UPDATED: McGarity meets with Grantham, SEC reviews confrontation at Vanderbilt
Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham (R) confronts Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin after Franklin allegedly yelled at one of the Bulldogs' players at the end of Georgia's 33-28 win in Nashville on Saturday.
UPDATED WITH COMMENTS FROM VANDERBILT COACH JAMES FRANKLIN (1:33 P.M.) AND GREG McGARITY AT TOUCHDOWN CLUB OF ATLANTA MEETING (1:45 P.M) .
UPDATED WITH COMMENTS FROM TODD GRANTHAM (11:25 A.M.). . .
ATHENS — Georgia Athletic Director Greg McGarity has already met with defensive coordinator Todd Grantham regarding the postgame confrontation with Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin on Saturday and the Southeastern Conference is in the process of reviewing the incident.
McGarity, who was in Nashville on Saturday, said he discussed the situation with Georgia head coach Mark Richt by telephone on Sunday, then met with Grantham face-to-face at Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall early Monday morning. Meanwhile, both Georgia and Vanderbilt have been asked by SEC Commissioner Mike Slive to submit written reports to the league office for review.
“I spoke with the Commissioner earlier today and they are in a sort of fact-finding process now,” McGarity said. “We’ll submit a report either verbal or in writing. I’m sure Vandy will do the same and then, basically, we’ll see what happens at that point in time.”
As for his meeting with Grantham, McGarity said, “I’d just say those discussions will remain private, but I’ve addressed it with both Coach Richt and Coach Grantham. There were lessons to be learned here. Obviously the conduct that was displayed was not representative of how we want to conduct ourselves after a hard-fought game.”
Grantham and Franklin were caught on video in a heated, finger-pointing exchange immediately after Georgia’s 33-28 win over Vanderbilt had concluded. Moments before that, Franklin is observed yelling at Georgia safety Shawn Williams.
The Bulldogs were flagged three times for personal fouls in the game and, in one instance, it appears Georgia noseguard Kwame Geathers tries to punch a Vanderbilt player. But McGarity said UGA’s reports to the SEC will not address anything that took place during the game.
“The conference does that anyway,” he said. “That’s part of their normal, standard operating procedures where they’ll go through it. Each team submits plays to review and they review things without either team submitting them. That’s just basic standard operating procedure there, things that happen during the game. I’m sure they’ll review the clips and I’m sure they’ll review the personal fouls. They do that all the time. That’s part of their weekly tasks.”
SEC Associate Commissioner Charles Bloom confirmed the postgame confrontation is being investigated.
“The conference office is gathering information from all parties about the incident,” Bloom said via email. “Too early to comment on it.”
Bloom indicated the SEC might have a response by Tuesday.
Grantham, in his second season as the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator, was reprimanded by UGA last year after directing a choke signs toward Florida kicker Chas Henry before he tried a game-winning field attempt in overtime.
Grantham told the AJC Monday morning he regretted his actions after Saturday’s game.
“First of all, I love my players and appreciate their hard work and investment in our program,” Grantham said. “I feel a responsibility and loyalty to protect and stand up for them. However, I feel it’s important to educate them in all areas of life. While my intentions were genuine, I feel it was unfortunate that things escalated to a confrontation. However, I’ll use it as a learning experience for myself as well as my players so that we all become better men.”
Meanwhile, Franklin was asked at his weekly news conference on Monday if he had followed up on the incident. He said he Richt talked via telephone about the situation on Sunday and indicated there had been some correspondence with the SEC office.
“We have a very, very talented commissioner and they’ll do their job and do what they think is right and we’re going to move forward,” Franklin said as video of his 1 p.m. news conference was streamed live via the school’s website. “I have tremendous respect for the University of Georgia, their history, their program, their coach. We had a hard fought battle with a lot of passion, with a lot of emotion. . . . Some things got a little bit out of hand and I know myself and Coach Richt — I don’t want to speak for him — would have liked for the game to have ended a little differently and been able to just walk off the field.”
Asked specifically if he had any personal regrets with the way he behaved at the end of the game, Franklin said: “I’m not a guy who really has a whole lot of regrets. I’m pretty calculated and pretty well thought out for the most part with the things I do. I am an emotional guy, as you guys know.”
Speaking to the Touchdown Club of Atlanta today, Greg McGarity had more to say about the matter:
“I think the whole story will come out at some point in time. Right now both institutions are basically filing a report to the Southeastern Conference office on really what happened from Todd’s standpoint and, I’m sure, from Coach Franklin’s standpoint. That will go to the commissioner, and then we’ll see where things go after that. But I don’t think there’s any question that . . . at the end of the day that’s not the way you want to end athletics competition. It’s kind of like Mark said after the game: ‘At the end of the game, you want to go over there and shake the opponent’s hand and move on to the next game.’
