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
Fleischman in Chi Towns Bed
December 4th, 2012
2:44 pm
Give Saint Richt a raise! He almost won. Good enough for the fleabag nation.
Someone Please
December 4th, 2012
2:44 pm
Give Richt a lifetime contract.
Inquiring minds want to know
December 4th, 2012
2:46 pm
It was a very good and pertinent question to ask of a man who is getting paid 3 million bucks a year. How long would he last in the Corporate World is also a pertinent question.
Ron Zook
December 4th, 2012
2:47 pm
I wish Florida fans would have been as patient.
Shannon Castleman
December 4th, 2012
2:50 pm
I have known Chuck for 19 years, He knows I am a huge Bulldog fan. In fact, I am a 45 year old man who cried after that game. I had waited 32 years for a rematch with Notre Dame and we fell 5 yards and maybe 6 seconds short. However, I forgive Chuck. I think he’s sincere. I also see why Coach Richt was upset, so soon after losing that game. I do not think Chuck did anything with harmful motives in his mind.
UGA fans: we have bigger fish to fry. We are so close to Bama…just a couple more DLmen and OLmen for depth, maybe one or two more 5 star athletes on the OL or DL line, and we are there.
I say forgive him and move on.
Ted Rikard
December 4th, 2012
2:53 pm
It’s very simple. All the fans in the Bulldawgs nation that do business with 680 the Fan should pull all their business. All Dawgs fans should pledge never to listen to their station again with such an idiot as a sportscaster. Hit the station in their pocketbook and make the ratings fall to nothing and they will get rid of him. It’s that simple.
SnoopyJenkins
December 4th, 2012
2:54 pm
Considering the amount of “NFL” talent on the Bulldog teams and considering the number of NC teams coached by sperrier. Miles, Saban and …”GASP” Chizik, I would like to know what it is going to take for Mark Richt and his coaching staff to win ….
just ONE National Championship??……DAMN ALL THE EXCUSES!!!!
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
2:55 pm
2002
Sat, Nov 2 vs #20 Florida L 20-13
Sat, Nov 16 @ #22 Auburn W 24-21
2003
Sat, Sept 20 @ #2 LSU L 17-10
Sat, Oct 11 @ #7Tennessee W 41-14
Sat, Nov 1 @ #17 Florida L 16-13
Sat, Dec 6 vs #2 LSU L 34-13
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Sat, Sept 27 vs #8 Alabama L 41-30
Sat, Oct 18 vs #22 Vanderbilt W 24-14
Sat, Oct 25 @ #13 LSU W 52-38
Sat, Nov 1 vs #8 Florida* L 49-10
Sat, Nov 29 vs #12 Georgia Tech L 45-42
Thu, Jan 1 vs #18 Michigan St* W 24-12
2010
Sat, Sept 11 @ #24 South Carolina L 17-6
Sat, Sept 18 vs #12 Arkansas L 31-24
Sat, Nov 13 @ #2 Auburn L 49-31
Fri, Dec 31 vs #25 UCF* L 10-6
2011
Sat, Sept 3 vs #5 Boise St L 35-21
Sat, Sept 10 vs #12 South Carolina L 45-42
Sat, Nov 12 vs #20 Auburn W 45-7
Sat, Nov 26 @ #23 Georgia Tech W 31-17
Sat, Dec 3 vs #1 LSU* L 42-10
Mon, Jan 2 vs #17 Michigan St* L 33-30 3OT
2012
Sat, Oct 6 @ #6 South Carolina L 35-7
Sat, Oct 27 vs #2 Florida* W 17-9
Sat, Dec 1 vs #2 Alabama* L 32-28
Tue, Jan 1 vs #16 Nebraska
The RICHT Career against top 25 teams(season ending rankings from the ESPN Site)
Great Question …….CHUCK OLIVER.
