Johnson apologizes for comment
Greetings-
Notes from Tuesday.
1. Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson, whose oft-unfettered tongue and unwillingness to back down to rival Georgia have earned him the admiration of Tech fans, apologized for a poor choice of words on his radio show Tuesday night.
Near the end of his show, a caller, presumably a Georgia Bulldogs fan, came on the air and said, “Hello? Hello?” and then began barking before either hanging up or being cut off. Johnson responded, “Hello? Hello? He just got off from Walmart.”
Johnson, who earlier in the day had commented how most Georgia fans he encounters are cordial, said, “Anybody who calls into a radio show and barks is either retarded or doesn’t have a life.”
After the show, Johnson said he meant his response as a joke, “but it was a poor choice of words on my part and I sincerely apologize. It was not my intention to offend anyone.”
Advocates for people with mental disabilities have campaigned to stop the use of the word “retard” or “retarded” as a slur, calling it hurtful and dehumanizing.
(Not sure what to say. It was a poor choice of words.)
2. A-back Orwin Smith, who sat out last Saturday’s game with a toe injury, practiced Tuesday and will try to play in Saturday’s game against Georgia.
“I will at least try,” Smith said Tuesday. “The worst that can happen is me going out there and me not being able to play, but I will give it a shot.”
Smith said he ran full speed at practice and “limped around a couple times,” but overall said he felt great. Smith is the Yellow Jackets’ most dangerous playmaker on offense. He averages 10.8 yards per carry and 23.8 yards per reception and has scored 11 touchdowns in 65 offensive touches. He has been receiving a variety of treatments, including hot and cold tubs and ultrasound, to stimulate healing of his turf toe injury, typically a painful malady.
Wide receiver Stephen Hill and A-back Roddy Jones were held out of practice for the second day in a row, but both expected to return to practice Wednesday and play. Guard Will Jackson practiced but was kept out of contact drills.
(The fact that Smith may be hampered is, obviously, noteworthy. Bears watching.)
3. Hal Miller, an All-American offensive tackle and a co-captain of Tech’s 1952 national championship team, died Monday following a short illness. He was 81.
In 1952, Miller helped lead the Jackets to a 12-0 record and a Sugar Bowl win over Mississippi, giving them the titled awarded by the International News Service. Born in Kingsport, Tenn., Miller was enshrined in the Georgia Tech, Georgia and Tennessee sports halls of fame.
The school is working on a tribute to honor both Miller and legendary Georgia play-by-play voice Larry Munson, who died Sunday, at Saturday’s game.
(While it’s sad news, I do hope that both are honored before the game.)
4. Hill is friends with one Georgia player he’ll likely see plenty on Saturday, cornerback Branden Smith. The two hung out last summer, Hill said. They played each other in high school and Hill played basketball and long jumped against another Georgia corner, Brandon Boykin.
“They’re real fast,” Hill said. “Their technique is great, so it’s going to be a challenge.”
5. Defensive coordinator Al Groh on Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray:
“He’s certainly as good as we’ve seen. We compare him and his skill level to (Clemson quarterback) Tajh Boyd. He moves very well within the pocket as well as getting out. … He’s always got his feet underneath his shoulders. He re-sets very quickly. He makes a lot of big throws when the rush initially makes him move off his normal throwing spot without leaving the pocket.”
(One thing I appreciate about Groh: No player assessment will ever be, “Kid’s got a rocket for an arm.”)
6. Wide receiver Tyler Melton has been playing his best football the past two or three games, Johnson said. Melton has seven catches in the past three games for 122 yards, including three for 54 yards against Duke. The seven receptions are more than he had in any of his first three seasons and as many receptions as he had in the first eight games of this season. He has also blocked particularly well over that stretch.
Johnson said he’s not making a concerted effort to get Melton the ball, “but when the ball’s gone his way, he’s made a couple of nice catches and come down with it.”
(Melton has shown some nice ability to adjust for passes. I have no idea what his draft stock is, but he’s shown plenty of other skills – namely blocking ability and special teams play. If he can keep up his pass catching, he’ll hopefully get a shot in somebody’s camp. Remember that Kevin Cone – who caught six passes last year – fought his way onto the Falcons practice squad.)
7. Tuesday, Johnson dismissed an Internet report that Mississippi had contacted representatives for Johnson regarding its coaching opening.
