Richt shares thoughts on Evans’ arrest, resignation
ATHENS — Georgia football coach Mark Richt met with a few reporters in the atrium of the Butts-Mehre building late this afternoon and talked publicly for the first time about the arrest and resignation of Damon Evans. Richt expressed sadness for Evans and his family, endorsed the selection of Frank Crumley as interim athletics director and expressed confidence that UGA President Michael Adams will make a wise decision on Evans’ permanent successor.
Following are excerpts from the conversation with Richt.
His general feelings about what has happened:
“I do feel for Damon and his family. I’ve been working with Damon for almost 10 years now. I had a very good working relationship with Damon and a very good personal relationship, too, with him and his family. I’m definitely sad for everyone from that regard.
“Moving forward, I think President Adams has done a really very fine job of handling the situation the way he did. I think having Frank Crumley as the interim AD right now makes the most sense. Frank is a very, very sharp guy. We’ve got a lot of sharp people in our association. Everybody is very, very capable of doing their job or basically continuing to do their job because I don’t see anything that is really going to change in the way we go about our day-to-day business. I’ve got a lot of faith in Frank’s ability to lead. . . .
“We’re just going to go on with life and take care of business. Our football staff and our football team –- I think everyone is saddened by the news of losing Damon because he has done a bunch of wonderful things for us. He has been an outstanding athletic director. But we all know we’ve got a job to do and an exciting season ahead of us, and we are very excited about moving forward. And this situation, as sad as it was, we don’t believe it will hinder us from going where we want to go and doing the things that we want to do. So we’re focusing on that right now.”
Asked if he has spoken with Evans:
“Actually, we exchanged voice mails. Seems like every time I called him he wasn’t able to pick up, and vice versa. Nothing that I would want to divulge, nothing earth-shattering, but just talking about the situation as best you can through a series of a couple of messages we left for each other.”
On a permanent successor to Evans:
“I do have a lot of confidence in President Adams’ ability to hire a new person who will get the job done and get the job done well. I know Georgia is one of the finest universities in this country, and our athletic program has got to be one of the top five in America in my opinion. So it is a job that a lot of people would be interested in, a lot of quality people. And whoever the president decides on, I’ll support that person and we’ll be ready to move forward.”
His initial reaction upon hearing the news of Evans’ arrest:
“I didn’t really know how to react. Because when you’re not there and when you don’t know everything that happened, you hear DUI and that’s certainly a very serious thing. But I really didn’t try to make — I didn’t and still won’t make any kind of judgment on it, but I knew it was serious. I knew that.”
On whether the negative attention on Georgia could adversely affect recruiting:
“I don’t think so. Georgia is an awesome place; it’s a beautiful campus; we’re in a wonderful city; we’ve got tremendous academics here; we’ve got a great athletic program. I think people see that and people want to be a part of that, so I don’t think it’s going to become a problem that way.”
And on speculation about how a new AD might affect Mark Richt’s future:
“I don’t worry about those things, I really don’t. My focus is to do my job, and my focus is to be obedient to my Lord and Savior. That’s kind of what I do. And if that is good enough, great.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
304 comments Add your comment
MAC
July 8th, 2010
8:37 am
Richt has class. Dooley…not so much……
Mark Butler
July 8th, 2010
8:41 am
How about Kevin Butler as the new AD,he loves Georgia and Georgia loves him.I beleave he was a great leader at Georgia and with the NFL with the Bears
Dawgie Bowser
July 8th, 2010
8:45 am
Okay Mr. Boo Who. Lets include all info and not exclude the little fact that the “white lady’s” bloomers happened to be found in his lap.” It wasn’t like he was riding down the road with his sunday school teacher, Come on !
Ross
July 8th, 2010
8:45 am
Richt’s a great coach.
He doesn’t get the PR from ESPN like media darling’s Saban & Meyer, but he’s certainly earned it.
