Mark Richt says decision to sell Lake Hartwell property was Christian motivated
Mark Richt said the decision of sell his second home on Lake Hartwell was in order to be able to give more to the less fortunate. (AJC photo by Curtis Comption)
I had to laugh earlier today when a colleague at work pointed out that the independent blog “SportsByBrooks” was reporting that Mark Richt had placed his Lake Hartwell home up for sale.
Predictably, “Brooks” — aka freelance journalist Brooks Melchior, 43, of Los Angeles — makes the leap that Richt selling off his property surely must mean that Richt is in real trouble as the head football coach of the Georgia Bulldogs.
Writes Brooks: “Normally, I don’t subscribe to a coach putting a home up for sale as a sign of anything, but in this case, it might be applicable. . . . Richt doesn’t strike me as a guy out to flip houses, so I think it’s reasonable to surmise that last year’s 6-7 record — and the subsequent outcry emanating from Athens — may have something to do with the coach making over his real estate portfolio.”
I found this funny because Richt told me several weeks ago that he and his wife had decided to place their second home on the market and he told me why. He revealed that to me in an off-the-record meeting we had shortly after I had been placed back on the UGA beat. Actually, I initiated the discussion when I told Richt that my wife and I were considering downsizing but were afraid we would take too much of a financial hit with the economic times being what they are. Richt told me then what he and Katharyn were doing and actually predicted what the reaction would be if and when it went public.
With the cat out of the bag, so to speak, I called Richt Wednesday and asked him to explain again — this time on the record — what he and wife were thinking when they decided to sell the lakehouse. I’ll just let him tell it:
“Within the last year, I read this book, “The Hole in Our Gospel,” written by Richard Stearns. He’s the president of World Vision, U.S. I think people understand who World Vision is but, basically, they help the poor. Through their organization, you can help children, you can help build wells, you can buy them donkeys, whatever people need. World Vision helps people across the world. Well, anyway, there was a lot of statistical data in there about the amount of people that live on a dollar a day around this world. Billions of people. So I’m reading this book and it really affected me. It helped me realize that what we have is way more than we need and that our ability to give is hindered by this property. I guess that’s the best way to tell you. We just wanted to be in a better position to give and bless people that don’t have anything. We felt like this was one way to be able to do that.”
The house and surrounding acreage was listed for $1.99 million on May 17. Richt had the Hart County home built in 2009, about the time his oldest son Jon Richt signed a scholarship to play football at nearby Clemson University. Jon Richt transferred to Mars Hill College shortly after Tommy Bowden was dismissed as Clemson’s coach.
Richt makes more than $3 million a year as Georgia’s coach and has earned more than $25 million in income from UGA since being hired in 2001. So it’s not like he can no longer afford it or is concerned that, without the Georgia job, eventually won’t be able to.
“Our ability to own this home, to have this home, that’s not an issue,” Richt said Wednesday. “It has absolutely nothing to do with anything that has to do with football. It has to do my wife’s desire and my desire to give.
“I was actually compelled to do this much earlier,” he added. “I made the decision to do it a while ago but I didn’t want to do it during the season or during recruiting because I knew it would be blown out of proportion. But it’s been on my heart for a long time, so we’re just going ahead and doing it.”
As for the book that served as Richt’s inspiration, you can read about it HERE. Stearns writes that 40 percent of the world’s population lives on less than $2 a day and 15 percent of the world’s people, about 1 billion people, live on less than $1 a day. The United States, on average, lives on $105 a day, the book claims.
“I’d challenge anybody to read this book and not be affected by it, Richt said. “We just live in such wealth here in America. And I’m talking about everybody. Anybody who’s making 30 grand a year is extremely wealthy compared to rest of the people in the world. These kids, these families will walk two or three miles, half a day or more, to get water that’s really not healthy. They’re drinking stuff that’s not safe for them. Then children die of AIDS, they die of malaria and they die of dehydration. Kids end up dying or the parents die and they’ve got nothing.
“This book just talks about how much of that is going on around the world and, if it was sitting right outside our door, what would we do about it? It’s a very compelling book. Compelling enough for me to say, ‘you know what, I don’t want to pour money into a home like that when I can use it for better things, for eternal things.’ It was just very alarming to find out what’s going on out there and we need to do something about it.”
As has been Richt’s style, he’s doing more about it than selling off his property. He and his family are taking a trip to Honduras this summer with World Vision to observe and assist in the construction of water wells.
As for the SportsbyBrooks report and the predictable assumptions made by it, Richt laughed and said “maybe some good will come from it.”
“If this situation gets people to read this book and gets people more interested in helping the poor, then I’m happy about it,” he said. “I hope other people respond. It’s a very compelling book and if people read it, I think they’ll understand where I’m coming from.”
