Richt in Honduras: Football soon far from his mind
Katharyn and Mark Richt arrived in Honduras Monday for week long charity trip. (Steve Hummer, steve@ajc.com
Mark Richt is nearly 1,400 miles away from the Georgia Bulldogs practice field this week, touring impoverished areas of Honduras served by the Christian charity, World Vision International. It is his third visit to Honduras, but the first time any media has accompanied him. This week we will be providing daily postcards, as a coach views the world beyond the narrow focus of football. Look for an in-depth report on this other side of Richt – one far removed from the gaudy excesses of big-time college football – in Sunday’s AJC.
On the road to La Esperanza:
Sunday, Mark Richt celebrated Father’s Day at his Lake Hartwell home, enjoying the place while he can. That’s the same $2 million home he put up for sale in May, after deciding there were far more egalitarian uses for his money than supporting a second home.
Twenty-four hours later, he was flying into the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa. Monday was a big travel day before visiting some of World Vision’s projects in the mountainous western part of the country.
Coach, you’re definitely not in the gated community any more.
Both at a restaurant where the Richt party had lunch and at a rest stop along the way, private security guards with shotguns patrolled the parking lots. (Armed guards are a common sight here wherever the public gathers).
The four-hour drive from the capital to La Esperanza wound through areas where shacks clung to the hillsides in defiance of Newton’s Laws. The road alternated between paved and unpaved. Our little caravan of three SUVs came to halt several times when the road narrowed to one lane, and another time to yield to a small group of wandering cattle.
There is one upside to this locale, as far as Richt can tell. Soon enough, he will be immersed in football. Here, he doesn’t have to be.
Will there be any Bulldogs business transacted this week, he is asked.
“Depends if they can get hold of me or not,” he said. “Maybe I’ll work on something schematic if it’s on my mind.”
We will update if the coach begins sketching plays in the Honduran dust.
– Steve Hummer
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
132 comments Add your comment
Truth
June 20th, 2011
9:49 pm
@Tuff, how can you not come away knowing he realizes how lucky he is from reading anthing about what Richt does on and off season- giving so much to those who have much, much less – to say someting not very bright like that.
Milledgeville Dawg
June 20th, 2011
9:55 pm
As person who has traveled to Central America multiple times for missionary work, I don’t blame CMR for having security guards. The majority of the population there live off stealing and mugging people. He is there to help those who are by far less fortunate than the poorest in the USA. Bottom line, in my opinion we have no poverty in this country compared to Central America.
Alphare
June 20th, 2011
10:43 pm
This is the kind of coach everybody wants to root for.
Coach, kick gators’ butts and win a championship. UGA is Tech’s rival, but kicking gators’ butts will make all Georgians proud.
BobDawg
June 20th, 2011
10:55 pm
While Tressel “Talks the Talk”… our Coach “Walks the Walk….
UGA FOR LIFE
June 20th, 2011
11:24 pm
Coach we will be in prayer for you while you are away from your home church here in Athens. We love you and think the world of you and Kathryn. Thanks for taking the Gospel to those less fortunate who have not heard and are in need, and it’s time like these I am glad you can do this before the season begins.
Danny D.
June 20th, 2011
11:31 pm
Richt knows damn well he has more than anything he could ever want and he goes above and beyond to give back to those who need it. How many NCAA coaches take their millions and adopt a young girl from the Ukraine with proteus syndrome along with her brother? Not to mention the thousands upon thousands of dollars and hours of time he and his wife have donated to various charities. Im not saying he’s a saint or anything, b The man damn sure appreciates everything he has and gives much more than the average American.
German Shepherd Dawg
June 21st, 2011
12:07 am
LRover,
I don’t imagine Richt invited the media as much as they asked to be there.
My guess is you could invite the media when you volunteer, but they wouldn’t be interested…unless you’re a celebrity of some sort.
MattMD, this is usually a mission trip, hardly what one would normally call a vacation.
DAWGMAN
June 21st, 2011
12:11 am
2d & 10, Go DAWGS, GO! The mission effort could be just as productive in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, or Savannah. The funds could be spent in Georgia and, respent again and again to the benefit of Georgian’s schools, roads, and social service agencies. It could be spent without the need for armed guards or the need for media. It could be done anonymously. Let’s till our land first.
onion ring
June 21st, 2011
12:15 am
do dogs!
onion ring
June 21st, 2011
12:16 am
very sorry!!! that was supposed to be GO DOGS—
Nachos w/cheese
June 21st, 2011
12:34 am
Why go to south america? There are just as many people here in Athens and other parts of Georgia needs help. I took a week of vacation to help my neighbors in Alabama and I didn’t take the press with me. If you have to take armed guards with you, why go at all?
