Dream Team aside, here’s a big reason to pull for Mark Richt
Mark Richt knows there's more to coaching than just winning. (Associated Press)
I first heard the story of James Eunice last Sunday when a post from UGA superfan Mark Dunbar showed up in my Facebook news feed.
Here’s what Mark passed along:
James Eunice, 17, from Valdosta, fell from a boat three weeks ago and drowned while duck hunting. He was found this Monday and his funeral was yesterday. James had been accepted at UGA, and his intention was to try and walk-on the football team. During the busiest time of his year, Coach Mark Richt sent a letter stating James had made the team, and a UGA jersey with his name on the back, was presented to the family.
One word came to mind and I added it as a comment to Mark’s post: Classy.
The story of Eunice is filled out by reports in the Valdosta Daily Times and Thomasville Times-Enterprise. Eunice had played baseball and football at Valdosta High School and had been accepted to the University of Georgia. He had contacted Richt about walking on as a football Bulldog.
Then came the drowning in the hunting accident. During Eunice’s funeral, two of his Valdosta teammates who have signed to play for Richt, Jay Rome and Malcolm Mitchell, got up to speak. Rome read a letter to the Eunice family from Richt in which he talked about his hearbreak over the young man’s death. At the end of the letter the coach added, “Oh yeah, James made the team.”
John Eunice holds up a jersey that Georgia coach Mark Richt sent to his family in honor of his brother, James Eunice. (Eunice family photo / Valdosta Daily Times)
Then Rome and Mitchell unveiled an official UGA jersey with Eunice’s last name and the No. 23 he had worn at Valdosta. The tearful crowd at the funeral stood and applauded.
The letter and jersey were a simple gesture, but as Mark noted on Facebook, the timing made it all the more impressive, considering the strains of wrapping up easily the most important recruiting campaign in Richt’s coaching career with his job possibly on the line.
“I’m going to play for an incredible man,” Rome said.
Added Mitchell: “It made me proud to be a Bulldog.”
Sometimes, in the fervor over ranked recruiting classes and won-loss records that permeates big-time college football these days, fans can lose sight of some of the more important things.
I’ve heard some UGA fans who’ve lost faith in Richt actually fret that he’ll win just enough games this year to keep his job. Frustrated by the Dogs’ mediocre performances the past couple of years, they’d rather start over with a new coach than see this one get his program back on track.
I certainly don’t think Mark Richt is a perfect football coach and there are plenty of things about his program I’d like to see improved. But the James Eunice story is just one of the reasons I’m really pulling hard for Richt to get back on top.
Like I said on Facebook, he’s a classy guy. And that’s kind of rare in college coaching these days.
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— Bill King, Junkyard Blawg
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312 comments Add your comment
dawggirl
February 11th, 2011
11:02 am
Great story! He is a classy man and that was a great move. As a parent I am 100% sure I would have been so honored by that move.
Thanks for the Friday morning tears…
dawggirl
February 11th, 2011
11:03 am
Enter your comments here
C U Later
February 11th, 2011
11:03 am
Great article. We need more positive things to come to the surface.
Jackson
February 11th, 2011
11:04 am
Second?
82Dawg
February 11th, 2011
11:04 am
This shows just what a great man Coach Richt is…
ncb34
February 11th, 2011
11:04 am
ive been anti mark richt alot this past season,
especially after losing to florida.. again.
but, i have to say, having a person like this is better than any championship. this is so much more important than a ball being thrown around. i wouldnt trade richt for any other coach in college football.
lastgrad
February 11th, 2011
11:05 am
Thanks Mark Dunbar and Go Trojans!
Brandon
February 11th, 2011
11:09 am
Well said Bill…Any fan who wants to see our team fail in order to see a bunch of men lose their jobs really has some issues. Coach Richt has proven before to be able to coach a championship team, is just two season removed from winning ten games, and proves over and over again to be a man who knows how to be a great man of character with a true heart for the young men he coaches as well as their families. I’m proud to be part of Bulldog Nation this morning…I hope we all are!
Coach Richt will be speaking at my home church, Eastridge Community Church in Covington GA, next Tuesday at 7pm…if you live out on the east side of Atlanta come check it out, it’s sure to be a great night!
mike
February 11th, 2011
11:09 am
Class, we need to remember this down the road.
Mitch Cumstein
February 11th, 2011
11:10 am
I’ll admit I haven’t been a Richt fan, basically since he’s been here, for reasons that are too long to express here. The man does, however have class!!!! And that I wouldn’t trade for all the crystal footballs in the world.
Spike
February 11th, 2011
11:10 am
Graet story and an even greater gesture! It restore a little bit of my faith in the human race. Compare CMR with Spurrier, Petrino, Saban, et. al.
Henry D.
February 11th, 2011
11:12 am
God Bless you Coach Richt.
GaDawg77
February 11th, 2011
11:12 am
Great article!
Really puts life in perspective!
Be thankful for God’s blessings!
82Dawg
February 11th, 2011
11:14 am
HT what is your comments on this??
Dbalcer
February 11th, 2011
11:14 am
This is why I am proud to be a DAWG we have a coach with the right type of heart. Coach Richt will win championships he showed he knows how to coach with over 90 wins in 9 years at UGA but more importantly he knows how to improve the lives of those he coaches.
Big Dawg
February 11th, 2011
11:17 am
Yes, it is a sad story and a testament to a great and compassionate man that Coach Mark Richt is. I feel for the family in their loss of their son, brother, nephew, grandson James Eunice. I pray that his soul is with the Lord now and that the Lord give the family that peace that defies all understanding and only comes from knowing him. Yes Coach Richt is a classy guy and yes he is a man of GOD and I pray that he has righted the ship at Georgia. Great article and reminder of the more important things in life Bill.
Go Dawgs
georgia87
February 11th, 2011
11:20 am
If we had Bobby Petrino or Nick Saban and the type season we have had the last two, I’d want to chuck them out today. But the integrity of Mark Richt makes me want him to be the Georgia Coach until he retires. Here’s pulling for him to turn it around and make us proud to be Dawgs for decades to come.
allan in texas
February 11th, 2011
11:20 am
May God continue to bless you Coach Richt!
Leedawg
February 11th, 2011
11:22 am
A great coach, and an even better human being.
WinderDawg
February 11th, 2011
11:22 am
Great story….pray for the family!
Proud of CMR
February 11th, 2011
11:23 am
I am proud to have Coach Mark Richt running the Bulldogs. The amazing thing is that he does selfless things like this all the time without expecting or wanting any fanfare at all. He walks it like he talks it.
Tweets that mention Dream Team aside, here’s a big reason to pull for Mark Richt | UGA: The Junkyard Blawg -- Topsy.com
February 11th, 2011
11:28 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by lifeofjaws, ericatothill, Naresh Kavali, Bert Watts, kjmercer and others. kjmercer said: RT @ajcjunkyard: Dream Team aside, here’s a big reason to pull for Mark Richt http://bit.ly/fJd4lG [...]
TTOUGH44
February 11th, 2011
11:29 am
Mark Richt is a fine fella! He is a fine football coach! Ye people of little faith that dont believe in him! I do and my prayers are with the Eunice family and CMR!
tom
February 11th, 2011
11:30 am
Class all the way. Remember when he was recruiting A.J. Bryant and his dad was dying? The kid wanted to commit a year early while his dad was still around so Richt went to see him on his death bed even though, I think, it was considered a secondary violation of some sort. I think he petitioned the NCAA for special permission and they denied it. Tells you what kind of organization they are running. I may have a few facts wrong on this but it has been a long time and a long day already.
dawgfanatic24-7
February 11th, 2011
11:31 am
Nice to see a coach who is about matters much bigger than football. That family hurt a lot less due to Coach Richt’s simple gesture by fullfilling a son’s dream. Win or lose he’s the coach I want to see on the sidelines.
LADawg
February 11th, 2011
11:33 am
Everyone in the Bulldog Nation needs to keep a copy of this article to remind us of the type of man we have leading our program the next time it seems the sky is falling. This two year trip into the valley is going to make the mountain top that much sweeter.
RxDawg
February 11th, 2011
11:34 am
Good post Bill and good story. I am not one of those “fans” hoping for Richt to lose just so he’ll get replaced. I firmly believe in him and am hoping that he can lead us back AGAIN.
sonny
February 11th, 2011
11:35 am
great man–and thanks to the other fans for nothing negative
I-DOG
February 11th, 2011
11:35 am
This won’t happen, but what I would love to see in Spring practice is:
first day – work on run pass equally and then announce to the team at the end of practice that this year UGA is going to run the ball and do it well. For the next week, we are not going to throw a pass until we are satisfied with the development of the running game.
The offense will run running plays and the defense will defend running plays until we like what we see. All the drills will be geared toward running and stopping the run and once we are satisfied with the progress, we will go back to balanced practices.
If we can run the ball this year, we have a chance to be successful. If we are anything like we were last year in terms of lack of success running, it could get ugly. Take a week and see if that sets the proper mindset
Parker
February 11th, 2011
11:37 am
Richt’s a righteous guy, and the Bible says that God will bless the righteous. I read in a recent piece how Richt said that something “spiritual” seems to be going on right now at Georgia, I think Richt meant a period of refreshment or semi-revival in a way. Leamy’s father is a Pastor, Drew is a preacher, Murray is a devout guy. God just seems to continue to shine on Mark Richt, despite whatever adversity comes his way, a true sign that you have a very special coach. Integrity is the #1 key to success in eladership.
I-DOG
February 11th, 2011
11:40 am
Didn’t read the article unti after I posted. My deepest sympathy to the Eunice family.
Doug
February 11th, 2011
11:41 am
Coach Richt reminds me Coach Wooden. They both do it the right way. It’s not flashy or quick, but it has a solid foundation. Coach Wooden went 20 years without a National Championship, because he wouldn’t cut corners. Then won 10 out the next 12. Coach Richt will probably be the same way, when you have ethics, it takes a lot longer, because you don’t cut corners there. But when it finally clicks, the pay off is big.
NFLDAWG
February 11th, 2011
11:42 am
Fans need to look at the bigger picture and not let one or two down seasons generate so much negativity. Based on records to date, Mark Richt is the best football coach in Georgia history. Why on earth so many of the lunatic fringe are ready to run him off is beyond me! I believe the wins will come if we can show some patience as a fan base. Richt is just an eyelash from greatness as a coach. If what UGA did in 2002 was done in any other season, UGA probably plays for and wins a National Championship. If Shockley does not get hurt in 2005 we certainly had momentum that could have carried us to be in position to play for the national title. In 2007, if we catch one of maybe four or five drops against South Carolina or if Tennessee is not so lucky down the stretch of the season, we get the opportunity to play for the SEC title against LSU. A win there would have put us in the BCS game against Ohio State. If Vince Dooley had a better 10 years, I would like to see it. For those of you who want to run Richt off, please go back and relive the decade of the 90s for Georgia football, because there is a good chance that would return under a new head coach and coaching staff.
Dawg4ever
February 11th, 2011
11:45 am
If I had a son that was going to play college football I would want them to play for this man! He cares about them personally as to where they are gong in life and in death.
BMDPD
February 11th, 2011
11:46 am
NFLDAWG, I won’t argue with you. We have been very close. Even with our bad record last season, we were very close in every game. This class may just provide enough of a mental spark to our team to believe in themselves. Coach is a good man! I am glad he is our coach.
Who the hell you gonna hire next anyway, fools?
