No more excuses — Georgia’s arrests fall on Mark Richt
Mark Richt has been buried in police reports since March.
(UPDATED at 3:30 p.m. with booking and suspension.)
Before you dismiss this as just another trivial arrest in a 24-7, TMZ flip-cam media world, ask yourself this:
What would you be thinking if this was Florida or Alabama or Tennessee? Would your first reaction be, “This is no big deal. Everybody is picking on us”?
What if this was Nick Saban or Urban Meyer or Houston “I’m Just Trying To Save The World One Quarterback At A Time” Nutt? Would you really be absolving the head coach — in this case, Mark Richt — of any responsibility?
Georgia’s football program has hit nine on the arrest chart. That’s nine since March.
Kickoff is Saturday. There’s still time to run out of fingers.
Here’s the latest: Campus police have booked freshman safety Alec Ogletree on misdemeanor charges of theft by taking and he has been suspended for the season opener. Ogletree, a prized member of their 2010 recruiting class, is charged with stealing a $35 scooter helmet from the Rankin Smith Center on June 15 (police discovering only this week that the helmet was in his possession).
Forget that we’re only talking about a $35 helmet. There’s no such thing as a minor incident any more. There’s a cumulative effect.
I realize this is difficult for some people to accept. We live for this time of year, not just because of our obsession with college football but because, as Richt said this week, “It’s good to be undefeated.” What you feel in Athens, they feel even in Starkville.
But when nine players get arrested between spring and opening kickoff, something is wrong.
Please, no more apologies.
I’ve had it with apologists. They live among the fan base (who claim police are just out to get athletes). They live among the coaching fraternity (because to blame another coach sets themselves up for higher standards). They live among the media (some of whom are too afraid of burning bridges with the program and not having the coach smile at them any more).
Bottom line: This falls on Richt. It’s his program. It’s his responsibility. It’s on his watch.
He doesn’t have to be the one drinking-and-driving. Or hitting-and-running. Or drinking-and-groping. Richt recruited these players, signed these players and ultimately determined, “They will represent the University of Georgia well.” Either he is picking too many of the wrong guys, or he’s not saying or doing enough of the right things when they get here. Regardless, don’t deny the problem.
Richt said Friday he was “disappointed” and that Ogletree is “responsible for a poor decision and will serve a minimum one-game suspension.” He was so angry when running back Washaun Ealey was arrested for a hit-and-run — which occurred while he was driving with a suspended license — that he didn’t even want to speak to Ealey. That anger is justified. The question is whether his suspension of Ealey will last beyond the Louisiana-Lafayette game — because that’s a small notch above running steps in Sanford Stadium.
Forcing Ealey to miss the South Carolina game — that would hurt. Of course, that also would hurt Georgia, and the South Carolina game is really important, right?
When asked at his news conference this week if, in so many words, there was a flaw in his discipline structure, Richt responded: “The flaw is if a guy does something that deserves to be disciplined and you don’t discipline him. That’s where the flaw is. The flaw is in us as humans. We’re flawed, we’re human, we make mistakes. When we make a mistake, then we get disciplined for it. As long as we have 18- to 22-year old guys who are human beings, they are going to make mistakes. That’s just all there is to it. If you don’t discipline it, you have a problem. If they don’t learn from it, then they have a problem.”
Actually, it goes beyond that. If players don’t learn from it, Richt has a problem. And he does.
No more excuses. This falls on him.
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1,737 comments Add your comment
DawgNation
September 3rd, 2010
11:28 am
Jeff what do you want Richt to do? Shut the program down, send everyone home and resign? You are starting to sound like all the other haters here. I expect Alex will have the option to miss this season, give up his scholarship for this season and if he still wants to be a Bulldog then work out with the scout team till he can atone for his stupidity or leave. There is no excuse and you are right that CMR MUST start to hand out discipline with more bit but you are sounding like all the haters that come on these blogs without the foul language. Ealys punishment I feel fine with. It is consistent with other universities and harder than some. So lay off and stop whining since you can not have him miss the South Carolina game.
