Gabby Douglas coming to Spelman?
AP photo
Could Olympic golden girl Gabby Douglas come to Atlanta for college?
We’re working on finding out more after TMZ posted a short item saying Spelman College made sure Douglas received a bag of congratulatory gear from the school following her triumphs in London.
A number of celebrities, including some with Atlanta connections, are among the throngs offering their well wishes via Twitter.
“Dreams do come true, Gabby!!! Congrats ‘All Around’” tweeted actress Raven-Symone while actress Gabrielle Union, who will be spending time here working on a new BET show “Being Mary Jane” tweeted, “GOLDEN GIRL!!! I’m in awe.”
“Vampire Diaries” actress Nina Dobrev upped the ante, tweeting, “I hear you’ll be coming to Atlanta soon 
I promise to personally show you around the set if you show me your gold metal!”
Added her “Vampire Diaries” co-shar Ian Somerhalder: “We’d like to congratulate you and the U.S. Women’s team on your gold medal! Go Team USA! Love, Ian.”
She’s also gotten Twitter love from President Barack Obama, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Oprah Winfrey.
The gymnastics star is having a big time at the 2012 Games.
“I met Kate, the duchess, that was a cool experience for me,” she said during a press conference, the AP reported. “I’ve always wanted to inspire people, and the thing about the Olympics, this quote ‘inspire a generation’ – so, you know, I can check that off my bucket list.”
And this AP story reported that she “is the most clicked-upon athlete on NBC’s Olympics website,” and noted that “through Sunday, her profile on the site had more than 18 million page views. That’s far above the second-ranked athlete, swimmer Michael Phelps, whose profile had just over 7 million page views.”
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202 comments Add your comment
Jacquie M.X.
August 9th, 2012
9:39 am
I love Spelman, but I think Gabby will be courted by many prestigious schools.
Karla
August 9th, 2012
9:39 am
Get it Gabby! Maybe she will choose Spelman when she graduates!
Sherry
August 9th, 2012
9:41 am
I hope she chooses a school that has a great gymnastics program so she can continue to excel.
KT
August 9th, 2012
9:45 am
Oh please! Spelman sends her a gift bag and now she might be going there? Talk about a slow news day.
tim
August 9th, 2012
9:47 am
The president of Spelman traveled to London to “recruit” Douglas.
And people wonder why the college lays off people and can’t pay the bills.
That’s a classic example how they waste money.
Frank Furter
August 9th, 2012
9:50 am
GO USA!!
http://www.reverbnation.com/notquitedevils FREE SONG DONLOADS
pat
August 9th, 2012
9:51 am
Spelman is a nice school, but they have nothing to offer Gabby. I know it is not true that the president was in London???? If so, I hope it was not at the school’s expense..
tyrone
August 9th, 2012
9:54 am
GIrlllllll Mm hmm I know that’s right
American
August 9th, 2012
9:55 am
OMG! No way will she attend Spelman! With her talent it would be a waste! A sin! There are too many universities with good gymnastic programs for her to settle on Spelman. Don’t get me wrong Spelman is a great school but it is not for any persons with athletics in mind. BTW if the president of Spelman went to recruit in London I would want her resignation PDQ!
J. J.
August 9th, 2012
9:56 am
Gabby is a treasure….she is so articulate and charming…Spelman material but many fine schools will seek her. YOU GO YOUNG LADY, SOAR!!!!!!!
G-BABY
August 9th, 2012
10:01 am
First of all, how do we all know if she will still be interested in gymnastics by time she get to college.
Get a clue
August 9th, 2012
10:07 am
Get a clue people. She can NOT participate on a college gymnastics team. She is a pro by accepting endorsements. Unlike Missy Franklin who has refused endorsements so she can swim in college.
just me
August 9th, 2012
10:19 am
Agree with ‘Get a clue’
Soon won’t be able to participate in a college gymnastics program because she’ll be Pro. So why not Spelman?
Southern woman
August 9th, 2012
10:20 am
To all the critics of Spelman’s recruiting practice of Gabrielle Douglas….unless you are a graduate shut up! Spelman is a private institution of higher education. Gymnastics, any sport, is a vehicle used to obtain an education and employment period.
Sandra
August 9th, 2012
10:24 am
There are a lot of Americans who live in London and I’m sure among them are one or two Spelman graduates. Per the report: she received a gift bag from Spelman. It didn’t say anyone hand delivered it.
Dicky Dicardo
August 9th, 2012
10:24 am
Does Spelman have a football program? Football is the only thing that matters in college.
-Signed,
Joe Paterno
Gormie
August 9th, 2012
10:26 am
@Frank Your band sucks!
@J.J. Nice racism!
sailor12
August 9th, 2012
10:29 am
I don’t think she can particapate in college sports because she is excepting money from Kellogs Corn Flakes.
Kat
August 9th, 2012
10:29 am
Agree with many on here. Gabby has only NOW to earn money and endorsements. Swimmers, such as Missy and Michael, have a longer shelf life so a swimming scholarship would do nicely.
Edna Fordham
August 9th, 2012
10:32 am
Spellman is a fine institution of learning but does not have an athletic program suitable for an olympic gymnist. It’s possible will try for the Olympics in 2016 and will need to be at a universiy that can accomodate her training needs.
Pam
August 9th, 2012
10:36 am
@Dicky Dicardo: LOL
No
August 9th, 2012
10:41 am
No. She is not going to Spelman. Girl can go anywhere. Why would she pick Spelman?
SuSu
August 9th, 2012
10:44 am
@Dicky Dicardo – Everything about your post – including your name – makes me laugh, and I needed that today. Thanks!
College Gymnastics??
August 9th, 2012
10:46 am
NCAA Division I Gymnastics would be a MAJOR step down for Gabby – her college choice will hinge on the best education possible for life after sport and access to facilities and coaches that can help her stay competitive for the 2016 games
Rob
August 9th, 2012
10:50 am
Get A Clue…. Actually, she could accept a college scholarship. In high school you are not banned from college sports because she hasn’t made that commitment to a college. She would have to refrain from “paid” work should she decide to go to college and participate in athletics.
For the rest of you MF’ers making closeted racist remarks about how articulate she is and that there will be far better universities… YES! I called you all some racist MF’ers…. Get a life.
Home Carebear
August 9th, 2012
10:59 am
You are assuming the she will be doing gymnastics in college. I think she will have her own personal trainer and manager and not want to be part of a college program. I believe that has happened before. She already has her team, the olympic team.
Lisa
August 9th, 2012
10:59 am
Spelman doesn’t even have a gymnastics program that will allow Gabby to train for the next Olympics. Unless she’s over gymnastics this wouldn’t be a good look for her.
Lisa
August 9th, 2012
11:04 am
Gabby knows better. Thanks for the gifts Spelman, but we’ll stick with a Division I gymnastics program.
Mike
August 9th, 2012
11:09 am
I will bet it’s not gonna be Spellman.
Jasmine
August 9th, 2012
11:13 am
I hope Gabby will compete in 2016. I hope she does go to college. I am not a Spelman Alumnus, but know Spelman is a great college. If Gabby decides to attend Spelman, I am sure some of the wealthy donors will make sure she receives state of the art training facility at Spelman, maybe her own training gym, The Gabrielle Douglas Gymnastics Facility. OMG, I can see the little girls lining up for gymnastics classes!
No NCAA Sports for Gabby
August 9th, 2012
11:18 am
Once Gabby took the endorsement to be on the cereal box she was considered pro. She can no longer compete in the NCAA. But I bet she is smart as a whip and will get scholastic scholarships out the whazoo.
RLP
August 9th, 2012
11:22 am
Gabby will have the opportunity to attend the best school and keep her training top notch.
GO_Spelman_Jaguars
August 9th, 2012
11:23 am
Why wouldn’t she go to Spelman College? One’s college years/experience is about coming into your own and not making money for white intuitions . White Universities across this country only want to use black students for their athletic abilities and to keep butts (fans/alumni) in the stadium seats.. That’s IT… Nothing else!!!!
As the great Bear Bryant stated in 1970 after University of Southern Cal beat Alabama by 19 points, “if we are going to compete against strong football programs, we are going to need some black players”. That’s all it’s about using black students for their physical attribute and less for their brains.
