UGA’s Mark Richt should break the rules in the name of academics
The feel-good story of UGA’s 2009 recruiting class is Chris Burnette.
Richt should consider taking one NCAA secondary violation in the name of academics (AJC)
Not only is he one of the nation’s top-rated offensive linemen, he is also a valedictorian candidate at Troup High School. UGA coach Mark Richt told Burnette he was the first valedictorian he had ever recruited. He also said that if Burnette got to speak at graduation, that he would do his best to be there in person to hear it.
Richt’s vow earned Georgia, and college football in general, a wave of good publicity. Then the big and bad NCAA got in the way.
As it turned out, it would be against the rules for Richt to attend the celebration of his recruit’s academic achievements. Richt, being the nice guy he is, felt bad about not being permitted to go but said he would still listen to the speech via a videotaped copy.
That’s where things stand right now. And now is where I think Richt should consider taking a stand … in the name of academics. If Lane Kiffin is throwing around secondary violations like mulligans in golf (for example, talking about Bryce Brown on a radio show, and then still being able to sign BB), then Richt should consider taking one. And this one would be for all the right reasons.
The national headlines would read “SEC football coach gets in trouble for showing up at valedictorian ceremony for blue-chip recruit.” Wouldn’t that be nice for a change, rather than all the negative things happening in sports. As we know, much too often, the word “student” is rarely mentioned in student-athletes. If Mark Richt was ever going to intentionally take a secondary violation (nothing more than a slap on the wrist), then this would be the most perfect one.
You might even have other prospects dare to invite their future college coach to come to their graduations, too. The coach can tell the prospect, “Hey if you make the grades and earn valedictorian honors, then it’s a done deal. I’ll be there.” What a wonderful trend it would be to start. Maybe even the NCAA would come to its senses and write up a special exemption for this type of situation. You know, to encourage academic success among the high school athletes of all sports.
Chris Burnette
Would Richt consider breaking the rules? Highly unlikely. But maybe he’ll surprise us. Actually, Richt could attend Burnette’s graduation without breaking any rules. According to an expert on the NCAA rules, all Richt would need to do is request a special waiver, which would likely be granted.
Now an update on Burnette: The offensive lineman who has made nothing but A’s since kindergarten is down to his final five weeks of classes. He has a 5.12 GPA and is in the running with two others for the school’s No. 1 academic honor. Graduation is scheduled for May 23 at Troup.
“It’s still looking good,” Burnette told the AJC. “[School officials] told me either way, that I should be speaking at graduation. We’ll have the final results of everything sometime soon.”
“That would be really cool if Coach Richt could make it. But I know he has a lot going on. However, it meant the world to me and my family that he even considered coming that day. There were a lot of people around school getting excited about it.”
People should get excited about academic achievements. And anybody, whether they are a football coach, fireman or doctor, should be able to join in the excitement.
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212 comments Add your comment
Bamafan
April 17th, 2009
5:13 am
I hope the NCAA lets Mark Richt go to the players graduation. Want do the federal government and the NCAA have in common? Both are getting out of control and having to many stupid rules. Good luck to the young man and best wishes in the future. GO DAWGS!!
Crimson Crush
April 17th, 2009
6:01 am
Most of the time when I bother to post of the comment it is to rebut some idiotic Dawg fan ragging some Georgia kid for choosing the Tide . I am most certainly not an apologist or even admirer of Coach Richt or the Bulldogs .
That being said I have to wholeheartedly agree with the author of this article on this particular situation . Richt should just say screw the NCAA . attend the kids graduation ceremony and “self report” the “violation” by cell phone while watching the kid give his address to his class . Kiffins is racking up 2 or 3 public violations a week just acting stupid . Richt and the Dawgs can certainly afford a little one on this situation .
If the NCAA even remotely tried to make something significant out of it I think you would see a lot of backlash directed towards Indianapolis … not Athens ..
Tech Fan
April 17th, 2009
6:39 am
Coach Richt should follow through on his word.I agree with the article and the 1st two comments.
Since the violation is really not punitive, follow through on your word. CMR should make the stand.
Slavery for example, was legal at one time in this country and was even approved by the Supreme Court of the day. But somebody stood up in that time and changed it for all the right reasons.
Stand up Coach.
Moses
April 17th, 2009
6:58 am
Why would anyone who is this Smart want to go to an Academic Dump like UGA?
RVaughters
April 17th, 2009
7:11 am
I am so proud of this young man whether he ever plays football or not. To be such a gifted student and talented athelete is remarkable in this day and age. The pressure to perform in class and on the field is not an easy challenge for most kids. Richt will have to make a tough decision, but in the end he cannot win. Either athletics or academics often get sacrificed in pursuing a dream of college sports excellence. Very few colleges can be highly competitive and successful at both. Good luck to this young scholar athlete.
Friday morning buffet « Get The Picture
April 17th, 2009
7:14 am
[...] Michael Carvell, right on. [...]
SugarHillDawg=Nerd Tormentor
April 17th, 2009
7:25 am
Moses the Moron, This kid like THOUSANDS like him want to play MAJOR college football and hopefully play on Sundays. That’s why he went to UGA!
BILLY JACK
April 17th, 2009
7:52 am
MOSES…..I MEAN JACKASS-CHECK HOW MANY ACADEMIC ALL AMERICANS GEORGIA HAS-THEN MAKE SURE YOU NEVER BLOG AGAIN AND SHOW YOUR STUPIDITY.
UGA'er
April 17th, 2009
8:02 am
Good to see the Vols mentioned on your site again today.
mightyKC
April 17th, 2009
8:19 am
richt has had no problem having his players knowingly break the rules on the field, he should just go for it!
then he can say ‘well i didn’t really mean for it to happen that way, i thought i was going to a movie and all the sudden i was at a graduation ceremony…it’s crazy’
UGA man
April 17th, 2009
8:33 am
Great job Chris however the speaking thing turns out. Richt is a superior person who does lots of good things outside the world of football. This is another opportunity for him to do a wonderful thing. It would be great publicity for the NCAA as well. What a good life example for the kids to see that rules can be broken when done the proper way. If Mark was ever to ask the NCAA for a waiver, this would be the time. Go Dawgs.
puppydawg
April 17th, 2009
8:52 am
Moses, I’m guessing that you were never a candidate for valedictorian at your academic dump.
Munson's Call
April 17th, 2009
8:52 am
MOSES…you mean that academic dump that produced TWO Rhodes Scholars in 2008?
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 17th, 2009
8:54 am
Just pretend it’s a TD against UF, you get a celebration penalty.
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 17th, 2009
8:58 am
Did Rachel Maddow go to UGAg?
Who was the other Rhodes, Deborah Norville?
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 17th, 2009
9:00 am
Herschel was valedictorian of his graduating class of eight.
Mtn Bama
April 17th, 2009
9:01 am
While I agree that this is another example of a really stupid rule I doubt that Ritch will force the issue and if he does I doubt the ncaa would grant a waiver as they think it would open the flood gates for others as there are many recruits who achieve all manner of academic success worthy of a visit by the person who will be in charge of thier lives for four years.Might want to think twice about self-reporting “minor” offences, has not worked well for Bama.
Zionbama
April 17th, 2009
9:17 am
I think that NCAA should get a life and quit being so freaking idiotic about so many thing such as this. Being a huge bama fan I totally endorse Richt if he attends the graduation. As a matter of fact, it would actually make me more of a UGA fan and want to cheer more for them if he does.
And guys Moses is just trying to stir up trouble and is just jealous because he can’t get his GED after 10 tries.
I hope you guys beat Florida this year and play us in Atlanta for the SEC Championship!
Roll Tide!
DawginLex
April 17th, 2009
9:42 am
Rambler,
You are truly a low life. I have never seen anything anything like it. The sad part is, you served our nation in the armed forces. you are a disgrace to that as well because of the comments you make about kids from other schools simply because they are not going to Ga Tech.
you make me sick.
KD
April 17th, 2009
9:52 am
Ramble On, go play with yourself and stay on your website with all the other pencil neck geeks !!!!!!
