Mark Richt and UGA recruits Jay Rome and Malcolm Mitchell pay tribute to deceased Valdosta High School football player (UPDATED)
UGA coach Mark Richt, along with two of his top football recruits, paid a special tribute to a deceased Valdosta High School football player (AJC file photo)
At least 10 people have forwarded me the same email this week about UGA coach Mark Richt and two of the state’s elite high school football players, the UGA-bound tandem of Jay Rome and Malcolm Mitchell, participating in a special tribute to a Valdosta High School student who died last month. Maybe you had it sent your way or saw it somewhere posted on Facebook.
Well it turns out that this email forward (author unknown) is true, said Rome’s mother, LaVerne Rome, who is the District Parent Involvement Coordinator for Lowndes County Schools.
James Eunice, 17, drowned while duck hunting in a nearby lake on Jan. 15 and his body was found two weeks later, according to the Valdosta Daily Times. Eunice was an honors student with a 4.0 GPA and played football this past season at Valdosta High with Rome and Mitchell. His funeral was held last Saturday.
In the email forward which has been making the rounds to many inboxes, it was said that Richt sent a letter of condolence to the family which was read at the funeral by Rome. Among other things, it was said that Richt acknowledged in the letter: how he had been contacted by Eunice about his plans to “walk on” with Georgia’s football team next year — and that Eunice had been added to the roster and officially “made the team.”
Then it goes on to say that Eunice’s family was presented a Georgia No. 23 football jersey with “EUNICE” on the back of it and “those gathered at the funeral … stood, applauded and cried.”
UGA sports information director Claude Felton could not be reached for comment. However, Rome’s mother told the AJC “for the most part, [the email letter] is fairly accurate. The only thing I saw incorrect was the statement that Jay read the personal letter to the family from Mark Richt. Jay did speak, but the Pastor actually read the letter. Jay and Malcolm Mitchell presented the jersey to the family.”
You can read the rest the email forward here.
On behalf of the AJC, many thoughts and prayers to the Eunice family for their loss. I can’t imagine anything worse than the death of a child.
UPDATED: The forwarded email was copied from this Opinion column called “Winning isn’t everything” by Randy Young in the Thomasville Times-Enterprise. (Click here to read)
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185 comments Add your comment
beebee
February 11th, 2011
3:54 pm
test
Another story that did not make the papers
February 11th, 2011
3:55 pm
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college_uf/2011/01/ian-lockwood-dies-less-than-a-month-after-receiving-outback-bowl-game-ball-from-gators.html
beebee
February 11th, 2011
3:59 pm
It’s a gesture just about any coach in America would do.
It’s sad and tragic.
He’s a good, decent, even great man. But what he did doesn’t set him apart from
every other coach out there.
Honestly, while some of you are saying Richt is the ONLY coach for you,
as SOON as the Bulldogs lose 2 or 3 games in the first half of next season,
you’ll be right back where you left off with the Fire Richt crusades.
You who now say football isn’t everything….come fall it will be everything.
Otherwise you would not be concerned with 6-7 seasons or losing constantly to
Florida or losing to the Miss. States and Colorados of the world.
UGA Tard
February 11th, 2011
4:09 pm
Better him than the duck!!
zgoldatl
February 11th, 2011
4:14 pm
As a Tech fan, I just want to say I find this to be a truly great gesture. Puts sports in perspective. In times of need and loss, gestures such as the one Coach Richt made, can truly brighten an otherwise bleak time in ones life. I will never support the bulldogs in any athletic event, but I wish every Uga player fan, and alumni a long, happy, and prosperous life. My prayers are with the Eunice family, and all of the young mans friends. As someone who has lost too many people way too close to me in, very sudden manners, I can simply say, I feel your pain, and I hope that G-d may hold y’all extra close in these coming months. Coach Richt, while I do not support you on the playing field, I admire you as a man. Class act.
phil
February 11th, 2011
4:39 pm
Proud to have him as the coach when I hear about things like this. A good, good man. That said, we have to win some football games too or he’s gone.
ColumnDawg
February 11th, 2011
4:43 pm
No one is questioning the class or faith of Coach Richt. This is a touching story and Richt should be commended for it. He did however have many students get arrested the past few years and that also reflects on him.
However, all that matters in the long run is that he produce a winning program and some championships. That’s what pays the bills and gets people in the seats in Athens! He is the nicest coach in the SEC maybe America. But he hasn’t been to the SEC championship game in forever and if he doesn’t win it this year he is gone! No matter how nice he is.
biggdawgk
February 11th, 2011
4:45 pm
I am not ashamed to admit this blog made me tear up.