February 11th, 2011
11:50 am
We would be absolute fools to get rid of this man. People are short-sighted and ignorant about this. Yes, there’s a lot of room for improvement from the past two years, but Richt has a fine overall record in Athens, and if allowed to stay on, WILL win SEC Championships again sooner than later. We would make a mistake of guargantuan to get rid of him. Who would we hire?? What do you do in 3 or 4 years when the replacement isn’t winning National Championships or SEC championships? Fire him too I guess. Some people need to get a freaking clue. Pathetic. I can’t wait to see this man vindicated, in a world where there’s a lot of SOB coaches.
robodawg
February 11th, 2011
11:53 am
I want to win big, but I also want to win the right way. With Richt, we can do both. No way would I trade him for someone that sells their soul for Ws. God bless you Mark. We’re pulling for you.
GaDawg
February 11th, 2011
11:53 am
I SINCERELY HOPE THAT WE WILL SEE JAMES EUNICE NAME #23 ON THE OFFICIAL ROSTER IN 2011
DAWG
February 11th, 2011
11:59 am
I am proud to say I am a “DAWG”. This is just a class act by a class coach.
D A DoubleU G
February 11th, 2011
12:00 pm
It’s GREAT to be a Georgia Bulldog!!!
CTDawg
February 11th, 2011
12:01 pm
This is just one of the reasons that I always ask who would you want coaching our team if it wasn’t CMR. I defy you to find a better coach and person than CMR!!!
KeepDreaming
February 11th, 2011
12:02 pm
AMEN BK, AMEN!! We are lucky to have CMR IMHO!!!
Look at the alternatives folks, the Sabans, Petrinos, and Kiffins of college football coaching. Embarrassing. There is a reason that CMR is the longest tenured coach in the SEC, and you can best believe if given time he will bring a few more SEC Championships to Athens. Most people lose sight of the fact that an NC is very hard to win, and usually requires not only skill, but a lot of luck (ask LSU coach Les Miles).
Needless to say this Dawg will always support CMR!
VA DAWG
February 11th, 2011
12:08 pm
As long as Richt is our coach, I will support him. Call it blind faith if you will, but I believe Richt will bring this program back to the top. He’s a good coach and even better man. Go DAWGS!
kevin
February 11th, 2011
12:10 pm
Richt handled the situation wonderfully, but I do not think it was extraordinary. It was very thoughtful but many coaches, in a similar situation, could handle the situation with as much care. Or, at the very least, exhibit a level of thoughtfulness which suited the stiuation. That said, as much as I appreciate Richt’s thoughtfulness, I do not think you keep a head football coach for “being a good guy”. You keep a head football coach based on team performance. And while Richt has performed well in the past, he has slipped a good bit as of late. So, if Richt underperforms again, UGA has to let him go.
DMR
February 11th, 2011
12:10 pm
Forget wins and losses. As a parent, when you are going to send your son off to college to be mentored and be taught how to become a man and valuable member of society, isn’t Mark Richt the kind of man you want watching over your child. Yes, the Georgia program has had a few problems with the behavior of some of their players. Mark Richt cannot turn a kid around in 1 or 2 years. These kids, after all, are adults by many standards. They know right from wrong. You can teach your children well. It is their responsibility to honor those teachings and act accordingly. Thank goodness Georgia has a quality man like Mark Richt watching over these guys.
Inlet Dawg
February 11th, 2011
12:11 pm
Never have I doubted that he was a first class type of guy(Hell I’d be proud to have him as a brother in law)I just don’t think he is willing to do the things he needs to do to or hire smarter people than him,that will take us to the top.
D A DoubleU G
February 11th, 2011
12:12 pm
Bill King,
Thank you for finally being the ajc blogger to write one of the MANY untold positive stories of Richt anf the UGA program.
I feel Richt has been held way too accountable for Washaun Ealey and Caleb King’s butterfingers these past few months.
I assure any hater of Richt, that if it were up to him, Washaun and Caleb would have held on to any and all fumbles.
Without 3 key fumbles (that i can think of), UGA beats S Cackalacky, Colorado, & Miss State. We still would have lost in Chick Fil A bowl to Florida State, but we would have had a 9-4 record, and feeling good about the direction of the team.
GO MARK RICHT, & GO DAWGS!!!!
JRW7DAWG
February 11th, 2011
12:14 pm
CMR is a great CHRISTIAN man, a classy man, a great recruiter, but as a
FOOTBALL COACH, I pray he gets his fire, his drive, his desire to WIN back. GO DAWGS!!!!!
Buckeye
February 11th, 2011
12:14 pm
Good move, Coach. It’s not all about W’s. My guess is that one was one of your greatest calls all year, sideline or otherwise.
Woody was well known for similar gestures and kindnesses. All you hear about down here is the fateful Clemson game.
Valdostadawg
February 11th, 2011
12:14 pm
Your best article to date, Bill…Thanks for doing it…
SAVANNAHDAWG
February 11th, 2011
12:16 pm
Awesome! Great job Coach!! As fans we get frustrated with the losses but no doubt Coach is a good man with a great heart! God Bless that family and Coach!!!
Gary
February 11th, 2011
12:18 pm
I know some dawg fans are obsessed with a NC and want a coach that will get us one at any cost. I’m glad to say I’m not one of those. Remember Jim “I dont mind cheating if I have to” Harrick? Great coach, dissapointment as a man. Left the basketball program in disgrace just as the team was on top of the conference. Give me a consistent winner I can be proud of any day over a Nick Saban or Bobby Petrino. Even though the team has had dissappointing results the last three years, you know Richt is a good man and will find a way to produce a winnner. Have faith. He does. Go dawgs!
how2fish
February 11th, 2011
12:18 pm
Bill great article, I agree we can always improve in all areas of the game..I fail to see how CMR can improve his integrity and compassion. My heart and prayers go out to the family.
Jim
February 11th, 2011
12:22 pm
No one questions Richt’s character–you get the impression he’s never going to personally be involved in a drinking or conduct related incident.
But this doesn’t give him a pass for his on the field performance.
7-5 in 2009, and 6-6 in 2010 is average.
I do think Richt will be judged for how he does this season against the teams with winning records, and SEC East teams especially South Carolina, and Florida. If he can’t win a bunch of those games, he’ll be out of Georgia, despite his top notch character. Being a nice guy isn’t good enough if you can’t perform above average in your job.
OldFan
February 11th, 2011
12:28 pm
CMR’s a good man, and he deserves to be recognized as such by all us fans who would drop him in a minute over his won/lost record. What we have to remember is that admirable qualities are different in different settings. Not all good men are good coaches, and not all good coaches are good men. I’ve love for CMR to be both. But right now, I’ll take the goodness I have. During football season, I’ll be looking for the other, too.
CSA
February 11th, 2011
12:30 pm
I heard about this a day or two ago. Richt is one of the classiest. A real stand up guy. And I trust that he’ll get this team back on track.
woebegong
February 11th, 2011
12:30 pm
CMR is a truely good man, with a high moral character and I believe he is and was still a good coach. The DAWGS will rise again.
Having said that, can you imagine how much it must have took him, to finally put Ealey on a short leash. I am sure a lot of folks said he gives them too many chances sometimes, but he truely cares for the young kids he recruits. In Ealeys case, he is 23 years old, so it is time to fish or cut bait. From what I can gather from reading articles on Ealey, I jhope he has a sharp knife.
jemel riggins
February 11th, 2011
12:35 pm
What a coach we have at uga
ceph
February 11th, 2011
12:36 pm
He did no more than any of the other hundreds of coaches would have done. Everything he says about loving the players. looking after them, wanting to succeed after football, etc,etc,etc, are the same things that the other coaches say.. If you don’t believe me keep tabs on the other coaches. We didn’t hire him to be a preacher ,missionary , priest or chaplain he was hired to coach the football team!!!!!!!
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
12:38 pm
That’s great and all and I’m so glad that Richt is a good man.
I’d rather us have Saban.
tide got rolled
February 11th, 2011
12:39 pm
Jim can’t tell how glad we are to have you impart your wisdom on us the unwashed masses..and I’m sure you have a direct line to our AD as well?
watcher16
February 11th, 2011
12:41 pm
where are all the bitter tech fans today?
tide got rolled
February 11th, 2011
12:43 pm
Bryan G have at it..I promise you can jump on the Bama bandwagon. ceph I promise you most coaches don’t do things like this…if they did how could a coach that went 6-7 this year out recruit so many of them?
WaverlyDawg
February 11th, 2011
12:43 pm
I am as guilty as any in getting so wrapped up in the winning and losing of Georgia football that often lose sight of what really matters. Granted, no one likes to lose, but that is life. It takes true character to reflect back on those defeats and make the necessary adjustments ot overcome. At the end of the day, it is still just a game played by young men blessed with the opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream.
Anyone who reads this article on Coach Riche without a tear coming to their eyes simply has no heart. It speaks to the real character of a man trying to accomplish more than a winning score at the end of a game. This gesture to a family suffering a great loss speaks volumes about a truly great man. What parent could not be proud to have their son participate in a sport with this man? What young man could not be honored to spend 3-4 years of his life in the transition to manhood under this man’s guidance? Winning scores will be forgotten in time, but integrity, honor, compassion perservere.
82Dawg
February 11th, 2011
12:43 pm
Hey Bryan…I am sure there is room for one more on the Bama band wagon….
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
12:48 pm
I’m an alum. You guys are telling me you’d rather have Richt than Saban? Seriously?
Like I said, I love Richt and this is a great story. But 14-12 the last two years isn’t cutting it. I hope it gets better.
But you guys are seriously kidding yourself if you wouldn’t make that trade. You think any Alabama alums would rather have CMR than Saban? I doubt it
Hey ceph
February 11th, 2011
12:49 pm
You are crazy and dead wrong. I lived in Columbia, SC for 4 years, and never did I hear of anything like this going on under Spurrier’s watch. There was always public tension between Spurrier and his players and coaches.
Richt is doing it right, and if he wins, everybody will be happy. If he loses, then he will be able to live with himself. That is the difference between Richt and the Sabans/Jimmy Johnsons of the world.
There is more to life than football. If the fans could just learn that, then their lives would be better too.
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
12:52 pm
Hey ceph, there is absolutely more to life than football. I 100% agree. However, when your job is “Head Football Coach” your jog is to win football games.
But let me put it this way: I’m an attorney.
Do you want to hire an attorney who will win your case or do you want an attorney who is a nice guy and, aw shucks, sure does try hard?
tide got rolled
February 11th, 2011
12:54 pm
Bryan G the day has not dawned that I cared what a Bama grad cared about and yes I’m serious I would not trade CMR for Saban .Not slamming you your entitled to your opinion of course but I for one really wouldn’t trade.
Murphy
February 11th, 2011
12:54 pm
I just read this story for the 5th time and I still tear up over it. Sometimes we all have to put our lives and feelings into perspective.This article has sure made me re-think my feelings towards Richt as a coach.As a person there is no other man I would rather send my son to play for..They say sometimes nice guys finish last and in the relm of college football that seems to be the case.Richt might not be the ultimate winner on the field for UGA but he will always win off the field in his life.
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
12:54 pm
TGR – I meant that I’m a UGA alum, sir.
DAWGS forever
February 11th, 2011
12:59 pm
Great story. I know it’s hard to imagine but there is more to football than just Saturday’s. We do get caught up with the wins and losses. Coach Richt is a solid man that is making an eternal impact on these young men. Solid and classy! Go DAWGS!
woebegong
February 11th, 2011
12:59 pm
Man, the temptation to pull out some old lawyer jokes is right here but I am gonna refrain from it, LOL.
I know the win loss column is his job but I beleive CMR will get it turned around. He will turn it around and be the classiest coach in the SEC and possibly the NCAA.
Athens= God's Country
February 11th, 2011
1:00 pm
Thanks Bill. Can you please forward this to Jeff Schultz and Mark Bradley, and tell them to lay off Richt.