G
September 3rd, 2010
11:28 am
Jeff… Please practice better journalism than this. You don’t know all the facts about this arrest or any other arrest that has happened. Please stop attacking people until you have all of the facts. The police officer even said, “all it takes is for someone to say something was stolen and we take it seriously” and they should. But there is also the fact that this young (18 year old) boy could have picked up the wrong helmet and never realized it. Poor job today!
Bill Turner
September 3rd, 2010
11:28 am
Ummmmm…..
There have been arrests every year and it continues. For Richt it’s all about winning football games. If he wanted it stopped, it would stop. But then, he would win less games.
Hey, the guy learned from the best (Bobby Bowden). Talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk.
Saint Simon's Red Headed Step Sister
September 3rd, 2010
11:28 am
I agree with Schultz. Who cares if someone’s feelings gets hurt. We DO NOT NEED THIS garbage or those that behave that way. Until Richt makes an example of the consequences for this type of behavior, it will go on. Pack your bags, you’re going home, son. No scholarship….no nothing.
dap01
September 3rd, 2010
11:28 am
Jeff is so unbiased.
Texas Pete
September 3rd, 2010
11:28 am
In previous seasons I would be pretty upset about this story breaking the day before the first game. However, with the Braves in a pennant race and the Falcons another week away from trying to get back to the playoffs, it doesn’t upset me. I’m embarrassed to be a UGA fan right now but the nine guys who have been arrested are nine different individuals who happen to be UGA football players. It’s not bad enough to make me want to quit following UGA football but it is bad enough for me not to GAS about the start of a question mark of a season. Richt had better win the SEC this season or he’s probably gone. It has nothing to do with his coaching ability, but rather is judgement of character and ability to recruit intelligent players. How dumb can you be to commit theft when you’re a star at UGA? About as dumb as being a star rapper on probation smoking weed in public I guess. How dumb can you be to commit sexual assault when you’re a potential starting QB for UGA? About as dumb as an NFL QB accussed multiple times of the same thing. These problems are not unique to UGA. UF has had their share of fighters and thieves as has Tech. But, winning cures all. Win or go home Richt, it’s your only hope.
Tech Tard
September 3rd, 2010
11:29 am
I am starting to think Richt has had enough. Alec will have to serve as an example. Anybody else think its weird that it took 3 months to realize your $35 helmet was stolen? Sounds like it is out of spite.
CJDawg
September 3rd, 2010
11:29 am
GO away Schultz. My GOD you’re aggravating. You are INNOCENT until proven guilty and this male student…what do we know about him? Has he got a habit of reporting things like this? Why wait until the day before a game to issue a warrant? Scooter helmets ALLLLL look the same, so he may have picked it up unintentionally. Maybe the male student was drunk and LOST his helmet. Maybe he lost it and decided to report it stolen so mommy wouldn’t get mad at him. In any event, how do we know that Ogletree did it? It’s been over 2 months.
Some clean up needs to happen at the AJC. You and ur significant other need to be fired.
That Guy!
September 3rd, 2010
11:29 am
Other schools get in trouble they just do a good job of it not getting out. Such as these two UF players who were arrested back in July and August and nobody heard anything about it till now. And then on top of it these kids don’t even get suspended from a game for being arrested.
UGA just needs to get better at covering this stuff up like other schools.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gator_clause/2010/08/gators-freshmen-matt-elam-and-solomon-patton-arrested-for-possession-of-alcohol.html
Dawg '88
September 3rd, 2010
11:29 am
Dear ajc if JS is arrested at any time…its your fault that he got in trouble. He is without fault. Its the man/woman in charge that must take the punishment, ridicule and responsibility for the actions of all employees. This is especially true since the powers that be for the ajc never punish an employee when gulity of poor actions.
If any other ajc worker steals, murders, or gets a DUI…its the ajc that caused them to occur. Its their paper….its their employees…it falls on them not the offender. Offenders go free…lock up the powers that be.
