Richt’s words, actions haven’t changed ugliness at Georgia
HOOVER, Ala. — Mark Richt says he has “really enjoyed this summer.”
Given that seven of his players have been arrested, three have been kicked out of the program, another transferred after being suspended for half the season, his boss was arrested for a DUI and ultimately was forced to resign and the NCAA just phoned to announce their impending arrival in Athens, we’re left to wonder: Just how low does Richt set the bar for his summers?
Mark Richt has had a tumultuous summer. (AP photo by Butch Dill)
Or has he just become used to this sort of thing?
“It’s like, you know [something is] gonna happen,” he said Thursday morning. “It’s just like a ballgame. You know there’s going to be a penalty or a turnover, even though you don’t want there to be. Now you have to decide: How are you going to react to that? You can lose your cool and start spouting things you wish you didn’t say. Or you can just take care of the issue and move forward. That’s what I try to do.”
Problem being: It’s not working.
We can go round and round about how players are individuals who make individual choices (sometimes dumb ones). We can talk about how a coach, who has given a thousand speeches and made a thousand threats, may be on a remote tropical island while his quarterback is drinking himself into oblivion and groping a woman in a small-town bar. But does it really matter?
Whether Richt is saying the right or wrong things, or recruiting the right or wrong players, or setting the right or wrong tone, this is his program. He knows that. Anything that happens, whether it’s a stirring win in Tuscaloosa or an ugly arrest in Remerton, reflects on him.
Right now, the ugliness reflects on Mark Richt.
When he met with a small group of media members Thursday, prior to his main news conference at SEC media days, Richt was typically calm and cordial, even as a storm swirled around the program. Some would say that’s one of his strengths, not seeming like he’s going to put his fist through a wall every time something goes wrong. The downside to that is it gives others the perception, whether accurate or not, that he’s either bringing in the wrong players or he’s not a strong enough disciplinarian when they get here.
Question: Do you get a sense that when Nick Saban walks into a locker room that every one of their players is just a little bit intimidated. If so, do you get that same sense with Richt?
“I’ve got a process of handling these situations and I think I do a good job of it,” Richt said, calmly.
He was asked if he has tightened restrictions on player, in light of the arrests this summer. He declined comment.
He was asked later about some media outlets having him on a “hot seat,” partly because of last season’s 4-4 conference record.
Insulted?
“Not really. I understand the business,” he said. “I don’t worry about it. My goal is to focus on the important things and the things I can control.”
Coaching at the same SEC school for 10 years will grow a man some thick skin.
“In the end, we’re still in process of educating young people: How to handle adversity and rebound from that,” Richt said. “[Former UGA linebacker] Dannell Ellerbe. He had an issue early in his career: a DUI and a car wreck. I said, ‘Look, what you did damaged your reputation and Georgia’s reputation. But it didn’t destroy it. It only destroys it if you let it destroy it. If you allow this to put you in the tank, then you’re probably not going to make it.’ He was on his last leg at Georgia. But he got his act together.”
He has had those success stories. But arrests and losses have a cumulative effect. To use Richt’s words, they can damage the reputation of a man and a school.
♦
Previous SEC/Georgia posts
♦ SEC media days: Waiting on Richt as NCAA hovers at Georgia
♦ NCAA inquiry is the last thing Georgia and Mark Richt need
♦ It’s no coincidence Saban suddenly is concerned about agents
♦ SEC media days: Hey, who let the BCS in here?
♦ We’re LIVE at SEC media days (with no shortage of storylines)
♦ NCAA reportedly investigating Florida (but temper excitement)
♦ Can Dogs end Alabama-Florida monopoly in SEC title game?
♦ Listen up, Ole Miss: I’ve got Colonel Reb’s replacement
♦
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713 comments Add your comment
just a reader
July 22nd, 2010
8:12 pm
I can not believe an intelligent person came up with this article.
