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
Miles
September 9th, 2010
1:10 pm
The bug fan rationale is most fascinating. I thought since Sir Paul Johnson took over they would stop having to live vicariously through UGA’s opponents that seldom beat them; or from any off-field miscues that may occur? I guess times aren’t so sweet down on the flats of the hood after all….
SILLY UGA FANS
September 9th, 2010
1:10 pm
To the ignorant UGA fans that once again feel the need to bring up Hall and Tarrant’s arrests I ask you this. Did you know Tarrant was cleared of all charges? Did you know that Hall’s charges were reduced to magistrate offenses? Or do you even care since they are GT players? If you want these two players to be banned then you most also want all of the UGA players that were arrested to be banned as well.
I in no way condone what Hall did and he was punished and feel shame for a long time. As far as Tarrant I can only go by what was done by the DA and assume he was innocent since the charges were dropped all together and not reduced in any way.
Real Dawg B
September 9th, 2010
1:11 pm
Don’t be mad at AJ for taking money from an agent, possibly costing UGA a game and maybe the conference title? OK! I will not be mad. He’ll be making millions in a few months–that’s all that matters.
davidinloganville
September 9th, 2010
1:12 pm
I think there are 2 camps that have an obsession with hating CMR 1) you are from a rival school 2) you hate the fact that he is a CHRISTIAN. I’m sure a lot of you agree with the group that is paying for the 50 billboards around the Atlanta area.
Delbert D.
September 9th, 2010
1:14 pm
What billboards are you referring to?
Paul in RDU
September 9th, 2010
1:14 pm
UGA beats USC in a close game – the kicking game is the difference
GT beats KU by 10
OSU beats UM but doesn’t cover
Oregon covers against UT
FSU beats OU heads up – FSU has a QB and good WRs. OU has CWM coaching DBs
ALA beats PSU by 10
RamblinWrecker
September 9th, 2010
1:14 pm
GT Alum,
Clearly you know nothing about either case, nor the corrupt, biased, racist local judges that threw the charges out. I suggest you do a little research of your own. If you knew the facts, you’d be as ashamed as I am.
Need I remind you that we still own the most horrific, barbaric football scandal out of any school in the state? Remember our 3 football players during the late 80’s that savagely beat a female student, and her boyfriend, into unconsciousness at a pizzeria?
Steve
September 9th, 2010
1:14 pm
Hello — you say Ga. is making money off his name. Is he not receiving an education in exchange for his play???
I think the 4 game no play is extreme but please don’t say he isn’t receiving anything for his play.
Tom
September 9th, 2010
1:17 pm
davidinloganville — I assure you, 99.9% of so-called UGA fans on here that are attacking Richt are really just weak, spineless, cowardly, pathetic nerd fans disguised as a UGA fan. They’ve done the same dog and pony show since the invention of the internet. Nothing new.
barnes
September 9th, 2010
1:20 pm
RamblinWrecker –
Wow, a stand-up, classy Tech fan? Hmm….are pigs flying? I’ve never seen a Tech fan actually accept ownership of their own program’s faults and shortcomings. Strange.
I had totally forgotten about the GT players that attacked that girl!! That was huge news about 20 years ago!!!!
SILLY UGA FANS
September 9th, 2010
1:20 pm
ramblinwrecker,
So when you say the judges are racist are you saying that they hate blacks or whites? Last I checked both players were black and one of the victims was black so I am confused. What does the episode in the 80’s have to do with right now? Quit pretending to be a GT fan and atleast be a honest dawg.
Don4654
September 9th, 2010
1:20 pm
NCAA Marketing,Please provide proof of your accusations about Dareus……
GT Alum
September 9th, 2010
1:20 pm
Ramblin Wrecker,
Im not saying GT has never had controversy, and are saints. However, we hold our players accountable. We aim to recruit a better class of people, and when they do not live up to our standards we kick them to the curb. Our Institute has no way of knowing what any man will do in the 4-5 years after being recruited, but we know how to deal with a misfit when they act like UGA players.
DawgTime
September 9th, 2010
1:22 pm
As a diehard UGA fan I also agree it would be stupid to pay the players. Like everyone has said, they are getting a free education at top notch universities. Most of which would not even be allowed anywhere near campus if not for their athletic gifts. So no, to pay them would just be double dipping.
takedowndawg
September 9th, 2010
1:22 pm
Agreed, Tom.