How many of you racist folks would be willing to forgo academic scholarships for black students as oppose to athletic seats. The first thing you would be saying it’s reverse discrimination. However, as long as it’s a bunch of dumb jockeys running a pig skin between the hedges or bouncing a basketball in Alexander Arena then you’re find with it.
She should go to Spelman and become a proud black woman because that’s who she is first. Prior to her winning the gold medal this entire country was on the band wagon for other young lady that slipped.
For the record, I am a WHITE MAN that have worked in higher education for over 15 years and have witness first hand out Universities take advantage of black students just for athletic reasons.
It’s not a free education when your entire time is spent training.
Go Spelman I hope you close the deal….
Emily
August 9th, 2012
11:33 am
S-P-E-L-M-A-N not double LLs
Seriously....
August 9th, 2012
11:34 am
The ole President goes to London huh… Why does tuition ALWAYS go up?? Best for the students huh….
Hollywould
August 9th, 2012
11:39 am
Go, Maybe you better check your resume as your spelling is atrocious. White Man my a@@
kgray
August 9th, 2012
11:49 am
Tim, the last time I checked and I attended Spelman, we didn’t have any male students enrolled. Quite frankly your opinion doesn’t matter nor does it count. Also, Spelman is a great college and many of your sucessful African-American women have attended and the same applied for Morehouse. I’m willing to bet my first born that you attended neither and perhaps not any college. Therefore, mind your business and keep your stupid comments to yourself.
GO_Spelman_Jaguars
August 9th, 2012
11:50 am
@ Hollywood, I welcome you to copy and paste my comments and tell me how many spelling errors show up. The only two errors were, find should have been FINE and secondly “first hand out = first hand how…
I suggest you make sure you know what you’re talking about prior to engaging in false accusations. For starters, upgrade your spell check and Spelman is spelled with one L and not two…..
Who?
August 9th, 2012
12:01 pm
Shut up Hollywould. You’re the racist.
Hollywould
August 9th, 2012
12:01 pm
Go, wake up man/ I never wrote the word Spelman. Forgot question mark, needed another word between “saying it’s” Where is this brilliant 15 year place of higher learning? Time to give up WHITE MAN!!
Shawn D
August 9th, 2012
12:03 pm
Moment of clarification to all those who assume they know the rules. Gabby CAN receive a scholarship though she has an endorsement from Kellogg….Olympic Athletes can receive up to a certain amount of money and still be considered amateur. As far as the swimmer mentioned her family did accept endorsements but they did not reach the threshold required to consider you a professional. Please get the facts people…..
Denise
August 9th, 2012
12:06 pm
Spelman thy name we praise! Standards and honor raise!
Spelman College is a wonderful institution. If you did not attend Spelman, you are not speaking from experience. I am. Attending Spelman was the single best decision that I ever made. From that came most of the great things that have ever happened in my life. Gabby would be blessed to become a part of the Spelman Sisterhood, just as we would be blessed to have her.
And, for the record, the pictures I saw of Gabby with the Spelman gift bag, it was NOT the College President with her. Plus, I’m sure the President can afford to go to London on her own and probably did not go to the Olympics just to meet Gabby Douglas.
lost in windy
August 9th, 2012
12:10 pm
It would be nice if she went to Spelman, however, she has accepted endorsements, so she is considered a pro and therefore not able to compete on the college level. Additionally, Spelman doesn’t have the facilities necessary for a Gabby Douglas to compete, even if she was able to. Maybe she will go there for the education as it is an excellent school.
shimmer
August 9th, 2012
12:10 pm
Spelman has had its own share of problems. If athletes of any color do not want athletic scholarships they can always refuse them and pay like the rest of us. Most colleges and Universities are a business and will offer the scholorships to the top athletes as well as the top academia. If Spelman did go and recruit Gabby they must have something in mind. They dont have a gymnastics team (which is her talent)They of course would want to somehow benefit from her being enrolled…besides her intelligence..Gabby will probably be coaching at top notch Olympic Team in her future. For now, she has to prepare for the next Olympics! I doubt she would like Atl.
Harriet W.
August 9th, 2012
12:15 pm
To those who aren’t familiar with the correct spelling, Spelman has one ‘L’ and is named after Laura Celestia Spelman Rockefeller. On behalf of all Spelman College Alumnae and HBCU’s, we welcome you Gabby!
Mdbrown99
August 9th, 2012
12:18 pm
If you don’t know anything about Spelman College, then let me put some names out there for you; Coretta Scott King, Bill & Camille Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, and Michelle Obama. This is no cheap small town school!!! There would be a mutual honor and privilege for Gabby and Spelman.
Who Cares
August 9th, 2012
12:20 pm
Why do the writers for the ajc keep hoping some of the people in the olympics are going to school in this area? This is an everyday story. Who gives a rats azz where they go to school. Why type of gymnastic program does Spellman have?
Donshay
August 9th, 2012
12:21 pm
Whoa. So many comments on this its ridiculous. Interesting how people will put their two cents into news gossip but not news. No disrespect to Gabby but why does I matter where she goes to college. And in regards to Spelm an…..if you are merely speculating about her “recruitment”, the President’s travels, and the colleges finances….maybe you should do something more to benefit your time. Our President has been traveling all over and shares her worldly experiences. Maybe those who are merely watching comments and refreshing their computer to keep up with them….maybe you all should travel and better yourselves. Debates based on personal opinion are a waste of time unless they are intellectually based. Racist, sexist talk is such a drag. Be blessed everyone. Its just a gossip article.
GJ
August 9th, 2012
12:22 pm
Hate to break it to you….but Spelman doesn’t even have a gymnastics team.
Who Cares
August 9th, 2012
12:25 pm
Just for all you Black Racist that are posting… The white gilr from the USA had just as many Gold Medals and Gabby plus a bronze. She won more medals at a single Olympics than any other American ever!!!!
Quagmire
August 9th, 2012
12:25 pm
Spelman is a great school that will be very supportative of Gabby and other young ladies like her.
@Mdbrown99 – for the record, Oprah went to TSU(Tennessee State University), I know because I went there…………………..
Who Cares
August 9th, 2012
12:27 pm
I was at the Applebees in Dunwoody about a week ago when the gymnastic events were going on. Everytime Gabby did something all the Blacks in the place were screaming like she was the next coming. When one of the other girls from the USA did anything it was total silence from them. Tell me that is not racist.
Who Cares
August 9th, 2012
12:28 pm
All of you are wrong. Spellman has 2 “L”.
Sayitaintso
August 9th, 2012
12:29 pm
I would assume that the Kellog endorsement alone would take care of all her future educational expenses. Regardless, she’s a bright light for the ole USA.
Rodney_from_the_grave
August 9th, 2012
12:29 pm
Can’t we all just get along? —- Going back to enjoy my brownie….
From the grave,
Rodney
Ed Willis
August 9th, 2012
12:32 pm
To GO_Spelman_Jaguars, In the event she does go to Spelman, I hope that she is issued a bullet proof vest, Spelman, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Clark Atlanta. Any of these would be last place I allowed my child to attend. Every week a mugging, shooting, robbery, or a home invasion.
Proud Spelman Alum
August 9th, 2012
12:32 pm
For the record, the President of Spelman College did not travel to the Olympics to hand deliver a gift bag to Gabby. It was Spelman alumna and Coca-Cola executive Helen Smith Price, C’79 that gave her the bag. She was representing her alma mater. For all we know, there could have been many other athletes there that got the same bag. So what if Gabby wants to go to Spelman, she WILL get a good education no matter what! The CEO of Sams Club (Rosalind G. Brewer) did. Lashawnda Holmes, the first African American Coast Guard Helicopter Pilot, attended Spelman. Tanya Walton Pratt, United District Court Judge appointed by President Barack Obama attended Spelman. So what type of education do you think she will get??? A good one. I know plenty of people who went to other schools more popular or considered more prestigious than Spelman that haven’t nearly accomplished what most Spelman Alums have. Either way at the end of the day, whatever school she chooses, if she chooses to continue her education once she retires from gymnastics, I am still behind her and will still support her, because she achieved something that no one else thought she would. I wish her well and I really hope to see her one or two more times in 2016 (and maybe even 2020)!