From 1985-2000 at FSU, finished in top 5 final rankings 13 times. Bowden had 1 before Richt got there, none after Richt left. From 2001-2009 at Georgia, Richt finished in the top 25 rankings 8 out of 9 seasons, top 10, 6 out of 9 seasons, #2 in 2002, #3 in 2007.
Richt’s time will come. These years will be looked back as “the streak”. 2010 will be the genesis of a consecutive winning streak that people will talk about for decades. And he’ll get 1 30+ consecutive winning streak and another 45+ consecutive winning streak before he’s done.
GaDawg98
July 8th, 2010
8:54 am
Thank you CMR I am greatful to be able to call my self a Dawg fan. I admire the fact you stand up for your beliefs and are not ashamed. I know what Damon did was awful, he messed up but as a christian I have to be able to forgive. I think as the bulldawg nation we need to pray for Damon Evans and his whole family, hopefully they will get past this. As for our Coach thank you CMR GO DAWGS !!!!! lets have a great season
bill
July 8th, 2010
8:57 am
come on cann’t tech and the dogs just just get along. The more important but missing information is the young lady with Mr Evans. I heard if she would have just shut up the whole thing would not have happened. That is an expensive piece of ass! I hope it was worth it. I want to see it.
georgiadawg70
July 8th, 2010
8:59 am
UGA WHO The fact that the woman was white had nothing to do with it. He would have been fired if the woman had been Snoop Dog’s twin sister.
GaDawg98
July 8th, 2010
9:01 am
OK I KNEW IT WOULD ONLY BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE PLAYED THE RACISIM CARD. UGA WHO ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND COLOR OF SKIN HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH DAMON EVANS I ADMIRE HIM AND I AM GREATFUL FOR THE JOB HE HAD DONE AT UGA. I AM SURE DR ADAMS DID NOT MAKE THIS CHOICE LIGHTLY. WHAT KIND OF MSG DOES IT SEND TO OUR ATHLETES AMD STUDENTS IF WE JUST OVERLOOK IT. DAMON EVANS WAS HELD TO HIGHER STANDARDS BUT IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE COLOR OF SKIN IT WAS THE POSISTION HE HELD AT UGA HE KNEW WHAT WAS EXPECTED WHEN HE SIGNED HIS NEW CONTRACT. I BELIEVE EVERYONE AT UGA DID WHAT THEY COULD IF NOT DAMON WOULD NOT HAVE RECIEVED THE SEVERANCE PCKG HE DID. GOD BLESS DAMON EVANS I HOPE HE COMFORTS AND SEES THE EVANS FAMILY THROUGH THIS TIME OF TRIALS.
GO DAWGS!!!!!
That gog will bite you
July 8th, 2010
9:13 am
Dogtard you need to do a little research before you open a mouth that does not know what the heck its talking about. Get back to your PBR and your gas station slot
Red Panties
July 8th, 2010
9:15 am
Red panties on the ground,
Red panties on the ground,
UGA feels like a fool
With red panties on the ground.
Only one question, I have
July 8th, 2010
9:18 am
What % of you negative bloggers on this site, even attended a major university and if so, how many attended away from home? I suspect that 95% of the UGA detractors on this site are JC material at best. I suspect that they are around 16-25 years old and sit at home on their mom’s PC, just pounding the keys with no job or even a job prospect ………… because they are uneducated losers.
UGA, according to the ESPN tv sportscasters on Monday night ( ESPN is not in bed with UGA ) said that the best sports gigs are Texas, and Florida and maybe Ohio State. See? $$$ is what drives the vehicle and football and fan contributions ( from alumni) are HUGE at UGA ……………..UGA is FLUSH WITH CASH BABY!!
Hate is why there are so many negative comments on UGA …………..driven by jealousy. AAAAAAHAHAHA
Go Dogs. Money talks and smoke walks. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$4 is UGA’s real brand.