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 17th, 2009
9:54 am
DawginLex, Take a couple of Alka-Seltzers…I think it maybe the dawg food you been eating.
LOL, not sure what you’re referring to about these “kids” and the comments I made you find so sickening.
I think Football is a bit too much for you to take so personally.
Equestrian maybe more your speed.
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 17th, 2009
9:55 am
We recruit at GT too…you know like Stephen Hill. So, I’ll stay right here KD.
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 17th, 2009
9:56 am
DawinLex, you don’t have to worry about us beating you in Equestrian either, like football, basketball, and baseball.
Tom, Resident Georgia Fan
April 17th, 2009
9:59 am
Moses, your dad would have been smart to roll over and fire you against the wall, Jerk.
orangesux
April 17th, 2009
10:00 am
I agree with this article – Richt should keep his word, go see the kid and report it. done deal. I too, am a Bama fan but I like to see good things happen to good people regardless of what school they choose to play for. This kid has a +5 gpa for cryin’ out loud… This should be an additional reward to him.
DawginLex
April 17th, 2009
10:02 am
Rambler,
Don’t try to justify being a low life. It is what it is and you are what you are.
Atlanta Gator
April 17th, 2009
10:04 am
Good grief. Richt should request the waiver from the NCAA to attend the kid’s graduation ceremony. If the NCAA can’t see this matter correctly, and it really does constitute a secondary violation with no real consequences, Richt should attend anyway. This Gator would stand up and cheer.
DawginLex
April 17th, 2009
10:07 am
Atlanta Gator,
It is a breath of fresh air to read positive comments from supporters of other schools. We can never expect that from most of the Tech folks with the holier than thou you didn’t go to Tech attitudes.
Thanks.
KD
April 17th, 2009
10:07 am
Hey, Ramble On,that response didn’t make any sense, I didn’t know we were talking about recruiting, it was concerning Chris Burnette, and CMR attending his graduation, but you are such a jerk-off, you wish to talk about one single recruit, like I said earlier you are a JERK OFF and a A$$ !!!!!
Curious George
April 17th, 2009
10:16 am
If this recruit is really THAT smart, why isn’t he going to Georgia Tech instead ?
78 DAWG
April 17th, 2009
10:20 am
We’ve been playing by the “ncaa’s rules” too long. If we recruited only the top kids regardless of ncaa rules, We may already have the top program but we would leave the gayturds in the dust if we didn’t worry so much about admissions and graduation rates. If you want to graduate, then graduate, it ain’t the coaches job.
Right On Time
April 17th, 2009
10:23 am
Ramble On actually now makes me laugh. Previously I would be irritated, but I have come to appreciate his “stick and move” style. Actually very entertaining. By the way, there is no point debating him as he knows as much about UGA (and the 2 scholars)as most of you do: He is on these blogs daily. He really is pretty funny and VERY good at getting the “masses” all red faced. Good job RO.
Atlanta Gator: As usual, right on the money. Richt should keep his word and go anyway. Great life lesson and example for not just the players but his children.
Good article.
Brent Cunningham
April 17th, 2009
10:25 am
Dawginlex, there’s a reason Tech people act superior. It’s because they feel superior (win a football game or not, 24/7). And, they feel superior because they are usually smarter and classier and don’t think winning a football game or a “recruiting battle” changes anything.
gdawginkalamazoo
April 17th, 2009
10:26 am
Coach Richt please go to the kid’s graduation, damn the NCAA. This would be for all the right reasons. The kid has signed and sealed to show up at UGA in the fall to play.
Moses, what kind of burning bush did you talk to? I think you stood too close to it and inhaled.
GA Buckeye
April 17th, 2009
10:27 am
Does anybody know the rules Richt would be violating? If he had a relative at this high school or any other high school, would he be prohibited from attending the graduation. Would he have to prove he is there to support another graduate other than a recruit. This rule just seems ‘kinda dumb’.
OhioDawg
April 17th, 2009
10:36 am
What a refreshing, if all-too-rare story! CMR, who is also part of a dwindling breed, the true Southern Gentleman (I don’t think I need to fill in the blanks here, do I?) is to be commended for being involved to the nature and extent he already is. The simple fact that Fl and AL fans approve should be overwhelming evidence that the prize is worth the risk. Richt should definitely go through the proper channels, but can you imagine the hue and cry if the NCAA refused a waiver? This is a good thing all the way around. People like Moses and the GT freak can and should simply be ignored – they probably are used to it anyway- and be sent back for more vodka-and-Cheerio breakfasts. Anyone who denigrates UGA’s academic progress over the last twenty years is several degrees off plumb anyway.
KR
April 17th, 2009
10:36 am
Auburn fan here. Mark Richt should attend.
#1.Dawgette
April 17th, 2009
10:36 am
Curious George……you answered your own question within your question. I believe it is GT that has been caught w/the more recent, large academic issues w/student athletes, not UGA. Oh, and UGA was home of two Rhode Scholars in ‘08. Also, check current facts on admissions and student GPAs then rethink your post, sir.
Buddy El
April 17th, 2009
10:36 am
Sugarhill,now you have done it. Calling Moses “Moses The Moron”. Please, in the interest of fairness, please send a retraction apologizing to “Morons” everywhere. Gooooooooooooooooooooo Dawgs.
Buddy El
April 17th, 2009
10:41 am
Why couldn’t CMR receive an invitation from any non-athlete senior or would that be over-ridden the NCAA underworked Storm Troopers.
brian
April 17th, 2009
10:41 am
Although it’s hard for me to say it as I’m a tech fan (and take no responsibility for those nimrods posting the BS above), this is a great story. It really is too bad the NCAA is so foolish. To truly encourage and reward a young person for academics is what this system should be all about. What an amazing young man too – 5.12GPA? Wow. Now the real question is how do we make sure more athletes use him as a role model versus the boneheads who can barely pronounce the school they are accepting a scholarship from???? My favorite still is Stephan Marbury saying “I am signing with Georgia Tech University!”. Nice.
Brent's An Idiot!
April 17th, 2009
10:42 am
To feel superior to someone is stupid and classless in the first place. So to dog (no pun intended) someone else by using these tactics is stupid, as well. Is that what your great Tech education got you?
Halberstram
April 17th, 2009
10:46 am
Great article Michael. As you stated, there’s definitely a way Richt can make it possible to attend the graduation. Hopefully he will make it down there, the kid deserves it.
Bama Dawg
April 17th, 2009
10:53 am
Let me get this straight. The kid has already signed the letter of intent, a legally binding document that the NCAA honors, so its not like Richt is still recruiting the guy. Why the hell should it matter to the NCAA if he goes to listen to the kids speach?
I say Richt made a commitment to the kid, just like the kid made a commitment to UGA and he, Richt, should tell the NCAA to take a hike and keep his word.
Buddy El
April 17th, 2009
10:54 am
Brent Cunningham:Apparently you don’t speak for Techies everywhere and if you are the real Brent Cunningham that I followed through highschool and GT I am very surprised with your taking such an attitude. Tell me it ain’t you Brent. I know several GT grads that are really intelligent nice guys. I also know a bunch of them that couldn’t find their a** with both hands in their hip pockets. You are making a case for your being one of the latter.
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 17th, 2009
10:59 am
Thanks Right On Time, you seem to get it.
gdawginkalamazoo, that was a good one.
Reid in EAV
April 17th, 2009
10:59 am
Of course he should go, but the larger issue here is that the NCAA is operating a cartel in restraint of trade that ought to be illegal. Essentially it’s a plantation, getting free slave labor for four years of athletic eligibility while reaping 100% of all the revenues (ticket sales, TV deals, luxury boxes, licensing) that result.
Of course, fat chance that anyone operating on the NCAA plantation decides to make an issue of any of that stuff. But it still stinks.
John
April 17th, 2009
11:12 am
I agree and think Coach Richt should attend anyway. It would set an honorable precident and one more Coach’s should follow. God knows so many gifted athletes have no care about their education as it is. Coach take a step in the right direction; I assure you fans everywhere will rejoice!