O'Ventbrel
December 4th, 2012
2:56 pm
His question was definitely not an appropriate one. After the LSU or Boise games last year, that kind of question could easily be warranted. But Georgia was one play away from beating a team that will most likely win the national championship. Rant and rave about what UGA should have done at the end of the game, but its easy to be an armchair QB. In this case, Richt was simply victim to the fact that you cant have two winners in a game of football.
SuperB
December 4th, 2012
3:00 pm
Chuck Oliver is a moron. Murray played great and Richt has done a great job this year. One play and five yards away from the BCS championship game! What’s Oliver ever done– other than run his mouth?
There are plenty of gasbags on AM radio. In Raleigh, some ego-idiot named Joe Oliva does the same crap. And he’s a total dirtbag.
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
3:01 pm
Chuck O ask him WHY the state with the MOST D-1 talent of any State in the SEC still has to have 60+% Special Admits and still doesn’t have a CRYSTAL FOOTBALL.
Got It Right
December 4th, 2012
3:03 pm
Funny how many Monday morning Quarterbacks we have for the Monday morning Quarterbacks.. Chuck handled it the correct way. I’m not in broadcasting, but I’d like to see all the haters sit behind a mic for 4 hours a day, week after week, and not make a mistake now and then. I’ll keep listening…
Snack Shack
December 4th, 2012
3:03 pm
I’m sure Mr. Oliver is sincere in his apology to Coach Richt and the Georgia Bulldogs.
If Saint Richt was working in the corporate world...
December 4th, 2012
3:04 pm
He would of been FIRED 7 years ago. Athens is a loser town. The AJC is SOFT on the UGAg coverage. Bunch of homers afraid to ruffle any feathers (Carvell, Towers, Shultz, Bradley).
Athens
December 4th, 2012
3:06 pm
@Gator Guy
It’s safe to say you did not graduate from UF. Like I said, get lost and STFU.
Say Whut
December 4th, 2012
3:06 pm
Who cares what happened in ANY year other than this one? It’s guys like Oliver that keep me tuned in to Sirius-XM Radio.
ANDY PHILIPS
December 4th, 2012
3:07 pm
Just a typical moronic question from mediocre broadcaster.
Atlanta would be great place to put a quality sports talk show
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
3:08 pm
IF the NCAA is part of the New College Playoff then you know you can’t Drink Alcohol at the games. Bowl games are not part of the NCAA but the playoff will be right?
Silly Bloggers
December 4th, 2012
3:11 pm
Chuck Oliver knows more about football than all the bloggers on here combined. He spends more time on the radio defending not only Aaron Murray but the program as well. The timing was awful and moreso if you heard that three reporters asked Richt about spiking the ball prior to Oliver asking the question.
When I heard it was Chuck Oliver who got lit up by Richt, I couldn’t believe it. The timing was terrible, but Oliver addressed it on the radio. At least he doesn’t hide behind an anonymous name and spit hate out about the UGA program or any other program out there. The guy is an Auburn grad and gushes over the Alabama program. If that is not unbiased and sincere, I don’t know what is.
Under The Bleachers
December 4th, 2012
3:23 pm
The Question was legitimate! The Timing was when he was available to the press after the game! The loss continued the question that has been the main question for Richt during his last 5 years!
It is up to Richt how he answered it, and that is his right to answer any way he wants. People may not like the question, people may not like the answer or how it was answered, or how Richt handled it but it is what it is. Live with it.
One more thing, when someone is asked a question, and they ask a question back, one can pretty much assume the guy answering the first question is avoiding the question and feels uncomfortable with any answer they may give.
More whining
December 4th, 2012
3:24 pm
Oliver doesn’t have to apologize to anybody. He did apologize, which was classy, and Richt called him to apologize. So this shouldn’t even be discussed right now. However, one of the purposes of the media is to ask questions to the coaches that “Everyday Joe” doesn’t have the proper channels to ask. It wasn’t his opinion, it was the opinion of the majority of his callers.. He stated that pretty clearly. Tough question, but answer it!!
