‘It was my fault,’ Dogs’ Shawn Williams says
From AJC correspondent Andy Johnston in Athens:
Georgia safety Shawn Williams is shouldering the responsibility for Saturday’s loss.
He missed tackling Arkansas wide receiver Greg Childs at the 25-yard line, and Childs ran into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown with 15 seconds left.
“It was my fault,” Williams said Monday night, following Georgia’s practice. “I missed the tackle.”
Williams played most of the second half, his first extended playing time of the season. He saw the play on game film on Sunday.
“I just had to move on,” Williams said. “There was nothing I could do about it.”
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265 comments Add your comment
GT12
September 20th, 2010
9:50 pm
Jacket fan here. Kid’s got guts, but there’s no way he should shoulder the blame himself. Either way, hope he uses it as inspiration to play harder.
Steve "The King" Spurrier
September 20th, 2010
9:51 pm
Bow before the Great Gator King you lowly dogs…
mike
September 20th, 2010
9:51 pm
do you believe this? a player taking responsiblity for a mistake and bobo and richt can only blame the players for the loss, yes its time to move on alright, we need a new coaching staff.
Time to bling
September 20th, 2010
9:53 pm
Giddy up and go Dawgs and go for the gold for my teeths !!!!
teewest
September 20th, 2010
9:53 pm
Hey Tim this is what this team desperately needs…accountability… long before this play anyone who watches the replay will see this young man playing his heart out. It is no surprise he said this, you watch him play it is clear football MEANS something him. Tim tell him one uga fan appreciates his effort mistakes and all. This is where this team is lacking we don’t have enough akeem dents, arbry jones, christian robinson’s shawn williams, ben jones ( the ones who you could on television playing with passion) and conversely to many washaun ealey’s baccari rambo’s the one’s who should shut up for the rest of season and study the playbook. the latter guys are coach killers Coach Richt doesn’t deserve this. That fouth quarter pep talk was the warrior many say the wish he was.it is sad he has a shortage of warriors on saturdays,(coaches included) what these guys don’t get losing isn’t the main issue here. GA fans are not like Tenn ALA fans in that they don’t think they should ever loose. You can swallow loosing if you play smart, play hard and leave everything on field. It is the way these guys loose that get me… coach killers indeed.
Mobile Dawg
September 20th, 2010
9:54 pm
Off the top of your heads can anyone tell me the last time we won a big game, a truly significant game. I can remember numerous ones that were big that we didn’t show up for. Something has gotten under my skin tonight. I’m sick and tired of the status quo. I want my dogs back. Beam me up Scottie.
Die-Hard UGA Fan
September 20th, 2010
9:54 pm
As for the diamond stud earing, Green could do one of two things; tell us where he got the money for THAT one, or admit it’s a phoney. Don’t think we’ll be hearing either. See you suckers next year; I’m done.
Mobile Dawg
September 20th, 2010
9:55 pm
I want to see my coach drag his headset across the field ! ! !
Nick
September 20th, 2010
9:56 pm
Had to comment in this one since the other one didn’t have comments available. Did ONE ball get thrown to Charles Staurday? I don’t think so.
And where o where was Houston? I saw one tackle.
Uuugh.
September 20th, 2010
9:56 pm
Nope…never. 2 years running we have heard nothing but great things from Richt about camp and practices leading up to the games. You would think Joe Cox was David Greene coming into last season! Like the other poster said…he mentions all these people that never show up in games. Now I am not expecting him to poor mouth the players in the press. But at the same time maybe he needs to raise his expectations. If you see greatness everyday in practice, one would think you would see greatness on Saturdays…at least some of the time! Maybe we need to tackle more in practice. You play like you practice…so if you only go to initial contact in practice (not a full tackle) that is exactly what you will do when you are tired in the 4th quarter of a game. If we can’t tackle in practice without everyone getting injured, our strength and conditioning needs work. We are soft and getting softer!
Just a UGA Fan!
September 20th, 2010
9:59 pm
Son, I admire your ability to stand up and be a man and assume “SOME” responsibility. My question is, where are your other TEAM members? The much talked about “O” line has not showed up in 2 years, the entire secondary has not showed up in, I can’t count that high in years! Thank you for taking the 1st step in recovery, ask the rest of the team where they stand! Action speaks LOUDER than words. Your Head Coach has this year and possibly next; but if drastic improvements are not shown, he will be gone also along with you and your buddies, BOTTOM LINE!