Les W. Moore
April 17th, 2009
11:13 am
Michael, did you just propose that Mark Richt be more like Lane Kiffin? Richt has become a fat and happy head coach and does remind many of the previous coach at Tennessee. But….
gdawginkalamazoo
April 17th, 2009
11:16 am
Brent, you keep on thinking that buddy.
Reid, play football, get an education fully paid for if you put forth the effort to better yourself. If you don’t put forth the effort to get your education, well, you get what you deserve.
Right On Time
April 17th, 2009
11:17 am
Reid:
I wish I was physically gifted enough to have been one of those “slaves” at a D1 “plantation”. Most of us would also enjoy seeing
our children experience being a scholarship athlete. Having
your college education paid for is no small matter. That being said, there are some issues with the NCAA, no doubt.
Otto
April 17th, 2009
11:25 am
CMR should not break rules to attend but he should apply for the waiver. CMR made enough enemies in the NCAA and SEC front office with the end zone dance.
Dawg88
April 17th, 2009
11:37 am
Crimson Crush or anyone here…regardless of who you root for…Why would you not admire CMR?
I know that I admire coaches like him on other teams that i don’t pull for. Why not admire him? Or is it just rivalry talk that poisons the mind toward not being objective?
Just wondering…
Will
April 17th, 2009
11:44 am
Call King Obama and ask him to fix this rule while he is fixing the BCS. Ya right! He lied to college football fans too.
Big Poppa
April 17th, 2009
11:54 am
Coach Richt should go. It is very difficult to excel at academics and athletics and the accomplishment should be rewarded. This would show that the coach is committed to him as not just a player, but a person and student. The NCAA definitely is wrong for having such a rule in place.
WhoCares
April 17th, 2009
11:56 am
If “saint Mark” cares so much about “students” then why not just go to Clarke Central’s graduation to hear their validictorian?
Otto
April 17th, 2009
12:00 pm
Will, with any luck Obama will not be able to stamp his mark on CFB. He has messed enough things up.
BobDog
April 17th, 2009
12:00 pm
I checked and the average SAT of Georgia’s upcoming freshman class is 17 points higher than Tech’s.
Preston
April 17th, 2009
12:14 pm
Curious George, he’s not going to tech because tech sucks. They’re like another South Carolina on our schedule. They’ll win one every once in a while but they’re clearly a second rate program.
Preston
April 17th, 2009
12:16 pm
I wonder if the kid’s gonna save us a scholarship by getting an academic scholly and being a walk on. Hmmmm…
mexdawg
April 17th, 2009
12:17 pm
Hey Ramble On your season tickets along with you cupons for a free hot dog and coke are ready for you to pick up.Oh by the way you might want to sell those GEORGIA tickets it’s not going to be pretty……LET THE BIG DAWG EAT.
heyberto
April 17th, 2009
12:19 pm
I know the NCAA has gotten out of control with its rules… and Richt should atleast pursue an exemption… but as far as why the NCAA has the rules in place about what you can and can’t do are largely because of coaches like Kiffin, Meyer and Saban tha continue to push the envelope… not that Richt hasn’t, but you constantly see those three doing anything they can to push the rules to the limit, or even find ways to break them then plead ignorance.
Preston
April 17th, 2009
12:20 pm
Yeah BobDog, it’s funny as hell how tech’s nerd fanbase comes on here and claims such academic superiority when their players take custodial engineering. I guess they have to make something up for getting beat most of the time. Sad and funny at the same time. Poor tech fans.
Huh?
April 17th, 2009
12:20 pm
I don’t understand why this guy isn’t going to Georgia Tech where he can end up an engineer, an engineer, or even an engineer. I mean, Georgia Tech has so much to offer an 18 year old kid with his entire life ahead of him. You never know what you might end up doing with your career after Georgia Tech. You could be an engineer or maybe even an engineer. Who knows? The sky is the limit. This kid is clearly a classless thug of poor character because he does not want to attend the great institution of Georgia Tech. I think we can all agree on that.
'ol dawg
April 17th, 2009
12:20 pm
Let’s face it, the intelligent posts, regardless of what college they graced, are just that, intelligent. It proves that education works. As for the others, well I don’t have to comment.
This young man is unique, for any recruit. He has superior intellect, and I would venture to say that bigger and better things will be heard from him in the future, outside of football.
As for CMR, an application for a waiver is in order. I hope someone gets these comments to him in order for him to see that his fans are all for his attendance. The cream on the cake are fans from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, et.al., and the intelligent Tech fans that went to Tech because they are, are also for it. (Sorry about that rambling sentence)
GT EE Class of '93
April 17th, 2009
12:21 pm
A “smart” UGA student and a football player? Not only should Richt attend his graduation, but the “college of education (sic)” should name a building after the kid.
Diamond Dawg
April 17th, 2009
12:21 pm
While Vols coaches are running around with their shirts off our coach is attending graduations. Nice job Tenn. You guys are a joke.
wp
April 17th, 2009
12:23 pm
I know you need to obey rules or you can’t expect your players to do the same but in this case we’re not there to recruit we’re there to honor a great accomplishment
Diamond Dawg
April 17th, 2009
12:23 pm
Also I give Lame Kitten bout two years and they will be on major probation for something he has done. Hide and watch. They guy is an idiot!!!
Preston
April 17th, 2009
12:23 pm
Mexdawg, thanks for reminding me dude. I’m gonna pull $20 out of my account today and buy season tickets to tech so I can go to the Georgia game. I’ll toss the rest of the tickets because I sure as hell couldn’t sell them.
macrotech
April 17th, 2009
12:28 pm
Just ANOTHER moment when the ncaa get’s in the way of it’s ‘good’ intentions! CMR shouldn’t break the rule……the rule needs to be reconsidered!
Saint Simons
April 17th, 2009
12:28 pm
45-42!!!!! hahahahahahahahahahahaha
bank walker
April 17th, 2009
12:30 pm
Go Coach Richt! GO DAWGS!!!
Lol
April 17th, 2009
12:31 pm
Lol. SEC and education. That would definitely be a change. Rules are rules, but if he wants to make a statement, he should go.
Munson
April 17th, 2009
12:35 pm
We all get it Ramble On!!!, you’re a douchebag.
Forrest Gump
April 17th, 2009
12:37 pm
If he wants a great education, he should go to Alabama.
Socrates
April 17th, 2009
12:40 pm
If Richt really wanted to take a stand for academics, he would stop recruiting thugs and players who can’t pass the high school graduation test and do something about his own graduation rate which is at the bottom of the SEC and his players arrest rate, which is at the top.
heyberto
April 17th, 2009
12:47 pm
Wow Socrates… how profound and wise of you. I’m sure your school has a bunch of saints and NEVER commit any of the mistakes young kids make, and your program ALWAYS graduate all of their players. Of course, if you are, that means its not because they go on to have NFL careers or win championships. Stay classy.
Dawg Fud
April 17th, 2009
12:49 pm
i believe RAMBLE ON!!! is a female blogger…
Herschel Walker's other personality
April 17th, 2009
12:57 pm
He should go. It’s not every day UGA recruits someone who can read to play football.
murfdawg
April 17th, 2009
12:58 pm
Thanks for the article Mr. Carvell. I hope this is the only brush with NCAA violations we will have this year. Do you remember what Brian Bosworth called the NCAA? Sometning like National Communist Against Athletics. Some things never change.
KNelson
April 17th, 2009
1:00 pm
Good call on attending! Now for all of you fools wanting to bash UT. Do you remember Jason Respert who was recruited by Florida? Florida revoke the scholarship and he went to UT. He turned his life around and graduated , then went on to the NFL. Envy Envy Envy. CMR is a class act, the majority of his fans are sitting on their porch listening to banjo music!
NCAASTINKS
April 17th, 2009
1:05 pm
As someone that played 3 sports for all 4 years of my college career under the NCAA I can say with an informed opinion that they are worthless. The NCAA needs to be retooled and reestablished to focus on the STUDENT-athlete. If it had not been for a strong love for the sports I played in college and for my college itself I would have stopped participating in varsity level sports after my freshman year. The NCAA is concerned ONLY about revenue, they have no concern about the STUDENTS.
