5:21 pm
judgements by filturd about what CMR THINKS OF HIMSELF…DOLT ..you come on a blog and spout crap and funny jokes…you seem to think pretty highly of your own opinions…not passing judgement on you..I could be wrong..you certainly never are in your own mind
Penn Wells
December 4th, 2012
5:23 pm
The problem with Chuck (and his buddy, Matt Chernoff) wasn’t the post game interview. They have been on a Richt and especially Murray vendetta for over a month now. Several weeks ago, their entire show centered on the theory that Aaron would hold most conference passing records if he came back for his 4th year and the irrelevance of those statistics. Now, Chuck and Matt certainly have not only the right, but the responsibility, to voice their legitimate opinion. However, on the afternoon I am referring to, they not only demeaned Aaron’s accomplishments, by innuendo they suggested that he did not have the intestinal fortitude to win in the SEC. Furthermore, they made these comments hiding behind statements like “we were big Murray fans until the Floirida game” and then some other “pro Georgia” statements, but……Then after teeing this up in the most pejorative manner they invited other “Georgia fans” to call the station and, in two words, describe Aaron Murray’s career. I can’t remember all the comments, but one “Bulldog” called in and referred to it as a “creamless Twinkie.” This about a guy who was body slammed repeatedly by the ’sportsman’ Nick Fairley @ Auburn two years ago (no penalties were called) as well as the amazing no call before the end of the1st half the other night and never whined or cried a la McCarron, but just got back up and competed. And a whole bunch of other tough licks in between. It was one of the most classless examples of ‘radio journalism’ I have ever heard. So, yes, Chuck, your timing was awful the other night, but this has actually been going on in an especially underhanded way for a while now, hasn’t it? In my book, you guys need to re-think more than just 90 seconds. Aaron Murray can QB my Georgia team anytime he wants and let’s don’t even start on whether I would trade Mark Richt for the ever gracious Nick Saban.
Dainger Dawg
December 4th, 2012
5:26 pm
So tired of the mindless regurgitation. “Murray is 1-11 vs. ranked teams”. What does that even mean?
Have you looked back at those games? 5 of those loses came in his freshman year – 3 in his first 4 games (no AJ Green – remember?). And then a 3pt loss to Urban’s Gators, and a loss to Auburn – no one beat Auburn in 2010 – remember?
The following year, 2011, opened the season with a loss to Boise State (they went 12-1 that year), and a 3pt heart-break to SC. If Lattimore stayed healthy, SC would have won the East. A loss to LSU in the SEC title game – again, no one had beaten LSU up to that point, and then an overtime loss to MSU in a meaningless bowl game.
The 10th loss was to SC this year – no one can honestly say that any team in the SEC would have won in Columbia that night. So, there you have it, actual thought and reason applied to a meaningless stat.
Here is what Aaron has accomplished: He is 8-0 vs UGA’s biggest rivals over the past two years – Florida, UT, Auburn, and Tech. I don’t give a crap if some of those programs are down – that hasn’t
happened since 80’ and 81’. He has won back-to-back SEC East crowns as well – not too shabby for someone that can win the “big ones”.
I just hope and pray he comes back for another year, and that folks locally and nationally start appreciating what he brings to the table. Competing for championships is all a fan can ask for in the most competitive league in college sports.
Jack
December 4th, 2012
5:26 pm
Penn Wells: Like
kral
December 4th, 2012
5:32 pm
thanks dainger dawg
Buckeye
December 4th, 2012
5:32 pm
smack
Gee. That is something that has never come up on these blogs. You have incredible insight, smack.
Moist Dawg
December 4th, 2012
5:33 pm
It makes me want to vomit that Chuck Oliver was forced to apologize. What question would have made you happy? “Coach, the announcers seemed to favor bama, your thoughts?”
Chuck Oliver should and will one day be held up as a hero for holding the team to a higher standard and asking a question that needed to be asked.
Richt is making millions of dollars and shouldn’t throw a hissy fit when asked a valid question, and any Dawg fan that finds that question offensive makes me sick and is a disgrace to UGA. This isn’t peewee football.
