Why I can’t be mad at A.J. Green
I’ll be honest. My first reaction when I heard of A.J. Green’s four-game suspension was one of anger.
And it wasn’t because Green owes any of us anything. I want to see the guy play because he’s a great player. And when there is a big game like Saturday’s between Georgia and South Carolina I want both teams to have all of their weapons. I love college football and I want to see great players play. And we’ve got too many guys who are not playing right now because of NCAA rules violations.
No, I was angry at A.J. because it seems so unnecessary. Early next year A.J. Green is going to be a very wealthy man because he is going to turn pro. So the money was coming. A.J. is a smart kid and he knew that there is no level where selling his jersey for a lousy $1,000 bucks was not a rules violation. The risk/reward/punishment equation for doing this just didn’t add up.
If this NCAA ruling stands (three more games on suspension), and it shouldn’t because it’s excessive, what should be an unforgettable junior season for Green will be forever tainted with “Yeah, he was good but he missed four games.” That made me sad and, at first, angry.
But I learned a long time ago that it’s easy for us adults to wag our fingers and say “Hey, those are the rules. You gotta follow them.” We’re not in the kid’s shoes. We don’t have to watch while the schools fill the stadiums, accept millions from television and make more millions from selling his jersey (with his name on it) while the system pats us on the head and assures us that our day is coming if we’ll only be patient. We really only learn that kind of patience as an adult. Youth, by its very defintion, is not patient.
Understand that the NCAA makes these rules not to regulate what actually happens, like one kid selling a jersey for $1,000. The rules are in place to control what COULD happen–like a kid selling 500 jerseys (provided to him by an agent) for $1,000 each. The NCAA punishes the nickle and dime stuff in hopes of preventing something really big and bad from happening.
When Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant lied to investigators about his relationship with Deion Sanders, the NCAA banned him for the rest of his junior season. Bryant was not truthful but was his lie REALLY that bad? Well, no but the move sent a chilling message to other athletes: Lie to NCAA investigators and you’re done. That message was received and understood. Now before every interview with the NCAA the kid has the fear of God put in him. That was by design.
Yes, the financial end of college athletics is certainly to the benefit of the schools. It’s all one big double standard, we know that. But certain things are just a blatant slap in the face to these guys. The fact that A.J. Green may lose a third of his junior season for selling a jersey while the University Bookstore sells a bunch of them is a double slap. It’s the establishment telling these kids: We can make money off your talent and fame in every damn way we please. If you try it, though, we’ll use the rules to take you out and to keep you in line.
The NCAA enforcement people have been working overtime this summer trying to keep a lid on a bunch of these issues from Agent Gate to Hotel Gate. At the core of all of them is a system where the athletes realize on a daily basis that they are getting a raw deal. They get to the point where they don’t care any more. It’s “hey, if they catch me they catch me but I’m not taking this any more.”
We as fans wonder where the loyalty is to the institution. But through the eyes of a young kid from modest or poor circumstances, that loyalty street seems to only run one way.
I don’t have a lot of answers for you this morning but I would suggest this: A school like Georgia should be able to sell all of the No. 8 jerseys it wants. The jersey and the number belong to the school.
But when some schools–and I am told that Georgia is not one of them–start putting name on the back on the jersey then you have crossed an ethical line. What the kid did on the field made that jersey more valuable than a generic one. He created that extra value and cannot share in it. So the school shouldn’t share in it either.
So let’s just end that practice. Is it a little thing in the grand scheme of things? Absolutely. But it would be one less slap in the face to a group of people who are getting tired of being pushed around.
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847 comments Add your comment
jtdawg
September 9th, 2010
8:11 am
Gator229 -
What a real treat UF has with a fan like you.
Not only do you prove you are a ‘jorted’ idiot (your whah comment? What about Urban Cryer suspending your lineback for a whole 1/2 game for trying to intentionally permanently blind an opponent?)
.. but then you back it up with a racist fried chicken comment?