CD
June 21st, 2011
1:08 am
Agree…where all the needy kids in Georgia covered?
shane#1
June 21st, 2011
1:19 am
Man, what a bunch of morons! What turnip truck did you guys fall off of? I am so sick and tired of the idiots! Why invite the media? Well you idiot, when you put your dime in the plate on Sunday to buy your preacher a new Buick no one cares. When hundreds are sick from bad water the media draws attention to the problem. Can ya’ll read? Oh, and for all the problems in this country, well there are 320 million of us here now so get off your ass and buy a homeless guy a Crystal or something. Damn, what a bunch of losers!
shane#1
June 21st, 2011
1:31 am
He twirp, maybe I kidnap your sissy ass and stomp it and we let CMR go on to do good things,
JacketBacker01
June 21st, 2011
1:32 am
Enter your comments here
Adam
June 21st, 2011
1:42 am
Well this is directly in response to everyone who has commented why go overseas to do mission work. This is the only question I have for you guys, How many people in this country that you know of have the chance to not be homeless or not be needy? I completely agree that there are people right here in athens and in georgia that need help. But there are people overseas not just in honduras that are dying daily from curable diseases. Things that we get sick of and go to the doctor and two days later we are back at work. These people are dying from it because of the unhealthy environment that they have been BORN into. It was not there choice to be brought into the world into the place they live, but they were and it is our responsibility as Christians to take the Gospel to them. That is what Coach Richt is doing and that is what he has always done. He is taking his vacation to take the Gospel to the other ends of the earth. Just what the Great Commission tells us to do, he is doing. God bless you Coach Mark Richt for who you are and for what you are doing to further the kingdom of God. I love football as much as anyone does but when it comes to real life sacrifices, you have to put all of that aside. I am praying for Coach Richt and all of the peoples lives that he will change. Go DAWGS and God Bless.
JacketBacker01
June 21st, 2011
1:44 am
Oops, sorry for the ubiquitous “Enter your comments here”…my fingers were working a little too fast. Anyhow, I commend Richt for his service and missionary efforts, it’s a great thing when someone more fortunate gives to the less fortunate. The only thing I question is what is he “really” giving to these folks other than time…is he donating money to some charity or to the mission itself? I would think and hope so, but I haven’t seen any documentation on this yet…you would think that someone that makes the money he does, that would be the case. Also, why the media presence…Richt has done this in years past with no media present. So I question the motives just a bit, not much, but why have the media? You can certainly serve a mission with no presence of media and serve just as well if not more. Yet again, I commend him for his meaning and efforts. Good luck to him and the Dogs.
1962 Dawg
June 21st, 2011
4:06 am
Helping people in need is always a win in life,
To all who say why not help the needy here in Georgia? CMR does a great deal of charity work for the childrens hospital of Atlanta.
The media follows CMR’s every move anyway, he probably didn’t have choice in whether they could tag along.
CMR is truly one person that gives back more than he takes, and for that we as Dawg fans should be proud to have him as our coach. I know I am.
onegadawg
June 21st, 2011
5:22 am
CMR has his life’s priorities in order and is using his position of prominence to help others. He has it together where it matters most and he knows it. I just hope he can pull it back together on the football field. Unfortunately, I don’t know if he can compete with Spurrier, Saban, Muschamp, etc. and keep these priorities in order. If you look at the National Champions over the last 10 years, several of the teams had head coaches that had to compromise their families, cheat, and/or lie to win. Good luck CMR.
@Matt M.D.
June 21st, 2011
5:41 am
Great comment Matt M.D. C.M.R. is a great man no doubt about that. He is geting paid to win football games .Nothng more nothing less.
. If C.M.R. does not win ball games the donors will put him on a looooonngg missision trip.
Dawggy Style
June 21st, 2011
6:43 am
If the media coverage inspires a reader to be more charitable or mission-oriented, then I would argue that it is worthwhile. If a reader wants to infer that Richt orchestrated the coverage for PR purposes, then that particular individual already has formed a negative opinion of Richt without ever having met the man. Now, in the whole scheme of things, who really is the better person?
Don G
June 21st, 2011
7:24 am
I have traveled to Honduras for 14 years. The comment about most people making their living by stealing and mugging is misinformed and a lie. The majority of the Honduran people are hardworking, family oriented people who are in a subsistent mode of growing food for their own families.
The armed guards are everywhere and are as much latin machismo as anything.
I expect that the media is along to promote the idea of sharing through missions than any self promotion by Couch Richt.
As to where one does their mission work, everyone has a call on their hearts. Perhaps his is in the foreign field as is mine. We both do plenty stateside as well. I suggest everyone look to their own house before being critical.
tell me again
June 21st, 2011
7:24 am
Coach Richt is the best coach in America EXACTLY BECAUSE he keeps it ALL IN PERSPECTIVE. THe young men under him have a man they can emulate – not just someone who teaches them to carry the pigskin. We are so fortunate to have him at the university and as the face of Georgia football. You “FANS” who say “all that is fine but he was hired to coach football” are EXACTLY what is wrong with college sports – win at all costs – recruit the losers if they can play – just make us money and bring us a trophy – you guys are the ones that need to get out of town – not Coach Richt. You think football is everything – guess what – IT’S NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He’s a winner on the field and off – something many of you posters ARE NOT. GO DAWGS!
kevinandrew99
June 21st, 2011
7:29 am
It is fantastic time to refinance home mortgage. As Clark Howard says it is very tough to find these low rates for long time. Search online for “123 Refinance” they found me THE lowest possible rate.
Fleming Island Dawg
June 21st, 2011
7:39 am
He didn’t bring his own media or guards. The guards are hired by the businesses that he stopped at. All businesses there do it.