Dangerous
December 4th, 2012
3:27 pm
The Kang is the best thing going for 680 period. I almost quite the show because of Buck and Kincaid……………..seriously, you had rather listen to Sirius….Paul Finebaum…that is Jerry Springer on the radio……………………….Kang hold your head up, you asked a great question. The answer is Bobo though and not so much Murray.
G-Dawg
December 4th, 2012
3:32 pm
So i take it Richt wont be sending him a xmas card this year? LOL Way to go Oliver!!!!!
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
3:36 pm
P.O.A.D. fan while he cries.
Jack
December 4th, 2012
3:36 pm
Reading some of these comments make me sick to my stomach. First of all Chuck Oliver did not have to apologize, he chose to. Why? Because he is a local college football reporter in Atlanta and guess who has the largest college football fan base in the area? Regardless, he was absolutely, undeniably out of line asking that question. The fact that he is a local guy simply amplifies his stupidity x100.
If anything, that game should have dispelled those thoughts as I have never (that means ever) seen a Georgia Football team play with such energy and emotion. It was the hardest hitting, highest quality CF game I have seen since the ‘05 National Championship. And guess what? The better team won. That’s it. The number #1 team in the country beat the # 2 team in the country by 4 points. To bring that bulls*it up 5 minutes after the Dawgs went toe-to-toe for 60 minutes with the best team in the country shows absolutely 0 situational awareness. So little that it is disturbing.
If “Dawg fans” want to complain about ANYTHING regarding that performance then they don’t deserve to rep the G. Fact is we are the 2nd best team in the country and if you aren’t beyond proud and impressed of this team and its coaches you need to put on different colors because you are not a Dawgs fan. I don’t give a s*it whether you “have been watching the Dawgs since 1945 (or some other bulls*hit justification for why you have the right to bitch).” You are not a Dawgs fan and will never be satisfied, so just burn your Dawgs gear because we don’t want you.
Muttley
December 4th, 2012
3:38 pm
Chuck AULover’s kick’em-when-they’re-down question wasn’t even a question. It was a publicity stunt. It was the equivalent of dropping his pants and running onto the playing field: “Look at me! Look at my ass!” I’m sure he had it planned before the game, since Georgia was an eight point underdog to the defending NC. The “apology” was just the result of an incredibly stupid stunt not going well.
Is it reacharound time yet?
December 4th, 2012
3:38 pm
There sure are a lot of CMR lovers displaying a cult-like loyalty to a guy with no guts and very little glory in the last eight years.
What is behind your enthusiasm?
Is it just general stupidity, or have you been hypnotized by his tan?
I understand criticizing Oliver for awkwardly backing into the question, but he had every right to ask it and it was the number one question I’ve been asking as a UGA fan for the last five years.
We were loaded with talent. Our midget QB played a solid game, and we faced an unusually soft BAMA team. And yet another CMR team found a way to lose.
If you want to wrap your arms around that go right ahead, but I won’t go near it. It smells like shame and tanning oil. Stop making CMR out to be something he’s not. He’s a mediocre coach, and the Nation deserves better.
Muttley
December 4th, 2012
3:39 pm
And needless to add, I’m done with 680 until AULover’s gone.
G-Dawg
December 4th, 2012
3:40 pm
Arkansas just upgraded their coaching staff!!!
THUGA
December 4th, 2012
3:41 pm
Timeout is right. MR is great coach, great for program, but Bobo and DC lost the game. If you can’t stop a 2 point conversion up the middle and you won’t spike the ball for a reset, then you and your staff are not smart enough to win (after you received every break of the game) DUMB!
the commentator
December 4th, 2012
3:42 pm
Chuck Oliver is not a very good radio personality or broadcaster . the question was a clear jab at the coach. Thats what happens when you think your bigger than you really are. I dont listen to there show anyway it has no substance.
Gary Jordan
December 4th, 2012
3:44 pm
Oliver needs to look up the word “class.” First, he needs to get some. Secondly, he needs to take one… in journalism.
