Attention: The anti-Michael Adams crowd will love this one
Here’s a submission from an unexpected source: The famous Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe loosed a screed against Georgia president Michael Adams on Sunday. Bobby’s point — I’ve known him since 1978, when I was a cub reporter at the Lexington Leader and he’d gotten snowed in on an assignment to write about the Kentucky Wildcats — was that Adams is unfit to be president of the NCAA.
A couple of things here: First, Adams insists he’s not interested in the NCAA, and second, almost nobody believes him. That said, here are the highlights from Bobby’s blast:
Former NCAA president Myles Brand lost a battle with pancreatic cancer last September. A search committee is at work to choose his successor, and while I do not know for sure who should be that person, I have little hesitation in saying that I know who most definitely should not be that individual. That would be Michael Adams, president of the University of Georgia since 1997 and, from all indications, a leading contender for the job.
To say that the Adams reign at Georgia has been controversial is to indulge in vast understatement. Now, the idea of a college president, especially one at a large state university, butting heads with faculty, clashing with the athletics department, or having policy decisions challenged by everyone from politicians to alumni is not uncommon. Some of that almost inherently comes with the territory.
Complicating matters at Georgia is an arrangement where there is a Board of Regents responsible for the running of the entire network of state colleges, as well as an entity known as the UGA Foundation, which oversees investment gifts and pledges, manages investments, and distributes endowment gifts and scholarships, among many functions. Is there inherent office politics? Are there friendships and loyalties? You betcha. Are all the dynamics at the University of Georgia remotely understandable to outsiders such as you and me? Absolutely not.
But here’s something that is easy to comprehend. After being subjected to six years of what its members believed to be serious lapses of judgment and competence, the UGA Foundation engaged prestigious Atlanta law firm King & Spalding to select an independent firm to conduct what is known in the trade as a forensic audit, not of the entire Adams operation, but of seven specific items it believed called into question Adams’s conduct.
Is there more? Oh, yes. Lots.
Start with the idea that he is not really an academic. His doctorate from Ohio State is in political communication. Michael Adams is a spinmeister. He is a clever and ruthless politician. He was once chief of staff to then-Senate Minority Leader Howard Baker. He knows how to amass allies — a power-seeking liquor magnate named Donald Leebern being the most prominent — and he knows how to wield power. He is not a leader. He is a schemer and an intimidator.
And still more:
He pushed out athletic director Vince Dooley, a much-beloved figure in Georgia, a year ahead of schedule and then sold a surprisingly compliant Atlanta Journal-Constitution the entirely misleading premise that it was a matter of Academics vs. Athletics, which was simply not the case. The idea that the newspaper of Ralph McGill would buy into such a phony act is truly sad.
What’s really scary is that the same search firm that delivered him to the University of Georgia is handling the NCAA matter as well. As one Georgia source said, “Don’t ever underestimate Michael Adams.’’
But if the NCAA people want to investigate Adams for themselves, all they need do is pick up a book written by the late Rich Whitt titled, “Behind the Hedges: Big Money and Power Politics at the University of Georgia.’’ (NewSouth Books, Montgomery, Ala.) It’s all there, in exquisite detail.
And here we note — as has been noted before in this space – that the firm in question is Parker Executive Search of Atlanta. And here I must also point out that this newspaper was not “sold” on Adams’ rationale for ousting Dooley. I still bear the memories of a not-entirely-comfortable off-the-record lunch at the Commerce Club convened by Adams in the summer of 2003. (Adams did most of the talking. Shockingly enough, he wasn’t happy with some of the things I’d written.) But let’s get back to Bobby, who’s about to wind it up:
Both [former King & Spalding partner Robert] Miller and [law professor James] Ponsoldt are mystified that the NCAA would even consider Adams as a candidate for its most important job.
“The charges against him all come back to integrity,’’ said Miller.
C’mon, NCAA. Wake up. You can do better than Michael Adams.
Me, I’m guessing Bobby Ryan is about to get an invitation for lunch at the Commerce Club. If I recall, I had the chicken.
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199 comments Add your comment
Jeckyll Island
March 29th, 2010
3:01 pm
This is for all you Techies posing on here….
30-24!!!
30-24!!!
30-24!!!
30-24!!!
30-24!!!
30-24!!!
30-24!!!
30-24!!!
8 out of 9!!!
8 out of 9!!!
8 out of 9!!!
8 out of 9!!!
8 out of 9!!!
8 out of 9!!!
8 out of 9!!!
8 out of 9!!!
