Five months later, a very different Athletic Board meeting
The same board that five months ago approved a new five-year, $3.25-million contract for Damon Evans will convene at 11 a.m. today to hear details of his resignation.
This morning’s meeting, via conference call, of the UGA Athletic Board’s executive committee is expected to reveal Evans’ resignation settlement and perhaps the game plan for choosing his successor as Georgia’s athletics director. I’ll be listening in on the call from the Butts-Mehre building and will post updates on Twitter (@ajcuga), so please follow me there.
Meanwhile, I keep thinking about that meeting barely five months ago -– Feb. 3 -– at which the Athletic Board expressed its enthusiastic approval of Evans’ job performance by giving him a new five-year contract and a $110,000-a-year raise.
At that meeting, UGA President Michael Adams said of Evans: “He’s already become a nationally recognized figure in athletics, and we are fortunate to have him. . . . I think he’s done an extraordinary job. . . . And there’s not been a whiff of impropriety during that six-year period. If you’re the president of an institution, that means a whole lot.”
And on that day, a grateful Evans told the board after it emerged from executive session and announced the new contract: “I’m touched deeply by it.”
In a hallway outside the meeting room a few minutes later, he told me: “We’ve got a lot left to do. I want to see us grow in so many different phases. I want to see us recognized as the elite program, and I sincerely mean that. . . . I’m fortunate. Who wouldn’t want to be the athletic director at the University of Georgia? . . . An old country guy from Gainesville, Georgia –- who would have ever thought? It is just a blessing.”
Everything was upbeat at that meeting, which also saw the board approve Evans’ recommendation to spend $21.3 million on renovating Stegeman Coliseum and creating an entry plaza behind the north stands of Sanford Stadium.
No one in attendance on the afternoon of Feb. 3 could have imagined where things would stand on the morning of July 5.
Keep up with today’s meeting: @ajcuga on Twitter.
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130 comments Add your comment
Sic em Dawgs
July 5th, 2010
9:33 am
collegeballfan….
Wrong! Adams has rode the coattails of Zell Miller’s HOPE scholarship. Adams is a cheap con artist who makes fools like you believe him.
82Dawg
July 5th, 2010
9:33 am
ATLER … I disagree, this has nothing to do with race and please do not try make into a race issue. It has everything to with Damon the face of UGA Athletics getting caught for DUI, trying to influence a State Trooper, him crying like a baby once he realized that he was going to jail. AND that he was married with another woman in the car with him and here panties in his lap. At least he could have thrown them in the back floor board…….
rumour has it
July 5th, 2010
9:35 am
President Adams was a subject of a critical forensic audit dated October 24, 2003 by Deloitte & Touche, LLP that criticized Adams’s stewardship, including but not limited to (i) expenditures for which Adams later reimbursed the University of Georgia, (ii) a stipend given to his wife, Mary, (iii) Adams’s oversight of the purchase of an ecolodge in Costa Rica, (iv) and a secret payment by Adams to former football coach Jim Donnan.[4]
rumour has it
July 5th, 2010
9:35 am
In a March 2004 poll of the faculty of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, the largest college in the University of Georgia, seven out of ten faculty members stated that they had no confidence in Adams. Additionally, in a 2004 statement the Franklin faculty senate expressed concern of a decline in excellence during Adams’ tenure.
rumour has it
July 5th, 2010
9:37 am
Adams was widely unpopular among the student body, receiving boos at Sanford Stadium during halftime of the 2003 homecoming football game. Also in 2003, alumni and fans of the university marched on the Georgia state capitol with petitions signed by 60,000 people, demanding his dismissal.
charlie the tuna
July 5th, 2010
9:37 am
Keep going rumor has it…there’s more. Bring this cancer called Adams out into the light for all to see. Faculty & staff despise him.
rumour has it
July 5th, 2010
9:38 am
In 2007, Adams worked to establish the Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology on the University’s Athens campus, stating “The creation of the School of Ecology is a historic commitment by the university to this essential field of study. Environmental issues are key as we think about economic success and sustainability for our children and grandchildren.” Unfortunately during the same year, the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), a 50+ year UGA institution originally founded by Dr. Odum and located on the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site was significantly downsized due to reduced funding from DOE. Despite widespread public and political support for SREL, including letters from the four Republican GA/SC senators, SREL was forced to consider closing its doors. However, funding from a diversity of other sources was able to keep the lab open, but with substantial loss of budget and personnel.