I know UGA Who
July 8th, 2010
9:19 am
Well, I don’t really. I do think that’s somebody pulling our chain and just trying to stir everyone up. That’s like saying our football players are criminals because of minor offenses like scooter infractions, or fireworks. Alot of the negative on here is someone trying to be a comedian, and some are rival schools that are jealous. Then, you have the ones that are too dumb to even get into school.
Warrior
July 8th, 2010
9:20 am
Dawg fans shouldn’t worry too much about the humiliation that sleezebag Demon Evans has brought to the school. Time heals all wounds, and people will eventually forget the whole humiliating affair.
In about a hundred years or so.
Linda B
July 8th, 2010
9:26 am
As a public service, maybe the AJC could start running a sidebar that shows how many UGA players have been arrested during the week, with a total for the year. It’s getting hard to keep track of how many officials in the athletic office have been arrested, much less the players.
The question is how many of Richt’s players will be suspended or will be slowed by the ankle monitors they’re wearing.
Another question: do parole officers and bail bondsmen get free tickets for UGA home games?
GatorGirl
July 8th, 2010
9:28 am
Come clean, Coach Richt. Surely you asked Evans about the red panties!
Farah in Cedartown
July 8th, 2010
9:32 am
I am now convinced Georgia goes 13-0 and wins The National Championship.
You’re been drinking the kool aid, right?
VolsRule
July 8th, 2010
9:35 am
Regarding academics – UGA and Florida are both ranked as top 25 National Public Universities by US News & World – GT is in there as well.
Tennessee has looked at UGA and Florida – we now have a hope scholarship and have tightened admission policy as well. UT is also focussing on research – by economic issues has slowed down inventment at this time – same as many other schools.
Grindl
July 8th, 2010
9:35 am
UGA folks can brag all you want to about beating Tech in football most years, and that’s perfectly fair. What’s also fair is to point out that with a history of Jan Kemp (Vince Dooley days), Jim Harrick, and now Damon Evans, the UGA Athletic Department is truly “The Cesspool of the South,” and is richly deserving of that title. No one outside of Georgia has any respect for your University or your Athletic Department, and that is a fact. It has been said many times: “Tech people are proud of their school, Georgia people are proud of their football team.” What a legacy to be proud of! And don’t forget the red panties.
UGA fans can now return to your mobile home parks and resume waiting for your unemployment checks. :-)
Mr. Obvious
July 8th, 2010
9:48 am
All Damon & Courtney wanted to do was come together….
…for the good of Bulldog Nation.
UGA = Clemson = Perennial Underachievers
July 8th, 2010
9:50 am
VolsRule
Clarify your statment.
GT is ranked in the top 10 (actually #7) in National Public Universities by US News & World
UGA #21
UF #15
JayBo
July 8th, 2010
10:00 am
Richt is a class-act. The Dawgs are luck to have such a genuine person as one of their leaders. Goooooo Dawgs!!!
Revenge of the NERDS
July 8th, 2010
10:01 am
Anyone who graduated from UGA before Georgia had the Hope scholarship is lucky that having that scholarship in place has made UGA a harder school to get into. Thus making your degree look and mean more. Back in the 80s and 90s you could drive down Milledge Ave. and get your diploma on your way out.
SOOHSO
July 8th, 2010
10:03 am
Here’s what’s going to happen. After a boring 9-3 or 10-2 season. CMR is going to become the new AD and Kirby Smart the new head coach. In 2 yrs. we have a NC and it’s a win-win-win for everyone!!
Red Panties
July 8th, 2010
10:10 am
Doggies love to pound their chests and brag about their mediocre accomplishments, recent record against GT, etc… Without going back in time 30 plus years, let’s talk about the real measuring stick. Academics, titles, …..you name it. Gators rule.
damngooddawg!
July 8th, 2010
10:18 am
Red Panties, don’t make fun of another school’s colors. You guys look like a gay pride convention. And why can’t we look at overall records? Hurts, don’t it? Your day is coming around again. DOG FOOD!
killerj
July 8th, 2010
10:20 am
hey? did I see red panties in richts back pocket?