ThrashDawg
July 22nd, 2010
8:13 pm
Jeff Schultz’s words, actions haven’t changed the ugliness of his face! Unlike the title of this article, this title fits the author.
Gatorbait 17-3
July 22nd, 2010
8:16 pm
Bobby Bowden said along time ago, Mark Richt is just too nice too be a head coach.
What has he done against the best coaches in thre SEC-Meyer, Saban and Miles———————NOT MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wildhill
July 22nd, 2010
8:29 pm
What a bunch of self serving journalism. Get a life and stop acting like jerk.
Scott
July 22nd, 2010
8:33 pm
I was stirred to respond to this article, but I read Mosely’s comments. His was so concise that I decided that all other points are rendered useless.
joshG
July 22nd, 2010
8:33 pm
Newspaper’s columnists, hit-baiting headlines haven’t changed slow death of AJC
Scott
July 22nd, 2010
8:34 pm
Gatorbait, what is Richt’s record against Saban?
reality
July 22nd, 2010
8:40 pm
This is not journalism. It is sensationalism. When a journalists goes over the deep end for a story, i start looking at the advertisements on the site to determine what NOT to buy.
crabapplejoe
July 22nd, 2010
8:45 pm
Why are so many folks dogging on Jeff for just reporting the truth…if you don’t think UGA football is having a bad summer then you really haven’t been paying attention. But I do love a good SEC/ACC blog where everybody’s basically saying our thugs are not as bad as your thugs….very entertaining. The VolNation forum is really funny right now with so many Vol fans trying to justify the fact that one of their players put a policeman in the hospital….if they can just find a way to have all their thugs on the field on opening day at Neyland Stadium all will be good…forget society and laws, etc. LOL
Missouri Dawg
July 22nd, 2010
8:54 pm
I’m a UGA grad who follows the program from halfway across the country. I’ve never felt compelled to post a comment, but today I just can’t stop myself. I’m amazed at some of some of this journalist’s comments. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was a 15-year old. How do you expect Richt to act? And do you really believe you can control the actions of all these young people? “We can talk about how a coach, who has given a thousand speeches and made a thousand threats, may be on a remote tropical island while his quarterback is drinking himself into oblivion and groping a woman in a small-town bar. But does it really matter?” Yes, it does matter. As is true in any leadership position in any industry, you are required to react to adversity, make adjustments and move forward. I would love to see how Schultz would react in Richt’s shoes. I’m sure it’s easy, right Jeff? There is no doubt in my mind you would take UGA to a new level. There would be zero student-athlete incidents, a perfect graduation rate, and multiple national championships. Wow, I can’t wait. Fire Richt!
j
July 22nd, 2010
9:02 pm
jeff…
i typically enjoy your columns, but this is a joke. you are on a major league witch hunt here. what did richt ever do to you? the guy has character with a capital C and you just can’t seem to stand it. how do you expect him to act in these situations?
Joe
July 22nd, 2010
9:09 pm
You are a talking like a jerk. It is obvious your boss dosn’t hold you to the same standard you just exibited…you’re still there…
Jeffs gay lover
July 22nd, 2010
9:35 pm
Jeff what do think Myer, Saban, any other coach does the punishiment normally fits the crime..besides the kids were kickoff team no coach can babysit. Take off those mustard & navy colored thongs off and you might could see or it’s July and you’re scratching to find things to write about.
Greensboro, GA
July 22nd, 2010
9:36 pm
————————–
Nesbitt for Heisman
————————–
Preston
July 22nd, 2010
9:52 pm
Greensboro, try to beat your in state rival more than once in a decade before pushing one of your players for Heisman. LMAO!
Preston
July 22nd, 2010
9:52 pm
Or at least win a bowl game! LOLEH!!!
A dawg in aubarn
July 22nd, 2010
9:54 pm
sorry to see that a new terrance moore has returned. please go write about that other school in ga
George
July 22nd, 2010
9:56 pm
As has been already noted, same old recycled story. I guess Schultz must think if he says it enough it will be true.