Lack Intelligence
July 5th, 2010
9:46 am
82Dawg (and everyone else trying to keep race out of this) -
As I tried to convey in my comments to 1eyedJack, while it is noble of the few people who are trying to keep race out of this, unfortunately it is just like blowing in the wind. As the day progresses and you check the blog periodically, you are going to be shocked at the level to which the discussion disintegrates into race.
So, I applaud all those who are intelligent enough have a serious debate about the downfall of Damon Evans. Try not to let the unintelligent (race baiters) get under your skin because ultimately that is their goal.
Enjoy your day!
just wondering
July 5th, 2010
9:50 am
just wondering…. will they still play the video PSA from Damon Evans on the jumbotron during home football games – seems to me that the message “you drink and drive – you lose ” is never more true, never more meaningful and never more demonstrative of the possible consequences. just wondering if that had been considered??
CONFEDERATE DAWG
July 5th, 2010
9:52 am
AGREED, WE GOT A BLACK PREZ, MOVE ON DOWN THE LINE….
BE EASY DAWGS…
CornholeKid
July 5th, 2010
9:53 am
Kobe, Tiger, Damon, the list goes on and on and on. Some things never change. Who’s next?
long time dawg fan
July 5th, 2010
9:59 am
someone needs to call the vet and put confederate dawg to sleep…remove his comments…his comments are not helpful…as for Damon Evans, sad as it is, it was voluntary…he made his choices…he had the power..the expectations were high…he did not live up to standard…he needs to go…same should hold true to anyone we hold up to “praise”…players included…they should now know there is no tolerance…,
junkyarddawg
July 5th, 2010
10:02 am
TO collegeballfan: Adams had as much to do with raising the academic standard at the university as HOPE did. Once the parents of all these smart kids realized that it made economic sense to go to Athens rather than out-of-state it became harder to get in.
TO Steve: What Adams hates Dooley. Vince was and still is far more popular in the Bulldawg Nation than Adams ever will be. Pure envy and ego. Dooley not an Adams fan because he forced him to retire before he was ready.
Time to move on. Williams or McGarity, either would be great. Williams would be the PC choice but she is too close to the situation to take charge. McGarity has been away from Athens since 92 and will bring a fresh new vision and a wealth of experience. We need that experience and maturity. Don’t worry Michael, bring in McGarity and maybe you can still be president, eventhough very few want you!
Paddy
July 5th, 2010
10:03 am
Confererat Dawg and home and home….good reading from you guys this am. OK, lets jump into the real subjuect, DE resignation I, for one, do not see race as a factor in any of this affair. What am I missing? To me it is just a DUI,abuse of power (playing the UGA AD card) and cheating on his wife. I have tried to read as much about this subject as possible..If there are other accounts that will show us that race played into this, I would like to read them for myself and make up my own mind on the subject. Many reporter hours have gone into this in just a few short days. Do you think they are waiting on more fact to surface? To thow the race card on the table with no proof is irresponsible and shows a lack maturity by some.
junkyarddawg
July 5th, 2010
10:04 am
SORRY – meant to say adam DID NOT HAVE…
SavannahDawg
July 5th, 2010
10:04 am
It is sad that he will lose his job. The sadest result is that two children will likely lose their father. It appears that Wednesday was a very costly blip in the life of a guy who had done everything as well as it could be done. Regardless of his ties to UGA, it would be equally sad in any arena. I’m incredibly sorry for Damon, his wife and especially his children.
DIT
July 5th, 2010
10:09 am
Oh Gee, thanks for that commentary there GT
My guess is that no one drinks at Bobby Dodd Stadium??? Give me a break! I had to leave a UGA/GT game earlier a few years back because not only were we beating tech so bad, but your, NOT DRUNK BUDDY”S (yeah right) were throwing stuff and cussing at me and my kids just because we were wearing red & black. So very classy!