Stay Classy San Diego
July 8th, 2010
10:25 am
Classy hun? Florida…. End Zone Dance…. How soon you forget.
Ricky
July 8th, 2010
10:27 am
@Billy Bob
July 7th, 2010
5:48 pm
A lot of words, but didn’t really say much.
*************************************************************************
Said all he needed to say, he doesn’t owe you anything. But more importantly note his comment:
“my focus is to be obedient to my Lord and Savior”.
If Damon Evans had had that kind of focus we all wouldn’t be on this page today.
boots
July 8th, 2010
10:28 am
We are blessed to have CMR at our University. He is a great man, and he is a great leader for our student athletes. Seriously, his actions speak for themselves. I wish Damon Evans could say the same, but it is time to move forward, and I wish him well.
Mike Bobo 17 Interceptions
July 8th, 2010
10:28 am
Everyone pretty much respects CMR as a person, however, his nice comments about Evans and his inability to win titles will continue to be his nemeis.
CMR is setting the tone for a contract extension based on his kind words. I do respect what CMR had to say about Evans, and we do need to consider Evans and his family during this difficult time.
Regardless, eveyone in Athens loves CMR, but getting down to football, the cannot control his team on the field in terms of defensive discipline, and that is the bottom line.
Mike Bobo 17 Interceptions
July 8th, 2010
10:31 am
boots
Everyone in Athens does love CMR, including Meyer, Miles, and Saban. Matter of fact they are collecting money for his next contract extension.
We will see how much you love CMR when UF gives you another beatdown in Jax this year. UGA has one of the softest schedules in the country, and don’t give me that SEC crap. Only UA and UF are the dominant players in this conference, and only 1 is on your schedule.
Try to go back on the road and open with a D-1 and see what happens…oh that’s right, OSU handed you your helmets last year. Well, back to Agnes Scott for the opener.
hoopdog
July 8th, 2010
10:32 am
why does everyone have to comment on what a “class act” coach richt is? is it really that hard or even that big of a deal to be a “class act”? enough of that over-used term already. his job is not to be a “class act”, it is to win football games. i am a georgia grad, but these blind richt loyalists are nuts
Mike Bobo 17 Interceptions
July 8th, 2010
10:34 am
The Georgia football program is nothing more than a thug refuge for wanna be NFL players. Stafford will develop into nothing, and only a few players actually make a name for themselves.
Tarkention summed it up with the Vikings….always a bridesmaid, but never a bride.
SOOHSO
July 8th, 2010
11:00 am
Simple Solution CMR=AD=Kirby Smart=Head Coach=NC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So Simple.
Santa Cruz CA Dawg
July 8th, 2010
11:01 am
Coach Richt is a fine man and coach.
All of the fans who complain about him, have a right to their opininion.
He remembers how easy it is to make dumb mistakes, when you are young.
Then people give him so much abuse, for giving these kids second chances.
In the military they even gave some of my friends punishment and the second chances. I see Richt doing the same. If you never screwed up then I guess you have a right to judge.
He also has a tremendous won/loss record!
Ricky
July 8th, 2010
11:02 am
@Stay Classy San Diego
July 8th, 2010
10:25 am
Classy hun? Florida…. End Zone Dance…. How soon you forget.
*************************************************************************************
End zone dance? Weren’t they penalized for excessive celebration? And who you callin’ hun, sweet pea?
Just Kidding
July 8th, 2010
11:02 am
Maybe at UGA home games the Refs can throw red panties as flags.
Ricky
July 8th, 2010
11:05 am
@Mike Bobo 17 Interceptions
July 8th, 2010
10:34 am
The Georgia football program is nothing more than a thug refuge for wanna be NFL players. Stafford will develop into nothing, and only a few players actually make a name for themselves.
Tarkention summed it up with the Vikings….always a bridesmaid, but never a bride.