73-66!!!
73-66!!!
73-66!!!
73-66!!!
73-66!!!
73-66!!!
73-66!!!
73-66!!!
73-66!!!
73-66!!!
73-66!!!
GA Tech Jackettes good enough to be football chumps of the weak ACC but NOT good enough to be football champs of the state of Georgia!!!!
Faculty
March 29th, 2010
3:09 pm
If you think Dr. Adams is unpopular with the football fans at UGA believe me that Adams is even more unpopular with the faculty at UGA. He is a very manipulative and controlling in order to enhance his goal of promoting himself and his power.
joe
March 29th, 2010
3:13 pm
Yes Adams has to go…now, we can blame him for Georgia losing to Tennessee in the federal funding initiative, in addition to 3 out of 4 blowouts on the gridiron and 9 out of 10 hoops games. Wait, didn’t TN beat out GA for the water in the Tennessee river too?? Somethings gotta give…
ugaaccountant
March 29th, 2010
3:15 pm
Matt the Brave – Not sure what you’re talking about, the academic quality at UGA has gone up dramatically during the time he’s been in charge. However, this largely due to the fact that the applicant pool is enormous, hope pays tuition for the majority of applicants, and the student enrollment is capped at the same size as a decade ago.
So I don’t think we can credit or discredit Adams on the quality of students.
His faculty relations however are legendary. In a bad way of course.
Tech Lifer
March 29th, 2010
3:16 pm
As much as I wish UGA athletics to have losing seasons forever, Coach Dooley is an icon and should have never been treated like a chump.
Adams is an A-Hole!
game day girl
March 29th, 2010
3:17 pm
Either way it’s a no win. If he stays at UGA….well things keep going the way they are. If he goes to the NCAA he’ll try and take all the fun out of any college campus traditions! Smuck! No make that Creepy Smuck!
PMC
March 29th, 2010
3:19 pm
Isn’t the above article pretty good evidence as to why Michael Adams would be the perfect man to head the NCAA?
Paul Johnson
March 29th, 2010
3:20 pm
A person would have to committ a felony at UGAY to get a 10 game suspension and then Father Mark would probably just say that he came from a rough childhood and didnt know any better. Thats what Bobby would have done…
bowman
March 29th, 2010
3:20 pm
Thanks for exposing these opinions to your readers. It’s simply amazing that Adams has kept his job at UGA. Let’s hope his self-serving ineptitude is confined to Athens. Considering the integrity of the late Myles Brand, former NCAA president, Michael Adams is no Myles Brand.
bowman
– -
“Art will always be Art.” – Goethe
Frank Lane
March 29th, 2010
3:20 pm
I consider Michael Adams the most embarrassing thing to ever happen in Athens. He has made me reluctant to say that I am a graduate even though that was in 1966.
Michael Adams
March 29th, 2010
3:20 pm
Need I remind you Bradley of the rules that were dictated to the media representatives in our last meeting at the Commune Club? I told you 6 years ago that this type of criticism would not be tolerated. If I were my own kid, you and I would be going at it right now. You are a “bad guy.” Why don’t you try explaining this to my parents. Looks like Liver & Onions for you next time. That is if I do not issue a Royal decree mandating that your employment be terminated.
To the loyal UGA fans and Alum….I offer this. I am the President of the University. I run the show. Who are you and what role do you play? What revenue stream do you bring to MY University? (This is not directed to anyone that donates in access of $50K a year) I am the King. You are the subject. Yes, subject to my rule. You are fortunate that I allow the middle and lower class to sit side by side with the genteel aristocracy on Autumn Saturdays. Actually, that will be changing soon as well. Effective in 2011, only season ticket buyers with a verified income of $500,000 a year will be allowed to sit in 100 and 200 level sections. That is with a minimum contribution of at least $50,000 a year. Only late model luxury vehicles with a blue book value of $50,000 or more will be issued University parking spots. All others will be required to park at new dirt lots behind the Wal-Mart on Epps Bridge Road. Older, non air-conditioned school buses will be provided to ferry the lower class fans to and from the stadium. However, the lots will be gated. That is…with 12ft tall chain link fencing and razor wire on top. See….we only want you in the stadium to provide noise. This location will provide you a shantytown like experience that is befitting of your station in life. For this reason, you will not be allowed to enter the stadium until one hour before kickoff. This will insure that you, the undesirables, are incapable of ever trashing MY beautiful campus again. As an added incentive, the University will supply military style latrines and a First-aid tent at the gated dirt lots for your use. Plus, access to your favorite shopping venue will be steps away.This really is the best compromise for all involved. It includes elements of both class seperation and equal access. I hope you all can see the wisdom of my vision. If not….oh well, eat it. I hold a straight flush in my hands and you are sitting on a two of a kind. Feedback and opinions are welcome.
gdawginkalamazoo
March 29th, 2010
3:22 pm
Dawgwild, Mark simply cannot reveal what was said at the lunch meeting. The 3rd life of his pet cat named “Blue” was probably threatened. Plus he doesn’t want to admit that he had to kiss Adam’s Pepperdine Chancelor ring at the conclusion of the meeting.