M
August 9th, 2012
12:32 pm
As a recent Morehouse grad, all I can say is, “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!”
I hope she goes to a school with a great gymnastics program and many other things to offer her. Don’t go to a school just because it seems like the right (and/or “black”) thing to do.
ok
August 9th, 2012
12:32 pm
Couldn’t see her attending a college with no gymnastics program but who knows. Spelman is a fine institution but to the poster who says black students are being used by “white schools” they don’t have to go there. The students are receiving an education from an university in which they likely would not have had the means to pay for otherwise. So for the students that take their education seriously they benefit from the deal as well. Congrats to Ms. Douglas and good luck in all of her future endeavors.
Proud Spelman Alum
August 9th, 2012
12:34 pm
One could ask M, Mr. Recent Morehouse Grad, what did MOREHOUSE offer you if that’s what you think of your neighboring school? SMH.
Sayitaintso
August 9th, 2012
12:34 pm
@ Who Cares, Gabby won the ALL AROUND, and it is the most coveted for female gymnasts.
Get a clue please
August 9th, 2012
12:36 pm
As a recent Spelman Alumn I truly appreciate many of the comments of those in support of Spelman. Other’s of you really do not understand what Spelman really is about or stands for which explains many of your uninformed comments.
As some have mentioned, Spelman is a school in which you grow and prosper as a black woman who is literally prepared to take on the world. It is unfortunate that many of you are so ignorant that you do not even try to research a place or thing before you speak about it.
No, Spelman does not have a gymnastics team but according to NCAA rules you can not be signed to professional contracts or endorsements if you plan to participate in a sport at the collegiate level. All things being said, why wouldn’t Gabby Douglas want to be a part of the legacy from the #1 HBCU in the country? Why wouldn’t she want to be a part of a place that prepares intelligent, young, black women for all that the world may bring?
Please get a clue before you open your mouths and say foolish things.
Sayitaintso
August 9th, 2012
12:46 pm
@PSA~ if I may add to your list of Spelman’s alums, my high school sweetheart now MD (UNC), my cousin now attorney ( Georgetown), my niece now grad student (UGA).
karin
August 9th, 2012
12:46 pm
Gabby Douglas is definitely considered “pro”. The only amateur on the USA gymnastics team was Kyla Ross.
Arod
August 9th, 2012
12:50 pm
I have decided to take my talents to South Beach
sign
Gabby
M
August 9th, 2012
12:56 pm
@ PSA – I never Spelman was a good/bad school, my whole point was why limit herself to HBCUs? With the endorsement deals she’s about to encounter, she’s going to have access to a lot of schools that she might not otherwise have even considered.
@ ‘Get a Clue’ – You made some very valid points, but since she’s an accomplished olympic athlete, hasn’t she already experienced what it’s like to “take on the world” as a black woman?
BigB
August 9th, 2012
12:57 pm
She cannot compete on any college’s gymnastics’ team!!! Spelman is spelled with ONE “L”!!! Spelman is a GREAT College!!! That is all.
JB
August 9th, 2012
1:00 pm
Please!!!! Give me a break. Spelman would be a wonderful college for Gabby to attend. She has already proven herself with her ability in the Olympic ,now let her make the decision concerning the university she plan on attending.
GO_Spelman_Jaguars
August 9th, 2012
1:01 pm
@Ed Willis please help identify for me, one institution of higher learning that does not have issues? UGA, she gets drunk and potentially raped, Penn State, molested, Harvard, introduces to pure cocaine, Stanford, incubator for marijuana. US military academies raped or who know what?
Please help me understand where safest place is for her may exist..
Who Cares about Who Cares
August 9th, 2012
1:04 pm
And I bet you hated EVERY MINUTE OF IT TOO.
Too Much
August 9th, 2012
1:08 pm
Why are they recruiting her exactly, besides the color of her skin? They have no athletic program to speak of, and without knowing her academic record, what business does that president have in recruiting a 16-year-old girl? Shameless ploy to garner attention from a young girl in order to have her university recruit someone famous.
Janine
August 9th, 2012
1:11 pm
Hate how even a joyous thing like going to college becomes a racist rant… anyway maybe people here in Atlanta don’t realize what an honor it is to attend Spelman College. Women from all over the WORLD would love that opportunity. No, they don’t have a gymnastics team but by accepting the endorsement she is ineligible by NCAA. There are great gyms around for her to train in the metro area. We, as women, are proud of you Gabby. Your hard work and family sacrifice have paid off. Go to Spelman if you chose! Wherever you go you will be great!
Overton
August 9th, 2012
1:13 pm
Gabby, go somewhere ELSE and not Hel*man. Get it while you can.
TheDuchess
August 9th, 2012
1:15 pm
I can’t help but laugh at the comments. I wish AJC would CLOSE them.
KimZ'sPackage
August 9th, 2012
1:16 pm
She would be S.T.U.P.I.D. to go to Spelman if she wants to do gymnastics in college and make the 2016 Olympics in RIO. If she is done with gymnastics then go to Spelmen, but I am sure she is looking at RIO. Spelman has NOTHING to OFFER a World Class athlete.
jesse
August 9th, 2012
1:16 pm
GOOD LUCK GABBY.SPELMAN IS A GOOD SCHOOL GOOD LUCK KEEP GOD FRIST B BLESS
Janine
August 9th, 2012
1:17 pm
and as a point… I was a college Registrar and Director of Admissions for almost 20 years in schools both big and small – ALL COLLEGES RECRUIT! THEY HAVE FULL TIME RECRUITERS ON STAFF TO DO WHAT???? RECRUIT!!! How many of you have ever had an admissions officer visit your school, or have gone to a college fair? That is RECRUITING! President of Spelman is wise to recruit her. On average, most gymnasts have very high GPAs due to the amount of discipline required by their sport.
Mike
August 9th, 2012
1:20 pm
oh yes… going to college in West End…what a joy…
Hmmmmmmm
August 9th, 2012
1:20 pm
and why would she even consider Spelman….. Terrible academic choice… If she is smart, she will go to a credible school…
Light Skin
August 9th, 2012
1:21 pm
What no mention of her hair? Good to Spelman if you wish, but never leave the campus. They should move Spelman. Why does the Black experience always have to involve the GHETTO!
KimZ'sPackage
August 9th, 2012
1:22 pm
She will probably stay in Utah to go to college and keep training with the same Team US coach. She is 16 will be 20 in RIO.
Reggie
August 9th, 2012
1:23 pm
You Ignorant racist are amazing. She will not be competing in college. Spelman would be a excellent school for her if that is the college SHE chooses. This is about developing this talented and bright young woman. Again Spelman would be excellent for that.
tim
August 9th, 2012
1:26 pm
I can’t help it if Spellman can’t pay it’s bills or they lay off staff.
Notre Dame
And i don’t want your future prisoner 1st born.
HomeBoy
August 9th, 2012
1:26 pm
Why not write about an Olympian who does live here…. Chaunte Lowe.
HomeBoy
August 9th, 2012
1:28 pm
Why not write about an Olympian who does live here…… Chaunte Lowe.
Hmmmmmmm
August 9th, 2012
1:29 pm
and then there was Reggie….
So I am a racist for having an opinion… Good grief… Spelman is NOT even in the top 50…. Just get some help Reggie… Spelman would be a waste of her time and money!
Light Skin
August 9th, 2012
1:30 pm
What this blog is not about her hair?
G
August 9th, 2012
1:30 pm
Written by Who Cares , August 9th, 2012 @ 12:27 pm
I was at the Applebees in Dunwoody about a week ago when the gymnastic events were going on. Everytime Gabby did something all the Blacks in the place were screaming like she was the next coming. When one of the other girls from the USA did anything it was total silence from them. Tell me that is not racist.
First of all, you need to be crystal clear on what the term “racism” means. Apparently, you do not! In your little story above, you made no reference that the “Blacks” said anything discriminatory, degrading, or racially incisitive about the other gymnist. Just because they celebrated Gabby more than the others, does not mean they were hateful or oppressive to the other gymnist on the team.