I will gladly put up with two down seasons every ten years with this CLASSY man at the helm. We should be thankful our children are looking up to this man. WIN WITH RICHT!
woebegong
February 11th, 2011
1:00 pm
believe even. Never took a single typing course in college. Still hunt and peck here.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
DAWGS forever
February 11th, 2011
1:00 pm
ceph I hope someone gives you some valentines candy.
82Dawg
February 11th, 2011
1:00 pm
Bryan there is life after football..who would you rather have mentoring your son for 4 years Saban or Richt???
tide got rolled
February 11th, 2011
1:01 pm
Bryan G.I stated I didn’t care what a Bama grad thought I got the fact your a UGA grad…that’s why I stated you have the right to your opinion…I care what you think I just don’t agree on this point.
Winbaby
February 11th, 2011
1:02 pm
Mark Richt is a fine man but anybody that makes over $3 million a year needs to produce. I don’t recall too many preachers making that kind of money. Hope to see vast improvement this year ot it’s time to look in another direction.
NC Dawg
February 11th, 2011
1:02 pm
To God be the glory. Coach Richt is indeed blessed because he’s allowed God to lead him in every aspect of life. Though I may never get to meet him this side of God’s heaven, I’ll always be proud of my brother in Christ, Mark Richt.
Hey ceph
February 11th, 2011
1:03 pm
Bryan G. – That might be the problem. You are an attorney, therefore you don’t understand the concept of “doing it the right way.” I can tell you this, I would not want to win a court case if it meant “winning at all costs.”
No one can predict what a kid is going to do on the field or how a team is going to respond to adversity. You do every reasonable thing to put them in the position to win, and let the game be played. If I was an Alabama fan, I would be more upset today than I am. They went into the season with a vet QB, a stub WR, a Heisman RB and another RB that is better than the Heisman RB, and got “beat down” by SC.
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
1:06 pm
82Dawg – At first blush that seems easy and I want to say Richt. Except I don’t 7-10 Alabama players arrested every off season. So, honestly, I’m not sure. I do know that I think Richt is a good representative for UGA, but so was Ray Goff. Being a good representative isn’t all there is to the job. Your point is taken, though.
I’d still rather UGA win games at the expense of having a coach who is a good person. Sure, you’d love to have both, but I’ll take a winner over a good guy in Athens.
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
1:08 pm
Hey ceph – I assure you, no profession “does it the right way” better than attorneys. We follow the rules or we lose our job/license.
Saban follows the rules. You may not like how he follows them (grayshirting, etc.), but I’ve never heard of the NCAA sniffing around Saban.
Thomas
February 11th, 2011
1:17 pm
Mark Richt is an asset to the UGA program. His special deeds that the general public knows nothing about is a quality not seen in many high profile individuals. He is an inspiration to many that will never attend a UGA game. Mark Richt will succeed and continue to touch the lives of young players for many years to come.
HD27
February 11th, 2011
1:17 pm
This was a classy gesture by coach Richt, but as someone mentioned earlier this is the type of thing that coach Richt does all the time that people don’t know about. Building houses for low income families with the players (I think he’s done that every year since he’s been at UGA), going on missions, visiting low income housing and giving testimonies and seminars. He is truly humble and practices what he preaches. People try to change him, his attitude (on the field) and the way he approaches his business but he doesn’t follow the media. People should be careful what they wish for. God bless you coach Richt!
chiefdawg
February 11th, 2011
1:17 pm
Most all coaches do something similiar to this. College coaching is about winning. That is why Mark Richt gets paid the big bucks.
dawgmeister
February 11th, 2011
1:21 pm
That is a great story that makes you realize how life can be at times. I admit that I have written some things about CMR that wasn’t too flattering. Maybe with this recruiting class UGA can turn it around and if it does I will be the first to admit being wrong.
Dawg 39
February 11th, 2011
1:29 pm
Again: “I am proud to be a Georgia Bulldawg”. Academics & Athletics.
The University, the Athletic Dep’t., & the Coaches all make me proud to be a Bulldawg.
As to winning, I believe that we are on a 3 year plan. Turn it around or get out. (2010,11,&12).
Personally I believe that it will happen & the Dawgs will rise to the top again.GATA.
82Dawg
February 11th, 2011
1:30 pm
Bryan he can’t be with them 24/7, sometimes people have to be responsible for themselves. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink..
My guess is that you think everybody deserves a trophy at the end of the season no matter what.
Your win at all cost is what is wrong today, to much “ME” and not enough of “TEAM”.
Don’t forget Richt has the best record of ANY Ga coach in 10 years….
Hey ceph
February 11th, 2011
1:31 pm
Bryan G.
Doing it “the right way” has more to do with following the rules. The judicial system has more loopholes than “I can’t think of a good comparison” Judges, lawyers, and the whole system is nothing to brag about “doing it the right way.” I’ll bet you that your 10 year track record is worse than Mark Richt’s record.
ncb34
February 11th, 2011
1:33 pm
Bryan.. seriously, a family has lost their son.
coach richt took the time to help out the best way he could.
and you still want to cry about these kids throwing a ball around?
i assure you, if it were your son, or close family member, you woundnt be asking for this man to be fired from job. cry about the coaching next season, this is about more than a game. coach richt understands that.
maciesmom
February 11th, 2011
1:35 pm
I have always admired Coach Richt..win or lose. Stellar example of class. Can’t one imagine that there are other stories…just like this one…things Coach Richt has done that we dont know about? Thanks for giving the Georgia Bulldawgs..another reason to be proud!
Athens= God's Country
February 11th, 2011
1:38 pm
Will Kevin, Bryan G,ceph, and Jim PLEASE GO ROOT FOR ANOTHER TEAM!!! You should all be ashamed of yourselves. Either get on board or get the hell off!
Tech Dude
February 11th, 2011
1:38 pm
I’m glad to see CMR getting some love. I have said before that he is a class act. However, many of you UGAers will be throwing him under the bus a few weeks into next season. From North Avenue, here’s wishing CMR the best and, believe it or not, UGA the best except for that one game.
cs
February 11th, 2011
1:40 pm
My heart goes out to the family. UGA needs a head coach though, not a spiritual advisor or thug esteem builder. Perhaps Richt would be better suited for something further down the trough…say conselor at about 30-40 grand a year. Then UGA can hire a footbal coach. You cant expect to pay someone 2.7 mil a year if they aint winning NATIONAL TITLES and fans want to keep the status quo. If all we are after is tear jerkers, then hire a preacher for 100 grand a year and play ball.
John Galt
February 11th, 2011
1:40 pm
We are all too quick to remember what a class act Coach Richt is in the heat of some unanticipated losses, myself as bad or worst than most. This story puts it all in perspective. UGA is blessed to have him.
Athens= God's Country
February 11th, 2011
1:41 pm
Bryan G.
I can smell your slimy stench from here.
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
1:43 pm
Didn’t ask for Richt to be fired and didn’t say that what he did wasn’t awesome. I also said he’s a great rep for UGA. All I said was, given the choice, give me a coach who wins over a coach who is a good man.
I would ask “Athens = God’s Country” and “ncb34″to take 5 minutes to actually read my comments.
Richt is a great person and a great rep for my school. And I hope UGA can win with him. But, again, give me a winner over a good man. If Richt can do both again, great. But since 2005 (with one exception), he has underachieved greatly. I am glad he’s a good person…but give me a winner instead.
Athens= God's Country
February 11th, 2011
1:44 pm
cs
please go root for another team.
WIN WITH RICHT
Honky Talkin'
February 11th, 2011
1:46 pm
Too bad CMR hasn’t evolved with the elite coaches in the SEC. Next year will be another dissapointing medicore season (even with the Dream Team). The praying doesn’t work.
Sun Devil Dave
February 11th, 2011
1:49 pm
Any UGA fans who don’t think Richt is a class act, need to jump off the band wagon and walk! As I’ve stated many times in AJC columns, CMR anytime those UGA people don’t want you, Tempe is wonderful in the winter!!
tide got rolled
February 11th, 2011
1:49 pm
Honky Talkin’ “the praying doesn’t work” try it sometime you just might be surprised! And it would be for CMR to devolve to match some of the slimy coaches in the SEC..sorry but its true.
HD27
February 11th, 2011
1:51 pm
Bryan G. you may want to watch the Tennessee programs in football (Lane Kiffin) and basketball (Bruce Pearl), UGA Basketball (Jim Harrick), or if you want to go outside the SEC; watch The Pony Express on ESPN 30 for 30! Winning isn’t everything although Richt has proven he’s a winner, he just hasn’t won the BCS.
dawgfan
February 11th, 2011
1:52 pm
Why did it take the UGA fan blog for this story to get out? If Aaron Murray got a speeding ticket it would be front page news and Schultz would write two swarmy columns about it. True story.
Zoomie
February 11th, 2011
1:53 pm
Yep. It’s the things like this that make you want desperately for Mark Richt to succeed in running a winning program so we can keep him around. He is definitely a man in whom the State of Georgia can be proud.
59bulldawg
February 11th, 2011
1:54 pm
You folks are seriously misinterpreting Bryan G’s remarks. He’s not saying win at all costs! He’s simply stating that a very substantial job requirement of being head coach is to win games. Richt is a good man . . . a very good man, but to use Bryan’s analogy . . . give me a lawyer who’ll win the case.
cs
February 11th, 2011
1:54 pm
Athens= God’s Country
I already do. You are known by the company you keep so I dont hang with losers and wear loser attire.
DIT
February 11th, 2011
1:54 pm
How can you not pull for a man with that kind of integrity? Yeah, CMR has had 2 years us, as UGA alumnus, would like to forget. However, after hearing about this story if one has any kind of human decency, how can you not stand up and be proud of our coach!
Good luck Coach, I for one want to see you show the naysayers a thing or two. 10 wins! You can do it!
GO DAWGS!
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
1:54 pm
HD27 – So the only way to win big is to cheat? I will have to tell Saban, Urban Meyer, Joe Paterno, and Bobby Bowden that. I don’t believe I said I wanted the coach to cheat.
Athens= God's Country
February 11th, 2011
1:54 pm
Bryan
I did read your comments. It almost made me puke. You sir are no Dawg. If you want wins, go hang out with Chizik or Saban. If you really want Richt to succeed, then stop with the negativity and SUPPORT your damn alma mater through thick and thin. Its been TWO FRIGGIN YEARS since we won 10 games. If history tells us anything, its that if you win the SEC, you play for a national title. We were an eyelash away from playing for the NC 3 times in the past decade. What else do you want? Seriously? It takes an awful lot of luck, especially in the ultra competitive SEC. I will glady support Richt. He gives us that chance every 3 years. And yes that is plenty good for me.
WIN WITH RICHT
UGA
February 11th, 2011
1:55 pm
God Bless UGa
Hog Fan
February 11th, 2011
1:55 pm
Enter your comments here Georgia has a wonderful Coach & man. He is my second favorite football coach!
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
1:55 pm
59Bulldawg -
Thank you, so much. I am glad you took the time to actually read and think about what I said.
59bulldawg
February 11th, 2011
1:57 pm
People in this country have forgotten how to disagree in an agreeable manner. There is no need for put-downs!
Gator Man
February 11th, 2011
1:58 pm
What a bunch of losers at UGA, the pope is a good christian man, does that mean he knows how to coach football.
Mark Richt did what every coach in the country would do, this is why this program sucks, you idiots can not tell the different between a coach, and a nice guy.
HD27
February 11th, 2011
1:59 pm
Indeed Dawgfan, and that’s sad. The crimes that get posted (underage drinking, suspended license, speeding) you would think they robbed or killed someone with the amount of comments and publicity they get. Hardly egregious crimes that many of us have committed.
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
1:59 pm
Athens = Gods Country -
Fair enough. Agree to disagree. I see a football program that has gone down every year since 2005 (save for 2007).