Was there nothing else at SEC media days? Makes you wonder why the bar is so low at the ajc.
George
July 22nd, 2010
9:57 pm
A shorter post – Schultz is an idiot.
The Ghost of Doyle Hargraves
July 22nd, 2010
10:01 pm
This is same crap I hear every time I run into a fan from one of those wonderful northern or midwestern schools. They are so proud of their state colleges and yet they choose to live here in Georgia as opposed to their wonderful home states. “Another one of your boys in trouble again? Wow, you must be proud.” Yes, it certainly is unbelievable that BEER + COLLEGE + HOT GIRLS = TROUBLE. I guess at other schools this isn’t an issue.
What might have actually made this an interesting piece of journalism would be for someone on the AJC staff to do a little research, go back maybe 3-5 years, and list the number of infractions, suspensions, arrests, and dismissals by team by year and by head coach for all the division I-A schools or even just the SEC. You guys should have that on-hand, right – you are so good at being fair and balanced when reporting this stuff. Then we could compare apples to apples instead of this half-@ss brain dump. But I forgot, your company probably can’t afford to keep resources like that on staff. I would do it for you if I didn’t have a real job to do every day.
Still love you long time. You’ll come out of this a better man, damaged but not destroyed.
Anonymous
July 22nd, 2010
10:03 pm
Preston is a goober and his team is a loser.
Big Albany Dawg
July 22nd, 2010
10:03 pm
Terrence, it’s obvious Jeff’s on vacation. Retirement that bad?
ahs
July 22nd, 2010
10:06 pm
Jeff,
Your starting to sound like your buddy Mark! I wish the two of you would move to Alabama!Leave our coach alone!
Paul in Savannah
July 22nd, 2010
10:14 pm
First and foremost I am a Tech fan but I have the utmost respect for Mark Richt who is a man of faith and good character. He cares about his players and I am sure feels pain and failure every time one of his charges screws up and ends up getting suspended or dropped from the program. Unfortunately too many athletes look at all of their good fortune as an entitlement and not as an opportunity for growth and advancement. Non athletes do the same thing in college but they are squandering their parents money or HOPE scholarship money but its the same mind set. Nick Saban may win more games but Mark Richt never has to worry about his ethics.
Dawgtards ruin this state
July 22nd, 2010
10:27 pm
NCAA is in Athens to put thUGA on probation!
Lucas
July 22nd, 2010
10:31 pm
Sorry Jeff, I think you’re stretching on this one and you are way off the mark. Georgia is the same as any elite athletic university. These top athletes have a tendency not to be the most disciplined out side of sports. But is it anymore than the typical student? Again most of the incidents are minor alcohol offenses, if this happened to a normal student there would be no repercussions from the university. I for one think Richt is doing one hell of a job, he can’t control everything.
Dawgwalker
July 22nd, 2010
10:35 pm
dude are you serious,jeff what in the hell are you writing about,you are dealing with young men and making bad decision,all programs have had problems with this not just ga.maybe your on the hot seat looking for bs to write about get of mr ass.
Tre
July 22nd, 2010
10:36 pm
Great example with Ellerbe..yes they are in the business of educating kids and trying to mold them into adults. Ellerbe is blessed with the type of family that I wish every young athlete could have no matter if they are white or black. Most people thought that he had a chip on his shoulder or he was a thug, but I had the chance to know the man behind the face mask. We all make mistakes, but only a few are able to bounce back like Dannell Ellerbe…..and to top it off he was one of the most intelligent in his signing class….don’t be so quick to write a kid off that makes a mistake.
gadawgs
July 22nd, 2010
10:38 pm
Gatorbait..CMR has a winning record against Saban & Miles. I’ll give you Meyer but that will change.
dap01
July 22nd, 2010
10:40 pm
Sometimes the headlines that does not match reality will cost you credibiltiy.