Reid in EAV
April 17th, 2009
1:06 pm
To the Kool-Aid drinking NCAA defenders: a $50,000-value in-kind compensation of college tuition, room and board for four years of (otherwise unpaid) work is hardly a fair trade, particularly considering the kind of revenue that’s generated by these kids for their programs, and considering that the programs themselves provide far less time for study than the average student has. (And no, I couldn’t even play a sport on the NAIA level, which is why it’s even more offensive that the NCAA takes the stellar athletes that populate D-1 sports and forbids them to do the normal things that minor-league/developmental athletes do, like take a paycheck and get paid for endorsements.)
At least in football, people keep taking this deal because the NCAA has enforced a monopoly on teh sport’s only viable minor league. But in basketball the super-talented play one year of college ball or skip it entirely—and baseball has its own minor-league system that renders college baseball as a route to the bigs, but hardly the only one.
With non-revenue sports like swimming, gymnastics and track, what the NCAA does is largely fine. The kids in those programs are true student-athletes (students first, athletes second), and, on balance, it costs their institutions to stage their sports. At least there, nobody is making large sums from what underpaid, exploited students are doing. But if you think that’s not what’s happening in college football, you’re dreaming.
(And hey, I’m a UGA fan — the current system pays large dividends to me as I go to games, buy merchandise and watch on TV, but in no way is it just.)
Big B CH 99
April 17th, 2009
1:08 pm
I’m a Tech fan, and I think that this is one of the STUPIDEST NCAA rules there is, and they have plenty of them.
U have a true STUDENT-Athlete here ,that is not just a top notch football recruit but one of the top students at his H.S. And his future College Coach wants to go see him speak at Graduation. Exactly what is wrong w/ that??????????????????????????????????????
If I was CMR I would go anyways.
matt
April 17th, 2009
1:13 pm
Richt has a great opportunity to do the right thing and set a great example. Hopefully he goes through with it and attends this young man’s graduation. Do the right thing coach.
dawg fan
April 17th, 2009
1:15 pm
Its a sad day when a good article comes out and some tech fans like Ramble On and Moses find nothing better than to take shots at 18-20 year old kids. Regardless of what you think, the fact that a top tier football player at a Georgia High School has excelled in such at way that he is in the top 1, 2, or #3 academic standing in his class out of over 1,000 students is a significant accomplishment whether he is going to UGA, GT or Alabama or wherever. BTW,I have worked with several Tech alums (not for) who do not share your air of superiority but maybe they are the exception and not the rule.
Maddog
April 17th, 2009
1:16 pm
GT EE Class of ‘93 – still perpetuating the “smarter athlete at Tech” myth? In December the AJC reported that Tech’s athletes on the average score 79 whole points higher than those at UGA. So when the average student-athlete scoring an 1100 on the SAT is “smart”, the average student-athlete scoring a 1021 is “dumb”. LOL. Only a fool would use the SAT to determine one’s intelligence.
By the way, since Tech supposedly only goes after the “smart” athletes, then plesae explain how is has been reported and discussed that Tech will begin going head to head with UGA for the top football talent in the state? As much as you wish you could, you can’t have it both ways.
Next myth?!?!
Terry
April 17th, 2009
1:20 pm
Anyone who thinks that going to a better college makes you a superior, smarter, or classier person needs to have their head examined, our Government Leaders went to the best colleges in the country, Look what that’s done for our Country a National debt for future Generations to come, the school you go to does not make you superior,smarter,or classier, it just looks good on your resume, you will still be a A-hole or Good person. Think about it which one are you!
Oledawg
April 17th, 2009
1:23 pm
Bama Dawg(10:53)-You posted the facts for me. You bet, the idea that after he has been recruited, signed and you can’t begin your relationship with a student-athlete until after his graduation is nonsense. Honor this young man with your presence, Mark, even if he is second and may give a secondary speech. Magna cum laude or cum laude, it’s still an achievement of great work and endeavor. Many people look and see a very smart guy who achieves academic success easily. Not necessarily true at all. Most academic achievers do so through long labor, not through osmosis. He has achieved by hard work in the classroom and the playing field.
Carvell, you hit a big one with the suggestion that he go anyway. The agreeing SEC fans constitute a big bonus to your suggestion. I didn’t know so many cared. It speaks well for college football and the SEC. Now follow through and give it an insistent nudge.
UGADawg16
April 17th, 2009
1:23 pm
I think it’s an amazing achievement for the young man particularly when you consider he has been able to do it with the demands of football and excel as a student and an athlete.
We are porud to have you Chris, welcome to the Dawg Nation. I hope CMR is able to attend.
Tech Fans: http://blogs.ajc.com/georgia-tech-sports/2009/04/17/josh-nesbitt-thoughts/?cxntfid=blogs_georgia_tech_sports
New to ATL
April 17th, 2009
1:31 pm
There are some nasty comments by some Georgia Tech fans…… Especially going after academics at the University of Georgia. Funny thing is, I believe the University of Georgia has a better academic reputation than Georgia Tech.
Matt
April 17th, 2009
1:31 pm
I’m pretty sure that even Urban Myer wouldn’t call the NCAA on this one. I hope that he goes for the kid’s sake. It would be a great honor for him to have the guy he looks up to to come to his graduation. How many stories do we have these days like that?
Maddog
April 17th, 2009
1:34 pm
Matt – Urban Meyer probably wouldn’t make that call, but Lane Kiffin probably would.
dawgkicker
April 17th, 2009
1:37 pm
should richt break the rules…???? your joking right…… that second rate university already breaks them all…. they just havent gotten caught yet….. maybe this time they will……. I know they try to field teh best college team money can buy…. but that hasnt helped them lately…. LOL
say what, dawgkicker?
April 17th, 2009
1:38 pm
Proof, moron, proof. Until then, remain silent.
gdawginkalamazoo
April 17th, 2009
1:43 pm
Reid, dude let it go. I don’t recall UGA being a privately held corporation. I believe it belongs to the State of Georgia and it’s peeps. There to offer a higher education to those who are able to attend in one manner (play a sport/academic scholarships) or another (get in and pay for it out of your/parents pockets, work as a Brumby hall gigolo).
Also, Reid, who MAKES these kids go to college and play football on a scholarship? Don’t they have to sign their names on the bottom line?
GTville
April 17th, 2009
1:44 pm
I think a certain coach from an orange school north of Georgia is mentioned in the AJC more than all of the UGA and Tech stories combined. You can’t even write a good article about a smart UGA recruit and his future coach’s dilema without mentioning him. Is this your choice; or, does that school have someone pushing the stories?
Not that the stories aren’t intersting, but I do not read about them in the Tennessee newspaper, just the Atlanta paper.
Pete
April 17th, 2009
1:48 pm
Silly article. Richt is going to follow the rules as usual, as he should.
Woody
April 17th, 2009
1:49 pm
Perhaps the NCAA should require every stinkin’ coach in the SEC to attend this graduation as a lesson regarding the type of recruits that they should pursue, leaving the thugs to fend for themselves.
Cuz
April 17th, 2009
1:50 pm
Dam the torpedoes Coach, full speed ahead.
Cuz
April 17th, 2009
1:51 pm
YesI know there is an n. I wanted to get by the blog monitors.
SecIsFootball
April 17th, 2009
2:01 pm
This whole situation is ridiculous and should not be an NCAA issue. It is but with no punishment, Richt should just go ahead and go to the graduation. I doubt he will break the rules but no one would fault him if he did.
Sid
April 17th, 2009
2:14 pm
CMR’s only mistake here was promising this recruit something which he apparently didn’t know violated an NCAA rule.Stick by the rules coach. It will serve you and Georgia’s flagship university well. If Burnette doesn’t understand,he can sit out a year and go to UT or go to that cesspool of a school(I use the word school loosely) GT which is housed in a “hell” hole of a city named Atlanta.
Uga X 2 Degrees
April 17th, 2009
2:15 pm
Moses, what acadenic beacon taught you to capatilize the common noun “smart?”