Mike
June 21st, 2011
7:48 am
Incredible character and integrity, I’m so proud of our football coach. I also am so sad to read some of these comments, college football is much more than wins and losses it’s about building character in young men. What a great example for all of us to follow. BTW this was written by a DAWG fan of over 45 years and a season ticket holder. I love this guy!
BMDPD
June 21st, 2011
7:57 am
Wow, I am extremely disappointed and saddened by many of these comments.
Tom
June 21st, 2011
8:00 am
I’ve been to LaEsperanza, Honduras. The extreme excesses of the US are apparent once a person has visited that place. Houses with dirt floors, no indoor plumbing or water or power, door frames with no doors, window frames with no windows, Never meat to eat. And yet we in the us spend how much money per year on a game?
Red
June 21st, 2011
8:04 am
It did not say HE had security guards. Many places in Honduras will hire their own security team to enforce law. You go to a mall in San Pedro Sula and there is what looks like a private army protecting that place. Wendy’s had armed security. This is the norm.
I am by no means a UGA fan but what Richt is doing is living the Gospel. No matter how much he gets paid he is giving back. He has adopted an orphan. He funds groups and causes like this.
And to those who say help the needy here first – people help in causes they feel led to. A person may devote all efforts to helping the Alzheimer Association. It doesn’t mean they think the American Cancer Society any less. Richt may feel a calling here as well as Honduras. We may not know what he actually does here as well. For those hitting someone for helping somewhere else rather than here, 99% of these people aren’t doing something themselves. And instead of criticizing someone, try praising them for actually living out their faith or beliefs. Most people today are too selfish to dare help anyone else in need.
Paul N Destin
June 21st, 2011
8:18 am
A UGA fan speaking about beating the Gators is really funny. Really you guys need to say nothing about the Gators…maybe Vandy.
tenndawg
June 21st, 2011
8:28 am
I’m not a Christian, but I think CMR is a good man… problem is, he’s preaching to the converted, Honduras is a Christian country, why preach to the converted? That said, its great that he’s helping the poor, I don’t give a rat’s behind under what religion its done under.
MDDawg
June 21st, 2011
8:35 am
MattMD, you are a very small, insignificant human being. Being a doctor myself, I truly hope you are not one as well
Dawglasville
June 21st, 2011
8:40 am
I’ve been to Honduras too. Soldiers are the police. A lot of people use machetes and their feet to get to work. If you have never been to a third world country you have no idea. If Coach Richt is shining a light on these problems by taking the media then good for him. I would guess that the majority of you guys who are taking shots are in your twenties.
RedPantsDawg
June 21st, 2011
8:44 am
I don’t think there is any doubt he’s a good man but he has fallen short the last 3 years as a coach and the program has suffered. Richt the man and Richt the coach have to be separated in the cold reality of the profession he is in. Things like this set the stage for the fan base to be torn apart when a tough decision needs to get made. The fact is Richt is paid $3M a year to win games and he has admitted he hasn’t had his team ready to play (his words; not mine look it up). So you guys go ahead and tell me I’m not a “true fan” or I’m a jerk for calling out the obvious.
Jimmy Carter
June 21st, 2011
8:57 am
Speaking as one who has been on several mission trips to the third world; I wish I had a dime for every person who told me they wanted to go “to help those poor people”. and then came back saying how much more they received than what they gave. Mission trips are about sharing the Gospel of Christ, not ‘vacations” what little help is provided is done in the spirit of unconditional love. Lives are changed by changing the heart, not the physical circumstances you live in. Best part of it is that those on the mission trip are ususally changed the most!
Dawglasville
June 21st, 2011
8:58 am
Kudos to Katharyn Richt as well. I think it is very cool that she is with coach as much as she can be. I know that we don’t know everything about them, but for what most of us know, they appear to be a great example for many young people. Hopefully his players are paying attention.
MsBulldawg84
June 21st, 2011
8:58 am
To amswer the question “why go overseas?” By going overseas CMR and Mrs CMR can go and do their work without always being pointed at and recognized. They can serve just like anyone else without their “celebrity status” being in the way of their calling. Kudos to the Richts!
Georgia
June 21st, 2011
9:01 am
…and how lucky Georgia is to have Mark Richt.
BG
June 21st, 2011
9:03 am
How many coaches in the SEC does this kind of thing besides Richt?
LRover Is So Dumb
June 21st, 2011
9:05 am
@LRover
Are you so dumb as to not realize how valuable this PR is for the trip. CMR is not allowing publicity for his ego. He is doing it for a much greater reason………..
That maybe so low life like you will see the need and somehow get involved in Honduras or some other equally needy place.
Now I can tell by your lame comment that you wouldn’t lift a finger to help anyone. You are too busy finding fault in others.
Glad I don’t have your miserable life.
DAWG MAN
June 21st, 2011
9:11 am
CLASS ACT RATHER HE WINS FOOTBALL GAMES OR NOT!!!!
Muschamp
June 21st, 2011
9:16 am
Hey Richt… You keep preachin’ in Central America and I’ll keep coachin’ here in FL. No wonder your team sucked last year. You should spend a little less time on vacation.
Top Dawg
June 21st, 2011
9:27 am
Richt is great man. I don’t care if he goes 0-12 next year, he should still be our coach. Can’t find a better steward than Richt to lead Bulldog nation into the future.
