UGA AD Damon Evans and his DUI: It’s no laughing matter
Damon Evans' mug shot. (City of Atlanta)
We make jokes, but there’s nothing funny about a DUI. There’s especially nothing funny when the man arrested is, by job definition, a leader of young people, and when some of those young people have had alcohol-related issues of their own.
Damon Evans warrants the same legal protection as everyone else: He’s innocent until proven guilty. But men in positions of leadership are held to a standard above and beyond legality: They’re supposed to be exemplars. Just by putting himself in position to pose for an unflattering mug shot, the Georgia athletics director has thrown his stewardship into question.
Michael Adams doesn’t like a lot of things — the BCS and Vince Dooley, to name two — but mostly the president doesn’t like being embarrassed. That’s why Jim Harrick, whom Adams had both befriended and championed, was pushed out the door within a month of Tony Cole’s appearance on ESPN in 2003.
You disappoint the president at your peril, and the president cannot be pleased today. This president chose Evans to replace Dooley, which means Adams leveraged much of what political capital he had left on the promotion. This president, as we know, has crusaded against underage drinking; he surely expects better of the adults on his staff.
There can be no quibbles about Evans as AD: Even with a difficult act to follow in Dooley, he has done well. He presides over a department that mints money and fields teams of high quality. He made a difficult decision to fire Dennis Felton and found, in Mark Fox, a coach who effected an immediate upgrade. In his public statements about Mark Richt and the football program Evans has sounded the proper notes — supportive but expectant of improvement.
Alas, there are no proper notes when you’ve been hauled to jail. There’s no way to explain the incongruity of a DUI being incurred by the man who made a video — it’s screened on the Sanford Stadium message board before and during games — imploring Georgia fans not to drink and drive.
“If you drink and drive,” Evans says in the video, “you lose.” He’s about to learn how difficult it can be to win back a good reputation. Fair or not, he’s no longer the bright and brassy AD of the state’s flagship school; he’s the guy who’ll spend the next decade trying to live down one unfortunate mug shot.
UPDATE: Georgia has scheduled a news conference for 6 or 6 :30 p.m. Thursday, and esteemed colleague Chip Towers has been told Damon Evans will appear. So that’s where I’m headed.
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1,388 comments Add your comment
Dan
July 1st, 2010
1:12 pm
Rueben Houston was not the Athletic Director, Dumbo. Apples and oranges, son.
Larry M
July 1st, 2010
1:12 pm
If it ends up just being a DUI, he might survive that and stay in the job. In today’s culture, you don’t necessarily get canned for a DUI if you show proper contrition, or pretend you are alcoholic, etc.
My big concern is this “other passenger” and their arrest. Why on earth would you be arresting the passenger? Just think about it folks – who was with him and why? What could they have done to get arrested as well? Lots of scary possibilities here – underage kid (boy or girl?), prostitute, some crazy-ass belligerent female, someone carrying drugs…. Ugh.
My other question is why on earth was he driving at all? A man in his position and wealth, and he can’t have someone drive him around or be available with a phone call to come give him a ride when he is unable to drive himself? Difficult to understand.
Dawg Gone It
July 1st, 2010
1:12 pm
Mail mascot can not naturally fertilize a female egg (just as I suspected – - worthless dawg)
and now this?
indentured servant
July 1st, 2010
1:12 pm
Black man, late night, driving BMW. Classic case of Ga. profiling.
dougdawg
July 1st, 2010
1:13 pm
anyone who would make a fun issue out ot this, is just sick. yes, it is a blow to uga, but it is also a wake-up for anyone who puts coaches, ads, presidents, and any other person on a pedestal. i love uga and i always will, regardless, but this is a personal as well as an institutional hurt. no one should make apologies, slam a great university, or act in any other way except shame and regret. this could be the death of uga athletics and especially football as we know it. that bulldog flag is coming off my house right now; it should be replaced by black. we, the nation, are in mourning; our season and our program are ruined. and maybe even our future in the sec. for uga football fans, this is the end. thank you damon evans. doug dawg
Damon Evans
July 1st, 2010
1:13 pm
Yall need to lay off. I was down at Tongue & Groove havin a good time with my brothas. It dont matter anyway, you know Adams wont fire me! I’m a brotha and he’s a Democrat. I have a lifelong job here, so screw all of you!!
Bulldawg
July 1st, 2010
1:13 pm
Sorry Damon. It was nice knowing you. Too bad your work will be forgotten due to one night of poor judgment.
Joe
July 1st, 2010
1:13 pm
Man, that 4th of July cookout at the Evans’ household is going to be fun!
jeffrey d
July 1st, 2010
1:13 pm
We all make mistakes and he shouldn’t be comdemned forever, but this is a huge black eye for our program. Black eyes get better, though.