SILLY UGA FANS
September 9th, 2010
1:23 pm
Tom,
I assure you the same stuff goes on by UGA fans on every GT blog. I actually like Richt, but think it’s funny considering all the problesm that some UGA fans seem to think he is strict with this kids.
kerryb
September 9th, 2010
1:23 pm
Tony, great column. When you write something about UGA you’re always going to have some idiot call you a homer in the first few post. If you wrote something good about their school or players they would think you are a great columnist. I agree with you 100%. Schools expect thousands of dollars in donations and a lot of money for each game to get season tickets for their games. The schools themselves have developed into nothing more than a professional sports franchise. Why does Georgia sell #8 jerseys and not #65? Because some nobody third stringer wears that number. If the players can’t make money off of jerseys they made famous then the schools should not be allowed to sell them either. Give A.J. his one game suspension and he has given the money he made to charity, that should be enough. Four games for this is crazy. When did the Nazi party take over the NCAA?
RamblinWrecker
September 9th, 2010
1:24 pm
GT Alum,
We go after about 95% of the same players UGA does. You are only kidding yourself. Remember Quincy Carter? Well before he was humiliating UGA and giving us gift victories on the field, he was OUR prized recruit that we rolled the gold carpet out for. We only cut him loose from his commitment after he returned from his failed baseball attempt. Please, you are very confused.
Delbert D.
September 9th, 2010
1:24 pm
RamblinWrecker – “the corrupt, biased, racist local judges”
With statements like that, you certainly need to present some facts.
CPJ Disciple
September 9th, 2010
1:25 pm
How do you violate a rule that is in place because past team members embarassed their school for essentially the same thing (selling their SEC rings for those that have already forgotten)? AJ needs history classes…
Adolph
September 9th, 2010
1:26 pm
During the Indrpendence Bowl in Shreveport,
kerryb.
Geez...
September 9th, 2010
1:26 pm
You UGA blind faithful are amusing. Reminds me of the holy rollers who cover their ears and eyes when presented with real, scientific evidence that they’re following a book of fairy tales. Hint: there’s no magic man in the sky and the UGA football program is a black eye right now with all the arrests and now this.
RamblinWrecker
September 9th, 2010
1:27 pm
barnes,
I love GT with all my heart. I’m a proud legacy and alumnus myself. I just despise the majority of our base that have been living and dying with everything UGA does, minus our own annual contest with them, for years. Do you realize most Tech fans know UGA’s depth chart better than they do our own!?!?! It’s this kind of passive, bangwagon fandom that I am sick and tired of.
87dawg
September 9th, 2010
1:28 pm
I know folks will disagree with me but here is my take. The University of Georgia owns the jersey and the number. They license that out, as does the NCAA and, as the owner of that license they are free to do what they wish with it. AJ Green does not own the rights to the University of Georgia brand. He is granted permission to display that brand. Yes, the brand may make money because of him wearing that number but the University still owns it. They don’t lease it to him for his own personal use.
Take this example, I have a number 10 jersey. Who’s to say that I bought that because of Eric Zeier and not Fran Tarkenton? Then again, whose to say that I didn’t just buy a University of Georgia jersey with no intention of supporting any player, rather I support the University? That just happens to be the number on the shirt I grabbed. After all, there are only a few choices. I haven’t seen the “no number” jersey yet. And to be honest, I’ve yet to see a replica jersey in any store that has a player’s name on the back so I don’t know where y’all shop. They are sold with simply a number. More that that, though, they are sold with the brand of the institution I am supporting. I’m an AJ Green fan but AJ Green will be gone next year. The University of Georgia will not be. I will wear my same jersey regardless of which player takes up that number.
AJ Green knew it was against the rules. I’m sorry he won’t be there for however many games the NCAA deems in their infinite wisdom he should miss but let’s be honest. He knew it was against the rules and broke them anyway. The penalty is way too excessive, agreed, but it never should have been an issue. You don’t get game suspensions for not screwing up.
GT Alum
September 9th, 2010
1:28 pm
Ramblin Wrecker,
How do you explain the vast difference in number of arrests and misfits between UGA and GT?
Tom
September 9th, 2010
1:29 pm
silly uga fans,
Problems? Yes, we seem to recruit kids that cannot drive or do not have licenses, but give me a break man. 85% of our “problems” have been automobile related and you know it.
