Grantham’s antics were over the line — it’s not even close
Todd Grantham appears to be giving "choke" sign before Florida lines up for field goal attempt.
(Tuesday, 8 p.m.: This blog has been updated throughout, now that Georgia coach Mark Richt has confirmed that defensive coordinator Todd Grantham gave the choke sign and shouted something well south of the King’s English at Florida kicker Chas Henry Saturday. Just added: Grantham quotes)
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This isn’t about football. This isn’t about how we’re just too politically correct, or about how some of us just aren’t tough enough, or how we’re all just picking on the poor Georgia Bulldogs because, you know, that’s just what the leftist, evil media does.
This is about right and wrong. A 44-year-old college coaching grabbing his throat multiple times and shouting, “You’re gonna [bleepin'] choke,” at the opponent’s 21-year-old kicker?
Folks, that’s wrong. It’s over the line. It’s not even a close call.
Todd Grantham shouting “Choke” at the opposing player doesn’t make him or his team any tougher or better. It just makes him look classless. The Georgia defensive coordinator owes everybody an apology, from the Bulldogs’ program to Florida kicker Chas Henry, the target of Grantham’s sideline antics in Jacksonville.
Dogs coach Mark Richt confirmed Tuesday what had become obvious Monday, when he was unavailable for comment. Grantham gave the choke sign to Henry multiple times and he was wrong for doing so. The picture above tells part of the story. The two videos below tell more of it. In short, Grantham — who can be a little on the excitable side, which in itself isn’t a bad thing — let his competitive spirit push him over the line of what’s right and wrong. He grabbed his throat four times while the Florida kicker lined up for a 37-yard field goal attempt in overtime.
Henry, a native of Dallas, Ga., acknowledged seeing and hearing Grantham but he made the kick anyway, giving the Gators a 34-31 win.
The above screen grab from the Florida sports cable network “Sun Sports” showed Grantham on the sideline. Below are two videos:
VIDEO No. 1: Here is Henry’s post-game interview with CBS when he references what he saw when he looked to the Georgia sideline during the timeout. Quote: “Some of their coaches on the sideline were giving me a little grief, saying I was gonna choke.”)
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VIDEO No. 2: Here’s one view of Grantham going through his motions before the kick, via Sports by Brooks.)
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It was at about 6:30 p.m. Monday night when Pat Dooley of the Gainesville Sun sent a note out on Twitter: “Just checked the CBS broadcast again. Todd Grantham grabs his neck and says ‘You’re gonna bleepin’ choke. You’re gonna choke’ to Henry.”
By then, it was clear that Richt had a mess to clean up, and for once it had nothing to do with his players and the Athens-Clarke County police department
As I wrote earlier, it would be understandable — even expected — that Grantham would think, “Choke!” or “Miss it!” in his head. It wouldn’t even be surprising if a Georgia player yelled, “Choke!” or grabbed his neck. But that’s not something a college coach should be doing, and Richt acknowledged that.
Grantham himself expressed regret about the incident, saying after Tuesday’s practice: “As a competitor, sometimes you get caught up in the heat of the moment. I wish the situation hadn’t happened.”
Earlier in the day, Richt also referenced that “emotions run high,” adding: “People do things they probably wish they didn’t do. I think that was what was being communicated. I don’t think he’s necessarily proud of it. We’re just going to learn from it and move on.”
Not the first thing this year the Dogs are trying to learn from.
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1,682 comments Add your comment
We Hit and Run This State
November 1st, 2010
10:18 pm
…dooley…what a stooge…do the right thing and give the G back to Greenbay. You guys are killin’ the G…
dawgslikballs
November 1st, 2010
10:20 pm
Mike T said … doubt seriously in the game GA won 75-0 that Georgia put back in the first string and ran a double reverse on Florida’s ten yard when the score was 75-0.
Spurrier did not do that either. The QB was Eric Kresser. 2nd string behind Danny W. The receiver who caught the TD was Travis McGriff…about the #7 receiver that year. One thing to love about the HBC…when he put the 2nd and 3rd teamers in, he figured they earned the right to play and not just sit on the ball.
So you are way, way wrong. But nice try though.
You are right about SOS resenting the loss as a player. But you can bet your a$$ that he would not trade a win there for 11-1 vs the mutts, 7 SEC and 1 NC. In your dreams.
Always appreciate the HBC for turning the Gators/Mutts series into what it has become.
Mike T.
November 1st, 2010
10:22 pm
dooley…what a stooge…do the right thing and give the G back to Greenbay. You guys are killin’ the G
Yes, Dooley dummy, he secured permission for UGA to use the forward G Logo.UGA pays GB a royalty
to use it, So does Grambling and a few others.Geez what a moron.
Nation's Pasttime MNF Dawg Fan
November 1st, 2010
10:23 pm
Whoever called Vince Dooley a “stooge” can blow me. And Vince is still able to whip your butt. Moron.
Going to bottom of 9th, SF still up 3 – 1.
Mike T.