“I don’t know anything about it,” he said. “That stuff’s crazy.”
I want to thank the posters who have kept things clean and respectful, for the most part. I was very tempted to not post the notes on the blog, because this seems like a fire waiting to happen, but decided that you deserved a chance to comment on it. If the posts aren’t respectful, however, I’ve got no problem closing commenting, and probably for the rest of the week. Please don’t be the bad apple that spoils it for everyone.
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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422 comments Add your comment
InsectInside
November 23rd, 2011
7:43 am
JB, just read the blog. They say much worse than that…..nothing substantive, all baseless, personal insults. I dare you to show up at a UGA game wearing gold and tolerate the sensitivity from your fans.
JB
November 23rd, 2011
7:43 am
Grantham IS NOT our HC. Richt is only attacked for his faith mostly.
b.c.
November 23rd, 2011
7:44 am
Johnson gets alot out of little talent? Well, how about the “woofers” coach getting little out of much talent??????? Who is the best coach??
RambleOn84
November 23rd, 2011
7:45 am
Thank you to all the dog fans showing their support to our great program by visiting this blog. I hope you still support us after we embarrass you on Saturday. Georgia Tech, soon-to-be SEC East CHAMPS!
Gordon
November 23rd, 2011
7:45 am
By the way, this doesn’t really need to be said, but “retarded” means someone who is acting stupid as well as someone with mental disabilities. We all know that. I can understand why that word shouldn’t be used, but lets not pretend absolutely everyone here didn’t understand exactly what CPJ was saying, and it had nothing to do with the latter. Stop being so self righteous.
George Stein
November 23rd, 2011
7:46 am
I actually can’t recall Tech fans criticizing him for his faith. I’m not a huge fan of how public he is – for the same reasons I’m not thrilled with Tebow – but I don’t criticize him for it.
JB
November 23rd, 2011
7:46 am
Insectlnside………………………I haven’t seen you on here before, but the personal attacks by certain Tech folk ( I will be kind, surely they aren’t alum, as I would tend to think a successful Tech grad would not be on here slinging this crap)are relentless…and most are personal, not football related.
George Stein
November 23rd, 2011
7:46 am
You recognize that, based on your comment, b.c., you have put forward different standards for judging them, right?
Derrick Steagall
November 23rd, 2011
7:47 am
I heard the call on 780thezone this morning and two things jump out:
1. it was probably a Tech caller trying to be funny because he said “hello, hello” so quickly he could not have actually been having trouble hearing and because he identified himself as “Bubba”.
2. CPJ said they expected a call from a Georgia fan with barking. That means his repsonse was planned and not off the cuff.
Way to go coach!!!!
George Stein
November 23rd, 2011
7:47 am
Bingo, Gordon.
JB
November 23rd, 2011
7:50 am
George, I didn’t mean YOU personally. If you have read these blogs, you have seen them. I agree he doesn’t hide it, but most believers don’t. Most people don’t know this, but Saban is really spiritual.
doodoobailey
November 23rd, 2011
7:52 am
Wordpress test.
charles Black
November 23rd, 2011
7:53 am
I see no need for PJ to apologize. He was not making fun of handicaped people, he was simply applying a name to the retard who resorts to childish behavior. The retard was probably a Georgia grad. If my comments are politically incorrect to some of you it is just to bad. And I could give a rats rear end to what Georgia fans think. If Georgia wins 222 – 0 I wil still say TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!
JB
November 23rd, 2011
8:01 am
Charles…..and we wouldn’t expect anything less of you.
Say It Aint So
November 23rd, 2011
8:04 am
No wonder GT’s former AD said they were no better than 7 wins each year. Its the sarcastic attitude of coaches like this idiot that fuels the hatred. It won’t be long before he is gone just like their conf championship.
Panther
November 23rd, 2011
8:08 am
My goodness, there is going to be a great game Saturday and all you can talk about is a comment made by Coach Johnson. Life goes on. One of the great college rivalries will be played on the Flats. I hope Tech fans will show Southern hospitality and UGA fans will respond in kind as guests. We work together, live side by side, go to school together. This week brings out the worst in our friends and families! Say a prayer for Larry Munson…the voice of football in the South.yes, I grew up hanging on to every word, play by play on Saturday. Be thankful for all you have. Thankful for the opportunity to watch the young men on the field, thankful for your traditions. Up with the White and Gold!