Bulldawg
June 21st, 2011
9:29 am
tenndawg,
Just because Honduras is a “Christian” country doesn’t mean all the people there are Christians. America is a “Christian” nation, but not everyone here is a Christian. There are many people in both places that have never heard the true message of the gospel – Jesus’ invitation to humanity to accept him as personal savior to inherit eternal life.
Coach Richt has his priorities in life in order. I am personally challenged by his desire to do what is right in this world.
Also, I think a lot of people forget that Coach Richt’s wife had cancer a few years back. That certainly has given both of them a new perspective on living. I applaud their efforts to make a difference in this world. We’ve got a great coach, but a better man.
Bo
June 21st, 2011
9:31 am
To those asking why take the media: I don’t know if the Richt’s asked the media to come along or the other way around. However, Hummer’s reports will cause plenty of people to read about charity being done in the name of God that would not otherwise concern themselves with it. By now anyone who cares to know about Mark Richt, knows that he is a man of Christ and loves his fellow man regardless as to whether he gets credit for it or not.
Later Tater
June 21st, 2011
9:39 am
Muschamp, you’re a scum sucking loser in life.
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
9:40 am
I am amazed at the bashing that Coach Richt gets for doing something he believes in. I am proud he walks the walk.
I am pulling for him to have a turnaround year too.
And to the 9:33 am poster, I will fully expect you to post next as
“DawginLex Eats Idiot Sandwiches”. Go ahead and take the bait.
CMR Days r numbered
June 21st, 2011
9:41 am
His last year @ UGA and he knows it. Then he will have plenty of time to help the poor in Honduras.
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
9:43 am
CMR Days r numbered
June 21st, 2011
9:41 am
His last year @ UGA and he knows it. Then he will have plenty of time to help the poor in Honduras.
*************************************************
Will you be willing to admit you were wrong when Richt has a good year and gets a contract extension?
Dirty Dawg
June 21st, 2011
9:44 am
How pathetic some of you ‘posters’ are…I still can’t really believe that all of you Richt-bashers are, or ever have been, Georgia fans. The ‘media’ is there in the belief that they’ll help call attention to the World Vision project and the hope that more will be willing to help…those that think a football coach should only be a tobacco-chewin’, cigar-chompin’, a-kickin’, neanderthal, SOB are the truly pathetic creatures of this world and don’t really have much to look forward to….and, Heaven forbid, if anything bad happens to this group, and/or to the Richts, during this mission, I’m gonna personally find out who ‘ik perry’ is and let him know just how ‘true’ Georgia fans should act and what they should say about their program – in other words see to it that there’s nothing left of your a$$ to bother with.
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
9:46 am
Dirty Dawg, my brother from another mother……..
You go man.
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
9:52 am
9:33 am comment got removed?
Fancy that?
POOF IT’S GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Damn Good Dawgs
June 21st, 2011
9:58 am
My front porch caved in killing 3 of my best coon dawgs. Where is coach richt when you need him?
One good thing
June 21st, 2011
10:09 am
CMR won’t be texting from south america!
In Other news
June 21st, 2011
10:13 am
Coach sues girl who hit softball…..http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/06/21/coach-hit-by-softball-sues-ormond-others.html
Saint Nick
June 21st, 2011
10:21 am
Im focusing on winning National Championships right now. Good For Richt since he cant and will never win one for UGA anyway.
bucket
June 21st, 2011
10:22 am
Coach Richt may not be the best college football coach, but some of you have much bigger problems than he does.
Bama Mike
June 21st, 2011
10:24 am
I certainly commend Coach Richt on his relief efforts. Whether is over-seas or here at home it is all good.
WDE
June 21st, 2011
10:41 am
Muschamp tell you what you win your first game as a HC and then run that pie hole of yours..got it? Oh and Saint Nick I think you have to come up with something else to focus on if 4th in the West is the best all that focus is getting you.
aarh
June 21st, 2011
10:46 am
LRover- I doubt Coach Richt is doing it for the fame. I believe it’s one’s intentions that count, & unless you can read his mind you don’t know what they are. Why is it that even when people do a good thing that people still can always come up w/ something negative to say? I feel like by having the media there it brings more awareness to everyone about what an issue there is there, & it can help encourage others to help as well. It’s also like someone else pointed out…he may not have inivited them, but even if he did it can have a positive affect on others.
I guess this is why he kicks a field goal on 4th and inches against UCF in the 1st Qtr!
June 21st, 2011
10:57 am
tell me again
June 21st, 2011
7:24 am
Coach Richt is the best coach in America EXACTLY BECAUSE he keeps it ALL IN PERSPECTIVE. THe young men under him have a man they can emulate – not just someone who teaches them to carry the pigskin. We are so fortunate to have him at the university and as the face of Georgia football. You “FANS” who say “all that is fine but he was hired to coach football” are EXACTLY what is wrong with college sports – win at all costs – recruit the losers if they can play – just make us money and bring us a trophy – you guys are the ones that need to get out of town – not Coach Richt. You think football is everything – guess what – IT’S NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He’s a winner on the field and off – something many of you posters ARE NOT. GO DAWGS!
Link
Report this comment
Fire Mark Richt!
June 21st, 2011
10:59 am
Good for you Mark RIcht…Now, can you please do this full time, and get out of Athens! You are a Head Coach in the SEC…YOU SHOULD BE PREPARING FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT COACHING YEAR IN YOUR CAREER.