PMC
September 9th, 2010
1:29 pm
Loyalty doesn’t exist anymore. The only loyalty in this world is individual loyalty to ones self. Trust between an employee and employer…. is in cash alone.
Give me a break
September 9th, 2010
1:29 pm
RamblinWrecker, you’re not fooling anyone into believing you’re a Tech fan. We are talking about current events here, not something that happened 20 years ago. Also, Robert Hall’s charges were dismissed according to the AJC as were the charges against Tarrant. Tarrant missed considerable time after being suspended indefinitely until the charges were dismissed. And Hall was suspended for a game despite the charges being dismissed.
GT has certainly had our share of issues but nothing REMOTELY close to the numbers we’ve seen out of Athens.
Delbert D.
September 9th, 2010
1:29 pm
RamblinWrecker -”Do you realize most Tech fans know UGA’s depth chart better than they do our own”
Is that a fact? Again, provide the evidence.
DIT
September 9th, 2010
1:31 pm
Geez… Your a fool!
DIT
September 9th, 2010
1:31 pm
Geez…. Better yet, prove that there is not a God.
RamblinWrecker
September 9th, 2010
1:31 pm
GT Alum –
tom sort of stole my thunder, but his response is suffice. Not to mention I think we do a hell of a lot better job hiding our problem players. Besides, we do not have a local police force with a hair up their butt to bust our athletes like they apparently do in Athens. Not sure what the quarrel is between the athletic department and the Athens PD, but I’m glad we do not have to deal with that here.
87dawg
September 9th, 2010
1:32 pm
And in reply to Geez and his stupid comments, if evolution really happened and we evolved from monkeys, why do monkeys still exist? Bonehead.
RamblinWrecker
September 9th, 2010
1:32 pm
Delbert D. –
46 years of life lived in the great state of Georgia is my evidence.
Gator Mike
September 9th, 2010
1:33 pm
Every school has its share of knuckle heads who have the potential to do something as stupid as what Green did in this case. The sad thing is that he let his coaches, teammates and the UGA fans down. He was treated with kid gloves at Summerville High School in SC which probably contributed to him assuming he could get away with this stupid act. UGA and all of the big time schools spend a lot of time “trying” to educate the players on the NCAA Rules. Some folks are simply too stupid and selfish to abide by the rules. As for the severity of the 4 game ruling, it does seem excessive. Maybe there is more to it.
I am not normally an UGA fan, but I hope the DAWGS do well without Mr. Green except in Jax on the last Saturday in October.
DIT
September 9th, 2010
1:34 pm
87dawg –
I’m still waiting on Geez.. proof that there is no God. This should be even more comical. Actually it’s sad on his part. The boy needs help.
hahahahahaha!!!!!
September 9th, 2010
1:34 pm
@ give me a break,
You want to talk current events NOW, but every other sentence you are touting phony national titles that tech was given years before even your grandparents were born? LOL!!! No sir, you give ME the break!! LOL!!!!
takedowndawg
September 9th, 2010
1:34 pm
silly, Does GT have a blog? I have never known any of my Georgia alumni fans or family that has ever mentioned to me that they visited one. Why would be our motivation to go there? There would be no reason that I can ascertain. Enlighten us, silly.
Alabama Jack
September 9th, 2010
1:35 pm
We don’t need no stinkin’ rules. if you don’t like how I drive, then get off the sidewalk.
Reality
September 9th, 2010
1:35 pm
I am tired of hearing about UGA making money off of its players. If it weren’t for UGA, would his jersey be worth anything? If he had not come to UGA and was working in a local store in SC,. would anybody pay him $1000 for his jersey? No, his jersey is only worth money because he plays football for UGA. Does UGA sell more #8 jerseys than #16 jerseys? Sure they do. But if A.J. is not there, someone else will come along and they will sell that jersey. (Perhaps #7, Orson Charles?) A.J. agreed to the deal when he signed up. If he doesn’t like the rules, he should go play semi-pro. He gets no sympathy from me. He knew he was doing wrong, knew that it would impact the team if he was caught, but did it anyway. Please quit making excuses for players that have no personal responsibility.
yellowjacketjack
September 9th, 2010
1:35 pm
what everybody is missing is YES, the bookstore sells the #8 jersey for $39.99, but AJ sold his jersey for $1000. must be a nice jersey or simply an agent overpaying in order to get AJ to sign with him in NFL dealings. AJ knew what was going on
Give me a break
September 9th, 2010
1:36 pm
Ramblinwrecker, you lose all credibility when you say that GT recruits 95% of the same athletes that Georgia does. There is significant overlap but its nowhere close to 95%. It couldn’t be because at least half of the players they recruit wouldn’t stand a chance of being admitted. You’re right about Quincy Carter, but he was released from his commitment because he didn’t want to ride the pine behind Joe Hamilton. And we are better off for it as a result, obviously.
