‘Be True to Your School’ cuts both ways with Dooley, Tarkenton
Is Vince Dooley a Dawg, a Tiger ... or both? (Associated Press)
I heard from a couple of fans who were bothered by the way Vince Dooley concluded a phone interview this week on Tim Brando’s nationally syndicated Sporting News Radio show. The former UGA head football coach and athletic director signed off with a low-key “War Eagle.”
On top of Dooley pulling for his son Derek when the Vols played the Dogs (albeit quietly at home, away from prying TV cameras), this latest departure from the true Red and Black path might seem like blasphemy to some. But I have no problem with Vince celebrating his alma mater’s first national championship since 1957 (back when he was on the Tigers’ coaching staff). Besides having coached there before coming to UGA, Dooley played football at Auburn and is a graduate of the former Alabama Polytechnic Institute.
OK, granted, Dooley spent more years as a Dawg than in orange and blue and it’s UGA that put up a statue of him.
But I’m more than willing to concede Dooley an occasional “War Eagle” because when it really mattered, in 1980 when Auburn tried to lure him back, he chose to remain at Georgia.
Woof!
Meanwhile, Dawgs 247 had an interesting report that current UGA athletic director Greg McGarity had reached out to former Bulldogs quarterback and NFL great Fran Tarkenton, who lambasted Mark Richt and the Georgia football program on Atlanta’s 680 The Fan.
Greg McGarity was diplomatic in responding to outspoken Fran Tarkenton (University of Georgia)
In addition to ripping the conditioning of Georgia’s players, Tarkenton seemed to be incensed by Richt’s recent comments about McGarity freeing him up from administrative duties so he could spend more time studying football. Said the legendary No. 10: “What has he been doing for nine years? I have never heard any college, high school, professional coach [ever say] that I was not able to spend enough time on football. I had other issues. … It sounds like ‘I am not taking responsibility.’”
Tarkenton added: “I think Greg McGarity has got to look at this awfully hard, I think the signs are that we have a program that is in big trouble.”
McGarity told 790 The Zone that he had a “nice conversation” with Tarkenton after he heard about the comments and seemed to be trying to gently bring the famed scrambler back into the fold.
Said McGarity: “I basically apologized to him for not reaching out earlier, which I probably should have done to a number of individuals but just did not do it. I think he got to know me a little bit better. I got to know him better, and I was able to talk to him.”
And what did the AD think of Tarkenton’s remarks? “Everybody is entitled to their own opinion,” McGarity said. “It’s disappointing that it would come from one of your own. And basically, that’s about all I care to say about that.”
Which is a heck of a lot more diplomatic way of responding to criticism from a former player than the way Urban Meyer handled it at McGarity’s former employer when critical comments from former QB Shane Matthews prompted him to issue his infamous statement: “I’m also going to talk about loyalty with our former athletes. Some are welcome, some aren’t. …We want former Gators to come back, but loyalty’s a two-way street. If you want to be critical of a player on our team or a coach on our team you can buy a ticket for seat 37F, you’re not welcome back in the football office.”
SPEAKING OF BUYING TICKETS …
Despite the declining fortunes of Richt’s Dogs on the field the past couple of seasons, UGA was one of only 18 FBS schools to sell out all their home football games this season. What do you think are the chances that string will continue in 2011 if Richt doesn’t turn it around quickly?
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355 comments Add your comment
Donnie Darko
January 15th, 2011
1:35 pm
And Carlton, my point is that the saying “Be true to your school” means be true to the school you attended, so in the case of most uga fans, that saying doesn’t apply to them.
corkylikesbeer
January 15th, 2011
1:38 pm
Hey,
I had a rough night of drinking….any suggestions on recovery food?
long-time dawg
January 15th, 2011
1:39 pm
TROJAN
January 15th, 2011
12:50 pm
… Tarkenton is entitled to his opinion even though he is not exactly a model alumni. You can have an opinion even if you are stupid.
Fran Tarkenton “stupid”? You sir, are an idiot!
Fran is silly
January 15th, 2011
1:39 pm
remember when he came out and criticized the vikings about the favre thing 2 years ago? yet he was silent when they went 12-4…
I don’t recall him voicing his pride in the bulldogs when coach richt turned us into a national power in 2002.