Indydawg
December 4th, 2012
5:34 pm
Drew @ 4:23 stole my thunder.
It was a completely legitimate question and a great time to ask to get the most candid response. This isn’t a high school football coach. Richt is making 3.5 million a year. There is enough body of work over 12 years to ask the question, AND others such as “why are your over talented teams STILL near the top of the NCAA in penalties annually and you seem to be okay with this coach?”.
Buck up, be a man, take the question and don’t try Jedi mind tricks. Chuck shouldn’t have to apologize for a damn thing. Someone was likely going to ask that question. Chuck at least had the stones to ask the question instead of hiding behind it in a column.
Can’t have it both ways folks..
Governors and Mayors have to answer harder questions and not even getting near the compensation of these big time state college coaches…
kral
December 4th, 2012
5:39 pm
he did not state the question as his opinion…even when asked to clarify…he will surely raise our standards..just like you moist because you understand that since we did not win…our coaches and players were just so happy to be there and lose..you think your standards are higher than the coaches and players..boy you are one arrogant bbbbbbbbbbbbb
Indydawg
December 4th, 2012
5:44 pm
Dainger Dawg….
“and let’s don’t even start on whether I would trade Mark Richt for the ever gracious Nick Saban.”
____________________________________________
Why not start on this? I would take Saban in a heartbeat. Would you rather have a guy who rolls that moral compass while his players run ever which way but loose, or a guy who is generally seen as a bit of an egomanical dictator getting it done with players generally not causing problems.
It’s a hell of a debate. I’ll tell you this, perception is not always reality…
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
December 4th, 2012
5:49 pm
Penn Wells………………..This about a guy who was body slammed repeatedly by the ’sportsman’ Nick Fairley @ Auburn two years ago (no penalties were called) as well as the amazing no call………………………………………..Did you MISS the GT vs UGa game this year? You player SPIKED #25 R. Godhigh on his head and no flag……………Stop crying you Damon Evans Panty wearing Botich or CALL YOU WON PLAYERS OUT FOR THE SAME KIND OF PLAYS you baby…………………………….KARMA………………….KARMA……………sorry you guys love Richt and want to be like CHRIST and hang on a Cross.
kral
December 4th, 2012
5:50 pm
did he have the right to ask..yes..did he enjoy the response..maybe …maybe not..WHAT do you think CMR SHOULD have said..Well your’re right chuck AM and I suck in the big games…WE are just happy to compete in them..we are not trying to win them..we only try when we are heavily favored or your right chuck we just need to give up and turn the team over to the only real dawg fans who won’t settle for anything less..or sun-tanned blinded..focused on his hair..tech fans..those are the ones who suck the big ones..I meant win the big ones
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
December 4th, 2012
5:52 pm
UGa players need Damon Evans back cause they wear red panties in BIG GAMES……When the UGa Thugs are all mouth and Dirty plays you MUTTS love them but when another team JACKS your BUTT you cry.
kral
December 4th, 2012
5:52 pm
boy regardless of beliefs..filturd..you got to believe you can be an azzzhole
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
December 4th, 2012
5:54 pm
kral…………….Richt should have done the same thing in the Press Conference as he does in games. He should FOLD and talk about CHRIST and go swimming.
loyal dog
December 4th, 2012
5:58 pm
Hey, Chuckie Boy. If you ask the question, own the question. And you are paid to think before you speak. Oh, I forgot, you are in radio and all is forgiven. You will have to go see the Head Coach and ask for forgiveness in person and not on some radio nor by some newspaper clipping. Good Luck keeping your job. That is what this is about, isn’t it? You are a sorry soul.
Moist Dawg
December 4th, 2012
5:58 pm
It doesn’t matter what I would’ve said kral. I’m not making 3.5 million a year. The question needs to be asked and all you people who are happy with being mediocre when even friggin Tennessee has a bcs trophy are a cancer to the program.