… the Pride of Gatorland, no doubt…. you dumba@@
GT53
September 9th, 2010
8:13 am
While it might seem unfair to suspoend the young man for making a $1000, there is a priciple here that has not been mentioned. TEAM. Footbal is the ultimate team game. What kind of TEAMMATE is Green knowing that if he gets caught, he cannot use these marvelous skills everyone is bragging about? What if UGA loses a game that perhaps he could have been a part of and loses the SEC title?? I am just saying…
Another Steve
September 9th, 2010
8:15 am
Tony, when it comes to uga, you transform into some form of soap opera werewolf drama queen. No one ever mentions that university coaching staffs develop players for the next level. How many could go into the NFL straight from high school if allowed?
Please save the jawja bias for your radio show and keep your blog an informative and insightful look into the world of CFB.
(Also, as stated, schools are not allowed to sell jerseys with players names on them.)
Hey Dogtards
September 9th, 2010
8:15 am
If you run a red light any nobody is there it’s still running a red light.
A lie is a lie. Selling a Jersey for $1,000 is not de minimis. It’s especially not de minimis because who in their right mind would pay $1,000 for a jersey from the weedwacker bowl? There were some foul motives afoot.
And even if the school doesn’t put “Green” on the back, they are still using his image to impart value by selling his jersey. The #8 jersey is probably by far their best seller. You don’t see a lot of non-star numbers, unless its a past player like Herschel or No-Show or Stafford.
Paul
September 9th, 2010
8:19 am
Murray floating on a cloud after beating Louisiana High School……AJ out of game…..Caleb with his usual “i’m hurt” mentality from last week…..all equals the usual results once the season gets going….what coulda been…shoulda been. One thing we are great at: pre-season smack talk. Here is my pick: SC 20 Giddy Aaron and Co. 7
5IML
September 9th, 2010
8:20 am
I have been pleasantly surprised by the number or reasonable posts this morning. Is the AJC censoring the blog?
Also, AJ’s bowl jersey was not worth $1000. The (supposed) agent was just giving him the money. UGA is lucky Green wasn’t suspended for the year.
LarryDawg1
September 9th, 2010
8:20 am
To everyone last one of you so called UGA fans that don’t do anything but criticize and then leave the blog after you have again defecated on our team’s page and not your own, why don’t you just shut up. The whole world doesn’t have to know how ignorant you are. And, if any of you are REAL GEORGIA FANS, and you are spouting this crap about a kid and a coach, maybe you should stop watching sports, and do something more serious with your life. I am not from Georgia, but I like the team. UGA will never win or recruit top athletes on a regular basis because of you the worlds worse fan! Of course you can’t understand this kid wanting profit from that which is created from HIS name and NOT the university, because you have never been worth that much i your miserable lives. I love the University of Ga., but I hate its fare weather fan! You are nothing but back water trash! Find something else to do with your life! Oh, I’m sorry, the only thing you’re good at is criticizing kids! What a waste of human existence! I hope you take this off the blog! It will prove you can dish it out, but you can’t take truth! CRUMBS!
AtWork
September 9th, 2010
8:21 am
It is easy to fix the problem. Don’t do it if you know its wrong. I understand these kids are impatient and want their money now. They know they rules. The rules haven’t changed all of a sudden Tony. If there is a problem that UGA owns the #8 Jersey but as soon as you put Green on it it somehow isn’t the Universities anymore?…Give me a break. These kids know the rules…If you can’t learn from others mistakes…learn from your own. Don’t complain about the punishment when you know it is wrong and they tell you it is.
People in this country are too busy to push blame to the next person. I am ready to see some MEN step up and take responsibility for their actions instead of “well, i inherited a bad economy” or ” they deserve money cause the school makes money off them” Excuses are a dime a dozen and i am glad you can make some for a kid that already has enough.
When you pray for patience, God doesn’t just give it to you…HE gives you opportunities to be patient.
merculf
September 9th, 2010
8:24 am
It’s a catch 22. You work for a company and have a great idea that makes them a ton of money yet you don’t get to reap the immediate benefits of your own idea.Hopefully the company will eventually reward the employee. That is the way this country works. AJ’s shirt wouldn’t be worth anything without the school (UGA or any other he may have gone to). He needs a stage to show his talents and get recognized. If he works hard enough, he will get a pay day when he hits the NFL.
SOGADOG
September 9th, 2010
8:24 am
AJ Green owes his teamates, coaches and fans another year at UGA. If he goes pro in January, (which I am sure he will), he has no character whatsoever.
UGA VII
September 9th, 2010
8:25 am
What do you expect when the married AD is caught with women`s panties between his legs driving downtown Atlanta at night with a blitzed single gal.