John
February 11th, 2011
4:47 pm
Winning with character and class and 9 out of 10 against Tech…. Losing with character and class and 8 out of 10 against Florida…
When it’s all said and done does it really matter about the wins against Tech or the losses against Florida, dont get me wrong, I want to win as much as any Georgia fan out there, but this is a simple reminder that there is something more important than a score of a game that is here today and gone tomorrow. Trophies gather dust; impacting lives of men with character last a lifetime…
Go Dawgs!!!
Dawg 1
February 11th, 2011
4:47 pm
I know CMR has his fair share of critics and even some haters. But you can never take away this side of the man. He is a good man and quietly does many-many things that you will never hear about and I’ll just leave it at that.
Herschel Talker
February 11th, 2011
4:50 pm
No doubt that Mark Richt’s performance on the field merits him being fired. But his performance off the field is tremendous. Kudos to him for such an amazing gesture.
More to life than football
February 11th, 2011
4:56 pm
I truly pity people who post a token comment about well it’s a nice gesture but and then proceed to babble about how CMR need to win a championship or UGA needs to boot him.
It’s obvious these people have never loved anyone and even sadder have never been loved. They desperately hope a fleeting championship will fill that void in their life that the rest of us filll with friends and family.
how
February 11th, 2011
4:56 pm
if i was paid $3 million plus a year to produce mediocre results, i could get very generous as well
GTechie
February 11th, 2011
4:57 pm
As a Valdosta native, I had heard news and many updates regarding this boy’s disappearance and the painful search efforts of the entire town. So many people mourned the loss of a good young man with a lot of potential…
As a non-UGA fan (GT grad), I have nothing but respect for Richt and his team for this!
BehindEnemyLines
February 11th, 2011
5:01 pm
It’s a great gesture, no denying that at all. To deny that it’s also great p.r. for someone who badly needed it would be incredibly naive.
how
February 11th, 2011
5:04 pm
i’m just saying that the highest-paid state employee in Georgia should be at least this generous with his time and attention. he’s very, very well paid to be a leader on and off the field. there are dozens of other selfless volunteers in every community who make contributions like this every day – in churches, organizations, and clubs. but they don’t pull down 3.5 million a year. Coach Richt – this is exactly what you should be doing, and it’s sad that so many seem awestruck that you would.
mpk7441
February 11th, 2011
5:14 pm
I am a huge Dawg fan now proudly representing in San Antonio. I too have at times been very frustrated with the coaching, however this article is written to only pass on a wonderful truth that many already know; CMR is a man of great character. period. It is not an invitation for those seemingly always negative folks who say, yea yea great guy but he can’t beat Florida..fire him… Let our hearts be filled with pride and the knowledge that UGA has the very best man possible wearing the Red and Black….
.
ER
February 11th, 2011
5:14 pm
how – Shut up already. Obviously you hate UGA and CMR and that’s fine. Please wait for another blog to post your mindless dribble on…… You have a lot of class there, too bad it’s all LOW!
suwaneedawg
February 11th, 2011
5:15 pm
It amazes me how s many freaking idiots come on here and make comments that show nothing but immaturity and ignorance at it’s highest level. And the sad part is some of these type of comments come from so called Dawg fans. I can understand the ignorance of a UGA Tard, I mean the tard explains him to a tee but, the people who say I am a dawg fan and it is all about the wins and character means nothing, you are idiots. It gets real tiring to come on these blogs and see the stupidy and before anyone says “well suwaneedawg, stay off” I can’t. I come on here and feel sooo much better about myself because of your character flaws and ignorance that I just have to tune in. For that, I thank you.
More to life than football
February 11th, 2011
5:18 pm
@suwaneedawg
Amen my friend
More to life than football
February 11th, 2011
5:19 pm
@5150
I truly try to not let people like you provoke me, but the world would be a better place if you were not in it.
Barkin'Dog
February 11th, 2011
5:23 pm
ColumnDawg – February 11th, 2011 4:43 pm
However, all that matters in the long run is that he produce a winning program and some championships. That’s what pays the bills and gets people in the seats in Athens! He is the nicest coach in the SEC maybe America. But he hasn’t been to the SEC championship game in forever and if he doesn’t win it this year he is gone! No matter how nice he is.