You’re right, you need luck to win NCs. I completely agree. A lack of luck didn’t cause a team with 3 1st round draft picks on offense to lose 3 games in 2008 and luck didn’t cause us to go 8-5 in 2009. Luck didn’t cause us to go 9-4 in 2006 nor did it cause us to lose more than we won in 2010.
We have underachieved under Richt every year except 2001, 2002, 2005, and 2007. Again, I love CMR and want us to win with him. I think we can turn it around this year. If not, we need to move on.
tide got rolled
February 11th, 2011
2:00 pm
Bryan G.sorry you got so slammed there..nothing you said to my mind was more that your opinion, never thought you were ripping on me, CMR or UGA…I agree I’d like to see more wins, but after 40 years of watching UGA I’m not ready to trade CMR for anyone…he has this year and I hope many more but we will see..
Mayo
February 11th, 2011
2:00 pm
My money all along has been that MR is going to mount a come back of which we can all be proud. Stories like this one provide yet another reason that I want him to succeed at UGA. Of course I want him/them to win as big as anybody and realize that if he/they do not, then change is inevitable. That said, not every coach is cut out of cloth like this. Robert E. Lee was on the “losing side” but we remember him most for his character. Good leaders are great leaders if they maintain excellence in performance coupled with depth, strength, and integrity.
NOTE: the last part was only to make comparisons in leadership qualities so don’t anyone lose a shirt thinking I’m drawing “war analogies” to football…
#1Stunna
February 11th, 2011
2:03 pm
A Great Coach and an even better man. I don’t understand how anyone could ever root against our Coach Richt. This man definitely has his priorities in order. My condolences to the Unice family.
DIT
February 11th, 2011
2:05 pm
@Gator Man – Who Peed in your wheaties?
No one compared him to the Pope. We are stating that we are proud to have, yes a good coach, and a man of integrity as our HC. Never said he was the best coach out there. We are saying that a story likes this makes you want to pull for him to right the ship.
Why are you even on here?
Gatormeat
February 11th, 2011
2:07 pm
Richt may be a good person but it will not help you dogs in Jacksonville. The Mighty Gators are still going to smack the dogs all over the field. Again
Dawg89
February 11th, 2011
2:08 pm
Cheers to Coach Richt and God bless the Eunice family.
I am pulling for Coach Richt to get UGA back to the top this season. The haters can kiss my Dawg butt.
Good job with this article Bill. It helps us all remember that there are more important things than football.
Athens= God's Country
February 11th, 2011
2:08 pm
Forgive me Bryan. I just can’t stand all these backhanded compliments. He is the man to turn it around. We, as fans, neet to support the man. It is unrealistic to expect a National Championship every single year. Every good program has peaks and valleys. This is our valley. I feel that with Richt at the helm, the pinnacle is not far off. Again forgive me if I was harsh.
Go Dawgs
WIN WITH RICHT
82Dawg
February 11th, 2011
2:10 pm
59
If this doesn’t say win at all cost what does
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
12:52 pm
Hey ceph, there is absolutely more to life than football. I 100% agree. However, when your job is “Head Football Coach” your jog is to win football games.
But let me put it this way: I’m an attorney.
Do you want to hire an attorney who will win your case or do you want an attorney who is a nice guy and, aw shucks, sure does try hard?
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
1:06 pm
I’d still rather UGA win games at the expense of having a coach who is a good person. Sure, you’d love to have both, but I’ll take a winner over a good guy in Athens.
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cs
February 11th, 2011
2:10 pm
Its been 28 going on 30 years since UGA has won a National Title. If Richt couldnt do it in a decade he aint gonna get it done. UGA is at best number 6 or 7 outta of the 12 SEC teams over the last 25 years. You bunch that accepts mediocrity as acceptable are nuts.
DR. DOOM
February 11th, 2011
2:12 pm
Just proves that CMR would be better off working for a church or charitable organization somewhere. The man CAN’T coach WINNING big time SEC college football. Go out and do good works for photo ops with Ray Goof. Bring in a hard nosed, flinty coach who is IMPASSIONED about WINNING. Give me this type of coach over a do-gooder any day!
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
2:13 pm
82 Dawg – I’m don’t believe “winning at all costs” is the same as having a coach who is not a “good guy”.
Case in point – Steve Spurrier in the 1990s and Nick Saban the last ten years. Neither are what I’d call a “good guy”, but they don’t cheat. That was the message I meant to convey. I didn’t say hire Jim Harrick or Eddie Sutton
ncb34
February 11th, 2011
2:14 pm
bryan g.
the point im making is to save that for another blog, or football season.
during the season i would have taken saban. saban is an awesome coach.
but that isnt what this blog is about. its about who richt is as a person.
which i wouldnt trade for any coach.
and i did take 5 minutes to read your posts.
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
2:15 pm
Fair enough, ncb34
Athens= God's Country
February 11th, 2011
2:17 pm
It took Dooley and Bowden over 25 years to win a national title.
Down in Albany
February 11th, 2011
2:17 pm
As a father of a son being recruited to play baseball, we left a meeting with a coach (not UGA) a couple of weeks ago. When I left, I thought, “…now there’s a man that I can trust my son with…” It brought tears to my eyes. He may never start for the team, they may never win a conference championship, but, I know he will be treated fairly and given an opportunity to contribute. As fathers, that’s all we can ask. If my son were a football recruit, I’d want him playing for Mark Richt! Win or lose. Period.
82Dawg
February 11th, 2011
2:18 pm
@Down in Albany …totally agree…it is not all about winning..it is how you play the game..
tide got rolled
February 11th, 2011
2:19 pm
Gatormeat puck you and “The Mighty Gators” we took your bunch to O.T last year with a redshirt freshman QB a new D and you still had CUM..I spell your fear….
tide got rolled
February 11th, 2011
2:21 pm
DR. DOOM when were you at Tech?
Matthews Dawg
February 11th, 2011
2:22 pm
Bill….Great article and THANK YOU for finally writing a positive article on UGA Football and Coach Richt!! He is a great man, football coach and a man of integrity!! The integrity part is over looked way too much in ALL athletics! I am PROUD to be a Georgia Bulldog and a Mark Richt supporter! He SHOULD be our coach for years to come. Go Dawgs!!
Evansdawg
February 11th, 2011
2:22 pm
UGA could not be better represented than the way Richt does it. These types of things are why he is so highly regarded as a human being. He is a true example to young men everywhere in the game of football and the game of life.
Dr. John Trotter
February 11th, 2011
2:22 pm
As a two-time graduate of UGA, I am very proud of your actions, Coach. My hats off to you too! Go Dogs!
SoCal Dawg
February 11th, 2011
2:22 pm
Say what you want about Richt, but he’s a class act. My daughter is a cancer patient at St Jude in Memphis. This year the dawgs, being in the Liberty bowl, came to visit the kids at the hospital. My daughter drew a pic for CMR. He was VERY kind and caring towards her and our family. My daughter, she’s 7, said if they fire Richt she’ll boo the next coach. This is one dawg and dad pulling for CMR.
GO DAWGS!
DIT
February 11th, 2011
2:23 pm
@Down in Albany – Great Post!
Dr. John Trotter
February 11th, 2011
2:24 pm
Good move, Coach!
Mobile Dawg
February 11th, 2011
2:26 pm
Our condolences to the Eunice Family. I wish James had had the opportunity to fulfill his dreams. I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose a child, I have three, the very thought of it is horrible. I’ve known several families who have lost children and never recovered. The “Eunice Family” are in my thoughts, and prayers, stay strong.
We, being the ones who have been critical of Mark Richt the football coach, are also the first to recognize that as a man he has depth, character, and integrety. I don’t know any true Dawgs that are hoping he fails so he and the staff lose their job. However, if he fails at football at UGA, he will succeed in other walks of life, have my respect as a man, and my best wishes.
Thank you Bill for shedding “your light” on this.
Matthews Dawg
February 11th, 2011
2:27 pm
Down in Albany….if my son were old enough, I would want him to play for Coach Richt also. Wins and loses are important, but building men of class, integrity, character is more important in today’s world! Yes, that is my job as a parent, but when they are out from under my roof, it would be great to have a person like Mark Richt leading him. That is what we in this country need more of men, who value our son’s and daughter’s as human beings!! Proud Dawg right now!! God Bless Mark Richt, the Eunice family and all of Bulldog Nation!! Go Dawgs!!
cs
February 11th, 2011
2:29 pm
Athens= God’s Country
February 11th, 2011
2:17 pm
It took Dooley and Bowden over 25 years to win a national title.
Could be. Dooley cant tie Bowdens shoes though much less shed the same light. Since the BCS, Tenn, Fla, LSU, Auburn, Alabama………..none of them had 25 year head coaches and 3 of those teams have more than one BCS Title in that short time.
Mediocrity with Mark
DIT
February 11th, 2011
2:32 pm
@Matthews Dawg – Could not have said it any better. Well done!
Ceasar
February 11th, 2011
2:34 pm
God Bless, but still has ti WIN!!!!!!!!!!!
timthebrave
February 11th, 2011
2:37 pm
It’s always great to be a georgia bulldog and hearing stories like that make me proud to be one
cs
February 11th, 2011
2:38 pm
Matthews Dawg
but building men of class, integrity, character is more important in today’s world!
Then you think professors and counselors should be paid 2.7 million a year?
59bulldawg
February 11th, 2011
2:40 pm
Bryan, I don’t think anything you said was out of line. The story line read “another reason to pull for Mark Richt.” What Richt did for the kid’s family was truly beautiful but in the end it all boils down to keeping the man because he’s a good man. It’s certainly ok to like Richt because he is a good man but too many people on here see the man as being bigger than the program. Georgia played football long before CMR arrived and it’ll be playing football long after he’s gone! Yes we are fortunate to have a man of Richt’s character leading the program but being a good man is not nearly enough. A high degree of competence is also necessary for a consistently high degree of player development and consistent winning. And in that category CMR strikes me as just slightly better than average. This is not a “hate CMR” diatribe . . . it’s a “I love my school more” statement of opinion.
cs
February 11th, 2011
2:41 pm
How about the state flag too? It was supposedly holding UGA and Tech back from National Titles. Well it was changed to appease ignorant simpletons so their feelins wouldnt be hurt and still no titles.
Change it back!!
Mediocrity with Mark
how2fish
February 11th, 2011
2:42 pm
SoCal Dawg best wishes on your daughter’s speedy recovery!
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
2:45 pm
Spot on 59bulldawg. Spot on. Some people think you can’t question Richt or UGA and that to do so makes you a bad fan. It’s the same as saying that if you question the US in going to war that you’re “unpatriotic.”
There’s enough room under the UGA tent for people that support UGA no matter what and people who love UGA enough to say when things are going wrong. I am in the second camp.
But, again, I write the disclaimer that I want UGA to win and want them to do so with Richt. But our football program should be a perennial top 10-15 team. If Richt can get us there again, great. If not, we need to shop the job.
I am Bill King
February 11th, 2011
2:46 pm
You guys like how I act like a UGA man? I didn’t go to UGA. Nope. Went to Valdosta State. I’m am like a lot of you, in fact. No connection to UGA at all. One day I hope to go to a game. Typical dumb hillbilly, right here.
Yours,
Bill
how2fish
February 11th, 2011
2:50 pm
I am Bill King your an idiot and a troll have a great weekend loser.
DIT
February 11th, 2011
2:51 pm
@how2fish – L.O.L. good one
SUE
February 11th, 2011
2:53 pm
Mark is the best thing Georgia ever had!
82Dawg
February 11th, 2011
2:54 pm
@SUE …we still have him…
Matthews Dawg
February 11th, 2011
2:56 pm
DIT…you get it and thanks!!
cs…you don’t get it and I won’t argue the points! I guess you never will understand and that is sad for you!