Georgia is the national champion of slime.
The Fulmer Cup says it all.
Tough Green got caught, but it is only the tip of the iceburg.
Steve
September 9th, 2010
8:26 am
I think that the harm comes from the fact that Green sold it to an agent for 1000.00. Talk about an early paycheck! There are rules in life and you as a student athlete have to follow them to honor your scholarship (which is a contract).
Heels Rock and Rule
September 9th, 2010
8:26 am
Tony, your article was irresponsible. You just condoned illegal behavior.
Jason
September 9th, 2010
8:27 am
Tony,
I completely disagree with your assesment that the athletes are getting a raw deal and that the schools should not benefit from jersey sales. How much of Mark Richt’s (and his staff’s) salary has AJ had to pay for so that they could train him to become the athlete that he is? How much has AJ invested financially into the cost of building and maintaining the stadium that UGA plays in? How much has AJ spent on travel expenses to go to places like Oklahoma St., Shreveport, Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and other places? How much did AJ have to spend on the gear that he wears in order to play a game? How much has AJ had to pay to print programs touting his skills? How much did AJ have to spend on building and maintenance of the world class fitness facilities that he has used to build his body into an NFL caliber body? How much has AJ had to spend on healthy food, and how much has he contributed to the salaries of the nutritionists to teach him how to eat to maximize his physical ability?
This is just a small sampling of the benefits that AJ has received over and beyond his “free education”, which everyone seems to feel is of almost no value. Maybe the schools do make millions off these athletes. But it ignores the fact that the schools also spend millions and directly contribute to the development of the talent that these kids display. And the schools shoulder all the financial risk. Who has to pay the mortgage on the stadiums and dorms and equipment? And who suffers if the kids don’t perform well and fans don’t buy tickets or jerseys?
Finally, I want to point out that all research that any student does at an institution of higher education is legally considered intellectual property of the school. So, if some engineer, or chemist, or biologist creates some great invention in their time at the school, the patent belongs to the school. The training, use of facilities, and degree that these students receive are considered a fair compensation even if the student is paying for their own tuition. So these football players are treated no differently.
In essance, these football players are receiving a 3 to 4 year apprenticeship to develop their skills. If they do well in their apprenticeship, they stand to be in the richest 2% of people in the entire world immediately after school regardless of whether or not they actually perform well in their trade (can you say Jamarcus Russell?). And the kids are also able to insure themselves for millions in case of injury while in college (see Willis McGahee). In no way are they getting a raw deal.
Correction, please
September 9th, 2010
8:30 am
The Ohio State of the SEC is a more realistic comparison than saying the Wisconsin of the SEC.
(Of course, this is a football reference. The Dogs all round sports program blows away anything in the Big Ten)
Jake
September 9th, 2010
8:31 am
Not sure AJ will make a lot in the NFL,, he should have held out for say,, $5000.00 for his shirt. Come on, the guy who bought it really got a deal.
CharlotteGator
September 9th, 2010
8:32 am
Pretty glaring error with the whole name on the back of the jersey thing. Usually a big fan of this blog, but the the crux of the argument Tony made isn’t even true. It’s the same reason I have to download rosters for every year’s version of NCAA FB game. Names don’t appear on the jerseys unless someone has added it after the fact or its game worn. For all the hyperbole on the unfairness of jersey sales, etc., it’s fairly apparent Tony hasn’t actually purchased one. In any case, everyone has a bad day. I had one yesterday at work.
If AJ lied or if there are any other circumstances then the 4 games may have been a break. If the only thing that went down was this ’sale’ then I’d agree that the 4 games are excessive. Of course, where there’s smoke there’s fire, and $1000 for the Independence Bowl jersey does seem to smell like a nice way to launder/get money to a primetime player. In any case, I still think UGA can win their upcoming games. Really look forward to watching the USC and Arky matchups as they should be great contests.
Jim Valvano
September 9th, 2010
8:33 am
I got crucified for a couple basketball players selling shoes they never wore for less than what they were worth.
KR
September 9th, 2010
8:33 am
Tony, it’s been said that when you are angry, you should write down exactly what you are thinking and feeling, read it over twice, then push delete to get rid of it. I think this column might have benefited from that advice.