If you dig a little deeper, you would learn that Black Americans cannot be racist in this country…..maybe biggoted or pedjudiced, but not racist. All of the aforementioned is UGLY, but there IS a difference. The more you learn…………..the more you KNOW.
National Championships keep coming
August 9th, 2012
1:31 pm
Yeah right…if this girl doesn’t cash in and is still gymastics eligible in college, she’ll wind up at a real school, with a real tradition of great gymnastics…UGA. We’ll see her and Misty Franklin in Athens competing for UGA gymnasts and swimmers.
KimZ'sPackage
August 9th, 2012
1:33 pm
GO_Spelman_Jaguars
August 9th, 2012
11:23 am
You might not have misspelled words but you did use the WRONG words and you grammar and punctuation sucks.
Light Skin
August 9th, 2012
1:35 pm
and you gammar and punctuations sucks. Not an English teacher.
what the ?
August 9th, 2012
1:35 pm
Yeah right, she’ll be going to a real school and compete for a real team, if she doesn’t cash in and keeps her eligibility. And that school with national championship, traditional gymnastics team is UGA.
And Missy Franklin will be swimming for the national champion UGA swim team!
Hmmmmmmm
August 9th, 2012
1:35 pm
@light Skin
LOL
?
August 9th, 2012
1:36 pm
?
Sheila
August 9th, 2012
1:36 pm
Gabby Douglas would be a great asset to any college she chooses to attend. Thank you Gabby for inspiring young girls all over the world. I have four granddaughters and they were so excited to see someone who resembles them win the gold. Gabby get your blessing.
?
August 9th, 2012
1:39 pm
go to a real school….it’s not in atlanta
Jonathan
August 9th, 2012
1:43 pm
This would be great for black colleges, we have to to getting our best and brightest, I hope she attends!
Jonathan
August 9th, 2012
1:44 pm
This would be great for black colleges, we have to start getting our best and brightest, I hope she attends!
KimZ'sPackage
August 9th, 2012
1:46 pm
Going to ANY College that doesn’t have a quality coach is not an option. I am Sure she is looking to be the US Team leader in RIO. Gabby will train for her 2 years as a high school age girl then 2 more years to be ready for RIO. College can wait.
JESUS" GYRL
August 9th, 2012
1:52 pm
HBCU or not, Gabby keep your options open!
Bill
August 9th, 2012
1:52 pm
Why in the world would a elite gymnast of her caliber go to Spelman? Never knew that school was a gymnastic powerhouse.
Get real….not a chance on the world that is going to happen.
Mrs. Hasan
August 9th, 2012
1:56 pm
Gabby, My family and I are so very proud of you! You represented the United States of America very well! God loves you, your family loves you and my family and I love you. You’ve gotten Gold for America and did a great job. Those people that say nasty things about you just don’t like themselves they hate themselves and can’t stand to see a Black person do anything better than they can or just because they hate Black people! YOU ARE # 1.
Calliope
August 9th, 2012
2:00 pm
Um… No more like UGA or Alabama if she wants to continue gymnastics. I am black and I would strongly discurage her from going to Spellman. Do they even have athletics at Spelman? I think it is rather insulting that Spelman would be so opportunistic. If Gabby never won a gold medal, Spelman would not look her way, however, Gold medal or not public universities would pursue her for their athletic program. The moniker “Spelman Woman” is not as valuable as it used to be. Don’t waste your time Gabby.
Monica
August 9th, 2012
2:01 pm
@KimZ’sPackage. She was not in Utah.
Kupkake
August 9th, 2012
2:02 pm
Enter your comments here
It is Gabby’s choice where she attends college. She could make a much worse choice than Spelman College. Spelman is and has been for many years the top ranking black woman’s college. Period.
The culture of a woman’s college is very different. The focus is on education and is academically challenging in ways that co-ed colleges and larges universities can’t approximate. I graduated from a top ranked woman’s’ college in Atlanta. Spelman College was our sister school. Classmates of mine became doctors, lawyers, state supreme court judges, etc. We were taught levels of thinking and analysis that I had never encountered before and never encountered again. There is an atmosphere of learning that is so intense that graduating was a real letdown. We have lifetime skills of thought and analysis that we use every day.
We also didn’t have to worry about dressing up for class, competing for guys,and competing with guys. We were a tight-knit group, knew every member of our class and most in the class above and behind us and worked like crazy to pass our classes. Many of us thought we were out of our league because there were so many smart women there. But through the fire we were honed into bright women, who had strong values, incisive thinking skills, and a sense of self and a desire to achieve that carried us far.
Spelman College is for black women. It carries the selfhood a step farther by allowing the students to be black women focused on defining themselves and focusing on their goals – and forging a strong sisterhood.
If you are not a woman graduate of a woman’s’ college, you don’t understand what I am talking about. If you are, you understand immediately.
Gabby can’t be a top gymnast forever. But she can be a bright, focused, intelligent, articulate woman all her life. And Spelman College can give her that.
howard harlow
August 9th, 2012
2:02 pm
WHO CARES WE KNOW WHO CARES YOU CARE. I KNOW BY YOUR COMMENT WHO CARES. DONT BE SO OBIVIOUS NEXT TIME WHO CARES U DO.
Being Real
August 9th, 2012
2:10 pm
Myself being a former college athlete at a major college, I would say no to Gabby going to Spelman. Yes, it definitely is a great school with great history. However, I would like to see her enrich her life and be prepared for the realness of the world, and not limit her collegiate experience to an HBCU. As hard as it is to find, I t hink she she try to find a college that will give her a more real life experience. NOT UGA!!!
Hoever, if she wants to see how the real world is, I guess she can always go on ajc,com, and look at all of the racist @$$ blogs. Or she can always google her name anreview all of the ignorance from Whites and Blacks!
Sony1220
August 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
People keep talking about Spelman not having a gymnastics team but doesn’t ATL have a USA Gymnastics training facility? I could be wrong, but I believe they do. If that is the case, Spelman would be an EXCELLENT choice. I wish people could spend an hour on the campus of Spelman to experience the greatness the school has to offer. I had a friend that was a visiting professor from an “elite” school to call me after spending a day in class with the women of Spelman. She was blown away and said that Spelman was where she wanted to send her daughter for college. Prior to that experience, she had never even considered Spelman as a college choice for her daughter. It is an EXCELLENT school! I have many relatives and friends that have attended Spelman and gone on to do GREAT things. The list of notable is beyond impressive and comparable to Princeton. It is not only one of the best HISTORICALLY black colleges in the country but it is one of the best Liberal Arts colleges the U.S. has to offer…and no I did not attend Spelman (regrettably)…
Billy
August 9th, 2012
2:19 pm
Gabby, please go to some other school besides Spelman, one that has some racial variety. All Spelman turns out are whiners and hypocrites, and we certainly don’t need any more of them than we already have…
pat
August 9th, 2012
2:21 pm
When she sees Housewives of Atlanta and NeNe she will not want to live in Atlanta.. Period…
Tundra Dude
August 9th, 2012
2:21 pm
someone wrote, in part:
but according to NCAA rules you can not be signed to professional contracts or endorsements if you plan to participate in a sport at the collegiate level
Exactly! One veteran sportswriter thinks a gold medal winner in gymnastics can earn about $2 million per year from endorsements. (Go for it, Girl!)
She should first look for a private,1st class training facility. Imo, college should be secondary.
If she wins more Gold in Rio, she can Spelman grads to manage her $$.
Tundra Dude
August 9th, 2012
2:24 pm
correction
If she wins more Gold in Rio, she can *hire* Spelman grads to manage her $$.
Patty
August 9th, 2012
2:25 pm
Her best bet is to go to a more prestigious school like Emory University. Spelman is overrated. My question is this…did they make her an offer BEFORE she got into the Olympics or after? Yeah..I already know the answer. They made her an offer AFTER. Spelman is really overrated. It’s her choice if she want to settle for less and attend Spelman though.