Go Dawgs!!
dawgdip
February 11th, 2011
2:58 pm
When a child of God lives his life serving God with all his might, rest assured the devil is going to come after him and do all he can to cause him to stumble. Mark Richt is being tested in a mighty way and he will be victorius. God is giving him the strength to endure all. I thank God for men like Mark Richt to be out there and be in a postion to guide young men and women to come to know the Lord and receive salvation and eternal life. God is on his side and he will be victorius. He did not send that letter and jersey for the good publicity. He did it because he is full of ” The Gifts of the Spirit”. If you are a Christian, you know what I mean.
DIT
February 11th, 2011
3:00 pm
@dawgdip
You nailed it! CMR is building his treasures in Heaven that’s for sure!
tony martin
February 11th, 2011
3:02 pm
Enter your comments here I like Doug’s post, and agree 100%. Mark Richt is very similar to Coach Wooden. Sometime you have to lose to learn what winning is all about.
My God a Freshman!
February 11th, 2011
3:04 pm
http://www.keepmarkricht.com
cs
February 11th, 2011
3:10 pm
Matthews Dawg
I get it perfectly well. Although I have been baptised it wasnt in the well of mediocrity. Being a contender every now and then isnt good enough for me. And that saying “winning isnt everything” is the first thing losers say.
DIT
February 11th, 2011
3:12 pm
@cs – Curious. Obviously, to you in life UGA winning is everything. Can I ask why?
bulldogmaniac
February 11th, 2011
3:13 pm
FOOTBALL ASIDE………I have a 10 year old son who, one day, I will be sending off to college.
This is EXACTLY the type of person that I hope will be around to coach and teach my son. Not just about football but about LIFE!!!!!!!
cs
February 11th, 2011
3:14 pm
Sometime you have to lose to learn what winning is all about.
Well Florida has certainly given UGA under Richt a schoolin on that. What was that Richt said in south Ga when he got hired and was asked how long it would take him to beat Florida? And he said 60 minutes. Yeah, he’s what? 2-8 against our main rival?
Medocrity with Mark
Sammy Dawg
February 11th, 2011
3:16 pm
And just think, coach turkey neck takes away scholarships. What a man. Stay classy techies.
cs
February 11th, 2011
3:19 pm
Winning might not be everything. Getting your money’s worth might not be either. Lets test that theory. Give me 100 dollar bill and I’ll exchange it and give you back 5 dollars for it. That’s a
character builder right there.
dawgdip
February 11th, 2011
3:19 pm
To Honky Talkin You could not be more wrong. ” Prayer Changes Things” and by the way check out how many times prayer is mentioned in the Bible. I would be glad to sit down with you and tell you how prayer has changed and saved my life. I am very sincere about this offer.
Matthews Dawg
February 11th, 2011
3:22 pm
cs….read Dawgdip’s blog….he gets it!! I want the Dawgs to win more than anything! Trust me, I’m not and Mark Richt is NOT the first loser!! We want the same things, but CMR has class, integrity and things that last for eternity, not something someone will forget in a couple of months or years! Be proud their is a man who is a GREAT coach and leader of men in Athens!! Go Dawgs!!
DIT
February 11th, 2011
3:23 pm
So you want your money back on your tickets when UGA does bad? OK, fair enough, but why would you call the people on here that saying winning isn’t everything in life losers? That’s the part I don’t understand.
Some of us have families and take raising a family much more serious than winning or losing football games. Just saying.
Matthews Dawg
February 11th, 2011
3:23 pm
Prayer does change everything… try it!!
edumacated
February 11th, 2011
3:25 pm
I don’t remember many people questioning Mark Richt’s class or integrity. He is beyond doubt.
Just beat Florida.
edumacated
February 11th, 2011
3:26 pm
Maybe the folks in Haiti don’t pray enough huh?
cs
February 11th, 2011
3:31 pm
Matthews Dawg
I aint reading another blog. Fixin to leave this one. I get it! Yall want a multi million dolllar a year therapist.
DIT
I have a family. I dont drop them off places they can get their arses whipped as a character builder.
DawgByte
February 11th, 2011
3:31 pm
Mark Richt is going to turn this ship around, for that I have no doubt. Richt didn’t forgot how he won two SEC Championships with this program. Every program experiences highs and lows… just ask Alabama!
Sammy Dawg
February 11th, 2011
3:36 pm
Come on techies! I am sure a few of you are itching to make a sideways comment on this article and our real man of a coach, where are you? Oh, that’s right, Friday is a big prayer day for muslims.
Tweets that mention Dream Team aside, here’s a big reason to pull for Mark Richt | UGA: The Junkyard Blawg -- Topsy.com
February 11th, 2011
3:41 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Patrick Haffey and Derrick Jones, Jason Carr. Jason Carr said: Dream Team aside, here’s a big reason to pull for Mark Richt http://t.co/1oaD3vX [...]
DIT
February 11th, 2011
3:43 pm
Did not mean to bring out the serious anger issues you have there cs. Please remember that there is more to life than football. This is recreation and a hobby, not life or death! Have a great weekend my friend!
FanSince59
February 11th, 2011
3:43 pm
We’ll see what some of these bloggers, who are extolling Richt’s virtues now, will have to say at the end of this comming season if he again finishes 6-6 or 7-5. I wonder if they will still be saying the same thing: i.e., that they hope Richt continues to hang around as UGA’s coach in 2012 and beyond.
Douglas Dawg
February 11th, 2011
3:44 pm
It’s great to be a Georgia Bulldog! CMR WILL bring us back !
Walker
February 11th, 2011
3:46 pm
Coach Richt spoke in Statesboro Monday night to a packed house at the First Baptist Church. He was there to support DeAngelo Tyson and The Josep’s Home for Boy’s. The debt on the Home is now retired due to Coach Richt and I wouldn’t want anyone else leading our program at UGA. He is nothing but Class and someone who has his Heart in the right place. I think we are headed in a great direction with our program. Thanks Coach Richt.
Dawg in Alabama
February 11th, 2011
3:47 pm
Thanks Bill, enjoyed reading a nice article for a change from the buffoons at the AJC…Condolences to the Eunice family. Way to go CMR!
DIT
February 11th, 2011
3:49 pm
@FanSince59
__
I don’t think there is a Dawg fan out there that would want CMR to continue being the coach if he has another 6 -7 win season next year. I’ve said before that he needs to win 10 to stick around this coming season. I think most of us want to see CMR turn the ship around and get to 10 wins this season and a potential NC down the road.
We are just pulling for him because of the man that he is. At least that’s my take on it.
cs
February 11th, 2011
3:53 pm
DIT
LMAO! Anger issues? I dont have any. I just have a serious gag reflex when I read a lot of bs.
I am not saying he isnt a good person but if he really was such a class act as it has been put here more than once, he would resign.
Mediocrity with Mark
Happy weekend and V Day to you and later.
gt
February 11th, 2011
3:54 pm
classy move richt
Redcoat13
February 11th, 2011
3:54 pm
Proud doesn’t begin to describe what I’m feeling. Thanks Bill. It’s great to be a Redcoat, and it’s great to be a Georgia Bulldog!
gadawgs
February 11th, 2011
3:58 pm
You are classy man coach! That was an amazing gesture and I am proud to have you as our coach. Thank you for all you do for our great university. You will always have my support. Go Dawgs!!
Larry
February 11th, 2011
4:01 pm
What an honor to have this man at Georgia.
dawgdip
February 11th, 2011
4:05 pm
To cs: Your analogies are really out there. ( a nice way of saying they are kinda dumb)
cs
February 11th, 2011
4:08 pm
I am very bitter and hate the world!
DR. DOOM
February 11th, 2011
4:13 pm
Lay your resignation on the alter coach Richt. All will be forgiven. Then we can start to turn this #%@#%&$ program around with a coach who knows how to “coach em up” and win football games! 2011 will be another blah season for a second tier program whose fan base mindlessly repeats their mantra, “Wait Till Next Year”. It’s one thing to be a loser, quiet another to be a complacent loser!
dawgdip
February 11th, 2011
4:19 pm
@cs A man of integrity does not resign because he recruits some uncoachable players or hires a few less than competent coaches. He does everthing he can to change things and make the right choices to enable all those in his charge to succeed. A true competitor never quits. He fights until the very end. A man of character will never quit and once again I thank God we have that kind of man in Mark Richt.
DR. DOOM aka DR. DUMB
February 11th, 2011
4:19 pm
I hate everything including myself!
Fletcher
February 11th, 2011
4:24 pm
I’ve pulled for Mark Richt since he came to Georgia, and he has done a great job until the most notable 2 years. Having his friend Martinez as DC was not good, and Mark is sometimes just too loyal ( a rare thing these days) and also did not get the player’s attention this past year. I still respect Mark and trust this will be the year he gets it back together and focus on the team, which he is paid to do.
dawgster
February 11th, 2011
4:30 pm
@cs…obvisously it doesn’t bother you that you are probably the only one that has commented on this article that has had anything negative to say…I don’t believe the article was about wins or loses…that could be taken up later…as Matthews Dawg said “you just don’t get it”…the sad part is you never will and probably never have….I’m sure you have a story of your own that might explain things the way you see them, this was not about wins or loses…anyone that doesn’t see this as a class act is really a sad piece of work…to equate football wins and loses to this tragedy is really sad, but somehow you managed to do that…
Athens= God's Country
February 11th, 2011
4:33 pm
What’s your problem cs? You could learn a lot from Richt. I think all of us on here are praying for your family. Stay classy bud.
corkylikesbeer
February 11th, 2011
4:36 pm
Did Coach Richt fly down for the funeral?
PHIL
February 11th, 2011
4:53 pm
Bryan G I doubt many Alabama fans would trade Richt for Saban……………….at this point. That’s why they are Alabama fans. However, if you believe that it is more important to win child’s game than it is to represent my alma mater the way the Richt represents it, you’re a moron.
An attorney, Achmudenajad, Khomeini, and Osama are all in a room. You have two bullets in a gun. Which do you shoot? The answer is shoot the attorney twice.
Obviously you’re the poster child for why such jokes are written.
PHIL
February 11th, 2011
5:02 pm
Bulldawg your statements are NEVER ” ‘I love my school more’ statements of opinion.” Your statements are I get all my self worth from young people winning or losing a childs game. If you loved your school you’d be more concerned as to how it’s highest profile representative behaves than the success or failure of some athletic endeavor. You love your school when it wins football games.
Ever hear anyone use the term “classy” in the same sentence with Spurrier or Saban? Didn’t think so.
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
5:17 pm
Classy Phil. Classy.
If you want to surround yourself in life with good people who are average at their job, be my guest. I’ll take the winners.
Again…I hope we win with Richt. But we haven’t won with him in a while.
Christopher Wade
February 11th, 2011
5:21 pm
As a former college football player I can attest that it is more important to the players in the long run to have a coach that can not lead at the championship/ playoff level, but, more importantly to lead them as men of integrity.
buffdawg
February 11th, 2011
5:24 pm
Why don’t you sick sob’s get off this blog and go to a football blog, this is about humans, which several of you on here wouldn’t know anything about
Gator Man
February 11th, 2011
5:28 pm
The U showed their coach the door after only 4 seasons, and he was graduating them at a higher rate, lets just Richt the nice guy could not coach at any shool including high school in the state of Florida.
Mark you belong at UGA where you can be the nice guy, but continue to loose.
MSUDAWG
February 11th, 2011
5:36 pm
I am not a UGA fan but I am a Mark Richt fan. Georgia Bulldog Nation, you are lucky to have such a class act to coach your football team. I hope Georgia thinks long and hard before you let Coach Richt leave your program. If my son played football, I would want him to play for Mark Richt…he teaches values and life lessons to his players through the way he lives his life. This article is just one more example of Mark’s heart and who he is.
Athens= God's Country
February 11th, 2011
5:41 pm
Again Bryan. Why the backhanded compliments?