You’re still not fooling anybody into believing you’re a Tech fan. If so, you’re probably one of the bitter old men that sit the entire game and complain when people in front of you stand. Lord knows we have plenty of those…
I tell you what, if you are a Tech fan then we don’t need you. Go jump on the bandwagon in Athens with all of the other inbreds on this blog.
BooBoo
September 9th, 2010
1:36 pm
Here’s an idea: Make ALL college entrance be for course learning, and ALL athletics in colleges and universities be intramurals only. Then, make ALL athletic programs for profit be private businesses that have to pay athletes, as well as build their own stadiums, training centers, et all. Only when educational institutions return to being about education will a student loan come down be reduced to a level that one could reasonably expect to pay it off in a lifetime, working a regular professional job. Stop idolizing boys who are dumb as stumps, but built like a steroid-filled bull. Quit pretending bull-boys are going to school first, and playing football in their spare time.
under the porch
September 9th, 2010
1:39 pm
ramblinwrecker,
Not sure if I like you posting here. You are ruining my perceived, and to date proven, notion that all Tech fans are nothing more but arrogant, pompous, under achieving, self-loving, entitled, good for nothing douch$bags
Give me a break
September 9th, 2010
1:39 pm
Yo hahahahahaha, I’ve never been out here until today. So I’m not sure what you’re talking about. But I can tell you that Ramblinwrecker is without a doubt a Georgia fan. Look at his most recent post- its a typical Georgia fan making excuses for the players. Typical BS about the Athens Clarke county PD being less lenient than the police around GT. Again, give me a break.
GT Alum
September 9th, 2010
1:39 pm
Takedowndog,
Visit almost any tech article on AJC.com with a blog and you will see plenty of UGA fans talking smack.
amg
September 9th, 2010
1:40 pm
I am a Tech fan and if Tech had as many arrest and problems as thUGA has had the past 5 years, the coach and possible the AD would be fired, oh wait I mean we would fire our AD before he slept with a student and got a DUI. Good god almighty UGA you are the most pathetic university in the US, period. You have no room to talk or even consider ethics. Right now you might get mad at Richt , if you have a bad season. At any decent school, Richt would be long gone at this point. Good luck at winning at football, the rest of the university is worthless at this point.
hahahahahaha!!!!!
September 9th, 2010
1:40 pm
give me a break just had it handed to him by wrecker!!! that was hilarious!!!
“But we won a title in 1907!!!!” lolololololol!!!!!
and he is right, Tech does go after everyone UGA does!!
bad apple dawg
September 9th, 2010
1:40 pm
You homers….. the penalty is not Excessive. It sends a message to these morons who knowingly breaks rules that the NCAA means business. This guy also caused UGA to lose the LSU game last year with his look at me penalty. AJ is at fault not the NCAA. Now get over it !
Time to step up .......... NEXT !!!
September 9th, 2010
1:41 pm
It is what it is Dogs. I too am disgusted with all of this UGA crap. I am class of 71 & 73 @ UGA. NFL needs to create a minor league where these morons can go and learn to play pro ball which would allow the schools to offer football for students ………..again. Future MDs, Teachers, Pharmacists, Businessmen, Attorneys,etc. Schools all over the USA can get back to their ORGINAL MISSION ………Education …………..not NFL preparation. Please.
Now ………. the exciting news in all of this. Someone has been secretly saying to himself that “I can do what so and so is doing.” On Saturday, there is a football game in Columbia,SC and there will be kids on the UGA team that think they are good at wide receiver. Really?
Let me see it. Step up and play …………. is that not why you other 6? UGA wide outs were recruited by every SEC school? Now ………..show us. Do we not have 4? blue chip tight ends??
Do we not have three BIG, TOUGH, HAMMERING 6′3″ 245 lb. fullbacks that also can CATCH the ball??? Well, use them.
That is all. UGA ought to be fine. Dogs D will be on Garcia like bad tequilla in a Motel 6.
Hey, UGA will leave the light on, Garcia.
Go Dogs.