GTech4Life
December 4th, 2012
3:49 pm
Biggest coaching blunder of the game was Nick Saban’s. Failure to ask for review on the terrible “tipped pass” call overturning the interference call at the end of first half, which led to Bama field goal try that UGAy blocked and returned for TD. There was no tip! Should have been Bama first down. Doggies start 2nd half from behind and its a different ballgame thereafter.
Regardless, UGAy lost! Now I don’t have to cheer for disgusting Notre Dame against the dumb dawgs.
Is it reacharound time yet?
December 4th, 2012
3:49 pm
Normally I would agree. Bobo is the first one I look at when things go wrong. He has been terrible in the past. His predictable and feable play calling can be maddening.
The SCAR game was an embarassment and it had his signature all over it.
Lately he has not been the problem, though.
I have no idea what got into him, but he cut out all the swing passes to the sideline for negative yards, and he incorporated a lot of screens and really mixed things up down the stretch.
The bottom line is UGA won one game against a tough opponent this year.
BIG DEAL.
Blame Bobo if you want, but CMR is the enabler.
He’s been around way too long for him to be the problem. If he’s bad, it’s the head coach who keeps him around that you blame.
How long did CMR keep Rodriguez after it was obvious that he couldn’t do the job?
Super size my order, Mutt!
December 4th, 2012
3:50 pm
Double douche move by fatso. First the question, then the apology.
Either Buck Blue or double D had a talk with ya’ aye and you decide to apologize. isn’t that cute.
hh2
December 4th, 2012
3:50 pm
Amen Brian E
Great college football game.
Super size my order, Mutt!
December 4th, 2012
3:52 pm
Jack:
Second place is first loser.
Mike S.
December 4th, 2012
3:52 pm
People that question Richt and his record since 2008 are consistently ignoring several facts:
1) Until this year, Richt hasn’t had a top 10 team since 2007. How many teams outside the top 10 that you know of are consistently beating top 10 teams? How many 6-7 win teams like UGA in 09 and 2010 are consistently beating top 10 teams? None. Thats why they are 6-7 win teams or not ranked in the top 10 in the first place.
2) Richt has been at UGA 12 seasons. He’s seen staff attrition, made some bad replacement choices, and has had the opportunity to correct them. Meyer and Saban dont stay around long enough to have to deal with that. Meyer lost Strong and Mullen, then bolted after his first bad year only to end up in Columbus a year later.
3) UGA does NOT have the best talent in the SEC. UF, Auburn, Bama, and LSU all have been outrecruiting UGA the last several years. South Carolina, UT, and A&M have been right there just behind UGA in the recruiting rankings. To suggest UGA should be dominating everyone like this is ACC ball is asinine.
4) In 12 seasons, Richt has managed a “measly” 8 10+ win seasons, 5 SEC East Titles, two SEC titles, and been in the NC discussion 3 separate times. All this in an SEC thats been dominating CFB the last decade. There is only one way to step up from this…win the NC. There are a ton of ways to step down. Odds are, UGA steps down if they get rid of Richt which is why McGarity isnt stupid enough to listen to delusional Dawg fans.
Oliver Klozoff
December 4th, 2012
3:54 pm
Chuck Oliver is the same guy he was two weeks ago. A reliable and popular radio personality.
He knows a lot more about college football than any of you.
He pulled a publicity stunt.
Big deal.
In any other market it would be expected.
But here in Braindead, USA, all the other reporters stand there shivering with fear after the question so that the press conference ends. And then everyone jumps on his case for insulting his Majesty.
Get over it people. Mark Richt will not save you. Now get out there and look for a job!
Jack
December 4th, 2012
4:07 pm
Reacharound. 1) Tight name. 2) I recognize the shortcomings of Richt and Bobo, but the fact is that Richt has brought this program from the depths of mediocrity back to relevance. The Dawgs had not been to (that means appeared in) an SEC championship game in 20 years. The Dawgs now have 2 SEC championships, 2 Sugar Bowl wins (another bowl we had not sniffed in decades), and before Richt we were consistently owned by UF, UT and GT (yes Tech). Granted, I get as mad as anyone when we don’t show up against someone like USC, but the fact is there are only 2 coaches (Saban, Meyer) in America who are clearly better football coaches than Mark Richt. So when you say the Nation deserves more try to keep things in perspective. There is not one coach out there that would realistically come in and definately do a better job. So, again, if you have issues being the second best team in the country then put on some Crimson. Simple as that.