Dark Helmet
April 17th, 2009
2:23 pm
KEEP FIRING, A$$HOLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dawes
April 17th, 2009
2:24 pm
i don.t think coach richt did any wrong
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 17th, 2009
3:01 pm
Wow, you fleabags kill me. The selective moral outrage you mutts have about taking shots at 18 year old kids is amazing. I’m sure not one of you fleabags ever said anything derogatory about Reggie Ball, or counting to four. How bout it there dawg fan? Support you arguement with a fact, please.
I’ll ask the same question that dawginLex won’t answer. Please tell me one, yeah ONE, shot I’ve taken at these 18 year old kids?
Please, don’t let the truth get in the way of your ignorance. The joke is on you. Look in the mirror.
One thing is for sure though, I’ll be in the stands Nov. 28th watching Roddy Jones run 16.9 yards a carry and ya’ll won’t. LMAO
PTC DAWG
April 17th, 2009
3:08 pm
Atlanta Gator…you’ve got Class.
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 17th, 2009
3:13 pm
Don’t Keith Olberman me.
I think, I’m gonna have to enlist the help of m over here.
Buddy El
April 17th, 2009
3:15 pm
I recommend we make BAMA-FAN an honorary Dawg. I like the way he expresses himself. There are others but B-F is the man. Thanks B-D.
law dawg
April 17th, 2009
3:16 pm
Ramble On,
You should probably hope that some Georgia fans are in the stands come Nov. 28th at Bobby Dodd. It would be pretty embarassing to not be able to fill up your 50k seat stadium for your biggest rivalry game. I heard on the radio that Tech is hoping to get 10k to their spring game tomorrow, but that was probably unrealistic. Wow, coach CPJ actually has the team pointed in the right direction and still no real support.
Bibble
April 17th, 2009
3:19 pm
Ramble On and other UGA-obsessed Techies on this site are like a dog (no pun intended) that’s been kicked too much. Watching the Dawgs whip their nerd butts year after year has made them plain mean. Not even last year’s rare victory has changed their demeanor, except now they are mean AND delusional.
Chris Byard
April 17th, 2009
3:20 pm
Mr. Carvell, I have to say, I am appalled! A journalist with an outstanding point of view!?! Moral, logicical, in support of academics!?! I applaud you, sir, but stand up and applaud Mr. Chris Burnette.
It’s not often a nationally recruited high school athlete, in any sport, is not only in the running for valedictorian honors, but I hear, get this, he’s also a good young man! Hey, Mark, go to the man’s graduation, speech or not!
shane#1
April 17th, 2009
3:23 pm
I would hate to see CMR branded as a maverick by the NCAA, though some of the coaches I admire most were mavericks. Someone posted earlier that the NCAA was all about money. I agree somewhat, but I think power is even more important to the NCAA than money. They want total control over the athletes and coaches. Case in point, why should they care if a scholarship athlete sells his textbooks, or gets free books for his friends? I can see how the University would not like the later scenerio, but I would think that would be an internal matter. I think the NCAA doesn’t want these kids to have so much as pocket money. It reminds me of how some land owners treated sharecroppers in the old south. Keep’em poor and you can control them. College football is a fiefdom that makes billions off sharecroppers, the last thing college football wants is uppity field hands. So, don’t rock the boat Coach Richt, or you will be investigated every year. That is, unless you win a couple of BCSNCGs and put even more money in the NCAA coffers.
Ed
April 17th, 2009
3:25 pm
Ramble On, there’s no selective outrage here. We’ve had nothing but nice things to say about Reggie Ball. Heck, we wished the kid had 10 more years of eligibility. Great guy, that Reggie.
snapshot
April 17th, 2009
3:42 pm
maybe he can teach you how to spell dog.
gdawginkalamazoo
April 17th, 2009
3:44 pm
law dawg, I believe tomorrow is pick up day for the Chick-Fil-A bowl celebration rings for Tech fans down at the Josten’s booth at the mall.
DawgGirl32
April 17th, 2009
3:51 pm
Ramble On used to really grind my gears. And then I realized that was his intention. Now I just kinda skip over his posts.
I honestly can’t see Coach Richt blatantly breaking the rules but I do hope he tries to send in a waiver. It would be a shame if he didn’t keep his promise.
Chris
April 17th, 2009
3:58 pm
If he has already signed with Georgia what is the problem with Richt going to the graduation. Once again the NCAA has made a back side of itself.
gatorman770
April 17th, 2009
4:04 pm
If the recruit was going to USC….Pete could go and the NCAA wouldn’t say a word, since they’re exempt from prosecution, but being in the SEC, Richt should go the waiver route and go see and hear this special kid.
Long-time Atl Resident
April 17th, 2009
4:06 pm
First, here we go again, someone calling out thugs again. That’s so jacked up. But anyway back to story, being a former student-athlete, don’t do it Richt, it would make it seem like you would be desperate to find good players, not worth getting sanctioned by NCAA, especially when they frequently do campus visits for compliance.
ATL BUZZ
April 17th, 2009
4:19 pm
MUTT MAN STAY HOME! THWG
law dawg
April 17th, 2009
4:24 pm
nice, gdawginkalamazoo. but remember, they didn’t get rings for beating uga, they got them for the bowl game. the rings just happened to have the tech-uga score on them, which was requested by the players and approved by the coaches. that still cracks me up. but i digress……
i think at the very least CMR should try the waiver route. i mean, to be this smart and such a gifted athlete at the same time is a very very rare thing. on that note, i think fsu should have given that rhodes scholar receiver of theirs a freakin’ parade – you gotta give real praise to the kids that are doing it right if you expect the younger ones to really look up to them.
Rhett
April 17th, 2009
4:26 pm
Break the Rules!!! Break a few eggs to make an omelete!
TMoney
April 17th, 2009
4:26 pm
I’m not a Georgia fan, but I do agree. Richt should just say “To hell with the rules” and show up. I can’t really blame him if he didn’t, but I think it’d be a great, gentlemanly, classy thing to do.
BILLY JACK
April 17th, 2009
4:30 pm
Coach Richt should go to this kids graduation.The NCAA is too busy writing up violations on Tennesee to probably notice.
heeldawg
April 17th, 2009
4:31 pm
Congratulations to Mr. Burnette on an outstanding achievement. School loyalties aside, he should be lauded for his pursuit of excellence. He’ll do well in life no matter what happens to him on the football field.
Moses, your biased commentary is rooted in the partisan ignorance that so typifies this blog. Georgia’s an outstanding school. No amount of unsubstantiated blather on your part can refute that reality. The state is fortunate to have the University of Georgia in its academic tent.
Curious George’s comment is rhetorical. I have a similar question: if any academically-qualified student wants to play football, and if academic credentials are the sole criterion for making the decision on where to play, why aren’t the Ivy League schools contending for national titles? Why isn’t Stanford the preseason #1? Why does Duke struggle to field a competitive team every year? All of these schools are stronger academically than either Georgia or Georgia Tech. Another question: why would any kid not going into Engineering or Management go to Georgia Tech for academics? I’ll grant that there is strength at Tech in those programs, but even when compared to the University of Georgia, virtually any other field of academic endeavor is either not represented at Tech (education, journalism, forestry, etc.) or are inferior academically to their cohort at U.Ga. (life sciences, language, English, history, political science, etc.).
For GT EE Class of ‘93: I guarantee you that students at the University of Georgia don’t walk around with their heads down bemoaning their academic credentials. By contrast, they are proud of their school, and with good reason: they are your teachers, your doctors and lawyers and veterinarians, your businessmen and college professors. The University of Georgia turns out more professionals than Tech does each and every year. The fact is that the academic credentials of the entering freshman classes at U.Ga. and Tech are very similar–only U.Ga.’s class is MUCH larger. Georgia therefore has a much larger constituency of outstanding students in terms of absolute numbers. So you can dispense with the whole self-esteem argument. There’s none of that.
And Socrates, check out the latest APR (academic progress report) numbers. FYI, in case you can’t locate the data, Georgia’s at the very top of the SEC in those standings. That’s right, #1–not at the bottom. Check your facts before you make unsubstantiated statements. Otherwise, you look even more stupid than usual when someone like me calls your bluff.