Now that is in essence what JS is saying…CMR is at fault for what has transpired. He forced Mettzenburger to touch that young lady, forced Washaun to drive the car, forced those players to drink, etc. How did he do it…he never punishes players for their poor actions….FALSE! Mett is gone, WE hasn’t been reinstated (if you think 5 am gassers are easy I suggest you go try them JS), the drinkers are hardened criminals (firing squad at dawn!)….and on and on.
It time to quit blaming others for the actions of a few. Last I check, UGA had around 100 players on the team. That means 91 out of 100 (91%) do what they are supposed to do. Thats pretty damn good when you can’t baby sit an adolescent teenager. Once again, JS shows that he hates CMR. Never called out Dooley for reinstating all of his offenders and they beat up a cop! Instead praise was heaped on him for trying…Hypocrite!
Don’t expect a warm welcome or response next time you come across CMR. You don’t deserve his time, patience or respect! Lay off! We are all growing tired of these problems but to blame CMR lacks common sense/intelligence…but then noone is surprised by this blog from a man who reeks hate.
Val
September 3rd, 2010
11:29 am
I am not a UGA fan, but want my state represented well no matter what or by who. I find having NINE players arrested since March is disgusting and turns my stomach. Time for Ritch to lay down the law – arrested equals no playing, period, even in the big games! What message is being sent to younger kids – more important to play football or be a productive law abiding citizen or there are consequences for your actions? It just makes me sick to see these kids given a free (or almost) college education and then turn around and throw it away like nothing! There are parents struggling to afford college for their kids and these just waste the opportunity because they do not appreciate it in the first place. I was once 18 – 22 and I knew it was wrong to steal, hit and run, and whatever else that is against the law, so that excuse is pathetic. Please step up!
yo yo ma
September 3rd, 2010
11:29 am
That Fulmer Cup needs to be retired with Georgia’s name permanently etched into it’s gleaming brilliance.
Bull
September 3rd, 2010
11:29 am
Schultz go back to LA or whatever foreign planet you came from. Will the AJC PLEASE remove this man from commenting on Georgia football.
tim
September 3rd, 2010
11:29 am
it does not matter that “it was only a $35 helmet…….it’s called stealing…thievery….robbery he’s a friggin criminal people. If he’ll steal something like a cheap helmet what do you think he’d do if he saw your wife or husband’s wallet/purse sitting in your car…..you know what a theif would do and this bum is a criminal.
Why?
September 3rd, 2010
11:29 am
Who Cares – Today it is a $35 helmet. Next it is a car or something else. Maybe even armed.
cyberdawg
September 3rd, 2010
11:30 am
It’s not all on Richt just as it’s not all on a parent when a child does something wrong. Did these players get in trouble with the law before coming to UGA? I think not. How is Richt to know they will make poor decisions in advance? The students are accountable for their actions…richt can only do so much teaching and advising.
dap01
September 3rd, 2010
11:30 am
Has CMR ever not punished anyone who did wrong? Can a reporter from the AJC point to a case where he did not punish enough? Yes stealing at any level is wrong, very wrong.
But it seems that some people write with GLEE about UGA wrongs but never acknowledge any good.
GTFan
September 3rd, 2010
11:30 am
Man, oh man!! Why can’t college kids realize what they have! I am taking about all of them not just UGA!!! Alec Ogletree is from where I live.
FireJimmyWilliamson.com
September 3rd, 2010
11:30 am
At what point are we going to get rid of Jimmy Williamson?. These things happen to football players all over the country yet we never hear of them. Why?. Because the campus police chief and departments don’t have a vendetta against the athletics department. Adams needs to reinstate the free ticket program again for law enforcement. Why else would Williamson wait until now to issue the warrant, especially if this happened in June?. What a JOKE! Clearly someone looking to get his name in the paper!!
WDE
September 3rd, 2010
11:30 am
Thank you for finally being an AJC writer that doesn’t apologize for Mark Richt. I’ve been saying this the past few years with all of the off-the-field problems UGA has had, and without fail everyone brings up how much of a nice guy Mark Richt is. Sorry, 18-year olds that believe theft isn’t wrong don’t care how nice their coach is. Burn them a new one and set an example.
weatherdawg
September 3rd, 2010
11:30 am
You are correct “Schultz is a wuss”. Was just about to post this. Get over it Schultz!