I know a lot of people think this is a UGA blog, but last time I checked it did say Mr. College Football at the top. It’s Thursday, there’s an SEC West match up being played tonight and a whole slew of important games being played this weekend. Maybe today’s column should have been about some of those games…
Right or wrong, Green knew the rules when he signed for his scholarship. He knowingly broke the rules and now must live with the punishment handed down by the governing body. It’s a lot like life, actually.
LarryDawg1
September 9th, 2010
8:33 am
Hotrod, you’re an @ss! These schools are not give free schooling to persons with no talent. They are giving scholarship to kids based on superior talent. And most of the schools could care less if this kid gets a degree or not! You are one of the ones who make it hard to be rational about this subject. Who died and made you the Judge of college athletes? You have no life. Why are you so angry? Do you have a shirt that someone (other than you) would pay $1000 for? What an idiot! I know you are a republican. You defend “Big Business”, and you sugar honey ice tea on the little guy. God Bless America!
Trey
September 9th, 2010
8:35 am
Get it together UGA. You are embarrassing the SEC.
UGA has become a huge embarrassment to the whole state of Georgia.
And now the Fulmer Cup. And the red panties.
The Alpha Male
September 9th, 2010
8:35 am
Tech fans are geigh
DP
September 9th, 2010
8:36 am
“Mr. College Football” throws out a proposal that the NCAA put a rule in place that’s already in place. Schools can’t sell jerseys with player names on the back. Is a little research too much to expect, or is it reasonable for Tony to pop off uninformed like most fans?
Mike
September 9th, 2010
8:36 am
AJ Green is not smart. Smart kids don’t knowingly break the rules without regard to their team. He is a selfish, greedy individual who did something stupid for personal gain and should have had his eligibility taken away.
sugarpikegang
September 9th, 2010
8:36 am
Names on the jerseys should be taken off altogether. I appreciate schools (and teams in general – like the Yankees and even Notre Dame) that refrain from placing names on jerseys.
I get their reasoning and I agree with you too.
GN93
September 9th, 2010
8:37 am
AJ Green doesn’t get paid because they have to pay scholarships for the 2nd string OL whose jersey is worth nothing. Without all those nameless kids on the team there would be no AJ Green and no UGA. Those same jersey sales build the stadium he plays in and support the rest of the athletic department. They give hima stage on which to perform for NFL scouts which will make him a millionaire many times over. Only a handful of athletic departments in the entire nation turn a profit and,those that do, like UGA, generally give much of it back to the academic programs. He knew what he was doing was wrong and he did it anyway. Cryign for this poor superstar athlete is pathetic.
jumbeauxtiger
September 9th, 2010
8:38 am
It sure appears that the jersey was overbidded just to give Green alot of cash. Apparently Green knew what he was doing and should be punished. There must be more to it for him to get hit with 4 games.
Hopefully he’ ll learn from this and go on and have a productive season.
Dana
September 9th, 2010
8:38 am
“Lets be realistic. The jersey wasn’t worth $1000. The person he sold it to gave him a grand in hopes he would make him part of his camp next year when he goes pro.”
Exactly. And Green was perfectly aware of this.
LarryDawg1
September 9th, 2010
8:39 am
SOGADOG what do you owe. Is your past so sparkling clean that you can sit in judgement of this young man? America is suppose to be one nation. Guys really make me sad. I hate to say it, but if I’m a parent with a teenage athlete, I would have real problems send him or her to this school with this poison environment. You, the fan ensure that UGA will continue to be mediocre! And, honestly, that’s all you deserve.
Fast Eddie
September 9th, 2010
8:39 am
Get off your high horse, Tony. How would you like to pay for a player’s education at today’s costs? If the player doesn’t want to be “exploited” by the system, he can pay his own way to college, get a good education and become productive in society. No wonder college athletes have this sense of entitlement when so-called “wise men” such as yourself start crying on their behalf how unfairly they are treated by the school that pays all their costs and gives them an opportunity for a great education at a fine university like UGA as well. My heart breaks for them!
Alphare
September 9th, 2010
8:39 am
“there is a big game like Saturday’s between Georgia and South Carolina I want both teams to have all of their weapons”.