You wanna help Fran?? Cmon down to athens and see what you can do. Otherwise, good luck with whatever it is you are doing, bitter man.
Carlton
January 15th, 2011
1:39 pm
Haha-well, I can’t very well be true to the school I attend. Kennesaw State doesn’t have a football team..yet.
NYCDAWGFAN
January 15th, 2011
1:40 pm
If what you said is recognized as something that happens for every major college then you have NO POINT. My Penn State example was generic genius. My best friends pops is from Alabama and has lived in GA for at least the past 35 years…. He is a die hard Nebraska fan!!! I guess the water from 2 southern states mixed and funneled him to the mid west. Are any other Dawg fans reading Mr. Darkos comments? Am I making sense hear? If I am wrong I will admit it and bow out gracefully…
Carlton
January 15th, 2011
1:40 pm
And @ corky-
I used to enjoy eating a 6 inch turkey sandwich on wheat, toasted with lettuce, jalapenos, chipotle/ranch sauce, oregano, oil and vinegar from Subway..with a blue powerade to drink. Ultimate hangover food..
DIT
January 15th, 2011
1:42 pm
@Donnie Darko
___
I hear what you’re saying and I’m just offering an opinion and not looking to get into the name calling department. I’m a UGA Alumnus and have to disagree with your statement. I also enjoy going back to my home where I was a young child at watch Southern Cal play. Is that wrong? How about us as Braves fans or Falcon fans? We did not play in their organization (I played in the Milwaukee org.) but we go to the games and cheer them on. Should we not because we never played for them or were a part of their organization?
Just saying, I don’t agree with your part of this discussion.
DIT
January 15th, 2011
1:44 pm
@Fran is silly
Exactly!
Donnie Darko
January 15th, 2011
1:45 pm
Wow nice, once I discredit your Pennsylvania example, you run away from that statement. If your point is that all schools have fans that didn’t go there, I agree with you. And I agree, Nebraska is another example of a school with a very large non-alumni fanbase.
However, as I said, my point is only that the saying “Be true to your school” isn’t applicable to most Georgia fans. I don’t know why you are so defensive about it.
papadawg
January 15th, 2011
1:46 pm
I remeber the big mess UGA football was in under the great Vince Dooley. Remember Jan Kemp. We’re no where near that kind of mess so take him off whatever pedestal you have him on
Shawn
January 15th, 2011
1:46 pm
Right now the Dawgs need positive support not negative rants from it’s own. Tarkenton was wrong to blast a Georgia Coach when he will be our leader next year. If it does not work out they will move him along. He needs to be supportive for the programs sake until then. Just like the rest of You bandwagoneer’s on this blog. Either get with the program or find a new team.
NYCDAWGFAN
January 15th, 2011
1:47 pm
And I like , DIT, disagree with you. Nuff said. Sic’Em
Donnie Darko
January 15th, 2011
1:47 pm
Carlton, I am in the same boat, I went to Oglethorpe and Emory. At least you have hope that Kennesaw State will have a team.
NYCDAWGFAN
January 15th, 2011
1:47 pm
You got it Shawn
Jake
January 15th, 2011
1:50 pm
Lighten up, Francis.
Donnie Darko
January 15th, 2011
1:50 pm
And Shawn that is my point exactly, if you are an almnus, you can’t “find” a new team. That is “your” school to be true to.
DIT
January 15th, 2011
1:52 pm
Hey, I just want to see this mess turned around. I had UCF clients in my office yesterday and they sat there with grins on their faces knowing that I was a Dawg. UCF… I mean really. It’s totally embarrassing down here in Florida. Yet, I still keep my Dawg paraphernalia in my office and speak about UGA with pride! Go Dawgs!
SoCal Dawg
January 15th, 2011
1:53 pm
As far as who went to UGA and who didn’t… who gives a crap! The dawgs represent UGA but in a very, very close second it represents the GREAT state of GA. I didn’t go to UGA they were not the best school for my major but growing up in south GA if you were not a dawg fan you didn’t love GA.
FootballFan
January 15th, 2011
1:53 pm
a
NoRichtFan
January 15th, 2011
1:55 pm
The truth always hurts; Tarkenton knows a loser when he sees one.
