Comments on: UGA’s Mark Richt requesting waiver to attend football recruit’s graduation speech

By: Chiefbaldeagle

Chiefbaldeagle — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:16:38 +0000

If the NCAA allows Auburn to use a pimped out stretch limo as a recruiting tool, why can’t Mark go to a graduation? The kid has signed with Ga. Auburn is in fact enticing recruits with a fancy limo and coaches driving up to their front door in it.

By: NCAA rules prevent UGA’s Mark Richt from attending Troup High graduation | Prep Zone: AJC High School Sports

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:19:08 +0000

[...] learning late last week that Troup offensive lineman Chris Burnette narrowly missed out on being class valedictorian, Georgia officials called the NCAA and learned that a waiver [...]

By: d

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:58:56 +0000

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/042809/foo_434179211.shtml

By: FloridaDawg

FloridaDawg — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:39:49 +0000

When I was in school, in Georgia, not so long ago, the highest score you could earn was a 4.0.
Does this mean that down the road maybe we will see a 7.0 or a 10.0 or higher?
I don’t get it………

By: dawg4lyf

dawg4lyf — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:31:17 +0000

It’s a shame we have to ask a coach to break the rules to attend something like this…NCAA is so big on preaching academics and yet have an idiotic rule like this. I live in North Carolina and people up here are hoping Coach goes regardless of the NCAA…they compare it to Coach K in this situation. This guy has completed an amazing achievement and is going to a great college..this should be the type of thing they want to promote, not cover up. Hopefully, the NCAA will remove their heads from their rear-facing orifice and get a clue.

By: uga alum

uga alum — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:44:00 +0000

this is the type of guy we want to see play for UGA a future Rhodes scholar and star athlete….. very impressive young man…. thank you coach Richt for taking the time to acknowledge accomplishments like this off the field!!!!! keep up the good work bulldogs!!!!!!

By: Hanersham Dawg

Hanersham Dawg — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 03:56:45 +0000

It’s blogs like this that reminds me what class acts the fans of other schools can be. Today I’m proud to acknowledge the Vols, the Crimson Tide, and especially the Jackets and their support of a fine young man and the school he chose. I will remember and return the respect.

By: CJDawg

CJDawg — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 23:15:08 +0000

I wonder if it’s only the head coach that has trouble attending? If CMR is not allowed to go, which makes NO sense, hopefully his position coach can go. I do NOT understand the NCAA at all. At any rate, congrats to the young man for his tremendous work, congrats to his parents for the committment that they have shown to his academic and athletic work. I cannot imagine people who can be more proud.

By: Follow Up To Troup County Message

Follow Up To Troup County Message — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:36:28 +0000

The article indicated Mr. Burnette received A’s througout his career. When I was in highschool (early 90s in Dekalb) the highest your GPA could be would be 5.0 –> All your classes had to be AP from 9th grade on and receive A’s in all of them. I wonder if the scale has changed since then? The highest GPA I knew of back in the day was in 4.6-4.7 area. 5.12 is an amazing accomplishment. I’m just curious in regards to how the classes were weighted.

Regardless, test scores should have no impact on a valedictorian designation. If two students have the same GPA they should be elected co-valedictorians. The person with the highest test score (SAT score in my day) was elected the schools Star Student. Both categories are seperate. Troupe County needs to take this into consideration. Mr. Burnette should be elected co-valedictorian if his 5.12 GPA is the same as his counterparts.

By: Ripdog

Ripdog — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:35:20 +0000

Hmm, he should’ve went to Georgia Tech. Sounds much too smart to be at Georgia.

By: jakesdad

jakesdad — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:26:05 +0000

geez, I’m 2nd generation Tech, have had season tix for 10+ yrs and even _I_ think this is ridiculous! it’s obvious this kid wanted to play for Georgia all along so it’s not like this is influencing his choice. I guess the NCAA wouldn’t want a high-profile D-I coach sending the wrong message (we’re sorry, Coach Richt, but we just can’t risk sending mixed messages about the relative value of academics vs. football – gotta have priorities, you see?).