It must be nice living in a world where everyone is a winner and everyone gets a trophy just for trying hard…sickening
george
December 4th, 2012
6:02 pm
wow, with so many “geniuses” here, i cant believe uga doesnt put these geniuses to work and NEVER lose another football game. with these “geniuses” why would you not put MR on the road and let these geniuses win all the games, they have all the answers and know so much more than anyone else.
kral
December 4th, 2012
6:04 pm
I am glad you know what he should do..cause I CERTAINLY admire your esteemed a opinion..as by now I’m sure even you can ascertain
kral
December 4th, 2012
6:07 pm
I AM A CANCER…how long you been a moist ultimate dawg fan..and you would save this distressed program ..how..I MAY BE A CANCER to you..but your more like a moist boil on a butt to me
Bill Toscano
December 4th, 2012
6:11 pm
Why is there even an issue here.
Fair and valid question.
Why is an apology needed?
The guy makes enough money to have to answer that question.
david
December 4th, 2012
6:12 pm
I listen to that show on 680am daily and i have for years.One thing about Chuck is that he loves to be a villian.He is always saying stuffto get a reaction.He is what i would call a arrogant prick.I walked by him one time at a falcons game and said hello.He kinds gave me a half ass hello.He is just so stuck up.He always loves to battle people.I never really agrees.I listen to the show more for Matt than Chuck.Thats just my opinion.He sees himself bigger than he actually is.I wouldn’t miss him if he left.And im sure most wouldn’t.Hes just not that important
zbulldawg
December 4th, 2012
6:25 pm
Congrats to Bama !! Now take care of the Irish !! Thank you UGA for your steady progress !! Two years ago we went 6-7 then 10-4 and now 11-2. More likely 12-2 !! Thank you to all the coaches & the players. We’ve made the right moves to be among the elite !! This WILL continue & I’m so pround to be a GEOGRIA BULLDAWG FAN !! LET THE BIG DAWG EAT
Moist Dawg
December 4th, 2012
6:30 pm
Kral, I won’t respond to childish personal attacks.
zbulldawg, you should change your name to Benedict Arnold. Enjoy rooting for our rival traitor. Just try not to cry if bama loses. You should never be allowed in Sanford Stadium ever again…Disgusting
air of mendacity
December 4th, 2012
6:47 pm
Richt is touchy about all the criticism of the program – and him – it was horrible timing and I am glad Chuck wishes he could take it back. Do it on the talk show – why – when he felt terrible for his team and QB – would you ask that. What can he say. I for one have been critical at times, but I realize that college football is a inexact science. Unless you are Saban apparently. Luck plays a part. The guys played well and just could not stop the run. What can you say?
kral
December 4th, 2012
6:48 pm
a cancer calling epitome of what some may call childish acts..moist ..you are the standard bearer for what is wrong with our football team..something I hope I can grow up to become one day..I mean you rip’em when they lose..know why they lost..know how to fix them..you sir are to mature and talented for me
kral
December 4th, 2012
6:55 pm
oh by the way a cancer is a disease..a boil is an infection of some sort…I guess if I had said it was on my nose..it would have been far less childish
say what
December 4th, 2012
7:07 pm
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
December 4th, 2012
5:49 pm
Penn Wells………………..This about a guy who was body slammed repeatedly by the ’sportsman’ Nick Fairley @ Auburn two years ago (no penalties were called) as well as the amazing no call………………………………………..Did you MISS the GT vs UGa game this year? You player SPIKED #25 R. Godhigh on his head and no flag
why is it that Richt can allow his players to SPIKE GT’s Robert Godhigh on his head but can’t spike the ball on the 4 yard line with seconds ticking down..
Moist Dawg
December 4th, 2012
7:18 pm
I never ripped the team, have I kral? I’ve just ripped traitor fans that root for some other school because they are in our conference. When bama, tenn, auburn, florida, or lsu wins national championships it hurts our recruiting. Does Michigan root for Ohio State? Does a Red sox fan root for the Yankees? It’s disgusting and makes me sick to my stomach.