Bruce Mac
July 22nd, 2010
10:41 pm
Jeff, so now Damon Evans is the responsibility of Coach Richt. Other than kicking the player off what in your opinion is the man supposed to do? And exactly how many players has he recruited that were not recruited by other great big time schools. You sir are a fool. You wish you were half the man that Mark Richt is and you know it.
Pete
July 22nd, 2010
10:50 pm
Jeff,
Richt needs to instill harsher punishment for players that screw up…just like your boss needs to instill harsher punishment for weak articles such as this one.
Chris FitzGerald's lover WP75
July 22nd, 2010
10:54 pm
Shoot anybody from canton they are all useless. signed felix. The only solution to stopping MIP is to severly prosecute the persons selling or supplying alcohol to underage students (or anybody underage). Interrogate the minor with alcohol in their possession or being intoxicated until they reveal the source. If they refuse then suspend them for the year. Ratting out someone for supplying alcohol or drugs to minors should be applauded by all respectful people. btw journalism is dead as evidenced by the journalists that continue to cover up for this incompent socialist president. anyone disagreeing is brain dead.
Tom, Resident Georgia Fan
July 22nd, 2010
10:57 pm
Dawg Dan: what does DAN stand for? Dumb Ass Nerd?
Pi$$onaDawg
July 22nd, 2010
10:59 pm
RICHT is a coach of young men and a teacher of character. HHAHAHAHHA BOZO the CLOWN is a character. Richt can’t teach crap to the Snoop Dawg living Pot Smoking ghetto trash he recruits. Mark wave the CHRIST flag while you bow to SEAton Throne. You will never win enough and you will never change the hearts of your ghetto negros. Ha Mark did sit behind B. Kosar and saw what a National championship looks like. Richt did teach C. Waard how to run around and become an NBA point guard. Hell Richt was so good he gave the 30 yr old Wienke a baseball arm. WOW RICHT is god playing the weak sec teams and losing to the good sec teams. All that 4-5 star talent and how many MNC games has UGA VII been to? UGA VII died before the end of last season from shame. RUSS you will have to grow a pair and make UGA stop paintng your butt because Richt will never grow a pair while his watergirl keeps his in s jar beside the BIBLE.
Krogunner
July 22nd, 2010
11:14 pm
Bottom line: It’s time to make a coaching change in Athens…
Mike Franklin
July 22nd, 2010
11:16 pm
It is… admittedly, kind of tough not to enjoy it when a rival team becomes a target for the sports media. I mean, it is all about creating spectacle regardless of substance… not at all unlike the ancient Roman arena.
Whether it be the Crimson Tide or the Gamecocks or the Bulldogs… any SEC team immediately attracts attention and sells copy. Sex it up, antagonize the loyal fans while stoking the opposition to heckle and jeer.
You can here the crowds cheers as the victim is mauled by the wild beast on the arena floor.
The AJC is indeed in their element here…
Glenn
July 22nd, 2010
11:17 pm
Jeff how do you even keep a job, your an idiot.
HatesPinkos
July 22nd, 2010
11:20 pm
Hey Schultz, when are you going to tell us how your handling the fact that
your employer, the AJC, is going out of business? Explain to us how your
babbling isn’t proof that you’re on your last leg as a so called professional.
When did Coach Richt wee-wee in your Cheerio’s and make baby pout. Geez!
Get over it or go back to nude dancing at the gay bar.
Edward R. Murrow
July 22nd, 2010
11:23 pm
Jeff, you are a douchebag. I am sorry your job is essentially obsolete but could you give it a rest? I guess it is a good thing you write about UGA because if you didn’t, no one would even know who you were.
Mike Bobo 17 Interceptions
July 22nd, 2010
11:25 pm
Business as usual…..just another 8-4 or 7-5 season and back to Shreveport. Everyone in Athens just buries their heads in the sand and points to someone else other than CMR.