By: Oxford

Oxford — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:07:36 +0000

I really hope this kid makes it to the pro’s because I’d hate to have him work so hard in HS to only get a degree from UGA and end up working in a restaurant after graduating.

By: urban saben

urban saben — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:05:15 +0000

dawgin Lex
i would love to join you games
you suk
and you know want im forest gump

By: DawginLex

DawginLex — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:17:01 +0000

Mark richt=Winner St Simons=loser

St Simons is someone I picture like Bubba from Forrest gump.

You wanna be a shrimpin boat captain Forrest?

By: Troupcounty

Troupcounty — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:00:50 +0000

Chris with a 4.0 on an unweighted scale and a 5.12 on a weighted scale could have very possibly had the highest GPA amongst all graduation students; however, the title of Valedictorian goes to the student who is a Magna Cum Laude graduate (AP class requirements and x number of A’s in academic classes) who has the highest SAT score. Its happened before where the student who has the highest GPA isn’t the Valedictorian but it’s the student with the highest Test score…Hope Chris understood that…the 5.12 is a remarkable accomplishment and usually all Magna Cum Laude graduates get to speak for minute or two.

Congrats to Chris and Coach Richt for picking a student-athlete. What a refreshing idea.

By: Baba O'Riley

Baba O'Riley — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:55:13 +0000

Did CMR make the promise before the kid signed? The NCAA may consider this a recruiting ploy. Would CMR still be challenging the NCAA on this if the kid signed with another school? Since he is not valedictorian, will CMR go to ALL his signees’ graduation ceremonies?

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:04:51 +0000

For mostly-inane reasons, the NCAA still treats signed student-athletes as if they’re still unsigned as far as off-campus contacts and stuff like that go…..up until they’re actully enrolled at school.

By: Adam

Adam — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:54:28 +0000

The 5.12 GPA can be obtained by taking Advanced Placement courses (aka College level courses while still in high school). If you take those courses and receive a high enough grade, you could get a 5.0 or better. Also, with answering bonus questions on exams, it IS possible to obtain a score > 100%. GO DAWGS!!!

By: Dave In Tampa

Dave In Tampa — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:38:32 +0000

Saint Simons: Again see my post from earlier. You have a lot of class, just too bad it’s all LOW! Bobby Dodd is a clas act. No one will argue that one and so is CMR. Only you, moron, will say differently

By: David

David — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:23:18 +0000

Why is it a recruiting violation being the kid has already signed a LOI with the school. That does not make any sense. I could understand if the kid had not yet committed.

By: Sam

Sam — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:04:22 +0000

BS Patrol, STFU you classless moron. You must be a techmite eaten alive by pe%is envy. Now get back in your place little man.

By: MiltonDawg

MiltonDawg — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:02:41 +0000

what exactly are the penalties if he does attend? i mean seriously NCAA, what harm is it doing?

By: Not Disappointed

Not Disappointed — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:53:01 +0000

<——————- Loyal Jacket Fan HERE!!! I hope CMR can attend this graduation. It’s hard not to like CMR, his lovely wife and the kids. I wish Chris Burdnette well in the future. That being said, “Ramblin Wreck!”

By: Otto

Otto — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:44:41 +0000

Crimson, I agree the NCAA plays favorites.

Tokyo Jacket, CMR is in bad enough standing after the Jax ‘07 fiasco. UGA does not need anymore heat. I am sure a GT fan would enjoy it however.

By: Saint Simons

Saint Simons — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:41:55 +0000

Mark Richt classy! hahhahahha!!!! Bobby Dodd = class act

By: urban saben

urban saben — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:18:54 +0000

Horner you should have.. god bless you .. aint god amazing he can save your soul if people would just believe in him.. hes more amazing than anybody in the world .. god is in control of peoples life’s.. god can bless everybody .. even you

By: chirper

chirper — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:16:05 +0000

Further evidence we live in an insane world. The crazies have taken over! Give ONE REASON Richt shouldn’t be able to attend the ceremony for one who has committed and signed. Please! Wake up people.