Even worse are the fans here that are happy to hear a bama fan say what a great game we had, or how it was a great game. If that gd game was so great then why am I not booking a trip to Miami?
These fans that accept a good effort should have their names taken down and banned from Athens, and should have to give back their UGA gear. They are no better than a US flag burner.
DrC
December 4th, 2012
7:19 pm
To the Bama fans – Congrats on winning one of the best games ever played. This is one Bulldog who is now pulling for you to go win another national championship for your school and the SEC. I thought your Coach, players, and most of your fans were gracious in their remarks about the game. I don’t think the refs helped or hurt either team in a way that figured into the final outcome. I do think that a lot of people including myself felt the helmet to helmet hit on Aaron Murray was a clear rules violation and should have been called. We are not trying to be “whining” in saying so or in anyway complaining that the refs caused UGA to lose the game. And yes, the UGA player who tried to poke the Alabama player in the eye should have been penalized also. I don’t personally want the Alabama player suspended, but I do hope Coach Saban will address the issue accordingly which I think he will. It was the type of blow which could have ended Murray’s football career or possibly even worse, and it is exactly the type of hit which was supposed to be addressed by the helmet to helmet rule. Again, congrats to Bama on winning one of the best games ever. I hope our Bulldogs can finish up this good season with a bowl win and perhaps be back again for the SEC championship next year.
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
December 4th, 2012
7:20 pm
kral
December 4th, 2012
6:07 pm
I AM A CANCER
=======================
Stop attacking Richt’s wife………….or tell CMR what UGa players to get some Mary Jane from to make you go away.
Moist Dawg
December 4th, 2012
7:32 pm
DrC, you must be joking. Maybe you should read my comment above yours. You traitor fans are gonna give me a heart attack.
whiskey breath
December 4th, 2012
7:40 pm
I don’t get it. Chuck is an ass because he asked a question that had to be asked? What you should be asking is , how big a jerk was Richt in answering the question. Was that a muture Christian response?
Or just a phony Christian that showed his real side?
Game Changer
December 4th, 2012
8:18 pm
Mark Richt has never won all the east division games in a given season, that puts uga with kentucky, vandy. Since the addition of SEC teams in 1991 we have not won all the games in the east division. Pitiful for 22 years now, but that does not matter because we will have a top 5 recruiting class.
So many questions need to be answered no one knows where to start.
Big Question: Todd Grantham, how does it feel that team after team this year ran right over your self proclaimed top defenses players asses?
bernie
December 4th, 2012
8:19 pm
Georgia looked great.They did come up short and that was hard to handle, only because a national championship has been eluded UGA for years.
I am CMR supporter but I am concerned with Georgias continued top recruiting classes and the lack of results. While I am aware of the fact thta there can only be one NC, other SEC tams are doing year after year with similar or less recruiting classes. Coaching or talent? looking for answers.
kral
December 4th, 2012
8:32 pm
you are a work of art filter be proud of your 7:20…
rabbit
December 4th, 2012
8:37 pm
Valid question if game had been different, but the game was well played and well coached. Bad, inconsiderate question under the circumstances. Glad he apologized. Reporters often feel they have no obligation to be considerate or respectful. It was good to see Richt give a little back, so the reporter can see how the shoe fits.
I love the Dogs and bleed for their loss, but I am now convinced that Mark Richt and Todd Grantham are the coaches we can win with. Bobo has shown more this year. The decision to throw at the end was not wrong in the heat of the moment. An incomplete pass is same as a spike, unless… Easy to criticize in retrospect. But, darn it, we need to win in Orlando and start the march to next year.
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
December 4th, 2012
8:39 pm
Mark Richt looked Great in all Black with a red tie for the SEC CG….he was Dressed for the FUNERAL that was the UGa team against BAMA.
rabbit
December 4th, 2012
8:39 pm
Whiskey? What planet are you from?
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
December 4th, 2012
8:41 pm
kral still CRYING about anything that doesn’t go his way…….You need a Diaper change or an fresh binkie to suck on?