Gator Man
February 11th, 2011
5:41 pm
Go Tech!
82Dawg
February 11th, 2011
5:47 pm
Bryan…what part of the State do you “practice law”? I want to make sure if I ever need an attorney that I don’t hire you…
Barkin'Dog
February 11th, 2011
5:54 pm
Bryan G.
February 11th, 2011
12:52 pm
Hey ceph, there is absolutely more to life than football. I 100% agree. However, when your job is “Head Football Coach” your jog is to win football games.
But let me put it this way: I’m an attorney.
Do you want to hire an attorney who will win your case or do you want an attorney who is a nice guy and, aw shucks, sure does try hard?
—————–
Ah, hah! Now we know why Bryan G is such an obnoxious putz… he’s a big-time attorney. That answers a lot of my questions.
Tell Burke
February 11th, 2011
6:23 pm
Kevin; ” KISS MY GRITS ! ! “
Valdosta NOLE
February 11th, 2011
6:36 pm
Exactly why we would have you back in Tallahassee ANYDAY! You can’t teach CLASS! Mark Richt is one of the few GODLY men our kids have to look up to.
great Dawg fan in Dallas Ga
February 11th, 2011
6:37 pm
CMR is one of the best coaches UGA could have. Let’s look at facts about last year. Our offense scored 30+ points on average. Our defense allowed too many, but they were learning a better 3-4 Scheme. It is hard to make that switch without the proper personnel. Now we will have better personnel and a better defense. CMR did a fantastic job and made the changes that will make UGA a great team again very fast. Coach Dooley had some bad years when he coached but is also one of the best. Know what you are talking about before you act. CMR is a great coach and I hope he stays at UGA until he retires. GO YOU HAIRY DAWGS. A1967 Grad.
BiggdawgK
February 11th, 2011
6:50 pm
I will never understand people who read a story like this and still have a negative comment or even worse some hate filled sarcastic crap to spew.
I can only guess these pathetic morons have never loved anyone and even more sad no one has ever cared much less loved them. They hope a fleeting championship will fill that empty void in their life that the rest of us fill with friends and family.
Lindsey
February 11th, 2011
7:01 pm
I love reading such a positive article about CMR. Thoughts are prayers go out to that family, I can’t imagine how hard this is. So happy a classy guy like CMR is at UGA, I hope he stays as long as he wants. GO DAWGS and bless the Eunice Family!!
PHIL
February 11th, 2011
7:14 pm
Bryan, like I said, shoot the slime ball attorney twice. Why don’t you surround yourself with winners and go pull for Saban?
How bout them Bees!!!
February 11th, 2011
7:53 pm
I have always admired CMR, and this is coming from a Yellow Jacket fan, but this really shows what a classy man he is. My prayers go out to the Eunice family. To lose a child has to be the toughest thing in the world to go through, I could only imagine. I really hope that UGA has some sort of ceremony at one of their games this year to honor James.
Common Sense
February 11th, 2011
7:54 pm
It’s great to be a Georgia Bulldog
I said IT’S GREAT TO BE A GEORGIA BULLDOG..
God bless and God speed young man.
Jeff
February 11th, 2011
8:20 pm
That was a great gesture by Coach Richt. I’m tired of everyone getting on his case about how the season went. Take a look at Mike Bobo who’s playing calling is mediocore and questionable at times.
Midgadawg
February 11th, 2011
8:23 pm
Enter your comments here
Very classy, indeed!!!
Fire Mark Richt
February 11th, 2011
8:54 pm
I still think that Richt should go for being a poor coach, but that’s a good story. Well done, Coach.
college football
February 11th, 2011
9:08 pm
forget football. When a tragedy like this happens we should all forget this foolish back stabbing. We should all take note of what Mr. Richt did and the loss of this family.
Barkin'Dog
February 11th, 2011
9:49 pm
I wasn’t going to mention it until I read other posts about Coach Richt’s kindnesses. I wrote him about 3 years ago when my Navy son was in the Persian Gulf on the USS Harry S. Truman. He was a little down, and homesick, so I asked Coach to write him a note of encouragement, and he did. My son couldn’t believe it… it meant the world to him to get a letter from his favorite coach. I can’t thank him enough.
Vikedawg
February 11th, 2011
10:04 pm
Great story, but I don’t know anyone who would not want to “see [Richt] get this program back on track.” I’m not trying to take anything away from this great story. As far as football is concerned, fans want wins, and I’m certain they’d love to see Richt succeed at that.
Mr. SEC
February 11th, 2011
10:31 pm
Classy! What a Christian act to a family!
Camden Mark
February 11th, 2011
10:36 pm
No dought Mark Richt is a good man,meet ‘em a couple times and he comes across as such more so in person.But the job is to win football games, I’d almost root for the devil (Saban?) himself if he put a winning well coached team on the field.
Camden Mark
February 11th, 2011
10:39 pm
Also my heart felt grief for the family (4 kids,6 grands of my own),just tragic.
bardawg
February 11th, 2011
10:41 pm
I,like a lot of other frustrated Ga. fans vented in a way that I now regret .I wish to officially retract anything negative I ever said about Coach Mark Richt, as he has displayed a level of behavior that most of us don’t show in our daily lives ( because he has truly learned the lessons taught to us about our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and despite the rigors of his profession , he manages to live his life according to his faith. May the Lord bless him and keep him , and we are very fortunate to have such an individual at the University of Georgia.
bardawg
February 11th, 2011
10:52 pm
I did’nt mean to omit my sincere condolences to the Eunice family in the tragic loss of James .
Stephanie
February 11th, 2011
10:57 pm
I have always been a bulldog fan and this made me more of one. I knew James and his family and this was one of the most generous things that could have been done. We all are on the same team..
Dawg 39
February 11th, 2011
10:58 pm
Good Coach.?. I was & still am a Wallace Butts & a Vince Dooley fan & supporter. I also know football. Obviously some of you do not or you would know that Mark Richt IS the best HC -& the winningest HC – that the Dawgs have had in my lifetime as a loyal & avid Dawg Fan. The next HC will be judged on how his record compares to Richt. I fear that it will come up short.
Old Dog
February 11th, 2011
11:02 pm
Guys like Coach Richt are all too rare.
Here’s hoping the Dream Team puts us back on track.
Marion Morrison
February 11th, 2011
11:11 pm
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benenfit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 May God bless and keep CMR in his good graces; and, may victory be ours.
RED DOG 77
February 11th, 2011
11:26 pm
God works in mysterious ways. What a blessing it is to see the same Bulldog Nation that wanted coach Mark Richt’s head on a stick just days ago, finally wake-up to the fact that “our” coach is the finest in the land !………….Oh and by the way, I hope every one out there knows coach Richt’s gesture to the Eunice family was done privately………he did it with no intention of glorifying himself, he did it for a family who had lost a loved one, and he did it because it was the right thing to do. God Bless the Eunice family……..God Bless Mark Richt………and……..God Bless the Georgia BULLDOGS !!!
palmtreeBo
February 11th, 2011
11:37 pm
great coach we have and we are LUCKY to have hired the guy that i hope will lead this program for many more years!
with that being said, bill, you make me sick. i really cant stand you, no i dislike you as much as any “BLOGGER( the term for people that dont have the talent to be real reporters)” i have ever read. the only reason i read this, is because i knew it was something positive. you have been bad mouthing and second guessing coach richt for the last two years. either support him or not, but get off the fence, it aint stout enough to carry the weight of your fat a##!!!!
palmtreeBo
February 11th, 2011
11:42 pm
also, stop second guessing bobo. georgia has scored mor points under him runnng the show, than georga ever has, throughout the history of the program. the last thing he needs is an out of shape, 50 year old know it all that probably rode the bench in rec football telling him how to call plays.
Wilson
February 12th, 2011
12:37 am
I love it reading positive articles about Georgia for a change.. tired of the negativity. Richt isn’t the best coach, but I’d take him over some jerk like Tommy Tuberville or Mike Leach any day. Go Dawgs!
Fire Mark Richt
February 12th, 2011
12:40 am
Dawg 39, Richt’s winning percentage has been slipping big-time in the last few years. People who compare his winning percentage with Dooley’s and Butts’ should check out their schedules sometimes. No directional or I-AA pansies, no automatic wins every season. Richt’s W-L record over his 10 years probably has 15 guaranteed wins that Dooley wouldn’t have had over the same period. If we’re going to compare, let’s look at the whole picture.
Dooley beat UF 70% of the time. Richt loses to UF 80% of the time. He needs to go. Even if he is a real nice man. Don’t feel bad, he’s set for life.
CECIL DOWDLEHEAD
February 12th, 2011
1:46 am
KEEP MARK RICH COACH!!! HE’S A GUD MAN. DON’T DRANK!!!
caitlin
February 12th, 2011
1:53 am
James was a great guy he impacted so many people. His dream was to play for uga, and richt made his dream come true. RIP james, i miss you and your funny self!!
305 Gator
February 12th, 2011
2:39 am
Classy move by Richt. SEC stands with you and your coach this week.
RMikel58
February 12th, 2011
4:27 am
Alot of times we get so caught up with “nothings more important than winning” and its just examples of people taking the time to pay tribute to such a tragedy that a young man dying before he even began life. Coach Richt no matter how you feel about him does this sorta thing with people because he has great character and morals.
I know Coach Richt doesnt want the fame or being on the news because this wasnt about him at all. It was about a young man that got a shot of a lifelong dream to come to a University to play football with a great coach and mentor Mark Richt.
God Bless the Eunice Family, i pray that God will provide you with peace and understanding.
GR82BAG8R
February 12th, 2011
8:17 am
82Dog, I’ll bet Bryan hopes you hire the opposing attorney in a dispute, with him representing the other side. If your primary criteria is that the attorney be a fine man, you will likely lose the case.
All Bryan is saying is he would prefer a winner at UGA – - not just a fine man. No one has ever questioned Richt’s character as a man or his integrity. People can make fun of Georgia’s Fulmer Cup victory while Richt was coach. The real issue is what these young men do after leaving Georgia. If you say your primary criteria for Georgia’s program is not championships, then what? Does Richt inculcate his players with the appropriate values to help them be successful men in life? Do you have any evidence he has made any difference in their lives?
There’s a lot of money spent to attend Georgia football games. If Richt goes another five years with the level of talent he recruits and still is unable to deliver a BCS or (another) SEC title, will you be happy?
1eyedJack
February 12th, 2011
8:37 am
Coach Richt, thank you for justifying my faith in YOU. We have all known those pious people who when we see them coming we excuse ourselves or try to look busy because they are in-your-face with it, even though we KNOW they are hypocrits. God does not like ugly.
Coach Richt is no hypocrit. If we have the faith in CMR that he will turn it around we will be rewarded in time. All good things to those who wait. AND believe.
Bama Fan #2
February 12th, 2011
9:01 am
College football in the SEC is a cut throat business but Mark Richt is a special coach and
human being who loves his players very much!!
trupert
February 12th, 2011
9:08 am
There’s a reason that Richt is the only SEC coach with 10 + years on the job at one school.
Richt will survive these recent lean times that probably no other coach in the conference would because he is a true class act, who doesn’t lie, cheat, pay and oversign players.
I think the best is yet to come and maby it took the last couple of seasons and the thought of starting over for some to appreciate that we have one of the very few head coaches who truly has integrity. CMR is a man that all should pull for and it looks like these players realise what kind of leader they have.
Chris
February 12th, 2011
9:24 am
I am not a UGA fan but I am a Valdosta High Alum. Thank you to Coach Richt for being the fine man that you are. I didn’t know this young man but as part of the Wildcat family we all mourn. Thanks Coach for helping to fulfill his dream.