By: Bob Horner

Bob Horner — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:12:09 +0000

What the heck is a 5.12 GPA? Isn’t a 4.0 the best you can do?? I should have gone to high school in LaGrange

By: TNVOLFAN/GAFAN

TNVOLFAN/GAFAN — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:09:14 +0000

I am a Vol Fan but pull for the Dawgs when they are not playing the Vols. I think Coach Richt is a excellent football coach and an even better person. Go Vols and Dawgs!!!

By: 59bulldawg

59bulldawg — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:07:13 +0000

Way to go CMR!

By: lagnamor

lagnamor — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:50:09 +0000

St. Simons doesn’t live on Island, he can’t afford to. He works on shrimp boat as handy man. He’s not a UGA are GT fan. He’s trying to get back to S Am. soon to see his family. He thought CMA was some kind of Drugs. He hates to leave because he gets welfare check from US govt, free health plan if he stay in USA. Get it.

By: Zoomie

Zoomie — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:35:37 +0000

Coach Richt, you are a class act. Chris Burnette, so are you. How anyone can have negative comments about something like this is beyond me . . .

By: JaxDawg

JaxDawg — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:35:37 +0000

JacketinNC: classy post! The media should focus more on stories like this one. There are a lot of players at schools throughout the country that are upstanding citizens and it’s a shame the media doesn’t report on them with the same front page/lead story passion as they do the FEW that screw up. Case in point, here in Jacksonville, FL UGA’s own Bryan Evans took time while he was on spring break to present an autographed ball for raffle to raise money for JT Townsend, a kid who was paralyzed from the neck down after an unfortunate collision during his senior year in high school. Bryan got several high profile players like Stafford, Moreno, J.Owens, G.Atkins and A.Allen as well as CMR to sign the ball. My sons and I had the pleasure of being present when he presented the ball and it was a very touching scene. I met Bryan and his family a few years ago and have become good friends with them. My sons ages 7 & 10 look up to Bryan, and whenever he’s in town he finds time to see them, encourage them to keep their grades up, and talks with them about the importance of good sportsmanship & attitude as they play sports. Bryan is a young man with limited time to come home from school and it always impresses me that he makes sure to fit time in to mentor my sons. I wish the media would spend more time reporting on the good works of student athletes, but I guess those stories don’t have the controversial sexiness that a kid caught drinking under age or smoking pot do.
GO DAWGS!

By: Crimson Crush

Crimson Crush — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:29:16 +0000

“”"”"….Funny how the NCAA monitors stuff like this, but incidents like the Reggie Bush and someone financing a $500,000 house for his family, gets swept under the rug……”"”"

No doubt . Or for that matter someone like Maurice Clarret at Ohio State who straight up said in an interview they bought him a brand new vehicle , jewelry ,clothes and the whole nine yards . The NCAA’s response “We tried to call him and ask him about that but he wouldn’t answer his phone”.

Or go back a few years when I actually lived in Indianapolis and the legal system sent a woman to prison for embezzlement of several hundred thousand dollars from her employer . Basically there was NO WAY for the NCAA to whitewash that one because it came out in court she was a dues paying member of a Notre Dame booster club . She spent her ill gotten gains screwing half the Irish football team , taking them on trips to Las Vegas , buying them clothes and electronics and other fun stuff . The NCAA “response” ? 2 schollies lost spread out over two frickin years .

On the other hand , let some sidewalk alumni who has never stepped foot on an SEC campus buy a recruit a cup of coffee . The NCAA “intelligensia” will scream bloody murder and start an immediate full blown assault (”investigation”) on the school in question both privately AND in the media …

By: GT Fan

GT Fan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:24:19 +0000

Great job Coach! NCAA needs to change alot of its rule to help the students instead of hurting the kids. Coach Richt is first class in every way and so is Chris. Hope you go.

While I’m crossing the line…Congrat to UGA for hiring Mark Fox BB Coach. Very good choice.

Now, go Jackets!