Patty
August 9th, 2012
2:30 pm
Bobo I tell you what…since you have a problem with her teeth, why don’t YOU pay for her to get braces! Yeah..I know…I know…I know…you are poor white trash that can’t afford it. You are just embarrassing to the white race…I’m white and white trash like you just need to go back to your trailor and disappear into your pitiful life!
Billy
August 9th, 2012
2:32 pm
How do you know someone is lying. They use the word “racist” in a sentence. LOL at “G” who said it’s impossible for a black to be racist; you’re obviously from some other planet, not from the one I’m from where I experience black racism every since day. Look up the Ten Commandmants–you’ll see that false accusation is listed there in black and white. What losers!
Pootie Tang
August 9th, 2012
2:38 pm
I don’t think she passes the paper bag test. Spelman is so racist.
KimZ'sPackage
August 9th, 2012
2:45 pm
Monica
August 9th, 2012
2:01 pm
@KimZ’sPackage. She was not in Utah.
===============================
What Iowa? Sorry. I knew it is in the middle of the US, a 4 letter state & away from distractions.
Denise
August 9th, 2012
2:45 pm
If she does move to the West End area for Spelman, I’ll give her a Great deal on a house for rent! Good Luck Gabby!!
GaPeachy
August 9th, 2012
2:51 pm
I am a Spelmanite myself so would be honored to have her join our prestigious community. Sooo proud of her, any school would be lucky to have her. I’m sure she will excel in whatever field she persues after gymnastics.
Big Swingin' Medal
August 9th, 2012
2:52 pm
Southern Woman — “To all the critics of Spelman’s recruiting practice of Gabrielle Douglas….unless you are a graduate shut up!”
Unless you have a gold medal, YOU shut up.
Jsin
August 9th, 2012
2:55 pm
Gold Medal check, Seems Very Bright check , African American Female check, Ivy League next stop check. This chick is going to Harvard folks.
Maya
August 9th, 2012
2:58 pm
Overheard daily at the AJC: “Yay! Let’s report on speculation because there’s no really news out there that needs covering. That’s the hard-hitting reporting we’re expecting people to subscribe and pay our exorbitant fees for.” #journalistfail
Tundra Dude
August 9th, 2012
3:04 pm
Maya wrote:
Overheard daily at the AJC: “Yay! Let’s report on speculation because there’s no really news out there that needs covering.
Right. The only important news today will start at 8:pm. (Packers 1st pre-season game at San Diego)
CJ
August 9th, 2012
3:08 pm
Fantastic! She will do well. A former future daughter-in-law graduated from Spelman and now she lives in Manhattan, making a six-figured salary. Go Spelman!
UGA Blue 2012
August 9th, 2012
3:14 pm
I’m sorry, but the idea of Spelman is no better than Ole Miss. Disproportionate racial distribution, be it white or black, does not help anyone. We are clearly seeing this problem in the Atlanta vs. Suburbs war. The leaders of Atlanta have mainly gone to HBCUs, while many of the rest in the power structure have gone to UGA and GA Tech.
I’m a Democrat, but outside of Kasim Reed, I put a lot of blame on the current Atlanta power structure for not trying to compromise in the name of retaining said power.
The pandering of the black power structure to Southwest Atlanta is just as bad as the white Republican power structure appealing to the crazy Teabaggers in Cherokee County, Paulding, Henry, Gwinnett, etc…
Mark
August 9th, 2012
3:17 pm
@ KimZ’sPackage
August 9th, 2012
3:15 pm
Talk about an ignorant comment!
Get a clue please
August 9th, 2012
3:17 pm
@Hmmmmmmm her choice of college is exactly that. HER choice. Spelman is ranked the #1 HBCU in the country and has produced and continues to produce the following type of alumnae:
Marian Wright Edelman – founder of the Children’s Defense Fund
Christine King Ferris
Rosalind Brewer – executive VP of Walmart Stores and on the board of directors for Lockheed Martin
Alice Walker – author of The Color Purple
Kimberly Davis – president of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co Foundation
Traci Lynn Blackwell – VP of current programming CW network
Shaun Robinson – co-anchor Access Hollywood
Evelynn M. Hammonds – Dean of Harvard College
And this is just a small list of notable Spelman graduates.
@Billy- you said she needs to go to a school with racial variety. Although Spelman is an HBCU there is quite the variety within African American culture. People literally come from all across the world to attend Spelman college! The diaspora I quite large but you may know nothing about that. The women of Spelman are very diverse and come from a variety of backgrounds. Maybe you need to stop thinking that all black people are alike and have no diversity.
@Patty- I am a graduate of Spelman AND graduate an Emory University graduate school program where I was in the top 5% of my class. Spelman prepared me for going on to do bigger and better things. Don’t be so closed and misinformed
tim
August 9th, 2012
3:27 pm
she’s got really bad hair
Omar Little
August 9th, 2012
3:30 pm
Missy Franklin to UGA? Douglas to Spelman? Why is this “news” on the front page of the AJC??
kgray
August 9th, 2012
3:36 pm
Who Cares, are you upset that the press is giving the African-American gymnist more accolades than the white girls on the team. Well, she got BEST ALL AROUND and that has never been done by an African American male or female. Therefore,stop hating and be happy for her and who cares that the white girl got more medals, she not getting more PRESS. Get over it!
GOD NO
August 9th, 2012
3:44 pm
PLEASE DO NOT GO TO SPELMAN WHAT A WASTE AT LEAST ATTEND A SCHOOL THAT HAS GYMNASTICS WHICH WOULD PROBABLY WOULD NOT BE A HBCU….KEEP LOOKING
Blue Angel
August 9th, 2012
3:45 pm
I have a 2/2 condo FOR RENT Gabby in a small development within 5 miles of Spellman. Please let me know if you need pictures or further information.
BA
Tuskegee Univ
August 9th, 2012
3:49 pm
I say do whatever she wants. Spelman is an outstanding academic institution. Most HBCUs are outstanding institutions because we have to be, with that being said. She should go where ever she wants. I would love to hear she went to Spelman, but we be even happier if she went to Tuskegee. Im just saying.
It’s painful to see people speak about HBCUs (Historical Black Colleges and Universities) as if they arent teaching anything. Self reliance is taught if nothing else.
Get a clue please
August 9th, 2012
3:50 pm
Again, as people have stated : someone wrote, in part:
but according to NCAA rules you can not be signed to professional contracts or endorsements if you plan to participate in a sport at the collegiate level
Exactly! One veteran sportswriter thinks a gold medal winner in gymnastics can earn about $2 million per year from endorsements. (Go for it, Girl!)
She should first look for a private,1st class training facility. Imo, college should be secondary.
If she wins more Gold in Rio, she can Spelman grads to manage her $$.
Please people search for correct information before you just run off at the mouth!!! She can go to Spelman regardless of a gymnastics team!!!!
Ines Green
August 9th, 2012
3:50 pm
I think Spelman would be a great fit for Gabby. I’m a Clark Atlanta University graduate who took a few classes at Spelman, and it’s a pretty decent environment–given if Gabby associates herself with a positive, non-cliquish group. I’m not dissing (is that word still cool today?) Spelman at all. As a fellow HBCU’er the social dynamics can be challenging–then again, that goes with any institution. Nonetheless, if she stays grounded and doesn’t let the Olympic medals go to her head, she will do just fine at Spelman.
KimZ'sPackage
August 9th, 2012
3:52 pm
I think Gabby will get her mom out of Chapter 13 1st.
College is about 2 years away.
Tundra Dude
August 9th, 2012
3:54 pm
CJ wrote, in part:
A former future daughter-in-law graduated from Spelman and now she lives in Manhattan, making a six-figured salary
That’s chump change, compared to $2 million per year she can get from endorsements for winning Gold in gymnastics. (this, according to a veteran sportswriter)
In Rio, 2016, she might win again. Why should she “educate” herself to become a work-slave…??
