Comments from Johnson, Peterson and Radakovich
Here are comments from Georgia Tech Dr. G.P. “Bud” Peterson, athletic director Dan Radakovich and football coach Paul Johnson from a 4:30 p.m. news conference. The NCAA announced earlier in the day that the Yellow Jackets would have to forfeit its 2009 ACC title for minor violations and failing to fully cooperate with NCAA investigators looking into those violations. It would also receive:
- Public reprimand and censure.
- Four years of probation from July 14, 2011 through July 13, 2015.
- A reduction of two men’s basketball recruiting days during the 2011 summer evaluation period (self-imposed by the university).
- A limit of 10 official visits for men’s basketball for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 academic years.
- A vacation of all contests won by the football team during the 2009 season after November 24. The ACC said Tech must return the trophy. No champion for the season will be named.
From Johnson:
On if he was surprised when he learned that Demaryius Thomas and Morgan Burnett could play late in November of 2009:
“I wasn’t aware of what was happening because I wasn’t involved in the process. I knew they had been interviewed when the NCAA came in. I had no idea what was said in the interviews or what was going on. We found out that Wednesday or Thursday that they were eligible to play. As far as we were concerned, we just went with the attitude that until somebody told us differently they were playing. Dan came in on Wednesday afternoon and said they are both cleared.”
On the results of the punishment:
“I think our guys are frustrated. I understand why our administration did what they did. It’s frustrating when you aren’t directly involved in something and it effects you in such a big way. I was proud of the way that 2009 team played on the field and for the majority of those guys to have an asterisk beside that effort, and the assistant coaches, it makes it tough. It is what it is. Life isn’t fair. You learn from things.”
On when he learned of the seriousness of the investigation:
“I didn’t really know until the hearing in April. I thought at that time ‘These guys are out for blood.’ That’s the time I realized the seriousness. I still had no idea it would be as serious as it was. This is 32 years of coahcing and I’ve never been involved in one of these.”
On what he told the team today:
“I told them that sometimes things that happen aren’t fair. The neat thing is doesn’t affect our football team moving forward: No postseason ban, no scholarship limitations, no loss of anything that way so it doesn’t affect the guys that are here. It’s disappointing that the guys that played so hard in that game doesn’t get to see the fruits of their labor. But you use it as a learning experience. It’s a valuable lesson that we talk about a lot: What you do and how you represent yourself carries over to everybody in that room and everyone on that coaching staff. You are representing a school and a coaching staff.”
On if this affects his desire to remain at Tech:
“No, not at all. As I said, I understand why our administration did what they did given the information they have. I have a lot of respect for Dan and Dr. Peterson. They made decisions based upon what was available to them at the time. I’m not going to second-guess them now.”
From Peterson:
“Georgia Tech is committed to integrity of its athletic program including full operation and support of the NCAA.”
“We could have been more aggressive in our investigation. Had we known then what he know now, we could have acted differently. At the time we took appropriate steps … we acted in good faith.”
“I don’t believe anyone did anything or took actions to hinder or impede investigation.”
“Georgia Tech has an unwavering commitment to compliance.”
“We are very concerned about having to vacate the championship title.”
From Radakovich:
“There was no intent to influence testimony. We cooperated fully during process.”
“We don’t agree with the report and its findings.”
“Not a proud day for me.”
“Georgia Tech should not be placed in a position where its integrity is challenged.”
“We disagree but we will move forward.”
– Doug Roberson, AJC
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164 comments Add your comment
Hal
July 15th, 2011
8:57 am
I would like to know how this got started. Who told who what? I don’t see anybody at Tech really admitting any big wrongdoing. The suspected players don’t admit any wrongdoing. I don’t see the NCAA proving any wrongdoing. You had a clear violations at UGA and OHIO State. If the items in question were returned then who cares? I would suspect that the NCAA after learning the items were returned was not satisfied. They wanted to keep looking until they found a violation and that’s why all you have is a failure to cooperate with the NCAA because Tech told them to take a hike. If they want that type of control they should be like the Communist Party and have a NCAA “party” political officer at each institution to keep an eye on things.
ken
July 15th, 2011
10:09 am
NCAA is taking the fun out of college sports. Even if you win, you never know if two or three years down the road the “wins” are taken away with the stroke of a pen !!
Ramblin Man
July 15th, 2011
10:13 am
I found what is reportedly a letter from Sean Bedford and thought it was interesting,
“Dear NCAA,
Thank you for handing down penalties that only adversely affect the players who did things the right way. This reeks of an organization desperate to prove that it has some sort of control over its member institutions despite lacking the ability and firepower to police the serious offenders and protect the student-athletes whose interests you purport to have at heart. While I realize that all violations merit some kind of punishment, I have a hard time grasping the notion that one of the proudest moments in my life (and the lives of every other individual that was a part of the team and program in 2009) is apparently worth $312 in your eyes. If that truly is the case, I’d be happy to provide you with that same amount of money (cash or check, your choice) in exchange for the reinstatement of the title my teammates and I earned through our blood, sweat, and tears. It took months of hard work, dedication, and personal sacrifice by a team of over 100 players, 10 coaches, and countless staff members to achieve that championship, but, evidently, it only takes the handful of pencil pushers, lawyers, and professors on your infractions committee to strip us of it. I was a part of the 2009 ACC Championship team and, while you can pretend retroactively that it didn’t happen, I have vivid memories of an incredible season that was, and continues to be, one of the most fun, meaningful, important, and very real times in my 23 years on this planet. I’ll be wearing my championship ring with pride and if you want that too, you’ll have to pry it from my cold, dead finger.