Well, isn’t there a saying “win with class and characters”? Mark Richt told Ealey to his face he couldn’t drive because he had no licence, but Ealey drove. Mark Richt must have told Green millions of times not to deal with an agent, but he did.
Do you know what Mark Richt does when the players slapped his face? he basically backs off. Worse yet, when somebody else (NCAA) slaps the player, do you know what Mark Richt does? Mark Richt appeals on behalf of the player!
Now you know why there are so many arrests in Athens.
RxDawg
September 9th, 2010
8:40 am
“The risk/reward/punishment equation for doing this just didn’t add up”
Yep, I’d bet a dollar that AJ isn’t the only kid in the country that’s done this.
4 games does seem excessive. I hope UGA’s appeal works out. I can’t stand to see a good kid get burned like this.
“At the core of all of them is a system where the athletes realize on a daily basis that they are getting a raw deal. They get to the point where they don’t care any more. It’s “hey, if they catch me they catch me but I’m not taking this any more.””
This stood out more than anything. If your great college player and you see Mel Kiper calling your name whats to really stop you from cashing in? Other than loyalty to your team and school, nothing. It may be easy for a lot of people on hear to say “yeh you should be loyal” but guess what, loyalty ain’t paying the bills. You don’t know what any of their situations is like. Eventually, a small amount on the side for a lousy jersey (”that no one will ever find out about, I promise”) doesn’t sound so bad. Make no mistake, AJ is no villan.
I think it may be time for the big boys of college football ($$$) to break off and form a semi pro league. That or work in a way to let these players reap some of the benefits so temptations like this aren’t necessary. And don’t give me some crap about paying the swimming team the same either. Reward the ones that bring in the money.
TommyP
September 9th, 2010
8:41 am
I could be wrong but I’m of the thinking that names already aren’t allowed on these jerseys.
And anyone notice how often Tony cusses now in his articles? LOL
Gen Neyland
September 9th, 2010
8:42 am
We get the verdict handed down by the NCAA but we don’t get the transcript regarding the chain of events. This takes us on a ride of speculation. An appeal may open a can of worms no-one will want to hear, much less accept. I don’t claim to know the details other than what I’ve read but an appeal may not be in AJ’s/UGA’s best interests. CMR is taking the proper public approach by focusing on the games yet to be played by his team that AJ will sit out…
ATLBadger
September 9th, 2010
8:42 am
Not to mention the fact that the vast majority of college football (or basketball) players DON’T get rich in the NFL/NBA, etc, and have to fall back on their college education to make a living….an education including covered room + board that can be worth over 100k at some places…
MURPHY
September 9th, 2010
8:42 am
I have been a Dawg fan all my life,born in Athens. I think A.J made a mistake and got punished for it. I hate to see him out for 4 games,esp the games we have ahead,but he broke the rules and thats the bottom line.My son plays college football and I cant begin to tell you how many meetings he has attended covering the rules and regulations concerning the NCAA. At some point these kids have to pay attention and become more responsible.I believe this was a harsh punishment,but at what point does the NCAA quit slapping them on the hand saying no! no! Suck it up and take it like a man.One player doesnt make a football team and what a great accomplishment for these Dawgs if they suck it,play hard and win all 4 of these games.I think if this happens it could be the best medicine for our program.
Horace Walpole VII
September 9th, 2010
8:43 am
What do you expect when the married AD is caught with women`s panties between his legs driving downtown Atlanta at night with a blitzed single gal.
Georgia is the national champion of slime.
The Fulmer Cup says it all.
Tough Green got caught, but it is only the tip of the iceburg.
That pretty much covers it.
There’s a reason UGA is known as The Cesspool of the South.
Greg
September 9th, 2010
8:43 am
Stop being a Georgia alum / bulldawg apologist, Tony. $1000 is not “nickles and dimes.” The issue isn’t that he made a grand selling a jersey, it’s that he basically got paid by an agent who you KNOW will expect something in return. (Or did you think that a jersey from the awesome Independance Bowl is actually worth $1000?)
There’s no difference between this act and any other player’s illegal contact with an agent. Stop trying to make it into a “oh, this guy deserves some money” issue.
Jerry
September 9th, 2010
8:46 am
Tony-
You’re right. If you’re a parent, and your child does something wrong, you deal with it, according to the degree of evil. Green is a 1st time offender, and committed a very minor offense. The punishment does not fit the crime. 2 games, max.