Rhall55
June 21st, 2011
11:03 am
“You snooze, you lose”!!! As long as the rest of the staff is busting thier butts, things can still be accomplished!!! Bring in Shaq Roland as a commitment this week!!!
frank
June 21st, 2011
11:20 am
nice to see mark rick focusing on whats important. The real reason he sold his $2 mill lake hartwell home is cos he knows hes getting fired.
Phildo
June 21st, 2011
11:23 am
Ironic headline. Think about it.
BradSRQ
June 21st, 2011
11:24 am
Coach Richt is living out the Great Commission as in instructed in Matthew 25. This Gator fan is not bashful in telling you that you have a great man as your head coach. The life lessons he is teaching his players by his selfless effort in Honduras, is more important than a 10-2 season.
And to those of you who are questioning why do mission work overseas? Here is a challenge. Why don’t you consider giving an hour or two at the local library, the food pantry at a nearby church, a homeless shelter, Habitat or a nursing home? There is need all over the world, whether it is Athens, Greece or Athens, GA. Good day.
UGA FALCONS
June 21st, 2011
11:31 am
CMR = Class Act.
6 for 6 with 3 home runs
June 21st, 2011
11:36 am
Meanwhile, Paul Johnson was seen at the Varsity eating a double order of onion rings.
6 for 6 with 3 home runs
June 21st, 2011
11:39 am
I have followed CMR on Twitter for about 2 years and I haven’t seen one friggin update.
HECKLE
June 21st, 2011
11:47 am
I’ve been there…..DON’T drink the water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tom
June 21st, 2011
11:48 am
Tuff….. What do you mean “maybe”…. Such a stupid comment…. If you do not think CMR is sincere about this then you must be sitting in a dark closet somewhere.
Wonderful Ohio on the Gulf 'Dog
June 21st, 2011
11:56 am
“Missions” trips such as the Richts’ are really quite common. What is unique about the Richts’ trip is that it affords the general public a glimpse into what our fellow Americans actually accomplish in the world for which they receive little recognition.
Several physicians I know dedicate one month each year to providing indigent medical care in Central America.
One guy, pretty much on his own and not as a part of any orginized effort, each year takes his wife and children to a remote village in Honduras where he sets up a medical office in a tent from which he treats whoever is ill.
His wife is a former model, who, upon meeting her in the United States, would seem about the last person you’d expect would voluntarily spend a month each year sleeping on the ground under canvas in one of the world’s most improverished places. But their family has done so, year after year, even when their kids were very young, as their own special Christian “mission” to the world.
Another guy, an emergency room physician in a huge New York City hospital, spends a month every year with several other University of Miami med school graduates providing clinical indigent care in various parts of Central America.
A contractor friend of mine and his wife are in El Salvador as I write doing construction projects there. That couple has made many similar trips to rural Haiti, where they’ve built several schools, dug village wells, and constructed community-use buildings.
A single mom who’s finished raising her kids now applies her RN training and skills nursing HIV-positive children in Zimbabwe.
Those are just folks I know, and there are many other instances that I know of in which Americans routinely and regularly use the skills that they have to help others in need throughout the rest of the world.
Maybe the Richts’ trip to Honduras will raise public awareness of Central America’s needs as well as inspire others to give of themselves in similar service.
Service such as the Richts’ changes lives; the lives of the “servers” as much as the lives of the “receivers.”
On every level imaginable, I pray Coach Richt’s ‘Dogs go 14-0 in 2011. But I also know, whatever the Bulldogs’ record might be come January, Mark Richt is a winner. May God bless you.
Whisky Breath
June 21st, 2011
12:01 pm
Why the hell isn’t he helping the tornado victims in this country? I guess foreigners need more help than Americans that lost their house, car, and everything. Basically, he is self righteous and plays the media like a violin. He makes 3 million a year and you media guys are in bed with him.
Shame on all you media guys.
FanSince59
June 21st, 2011
12:04 pm
That’s what’s wrong with Richt and the UGA football program with him as its head coach. He’s not getting paid $3 million to galavant around the wilds of Honduras. He ought to be thinking about how he can improve the team in 2011 and bring the program back to relevance in the SEC, which it now is not and ha I wonder if Adams or the athletic director ever got around to telling him that’s what he is getting paid $3 million dollars for?
SSIgator
June 21st, 2011
12:10 pm
“Football far from Richt’s mind”
It sure is. All you have to do is look at the last three years and see the truth in that statement.
FanSince59
June 21st, 2011
12:16 pm
Richt is getting paid $3 million to coach the football team and not to be galavanting around the wilderness of Honduras looking at mud huts. Maybe if he spent a lot more time thinking about how he could bring the football program back to relevence in the SEC, which it is now not, he could do better then his dismal record of the last several years. But, maybe it’s like that poster “Roll Tide” intimated some days ago, maybe Georgia fans have a higher tolerance for mediocrity then fans of schools like Bama, LSU, FL, Auburn and UT.
LemonThrower
June 21st, 2011
12:16 pm
Mark it down Another 6-6 season and all you hypocrite mutt fans will be calling his head on a silver plater…I can hear flea bag nation saying ” coach richt is a nice guy….helping people in Honduras is great but it don’t win titles. Richt needs to go now.”……..that will be yall excuse.