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 17th, 2009
4:33 pm
dawggirl32, this breaks my heart.
I was thinking maybe we could tailgate together and have a few PBR’s?
BILLY JACK
April 17th, 2009
4:37 pm
Dawg Girl 32-Ramble On will be the one with the bag over her head.Yes she is a girl.
gdawginkalamazoo
April 17th, 2009
4:44 pm
Richt should go, wear a disguise and speak with a foreign accent if anybody talks to him. Inspector Clouseau?
Iceman
April 17th, 2009
4:51 pm
“The word is no. I am therefore going anyway.” ~ Kirk in Star Trek III
I doubt Richt will do it.
Jack P
April 17th, 2009
5:01 pm
Every day I tell the NCAA to kiss my arse and I never get into any trouble. Richt ought to try it. Just tell them that you know me.
TroyStateAlum
April 17th, 2009
5:20 pm
This rule was pushed by GA Tech to prevent UGA from proving that it got the smarter recruits
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 17th, 2009
5:25 pm
WOW BILLY JACK, Can’t match wits with that.
I still think dawggil32 has a special place in her heart for me.
john
April 17th, 2009
5:25 pm
Ramble on is one of the most bitter women I’ve ever seen post on this blog. It’s a shame the AJC allows her to wreck every single one of our blogs with her juvenile flames. But what’s worse is the UGA fans actually allow her to get under their skin. Can’t you guys see you’re being taunted by a 17yo chick stuck with a 10yo’s mentality? Duh.
If CMR really wants to go, he’ll request a waiver.
Eddy Gattis
April 17th, 2009
5:27 pm
I remember when Coach Dooley didn’t go to see his son play in a state championship game because it was a “violation” of NCAA rules. Fathers can’t watch their own kids play. Coaches can’t reward academic excellence. But the NCAA can let a 5th year senior transfer from Duke to Michigan to play quarterback without sitting out a year. Is anybody in Indy awake? “NCAA rules” is the definition of oxymoron.
Dawg Gone
April 17th, 2009
5:29 pm
Didn’t a University of Florida coach attend Percy Harvin’s high school valedictorian speech?
Reid in EAV
April 17th, 2009
5:39 pm
gdawginkalamazoo, I believe you should go back and re-read my post, as I addressed your point prior to you even bringing it up. No one is putting a gun to these kids’ heads, but if they want to continue playing football past high school and have a shot at the NFL, the NCAA owns the only game in town (aside from the stray maverick who gets on with an Arena or European team.) And on top of that, lots and lots of favorable TV coverage, from ESPN College GameDay to the Raycom second-rate matchup of the week, serves to make players think they’re getting a square deal. They’re not. They’re being taken advantage of from the word go, and most of them don’t even get a cup of coffee in the NFL to make up for it.
BUZZ
April 17th, 2009
5:40 pm
Unless high schools get together and stagger the dates, Tech doesn’t have enough coaches on it’s staff to attend all the graduations of the valedictorians they sign (every year). And I do get a kick out of all you Georgia fans getting bent out of shape over the first one you’ve signed since 1914. Or was it 4542?
LAKE OCONEE DAWG
April 17th, 2009
6:07 pm
Where are our Board of Regents in this “academic affair”. Surely a call from the Board of Regents to the NCAA would get Coach Richt a pass to listen to this kid speak. You guys need to step up for academics and let the NCAA know that this is wrong and not what the NCAA should be about. This kid has already signed to play at Georgia. Why is this even an issue?
SEC fan
April 17th, 2009
6:28 pm
I read these things and am amazed, there is no balance. A great article gets written with a good point. The comments are all interesting. Then the Nerd Turds come on board and the whole blog goes to h*ll. You UGA folks are extremely superior to the Tech people that choose to write these comments. Let those guys whine on. I am just glad that Bama doesn’t have a Tech full of arrogant, head in the air, punks that spoil all blogs with their negativity. The people I know that went to GT are good folks, nothing like the blazing idiots that choose to comment on these blogs.
Sanford Drive
April 17th, 2009
6:33 pm
We could sign a bunch of valedictorians if we wanted to, but then we’d be a god-awful team just like you guys. But I forgot about the ‘winning streak’. 1-0. Just think, only 21 more years of straight victories and you’ll be winning the war instead of just a few sporadic battles.
59-39-2
FLDAWG
April 17th, 2009
6:33 pm
Let’s get things into perspective. First congrats. to Mr. Burnette, on a great academic career. You deserve to have anyone at your graduation that you choose.
However, Coach Richt should apply for the waiver and if granted he can attend and keep his word. If it is not granted then he should stay at home and follow the rules. He has already explained the situation to Mr. Burnette (previous article several months back) and he was certainly dissappointed but understood. If he goes without the waiver, how can he punish a student athlete for breaking a rule.
macrotech
April 17th, 2009
7:19 pm
BILLY JACK, “Coach Richt should go to this kids graduation.The NCAA is too busy writing up violations on Tennesee to probably notice.” TOO funny!!!! SEC fan, you sound VERY much like those that you would oppose….go get yourself a hug! CMR should go see this kid. This is a stupid rule! Doesn’t he have a ‘nephew’ going to THAT SAME school?!
Jim
April 17th, 2009
7:28 pm
I really don’t Coach Richt would, or should, break the rules even though he promised to try and attend. I nice gester would be for Coach Richt’s wife and some of the other O line coaches wives to attend if the’re are no NCAA rules against it.
Mr. Williams
April 17th, 2009
7:39 pm
It’s a shame how immature and downright stupid people can be. This is a great and inspiring story and some idiots insist on bring negativity to it anyway. Congrats to you Chris and I really hope that CMR can make it. Somebody give me one good reason as to why this should be a violation anyway.
VegasDawg(SEC1)
April 17th, 2009
7:50 pm
It’s refreshing to see so many different fans come together on this subject. Even with all the trash talking we can still give praise to the ones who deserve it! Go SEC!
teacher
April 17th, 2009
9:26 pm
Awesome work Kid…Also, it is very smart of Richt to bring this much attention to a student athlete even when it meant risking breaking rules… however, breaking the rules will not benefit the student athlete as much as the publicilty.
Jason
April 17th, 2009
9:33 pm
Agreed he should go. Curious how does someone get a 5.12 GPA? Work at a high school and have never heard of such. School must be inflating grades before colleges take the AP points off.
john '90
April 17th, 2009
10:25 pm
Moses & ramble on:
Do some research before popping off. Check the last ten U.S. News and World Report rankings on public universities. Check the national rankings of the Terry College of Business, the Grady College of Journalism, the University of Georgia Law school, Pharmacy, etc. Each is one of the tops in its respective categories. Jealousy or stupidity oozes in your posts. Go Dawgs!!!!!!
nwdnanny
April 17th, 2009
10:37 pm
Coach Richt…put your money where your mouth is and take a stand showing the religious man that you are. You will have thousands standing behind you and applauding what is right.
As for Ramble On…everyone needs to quit giving him all this attention.
He is doing nothing but showing his ignorance and giving GT a worse name than they already have. They never have and NEVER will compete on the same level as Georgia in ANY sport…period. OH…congrats UGA Gym Dogs for a 5th STRAIGHT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
Dawgcilla
April 17th, 2009
10:58 pm
Although, I agree it would be a fell good story I think he would set a bad example of picking what rules one must follow.
major
April 17th, 2009
11:42 pm
this kid can go to UGA and major in “Housing” like 1/3rd of the current UGA players. Housing? Housing? WTH kind of major is housing? in this economy? i guess it prepares the uga players for a future life in public housing? I dunno. i do know that there are more than a few engineering majors on the tech team
major
April 17th, 2009
11:49 pm
ajc dec 28, 2008
Georgia Tech’s football players had the nation’s best average SAT score, 1028 of a possible 1600, and best average high school GPA, 3.39 of a possible 4.0 in the core curriculum. But Tech’s football players still scored 315 SAT points lower on average than their classmates.