JB
November 23rd, 2011
8:10 am
Interesting read of the the two head coach’s this week about the game. Richt’s is on here today if any would like to read it.Richt goes out of his way to compliment Johnson and the Tech team and Johnson earlier this week said everything but “screw them’ when asked about Richt and Georgia……. He really is a little man………………And after getting beat this Saturday, he’ll tell the press in so many words, ” I did my job, you need to talk to the team”……………….class A jerk. Perfect fit for him.
andy in suwanee
November 23rd, 2011
8:10 am
Two Things
Most of us on here (both fan bases) have more in common with each other than lots of our own family. We love our teams and watch lots of football. We spend time reading this stuff. In real life we catch crap from our families because of this obsession. Yet we treat each other, often, most unfairly. We are definitely not so different. We should try and be more civil. I moved here as a young person and love Tech because that was my school. But I have tons of UGA friends. Wife is a grad. We NEVER talk to each other like this.
Also, I know its obvious but Tech also beat the team that made the Clemson win look not so good – at their place.
OK. Three things – EVERYBODY have a happy and safe TDay.
jackie
November 23rd, 2011
8:11 am
I wasn’t the least bit offended by Johnson’s comments, everyone is too politically correct and sensitive. Paul Johnson is an arrogant butt wipe who thinks he is the smartest person in the room but in reality is a pompous semi-ignorant ass.
THE DUDE
November 23rd, 2011
8:12 am
johnson is your normal so and so coach who cannot win so he runs his mouth about nothing. he is your normal loser, and by the way , where did he go to college? so let us just say he is a loser and he is where he belongs, at a loser school. i hear wall world tech needs a new coach. the only coach tech ever had was BOBBY DODD.
Moral Victory
November 23rd, 2011
8:15 am
As a UGA fan, I just hope that Paul Johnson “outcoaches” Mark Richt again…
old gold and white in my veins
November 23rd, 2011
8:15 am
Will Wal-Mart be demanding an apology for the association with a UGA fan?
Tom
November 23rd, 2011
8:15 am
He needs to apologize to Wal-Mart employees.
Say It Aint So
November 23rd, 2011
8:15 am
Born and raised in Atlanta I would always support GT when they played every team other than UGA, but since the arrival of the great one, its not so easy. Its hard to even watch GT. In the past, I would even take in a game of two on the flats. Never again.
Moral Victory
November 23rd, 2011
8:17 am
I hope both teams play well. If they do, then this game really won’t be close. Let’s be honest.
ken is a short bus guy
November 23rd, 2011
8:17 am
Everyone in this blog who has a problem w/ what CPJ said is a PC Putty Butt!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Moral Victory
November 23rd, 2011
8:20 am
Serious question: When Georgia’s smashmouth defense brings the wood and creates 4 turnovers, are we going to say that Tech gave the game away by putting the ball on the ground?
Funny how that’s the spin on last years game. Even though Georgia had as many turnovers as tech…
JB
November 23rd, 2011
8:20 am
Read the blogs of the Tech people BEFORE the Clemson win to see how they REALLY feel about Johnson. .663% winning is about right…..and will be as long as he’s there.
Not Sure
November 23rd, 2011
8:26 am
There are plenty of tards living kick ass lives, scro. My first wife she’s a pilot now
mwh6767
November 23rd, 2011
8:27 am
Can anymore uga fans come on here a cry like a bunch of babies!?!?! Good grief are you people adults?!?! I’m glad I don’t know any of you personally, i’d prob. shoot myself from listening to you whine about anything and everything. It’s football, its a game stop taking it so @#$@% serious! You don’t like what CPJ says, don’t read it, don’t watch it. Don’t like what the gt blog is about don’t read it, don’t like what the posters write, don’t read it! Don’t comment on it! Seriously, how old are you people!?!?!
moral victory?
November 23rd, 2011
8:28 am
Real serious question. A fanbase brags about being the second winningest team in it’s conference over a 10 year period as consolation for never winning a title. Would that be called a moral victory?
Gorilla Biscuit
November 23rd, 2011
8:33 am
Well, Coach Fishfry confirmed what we knew all along. He’s a clown. Is he that f^(k!>@ stupid? He looks dumpy in his windsuit and would be better served to wear dungarees with a wallet chain and a faux pearl button down shirt.
dawgfan
November 23rd, 2011
8:33 am
I would be offended by Johnson’s comments if I actually cared what he had to say about anything. The man has done nothing in his time at Georgia Tech other than win the weakest conference of the BCS level and run his fat mouth in the media. He never backs down to Georgia? A 1-2 record against them suggests otherwise. Football games are not won on radio call in shows. Paul Johnson is a total joke.