*****************************************************************************************************
I bet you think Tebow is a cutie……………..!!
Tech Sucks
July 8th, 2010
11:07 am
Richt = 8-1 vs the nerds. The only loss by 3 points.
You can’t own a school any more than that.
Go back to Warcraft dorks.
killerj
July 8th, 2010
11:12 am
ooohhhhh,so defensive! red panties on a stick anyone!
Referee
July 8th, 2010
11:23 am
UGA may not be an Ivet League school, but it is in the top 5%. The SAT means nothing. It is a test to see how fast you can answer question on a test. The review courses teach you how to take the test fast and not what you know. So the test means nothing. Now, Rhodes Scholars. UGA has more of them than GT. Wonder why. And last, but not least. an 18 year old away from home for the very first time is trouble waiting to happen. Athens is smaller than Atlanta and the students are more visable. MR is a stand up guy. That’s the bottom line.
In Russ we Trust
July 8th, 2010
11:30 am
Mike Bobo 17….
Yeah, Fran Tarkenton (correct spelling) was a real loser (rolling eyes)………He is the freakin’ NFL Hall of Fame you moron.
When is the ajc going to moderate these blogs so we can get some real talk on these subjects instead of a daily invasion by ga trek fans copying/pasting the same thing everyday? Apparently never.
In Russ we Trust
July 8th, 2010
11:31 am
“in”
dawg lover
July 8th, 2010
11:31 am
As I have said before, Tech fans’ have no life or they wouldn’t spend so much time on here bashing UGA…
WHO REALLY CARES WHAT THEY OR ANY OTHER fans think of UGA?
I am a dawg fan born and bred. I realize we have our short coming just like anyother school or program…I have seen NO SCHOOL ANYWHERE that is perfect. We have some idiot fans just like anyone else. But the bottom line is the true fans wear the red and black, support our team and university in both good and bad times. I have friends from other school, even Tech,who feel the same about their school.
All who claim to know so much and who try anyway possible to rationalize their own insecurities by bashing UGA, need to sweep behind their own door first. There’s more than enought dirt all over sports these days to go around, and it’s not just at UGA.
And as far as all the negative comments about Mark Richt’s faith….too bad for you. He practices what he preaches, he leads by example, and he is nothing but a credit to the students, administration and fans of UGA. At the end of the day and the end of life, that’s what matters most. When he hears the words, “Well done thy good and faithful servant,” it will be about the way he lived his life, not how many games he won at UGA.
UGA = Clemson = Perennial Underachievers
July 8th, 2010
11:34 am
Referee
UGA has had one Rhode Scholar and it happened in 1924.
Please don’t ever comment about GT fans bragging about our National Titles that were won back in 1928 and 1917.
If your 1924 RS is in play, so are our 1917,1928, and 1952 National Titles
Dwayne(gator hater)
July 8th, 2010
11:40 am
Christian LeMay should do his 30 days and like it.
In Russ we Trust
July 8th, 2010
11:58 am
UGA=Clemson…..WRONG AGAIN
In 2003 UGA joined Harvard, Yale, and Brown universities as the only schools with recipients of Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, and Goldwater scholarships—four of the most prestigious scholarships awarded to American undergraduates. With four Rhodes scholars between 1996 and 2003, UGA had more Rhodes recipients than any state university in America during that time period.
In addition, UGA added two more Rhodes Scholars in 2008, the only public with more than one during that year.
Vince's Dooley
July 8th, 2010
1:57 pm
Christian LeMay is going to fit right into our program. Send that boy a pair of red panties!!!!
C from Marietta
July 8th, 2010
2:31 pm
Reading these blogs really puts things in perspective. Our society is full of jackas*es.
Sven Ottke
July 8th, 2010
2:52 pm
Tremendous academics? Ba, ha, ha, ha, ha. Must stop laughing. Ha, ha, ha, ha. Stop! My sides hurt….. Oh? You were serious?