“I won’t get into specifics, but I think if you ask Todd if he had to do it over again, I think he definitely would do some things differently. I think that’s not the way you want to represent your institution on either side. At the end of the day, I think you’ll see that. But I know Todd is in the process of making a statement. We want to get ahead of this and deal with it up front to where there’s nothing out there that we need to be worrying about the rest of the week.
“It was kind of like we saw at the end of the NFL [49ers-Lions game] yesterday –- I think we had a situation there with a couple of coaches. Things get heated. There probably are a lot of things people would like to take back, but at the end of the day that’s not what needs to happen in college athletics. We need to talk about the student-athletes and what they did that day — and not reduce it to where things off the field are the topic of discussion during that day. So it’s something we’re really not proud of, and we’ll deal with it and learn from it and also teach our student athletes on the positives and negatives of situations like that.”
AJC reporter Tim Tucker contributed to this report.
|– Chip Towers and Tim Tucker
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714 comments Add your comment
surething
October 17th, 2011
12:34 pm
Grantham really does a super job? Are you kidding me? Have you looked at your D penalties this year and the t hug way your D is playing. I will agree,it comes from their Coach. CTG should be somewhere else and soon,NOT at UGA! This guy is a problem,not a fix dawg fans. If you can’t see it please stop drinking the red&black mixture.
dawgfacedboy
October 17th, 2011
12:35 pm
According to Butler on the morning show yesterday it had to do with the chop blocking by Vandy. Apparently UGA coaches said something to the officials who blew them off and told them they would “call the game as they saw it”. I imagine that Grantham was not too happy about this and if Franklin said something to a UGA defender it was probably the straw that broke the camel’s back. Don’t see a problem with what Grantham did at all. Hes’ an intense guy who stuck up for his players when he saw some BS happening. I promise you he gained a ton of points with his defensive players!
01HAWK
October 17th, 2011
12:35 pm
Abnerish …………………………..MUSCHAMP is not going to do well at FLORIDA. He is not winning and he goes crazy every game.
SABAN is winning and has been winning for a long time. SABAN can do what others can not do.
JUST WIN BABY
Beast from the East
October 17th, 2011
12:36 pm
“beast from the east: Your ship is sinking loser!”
Mrs. Krinkle,
Yep….and it will probably fall to the bottom and land on top of your ship that sunk several years ago.
Drew
October 17th, 2011
12:36 pm
A coach standing up for his players? What a concept!! We might not have handled the skirmish properly, but at least our players and coaches have each others backs. Right or wrong, it’s called being a TEAM.
Go Dawgs!
ca dawg
October 17th, 2011
12:36 pm
grantham had to do something to stand up for himself and his kid–it’s clear that franklin was the instigator and sought both of them out. but he overreacted. got to have more discipline and focus than that. you have to exemplify what you want to teach your kids, and grantham missed an opportunity to SHOW them how to react when someone else is being an idiot.
and let’s be clear: james franklin was acting like an idiot. you absolutely don’t do what he did, and his whole “we’re not going to take it anymore” act in the press conference was pathetic. no one but vandy fans and UGA haters are buying it.
Gator Mike
October 17th, 2011
12:36 pm
Good to see some intensity by coaches. Grantham reminds me of when Woody Hayes was terrorizing everyone who played Ohio St.
Perhaps we can have an encore after the game with Grantham taking on Will Muschamp. That would be a good one.
Of course I am just kidding.
BigTimeTechFan
October 17th, 2011
12:36 pm
Grantham was funny going off on Vany coach, he looks a lot like Chaz Bono. Wonder???
HaHa tech
October 17th, 2011
12:37 pm
This Vandy coach lies! He clearly was going at a UGA player. This guy is clearly smack talking a player and tells everyone is a presser that he was trying find CMR. What a Joke!
KOOL
October 17th, 2011
12:37 pm
Go Grantham!!!! You have nothing to apologize for, bro!!
Red Stick
October 17th, 2011
12:37 pm
I can see where Dawg fans are happy to see Grantham stand up for his players but the point is both coaches embarrassed their universities which is far more important.
Grantham and Franklin both should be reprimanded.
01HAWK
October 17th, 2011
12:39 pm
BAMA is # 6 program in winning percentage ………………………………Go back and come up with something else.
I will be waiting on you.
gdawginkalamazoo
October 17th, 2011
12:39 pm
How do we know that the Vandy coach is a liar? Look at the 2:20 mark on that video. CMR walks right in front of him. He could have talked to him then. Or is he too stupid to know what Coach Richt looks like. Yep, go back and look at it. He’s a liar. “I was looking for Coach Richt…” He is either stupid, wrong, chicken or a combination of all three. RIGHT NEXT TO HIM.