Dirty Dawg
June 21st, 2011
12:17 pm
Hey ‘fansince59′…you must be one miserable SOB…do you really mean to say that you’ve lived this long and don’t have any better sense than to spew your warped, selfish view of humanity? Gheesh!
Dawg4ever
June 21st, 2011
12:17 pm
Richt’s priority should be to do whatever it takes to make sure the state school that pays him $3 million per year is significant in the SEC and National picture. His priority should be to replace any coach that isn’t qualified to coach in the SEC. Unfortunately that would eliminate all of his assistants. Don’t see any schools knocking the doors down to hire one of his Coordinators, that is the biggest problem for Richt. When he has an O.C, and a D.C. that don’t know how to devise a successful game plan, or how to make adjustments during a game to counter what the other team is doing. Doesn’t matter how wonderful Richt is as a person, he will never be successful again as a head coach without excellent Coordinators, and it will be his down fall, you can book on it.
km
June 21st, 2011
12:23 pm
I been several different missions and when you go back, nothing has changed there at all. I spend my time helping in my town where you can notice a difference.
The Truth
June 21st, 2011
12:25 pm
DawgFan59 you spoke the truth!
ckgator
June 21st, 2011
12:40 pm
Charitable work is always a good thing, but not sure about the need for the “hey look at me” press coverage during the off-season. Perhaps a little air cover to stave off the hounds on the cusp of another disappointing year?
Joey
June 21st, 2011
12:48 pm
Richt is a hellava man for doing his mission work. Unselfish to the nth degree. Probably not a finer Christian anywhere. I’ve always admired and been proud of his humitarian trips out of the country.
Coach also has a large set of nads, to go on this mission 70-some days before what I think is the biggest game of his career. If the Dawgs show up for Boise looking like the same disinterested and unprepared team I last saw play, Boise will make it hurt a lot worse than UCF (and Colorado) did a few months ago.
Man, I hope Richt’s somehow gonna get his football team to care again. They’d better care, because I bet football isn’t far from Chris Peterson’s mind right now . . .
ckgator
June 21st, 2011
12:50 pm
The more I think about it, Richt going through the motions. I had the same gut feeling about Meyer coming into this past year. Already checked out and ready to shift into that next phase of life.
As a Gator, I wish he’d stay forever. But mark it down… Richt will be gone by the first week of November. Until then, he’ll continue to phone it in.
WDE
June 21st, 2011
12:55 pm
Just a quick question anyone think the Visor wouldn’t get in a least 7 days of golf over the summer? That the Head Pig wouldn’t spend at least that much time mapping out his next midnight escape when another job opens up? Dan Mullen won’t take at least a week to get out of the hell hole that is MS in the summer? Folks CMR took a week of vacation and when on a mission..its not like the rest of the SEC HC’s aren’t taking any vacations they are just not spending them on a church mission. I tip my hat to every one of them that donates their time to any worthy cause, tours to our military, hospitals, heck even charity golf events..they are giving back and should all be applauded.
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
12:58 pm
Yeah, i’m sure Muschamp and Weiss are sitting in the office 24/7, muschamp looking at film trying to find a clip where Brantley actually does something good while Weiss eats everything that isn’t nailed down
YOU IDIOTS
June 21st, 2011
1:01 pm
Did you people ever think that the media might want to cover something good in the sports world. There isn’t a huge group of reporters with him. It’s the esteemed Steve Hummer that has been writing for this paper as long as I can remember. If you have read his colums you know he is a stand up individual and might enjoy helping out along the way. The ajc covered Richt’s mission trip last year too. It was just after the fact. I would rather be enlightened about this story instead of which snotty nose high school junior is flip flopping on his commitment to a FREE COLLEGE EDUCATION. The cost of one years tuition is more than the whole village in Hounduras makes in a year. Think about that when we are stroking the checks for our seat deposit in Sanford Stadium.
Dawg Mama
June 21st, 2011
1:36 pm
Why must some people denigrate everything, even things done with the best of intentions? Such people who view everything so negatively must be very unhappy with themselves…
Maggie
June 21st, 2011
1:43 pm
I’m glad we can follow this. May God bless Coach Richt and his wife and all those accompanying with safety and fruitful work. Way to go, Coach, for giving back — and then some!
Alabama | MrSEC.com
June 21st, 2011
2:02 pm
[...] Mark Richt is currently on a mission trip in Honduras.2. Defensive back Victor Hampton — dismissed from South Carolina’s team last Thursday [...]
johnny
June 21st, 2011
2:03 pm
The goal of mission work is to save souls… what a shame… Let these people believe in whatever faith they want to believe in… nobody knows “they way”. Show other cultures respect – and respect their beliefs instead of proselytizing!
ckgator
June 21st, 2011
2:03 pm
Ring ring. Hello? Yeah hi… this is Coach Richt…. phoning it in baby!
Long live Coach Cool Breeze!
BAMA13
June 21st, 2011
2:03 pm
Great guy! I would be proud for my son to play for a man like Richt.