B
August 9th, 2012
3:54 pm
There is no reason for anyone to go to that school. It’s in a very bad part of town, the school lacks in every possible category a school could have, plus the sports program doesn’t exist at any level. She might as well go to a community college in Iowa and get the same experience she would at Spelman, except that it is much safer at the CC. To those that are offended that someone brought up the travels of the Spelman President, please…. I’m quite sure the Spelman President is a democrat, so it’s almost certain she used school funds for the trip to London. I hope it comes out and she gets fired. I hate all the lying liberals and their neglect for common-sense and ethics. Superior athletes don’t go to schools like Spelman or any other all black schools, it just doesn’t happen. Those schools are basically CC’s or less. To all the racists blacks out there, please take note that just because I’m bashing your schools doesn’t make me a racists. It’s my opinion.
Say What?????
August 9th, 2012
4:01 pm
Can someone please tell me how an article on the potential college choice of a gold medal winning Olympian turn into the great “Black vs White” debate. The racial obsession of you uneducated southerners is truly amazing. And there mere fact that so many people jump on board with these idiotic racially charged comments is even more hilarious. LONG LIVE DA SOUTH!!!!
Get a clue please
August 9th, 2012
4:09 pm
Tundra dude I was agreeing with you about not be able to participate at the collegiate level under NCAA guidelines. I also think that if she wants to go to Rio she definitely should. But if she also wants to get a higher education she should do that too but it really is her choice. I just have to correct those who say misinformed things about a school they really know nothing about.
Like B for instance.
Hmmmmmmm
August 9th, 2012
4:13 pm
@getaclue
I have a clue sir…. It’s not in the Top 50 of private academic institutions… It would be a waste of time and money… You keep drinking that kool aid… Grape is best…
Who Cares
August 9th, 2012
4:18 pm
To all you idiots that keep say she can’t do gymnastics because she signed with the cornflake company i beg to differ. Do you all remember Quincy (the cocaine man) carter who play professional baseball then came back and played football at GA?
Tundra Dude
August 9th, 2012
4:22 pm
Inquiring Mindz want to know
Has anyone thought to ask Gabby what she wants to do….?
KimZ'sPackage
August 9th, 2012
4:26 pm
Gabby wants to get her mom out of bankruptcy I would guess.
Traci 404
August 9th, 2012
4:29 pm
Spelman is a fantastic university, with a long list of distinguished people who have graduated from there. I’m not an Alumnus, I respect the school, its deep foundation of developing distinguished leaders all the way back to the 1800’s. Spelman is a phenomenal place.
Ask Bill Cosby, He and his wife are strong supporters of the University, Oprah Winfrey as well.
Not sure if they are known for their Gymnastics program, but the school itself, is Top of the Line.
Failure
August 9th, 2012
4:36 pm
@sailor12 Maybe you should have “accepted” better skills in learning proper grammar.
Get a clue please
August 9th, 2012
4:36 pm
@Hmmmmmmmm the racially charged comment about kool-aid is neither warrented nor necessary and very rude. No one tried to comments about you being anything other than someone with a slightly misinformed opinion. Please learn to engage in conversation without turning to ignorance.
Get a clue please
August 9th, 2012
4:40 pm
@Hmmmmm it’s also very interesting that you fail to even recognize the brief list of notable women who graduated from Spelman. Yet you respond with racially charged comments……okay
johnnywad
August 9th, 2012
4:40 pm
Gabby is over qualified to work the window at Chick Fil A so why would she want to go to Spelman you racist pigs.
Why?????
August 9th, 2012
4:44 pm
Tell me- do you ignorant Southerners EVER discuss or debate anything other than race? Such as issues that actually matter or make a difference. Just wondering….
Hmmmmmmm
August 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
Ranked #62 Liberal Arts college… Hmmmmmm Ok for some, but for someone who is academically inclined and not worried about being politically correct, then ranks right up there with West Georgia University… But hey, don’t let the facts get in anybody’s way…
j-dawg
August 9th, 2012
4:50 pm
If she can participate in gymnastics in college as an amateur, she should go to UGA. If she is already a pro and cannot participate, go to an Ivy League school or Stanford. This is a non-decision. Spelman? Puh-lease
Sayitaintso
August 9th, 2012
5:00 pm
@Who Cares, you’re the idiot. The NCAA will allow an athlete to be a pro in one sport and an amateur in another. Quincy signed a contract as a pro baseball player and that’s why he was allowed to play college football.
Deion did the same at Florida State, signed with the Yankees but played football on the college level. As a matter of fact, Deion wasn’t on scholarship at FSU, he paid his own way with earning from the Yankees.
Do a little more research before calling someone an idiot.
creative
August 9th, 2012
5:06 pm
anger and hatred, awesome. Gabby is a cool chick and she is a really good gymnast. Thanks.
rastus
August 9th, 2012
5:08 pm
Florida A&M be de place for her.
KGray
August 9th, 2012
5:08 pm
B, I think you should take your racist comment or your opinion to FoxNews where they are welcomed and I’m sure you didn’t attend anyone’s college or you would know or should have known that great women have attened Spelman College and it will be Gabby’s choice if she want to attend. Secondly, from you comments about hating liberals, I quite sure you sit in church every Sunday and profess and confess to your friends and neighbors what a good Christian that you are; however, you use the word HATE in such a mean spirited way. If the trustee board of Spelman felt she should go to Spelman and not spend any tax payers money to fund this trip to London,please tell me what business is it of yours. Continue to support the non-christian Romney and see how you like his Mormanism an occult religion.
BigT
August 9th, 2012
5:09 pm
I am a African American male with a daughter, I would not let her even consider going to Spelman!!!! With her talent and training why would you want her to take a step back, and go somewhere where the facilities are not even up to par, with some of the local high schools. This is just some way to give a fledgling school some PR. If Gabby had not of won, there would be no mention of offering her anything.
What can Spelman offer her, other than to say she went to a rundown HBCU. The only student athletes that go to these schools are the ones who were not talented enough to make D-1 schools, or they got kicked out of D-1 schools, for disciplinary or academic issues.
KGray
August 9th, 2012
5:25 pm
BigT, I disagree with you I attended Spelman and then I was accepted to Columbia University Law School. You sound ignorant and I hope you retract your Idiotic statement. I guess you fell that the only way for your child to succeed is to attend an all white university. It’ s not where you attend it’s how you apply what you have been taught. My grandfather was raised in a poor environment and attended Morehouse and meet my grandmother who attended Spelman and all of their children attened HSBC schools and all have done well in life and none have ever been convicted of a crime or been arrested. Therefore, you sound IGNORANT and playing into the hype that only white universities can offer a better education, which is not true. By the way what college or university did you attend?
Steve-O
August 9th, 2012
5:30 pm
Way to go Spelman!! FYI, she has an agent, so she cannot participate in college gymnastics. She will probably hire a personal coach to come out and train her in ATL (or where ever).
Charlotte, NC
August 9th, 2012
6:10 pm
@KGray. Don’t argue with BigT. He is just mad that some of us attended HBCU’s with full rides and are better off financially than the ones who went to a majority white school. You pay tithes, mortgage, car note versus him paying all the above plus thousands in student loans for a name. Come on, who is really winning here? lol. Countless studies prove that blacks fair better at HBCUs at the undergraduate level.
Gunluvr
August 9th, 2012
6:13 pm
My advice is to avoid that whole area(AU Center), it’s located in a depressing recidivist saturated neighborhood(Vine City). She can do much better at UGA, Auburn, etc. The air is fresh and she can walk at night without getting jumped and beaten up, which is a very common occurrence between there and GA Tech.
rattler
August 9th, 2012
6:15 pm
Spelman IS a prestigious college. As a matter of fact, Spelman is one of the best colleges in the country, period. I hope that Gabby will choose Spelman. Spelman graduates are very impressive and I’m confident that they will mold Gabby into an extraordinary woman. She won’t have any problems with locating a gym in Metro Atlanta where she can continue her gymnastics training. The bottom line here is that Gabby will get the best of both worlds at Spelman (Academics & Social Life).
rattler
August 9th, 2012
6:17 pm
@ rastus – Right on! If she doesn’t go to FAMU, then I hope she attends Spelman.