Big Wally Butts
October 17th, 2011
12:40 pm
I think that the next time that we play Vandy at Vandy, we should just continue to play “lights out” on defense.
Innocent Bystander
October 17th, 2011
12:40 pm
Speaking of butt smear… Todd Grantham needs to grow up.
SEC looking into Franklin-Grantham postgame brouhaha | CollegeFootballTalk
October 17th, 2011
12:41 pm
[...] spoke with the Commissioner earlier today and they are in a sort of [in a] fact-finding process now,” McGarity said. “We’ll submit a report either verbal or in writing. I’m sure Vandy will do [...]
01HAWK
October 17th, 2011
12:41 pm
BAMA played VANDY 2 weeks ago………………………………..NO FIGHTS………………..I guess it was because we kicked their ARSES ………………….34-0
Mr. Krinkle
October 17th, 2011
12:41 pm
beast: speaking of donuts have you seen your OC? You make every single UF look like a complete idiot!
dawgfacedboy
October 17th, 2011
12:41 pm
Sure thing- they have had very few penalties this year and since he took over the D they have improved dramatically each year. Going into Sat. they were the 6th rated defense in all of college football. Is this not what you would call doing a super job?
schmeckdawg
October 17th, 2011
12:41 pm
McGarity, Richt & Slive…all candy asses!!!!!!!!!!! Way to defend your players Coach G.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hunker Down & GATA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JB
October 17th, 2011
12:43 pm
Hum….A Richt coached team usually apologizes for winning and losing. I’m saying Grantham gone after this year if Richt stays, ….his choice.
JohnD
October 17th, 2011
12:43 pm
Grantham is such a hippocrite. Apparently he’s got no issue mouthing off to opposing players – but he wants a 2nd grade rumble if another coach calls out his squads cheap shot play?? After the Aaron Murray crybaby show last year about Auburn’s antics – UGA fans ought to be real proud of how TG is coaching them up there in Athens.
What an idiot.
DawgfromsouthLEX
October 17th, 2011
12:44 pm
I think Grantham did right. I wish he had slapped one of the cheer leaders while he was at it. Murrays best game, now get ready for Florida guys, maybe punch a teacher or something. At Georgia we want tough hardnosed players.Let the other teams be the sissys. Go dogs, go dogs, go dogs.
Mel
October 17th, 2011
12:45 pm
Fire and passion are good but bring a level of professionalism to the game is necessary. These coaches are role models for these kids. Ever wonder why UGA can’t keep its players out of jail? Maybe if there were stricter rules and better role models, these things wouldn’t happen. A disgrace.
JB
October 17th, 2011
12:45 pm
Dawgfaceboy……………I like it also, but those defensive stats were collected on teams that are 1-13 during this 4 game win streak. Vandy, by gaining 349 yards and 21 second half points, kinda exposed our D a little I’m afraid.
gdawginkalamazoo
October 17th, 2011
12:46 pm
“Yep….and it will probably fall to the bottom and land on top of your ship that sunk several years ago”
Beast, now that was a good one. LMAO.
Army Vet
October 17th, 2011
12:46 pm
That Vandy player should have pimp slapped Grantham across his big mouth. He’s a clown like the rest of the UGA players. We barely beat Vandy…pathetic. I hope UGA wins the east so they will have to play a ranked team…..that will be ugly!
Mr. Krinkle
October 17th, 2011
12:46 pm
hawk: NOBODY CARES MORON!
CTG ROCKS!
Big Wally Butts
October 17th, 2011
12:47 pm
Boy, this blog has some real dumbshorts on it. Think that I will go do something productive.
Tom G
October 17th, 2011
12:48 pm
Pansy & Renee – Ladies(?), this is football played by young aggressive men not powderpuff or flag football. Tempers flare and boys will be boys sometimes. Not a sport for the passive gentle types like yourselves! Coach stood up for his players and men understand that! Now go back to the kitchen or your knitting! Bye!!
Diehard
October 17th, 2011
12:48 pm
01hawk- you know why God sends tornadoes to places like Alabama, He’s telling y’all to move OUT of those trailers and GET A HOUSE. Until then RTR – roll trailer roll.
oldfart
October 17th, 2011
12:48 pm
1. It isn’t the AJC or Tech fans that are sustaining the debate over the Franklin/Grantham shouting match, it is the SEC. I doubt if this is just going to go straight under the rug like many on here wish. This was a dangerous situation and could have been much worse. There is a GA high school coach in the hospital today with facial reconstruction to attest to that fact.
2. Before you jump on the Grantham for head coach bandwagon shouldn’t you consider the mediocre performance of the defense in his tenure? I’m not dissing the kids but the fact that they are undisciplined and often perform individual celebrations of their mediocrity speaks volumes on their coaching.