Sincerely,
Sean Bedford”
I really would like to know how the NCAA is trained in interviewing techniques and standards. Why were both Thomas and Burnett no interviewed on the same day when both were available? That aspect alone killed the investigation as you never give suspects the oppurtunity to talk before interviews if you are able to keep them seperate.
gtfanfrom1951
July 15th, 2011
10:51 am
This must be Casey A. punishment or NCAA is still mad or just plain crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
66 Jacket
July 15th, 2011
11:28 am
Now maybe Tech alumni will see how much Radakovich has hurt Tech. We should all be up in arms, and he must go. CPJ has not convinced me that he is clean in this investigation. He should go as well, or at least be placed on probation himself.
Jim Tressel, Gene Chizik, Lane Kiffin & Pete Carroll
July 15th, 2011
1:47 pm
Players receiving improper benefits? Lying? Cheating? Covering up? What’s the big deal? We do those things and more in our sleep. If Tech is interested in learning from the best, we could teach ‘em a thing or two about cheating.
GT's lone major bowl trip NOW was in .....
July 15th, 2011
2:23 pm
Since the Urange Bowl in 09 was a loss anyway, maybe they won’t place an asterik by it. If so, then GT’s only other major bowl trip since the 1950s was their sad Urange Bowl loss to Florida back in 1967. At least that loss is not marked with an asterik.
Remember, GT would not have gone to the Urange in 09 w.o. their ACC title and since that is now non existant, so is that 09 Urange bowl trip …………..losing to fat, slow, white farm boys from Iowa, it was.
GT has been on probation now since Bobby Ross’ era what ….. 3/4 times now????
GT reminds me of the public school system in Atlanta ………..systemic liars and cheats.
GDBurdell
July 15th, 2011
11:39 pm
Heavy Dawg Walkin’
July 15th, 2011
10:51 am
Chin up, nerds. At least there will be much more elbow room at your little stadium this fall.
I’d buy you all a Coke if they weren’t already free on gameday.
FullMetalJacket
July 17th, 2011
4:28 am
We should take our cue from Coach Paul Johnson: we have a clear road ahead, so let’s get moving. Whether it was negligence, naivete, or deliberate denial that resulted in the decision to play a potentially ineligible player, it’s done. Learn from it, move on.
FullMetalJacket
July 17th, 2011
4:35 am
If the NCAA will not devote its resources to determining a player’s eligibility before game prep, much less game time, neither should it be able to retroactively impose penalties such as vacating titles and wins. Unfortunately we all sometimes lack common sense: Athletic Directors, Coaches, Players (especially), and even the NCAA itself. But making an example out of Tech will never obscure the obvious corruption and deceit of the NCAA itself, as evidenced by its “endorsing” of the Ohio State players before the bowl game. Clearly the NCAA does not respect, much less provide, a level playing field for all of its members.
FullMetalJacket
July 17th, 2011
4:38 am
Slapping Tech or any program around may make the NCAA feel better about itself, but it will never make up for the Cam & Cecil fiasco, Jim Tressel’s legacy of hypocrisy and corruption (I’ve got to get me one of those sweater vests!..it has magical powers!!!), or its turning a blind eye to the systemic problems in the sport.
FullMetalJacket
July 17th, 2011
4:45 am
I believe that Tech’s program is as clean as any other, probably (with CPJ’s clean past) better than most. Likewise, while CMR has had some players with off-field issues, he has run a very clean ship compliance-wise. I am glad that both of the state’s major football programs are led by good men, and apart from an occasional AJ Green or Bebe acting like the kids they are, we don’t worry about the big bad NCAA axe dropping on a regular basis. I wonder how well the Texas schools, the Alabama schools, the Florida schools…et al….really sleep at night. I sincerely do not want to point fingers, but if the NCAA wants to send a signal, roughing up Ga Tech is sending a pretty weak one.
FullMetalJacket
July 17th, 2011
4:53 am
Paying players isn’t the answer. They get paid from 25K to 50K a year already in scholarships and school expenses. For the student-athletes who want to seize the opportunity to better themselves and get an education, it is well worth it. For the kids who have no business being on a university or college campus, there should be an alternative–supported by either the NCAA or the NFL–such as the minor leagues in MLB. Then AJ and Bebe and Cam and Terrell and Reggie can develop their athletic talent without trying to act like students. And if they do take a single penny while a student (as opposed to going the minor-league route), then revoke their scholarships, sue ‘em for the money/benefits they defrauded the schools of, and ban / disbar any agent involved at any level.
FullMetalJacket
July 17th, 2011
4:56 am
College baseball ain’t as good as College football, but it’s pretty darn good….and a lot more legit. The reason it’s better overall is because the pure pro’s who either can’t spell or are good enough that they don’t need to, have an alternative path to the Big Show. Not a really viable option for football players.