At the University of Georgia, the average football SAT was 949, which is 239 points behind the average for an undergraduate student at Georgia — and 79 points behind Tech’s football average. The Bulldogs’ average high school GPA was 2.77, or 45th out of 53 teams for which football GPAs were available. Their SAT average ranked them 22nd.
oldbrave
April 18th, 2009
1:21 am
UGA has graduated many very intellegent and talented students in all walks of life including Lewis Gillzard
oldbrave
April 18th, 2009
1:25 am
Please go to your nearest unemployment line or your nearest 7 /11 and you will find plenty of Engineers.
oldbrave
April 18th, 2009
1:27 am
Besides most engineers dont have the common sense to come in out of the rain.
dawg3fan4
April 18th, 2009
2:08 am
Show up Richt and the fans will support you whatever punishment the NCAA decides to throw at you and the program. Sometimes you gotta take a stand. The NCAA would be crucified by the public and media if they dare to mess with Richt for showing up.
FLDAWG
April 18th, 2009
2:54 am
Old dawg, that is why tech grads and fans are raving about one win out of eight, they are still wet behind the ears and don’t know how to act.
FLDAWG
April 18th, 2009
2:55 am
Sorry, that last post was for Oldbrave.
hellava engineer
April 18th, 2009
5:47 am
If Georgia was recruiting him maybe the boy just confused Stanford with Sanford. We will see in 10 months
Moses
April 18th, 2009
6:22 am
Maybe if this really smart kid really applies himself at UGA he can get a prestigious degree from UGA like Recreation and Leisure. They have advanced degrees in this also. They also have college level courses on how to drive a car. He could learn to drive a car. Wow. What an academic powerhouse UGA is! Ha Ha Ha……..
troupgrad87
April 18th, 2009
6:45 am
To Chris, from one Troup alumni to (soon to be another) congrats on your achievments. Couch Richt should consider attending your graduation.
It’s really no different when you have a college coach sitting at high school waiting for the football coach to arrive for work, you all know too well don’t ya Bama fans.So if Coach Richt does or does not attend,you have made a great decision about attending UGA. You and I both bleed the RED and BLACK!! GO DAWGS!!!!!!
jbeggs
April 18th, 2009
8:31 am
Hey stumble on, keep talking that smack. I guess one victory in eight makes you the team to be huh? I promise you this – we won’t give up 400+ yards rushing to the nerds this year in the pole bowl in Atlanta because those 25 players we had hurt last year was a fluke…just like your victory. Enjoy that state championship for a few more months cause it won’t happen again for a while. Keep this in mind too – either Urban Meyer or Paul Johnson will be coaching at Notre Dame in 2010. Which will it be? Take a guess. By the way, I lost 100 lb of dope last week so I’m headed to the Tech athletic dorms to get it. Make sure Johnson unlocks the cell block for me.
jbeggs
April 18th, 2009
8:42 am
This for all the GT a-hole poster on here only. Hey I know..he could have gone to tech where he could have learned, first-hand, how to be an I$lamic terrorist.
High School Offense
April 18th, 2009
10:11 am
Now listen here I went to UGA and I was able to obtain a fantastic degree in pizza making after I dropped out to smoke the ganga and hang out in athens the rest of my life. That was only thirty years ago. One day my band will be famous. uga is the greatest school in clark county and we have an awesome puppy named uga. I wish i could play with him. The only school more awsomer than us is bama cause they beat us in football. Only schools that have awesome football teams matter. Thats why emory is not a good school they dont have a puppy. Marry me Mark Richt!
Zeb
April 18th, 2009
10:15 am
RAMBLE ON…..congrats man….you have successfully completed your mission of being the most obnoxious GT fan to ever grace this site…..The BIG phone company I work for houses some of the best GT engineers around….and they are all good friends of mine….even in November. I wish you could be a part of our family and know what it feels like to agree to disagree, and still remain friends. Maybe you got beat up as a kid. Maybe your mommie didn’t hug you enough. But I digress. You sound like a man of superior intelligence. What year did you graduate from GT with your EE degree? Or was it a ME or IE??? Maybe from the business school??
We dawg fans on here are obviously no match for your wit and superior intellect…….I acquiesce at your mental bloviating…….
Seriously though……you are kinda funny…..and we appreciate all the love you give to UGA……I think there are some dawg fans out there who would love to have you at their tailgate in Athens come September……just for fun……no pain involved.
Keep up the good work RAMBLE…………you make us DAWGS proud!!!
The South Will Rise Again
April 18th, 2009
10:19 am
That’s right ya’ll. We are planning a new revolution…it all starts with SEC football. You see, we are going to take all our great recruits and take over the country and battle the Obama with football prowess. Cause he screwed everything up in the 3 months he has been in office. I mean I can’t even get a decent teabag these days. In fact he was actually secretly president way back since 2005 — Thats how sneaky and dubious he is. Why else would the country be in such bad shape…Can someone teabag me?
Zeb
April 18th, 2009
10:31 am
South Will Rise
Easy there big fella….you’re gonna be ripped to shreds by liberals on here by bringing up the anointed one if you’re not careful. While there are a lot of us horrible conservative, small government, 2nd amendment radicals out there, let’s just keep the topic about SEC football……..mainly…..UGA football…………….OK????
GTchemE
April 18th, 2009
11:32 am
First off. Any techies on here shouldn’t be ripping on this kid. Don’t even get on here an incite anything. It’s just not necessary.
Now that that’s out of the way, I think this is one of the best recruiting stories all year. It’s so incredibly awesome that a good recruit has done so well in high school. So heck yes CMR should be able to go to the graduation. I would love future recruits to see this and be impacted, no matter what school they choose to go to.
Just said it..
April 18th, 2009
11:37 am
I have NEVER insulted a young student athlete from Tech!
Reggie Ball was one of the best players Georgia had!
professor
April 18th, 2009
12:22 pm
If any of you dawg fans post on the dawgpost then you know that Ramble On is “ramblingwoman” over there. She even posted on the dawgpost site that she was. So there is no “he”. I’ve even seen “ramble on” state vehemently on this site to stop referring to her as a he. Anyway she’s an obnoxious flamer on dawgpost just like here. The moderators over there delete most of her flames but don’t expect it here (although I was glad to see AJC delete her racist comments the other day) because this paper needs all the readership it can get. So guys either ignore this stupid broad or don’t read the site because she’s not going to be banned, she’s never going to leave the dawg blogs, and the more you feed her the bigger her hateful personality bloats.
CMR SHOULD NOT break an NCAA rule just because some lame AJC reporter thinks he should. If there truly is a waiver for such an event, and he wants to go, then he should.
Jen Johnson
April 18th, 2009
1:14 pm
Congratulations Chris! Your acomplishments and just the simple fact that you are an honorable, decent young man is good news. Wishing you continued blessings and successs in the future. The NCAA is full of idiots.
Sam
April 18th, 2009
1:56 pm
I suppose it’s better than anarchy, but the people who get paid to rule over amateur athletics seem to be the biggest d . . . . bags in the world (Olympics included).
My son was a college tennis player. He was allowed to work in a tennis store and string racquets, and teach at a tennis clinic on campus, as long as an older person, store owner – college coach, intercepted the money and made more off his work than he did.
Oledawg
April 18th, 2009
2:37 pm
heeldawg- Liked your post and statements about UGA. Either a lot of these bloggers didn’t attend or don’t think it’s kosher to blog school spirit or don’t read your words and comment only on how many words and the vocabulary you use. There are full blown ignoramuses on here. This blog IS about defending your school and the team that represents it. GOOD DAWG!
It’s a shame Mr. Burnette isn’t on here. He would probably be too erudite or graceful to make toast of some of you. He would probably thank Mike for the article and the publicity it engenders for scholars. Kudos to all the positive bloggers who “get” this article no matter which school you cheer and support. There are some class acts continuing on this blog.
UgaVII- Hopefully your barrister owner is reading these blogs to you since they closed the Vet School’s “Lewis Grizzard School for Dog Reading and Speaking” after Ole’ Blue’s untimely death on the train back to Waycross. Besides, if you were taught how to speak they wouldn’t let you near the bench during the games. Lotsa’ bad words you might pick up and innocently repeat. WOOF!, WOOF!.