….doesn’t help that his eyes are closed in his mug shot. I’m going to bet that it has more to do with not being ready for a picture than being hammered (the report doesn’t make it sound like he was too out of it). It’s not like they say “Say Cheese!” before they snap it
The uga downward spiral continues
July 1st, 2010
1:13 pm
As I have said before, this university is in complete downfall. Do you need to ask yourself why now you haven’t sniffed a nat champ in 30 years. Why when you had studs like stafford, lifting kegs, you still couldn’t make the champ game. Uga has an alcohol problem. Now it is in the forefront.
This is no laughing matter. I wonder how many of those prior students arrested on alcohol charges were scolded from this joker.
Do you still think your program will do well this year? Think again.
This blemish will last until you severely clean house and that includes the coaching staff.
North Ave. Trade school fan
July 1st, 2010
1:13 pm
No jokes from this Tech fan. All I have EVER heard about Evans was positive. I think it will be very hard to lead young men (not to mention UGA sports) with this. Just a terrible, terrible thing to happen for him. My rule ONLY one (did I say ONE) beer if you are going to drive.
Ric Flair
July 1st, 2010
1:13 pm
It’s. Great. To. Be. A. Georgia. Bulldog.
Dumbo
July 1st, 2010
1:14 pm
Jacket Backer…how true, but don’t they both repesent their schools?
indentured servant
July 1st, 2010
1:14 pm
Profiling.
Anonymous
July 1st, 2010
1:14 pm
Joe:
Or he now has the “street cred” to be a rap artist!
Old Dog Fan
July 1st, 2010
1:14 pm
Embarassing!!! Adding to the issues and problems UGA has had in the last couple of years (and last 6 months with football players) was not a “smooth move” on Evans part.
Pres. Adams has no choice but to relieve him of his duties if he is “convicted” or “fully admits” to being drunk while “DRIVING”!!!!!!
elvisaintdead
July 1st, 2010
1:14 pm
He won’t be convicted – he was smart enough to deny the breathalyzer and bought himself time on the blood test –
And he won’t be fired. Watch the school’s influence machine go to work. Deep contrition and ‘counseling’ are his public penance.
He didn’t even have to post bail – he walked out on his own. Has anyone ever heard of a DUI suspect not be required to post bail?
jeffrey d
July 1st, 2010
1:15 pm
Mail mascot can not naturally fertilize a female egg
I wasn’t aware USPS had a mascot. Guess he’s sterile too
TONE
July 1st, 2010
1:15 pm
I hope this doesn’t hurt recruiting !
oh yeah he needs to go
TampaGator
July 1st, 2010
1:15 pm
Gatorzone….your standards are very low….are you sure you’re a Gator? I doubt your 50% comment as well…and some people can drink a “couple” of beers and not be drunk….and most know their levels of tolerance and abide by it, I think. Abviously, Mr. Evans doesn’t and didn’t. Now…back to work.
Mike S
July 1st, 2010
1:15 pm
Sorry but this one is a no brainer. I love the dawgs and I think Evans has man an amazing AD, but if Adams does not fire him then he and the school lose all credibility. Period end of story.
Dawg Nuts and Mountain Oysters Club
July 1st, 2010
1:15 pm
What a mug shot. Man he was shedadda faced. What would happen if this were a player? Appropriate punishment: Take the players punishment and double it for Damon. Dam Damon, do right and resign!
Charlie Bama
July 1st, 2010
1:15 pm
Hey, don’t we fans give coaches a hard time when players are arrested for DUI–often insisting they ‘pay the price’ (whatever that means)? Or do the Big Guys get pass for such things? Just sayin’ . . . or just askin’
j-boy
July 1st, 2010
1:16 pm
In this day and age, I find it surprising that a public figure, like Evans, would be comfortable enough to knock back drinks in public (much less take to the open road). Let’s face it…a night at your neighborhood bar can show up later on You-Tube, twitter, etc…damaging your reputation and career!
Jake
July 1st, 2010
1:16 pm
Now we know why there’s so many alcohol related arrests for uga football players. Even the AD is a lying hypocrite drunk.
Alabama Jack
July 1st, 2010
1:16 pm
Dawgs, I ain’t even gonna’ bust on you today. This is terrible for UGA, the state of Georgia, and college athletics in general. ‘Nuff said.
CC
July 1st, 2010
1:16 pm
See ya.
17 of 20
July 1st, 2010
1:16 pm
The mommas and papas of this recruiting dream team need to help their sons find a better place to play football. They have a lot of issues at Georgia and now they have a lot more.
macrotech
July 1st, 2010
1:17 pm
Gotta agree, this is no laughing matter….if anything, it’s a sad affair. I pray that he is afforded every oppertunity to repent, recover and move into a better chapter in his life.
Joe
July 1st, 2010
1:17 pm
Hey UGA fans, this is what happens when an Alcohol Peddler is the ONLY PERSON IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA keeping Michael Adams in power.