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398 comments Add your comment
It Ain't Rocket Science
May 26th, 2011
11:04 am
GT,
You said CMR brings the hood to Athens. You should be glad then, because he takes it away from Atlanta so you people at GT only get mugged twice a year instead of daily. At least he tries to help them out, rather than take the snob attitude that you people do at Tech.
suwanee dawg
May 26th, 2011
11:09 am
Shanekit,
No worries, most of the fools on this blog are not even UGA fans much less UGA alums. God speed to Richt and go Dawgs.
UGA Insider
May 26th, 2011
11:10 am
I very much like CMR and I wonder what his long term plans are after this season? Would he take a 5 year extension or would he just want a 2 or 3 if offerered? I have heard that his long term plans include doing missionary work full time at some point. An SEC coach usually has a short shelf life and you can burnout quickly so I wonder how much he has left in the tank. I guess it will all depend on what happens this fall.
schmeckdawg
May 26th, 2011
11:10 am
wally
May 25th, 2011
5:08 pm
As a UGa fan I too have lost respect for Coach Richt when he used the language that he did in Macon
What did CMR do so terrible in Macon? Say “hell.” I believe that word is in the bible along with damn etc.
Terry
May 26th, 2011
11:12 am
Joey, If your a Child of God, God comes first, even in his Word, God states he will not be second in anyone’s life, he comes first, then your family, everybody else, then you should come last, this is what’s wrong with most people in this day and time, they have no love for others.
Leslie
May 26th, 2011
11:16 am
CMR there are plenty of people to help in the US first. Take a look at Camden, NJ, Chester, PA, Detroit, MI, Coahoma,MS, the Appalachian region of WV and the list of poverty in the US goes on and on. The suffering is here in the US right now. If your child is hungry are you going to feed your neighbor’s child first?
Incurable LSU Tiger Fan
May 26th, 2011
11:21 am
Mark Richt is one of my very favorite if not my most favorite person who is a college football coach. He is right up there with Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno in my book.
OldFan
May 26th, 2011
11:21 am
We all have to respect CMR’s motives and actions. Few of us, even with his means, would do what he’s done. He deserves to be complimented. Now let’s go out and win some football games.
Moorebuilder
May 26th, 2011
11:22 am
Always has been a class act that transcends college football. Thanks for an example of a principled life, Coach Richt.
RxDawg
May 26th, 2011
11:22 am
“Anybody who’s making 30 grand a year is extremely wealthy compared to rest of the people in the world.”
Well that is true… but the cost of living in the US really knocks that back down to perspective. Especially the way the cost of living is skyrocketing lately. But yes, we don’t have it near as bad as a lot of the world. But we are certainly on the way there. RIP middle class of America.
REVDAWG
May 26th, 2011
11:27 am
Coach Richt is a class act and doesn’t need anyone to defend him. His actions speak louder than his words. He doesn’t publicize his generosity, but I have seen first hand how he gives, gives generously, and anonymously to both local and foreign needs. I for one am very thankful to have him here. He is an asset to our community, and even though my wife wouldnt’ believe me to say this, I don’t care if he wins another game. He has a higher playing field in mind. I hope he does, so the fools blogging here will have their mouths shut. But so what? They are just bags of hot air.
Boca Baby
May 26th, 2011
11:28 am
“Let him who stole steal no more. But rather, let him labor with his hands doing that which is good so that he may have to give to him who does not have.” Coach Richt has obviously embraced a sense of a higher calling with regards to the abundance which has been heaped upon him. Things like this will eventually find their way to the win column. And whose win column is that? Me thinks Richt believes that it is more important to hear the words “Well done my good and faithful servant. Welcome into the joy of the Lord.” This is the type of guy you want coaching your kids.
DDawgie11
May 26th, 2011
11:29 am
I don’t buy this explanation for 1 second.
Here’s the truth:
Richt’s had talent, 60+ guys went on to be drafted in the NFL. But Richt’s squandered his talent, more than any other SEC Coach, perhaps more than any other football coach in history. The Bible teaches in the story of the talents, that if you don’t use your talent, you will lose the talent you have been entrusted with. It appears this has come to pass for Mark Richt. After 2 seasons where he went 12-14, and wasted talent, going 2-9 against ranked teams, it appears the universe is taking away things from Richt now (players are transferring, coaches are leaving, his home is up for sale, his AD MCGARITY won’t renew his contract).
If you mismanage resources, you don’t get to manage them any longer.
WDE
May 26th, 2011
11:31 am
Leslie sorry I didn’t get the memo exactly when were you put in charge of who CMR helps and in what order…..???