Drunks are at every stadium unfortunatley. To single out UGA and act as if your fans are hollier than everyone else is a joke…… Please think before you post!
Cuz
July 5th, 2010
10:10 am
I promise to get a designated driver and not cheat on my wife, well I am not married. Can I apply for the job? Sounds like some great perks.
Get Real
July 5th, 2010
10:11 am
Wasn’t the first time he drove drunk I’m sure, wasn’t the first time he had a friend I’m sure…was the first time he got caught by someone who wouldn’t look the other way…I’m sure.
Sad for his wife and kids. I hope he becomes a better person.
Cuz
July 5th, 2010
10:13 am
CONFEDERATE DAWG, the Star Spangled Banner’s melody is to the tune of an English Army drinking song. My Country Tis of Thee, gets it’s melody from God Save the Queen (King). Standard practice.
Dawg1000
July 5th, 2010
10:17 am
Man, sounds like another case of Tiger Woods syndrome. Thank goodness the girls panties were UGA colors (red) or he might have really been in trouble.
Delbert D.
July 5th, 2010
10:19 am
Cuz – You have my full support.
DAWG Colonel
July 5th, 2010
10:19 am
A sad day in the DAWG house. But, this too will pass.
There is a lesson here. Those in positions of great responsibility are held to a higher standard. Damon Evans either never learned that or forgot it. But this is a lesson for all…take the big job, draw the big bucks, MOVE INTO A GLASS HOUSE.
Let’s hope that President Adams can put aside his personal agenda and bring in the best AD available.
Delbert D.
July 5th, 2010
10:26 am
Prez Adams’ glass house must be that impact-resistant kind.
WonderDawg
July 5th, 2010
10:31 am
Boy, he’s a “…nationally recognized figure in athletics…” alright. I really hate this for Evans, he made a good hire in Fox and pressured CMR to let Martinez go (wish he’d gone a little farther and moved Bobo back to QB Coach), but hopefully he will bounce back and get his life on track. Speaking from experience, he CAN do that.
DAWG Colonel, the last part of that lesson is unfortunately, ………and get a settlement for resigning for breaking a pledge you made in your contract. I just don’t get that. You either broke your contract or you didn’t. If you did, you should get your last paycheck earned, nothing more.
I also agree with you DAWG Colonel, that we get the best, not Adam’s favorite.
Saint Simons
July 5th, 2010
10:32 am
UGA needs to clean up its actions, this is getting old!!!!
David Granger
July 5th, 2010
10:36 am
If Georgia wanted to fight it out in court, I doubt Evans would get a nickel. Most contracts have a “morality clause” in them that allows for firing based on behavior. But it’s real hard (and real messy) to fire for cause, and that would involve dragging it out and creating a lot MORE bad publicity for both Damon and the university. So it’s probably best for all concerned that they agree to a settlement.
Sad. I wasn’t real pleased with his selection as AD originally, but I think he’s done a pretty good job.
AD Stinky Fingers
July 5th, 2010
10:37 am
Rut, Rho. Looks like the jig is up.
WonderDawg
July 5th, 2010
10:38 am
Cuz, it seems that tha biggest “perk” of all is the golden parachute . . .
kkong
July 5th, 2010
10:39 am
So what did he do that was so wrong?
Tigress
July 5th, 2010
10:39 am
Academically UGA used to be in the back row of the SEC. Now UGA sits in the front row.
What an absurd statement. You need to lay off the kool aid, you dumbdazz.
WonderDawg
July 5th, 2010
10:39 am
Saint Simons, FYI, Damon Evans is not UGA. He is just an former employee.
reality check
July 5th, 2010
10:40 am
collegefootballfan…..”Academically UGA used to be in the back row of the SEC. Now UGA sits in the front row.”…. That’s not exactly a chest thumping statistic. Heck, we wouldn’t even rate in the top four for just the state of NC, much less when compared to the rest of the country. Vandy and the Gators carry the academic flag for our conference, everyone else is pretty common, except for the Mississippi schools, which are a joke.
clickdawg
July 5th, 2010
10:42 am
cornfolekid, you’re right al gore, jesse james, brad pitt, larry king, yhe list really does go on and on…………
UGAdawg71
July 5th, 2010
10:43 am
Claude Felton has the experience and respect of everyone in the media and the Bulldawg Nation to manage this catastrophe, at least as an interim AD.