Paul
February 12th, 2011
9:40 am
You folks need to find someone else to slam other than Nick Saban. Nick and his wife spend more time raising money for “Nick’s Kids” than Mark Richt does at the Clarke County jail. You’re just damn amazing then again you wouldn’t be UGA. Talk talk talk. More mouth than trophies. Mark is a good man but so are most of the coaches with a few being the exception.
boots
February 12th, 2011
9:59 am
Good call, Coach. We are proud to have you as our leader.
Roger/Joyce Rutledge
February 12th, 2011
11:08 am
Thank you Mr. Richt…no one and I mean no one is classier and has more heart the coach Richt.
NorfolkDawg
February 12th, 2011
12:00 pm
I have been real dissapointed with the dawgs over the past couple years but I tell you what man…we have the best coach in the nation when it comes to not only class but an all around genuine and great role model for kids. I support Richt no matter what but this article and many others I have read just justify what CMR is…a great man. If Crowell’s mom thinks her son went to the devil’s school still then she is psycho. He should have answered any question’s about that right here.
Brucerugby79
February 12th, 2011
12:04 pm
Coach Richt makes me proud to be a Christian–oh yeah and a Bulldog–they real fans commented on this one
Former Georgian
February 12th, 2011
12:33 pm
This story explains why CMR had such a great recruiting class after such a dismal season. The recruits and their families know how much he cares about them.
Minnesota Dawg
February 12th, 2011
1:11 pm
I think it would be great if all the Bulldog fans go into this new season pulling and praying for Mark Richt. I sure hope this will be our year. I’m proud we have a coach who will not put up with undisciplined players and that character trumps any ability a person may have. In the long run those player will be grateful for this coach.
Dena Benton
February 12th, 2011
1:18 pm
My prayers go out to the Eunice family, I’m 51 and have two children and eight grandbabies, I can’t image what they are going through. It’s about time though that the DAWG fans see what kind of a person coach Richt is. I’ve been so made at our fans and have written to AJC, and been on CSS sportsnite. I love coach Richt as a coach and a person. We really have some fair weathered fans, who will jump off the boat when the times are down. This has really gotten to me, and I have read so many comments about our coach, downing him, he should be replaced, but I have always had faith in him as our coach and the person he is. Before signing day, I knew he was recuiting hard to keep our guys in state, and I prayed these young men would come play for coach Richt. They will learn alot from him not only as their coach but life experiances in general. He is a teacher and a coach and I’m so proud he is our coach. I’m so proud to be a DAWG fan,and have CMR as our coach. Nana Dena
crusher dawg
February 12th, 2011
3:07 pm
God Bless You Coach!!!!!!! Thanks for being a fine christian example.
Fire Mark Richt
February 12th, 2011
3:52 pm
We need to keep in mind that few if any of us on this site really know Mark Richt. It certainly appears that he’s a fine man, although one who couldn’t beat Florida if they suited up a high school team. But you can’t deny that discipline under his watch has slipped big time. A lot of it has to do with recruiting. I’ve suspected for a long time that Coach Richt has something in common with some of the “good girls” I went to high school with: they can’t resist the bad boys!
It’s nothing personal, I just don’t think Richt is the right man to lead Georgia in the future. He should have been fired after last season, but I’d be shocked if he’s still the coach 10 months from now.
buzzDawg
February 12th, 2011
4:25 pm
While I have never liked it when the Dawgs lose, I have never jumped on the fire Richt bandwagon. I have always thought and still feel that he is the right man for the Dawgs and will be for many, many years to come. This only serves to prove that fact.
Dawg Tired
February 12th, 2011
4:38 pm
There has never been any question about Coach Richt class as a human being. He is top notch. Unfortunately this character trait has become irrelevant in this win at all costs society we find ourselves living in. I have stated on these blogs dozens of times I would love for my sons to have been able to play for a man like Mark Richt. I have also said I would not have allowed them to play for some others who happen to have been very successful in the goal of winning football games. That said, it is just as clear that Coach Richt must turn around UGA football or else he will be gone. Is that a good thing? While I don’t think it is, I must confess to being caught up in this winning thing. I’m thinking that indicates I may have lost perspective of what is really important in life. For that I’m sorry.
Thanks Bill for writing this article. Hopefully I will see things in the right perspective in the future. The University of Georgia is indeed fortunate to have a man with such class and character as its head football coach. Unfortunately, many of us had lost sight of that.
7576DAWG
February 12th, 2011
5:14 pm
I hope that CMR elects to stay at UGA until he retires but even though he is a great person and has a great influence on young people McGarity was hired to make sure that football remains important at Georgia and as long as he can win 9 or 10 games or more most every year there want be any problem. But if UGA falls into the lower tier of the SEC and on a consistent basis can only win 5 to 7 times a year , the money that football brings into Georgia is so important in order to pay for the other 85% of our men and especially women teams that can’t make money , McGarity will not hesitate getting a new coach. So I think ,as an alumni I will let McGarity do his job with no help from me and support him either way.
Minnesota Dawg
February 12th, 2011
5:48 pm
I’d be willing to say that Saban and all the other coaches who have won recent National Championships will have at least two off seasons. Mark my words!
kgtech
February 12th, 2011
9:31 pm
Any human being with any kind of heart would of done the same thing. What makes MR
anymore special. Maybe this will help him keep his job.Is that your point?? If not what is??
athdog
February 12th, 2011
11:19 pm
Living in Athens, having friends who work in the athletic department, I can tell you the examples along these lines concerning Mark are legion, and almost never make the newspaper, and that is by design.
He is as selfless a man as you’d want to find, and he works in a business where self promotion is rampant. He walks the walk that he talks. We all hope that he turns the program around and continues to coach the Dawgs until he retires. Believe me, the program will be better off for it.
woebegong
February 13th, 2011
5:37 am
Kgtech,
You techies just wish you had half the coach that CMR is. You come onto a blog about another team, have nothing to say good, and then have to face the facts, that tech has neither the coach or the team to compare to most good teams and I suppose that makes you feel good, so you will continue. My guess is, you will just keep bragging about the great TECH. and try to find something to say, ignnorantly about UGA, it’s coach or players. Get a life.
Dawgster2
February 13th, 2011
9:50 am
This shows just what a great man Coach Richt is.
Baloney.
Joe
February 13th, 2011
9:51 am
James Eunice # 1 Dawg!
GaDawg
February 13th, 2011
12:58 pm
It looks to me that things are getting shaken up at UGA. With Coach Richt, and AD McGarity taking the necessary steps to “change the culture” of the program. New leadership and accountability in the S / C program should help us find out which scholarship athletes are truly dedicated to their scholarship commitments.
The players who possess looser attitudes need to make personality adjustments or hit the door running! Players, at this level, do not run the program; the university and big money booster do. Arrogance, rebelliousness, lack of discipline, and demands for entitlement are not fruits of the spirit that contribute to a winning TEAM. Open competition with desire, dedication, determination, and positive attitudes do. My question to them is: Are you men enough to MAN UP to the challenge?
New coaching hires look promising; I just hope that they bring with them some tough love attitudes!
This recruiting class brings us reason for hope. These kids seem show some character and leadership abilities. Add to them a couple of more “Dream Team” classes in 2012, and 2013, and Head Coach Mark Richt will be at UGA for as long as he decides to stay. That is the scenario that I’m praying for, because you will not find a head coach anywhere with more class, and character Than Mark Richt! For a team with the proper attitude, the addition of James Eunice to the UGA football TEAM roster could be a dynamic rallying point!
gt4ever
February 13th, 2011
3:19 pm
Wow, He has always been a classy guy…. One of the BEST… He is a devout christian, no one can argue his faith….. He has ALWAYS recruited “dream” teams……. He just can’t translate all this into discipline, he has NONE on his team. He has little or NO respect from his players, otherwise they would act proper….. I would love him to be our OC, but as a Head coach he is lacking…..
Freehome Dawg
February 13th, 2011
3:55 pm
If I knew how to dance, I would ask Coach Richt to the prom and I’m a straight guy. Did I really say that?
shane#1
February 13th, 2011
4:50 pm
I haven’t commented on the AJC blogs in quite a while. I am not into the trash talk and hateful attitudes expressed by some that post here. CMR is a fine man and that is doubted by few fans of any team. However, he has gotten a bad rap for recruiting undisciplined “thugs”. FYI, UGA placed 25 football players on the SEC academic Honor Roll for last year and is second only to Vandy in APR. In public universitys UGA is ranked with Penn State in athletic academics. When CMR took over the program less than half the players were on schedule to graduate. Doesn’t sound like a bunch of thugs to me.
Josh
February 13th, 2011
5:13 pm
“I certainly don’t think Mark Richt is a perfect football coach and there are plenty of things about his program I’d like to see improved. But…” There you go again Bill. Just had to throw in that negative AGAIN! For crying out loud, where in the WORLD is there a perfect football coach? Where in the WORLD does a football team/program not need improvement? Last time I checked there were none. If there were there would be one winner all the time. COME ON BILL, LET’S START BEING MORE POSITIVE!!!!!
wreckmaniac
February 13th, 2011
7:27 pm
Now that recruitin’s done what do we do before the first game ? Get a job ? Contribute to society? Assist our fellow man ? Expand our interests ? Start a business ? Nah.
Zumadawg
February 13th, 2011
8:31 pm
Most of the people venting on this site who ” would like to see things done differently” haven’t got a clue as to what’s involved in assembling a team and coaching. The majority these experts have no affilation with UGA and couldn’t find Athens with an atlas and a magnifyiing glass. Their aim is to nip at Mark’s heels for an unusual bad year and ignore the good ones. He has done a great job (ask the insects) and is the epitome of class. A word that most of you are not familiar with.
wreckmaniac
February 13th, 2011
9:02 pm
Zumadawg: Athens, surburb of Colbert, couldn’t be found with a GPS
Columbus
February 13th, 2011
9:45 pm
We need more articles like this by Bradley and Schultz on AJC! Where was all this blog support in the last 6 months? I personally have and will support Mark Richt through the good, bad and tough times. If fired by UGA, my support will follow him to his next job. Tough times will always pass and there have NOT been many under Richt I will add! Many MORE GOOD than bad….There are many more things than ONLY wins and losses only and ALL coaches WILL have losing seasons and under-achieving TEAMS. ALL….Mark Richt makes me VERY PROUD to be a SUPPORTER and fan of UGA football. The WHOLE man must be looked at along with his WHOLE coaching record and as a being a YOUNG head coach, he has done very well and BETTER than MOST! It is only going to get better and the worst thing UGA could ever do is listen to the pressure of KNUCKLEHEADS who ONLY see wins and losses and they do not care about the circumstances. If UGA fires Richt even if UGA lost EVERY game this year, it would be a HUGE mistake because the year after he might win the SEC. He may VERY WELL win the east in 2011 and ignorants want him fired because of 2010. 2009 was going to be down and EVERYONE knew it before the season started. So 1 below expectations year and fire him? Damn I hope you are never my boss! We need more articles like this by Bradley and Schultz!
GaDawg
February 14th, 2011
5:53 am
@gt4ever-
He is not so lacking that he has not been able to whip your asses fairly consistently! Go back to the bug-blog and bad mouth your own coach, Paul Johnson!
GaDawg
February 14th, 2011
6:01 am
@shane#1
Good to see you back; and glad to see your glass is half- full !!!
PT
February 14th, 2011
8:30 am
Richt has a way of putting you in your place, oh so gently.
chris
February 14th, 2011
8:37 am
What good comes from gaining the intire world if you lose your soul in the progress. Call him a bible totter, call him a man of GOD, some even call him a misionary. How many NCAA infractions, how many scholarships lost during Mark Richt’s time at UGA? How many top ten rankings and how many bowl games during his time? Have you ever heard of Job? maybe Mark Richt is receiving one of God’s learning lessions but he has’nt lost his soul. And by the way, I and alot of other UGA FANS call him our COACH.
chris
February 14th, 2011
8:45 am
James Eunice number 23 in your program. Welcome aboard son glad to have you as a Bulldog.