Matthews Dawg
January 15th, 2011
1:56 pm
Fran should have had a meeting with McGarity and voiced his opinion. He has the right to it! I disagree the way it was handled.
Dawg98 (1st page of blog)…and the rest of you who are offended by CMR statement about being able to do “more film study” or however he said it. When you are the head guy, there is always a ton more work to be done than what he truly needs to do. I’m glad McGarity has taken that stuff off of him.
Those of you have a problem with Dooley and where are his loyalties, need to get over that too. I understand why he was proud of Auburn, he played there. Yes, he’s a Dawg more now, but he can still and should be happy for AU. And of course he is going to pull for his son. I had a nephew who loved UGA, but went to UT to play baseball. He would have loved to go to UGA, but they didn’t recruit him. I pulled for him when they played UGA, but I pulled for UGA to win the game or games! It’s hard not to pull for a loved one! Me pulling for my nephew does NOT make me less a UGA fan or pull for them! Actually, I HATE Tennessee! Give Dooley a break! Blood is thicker than water!! Go Dawgs!
Donnie Darko
January 15th, 2011
1:56 pm
And obviously Tarkenton is upset about the train wreck that is uga football. As an alum, he can’t decide to root for Tech, Auburn, Clemson, etc. So yeah, I think that his viewpoint is understandable.
DR. DOOM
January 15th, 2011
2:05 pm
Fran is right. UGA is in trouble deep. Mark Richt brought this on himself primarily through his lackadaisical attitude. The “winning is not everything” approach is a slippery slope in the big, bad SEC. Can you imagine Nick Saban, Les Miles, or the erstwhile Urban Miles taking such an approach? It would never happen. One must be fiercely competitive to win out in the SEC. Richt would probably be much happier at a small religious college where there is not so much emphasis on winning. He should have done the right thing by the UGA football program and resigned at the end of the 2010 season, but in the end it’s all about the money, even with him.
My guess is that next season will start very badly and go downhill fast from there. But at least once the program is burned to the ground the rebuilding can start.
Dr.
North Ave Trade School Hater
January 15th, 2011
2:06 pm
Where the hell as Hollywood Fran been for the last 40 years?
BufordKing
January 15th, 2011
2:09 pm
Greetings to all Dawg Fans …. and college football fans:
1. Agree with earlier post – THANK YOU Bill – for writing that article on the “OVERRATED” cheer. I HATE that cheer – always have – think it is very disrespectful to your team – and to your opponent.
2. Dooley was in line – Auburn grad and coach – son is the HC at Tennessee. If UGA was a good program – Life would be great for him right now!
3. Tarkenton has the right to say what he said – quite frankly, I feel the same…. Glad he said it. Thought McGairty’s response was classy and right on.
I am very disapponited in the leadership of UGA’s footbal program. These last two years – three actually – has seen teams that we may think underachieved – but actually – achieved at the level they are.
I am ready for new players that are NOT getting arrested – and a new leadership.
However, If McGarity wants to give Richt 2011 stop the bleeding and back on track – it is what it is. Richt has been a great coach for us in the past – a great role model – but other programs not only have passed us by – but left us in the dust.
Going from one of the top 3 or 4 teams in the SEC to #8 in 2010 is not because of a fluke or a rebuild year – it is indicative of the slide and lack of organization, leadership, coaching and direction that this program has.
I hope that we are relevent next year – if not – let’s thank Mark Richt for being our coach and wish him the best – then let’s give someone else a try.
Ed (The Original)
January 15th, 2011
2:16 pm
Let’s be clear about something: Dooley is an Auburn Tiger, or he should be. Auburn will always be his alma mater and former employer. Georgia is Dooley’s long-time employer, to which he owes the utmost loyalty in the performance of his duties, only. But his heart should be with his alma mater. If he wasn’t pulling like crazy for Auburn this season, then something’s wrong with him.
As for Tarkenton: there’s nothing disloyal about speaking the truth. It’s a sign that he gives a crap about UGA. All Tarkenton did was express concern about the football program under Mark Richt. Really, he just stated the obvious. Anyone who really believes that modern 17 years who otherwise would have signed with UGA are now going to back out because of something a 70-year old said are living in a fantasy world.