Erin1
June 21st, 2011
2:06 pm
Can you picture a hungry Honduran listening to the “only way to save his soul”? As*es… I have more respect for native American Indians than the wonderful Christian Spanish who best them into submission. LIVE AND LET LIVE
Martha Owen
June 21st, 2011
2:54 pm
This is the first time media has gone along. They probably asked him…not the other way around. This will give others a good insight into the way people live in other parts of the world. A real good result of being famous.
goodnessgracious
June 21st, 2011
2:55 pm
Never seems to amaze me how people can find ways to criticize Coach Richt for being a good person.
Producer
June 21st, 2011
3:05 pm
Good man, s**t coach. He should not still even be here and having this article written about him
VA DAWG
June 21st, 2011
3:07 pm
There is a nice article in the Charlotte Observer Online addition today about Thomas Davis and the charity work he is doing in the Charlotte area. I would say that CMRs influence on his players through acts of charity like this is very influential in their lives and enables them to go on and do charitable work on their own.I am pround that Mark Richt is our coach and wouldn’t trade him for the Tressells or Carrolls of the coaching world even if it would mean a national championship for us. And I am as competitive a Dawg as anyone. Class is far more important than selling your university’s soul for a football championship.
WDE
June 21st, 2011
3:14 pm
@ckgator really your CUM is gone so your going to give our HC a hard time??…you poor lost reptile you.
Dre
June 21st, 2011
3:24 pm
God bless him for making a difference in their lives. Although while serving in the United States Army I too was blessed to visit Honduras for 4 months in 1992, I was able to witness prosperity in Tegucigalpa, I saw the third world environment in the rural mountanious countryside…
My cousin went on a mission trip there, after my return, years later! Yes some people may need security, but many are humble and need help. Central America like many other Latin Countries know about God’s love but many need to see his people spread the love we profess!
Glad the media is there that way we can see the wonders of his works in action!
God bless Richt! A native Georgian, a true Auburn Fan!
cool
June 21st, 2011
3:30 pm
I’ve been critical of Richt the past few years but I still admire the type of person he is. Good for him.
Producer
June 21st, 2011
3:32 pm
Did yall know Richt loves puppies? And kittens? And he ’specially loves his Momma! He’s a saint at everything he ain’t getting paid for!
Snoop Dawg
June 21st, 2011
3:34 pm
I love the headline…
“Mark Richt–Football far from his mind.”
…celebrating Fathers Day from his two million dollar second home…
Wake up folks. This is a world class scam and the Bulldog Nation is the chump…
These ostrich types are going to ride with da Preacha Man all the way into the ground…
WDE
June 21st, 2011
3:35 pm
@Producer he is a better man and coach than…. well you are or will ever be…but we forgive you my son go forth into the light…of that train coming down the track…you trollish buffoon you.
International
June 21st, 2011
3:36 pm
CMR would be a great recruiter for mission volunteers!
He could take the Bulldawg Nation to the next level – international!
Producer
June 21st, 2011
3:37 pm
WDE, could you please pass me a Kleenex?
Snoop Dawg
June 21st, 2011
3:40 pm
Yo,
Anybody ever heard of chaff? That’s what attack helicopter and fighter jet pilots eject from their tails to deflect incoming heat-seeking missiles.
Could Mark Richt be using this Honduras PR media event as chaff? Yep, that’s it. Classic risk communication. Deflect conversation from the real issue which is competent coaching.
Follow that chaff and watch Preacha Man cruise on to his next $3M!
WDE
June 21st, 2011
3:42 pm
@Producer I have a whole case..bend over.
WDE
June 21st, 2011
3:44 pm
@Snoop Dawg I know you’ve been told this before but it never gets old and its always true..your a moron. Have a great day.
Producer
June 21st, 2011
3:49 pm
Let’s see, WDE called Snoop a moron, called me a trollish buffoon and ckgator a poor lost reptile. After that display of mental gymnastics he must be mentally exhausted. Rest, my son….
It's just football
June 21st, 2011
3:50 pm
I love Mark Richt. He wins the SEC this year and this is how he does it.
Boise State – UGA by 10 , The 3-4 is built to disarm exotic offenses.
South Carolina – USC wins a close one by 7 in the 4th.
Coastal Carolina – N/A
Mississippi State – UGA by 13 , Ealey is not there to fumble on the 2 and D is much better in 2nd yr .
Vanderbilt – UGA by 21, Hello Mr. Crowell that knows how to pass block now.
Florida – FL by something, Do we ever beat FL?
New Mexico State , N/A
Auburn – UGA by 13, What do the plainsmen have that money can buy in 2011? $cam is gone.
Kentucky, UGA by 17, The cats are not that good and don’t have Cobb now.
Georgia Tech , UGA by 7, only because we have never shown that we can really stop the triple option like most big schools do.
SEC Championship UGA over Bama by 10. (yes, USC and FL lose too many SEC games) Bama’s lack of QB skills is their undoing.
There it-iz.
WDE
June 21st, 2011
4:08 pm
@Producer that’s right I did and with all the love and respect you all deserve…and I was right each and every time…oh and have a great day.
D BAG TROLLS!
June 21st, 2011
4:11 pm
Really????? You make this a blog???????? This RAG is a joke!!!!!!!!!
Go DAWGS!
6 for 6 with 3 home runs
June 21st, 2011
5:05 pm
I think CMR needs to update his twitter.
damngoodawg!