November 1st, 2010
10:24 pm
In your dreams.
In his dreams will always be Bill Stanfill.
Luv ya Pups
November 1st, 2010
10:24 pm
Mike T., instead of busting Schultzy’s chops, you better get some sleep and get ready for the Bengals to come to town. They only lost by 3 points in overtime to Montana State and we all know that 3 point losses in overtime means you’re a really good team with bad luck. The rest of the SEC needs you guys to step up and not let us down against the always scrappy Big Sky conference and not embarrass us like you did against the 3-5 Buffaloes (0-4 in the Big 12).
Nation's Pasttime MNF Dawg Fan
November 1st, 2010
10:27 pm
Only Manning goes into a hurry-up at the beginning of the second half up by 14.
Bleu_Bayou42
November 1st, 2010
10:27 pm
I think it’s kind of funny.
Nation's Pasttime MNF Dawg Fan
November 1st, 2010
10:28 pm
The Beard gets Hamilton looking. One down.
Mike T.
November 1st, 2010
10:28 pm
Luv ya Pups
Yeah, you might take your own advice and get ready for Vandy before SC rips ya’ll a new one.
dawgslikballs
November 1st, 2010
10:28 pm
And in your dreams will be Spurrier, Meyer, Shane Matthews, Danny W, Sexy Rexy, Tebow, Chris Leak…hell even Doug Johnson and Ron Zook.
Just as a reminder…the HBC had as a goal to hang 50 on the dawgs between the hedges, after doing it the year before in the Swamp. And he did it with the subs.
Dream on.
PissedDawg
November 1st, 2010
10:29 pm
I love it! As for CMR: Psalm 138:6-8.
Nation's Pasttime MNF Dawg Fan
November 1st, 2010
10:29 pm
Two down.
Luv ya Pups
November 1st, 2010
10:29 pm
Mike T., so help me understand, now you’re pulling for the HBC? You have to be a challenge for your therapist.
Mike T.
November 1st, 2010
10:30 pm
Always appreciate the HBC
Sure funny he put ya’ll down.I guess Foley would not let the crybaby have his way.
Nation's Pasttime MNF Dawg Fan
November 1st, 2010
10:33 pm
SF Giants win first World Series since 1954. Jeff Schultz writes Todd Grantham gave Nelson Cruz the choke sign right before he struck out to end the game.
At least the Braves lost to the team that won it all.
dawgslikballs
November 1st, 2010
10:33 pm
Mike T puked up … “Always appreciate the HBC. Sure funny he put ya’ll down.I guess Foley would not let the crybaby have his way.”
WTF are you talking about???
warhorse
November 1st, 2010
10:33 pm
Perhaps Grantham just realized that he was about to join the idol of many on here, Will Muschamp, as a defensive guy who never in his career ever beat the Gators.
Luv ya Pups
November 1st, 2010
10:34 pm
Mike T, yes he did put us down. Boy was that painful while we were adding a couple of more SEC and National Championships. Meanwhile, I think you pups pulled off a couple of Georgia state championships in the years the Jackets were a little off. Well done.
PissedDawg
November 1st, 2010
10:34 pm
And Coach Grantham was giving the sign to Hire Coach Leach! Geez
Darth Gator
November 1st, 2010
10:34 pm
schmeckdawg said:
“All’s fair in love and war. Was it fair that they didn’t get flagged for excessive celebration!!!!”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sometimes I read this stuff and it boggles the mind. We didn’t get flagged after the game was over for excessive celebration, and that bothers you? It’s not during the game — the game was over.
You compare that to a person who is supposed to be a coach (that’s a special title and demands the person be a cut above) who is standing on the side line taunting a kid?
Tell us, Florida and Georgia fans, that you aren’t serious!
Mike T.
November 1st, 2010
10:39 pm
Yeah and your probably not old enough to have any dreams of Dooley, Erk Russell,Lindsay Scott,Tim Worley, Lars Tate,Jake Scott,Scott Werner,Richard Tardits,Freddie Gilbert and ole #34.They caused ya
nightmares.
wewin
November 1st, 2010
10:39 pm
“Chin up” would require referencing your chin in some kind of mannerism. Please stand 40 yards from someone and tell them to keep their chin up in that manner and if they don’t immediately run over to you w/ the intention of the heimlich you win.
h walker
November 1st, 2010
10:40 pm
So what, if he did it is totally acceptable and Urban Meyer has done worse and said worse. Maybe he should give the eye gouge sign.
Nation's Pasttime MNF Dawg Fan
November 1st, 2010
10:40 pm
Ugh. Nothing but political ads on ESPN. Nathan Deal ran an ad where he gives Roy Barnes the choke sign.
Lincecum WS MVP.
Luv ya Pups
November 1st, 2010
10:43 pm
Can some of you puppy lovers help put away your red and black cry hankies and help Mike T out? He’s getting the crap kicked out of him like a UGA team visiting Jacksonville and referencing guys that are in the old folks home with him. I can’t believe the orderlies haven’t put him night night yet.