Geoff Bennett
May 26th, 2011
11:43 am
RICHT WALKS THE WALK.
TheAntiMe
May 26th, 2011
11:44 am
It’s nice that he cares so much about God but God isn’t paying him millions of dollars to be a less than mediocre football coach. Maybe if he was the head coach of BYU or Notre Dame – the home of Touchdown Jesus – then he could get the motivation back that millions of dollars doesn’t seem to provide for him now.
Feel free to crucify me now.
Melonhead
May 26th, 2011
11:46 am
He should spend less time preachin’ the gosphel and more time preachin’ the playbook. With all the time he spends witness’n, it’s no wonder the Dawgs sucked last year.
Melonhead
May 26th, 2011
11:47 am
He should less time preachin’ the gosphel and more time preachin’ the playbook. With all the time he spends witness’n, it’s no wonder the Dawgs sucked last year.
DIT
May 26th, 2011
11:48 am
@TheAntiMe
No need to crucify you. Your words speak for themself.
DIT
May 26th, 2011
11:48 am
@Melonhead
You name is appropriate!
Mark S.
May 26th, 2011
11:50 am
Currently reading Hole in the Gospel for the second time. It’s a great book and really puts into perspective how good we have it in this country.
prpldawg
May 26th, 2011
11:50 am
To all the arrogant judgers out there, I quote this verse : “Wherefore whoever thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall”.
No one is perfect, but CMR by all measures has great character. I sure wish you big business people and politicians has his character. This country would be better off.
Using his religion has a criticism is silly and wrong. Ever heard of Tom Landry or John Wooden? It is not the faith that is the problem.
89Dawg
May 26th, 2011
12:10 pm
Hey “AntiMe” a little scripture for you…”Do your work as if for the Lord and not for men”….and as Christians see it, everything we have comes from God, so technically it is indeed GOD who “provides” CMR 3MM per year…I for one, am glad he is choosing to be a good steward of what he has been “blessed” with. I want the football team to win as much as you do, but please gain some perspective – and know that success here on Earth is secondary to our eternal treasures.
Terry
May 26th, 2011
12:10 pm
DDawgie11, Job had all his children, and everything he owned taken from him, his wife said, he should cuss God and die, but that had nothing to do with him squandering his talents, in fact, he was given back seven fold children, and what he had lost, and lived to see his children’s, children. Just because someone goes through hard times, doesn’t mean God has taken away his or her talent. Unless you have spoken to God personally, I would say you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Tobias Funke
May 26th, 2011
12:12 pm
TROLLS
I wouldn’t sell my lake house if I was about to have more free time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Richt isn’t going anywhere. Life sure would be easier on the Trolls if he did leave. He’s a great coach and a great man, and us Bulldawgs are very proud to call him OUR coach.
Pay something forward today, Trolls. Can you do it?
Val Vickery
May 26th, 2011
12:15 pm
I’ve read the book and benefited enormously; I’ve worked in many countries in Africa trying to help the church train those with leadership potential to get the training they so desperately need. Our tiny little ministry (Educating Africans for Christ) isn’t known like World Vision, but the impact on lives has been tremendous. I wish Coach Riicht would investigate putting some of his proceeds with EAFC. Can we talk?
lind4848FSU
May 26th, 2011
12:19 pm
I am not a Dawg fan but am a Mark Richt fan. I became a fan when he was at FSU. We need more coaches like him in football. What difference does it make in winning just on the football field but what counts most is what you do with your life and the influence that you have on others.
headley lamar
May 26th, 2011
12:20 pm
Richt represents mediocrity. Saban and Miles and Spurrier and other represent excellence and championships
Rich has a winning record against all of those ahem gentlemen. He has worn Spurrier out.
King Gator
May 26th, 2011
12:25 pm
Kudos to Coach Richt he’s a fine human being. Go Gators!
funny...
May 26th, 2011
12:32 pm
In this world of publicists and marketing strategies who really knows “why” he sold his house.
I hope it is for the reason stated, his track record suggests this.
I’m also willing to bet there is another reason. He sees the writing on the wall. He’s not stupid. His job is about to come down to 12 games. And actually Georgia and Richt will know after Ga/Fla whether or not he’ll have a job. Come out of Jacksonville with an L and it’s as good as over for Richt.
Ramma Jamma Dog
May 26th, 2011
12:37 pm
Coach Richt is a good coach. He needs better recruiting and better recruiters. His recruiting needs to be from Georgia winning programs not athletes from bad programs. Its no secret who the winning programs are: go to georgia prep sports and learn.
tide roll
May 26th, 2011
12:40 pm
Coincidence that Richt’s generosity comes out right before the athletic board meeting? Seems calculated. I hate to be cynical, but it makes you wonder.