Wreckem
September 3rd, 2010
11:30 am
Wreckem imposter – it is at least not atleast
Yep
September 3rd, 2010
11:32 am
That Guy! – I couldn’t agree more!
dawg1967
September 3rd, 2010
11:32 am
does da film the longest yard apply here? just a helemt, just a car, just a bank, just a little fight, where are the team leaders,UGA leads NCAA in arrests, thats a good one.
girl know better than you
September 3rd, 2010
11:32 am
OMG, you people do not care what goes on as along as you win, but drop a couple of games this season with no Bama and no LSU and then all of a sudden you will have morals and point the finger at Richt and use that as an excuse when you should have used it as the excuse 7 arrest ago….Bama, LSU, TN, Ms are all the same, no one is going to do a d@mn thing…and about UNC, once the school has this many issues, the Chick Fil A bowl should cancel the invitation. Why showcase a team with that kind of mess, it is ludicrous and shameful. I realize it leaves the committee to scramble for another team but when there is a will, there is a way. Now I point the finger at the Chick Fil A committee for allowing this team to come to Atlanta and be showcased like this. What were you thinking? Shame on you people
swimdawg68
September 3rd, 2010
11:32 am
More and more we need to look at the character of the High School player. What is his background? Not to make excuses, but in my day at UGA as an athlete, some guys would get drunk and cause trouble in downtown bars, they would be taken back to the dorm, no arrest is made and no one puts it in the paper. I know today, we love to play “gotcha” cops and journalists. My question, why didit take the cops 3 months to issue the warrant? Why was it issued the day before the opening game of the season? This fails the “snif” test. I would like to see some investigating into the answer to my two questions. No excuse for AO if he is guilty, serious discipline will be in order. I’m like most dawgs, I’m tired of making excuses for these players. I don’t care where they came from or what “project” they grew up in, they all know right from wrong, time for them to “grow-up”.
Golden Rule
September 3rd, 2010
11:33 am
I heard CBS is considering a new show for the fall TV line-up.
CSI UGA
Barney Fife
September 3rd, 2010
11:33 am
As usual, much ado about nothing. What’s next, some arrests for J-Walking? Tired of reading about this sort of crap. Buzz me when one of these kids commits a real crime. The cops in Athens obviously have issues, and nothing to do. Also, can’t understand why the AJC regards this as headline news. Additionally, you’ve apparently concluded that the kid did steal the 35 helmet. What if he didn’t? Absolutely Asinine.
Send em to the AJC
September 3rd, 2010
11:33 am
Why can’t we get a player to steal Schultz’s computer!
Joey
September 3rd, 2010
11:33 am
So, Coach Richt has to tell a 19 year old not to steal? Does Alec have parents?
Ted M
September 3rd, 2010
11:33 am
CMR couldn’t possibly be saying enough. I doubt Ogletree is some sorta career criminal. Sounds like a stupid prank that was perpetrated because Ogletree thought it was cool and only heard CMR say “stay out of trouble” once and with no real meaning.
CMR needs to come forward and admit that he is NOT impressing upon his players to actually stay out of trouble.
hogmtndawg
September 3rd, 2010
11:33 am
If Ogletree is guilty, boot him. I don’t care how many stars he has. You cannot tell me that anybody does not know stealing is wrong. I would rather play with good effort with good kids and come out on the short end than continue this crap. Who knows what he might he steal next time, given the opportunity? It might be something of mine or yours!! All this being said, IF HE IS GUILTY.
Bull
September 3rd, 2010
11:33 am
Hey UGA bretheren….why don’t one of you pull police records and personal history on Jeff Schultz. Let’s level the playing field for what he feels he is so far above and such the expert at commenting on……
Paddy
September 3rd, 2010
11:33 am
Ed, you missed the whole point of this problem. Of course it is a news worth story and must be reported. Good job Jeff.
I have had it with this group! I will sit back and see what steps are taken to clean our act up! If not taken seriously, I will look for another team to support after 33 years of loyality to my Dawgs. Enough is enough. As you can tell I am disgusted and want some REAL results from this administration!