SSIgator
July 5th, 2010
10:50 am
What difference does it make how much money he gets. His soon to be ex wife will get it all.
FLDMD
July 5th, 2010
10:52 am
To Columbus Dawg @ 8:47AM: Very cogent and very well put, Columbus Dawg, but, as you well know, as Long as Richt projects the image he has up till now, there will be those Richt fanatics who would rather have their molars(back jaw teeth) “drawn” without anesthetic then get rid of him. Unfortunately, I don’t see any improvement on the horizon, although I hope I am mistaken.
Pago Flyer
July 5th, 2010
10:57 am
So what’s with these rich, famous afro athletes that “have” to have a non-afro woman?
Tom
July 5th, 2010
10:59 am
Also in 2003, alumni and fans of the university marched on the Georgia state capitol with petitions signed by 60,000 people, demanding his dismissal.
Over half of whom couldn’t have told you the name of UGA’s President before the stink over Dooley’s ouster.
James Powers
July 5th, 2010
10:59 am
This is what happens when you hire a 34 year with no real experience.
I want to see the video of the Big Dawg crying.
What a joke.
Big Dog 98
July 5th, 2010
11:00 am
Stopping make fun of his crying…
He’s got enough problems.
Orange and Blue
July 5th, 2010
11:03 am
Gator Nation will continue to roll over this sorry excuse for a university.
POAD
July 5th, 2010
11:04 am
Evans is getting paid to keep his mouth shut.
AD Stinky Fingers
July 5th, 2010
11:06 am
Wait ’til my video of the stop and arrest is released to youtube, it will be quite a hit. Someone needs to write a new song, “Pantie Crying, Bulldawg Blues.”
POAD
July 5th, 2010
11:07 am
No Athens area women will come out of the closet with Damon Stories. The Other Ladies don’t want Dawg Nation to turn on them. The Lady from Ga Southern will have a rude awakening when she goes back to work. Her ability to do her job is now in jeparody.
Headlinin’: Disgraced Evans officially out at Georgia | Sport News
July 5th, 2010
11:07 am
[...] contract. Evans reportedly met with university lawyers over the weekend and is expected to announce his resignation to the UGA Athletic Board this morning. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Mark Bradley, [...]
AltamahaDawg
July 5th, 2010
11:09 am
Voice, no a blithering idiot doesn’t know that huge revenues and profits are far from the same thing. Managing expences while still undertaking massive capital improvements takes a lot of disclipline and planning. If any idiot could manage captive income, then the Fed govenment wouldn’t be in such bad shape. Of cource since Evans was such a puppet, we need to give Adams all the credit for everything built, bought, or done recently I suppose. As far the outrageous amount of money donated every year, haven’t you heard? Everybody is going to withhold thiers till Adams is fired. I guess those donation card were already prefilled for the past 7 yrs, but boy when that does kick in, ouch!
dawg lover
July 5th, 2010
11:17 am
Quite frankly, I am sick of the whole Damon thing. Not woth wasting time on his stupidity; take the “O’ out of his name and you sum it up pretty well…DAMN!
Now, I hope his wife and kids can heal from this and move on.
As far as all the comments about Mark Richt. Some of the people who post here will never be satisifid with any coach. You were tired of Dolley, Goff was a joke (that was correct) Donnan was arrogant, etyc. Mark Richt is human, and he has learedn from waiting too long to change the DC, but he is a fine man, he will never bring dishonor and shame to UGA and parents want their kids to play for him. he is a proven winner and he will continue to be becasue he is a man of his word with high moral and ethicsal character.
catlady
July 5th, 2010
11:19 am
The U of Ga’s rise to a second -tier university status coincides with HOPE, NOT Michael Adams or his predecessor. Simple economics, that’s all.
rumour has it
July 5th, 2010
11:19 am
Weak Tom. Real weak!