UGAVIII
September 20th, 2010
10:00 pm
Football is a team sport. It’s not your fault.
chuck
September 20th, 2010
10:02 pm
Way to man up Shawn.
I hope somebody somewhere can tell Bobo the bozo that when the offensive line is a joke such as the case with UGA, a screen pass or a quick slant to a TE will slow down that rush. I don’t know if it is the strength coach, the offensive line coach, Bobo the bozo, or CMR but someone or some bodies has to find a new job when the veteran offensive line is getting whipped physically by two middle of the conference defenses.
please fire Bobo
September 20th, 2010
10:02 pm
Man, Terry and Bobo putting Blame on QB is BS. This is a Team, are suppost to be. The DAMN BLAME belongs on the Coaches. Keep your head up Shawn its not your fault.
cantondawg
September 20th, 2010
10:03 pm
the real mistake,
Yes we do have some crappy fans like all programs. Fans who turn against the team over a few losses. However, every team does have them and most have the same qualities.
1) most never played sports of any kind
2) most live vicariously thru the team because their lives are so pathetic.
3) some actually played but were pathetic therefore they have to make up for it by trying to be badasses and say they won’t tolerate losing
4) most of these loser fans are inbreeds
5) most have no idea of the hard work and sweat these players go thru
Brian Evans
September 20th, 2010
10:05 pm
Shawn is one helluva football player and kid. He gives 100% on every play and busts his butt off the field as well. Look at the big hits we’ve seen on ST’s this year……Shawn’s delivered every single one of them. There was one play Saturday in which he fell attempting to make a tackle, got up, ran down field and ended up making the tackle. That’s the kind of effort this kid gives.
On that final play, we were out of position which led to confusion. Both the LB and DB covered the TE leaving the S to cover the WR one on one. Shawn is not to blame for losing the game. It’s a team game and the team lost.
The kids never quit on Saturday even though the fans quit on the team. UGA students whine about not getting tickets yet those who do don’t show up until the end of the 1st quarter and leave at the end of the 3rd. If you really bleed Red & Black, you’ll be in the stands when the team runs out on the field on October 9 against the Vols. Say what you want about the coaching staff but get behind these kids. Shawn and his teammates deserve our support.
Rocket Rod
September 20th, 2010
10:05 pm
My Dawgs, Hope they always win. But win or lose my DAWGS! Sic’em.
Williams there is another game this week, make em pay. GATA!
Sanford Drive
September 20th, 2010
10:05 pm
Why would you even run this article??
Mobile Dawg
September 20th, 2010
10:06 pm
I said this earlier today but will repeat it tonight for everyone’s benefit. In society when you bring someone new into your office, system, club, team, etc the new person generally adapts to the environment around them. You can take a slacker and put him with a team of go getters, what generally happens to the slackers performance. Vice versa, you take a high performer and place him in an environment with a bunch of low performers with low expectations. Guess what you get.
Motivation is a product of the environment you place an individual in. Performance is directly related to the level of expectation desired. Along with discipline if necessary. CMR apparently lacks the knowledge required to be an effective CEO. To build an organization and environment conducive to success takes special Leadership qualities..
Harry from da Burn
September 20th, 2010
10:10 pm
Oh looking at the quote, I thought y’all had another arrest.
Wandering Dawg
September 20th, 2010
10:11 pm
Hang in there, Shawn. You’ll get ‘em next time.
Pitbull
September 20th, 2010
10:12 pm
Listen, it’s not the Ga coaches fault that the team had missed assignments etc. I mean look at Bama. Well errr not Bama maybe be SC. Well err not SC maybe but ah just forget it!
Mobile Dawg
September 20th, 2010
10:13 pm
Canton, I could understand calling fans and supporters out if we had just lost a few games. Please respond to my question a couple of posts ago and tell us pathetic, inbred, trying to be bad asses, fair weather fans who have never played the game, when the last time we won a real game of significance was. Otherwise you probably weren’t refering to me. If not you have my apology up front.
cantondawg
September 20th, 2010
10:13 pm
I’m really encouraged by the improvement in our defense. Ryan Mallett is the best QB in NCAAF and his receivers may be the best tandem in the nation. Our defense stepped up enough to give us a chance to win. Unfortunately, we are still learning a new defense and must go thru growing pains this year
yeehaw87
September 20th, 2010
10:13 pm
The ones who really need to be saying this is the offensive line. Over-rated the last two years. Shreveport or Bust Baby.
dawgman19
September 20th, 2010
10:13 pm
Maybe nc state will have 12 guys out Saturday then tech will probably pull it out late. Dawgs will win out until jacksonville and then who knows. Better days are ahead. Shawn williams is going to be a stud.