Mike T.
November 1st, 2010
10:43 pm
Meanwhile, I think you pups pulled off a couple of Georgia state championships in the years the Jackets were a little off.
You need to do a little more research dude.I think its been more than a couple.
Nation's Pasttime MNF Dawg Fan
November 1st, 2010
10:43 pm
Jon Gruden just gave Ron Jaworski the choke sign.
Luv ya Pups
November 1st, 2010
10:45 pm
Mike T, are you serious???? You’re arguing how many times you’ve beat the bees? This is SEC football man. Are you hankering for a transfer to the ACC? Godspeed if that’s the best you can come up with.
dawgslikballs
November 1st, 2010
10:45 pm
“Yeah and your probably not old enough to have any dreams of Dooley, Erk Russell,Lindsay Scott,Tim Worley, Lars Tate,Jake Scott,Scott Werner,Richard Tardits,Freddie Gilbert and ole #34.They caused ya
nightmares.”
I damned sure am old enough to remember those guys. #34 was the best CFB player I ever saw, I was at every game he played against the Gators. Freaking Lindsay Scott too…though it was pretty funny to see him and Buck brought out before the 95 dawgstomp in Athens. Erk Russell was the Gator killing coach that got the dawgs to believe they owned the Gators.
Know what? Last 21 years have dulled those memories, thanks again to SOS, the HBC. But they are still plenty fresh to relish the Gators kicking the crap out of the dawgs year in and year out.
I know they nightmares are nice and fresh for you though.
Mike T.
November 1st, 2010
10:45 pm
Luv ya Pups,
He’s getting the crap kicked out of him like a UGA team visiting Jacksonville
47 times we did get the crap kicked out of us.
Nation's Pasttime MNF Dawg Fan
November 1st, 2010
10:45 pm
Dammit, Peyton, throw it to Reggie Wayne, not over his head!! Or Todd Grantham will give you the choke sign!
Mike T.
November 1st, 2010
10:46 pm
correction didn’t
dawgslikballs
November 1st, 2010
10:48 pm
Hey Mikey…didn’t answer previous question. How old do you have to be for the dawgs to have a winning record versus the Gators during your lifetime????
Nation's Pasttime MNF Dawg Fan
November 1st, 2010
10:49 pm
Correction – Renteria WS MVP. Usual good reporting by Tim McCarver. Joe Buck must have given him the choke sign.
Mike T.
November 1st, 2010
10:50 pm
Let’s not forgot GT, USE TO BE SEC, they may even own the record against FL.
UGA Not Elite Program
November 1st, 2010
10:50 pm
Would actually mean something if UGA was an elite program …
but they are not …
and will NEVER be an elite program like UF, Texas, Bama, or OSU.
Just a small coach at a small program making a big fool of himself.
Luv ya Pups
November 1st, 2010
10:52 pm
Dawgs…you’re gonna have to slow down for Mike T. He’s falling behind again kinda like a UGA team since the downfield pass was invented. Plus, he’s busy figuring out how many times they can lose to the Gators but beat the bees and still chest thump.
Nation's Pasttime MNF Dawg Fan
November 1st, 2010
10:52 pm
Manning just audibled at the line, I think one of his signals was the choke sign. Houston trembled at the sight and called time out.
Luv ya Pups
November 1st, 2010
10:54 pm
Mike T, what year do you show it being on your abacus?
kgtech
November 1st, 2010
10:55 pm
FILTHY liars, he said choke to the 21 yr old kicker. Typical white UGA trash.
ryan
November 1st, 2010
10:56 pm
You want talk about choke Texas lost to Baylor
Mike T.
November 1st, 2010
10:56 pm
UGA Not Elite Program,
Georgia #11 all time college football victories, that ahead of UF.
if were not so elite, then why did a man with two NC say this was his most important win, and why did
one of Florida players say he nearly burst into tears Sat?
Surfdawg
November 1st, 2010
10:56 pm
Darth Gator the game was not over. Your guy stepped out on the 5
Nation's Pasttime MNF Dawg Fan
November 1st, 2010
10:56 pm
@ UGA Not Elite -
Your girlfriend just gave me the choke sign. Oh, never mind, she was actually choking on me.
Mike T.
November 1st, 2010
10:57 pm
kgtech,
Go play with your Lincoln logs and tinker toys.
svannahdawg
November 1st, 2010
10:57 pm
are you for real?????? who gives a crap if he did or not! i hope he gave him the finger after he made the damn field goal!
dawgslikballs
November 1st, 2010
10:58 pm
“Manning just audibled at the line, I think one of his signals was the choke sign. Houston trembled at the sight and called time out.”
That’s funny right there…don’t care who you’re a fan of.
kgtech
November 1st, 2010
10:59 pm
Mike T
Your wife told me all about your tingle toys last night,
Better change them sheets on your bed,she loved it.
marietta dawg
November 1st, 2010
10:59 pm
It’s amazing what passes for content at the AJC.