Don Leebern MUST BE REMOVED from the Board of Regents IMMEDIATELY. Michael Adams MUST BE TERMINATED as President at the University of Georgia, and it goes without saying that Damon Evans should be having a resignation press conference at 4 o’clock this afternoon.
There are some endemic problems with the culture at UGA, and they all stem from Donald Leebern. Look at the Suzanne Yoculan stuff. It is ridiculous that Leebern can wield this much power. He needs to be SHUT DOWN.
Billy
July 1st, 2010
1:17 pm
If Evans isn’t fired today, UGAg becomes an even bigger joke than it already is.
And after firing him, Adams needs to resign in disgrace.
gadawgs
July 1st, 2010
1:17 pm
Should be terminated today. Period.
Pi$$onaDawg
July 1st, 2010
1:17 pm
I bet the charges will be lowered to wreckless driving and some PSA type stuff for community service. He can’t lose a Jury trial in Atlanta. Too many dawg fans in the jury pool that will not convict just like the OJ Simpson Case.
Don't worry
July 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
I guess UGA fans will just spin this as another “minor traffc violation” just like they do when confronted with the FACT that UGA has had MORE player arrest in the last 6 years than ANY other SEC school, yes including UF.
Every time the response is ” oh well our players arrest were nothing more than minor traffic violations” EVEN THOUGH there are SEVERAL DUI’s among the THIRTY-SIX plus player arrest UGA has had in the past 6 years.
You guys should work for Maytag because you have the SPIN MACHINE always on.
Charlie Bama
July 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
Hey, wasn’t that UGA Adams guy promoting himself for NCAA head honcho job? Pointing to the fact he could be tough and do the right thing? Just sayin’ . . . or just askin’
gdawginkalamazoo
July 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
He should have taken the breathalyzer and refused the mug shot.
At least he was riding his scooter.
Not saying that alcohol was a “problem” when I went through UGA but my diploma is signed by Jim Beam.
Jax Dawg
July 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
I guess damon evans will not be lecturing fans about not drinking in Jacksonville for the UGA-UF game anymore or demanding they stop calling it the WLOCP!!! Damon Evans–hypocrite.
Alan
July 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
He refused to blow because he was loaded. What time was he arrested. Sounded like it wasn’t too late. Very embarassing. Since he loses his right to drive for a year, he doesn’t deserve to keep his job. He’s suppose to be a role model and lead by example for the student athlete. Maybe he was getting loaded with them. There were a lot of arrests this past decade.
Milburn Drysdale
July 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
Please tell me the other person in the car was not the water girl.
Peahead
July 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
“Lewis” is 100% on!!! Get a real AD Adams! Build an indoor practice facility so we don’t lose valuable time to weather when we have to drive all the way to the Falcons facility. Stop chasing the $$$ and move the Fla game to Atlanta. Stop killing our team with cross country flights, Ariz St, Colorado, Oregon St etc. just to boost fundraising. The Ariz St trip got us beat against Alabama. Team didnt arrive until mid morning on sunday after a game in 100 plus degree temps…
Rob
July 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
Zero tolerance…He should resign
Bub
July 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
Another embarrassment to this fine state from the “University” of Georgia athletics dept. I don’t know of many ADs who get DUIs. Will he get suspended from the annual Sisters of the Poor game this year like most of his players on punishment?
gdawginkalamazoo
July 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
Wasn’t riding his scooter.
Skipper
July 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
Good thing we don’t call it the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party anymore. And we should definitely move that game to Atlanta, where people are far less likely to drink and drive. It’s a safety issue.
sportsgan
July 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
Just one more example of how a single unthoughtful act can potentially have long-term repercussions. Mr. Evans is now going to find out just how hard a personal and professional reputation is to rebuild.
Old Dawg
July 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
Evans should be dismissed immediately—but he won’t be because college sports is all about money and he does a great job with squeezing money out of the alumni and everyone else. He should be ashamed—but probably isn’t.
dawgonegaboy
July 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
Some of our fine UGA Law School Grads please correct me if I am wrong but I believe that refusing a sobriety test is an AUTOMATIC GUILTY PLEA… no getting out of that … at least not in NC (or TN where this happened recently to one of my friends kids (he got two weeks in jail and loss of his license for one year for a FIRST offense!)) … In my opinion he needs to be on an immediate leave WOP until resolution and then let the board of regents make a decision…probably time for him to move on in light of his “anti drinking/driving videos!!….
Charlie Bama
July 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
Keep your ear on Finebaum today. Should be hilarious.
McGarret
July 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
Ask yourself, have I ever gotten behind the wheel intoxicated? Now. Continue to throw stones at him.
Gatorzone
July 1st, 2010
1:20 pm
First of all Tampa, I am sorry for your loss. I am not condoning this, merely pointing out the Hypocrasy of jumping on someone for getting caught doing something that many others have done.