Matthews should tell Meyer where to stick his opinion about “loyalty”. Matthews earned the right to express HIS opinion about this particular school. Meyer isn’t a UF grad, grew up a fanatical Notre Dame fan, doesn’t even work at UF anymore, and has a history of job hopping (that will become even clearer about a year from now), so who cares what he thinks.
george
January 15th, 2011
2:25 pm
Tarkenton hit the nail on the head, and he certainly has a right to express his opinion. I like Mark Richt, but the truth is the truth. It’s time for Richt to produce, or LEAVE.
UGA Alumnus
January 15th, 2011
2:28 pm
Anyone who would begrudge Dooley his right to say “War Eagle” has likely never graduated from a university.
I grew up a die hard Auburn fan, going to all the home games. My home town is exactly in the middle between Auburn and Athens.
But I have a degree from UGA. I love UGA with all my heart and I cheer for the Dawgs rabidly. But you better believe I’m going to say War Damn Eagle to a national championship in 2010!
War Eagle and Go Dawgs!
UGA Alumnus
January 15th, 2011
2:29 pm
You think Pat Dye wouldn’t be saying “Go Dawgs” if UGA won a national title?
WIN WITH RICHT
January 15th, 2011
2:39 pm
Richt is best coach in Georgia history includind Dooley. Dawgs are more relevant under Richt than ever before. Many Dawg fans only remember the 3 Herschel Walker years. They are the exception. In the 17 Years before Richt, Georgia had 0 SEC titles, never played in SEC championship, and never finished in the top 5. They only finished in the top 10 twice. Look at all Richt has done.
Dixie Redcoat Band
January 15th, 2011
2:42 pm
We agree with Fran. And, how many times do we ever see former DAWGS on the sidelines? Are they allowed to be there?
And some of you guys…please look up the word “paragraph”!!
RxDawg
January 15th, 2011
2:49 pm
1. I don’t blame dooley either. He’s tied to Auburn being an alumni. I’m an alumni of both Georgia Southern and UGA. When the schools play each other I wear white (neutral) and hope for a good game from both sides. Of course with the system, I know that UGA has a lot more to lose with a loss.
2. Fran let his mouth run a little far. I think McGarity handled that situation well. Most people knew to dismiss Fran’s radio ramblings.
3. UGA has a very strong fan base. That said, ticket sales will fall if Richt continues to lose and eventualy we will not get a sell out. Especially for lesser qualtiy teams on the schedule. The day that happens Richt’s job will truly be in serious jeapordy.
Bob
January 15th, 2011
2:49 pm
I am not a Georgia graduate;however, I see and here more comments than I can digest about how the Georgia coaches are incapeable of coaching the recruits up. Every pro game I watch contains numerous Georgia graduates as players. I think they must be coached really well if they are on a pro team. Also, Tarkenton has always been very negative. He was a good football player; however, he has a real problem with self pride. How many titles did Georgia win when he played? I like CMR and if there is one better I am not aware of it.
Snoop Dawg
January 15th, 2011
2:51 pm
1. Fran Tarkenton is a UGA hero. What he said is true, and he showed guts to say it.
2. Richt is an idiot. I am starting to believe that McGarrity is also, unless he is actively working to replace Richt.
3. Those that say that true Dawgs who tell it like it is like Fran are just hurting UGA’s recruiting are delusional and stupid. Every recruit and high school coach in the state knows the sorry state of UGA football and what a joke that the coaching staff has demonstrated itself to be. This is just another Richt attempt to blame someone else when he can’t reel in his “Dream Team.” He’s a joke.
4. I continue to believe that these defenders of Richt must either be on drugs or else have some sort of sexual fetish about da Preacha Man. Are they mesmerized or what? Snap out of that brainless trance! Sure these simpletons do not actually have degrees from the UGA…
5. It is what it is. UGA football is dead until Richt and his coaching staff are gone. Period dot com.
saban
January 15th, 2011
2:51 pm
Keep Richt and Choak dawg.
I need another natinal championship.