Gunluvr
August 9th, 2012
6:24 pm
If she wanted to she could milk them for about $1 million per year plus a degree at the end. That would be fair because there’s no real advantage to going to a school like Spelman or Morehouse except for kids who can’t function outside of a school catering mainly to blacks.
rattler
August 9th, 2012
6:24 pm
@ Big T – Your daughter wouldn’t stand a chance on an HBCU campus. With an ignorant, misinformed parent like you, she’s already behind the 8 ball. Please send her to an HWCU so that our HBCU campuses don’t have to deal with parents like you. The fact is, HBCUs are home to the best and brightest students. Life is good at HBCUs.
MeaneyMouse
August 9th, 2012
6:38 pm
USAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSUAUSUASUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSUSUAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSASAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSA
KimZ'sPackage
August 9th, 2012
6:38 pm
johnnywad
August 9th, 2012
4:40 pm
Gabby is over qualified to work the window at Chick Fil A
==============================================
She is 16 I don’t think she is qualified to work at any job.
Renee
August 9th, 2012
6:40 pm
I hope Gabby chooses where she wants to go, regardless of what others think. She is black, but also she is an American. I attended an all black college but I learned more about black history at Emory. Let Gabby be a person first. By the way, Gabby is a free spirit, why should she choose Spelman which is closed in by gates and fences, and in one of the worst neighborhoods in Georgia. Those colleges at the AU center focus on past achievements and not impacting the present, and not projecting into the future.
KimZ'sPackage
August 9th, 2012
6:47 pm
Gabby go to a college where Stomp’n the Yard is a sport and the Band is what you go to see at a football game. That will be the true college experience you need.
Annie
August 9th, 2012
7:15 pm
Gabby can continue to compete at a professional level, while attending college. She doesn’t have to compete on a college team.
Her coach actually said that given her physical frame, there’s a chance that she could compete in the 2016 Olympic Games. That will be hard to do, since the last three Olympic teams for the women have all been different, and it has been 50 years since a female All Around champion has one two Olympics in a row.
Annie
August 9th, 2012
7:26 pm
The funny thing about this article is that it’s jumping to a lot of conclusions. The people at Spelman sending Gabby a gift package doesn’t mean that she will attend the college. According to her page on they us gymnastics website, she’s not even a high school junior, yet.
Ron Hardin
August 9th, 2012
7:43 pm
Big T you make me SICK. By using the term D-1 and your focus on athletics, it is apparent that you believe that African Americans can only succeed through sports. I feel sorry for your kids. I played D-1 sports never made any $$$$$ but I do practice law with my wife also SPELMAN GRAD AND AWESOME ATTORNEY. Hating yourself my friend will not gain you any favor or points amongst the majority. AND THIS IS MY REAL NAME CHUMP. And I went to Georgia Tech 93-98 LOSER.
MOREHOUSE MAN
August 9th, 2012
7:48 pm
Reading through this blog there are so many negative comments concerning Gabby attending Spelman College. Spelman is a wonderful school that would allow the young lady to continue to grow into the mature, well rounded, educated, gracefull woman she is destined to be. Any and every young lady should be so fortunate as to have the opportunity to allow Sister Spelman to mold and shape her. People need to realze that she is more that just an Olympic Gymnist. She is a tresaure. A treasure that Spelman College is more than capable of protecting and showcasing her brilliance.
MOREHOUSE MAN
August 9th, 2012
7:53 pm
To Gunluvr: You are totally clueless when it comes to Morehouse and Spelman. All of the graduates from both schools have always produce productive members of society. What qualifies you exactly to make such a ignorant statement?
MOREHOUSE MAN
August 9th, 2012
7:57 pm
Would everyone leave Big T alone. This man is full of self hatred. He doesn’t love himeself so we should not expect him to treasure our rich culture. Hate it for ya Bra.
KimZ'sPackage
August 9th, 2012
8:01 pm
Annie Shaun Johnson would have been on the team is she had not torn up her knee. She would have been 20 just like gabby will be in 2016.
MOREHOUSE MAN
August 9th, 2012
8:15 pm
I keep hear people say that Spelman college has nothing to offer a World Class Athlete. I would disagree. Spelman College offers a World Class Education and Experience. This would be something you would know if you would do a little research and stop inbreeding.
BigT
August 9th, 2012
10:53 pm
You all are missing the point, the young lady is being courted by Spelman because of her athletic achievements not from academics. And if you all would take a moment to reflect, you all know that you don’t have the facilities, nor the coaches for a talent like Gabby Douglas or any other Olympic gymnast. If this were solely based on academics then my thoughts would be different, but her case is based on her athletic accomplishments. I wonder if they offered any of her white counterparts the same thing, that would be No!!!
And for my Haters, i went to school in dekalb county, played football earned a scholarship to NC State and received my Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I’m a successful business owner, and i employ some of your fellow HBCU alumni, along with people you have graduated from traditional universities. I’m just saying as far as athletics Spelman College should not be on her list, now if she wants to go because of Academics, that’s a entirely different argument.
BigT
August 9th, 2012
11:02 pm
Renee – “Those colleges at the AU center focus on past achievements and not impacting the present, and not projecting into the future.” – I totally agree…
MOREHOUSE MAN
August 9th, 2012
11:46 pm
Big T…. You are missing the point. Spelman/Morehouse and the rest of the AUC schools are noted for the Acheivements of the Alumnae. Students don’t attend Spelman and Morehouse for athletics. They attend these schools for academic challenges and knowing that you are getting a World Class, World Recognized education. Do some research about these schools.
MOREHOUSE MAN
August 9th, 2012
11:48 pm
Big T…. Loud and Wrong again.Where did you martriculate? You certainly have opinions about the AUC. I want to know where you are coming from with these opinions.
KimZ'sPackage
August 10th, 2012
12:16 am
Morehouse man yo do read to well Big told you……
“And for my Haters, I went to school in dekalb county, played football earned a scholarship to NC State and received my Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I’m a successful business owner.”
MOREHOUSE MAN
August 10th, 2012
12:46 am
Would you define Successful? and answer my previous questions.
MOREHOUSE MAN
August 10th, 2012
12:49 am
I would stack a Morehouse/Spelman College degree up against you NC. State degree anytime. It’s too bad the NC State education didn’t help open your mind and broaden your view.
KimZ'sPackage
August 10th, 2012
12:50 am
Morehouse Man why don’t you define successful because I have a feeling you will not think he is successful no matter what he says or you will say he is lying.
KimZ'sPackage
August 10th, 2012
1:01 am
NCSU ranked 101 still don’t see Spelman or Morehouse on the rankings.
Dekou
August 10th, 2012
1:13 am
The Bourgeois would criticize her hair at Spelman if she attended. Word is out- she’s strongly considering the University of Phoenix!
MOREHOUSE MAN
August 10th, 2012
1:45 am
101 in what rankings. Where do I find it? Check the rankings in US News and World Reports on where Morehouse and Spelman rank. I unlike you would take him/her at his/her word until I findout otherwise. I do my due diligence.
Pete
August 10th, 2012
6:58 am
Is Spelman recruiting the other members of the US gynmastics team? Hmmm, no? Wonder why. Couldn’t be because they’re white, is it?
BigT
August 10th, 2012
7:45 am
Morehouse Man you prove my point, in your own words – “Big T…. You are missing the point. Spelman/Morehouse and the rest of the AUC schools are noted for the Acheivements of the Alumnae. Students don’t attend Spelman and Morehouse for athletics.” and i want you to understand & read very slowly. Why would Gabby Douglas choose to accept an Athletic scholarship from Spelman College. They are not offering her a Academic Scholarship!!! So you or anyone else as a parent, how in the world would you let your child who is an Olympic Gold Medalist attend a College that does not have the athletic facilities, coaches or staff, nor the level of competition she would need to push her, and keep her among the worlds best. By reading some of the other idiotic statements, some of you think she should go to Spelman and find a Gym and do her training outside of the school. That will never happen.
At the end of the day this about a young woman’s athletic accomplishments not her academic accomplishments!!!! Please direct me to any HBCU that can help maintain her gold medal winning standards.
Get a clue please
August 10th, 2012
9:26 am
Big T you need to do a little more research about what schools do. First, as many have already stated, Gabby is now considered a professional gymnast therefore cannot compete in gymnastics in NCAA gymnastics NO MATTER WHERE SHE GOES! And as an alumna I know athletic scholarships are not given at Spelman!