Fed Up With Fed Up With Wren (Again)
March 29th, 2010
3:25 pm
He’s kinda bug-eyed too.
OpenMinded
March 29th, 2010
3:26 pm
Just why does UGA keep the SOB ?
OpenMinded
March 29th, 2010
3:28 pm
Answer: Same reason they tolerate thugs onthe FB Team
FWIW
March 29th, 2010
3:31 pm
If you lie down with dawgs, you get fleas.
Shane
March 29th, 2010
3:32 pm
Answer: Same reason they tolerate thugs onthe FB Team
Huh?
Jack Hannah
March 29th, 2010
3:32 pm
Why is Mike Adams face the same color as the backside of a redass baboon?
FWIW
March 29th, 2010
3:33 pm
Not surprised the “cesspool” of the South extends ALLLLLLLLLL teh way into Adams’ office.
Afterall, it extended ALLLLLLLLL the way into Fred Davison’s office too.
Nothing new here. Move along.
Dawgs73
March 29th, 2010
3:34 pm
Uh….Ok.
Name (required)
March 29th, 2010
3:36 pm
It’s not like UGA is all that great of a school to begin with. Be happy you found someone that would actually take the job.
Michael Adams
March 29th, 2010
3:36 pm
Where is my support? Henceforth, negative comments will result in penalties. Guess what? No more Coca-Cola for the lower classes. You can now drink Rite-Aid brand cola…at the same price as the good stuff. I can make this as bad as you can imagine people.
Just more dribble
March 29th, 2010
3:37 pm
Hey, ugaaccountant. You should check your own spelling before you critique somebody’s writing. Since we’re already there, alumni is plural, the word your looking for is alumnus. And you meant heartedly not heatedly. Which begs the question, are you sure you graduated?
Dr. Warren
March 29th, 2010
3:39 pm
Forget the NCAA. Sounds like Adams’ style would be a perfect match for the country where I live–
THE PRC.
uga_b
March 29th, 2010
3:41 pm
Matt, kudos to KSU and all, but the overall academic quality of UGA has gone up. It is like you said: they do get better inputs now due to Hope. But why do you think KSU was able to grow? GT’s status has stayed the same and they really aren’t anymore accomplished in atheletics than before. On that front, UGA is still a top 10 athletic school. I guess it’s harder to improve from that.
Adams is a A#*hat. The day he leaves will be a cause for celebration, but I don’t wish that abomination on anyone else.
Maccadave
March 29th, 2010
3:41 pm
Adams is why I’m an LSU fan now. Sorry Mark……
collegeballfan
March 29th, 2010
3:41 pm
I do not have a problem with a “non academic” being president of a University. The president of a university manages people. Adams appears to be very good at that.
Integrity? Now that is a different matter.
zulucanibal
March 29th, 2010
3:46 pm
all I know is tailgaiting anywhere near campus has sucked ever since he became president….
IlliniDawg
March 29th, 2010
3:56 pm
As an alum, I have told the poor kids who call every year from the UGA Foundation that I have suspended my annual donations until that arrogant a** is fired. As a B-school professor at another institution, all I’ve heard from my colleagues at UGA is that Adams is a condescending and conniving p**** who has zero credibility and respect. I cannot fathom how and why the Board of Trustees has not run him out of town long ago. But he must have them under his spell as well.
ugaaccountant
March 29th, 2010
3:58 pm
Just more dribble:
Dribble? You sure you’re willing to trash talk spelling when you’ve misspelled your name?
The point regarding the Arch at UGA is it’s not multiple arches, and thus has nothing to do with McDonalds as Coastdog was implying. The joke doesn’t work, because it’s not the same thing.
mcdaviddawg
March 29th, 2010
4:00 pm
Maybe when we get a new govenor something can be done about Adams. The gov has protected Adams at every opportunity. It’s a high price to pay for super tailgating by our chief politician.