BulldogLady
September 20th, 2010
10:15 pm
Way to man up Shawn, but in NO way was this loss your fault. It was all on Bobo and his awful play call on third down and FOUR. Why in the world were all our receivers running 20 yards down the field? Why not throw a screen pass to Ealey or pass to the fullback in the flats? All we needed was to get a first down to keep the drive alive, then run a couple more plays to get in field goal range for Walsh, run out the clock, and kick the game winning field goal. Arkansas should have never gotten the ball back. So, again, I applaud you for taking the blame, but I do not share your belief in that. It was Bobo and Bobo alone!
82Dawg
September 20th, 2010
10:16 pm
He did not lose the game by himself, it is a TEAM sport the whole team lost it.
Pitbull
September 20th, 2010
10:16 pm
Do you people really think the Dawgs will beat Sou Miss at Sou Miss. Missed assignments, no line play Def or Off. Rookie QB. Inept coaching. I mean, COME ON!
Pitbull
September 20th, 2010
10:17 pm
Make that Miss State
C'mon Man!
September 20th, 2010
10:18 pm
Shawn Williams = a real man, Bobo = a real coward
Pitbull
September 20th, 2010
10:21 pm
I hope Shawn is the team captain next Sat! He is a mans, Man!
Warp Drive 1
September 20th, 2010
10:21 pm
Tech fan here – way to man up – but it is needless.
Football is a team sport – and you would have tackled the Arkansas player – on what – the 20 or 25 yard line with 17/18 seconds left.
Arkansas would have hit another pass or run to set up the FG – and they had the game won anyway.
There is a lot out of sync with UGA. Ealy’s pass blocking is terrible, the O-Line is not gashing the defense and is struggling. They could not pick up any blitzs. And Bobo is out of sync with his play calling.
The defense is also struggling – 3 huge busted coverages resulting in TD’s -= made it real easy for Arkansas.
ONe thing I noticed – Arkansas had 46 seconds left in the first half – drove 60 plus yards for FG
Second half – had the ball with under a minute – took them 41 seconds to score om 3 plays – running a no huddle – UGA defensive coaching staff was not prepared – the defense was not getting set.
UGA just flat got out-coached during critical momemts. Richt is a good HC – but the game day coaching really lacked and so far Spurrier and Petrino have out coached Richt this season.
WDE
September 20th, 2010
10:21 pm
You know, the more the players catch the blame (either by their own press comments or the coaches’), the better UGA’s outlook gets!
A team of 5- and 4-stars. Talent goes to Athens to die.
I challenge someone, anyone, to justify to me why UGA, which sits in the geographic center of recruiting heaven, has the 6th-highest paid head coach, and consistently sells out a 90k capacity stadium is taking positives of “improving” while losing to teams like South Carolina and Arkansas.
As much as I HATE Georgia fans, even I think you should expect better than this out of your program.
DDPO
September 20th, 2010
10:24 pm
Some poster said this team needs is accountability? Really? There’s not any accountability for the players or their behavior. It must be this young man’s fault, his coordinator stated the same thing after the game. Grantham calls were great enough that he should have had a shutout. (Or at least in his own mind) Grantham is a perfect fit in Athens!
Uuugh.
September 20th, 2010
10:24 pm
I love cantondawg’s post. You missed on 4 of your 5 with me…and I can only assume by your post that you have been invited to practice to see what the kids go through. I have yet to receive my invite. The post kind of reminds me of Joe Cox saying “”most of these people never even played football.” Well you and Joe are right. I never played football. But I do watch more teams than Georgia play. I see teams tackling well…not getting tired…with creative offensive plays that actually fool the defense! I see teams not dancing on the sidelines or in the huddle…I see teams whose coaches manage the clock well in close games. I see teams play that don’t get personal foul penalties for taking a swing at other players. I read articles about other teams that are more about football and less about who is suspended or who got arrested. I see other coaches saying things like “I need to coach better.” I wonder…why can’t my favorite team do that?