This is when people start wondering what’s going on: like the refs in the SEC going against Georgia in the LSU game, and later getting fired, now this?
Due to the number of suspensions, and the amount of money wagered on college football, many will suggest there might be ties to gambling with so many suspensions. I have no idea. But something doesn’t add up. I’d be looking closer at the governing body who is making these decisions. Something smells fishy.
Dumbo
September 9th, 2010
8:47 am
To all the Big Mouths slamming UGA and AJ…..you better look at your on school…this goes on everywhere including at TECH….who buys the tickets from the kids….ALUMNI and friends…who buys a lunch for a kid, let’s say another student pays, but do you know where he got the money to pay for the lunch….that is how the NCAA works…4 games is overboard, maybe 2 at the most, same as the kid at Alabama go for his weekend in Miami.
Derrick
September 9th, 2010
8:48 am
All we’re looking for is a fair proprositon.
the guys have to discipline AJ, and AJ needs to play. The sensible solution is to suspend AJ for 2 games, so AJ and others, get the message, yet AJ gets to play. Considering what he did, 2 games is the right suspension. 4 games is excessive.
Steve
September 9th, 2010
8:48 am
Here is a lesson: You are under a microscope. Anything you do illegal or not is being watched by someone that is jealous or doesn’t like you. It will soon be out in the public.
JP
September 9th, 2010
8:49 am
I am a Gator fan, but I take no pleasure in seeing a talent like AJ Green on the sidelines. 4 games seems like a lot…….
5IML
September 9th, 2010
8:49 am
Scholarship athletes in the SEC get:
Free tuition and books
Free medical care (including major surgery and physical rehab)
Free training and coaching
All meals free
A monthly stipend for rent ($300-500)
A monthly stipend for miscellaneous expenses ($200-300)
LakeDawg
September 9th, 2010
8:49 am
Great article Tony. You articulated very well the current situation in big time college athletics.
LarryDawg1
September 9th, 2010
8:51 am
GN93 you’re typical of the double standard that exist in this country. If you didn’t watch College Football, you STILL wouldn’t even know who A.J. Green is. So that means you want to see these people play, you want to control their ability to profit from their own gift. I don’t want the kid to sell the jersey, I want him to keep it and share it with his grandchildren, but he has to want that for himself. And, don’t get mad at me if want him to make that decision on his own. Making good decisions is a part of growing up. Or do you think playing football make a kid mature faster? I know you all were a bunch of screw-ups when you were younger! I moved to Ga. in1978. I know you guys well. You really have no room to talk about anyone else. And before you say, “well I’m not the one who is playing football for a Division 1 school for free.”, that’s my point exactly, and that’s why you’re mad.
85dawg
September 9th, 2010
8:51 am
I have seen autographed jerseys sell for over $500 and they were replica ones. $1000 for his actual bowl jersey is probably the right price. How much does the NCAA get from all the jersey sales, tv commercials featuring him…… The time these kids put into the sport without pay is tremendous. Paying tuition, etc. is a drop in the bucket to what the school and the NCAA make on them. If it was his car that was sold would we see the NCAA all over it? I hear of the $100 handshakes at other schools all the time. Time for all the rules to be evaluated. He broke the current ones and should pay a reasonable penalty. Four games is excessive.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
September 9th, 2010
8:52 am
Gator 229 – You sound like a racist to me. Associating fried chicken with a black man. Are you perfect? If not – shut up and go back under the rock where you came from.
R. Perdoni
September 9th, 2010
8:54 am
I’m with that guy up aways who opined that players should be allowed to have agents. We’re well into the 21st century, college football players are the last of the truly exploited laborers. (And don’t tell they’re rewarded with a free education.) They should be allowed a piece of this multi-billion dollar pie.
CT_Jacket
September 9th, 2010
8:55 am
I’m tired of the writers talking about the millions that the university makes off of the backs of the players. Other than the coaches that turn a handful of these players into pros and, perhaps the AD, no one is getting rich. Most of that money pays for the other “non-revenue” sports like Tennis, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track & Field, etc and to facilities. What is left over often goes back to the school to pay for capital projects.
Also, it’s easy to say pay the players. But how much do you pay them? Do starters get paid more than backups? How about walk-ons? What about the players of the other sports?