DAWGRUN
March 29th, 2010
4:05 pm
send him away in chains for all the above mentioned grievances, and more! He’s also the reason why UGA hasn’t closed in the other end of the stadium so it seat over 100k. He’s opposed to expanding it. Send him on to the NCAA. Heck, at least he’s for a playoff system. Right?
Todd Blackledge
March 29th, 2010
4:06 pm
No more of my alumni money to UGA while Adams is there.
NRBQ
March 29th, 2010
4:10 pm
Dribble:
When correcting others’ spelling, one is advised to spell correctly while doing so.
“You’re looking,”
not “your”.
Badams
March 29th, 2010
4:11 pm
Adams’ hair looks like a blonde version of the killer’s hair in No Country For Old Men
UGAGrad99
March 29th, 2010
4:12 pm
Hell, let them take him off our hands. I’ve wanted that clown gone since I met his smug arse back when I was working for the University while still in school there. He is a moron and the sooner he leaves, the better off UGA will be.
messin with sasquatch
March 29th, 2010
4:13 pm
Paul Hewitt would be good for this important sounding job!!
Diamond Dog's Parole Officer
March 29th, 2010
4:20 pm
I believe ugaaccountant was probably an English major….
ugghh.
March 29th, 2010
4:22 pm
Matt the Brave…Could it be that the quality of student enrolling at other State Universities has increased BECAUSE of the fact that UGA can be more choosy? Many of the students denied admission to UGA would have left the state for college previously but stay now because they can get free admission thanks to the hope scholarship.
Jeff
March 29th, 2010
4:27 pm
I will take a dead Fred Davidson over Michael Adams.
ugghh.
March 29th, 2010
4:33 pm
…and for the record, I really think that Betty Seigel and Michael Adams would make a lovely couple. Those are two faces only a parent could love.
Dawgdad
March 29th, 2010
4:37 pm
Get the loooooser out of here! Maybe we can offer to pay his moving expenses if someone will take him off our hands. As an alum, I am ashamed of the fact that he leads my beloved university. If he had an pride or self worth he would resign today. I encourage everyone to do as I do, refuse to donate to the University until he is gone and give that reason when the calls come in.
Lindsey
March 29th, 2010
4:38 pm
Michael Adams is a CROOK!!!! I wish he would have nothing to do with the University of GA ever again!! GO DAWGS!!
ugghh.
March 29th, 2010
4:38 pm
I would take former game show host John Davidson over Adams.
Titus Andronicus
March 29th, 2010
4:42 pm
Just ask some of the UGA journalism department what they think of Adams.
I hope Mr. Adams now understands that when trying to fire someone that obviously not having a legitimate reason can backfire on you.
Socal Dawg
March 29th, 2010
4:49 pm
About time you post something else besides the several weeks old wild cats story.
Michael Adams
March 29th, 2010
5:14 pm
All beef franks have just been down-graded to multiple unknown parts franks and the aluminum seats are history. You can now sit on concrete.
Al
March 29th, 2010
6:04 pm
The University of Georgia has become one of the premier public universities in the country under Michael Adams. Fundraising has been strong. The campus has gone through numerous building projects and is absolutely beautiful and exceptionally functional. The academics are outstanding, as numerous programs are nationally ranked. The athletics are prospering, as nearly every sport is extremely competitive except men’s basketball, and even that now is looking positive with Fox in as coach. Let’s face it. Individual decisions (i.e. Dooley contract non-renewal or any financial decision) are going to cause problems along the way, but a good executive takes the heat and makes the important ones anyway. Look at the overall return that Adams has provided, and one cannot deny that the University has prospered under Adams. Adams has done a great job as head of the University and has reaped the benefits of being able to put together outstanding administrators, faculty, and students. The University is a great place to be!!!!!
WestOfAthens
March 29th, 2010
6:21 pm
A writer embracing the others opinion. Ryan referenced the book, what a souse. And this guy gets paid to be repetitive?
Do these situations occur at the ajc? Hmmmm….
Michael Adams
March 29th, 2010
6:55 pm
Thank You Al. All of the wonderful praise that you published about me is true. I have single handedly executed all of the aforementioned accomplishments by myself. I, and only I,could have insured strong fund-raising. None of the modern and beautiful buildings would ever ever been built without my vision. Academics and athletics are indeed prospering under my guidance. Because of your lavish praise, all of the never attended a class at UGA fans shall have all beef franks as an option at the lower class concession stands.