All that said I was impressed and proud of the fight the kids showed this weekend. Go Dawgs…get better!
Laptop
September 20th, 2010
10:25 pm
WDE, are you using Cam’s laptop to type your comments while trolling on this blog?
Alabama Jack
September 20th, 2010
10:28 pm
I think Dean Smith said it best after losing a game by one point when a buzzer beater shot failed. After the game, reporters asked him about the “missed shot that cost them the game”. Smith calmly replied that during the game they had missed 37 shots. Which one did the reporter mean?
I don’t like dawgs, never have, but I would buy this young man a Coca Cola any time he wanted one..
Jersey
September 20th, 2010
10:29 pm
Laptop,
Not only is he using Cam’s laptop, he’s wearing AJ Green’s jersey while he types.
Summit Dawg
September 20th, 2010
10:29 pm
It’s not your fault Shawn, but an inept BooBoo who only knows passing plays, especially on
short yardage plays…..He needs to go, or Richt needs to go also….too thin skined to be a football coach in the SEC!!!!
WDE
September 20th, 2010
10:30 pm
Hey Laptop, I’ll stack up one transfer’s prior troubles against UGA’s Fulmer Cup any day of the year. How about you tell me how many arrests Auburn has had compared to Georgia the past 3+ years?
Jacketman
September 20th, 2010
10:30 pm
You didn’t lose the game, son. It’s a TEAM sport. Keep your head up. You did “man up”–quite admirable. More than I can say for that joke you have for DC. Popping off with Spurrier after losing to him.
Mobile Dawg
September 20th, 2010
10:30 pm
Uuugh, canton apparently called us out, then went home. I was hoping he would defend his comments.
bake
September 20th, 2010
10:32 pm
there’s really a tech good bringing up the game two years ago?!?!? doesn’t get much more pathetic than that. worry about kansass and how bad of a team beat you…not what you did two years ago. people like that shouldn’t be allowed to post. hey…tech won an outright title in 1920…can you bring something from that year up john heistman?
bake
September 20th, 2010
10:32 pm
sorry i mean to say tech GOON!
Uuugh.
September 20th, 2010
10:36 pm
A shame…because I cain’t read good and I gotta go up to bed with my wife/cousin.
Y’all have a good night!
Bulldog Believer in Lamar
September 20th, 2010
10:37 pm
I met Shawn at a summer baseball tournament in Crisp County a couple summers ago. He is one well mannered classy kid. Shawn you are still the same today as you were then. If you do go pro, remember to be as humble as you are today. It was not your fault!! I wish you the best at UGA. Hang in there!!
Pitbull
September 20th, 2010
10:40 pm
Did they change the name or job description of a SAFETY, at Ga? Maybe we need a SAFETY position!
red hill
September 20th, 2010
10:41 pm
He’s a dang sight more man than most of the coaching staff who just deflected blame to the players. Shawn Williams sounds like a real class act but it wasn’t his fault. It’s a team game and it’s a coaches job to prepare a team to play. I sometimes wonder what is going on down there M-F and in the off season.
WDE
September 20th, 2010
10:42 pm
Bake- I imagine you are a 14 year old that bought a UGA hat in a gas station and has been a ‘loyal’ fan ever since, but let me enlighten you.
Believe it or not, there was a time when two polls separately anointed national champions- there was no “BCS” to dictate who was the true champion. That said, GT finished number 1 in the UPI poll and Colorado number 1 in the AP poll. A small little factoid too- Colorado only went undefeated because of the infamous “5th down” they got one drive against Missouri, where they were given an extra play beyond the 4 downs:
“The Fifth Down Game was a college football game that included a play that the crew officiating the game permitted to occur in error. That play enabled the Colorado Buffaloes to defeat the Missouri Tigers by scoring a touchdown on the last play of their game on October 6, 1990. The ensuing controversy cast doubt on Colorado’s claim to Division I-A’s 1990 national championship, which it shares with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. It has been called one of the top memorable moments and blunders in college football history.[1][2]”
I’m sorry UGA only has one national title in its 118 year history. Just remember, too- you are one Herschel Walker away from being South Carolina version 2