Billy O
January 15th, 2011
2:54 pm
There is a time and place for everything. Three weeks before signing day was not the time. On the radio was not the place. Everybody has a right to their opinion. Mine is that Fran Tarkenton is wrong.
dcbl
January 15th, 2011
2:56 pm
Pat Dye needs to let the world know that UGA isn’t man enough to beat UF or win the SEC…
That should do the trick!
Dooley is the man! if he wants to be happy for his alma matter and pull for the SEC to boot, then I have no problem with it.
Richt is going to surprise a lot of folks this year, with or without any motivational help from pat Dye.
go dawgs
Snoop Dawg
January 15th, 2011
2:58 pm
One of the biggest reasons that UGA football is in the toilet bowl is because of all of Richt’s defenders. You are all well meaning but you bear responsibility for your low standards and submissive acceptance of mediocrity or worse for your alma mater and its glorious football tradion. If you are ok with a loser, then get out of here and go get season tickets at Grant Field. You will fit right in with the GT Nation, or you can cast your lot with Clempsun…
Barf
January 15th, 2011
3:00 pm
Based on the way Dooleys teams played against Auburn you would have thought he was rooting for them back then.
O Yea, since when are teams that are caught cheating (IE: THE 57 AUBURN CHEATERS) ever considered champs?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
arrghh!
January 15th, 2011
3:01 pm
@Snoop Dawg – Go back to your knuckle shuffle. Really don’t care what you think
P. Bull Terrier
January 15th, 2011
3:04 pm
Fran’s business must be getting a little slow, so he felt like he needed to get his name out there in public a little bit.
I’m glad to see a few people questioning Tarkenton’s links to the UGA program over the past 30 years. This is the first I’ve heard of Fran associating with UGA in any way – good or bad – since his playing days.
When it comes to discussing UGA football, Fran Tarkenton’s credibility ranks right behind 5150 P.O.A.D..
Snoop Dawg
January 15th, 2011
3:05 pm
Hey Barf,
Auburn didn’t cheat when they whooped up on UGA’s little tidy hindies. They put a smackdown on the players and embarassed our feeble coaches. They played football as manly men. They didn’t run out of steam in the second half. They didn’t call stupid predictable plays. Remember that onsides kick? Richt was asleep at the wheel again, more interested in being cool on the sidelines than getting his head in the game. Our players had to take themselves out of the game every other play to catch their breath. Fairly nearly killed Murray. That, my friend, is how you win a football game.
The Dawgs would love to have that Auburn team as theirs if they wore red and black instead of orange and blue. These Richt Defenders, though are so stupid they want to blame something else like Chizik or Newton’s daddy. Get over it, grow up, man up, and demand championships.
DIT
January 15th, 2011
3:06 pm
“When it comes to discussing UGA football, Fran Tarkenton’s credibility ranks right behind 5150 P.O.A.D..”
________________
Now that’s funny right there I don’t care who you are!
UGA Alumnus
January 15th, 2011
3:06 pm
Barf
January 15th, 2011
3:00 pm
Well, that happened last year with Alabama actually.
2009 National Champion – University of Alabama *
* Championship awarded while the program was on probation for providing improper benefits to players. NCAA referred to Alabama as a “serial repeat violator” with an “abysmal infractions track record” and an “extensive recent history of infractions cases unmatched by any other member institution in the NCAA,”
Snoop Dawg
January 15th, 2011
3:07 pm
Arghh, you are an idiot. Go back to sleep or get our your glossy 8×10 sweetheart picture of Mark Richt…
Snoop Dawg The New Richard Head!
January 15th, 2011
3:09 pm
Yes I eis!
arghh
January 15th, 2011
3:09 pm
Snoop Dawg, sorry I pretended I was you. I’m OK now that I’ve got my locket with Mark Richt’s picture around my neck…
Snoop Dawg The New Richard Head!
January 15th, 2011
3:11 pm
Is Still Gay!
WIN WITH RICHT
January 15th, 2011
3:18 pm
Snoop Dawg
Do you remember that before Richt was coach the Dawgs had not won an SEC title in nearly 20 years? When is the last the Dawgs challenged for a national title without Herschel? Richt has rebuilt the Dawgs and brought them back to national prominence. Dawgs will be much improved next year.This bad year is an exception not a trend.