Saban is back and getting better everyday (i.e. Mal Moore a good AD), Meyer continues to pound you and own you year after year (another good AD Foley), and well, you basically you cannot open on the road against an average D-1 opponent without getting embarrassed.
CMR is your problem, but this stems from an amatuer driven/no pressure program in Athens. Matter of fact, most of the people who easily attack and laugh at your program know more about your program than the average Dog fan.
Chuck Uga
July 22nd, 2010
11:26 pm
Jeff,
You and the rest of the regional sports media are very quickly losing what credibility you have left with a dying newspaper. A.J. Green was NOT in Miami at the so-called “agent’s party,” but so many of you want it to be true. Considering current media practices, wouldn’t surprise me a bit if he is declared guilty of attending the party even if he has proof he was in South Carolina. This “National Enquirer” syndrome needs to come to an end.
Mike Bobo 17 Interceptions
July 22nd, 2010
11:31 pm
Everyone in Athens can only talk about 1980 and Buck Belue….move on folks…move on.
You’ve had Ferraris in the garage for the past 10 years, but no one knows how to drive them. It would not matter who you bring into coach this program, because the fan base is just to cocky and mouthy for any good coach to last.
The stress test for your program was when Kirby Smart rejected your DC offer and remained in Alabama. Yes, Alabama upped the Kitty, but UGA would have matched or made him comfortable, but he did know want to get involved with a broken program, when he is already at a program that plays for titles. “When you can’t bring your own former players back (i.e. Smart and Muschamp), then your program has serious flaws.
Heck, even Bryant knew he had to come back to Alabama when Mama called, and this program had problems back then.
No one likes UGA, not even former players, which speaks volumes. Go ahead, keep burying your heads in the sand and watch it continue to go down the drain.
Mike Bobo 17 Interceptions
July 22nd, 2010
11:34 pm
Chuck Uga
Missing the point. The point of the article is your coach is weak, and you keep defending an inept coach and program by pointing out trivial facts. Look, everyone knows UGA is a thug program, plain and simple.
Admit and clean it up. Saban would have drilled his players and they are scared sh#$less to try anything, while anything goes in Athens (partytown USA).
HJF
July 22nd, 2010
11:34 pm
Jeff, it seems like you have something special against the coach. Did he didrespect you or something?
Dawg Gone It
July 22nd, 2010
11:39 pm
Congrats!
Dawgs (aka thUGs) NO 1! NCAA IN ARRESTS! INCLUDING AD (ANOTHER DRUNK DAWG)
AND NOW- well you know by now
Your male mascot can not naturally fertilize an egg – perfect mascot!!
More material from the laughing stock of the SEC – no title in sight and no one has more talent.
Lighten up on discipline CMR, Jesus was no f ball coach with millions, enjoy.
Just like daddy b bowden – whatever sniffers – you hired a ACC assistant coach, of little use.
Congrats! Now that’s funny! (only because its true)
THWG
BuLLdawg
July 22nd, 2010
11:55 pm
“It’s like, you know [something is] gonna happen,” Coach Richt said Thursday morning. “It’s just like a ballgame. You know there’s going to be a penalty or a turnover, even though you don’t want there to be.”
“Arrests and losses have a cumulative effect,” Jeff Schultz replies.
661 comments about that since 1:14 pm this afternoon. This is what we have come to.
seriously
July 23rd, 2010
12:02 am
the last 2 years of being a bulldawg MUST BLOWWWW…. ur biggest win is Over Tech… Preseason number 1 , number 1 draft pick.. HYPPEEEEEEE HYPPPEEE HYPPEEEEE…BLue Chip players out the ASS, YOur coach literally saying THE BLACK JERSEYS REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE, WHat are you on 20 plus arrest?? YOur Damn AD DUI ing, NOw its the “DREAM TEAM” blah blah…. How many TONS OF TRASH? IT BLOWS TO BE A GEORGIA BULL BLAH
BuLLdawg
July 23rd, 2010
12:09 am
Recruited players that other big time schools did as well ?