Mike S.
December 4th, 2012
4:09 pm
Another point…Nick Saban’s Tide have been consistently talked about as the dominant team in the SEC. This is Saban’s 3rd SEC championship game appearance in 6 seasons at Bama. Its his only his 2nd SEC title. Richt had 3 SECCG appearances and 2 SEC titles in his first 5 seasons. Obviously Saban has had better luck with being successful at the right time to get into the NC game, but that’s CFB. You need to be good enough to get into the discussion, then lucky enough for everything to fall in line. Saban’s team this year and last year would not have played for the NC in 2002 (over undefeated OSU and Miami) or 2005 (over undefeated USC and Texas) either.
Class of '98
December 4th, 2012
4:10 pm
If college football had a “king”, he wouldn’t be announcing Conference USA games on CSS.
Gene
December 4th, 2012
4:11 pm
Oliver was out of line asking the question under those circumstances. Nonetheless, the statement was true regarding Richt, less true regarding Murray.
Alphare
December 4th, 2012
4:16 pm
Mike S.
OSU is undefeated, but it’s ranked #3 in AP behind BAMA.
beanster
December 4th, 2012
4:16 pm
ol’ reach around Rodriguez.
LOL
Tide washed away the stain of Georgia
December 4th, 2012
4:19 pm
Mark Richt has found one of the greatest coaching situations in all of football. He’s at a top SEC program (in terms of name recognition and popularity, anyway), yet he doesn’t have to produce any wins of any significance. All he has to do is beat up the Kentuckys, Georgia Techs and Vanderbilts of the world, talk up his faith and throw out a lot of “Darn proud of these Dawgs!” and his dumb old country boy supporters will demand he be rewarded with millions of dollars. He’s a mediocre coach, at best, but you have to hand it to him for being a great recruiter and a fantastic politician.
There’s one thing Georgia fans and fans of all the other SEC schools have in common. Both keep on saying, “Thank God that Mark Richt is at Georgia!”
Is it reacharound time yet?
December 4th, 2012
4:19 pm
Jack,
You’re right.
Most of my frustration is with the fans here, and not so much with the program.
The Dawgs have too many penalties and last year the Special Teams was non-existent.
I’ve seen improvements in the play calling and the discipline (on the field).
Obviously conditioning is still a problem because we only played three quarters on Saturday.
I agree with what you said, and I’m okay with being the second best team.
I’m still mad about wasting a weekend going to Columbia and eating crappy food and staying in a crappy hotel and not getting a drink after 11PM just to see that pathetic display.
I know . . . let it go.
The problem I have is all the idiots here screaming for Chuck Oliver’s head. You posted an intelligent comment that put things in perspoective for me. But that makes a total of about five intelligent posts out of a total of about 5,000.
Drew
December 4th, 2012
4:23 pm
It was a good question. Richt couldn’t handle the question. He should be happy he is only dealing with Atlanta media.
Tide washed away the stain of Georgia
December 4th, 2012
4:29 pm
Drew makes a great point. Can you imagine how testy poor little coddled Mark Richt would react if he had to deal with New York-like scrutiny? But Richt did a masterful job of manipulating that situation. Oliver’s question was about Richt’s failures to win big games? What does Richt do? He re-frames the question to make it seem like Oliver was questioning the heart and effort of his players. Richt is a smart, manipulative guy who understood that he could take the heat off himself by suckering all of UGA’s dumb country boy fans into believing the question was a jab at the team’s effort.
Good for Saint Mark! I’m glad he’s not above working fans into a frenzy over someone else just to keep the heat off himself! Gotta protect all those millions he’s stealing at Georgia!
heyberto
December 4th, 2012
4:31 pm
That’s good enough for me. Hopefully this story can go away now.