Doug the Jacket
September 3rd, 2010
11:33 am
You finally got it right. Richt will leave UGA for a non-SEC team next year.
B. Scott
September 3rd, 2010
11:33 am
I bet ALL of the South Carolina players will play in the Georgia game if Spurrier gets to pick and choose when his sit. So why shouldn’t Mark Richt be able to do the same???
Barney Fife
September 3rd, 2010
11:33 am
35 dollar helmet, rather
Yep
September 3rd, 2010
11:33 am
I agree you with Mr. Shultz. Continuing to fall short of expectations and running an undisciplined program on and off the field. Plenty of people would pi$$ and moan if he was canned but I wouldn’t.
Buck N. Kincaid
September 3rd, 2010
11:34 am
Rule # 1 – We never talk bad about UGA, we might not get CMR to give us mic time.
Rule # 2 – On 2nd thought, since we are the voice of the Braves, and the voice of the Thrashers, we don’t need football anymore. Let’s just spend all of our program time talking up baseball and schmoozing with the Thrasher GM.
CJDawg
September 3rd, 2010
11:34 am
I can’t wait for your Mariotti moment. All he did was criticize and put people down. I hope it happens to you and you lose your job and end up working for the middle school paper in East Jesus Connecticutt.
BobDawg
September 3rd, 2010
11:34 am
I’m seeing alot of fingers pointing but no suggestions:
1) Mandatory curfew for the entire team
2) Seniors are responsible for an underclassman during all off time.
3) Assistant Coaches that recuruited a particular kid is also responsible for him with mandatory dinners at the coaches house during the week…
any others???
Tech Fan
September 3rd, 2010
11:34 am
Who cares about this? I’m just ready for Dragon Con!
Alphare
September 3rd, 2010
11:35 am
Jeff, you are the best messenger there is in the state of Georgia. The biggest problem for some of the UGA fans is, they want to kill the messenger so that the message can just go away.
DawginLex
September 3rd, 2010
11:35 am
Jeff,
I guess you will call me an apologist.
Ever stop to think why this took 3 months?
$35 scooter helmet? It sounds like something involving 2 10 year olds.
I do happen to agree with you on Ealey. He was told point blank by 3 coaches including his head coach to not drive. He ignored them and the authorities. He should be suspended indefinitely. He absolutely should not play against SOS.
IT IS WHAT IT IS
September 3rd, 2010
11:35 am
ONE ARREST SHAME ON YOU(PLAYER, PARENTS, ETC..) TWO ARREST SHAME ON RICHT THE HEAD COACH, AND BELIEVE YOU ME, TWO LOSSES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU FANS WILL FIND RELIGION AND WANT HIM GONE TOO, IT IS TOO OBVIOUS…BUT IF HE GOES UNDEFEATED, YOU WON’T CARE IF THE ENTIRE TEAM GETS ARRESTED
Bdawg
September 3rd, 2010
11:35 am
Who cares? I don’t.
Bob Didier Caught Here
September 3rd, 2010
11:35 am
Jeff,
As an old and tired Dawgfan going way, way, way back I simply throw my hands up in the air and say “What next CMR”……it really seems like that CMR has lost these kids going back the past 2-3 years. I believe when he first got here he had these kids rapt attention. Nowadays, these kids attitude is just “Get me to the NFL”. My understanding was that the Ogletree’s came from a pretty good family and background. I will say this. Sometimes you can vet and vet these kids background till the point that you know what they had to eat for lunch on their 8th birthday but in the end it you cannot predict what a kid will do in the future!
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
September 3rd, 2010
11:35 am
i agree…the “incident” took place on June 15th. Today is September 3rd..what, over 3 months to decide to press charges over a $35 helmet?? can he just return it and be over this stupid debacle??
yo yo ma
September 3rd, 2010
11:35 am
Let the public flogging of Schultz begin anew. If we can just shut the messenger up maybe the problem will just go away.
Doug the Jacket
September 3rd, 2010
11:35 am
girl know better than you – get back in the kitchen and fix me a sandwich NOW!!!!!!!