Old Dawg
February 14th, 2011
9:15 am
This is a great story. During my son’s struggle with leukemia we had all sorts of folks provide help, assistance and kinds words. 11 1/2 years after his passing, the kindness never stops.
All it takes is a few minutes, but the impact is forever. Thanks for reminding us of that Bill, and coach Richt.
ugab
February 14th, 2011
9:19 am
Fans want to win. MR is a winner on and off the field. It has been a rough couple of years for Uga football. I hope MR and his staff gets these players on the right track this season. Just play football.
Blackberry Cobbler
February 14th, 2011
9:25 am
I’ve been as anti-CMR as anybody the past couple of years……………
but I’ll never say another bad word about the man. Regardless of how you feel about the coaching and direction of the program, there’s more to life than football and CMR is a classy guy. UGA is lucky to have such a man leading our young men. He sets a good example on and off the field.
BILLY JACK
February 14th, 2011
9:58 am
If you have a son and would not want him to play for Coach Richt-you should probably re-evaluate your life and parenting skills.
Mark Richt is a great man. After returning from Iraq I meet him for first time in Greenesboro Ga at a Grocery store. I told him who I was and he spent about 20 minutes making me feel like he known me forever. The same day he was returning from SEC Media d
February 14th, 2011
10:00 am
Mark Richt is a great man. After returning from Iraq I meet him for first time in Greenesboro Ga at a Grocery store near my mom house. I told him who I was and he spent about 20 minutes making me feel like he known me forever. He was returning from SEC Media day but still took time. I truly feel he will get it turned around and lead us back to SEC Title game. Classy guy. We should feel lucky
MB
February 14th, 2011
10:06 am
There are more important things in life that touchdowns, Thanks CMR for setting an example for all of us.
AltamahaDawg
February 14th, 2011
10:11 am
“bad words” are not the issue. His team have not played well at times lately. Bad words about failures on the field are warranted. This is the man’s job.
Not sure why this particular story would have served as such a wake up call to so many (several have posted remorse) that the results of the game(s) should have never been an excuse to take potshot and personal attacks at the man’s character in the first place. We have always known he was such a man as this. This is not news.
Had the bad words been honestly confined to what was fair and honest in the first place, would never be any need to declare a moratorium on them.
AltamahaDawg
February 14th, 2011
10:21 am
….meant to conclude that….. that righting that wrong was a very stand up thing to do.
Ugaclassof2004
February 14th, 2011
10:48 am
“This thing is in the ditch”
Fran Tarkenton is absolutely right. UGA is at BEST an 8-5 program. Turnout the lights, the party’s over Coach Richt!
DawginLex
February 14th, 2011
10:49 am
Coach Richt does things the right way.
I’m glad he is our coach.
Francis Tarkenton
February 14th, 2011
10:52 am
I am a clueless washed up loser who takes pot shots at my alma mater.
I only did it to improve the sales of my miracle grow hair gel/tonic/fabric softener/insect killer/fertilizer.
I will now slink back into nothingness.
I don’t have the guts to talk face to face with Coach Richt.
I’m just a walking drive by shooting who has no guts.
Where did I put my teeth??????????????
shankit
February 14th, 2011
11:09 am
Now you all know why Rome, Mitchell, Drew, etc. came to Georgia.
And, mothers will continue to read between the lines of certain recruiting
habits of other teams and not want their kids associated.
Georgia is on the rise under Richt, and in a
couple of years I think all you naysayers will have your NC.
AltamahaDawg
February 14th, 2011
11:42 am
Why do you conclude that 8-5 is the BEST uga can ever do with Richt?
george
February 14th, 2011
11:58 am
no doubt mark richt is a classy guy, but with that being said he is about the only classy thing having to do with the entire UGA program from top to bottom. From the ad, to the coaches, players, and most of all fans UGA continues to prove itself as the least classy program in the country.
Big L
February 14th, 2011
12:25 pm
I long for the day that Coach Richt raises that Crystal Football. It will happen and he will take no satisfaction in proving everyone wrong. He is our coach.
Charles Salter
February 14th, 2011
1:17 pm
Bill, I enjoyed your fine column about Coach Mark Richt’s display of great class in his tribute to the young Valdosta athlete who drowned while hunting. I respect Richt very much and feel he’ll lead the Bulldogs back to the SEC championship game.
Best wishes from a former AJC colleague,
—Charles Salter
Retired fishing editor and Georgia Rambler columnist
DawginLex
February 14th, 2011
1:29 pm
Uh George,
We fired that AD this past summer. Need to keep up son.
Paddy
February 14th, 2011
2:02 pm
I said during the last week of the season I was now going to sit on the sidelines and watch what CMR did and then evaluate for myself. Well, after reading this story I am no longer on the sideline with our coach. I came to the realization that a Dawg program is not always measured by wins and defeats. Thick or thin I am back on the bandwagon. And shame on me for ever getting off.
WIN WITH RICHT
February 14th, 2011
2:41 pm
FIRE MARK RICHT
I liked Coach Dooley and thought he did a good job, But he was no Bear Bryant, Tom Osborne, or Bobby Bowden. He kept UGA in the top half of the SEC and every 3 to 4 years the DAWGs would challenge for a good bowl game. But UGA was no national power under Dooley. Dooley got lucky in 1980 and signed Herschel Walker. That led to the best 3 year run in UGA history. If you take away the Walker years (1980-1982), Dooley’s record is not so great. From 1970 to 2000, Uga won only 1 SEC title without Herschel and only finished in the top 5 once. Besides, Dooley coached against UF when they had coaches like Pell or Dickey. Richt is a great coach in the toughest conference in the country.
Georgia | MrSEC.com
February 14th, 2011
2:55 pm
[...] King of The AJC’s “Junkyard Blawg” for bringing the original story to light. You can read his take and link to earlier versions here.As for our feelings here at MrSEC.com… if there’s a better man heading up an SEC program [...]
AceDawg
February 14th, 2011
3:51 pm
I think you are framing this right – Richt is the kind of guy you WANT to see succeed. I do not feel sorry to see a millionaire like him lose his job, which I honestly have been in favor of, but I also would also cheer him on enthusiastically if he lost his job and made an appearance in Bulldog nation. Now that he is around for another go round, I’m all in and ready to wish him success.
Sports with Mike - Mark Richt and Georgia Football: A Great Story About a Great Man
February 14th, 2011
3:56 pm
[...] thanks to Bill King of the AJC for bringing this story to light. [...]
Jim Woods
February 14th, 2011
5:26 pm
Both are Damn Good Dawgs
ValdostaMom
February 14th, 2011
5:31 pm
Obviously Kevin has no children. I can’t imagine any parent not wanting their sons to play for a
Man like Coach Richt. What a wonderful thing to do for this family who have lost their precious
Son in such a tragic manner.
Mean Machine
February 14th, 2011
6:32 pm
The best storyline in sports is “the comeback”. Can you think of a better man than Coach Richt for just such a story. How great would that be to see UGA return to the top under Coach Richt’s leadership. I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t admit that I have my doubts. But you gotta pull for Coach to do it.
Lance
February 14th, 2011
7:33 pm
The dawgs will be fine.Mark Richt has proven he is a great coach. He doesn’t have to prove that to me again because I know he will turn things around. With that said, not only do we have a class act coach but he is a christian man and most players that play for him will leave better young men because of his leadership and example.The Eunice story is just one example of why I think we have the overall best coach in the nation.Thanks coach Richt for all you have done and will do in the future. Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!
Lleann Cepek
February 14th, 2011
8:05 pm
CHARACTER Is what you are and who you are when No one else is around.
This Coach was in the movie “Facing Your Giants” put on by that little Church there
in GA. This was a POWERFUL Movie!!! Now he is facing his giants. To MARK RICHT,
Keep your chin UP~ don’t focus on your Giant….or YOU will fall. Tell your Giant how big
your God is! Focus on God and your Giants will fall to the ground! You are an AWESOME
Man of God Coach, and don’t you EVER forget that! Prepare YOUR soil, and get ready for
the RAIN!~
Dumb Dawgs
February 14th, 2011
9:51 pm
Here’s to next year, Dawg fans! As in 2012.
WDE
February 14th, 2011
9:54 pm
“I’d be willing to say that Saban and all the other coaches who have won recent National Championships will have at least two off seasons.”
Saban had an off year last season. Bama will probably lose 3-4 games this year because of rebuilding. A lot of people are saying that Auburn will go 7-5 but I would be willing to bet that they lose 3 at the most. Auburn is loaded.
USC east will find a way to screw up. UGA has a great chance of winning the east this year, but I said the same thing last year. UF is down and it may take a few years to get back to being good. TN is nothing. Other than that, UGA looks like it could be the king of the East.
Fire Mark Richt
February 14th, 2011
10:49 pm
WIN WITH RICHT
Florida had many outstanding teams during Dooley’s era, including quite a few that would have won SEC championships during his era if not for losing to Georgia. ‘66, ‘75, ‘76, ‘80 come to mind. Florida was ranked no. 1 in ‘85 when Georgia beat them 24-3. Even with the loss to Georgia that would have been an SEC Championship team if Florida hadn’t been on probation.
Richt is 2-8 against UF, including 1-2 against Ron Zook’s 5-loss teams. The excuse that Florida has been so good during Richt’s tenure just doesn’t fly when you consider that Florida has a losing record against Ole Miss and Miss. St. since 2000. Auburn, LSU and Alabama play them about even, and have for years.
Richt’s Georgia teams have underachieved big-time in the biggest conference game, year in and year out. Dooley’s teams often overachieved in that game. The records speak for themselves.
The SEC is a bit overrated. True, our top 1-2 teams have been the best teams in the country since around ‘06. But our 3-12 teams are no better than anyone else’s 3-12 teams. SEC dominance doesn’t explain bad losses to teams like Oklahoma State and Colorado. Richt just isn’t getting the job done. I don’t like it any more than you do, but I stopped being in denial about it quite awhile ago.
woebegong
February 15th, 2011
4:20 am
Paddy,
I think CMR will turn this team around, but I also think too many people are expecting instant success this year. It will take a year probably before most of these new recruits really have an impact on the team, with the exception of a few of them. UGA has a fair amount of talent already playing for them before these recruits. With the new changes CMR and staff have made, I think they can still be pretty good this year.
Boise can be beat if you can pressure their quarterback, becaaue they are breaking in all new receivers. They do have some big folks on both lines, but if we can put some pressure on them, and our offense can control the ball, they are beatable. I also think S.C. is beatable if Lattimore can be contained and as other teams proved last year, it can be done. Mr. Jenkins will have to earn his keep, right off the bat, if that is to happen. QB Garcia , from what I have seen for the last three years, is always one interception from a complete meltdown, so S.C. is beatable.
I believe it is realistic to think that UGA can win 9 or 10 games.
GOOOOOOOOO DAWGSSSSSSSS
And let the negative trash talk begin.
GaDawg
February 15th, 2011
6:10 am
Mean Machine
February 14th, 2011
6:32 pm
@Mean Machine WOW!!!…… Wouldn’t that story make for a great book? I’d love to buy a copy!
Yellow Hammer Bulldog
February 15th, 2011
7:57 am
It appears that he finally figured out his recruiter needs to recruit from schools that know how to win and are connected to UGA via local, family and friends. I did a review of last years roster and he had more player from Braswell Institute that bastion of champions~LOL that he had collectively from the powerhouse 5A, 4A and 3A finalists – not a single player from N. Gwinnett, Lowndes, Camden, Griffin, Sandy Creek, Peachtree Ridge, Buford, the list goes on and on