New AD McGarity starts work at UGA, expresses concern about player arrests

For full story on McGarity’s first day on the job, please click here.

ATHENS – Greg McGarity started work as Georgia’s athletic director today, two days earlier than scheduled. In a mid-afternoon interview, he talked about a range of topics, including the high number (eight) of arrests of UGA football players this year.

“I’m going to really learn a lot about that,” McGarity said.”I’m going to learn about our structure, what we have set up as far as education of student-athletes. I want to learn exactly, why is this happening?”

Clearly he is concerned about the arrests.

“Yeah, I think there are too many,” he said. “I think when it happens it’s embarrassing to the institution [and] it takes away from team unity. And I know one of the goals is to make sure we have a system in place that holds people accountable. . . .

“I think it’s a problem,” he said. “and it’s something we want to do a 180 on across the board. It’s really every sport, and I don’t like the excuse that, ‘Well, that’s going to happen [with] college students; that’s just part of the deal.’ I don’t buy that.

“I think it’s a privilege to play intercollegiate athletics; it’s a privilege to play intercollegiate athletics at the University of Georgia, and it must be treated that way. Any other way –- if you want to go and behave like that, then probably you don’t need to be in college athletics. Just go do your own thing and not be a part of something that should be a special experience.”

More from the interview with McGarity is here.

162 comments Add your comment

AltamahaDawg

August 31st, 2010
8:51 am

J.R. we certainly had the behavior, but not the attention paid to it then.

AltamahaDawg

August 31st, 2010
8:52 am

You Booed Joe Cox and he didn’t deserve his scholarship?

Dawg Fud

August 31st, 2010
9:15 am

I think it is a valid point that not showing up for a court date is totallly irresponsible and should be taking seriously. If that is Washaun’s attitude then maybe it is better that he sit out for a while and re-evaluate his priorities.

Dawg Fud

August 31st, 2010
9:19 am

Richt needs to call Saban for advice. Please. Oh wait, Saban already has a statue erected in his honor so he is definitely an expert on pretty much everything.

Brookhaven Bulldog

August 31st, 2010
9:35 am

Amen DestinDawg….and Amen McGarity. Ealey was an idiot, and is still an idiot. Over 1/2 of the arrests this year are stupid traffic incidents. Athens-Clarke County brings you in and books you for things any bigger city would write you a ticket for. There are not a ton of murders in Athens, or gangs, or major drug problems. Athens has UGA cops (which have the same authority as any police force), Clarke County Sheriffs, ACC Police, as well as Georgia State Troopers, and GBI in the smallest county in the state. If a kid at Tech is seen out in Buckhead on a Friday night, he isn’t carded by a City of Atlanta cop for walking down the street because the Atlanta officer has more important things to do. ACC police do not. With that being said, our players need to know they are under the spot light and go the extra mile to keep there noses clean.

WDE is dying for attention

August 31st, 2010
10:00 am

WDE, you are pathetic in your attempt to appear intellectually superior. If you were you would not be on this blog. My guess is you are smart but that’s it. No social skills, no charisma, never been laid etc. etc.

In any event UGA is gonna kick tek’s ass in football again. What do you have to say about that?

UGA 06

August 31st, 2010
12:03 pm

WDE-I was actually somewhat intoxicated when I wrote that, as alcohol tends to enhance my verbosity. I am somewhat contrite you had trouble following my points, I tend to develop well versed thoughts when angered, your stupidity providing fodder notwithstanding. Unfortunately, my lexicon doesn’t fit into your world filled with linux and java programming script. BTW-when your standard day consists of working in close proximity to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Vice President Joe Biden, feel free to let me know what you’ve DONE.
UGA 06

P.S. A degree in Psychology isn’t necessary to analyze the social ills that plague you.

Mike T.

August 31st, 2010
12:57 pm

This is solid coaching and nothing you will see with CMR in your program…

Because he use the word damn? I recall CMR saying during one of those
halftime interviews last season that “we have to get after their asses”. I don’t think
he said pardon my language either.

WDE

August 31st, 2010
4:19 pm

Dying for attention-
Are you saying intellectually superior people would never be on a UGA sports blog? You might have just swiped your fanbase better than I ever could have. And you’ll just have to trust me when I say I am very charismatic.

UGA06-
Does “close proximity” mean you wash the trays at the State Department cafeteria?

moose

August 31st, 2010
7:42 pm

good God, he will never suspend anyone that matters what a joke, must be proud UGA

earl

September 3rd, 2010
10:32 am

McGarity’s biggest concern right now is how to keep UGA players out of jail long enough to play a ballgame. I guess he’ll keep them locked in jail Sunday through friday and release them to play on Saturday. Better keep a close eye on them during pre game warm-up and at halftime. What a bunch of unthankful thugs.

BhamTiger

September 3rd, 2010
11:19 am

Another UGA Player Arrested: http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2010/09/03/warrant-issued-for-uga-football-player/
When will the madness stop?? Rict has got to get the program under control.