When you’re only 15… I guess 5 years does seem like “forever.” You’re a PUTZ!
Ramguy
February 11th, 2011
5:23 pm
This was a classy move by the players and CMR. Good for them. My hat’s off to them. However when Fall rolls around Richt had better win ballgames. Not trying to throw a wet blanket on this great deed but only trying to be real. If the Dawgs go on another losing streak next year, all these kind of feel good stories like this in the world aren’t going to help him. The same people who have his back now will turn on him quickly.
dagrapevine
February 11th, 2011
5:25 pm
i think mrs.rome is with the valdosta city school system,not the lowndes school system.what most on here dont realize is coach richt had a 30 second encounter with james and remembered their conversation some 3 1/2 weeks later.no one knew he was going to do this and he took it upon himself to do it.
james walked the walk of faith and shared his faith on a daily basis.there was never any doubt he loved jesus and he was a soul winner.
now thats a testimony!
Barkin'Dog
February 11th, 2011
5:31 pm
5150 UOAD —
From now on, I refuse to read ANYTHING you have to write… I’ll just ignore it. And I encourage all of the civil, decent-character folks on these blogs to do the same.
Your handle should be banned, as well as anything else you try. You’re a worm of the largest degree. now go crawl back in that hole you dwell in.
Smiling Jack
February 11th, 2011
5:32 pm
“Would Nick Saban do something like that?” Most certainly he would as would Urban Meyer. Give us a break you petty jerks. You don’t have a corner on compassion, class or morals. Judgemental jerks.God bless the Eunice family in their time of loss and sorrow.
Barkin'Dog
February 11th, 2011
5:46 pm
5150 UOAD —
I don’t give a rats arse what your blog name is, or what it stands for. It’s what you say, without thinking — or too much DRINKING! Such as the corrections you have to post after writing and posting without looking at what you wrote. I don’t care about spelling or typos either… just the content of your message, and the content of your character.
Have a blessed day.
ATLNole
February 11th, 2011
5:50 pm
Richt has always been a class act and I wish the Eunice family, Richt and the Dawgs nothing but the best.
True Georgia Fan
February 11th, 2011
5:55 pm
I have stayed a Mark Richt fan all along. This just reinforces my faith in him as a human being and as a coach. Coach Richt sent an autographed picture of himself to my daughter when she was terminally ill. It was then that I realized that winning is not everything. I am glad that others can see that now. Coach Richt is a winner on the field and in life. He is truly a father figure to so many of the Georgia players. Go DAWGS!
icedawg
February 11th, 2011
6:01 pm
I am glad that Coach Richt and his staff do not read the blogs. It is mostly venting, or more so, hyperventilating from people who have an opinion and want to convince themselves that they are experts on a particular matter. Like this.
Coach Richt is a man of of the highest integrity and great compassion as this gesture showed. He is a proven winner. The last few years have been disappointing to everyone, including him. He will eventually turn it around.
Buford T. Pusser
February 11th, 2011
6:03 pm
I am a diehard Tech fan but this only reinforces what I knew about Mark Richt all along, he exudes class and is a good Christian man. I hope this silences some of the critics calling for his ouster. There is more to life than a football game. He just reminded us of that.
The Sheriff is humbled.
jfdawg
February 11th, 2011
6:05 pm
I had to ask Coach Richt for a letter one time, for a young person who was down and out, I ask him to encourage him, and low and behold, I received a letter and so did that young person. Folks, having coaches make young folks succeed is the game. Yes, I have said before, I am a donor and want to win when I am in my seats. But, it is actions like this tragic loss, that shows that we need to temper, and work together to achieve. With the direction and help of Greg McGarity, we are on the right track. Yes, he will right the course, and we will win again. Thanks for CMR for the words of encouragement, my coach, is my heroe and I could not tell you how many games we won over the four years. But, he has supported my family all my life. As Larry would say “Get The Picture” may this young person rest in peace, and when he looks down on Sanford Stadium in September, may he have the best seat in the house…CMR will not forget you….
dawggirl
February 11th, 2011
6:09 pm
Is a shame that the real author was not hard to find if you use Google but he is not be recognized in this blog.
http://timesenterprise.com/opinion/x353714385/Winning-isnt-everything
ugab
February 11th, 2011
6:25 pm
Mark Richt is a class act. All fans want is wins. MR wants to win. I don’t want another coach. Its going to take more than 1 season to get this football team on the righ track. Injuries are a part of football. Young men making mistakes and learning from these mistakes is not a bad thing. Players leaving early for the NFL is not a bad thing. Money talks! MR is the man for the job.