What strikes me as the most humorous about this is the hypocricy of Tech fans. Can you imagine the river of tears that would be flowing out of North Avenue if Mark Richt ran his mouth about Tech like Paul Johnson runs his mouth about UGA. We all know Richt would never do that because he’s a grown up and has something we like to call CLASS, but imagine if he did. Techies would be outraged. You can’t say anything to those idiots that is remotely critical about their program or school without them running straigh to mommy.
Georgia Tech is an absolute joke.
Hit a Single
November 23rd, 2011
8:34 am
The bottom line is that he embarrassed the late Boddy Dodd. He is a great coach and he gets away with things because he wins. Some guys will never learn, he sounded like Rex Ryan.
KSU Alum
November 23rd, 2011
8:34 am
Wow, stay classy Ga Tech. That guy should be fired.
mwh6767
November 23rd, 2011
8:37 am
If Coach Richt is so classy, why don’t the uga fans on this blog follow his lead and stop whining and crying about what a coach of a football team said on radio show.
nickj0321
November 23rd, 2011
8:38 am
GREATEST COMMENTS EVER! I almost wrecked when he said this…
Hit a Single
November 23rd, 2011
8:38 am
Oh yea, my uncle was a greeter at Wal- Mart and held a degree from Ga. Tech. He was a Sports Management Major. Oh yea, he was a football player too.
DYNAMICBIGBOY
November 23rd, 2011
8:38 am
Coach Paul Blowhards has such an ego, maybe he should look in the mirror before making comments like the one he made. He is so full of himself he can’t see what an idiot he looks and sounds like.
Say It Aint So
November 23rd, 2011
8:39 am
After Saturday we’ll see what comes outta his mouth about what went wrong. He always thinks he is the smartest guy in the room. What a jerk.
mwh6767
November 23rd, 2011
8:40 am
You guys are right maybe he should have just waited until the game and when uga came out to kick a field goal he should’ve just given the kid the “choke sign”……
DAWGMAN
November 23rd, 2011
8:41 am
Tech loses AGAIN Sat. so get ready for all their excuses on Sunday!
rogeriter
November 23rd, 2011
8:41 am
I am a Dawgs fan! Coach Johnson apologized but he should not have had to. The speech police are after anyone who says something that”might” offend someone else. I think that freedom of speech is guaranteed in the Constitution. That’s just another right our government is stomping on. What about those blacks who call Herman Cain an “Uncle Tom”? Where are the speech police then?
Hit a Single
November 23rd, 2011
8:41 am
What is sad is that Coach Erk Russell help make Paul Johnson and Coach Russell had way more class.
19
November 23rd, 2011
8:45 am
Dawgfans making an issue of this forget that they find violent crime hilarious. Please go back and read your post from the last 3+ months. Remember, rape, assault and armed robbery…”HAHA”!
It’s a hoot!
So now you are indignant about a poor choice of words! CPJ’s words are not violent crimes. Please try and get a moral compass. They are not sold at Walmart!
GT ATW
November 23rd, 2011
8:45 am
Wake up and get a grip all you thin skinned hypocrites! CPJ meant no harm by the comment. I’m glad he’s getting fired up for the game and look seeing UGA go down. It’s gonna be a long bus ride back to Athens. THWG!
Hit a Single
November 23rd, 2011
8:49 am
Coach Johnson is sorry, let’s move on. It is just bulletin board material.
Hit a Single
November 23rd, 2011
8:50 am
Oh yea, Wal-Mart has it on their bulletin board also.
Gorilla Biscuit
November 23rd, 2011
8:50 am
Once again the Clown Prince of North Avenue shows his true stripes and lack of class. My wife works with “Special Needs” kids and without a doubt those are the most loving and appreciative human beings on the face of the Earth. They are put here to humble the rest of us, and to make sport of their misfortune should earn one an express ticket straight to hell.
Hit a Single
November 23rd, 2011
8:51 am
My Uncle said that all greeters are to greet in a 3 point stance and tackle anybody with GT clothes on.