June 21st, 2011
5:25 pm
MattMD and LRover….A word from Mark Richt and friends….you guys, GO TO H…EAVEN!
guy
June 21st, 2011
5:47 pm
I think a lot of people would want to hear the language used by these coaches on the practice field and in the locker room. ??????????????
wally
June 21st, 2011
5:58 pm
I know I am digging up the past and I know God forgives us our sins, but did CMR apologize to the fan in Macon who ask him a question and he answered him in a very ungodly way. I wonder what this fan thiks of CMR as a christian and hiis mission trip.
PeePants the hobo clown
June 21st, 2011
6:04 pm
Anyone who has anything negative to say about what Coach Richt is doing and has done for many years, is just a plain old hater. I admire what he has done and the man that he is, is one of the reasons I love the DAWGS so much. He is a class act and a man of integrity. It would be an honor for my child to have an opportunity to be around a MAN like Coach Richt….even if he wasn’t a coach.
To the folks who have negative things to say about this mission, are YOU really happy? and what is it that YOUR doing that you feel you have a right to tear down a man who is giving back?
JohnFromMilledgeville
June 21st, 2011
6:14 pm
If you are looking for a great read please read “a hole in our gospel”. Richard Stearns, Pres. of World Vision is the author. This book is a life changing book for all people. Buy the book. It will be one of the best investments you have made in a long time!!
JohnFromMilledgeville
June 21st, 2011
6:15 pm
Wally, get a clue!
jot34
June 21st, 2011
6:37 pm
AJC has no business being with the Richt family. What a disgrace.
59bulldawg
June 21st, 2011
7:28 pm
Yes I have been critical of his coaching and overall management of the team in recent years, but his commitment to the teachings of Christ is impressive. Personally I like the man and hope he will be able to iron out the kinks in his coaching and retire as our head coach many years from now. Very few people in the profession are as genuine as this man . . . but he’s got to get it done on the field. And I’m getting more optimistic by the day that he will.
DamntheButcher
June 21st, 2011
8:40 pm
Does the coach need to go to another country to do good deeds? There are plenty of people in NW Georgia that were wiped out by the tornado a couple of months ago that could use help.
Richt's Butt Cut
June 21st, 2011
8:42 pm
Just curious how many missions Urban went on during his BCS championship years? Hows Saban’s mission coming along? Exactly- Their mission is to win football games!! Our softass coach is going to be going on missions full time if we dont get better right now!
why?
June 21st, 2011
11:37 pm
hasn’t god help cmr win a nc title?
Postcard from Honduras: UGA football’s reach extends to Latin America | UGA sports blog
June 22nd, 2011
5:07 pm
[...] Postcard from Honduras: Football soon far from Richt’s mind [...]
Postcard from Honduras: Milky water stirs Mark Richt’s passion to help | UGA sports blog
June 22nd, 2011
10:22 pm
[...] Postcard from Honduras: Football soon far from Richt’s mind [...]
Jborodawg
June 23rd, 2011
10:50 am
I’m sure K&MR didn’t ask for Hummer to tag along. The Richts do a LOT of charity work, much of it NOT publicized. Many times we read about what he does or the team does only because ‘the media’ put it out there; not because CMR asked for the pub. He also probably realizes that getting some pub for World Vision is a good thing. But he and Kathyrn would never ‘toot their own horn’.
Yes, there’s poverty and plenty of need in Georgia. But, how many in Georgia have milky, disease-infested water trickling down a hill from which to drink and wash clothes? For anyone questioning this trip, when’s the last time you helped a homeless person? Or helped a single mother pay bills or feed her kids? Or visited Children’s Healthcare or donated to them?
Marie
June 23rd, 2011
4:37 pm
If CMR goes 0-for-forever, that would be too bad.
He knows it’s his “job” – A JOB! The missionary work he and
his family does is so much more and they know it. It is NOT a job.
And “Why” – do you really think God cares anything about football? Really?
“Wally” – good for CMR!!!!!
Postcard from Honduras: This bank small but effective | UGA sports blog
June 24th, 2011
12:48 am
[...] Postcard from Honduras: Football soon far from Mark Richt’s mind [...]
Rita
June 24th, 2011
8:24 am
As one who has been to Honduras for about the past 12 years, I have to say that UGA is so fortunate to have Mark as a coach. He is just a fine Christian man, aside from this trip. Seeing beyond the plenty in this country brings you to a whole new perspective in life. As Christians, we are all called to be missionaries of the Gospel everywhere. I can see Mark taking so much back to his team and teaching them that they are to go forth and help those who have less. They can impact others for life. He is not just their coach, but he is a mentor for life. His caring for the poverty and hunger in Honduras is amazing, and I think that he will impact people because of his heart for all mankind. God bless you, Mark Richt.
Dwight & Patricia
June 24th, 2011
5:51 pm
We’re down here in Honduras at the same time as the Richts’. Too bad we didn’t get to see them in person. We’re so proud to see the Richts’ in a country such as Honduras helping the people here and spreading the word of Jesus Christ. To those die-hard fans who only care about the wins, this isn’t a football game. This is life. Worry about football when the football season begins. I want to see more wins from this program, but I’m proud that we have a coach who’s willing to do work like this. Our ‘poor’ in the US live like kings compared to the poor in this country. Keep up the good work, Richts’.