Second, I guarantee you have no idea what Spelman recruiters would have even said to her! Were you in London? No!!!! Are you in a position to give her guidance as far as what is in her best interest? NO!!!! I guarantee that no one who has left a comment could!
MorehouseBS'95,ColumbiaMBA'04,HarvardMPP'05
August 10th, 2012
9:28 am
@BigT, unless you earned an academic scholarship to attend NCState, there’s no way in the world you would have been ALLOWED to major in mechanical engineering and play football. You can sell that truckload of stuff to someone else who’s buying it.
Over the last 24 hours, I’ve sat and read these posting after a classmate forward them to me and it’s a sad commentary to state of black community. What is so sad is that some of you blacks are saying, “She should not attend Spelman bc of this or because of that”. How quickly we forget, all of us are standing on the shoulders of someone that attended an HBCU. BigT, who knows, you may be standing on several people shoulders if you’re big…
You speak of non-relevance and past accomplishments, well, there’s a Chinese proverb that reads, “If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going”… Every other racial group understands the importance of preserving their heritage except us. Billy Holiday said it best, “Rich relations may give a crust or bread of such, you take some but don’t dare take too much, mama may have and papa may have but GOD bless the child that got his own.”
I have matriculated and GRADUATED from three of the best schools in this country and please find comfort in knowing, I outpaced and survived a lot longer than some of my fellow black classmates during graduate school that attended Yale, Brown, UNC and etc and it was because of the academic SEAL training, I received at the little school in the West End section of Atlanta called Morehouse College.
What too is ironic in the big scheme of things, you never hear Catholics put down or defame University of Notre Dame, St. John University or University of Villanova, you NEVER hear Mormons put down BYU or Jews put down Brandeis University only do you hear blacks putting down HBCU. (Go figure and everyone wonder why we’re in the condition we’re in today.)
At BigT since you’re stated you’re an accomplished business owner, you don’t support black schools but I’ll be my life you want customer to support black businesses. Go figure…
As for athletic abilities, let’s remember, every athletic (from Kobe to pop-warner) is only ONE play/ performance away from the end of their career. All it takes is one mis-step and your career is over, then what. You are a has-been and “the establishment” has no need for you any longer.
I invite you to read up Carter G. Woodson when he said, “You control a man’s mind, you don’t have to worry about his action, if there’s not a back door, he will cut one.” It’s clear BigT you like entering through the back door.
Morehouse'95,Columbia'04,Harvard'05
August 10th, 2012
9:29 am
@BigT, unless you earned an academic scholarship to attend NCState, there’s no way in the world you would have been ALLOWED to major in mechanical engineering and play football. You can sell that truckload of stuff to someone else who’s buying it.
Over the last 24 hours, I’ve sat and read these posting after a classmate forward them to me and it’s a sad commentary to state of black community. What is so sad is that some of you blacks are saying, “She should not attend Spelman bc of this or because of that”. How quickly we forget, all of us are standing on the shoulders of someone that attended an HBCU. BigT, who knows, you may be standing on several people shoulders if you’re big…
You speak of non-relevance and past accomplishments, well, there’s a Chinese proverb that reads, “If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going”… Every other racial group understands the importance of preserving their heritage except us. Billy Holiday said it best, “Rich relations may give a crust or bread of such, you take some but don’t dare take too much, mama may have and papa may have but GOD bless the child that got his own”
I have matriculated and GRADUATED from three of the best schools in this country and please find comfort in knowing, I outpaced and survived a lot longer than some of my fellow black classmates during graduate school and it was because of the academic SEAL training, I received at the little school in the West End section of Atlanta called Morehouse College.
What too is ironic in the big scheme of things, you never hear Catholics put down or defame University of Notre Dame, St. John University or University of Villanova, you NEVER hear Mormons put down BYU or Jews put down Brandeis University only do you hear blacks putting down HBCU. (Go figure and everyone wonder why we’re in the condition we’re in today.)
At BigT since you’re stated you’re an accomplished business owner, you don’t support black schools but I’ll be my life you want customer to support black businesses. Go figure…
As for athletic abilities, let’s remember, every athletic (from Kobe to pop-warner) is only ONE play/ performance away from the end of their career. All it takes is one mis-step and your career is over, then what. You are a has-been and “the establishment” has no need for you any longer.
I invite you to read up Carter G. Woodson when he said, “You control a man’s mind, you don’t have to worry about his action, if there’s not a back door, he will cut one.” It’s clear BigT you like entering through the back door.
Morehouse'95,Columbia'04,Harvard'05
August 10th, 2012
10:36 am
@Big T & KimZ
Do you know what the following people have in common?
Michael Eric Dyson – Georgetown University Professor
Nikki Giovanni – Tenured Professor at Virginia Tech
Ruth J. Simmons – President of Brown University ( first black president of an Ivy School)
Henry Louis Gates, Jr.- Tenured Professor at Harvard University
Since you guys probably don’t know, they all work in the field of higher education and understand the importance of higher learning and they all have sent THEIR KIDS to those little schools in the west end section of Atlanta… All with the exception of Nikki’s son finished on THIS side of 2000… So that’s not long ago history BigT…
Bhamfornow
August 10th, 2012
11:02 am
Why would she want to go to a third rate school?
Bhamfornow
August 10th, 2012
11:06 am
She needs to go to college and become an Accountant to get her mother out of Bankruptcy.
BigT
August 10th, 2012
5:24 pm
Wow i seemed to have stirred a hornets nest. I just read that she indeed signed a professional contract, which would make her ineligible for an athletic scholarship. With that being said,
my argument is based totally on the state of athletics with HBCU’s, most of these schools don’t have proper facilities to help enhance their student athletes, compared to the HWU’s. If you all feel so strongly about HBCU’s why don’t you try and pool all of your money and resources, and try to at least make one your HBCU’s a legitimate D1 school, so that the top black athletes have a chance to get the so called “black experience”, that you feel they are missing out on. There are so many famous people that attended college at the AUC, but where are they??? Why is the area around the AUC so dilapidated, why don’t you have world class facilities? Why is the area so rampant with drugs, prostitution, and other crimes? What do you all do to stop it, nothing because you don’t care, you all get on here and cry foul when someone says something about HBCU’s. We all know that there is enough money from your alumni to accomplish these things, but the reason you don’t have it and never will, is because its not really on your agenda to fix. You all like to walk around and say i graduated from a HBCU, but what are you doing for your beloved schools after you have left. Hmmm….probably nothing i would guess!!!!!
The athletic department at most schools benefit everyone just not the athletes, the income that student athletes generate goes to helping most departments at various colleges. HWU’s get this and that is why they are able to invest and keep up their facilities or build new ones, whether it be academic or athletic related.
In response to this nonsense…..”At BigT since you’re stated you’re an accomplished business owner, you don’t support black schools but I’ll be my life you want customer to support black businesses. Go figure…” – I do very well and i don’t have to cater to a specific race of people, my product caters to everyone!!!!
Ivy
August 12th, 2012
1:45 am
Spelman is good. But, Gabby can do better. I have worked with several people who graduated from Spelman who were lost. I was not impressed. Gabby has many options and should consider them all. Then, she should pick the best for her.
Gunluvr
August 13th, 2012
8:50 am
Those schools in that area are only really interested in indoctrination, not education. I wouldn’t send my child there to be educated, they’re a waste of time and money; too much money. Ms. Douglass can do much better and not put her life in danger by avoiding the crime filled West End.
Thomas
August 13th, 2012
10:27 am
SHE WILL BE A UGA GYMDAWG.
T. Cruz
August 13th, 2012
12:54 pm
This is an awful post
PB
August 13th, 2012
2:42 pm
If this is true, great choice! I’ve never met a Spelman grad who was not at least as well-prepared for the world as Ivy League grads. Plus, she’ll get something at Spelman that she can’t get at a predominantly white university: preparation for dealing with the challenges of being a strong, talented, smart, attractive black woman in America. Believe me, she’s going to need that more than a degree from a large predominantly white and/or Ivy League school. I’m speaking from experience, statistics, and observation – not speculation.