Moses
April 18th, 2009
2:52 pm
No matter what all you Dawgs say, UGA ‘IS’ an academic dump. Can’t make a pile of dung into a rose no matter how hard you try.
SECFootballRocks
April 18th, 2009
6:24 pm
This is a UGA article about a UGA recruit and a UGA coach.
Will the GT trash please remove themselves from the blog?
SECFootballRocks
April 18th, 2009
7:22 pm
This is a UGA article about a UGA coach and a UGA recruit.
The GT trash need to get off of the blog.
SECFootballRocks
April 18th, 2009
7:24 pm
Get the message, Jerketts?
GT FAN89
April 19th, 2009
2:29 pm
Hey CMR needs to take a stand! This makes no since, the NCAA reminds me of our federal government! The NCAA has no right to tell mark richt that he cant go to this kids graduation! What if this valedictorian/5 star recruit was CMR son, would the NCAA tell CMR that he couldnt go to his graduation! TAKE A STAND COACH! Not just for yourself, or your school but take a stand for all coaches around the country! Go Jackets!
Mborodawg
April 19th, 2009
2:46 pm
Just because one coach is breaking rules doesnt mean Richt should. Sure it is a stupid rule but it is a rule. Hopefully he can find a way to get clearance from the NCAA to go.
mark richt should break the rules « Sports & Convictions
April 19th, 2009
4:05 pm
[...] the headline – “UGA’s Mark Richt should break the rules in the name of academics“ [...]
BUZZ
April 19th, 2009
7:43 pm
SECFootballRocks,
Who died and made you the moderator of this AJC blog?
How about you and your gymnastic school jerking 45-42!
BUZZ
BUZZ
April 19th, 2009
7:48 pm
SECFootballRocks,
You can talk down to a lot of teams but not Georgia Tech, Alabama or Florida. That, little man, can only happen if you beat us in November. Otherwise STFU on this and every forum you post on!
Buzz
yellow fuzz
April 19th, 2009
7:49 pm
ouch
Tech Nation
April 19th, 2009
7:50 pm
Double Ouch!
Moses
April 19th, 2009
11:18 pm
CMR, we all know you didn’t recruit this kid because he is smart, you recruited him because he can play football. Most of the recruits you go after are academic failures and shouldn’t even be in college but you get them in anyway. If you go to his graduation in the name of academics you will be a hypocrite.
BS Patrol
April 20th, 2009
1:27 am
At Tech they don’t declare a national holiday when they sign an actual student to play football. Act like you’ve been there before. You doggies sure do make a big fuss over nothing!
BS Patrol
April 20th, 2009
2:53 am
Actually it’s shameful for a school to make an issue of something so trivial. Nothing embarrasses some people it seems.
pdh
April 20th, 2009
5:13 am
Congrats, young man and also Coach Richt.
Not a Dawg fan, but this is what any school needs.
facts hurt
April 20th, 2009
8:29 am
Facts hurt. Just ask the once every eight years Yackets. UGA has more Rhodes scholars alone than GT has Rhodes, Fulbright and Goldwater combined. BTW, this year? Two Rhodes, three Fulbrights and at least one Goldwater. Ugly stadium, jacka$$ coach, fair weather fans, and overrated school. How ’bout them bees!
Forrest Gump
April 20th, 2009
9:08 am
Richt undoubtedly finds the Playboy rating more useful as a recruiting tool than any academic issue. Just look at his arrest/graduation rate.
Top Dawg
April 20th, 2009
9:41 am
Dude, how about something on B. J. Butler?
TT44
April 20th, 2009
10:26 am
Good Luck, And Go Dawgs!
SirrusBlack
April 20th, 2009
1:48 pm
billy, you still ain’t jack. You blow to hard.
BUZZ
April 20th, 2009
3:37 pm
Facts don’t hurt, the truth does. And the truth is that the last time we played the score was 45 bees and 42 dogs. And you’re having a hard time dealing with it that’s all.
BUZZ
April 20th, 2009
3:39 pm
Facts hurt,
The “facts is” them bees stung you Leisure and Park Services, Rhode Scholars in your own back yard last year. Overrated school? LOL. You were the preseason number 1, not us. We were just the ones that made sure you didn’t finish number 1. Remember? 45-42!
Buzz
heeldawg
April 20th, 2009
9:20 pm
Moses, it’s obvious why they didn’t let you into the promised land. Your sins were too great.
As Buzz says, “facts hurt.” The fact is, the myth of Tech’s academic superiority over Georgia has about as much truth to it as the Bigfoot legend. I’d refer to my prior post on this one. Anyone on here can post opinions (and that’s all you’ve done); it takes a man to back it up with fact. You’ve failed miserably in that arena.
Yeah, Tech fans, you won this year. You’ve earned the bragging rights for this season. No argument from me there. After eight years, I’m sure there’s a lot of pent-up frustration out there. So have at it. Talk away. Please forgive me if I don’t join in, however. I’ve always said that if your team loses, you can’t talk too much smack (not that any of us on this blog suited up last Thanksgiving weekend), so I’m not going to say anything to the Tech fans but “congratulations.” However, if folks like Moses engage in unsubstantiated attacks on my school’s academics, I will respond.
Besides, I’ve got a secret weapon: my other degree is from UNC-Chapel Hill. Not a lot Tech fans can say about THAT.
BS Patrol
April 21st, 2009
2:36 am
Heeldawg, I will say something about THAT. If you don’t acknowledge the fact that Tech is academically more difficult than Ga then Bigfoot lives! UNC is a fine ACC school but likely has a much broader curriculum than Tech. I’ll bet my bottom dollar you are not an engineer. The difference is, there is no easy way out at Tech.
Gatorzone
April 21st, 2009
9:15 am
What a breath of fresh air! Congrats to Burnette and to Mark Richt. Hopefully, he can be there for the graduation. Kudos!
BUZZ
April 21st, 2009
12:00 pm
I LOVE GETTING THE LAST WORD. I GOT IT LAST NOVEMBER (45-42) AND I GET IT REGULARLY ON THIS BLOG. GO TECH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dawg Drool (BaseballVol13)
April 22nd, 2009
12:50 pm
AJC, the VOLS hometown (away from home) newspaper!
DawgsOnline » NCAA: Richt hasn’t asked for a waiver to attend Burnette’s graduation
April 22nd, 2009
1:08 pm
[...] of AJC recruiting writer Michael Carvell’s final online posts last week was a suggestion for Mark Richt to thumb his nose at an NCAA bylaw that would force Richt to miss the graduation ceremony of [...]
UGA’s Mark Richt should break the rules in the name of academics | AJC College Sports Recruiting
April 23rd, 2009
3:51 am
[...] Click here to go to story [...]
billy
April 23rd, 2009
9:15 am
woody- I agree with you
this rule is stupid
Nate
April 23rd, 2009
5:13 pm
As a Tech fan, I personally admire CMR and think he should definitely break the rule and go to this kid’s graduation. This is for a good reason and the NCAA should see this, but they don’t.
jimbodad
April 23rd, 2009
9:12 pm
Really would liked to have seen this kid playing on the Flats and I’ll just leave it at that! No dawg insults tonight!
M. Bagwell
April 26th, 2009
7:09 am
BobDog: “I checked and the average SAT of Georgia’s upcoming freshman class is 17 points higher than Tech’s.” Sure you did, and sure they are.
NCAA SHOWS TYPICAL ARROGANCE WITH ITS RESPONSE TO GEORGIA « ROAD TO GAME DAY
April 29th, 2009
2:56 pm
[...] for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, wrote a column encouraging Georgia head coach Mark Richt to break a secondary NCAA recruiting rule to keep a promise to recruit Chris [...]
latisha
April 9th, 2010
1:07 am
Never thought I’d see a book like this, but I found this yesterday. Was skeptical at first, but it is a well worth read. “You Have A College Degree, Now What?” http://www.amazon.com/You-Have-College-Degree-What/dp/0578044048/ref=pd_rhf_p_img_4
katie rushton
June 24th, 2010
6:13 pm
Hey theres my dad by coach richt in that picture up top
I LOVE U DADDY……….. hes coach richts bodyguard :p