UGA Student
February 11th, 2011
6:30 pm
I had the pleasure of being at the funeral to see this first hand. Talk about a wave of emotions taking over the service, the letter and jersey completely overwhelmed us all.
I wrote the Red and Black (The UGA Student newspaper) about this two days after the funeral, but sadly it was overlooked and no one ever acknowledged this great thing. Thanks to the AJC for highlighting this. Thank you Coach Richt, and I know the Valdosta community thanks you as well.
Roger
February 11th, 2011
6:36 pm
Damn good man, First Class all the way, there are some things better than wins and losses and OUR COACH is the man, thanks Coach for showing life is more important than a bunch of bums getting pissed about someone not getti\ng enough touches or we don’t blitz enough, You go above and beyond what many coaches don’t, Thanks,
rosgator
February 11th, 2011
6:37 pm
Its time for UGA players to step up and “police” themselves and get the heat of CMR. I cannot control my one 21 year old. So i know he cannot control about 90 kids in a town like Athens. Its far different from Tuscaloosa, Auburn and even Gainesville FL and ATL is short drive (see former AD file). The kids in the UGA program need to “man up”.
SuperB
February 11th, 2011
6:38 pm
Pure class and heart
Johnnyboy says
February 11th, 2011
6:44 pm
Had someone read a letter and then presented a jersey to the family at the funeral ?????…. And you guys are proud. You are probably right when you say, “I bet Saban wouldn’t have done that” ! I bet he wouldn’t either ! Just a bit tacky, don’t you think ?
Douglas
February 11th, 2011
6:47 pm
To the Alabama fans saying that we should not bring up what would Saban do in this situation: I’m sorry guys but he may be a great coach when it comes to coaching but when it comes to how he treats players: he is not great at that. To recruit someone and then discover they did not live up to his expectations and then to ask them to take a medical scholarship is reprehensible and disgusting. When things have not worked out for some of the UGA players, Richt has always honored their scholarships. That is classy: Saban is not. Saban is equal to the statement Michael Douglas said in the first Wall Street Movie: Greed is good.
rosgator
February 11th, 2011
6:48 pm
And one more thing. what UGA needs is a Fella with attitude like Nick Fairley or Brandon Spikes. Dawg nation you all may whine about those two; but in your hearts you know its what every team needs both on the field in in the locker room.
10SEConds
February 11th, 2011
7:01 pm
Mark Richt exemplifies the best instincts in the university, the state and the program. I remember what one television announcer told America after the ‘80 title (when I was a student): “Vince Dooley is a credit to his profession.” That made me almost as proud to be enrolled at UGA at the title itself. The same can be said of Mark Richt, and one day, it will be in the same circumstances. I’ve said it before. It’s not worth winning a title if your team doesn’t do it based on the program’s traditions and values.
GT 65
February 11th, 2011
7:03 pm
Thanks Coach Richt for having moral character and caring for other. I have watched your years at UGA and have alot of respect for you. Thanks for being a Christian Coach. Win are lose in this world you will be a winner in the next. God Bless.
May James rest in peace..I know he was a Christian and my prayers are with his family.
5150…I’m also praying for you. You really need to wake up.
Mike
February 11th, 2011
7:08 pm
A class act from one of the classiest coaches in football. God bless CMR! I’m glad he is UGA’s coach and hope it stays that way.
Deepdiver
February 11th, 2011
7:09 pm
Mark Richt is a classy man soon to be without a job!
Robin
February 11th, 2011
7:15 pm
I live in Valdosta, but I was not fortunate enough to meet James Eunice. However, I followed his story from beginning to end, and I was heartbroken for his family when it ended as we feared. Thank you to Mark Richt for reaching out to them. I cannot imagine their pain.
GT fan
February 11th, 2011
7:18 pm
Richt is the best thing going for uga football…be careful what you wish for…you could get someone worse. I’m a GT fan but Richt is 1st class all the way.
b
February 11th, 2011
7:22 pm
Thank you, Coach Richt.
God bless the Eunice family
UThe
February 11th, 2011
7:25 pm
Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.
Bitter daws fan
February 11th, 2011
7:30 pm
after spending five years in the desert—well life is never to be taken for-granted. live every day like it could be your last.
Ps: long and safe journy our falling young dawg–