DDawgie11
May 26th, 2011
12:47 pm
Job was a righteous man. Richt’s known for doing things like cursing out a fan at the Macon meeting, breaking NCAA rules to recruit Crowell by getting into the running formation, gray shirting players, trying to get AJ Green’s suspension reduced, over 30+ players arrested under his watch, and so on. Job’s wealth surpassed everyone in his day. Mark Richt is no Job.
rabundog
May 26th, 2011
12:48 pm
Not surprised – no finer guy – DGD CMR
Dawg Tired
May 26th, 2011
12:51 pm
It goes without repeating Richt is a good man, highly principled and big hearted.
I look forward to the day when he can spend all of his time helping the poor and less fortunate.
schmeckdawg
May 26th, 2011
12:52 pm
I don’t think anyone on here can debat that CMR is a good man. That being said, he is being paid in excess of 3M to coach our football team. I want to know how he is going to get us back to The Dome and I mean in the first week of DECEMBER not September!
Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!
schmeckdawg
May 26th, 2011
12:52 pm
debate…sorry
DDawgie11
May 26th, 2011
12:54 pm
Again, Richt was entrusted with 61 talented NFL players and didn’t develop the talent enough to win a National Championship. Look at what TCU, Boise have done with much less talent. Richt does not take stewardship seriously. Richt’s a Bowden guy, hire good asst’s and sit back and put your feet up. That’s why McGarity isn’t extending Richt’s short contract. Poor manager= nothing to manage eventually.
DDawgie11
May 26th, 2011
1:00 pm
“Good man”? Depends on how you define “good”.
Judging by Richt’s 12-14 record over last 2 seasons, if good is measured by fruit, you have to wonder.
Jesus defined “good” by “fruit”.
6 & 7.
Not good fruit.
Agu
May 26th, 2011
1:01 pm
Even Jesus would need to win the SEC a few times to stay employed at Georgia.
DDawgie11
May 26th, 2011
1:04 pm
As Jesus taught, Richt won’t get a heavenly reward on the sale of his home. Why?
“When you give to poor people, don’t announce that you are giving. Don’t do like the hypocrites do. They blow trumpets before they give so that people will see them. They do that in the synagogues and on the streets. They want other people to give honor to them. I tell you the truth. Those hypocrites already have their full reward. So when you give to poor people, give very secretly. Don’t let any person know what you are doing. Your giving should be done in secret. Your Father can see the things that are done in secret. And he will reward you.”
Tobias Funke
May 26th, 2011
1:05 pm
Saban’s lake house is on the market too. I guess we should assume he’s leaving Alabama too?
FLgAtor
May 26th, 2011
1:17 pm
Kudos to CMR. If the naysayers and critics can’t give him credit for this, then I don’t know what to tell them. This is about real life, not football. I applaud the man for his values.
Georgia Peach
May 26th, 2011
1:21 pm
Greatest hire UGA has ever made! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxg1I1jA29c
DDawgie11
May 26th, 2011
1:25 pm
Jeff Schultz made a great point in his Feb 2, 2011 article on the AJC blog:
–
“Here are some more numbers for you: 63, 73, 73, 114, 54, 63. Those were the rankings of TCU’s last six recruiting classes. The Horned Frogs went 36-3 in the last three seasons, including two BCS bowls.
Boise State’s last eight recruiting classes ranked 73, 72, 73, 78, 57, 64, 60, 97. The Broncos’ record in the last five years: 61-5 with two BCS bowls.
I know. TCU and Boise State don’t play in the SEC. But it doesn’t change the point: Those schools are doing more with less. Georgia has been doing less with more.”
—
I couldn’t agree more.
DDawgie11
May 26th, 2011
1:26 pm
Here’s the article mentioned above for those interested, it’s a nice read, very thought provoking:
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2011/02/02/georgia-recruiting-richt-needs-to-turn-stars-into-wins/
Tobias Funke
May 26th, 2011
1:31 pm
DDawgie
You are showing everyone your football IQ when you compare the WAC to the SEC. These two teams are not challenged week in and week out like you are in the SEC. BSU and TCU play two tough, physical games a year TOPS!
Stats don’t mean Jack! 64% of all statistics are made up anyway.
JB
May 26th, 2011
1:38 pm
WOW. 350+ hits on something that’s none of our business. Football, yes. His house, his money, his family, his church, NO.
Tobias Funke
May 26th, 2011
1:38 pm
Jeff Schultz hasn’t written a good article in probably 5 years. Let’s fire him, right?
DDawgie11
May 26th, 2011
1:41 pm
I wasn’t comparing conferences, I was comparing fruit/wins, with recuriting talent.
Boise & TCU have done more with less, and Richt has done less with more talent.