SIGNED them.
And, then they get arrested at NCAA RECORD LEVEL.
And, they fumble at NCAA RECORD LEVEL.
And, they throw interceptions at NCAA RECORD LEVEL.
And, they have penalties at NCAA RECORD LEVEL.
And, they have LOST 5 games the last 4 years to SEC East teams who did NOT even end up in the Top 25 Final AP Poll, even with their win over Coach Richt.
And, we are 3rd vs The SEC East over the last 4 years at 10-10.
And, we are 4th vs The SEC over the last 4 years at 20-12.
And, Coach Richt is # 5 SEC Coach at his current school vs ranked teams over his entire tenure today.
And, we have won 3 of the 11 games vs Top 10 Final AP Poll teams in the Coach Richt Era.
And, we have had for 9 years now of the Coach Richt Era, the dead last coaching staff hired by Coach Richt in America.
He apologizes. He makes excuses. He forgives.
He is too lax. The other schools did not sign them. Coach Richt did. And, they screwed up off the field and screwed up on the field. And, Coach Richt has done NOTHING.
NOTHING.
BuLLdawg
July 23rd, 2010
12:31 am
How do I expect Coach Richt to act ?
I expect Coach Richt to give Tavarres King the SAME SUSPENSION that he gave to Dontavius Jackson. Tavarres made Dontavius drive his truck so that Tavarres would not subject himself to a possible DUI. Whose truck was it ? Tavarres King’s. Who also, by the way, did NOTHING about his assigned driver of his vehicle leaving the scene of the accident either. Tavarres in addition let a DUI drive his truck with SEVEN (7) children in it. What was Tavarres’ purpose in driving his truck around Athens ? To go get DRUNK in it.
I expect Coach Richt to SUSPEND Branden Smith. Branden took the ID and bought the alcohol causing all the arrests, which included all 7 in the truck either being arrested or having their driver’s license suspended. That’s right. The police suspended Branden Smith’s Driver’s License. For good damn reason.
I expect Coach Richt to SUSPEND Vance Cuff. Vance Cuff is over 21. Vance Cuff gave his ID to Branden Smith, which caused all this.
Montez Robinson certainly when he beat up the little coed the 1st time, should have been kicked off this football team. But, no, he was FORGIVEN. Then, when the next month he went back and beat up her car; Coach Richt then suspended Montez for 2 games. Only when he beat her up a 3rd time repeatedly throwing her to the floor and picking her up and slamming her into the floor at McWhorter Hall did Coach Richt throw him off the team. Even then, Mike Bobo who recruited him here and Coach Richt spent their time in jail forgiving the thug and praying with him. This little gal, a student at UGA, had to leave UGA.
B.S.
For a team 1-3 vs Florida the last 4 years and 1-3 vs 4 lousy horrible vols’ teams the last 4 years too along with 2-2 vs 4 sorry Kentucky teams. We even lost to Vanderbilt when they won 4 games with their win over us.
Every fan at Sanford Stadium BOOS the play calls of Mike Bobo. 38-14 over the last 4 years is # 19 in the nation in won / loss for the # 11 College Football Program in 1-A wins All-Time.
And, this off-the-field B.S. such as the Quarterback recruited by Mike Bobo Zach Mettenberger going on spring break to Valdosta with his guilty of multiple counts of groping an off-duty employee also a student in college there, has got to end.
Instead, AFTER THAT, we forgave him and let him play in the G-Day Game.
B.S.
Look, Coach Richt EXPECTS another arrest / suspension, EXPECTS a fumble, EXPECTS an interception, EXPECTS a penalty – EXPECTS to LOSE at everything he is judged by.
He is a nice guy.
The players take advantage of him, which is why he SIGNS them. They know they can.