3. Does he have the temperament to be a head coach or the credentials to maintain an offense or special teams as well? Being a hot head does not qualify you for head coach. Granted it can help in a Vince Lombardi kind of way but it can kill a program as well. Woody Hayes was quite successful until his famous right hook.
4. No matter what the trailer trash contingent thinks the actions of both coaches have no place in the college game. This is not the NFL or rasslin’. Franklin’s actions are Vandy’s problem. Unfortunately Grantham’s actions are UGA’s. Sinking to this level does not reflect well on the schools, period.
5. Bulletin board stuff doesn’t work in the pros, it is just part of the show. 18-22 year olds are a different matter entirely. You can bet the Gators probably will skip the bulletin board and put up a poster sized picture of the choke sign.
fantasy weekend
October 17th, 2011
12:49 pm
UGA wins!
UF and Yech are losers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bama Mike
October 17th, 2011
12:49 pm
Georgia AD appears to be a no nonsense kind of guy. I am sure he voiced his continued support but probably conducted a little bit of administrative coaching as well. It’s over lets move on.
01HAWK
October 17th, 2011
12:49 pm
WOW……………………………….Such a hard time winning against the ALL TIME DOOR MAT of the SEC IN VANDY.
By the 3rd quarter, TRENT RICHARDSON was on the sidelines enjoying the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th stringers battle it out.
EAST IS LEAST
dogfan
October 17th, 2011
12:49 pm
Hey Chip,
Nice job writing a one sided story and showing only CTG yelling. Are you aware UGA is in the same state you are? Maybe you could support a state school! How about writing and showing both sides of the story next time.
Roy Wood
October 17th, 2011
12:50 pm
Most of the negative comments must be from Tech.Florida or Auburn supporters.I compare tod to Van Gorder.I hope they do not run Grantham off I would hate to go back to the Willie Martinez defense.I love coachs with a little fire in their blood.A Texas Dawg
jim928
October 17th, 2011
12:50 pm
What kills me is we have a coach that defends our kids and our university and now it seems like he got called to the principal office. Regarding our personal fouls they was retaliation ans second man was flagged. If u watch the game u will see poor Vandi player through a punch at one of our player. What the SECOND needs to look at is why the officiating crew let this all happen through out the game and maybe thwy should be called to the principal office. GO DAWGS you never disappoint and thank god I’m a bulldog
ugafans
October 17th, 2011
12:50 pm
better chill when they get into Jacksonville.Trust me on this,With the bad economy you will not be able to get away with things you have in the past.The local PD is licking their chops on seeing how many they can lock up this yr.I know people that have been in special meetings just for this.Heads up and especially if you wear red.And fighting fines have been made X3 the normal fine.
flatsdawg1
October 17th, 2011
12:52 pm
What actually happened and was actually said is extremely interesting, as fans we should be able to get the real story……anyone know……??? Probably never know…… Anyway I read comments by Mike Bobo how we tend to sit on a lead and hope the defense can hold them. I mean, if you have noticed Richt has taken some chances on fourth down against tennessee and then before the half against Vandy with the touchdown, and I think its great, so hopefully that killer instinct is developing, because we will need it against Florida and Auburn.
Bama Mike
October 17th, 2011
12:54 pm
Diehard, I have family that lost more than just their homes from that disaster. SEC family across all universities stepped up to the plate in providing support. Shame on you sir/madam. Your comment embarasses the passionate Georgia supporters who just want to see their team compete well.
johnny
October 17th, 2011
12:54 pm
The NCAA is investigating this??? This is the same NCAA that just found no evidence in the SCAM Newton case, give me a break. Go Coach Grantham… We love you at Ga..
alwaysadawg
October 17th, 2011
12:55 pm
It seems that it is okay for a coach to yell, scream, grab, point a finger in the face of a student athlete, not even talking about this incident but instead what we witness in almost every college football game, but it is a big deal when a coach confronts another coach? what a bunch of malarky
01HAWK
October 17th, 2011
12:55 pm
Lets see………………………………I heard many say the best thing to come out of Alabama was I-20 many times.
Well…………………………………I guess you overlooked your UGA loving VINCE DOOLEY who is from MOBILE, ALABAMA. ………………………….DO you put I-20 ahead of the under achieving DOOLEY.
STILL WAITING FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 1980………………………….DOOLEY BORN IN ALABAMA……………………………..SOUNDS GOOD DOESN’T IT………….LOL
NEXT
Todd Grantham
October 17th, 2011
12:55 pm
Bunch of crybabies!! This is SEC football!!!! How bout dem Dawgs!!!
1eyedJack
October 17th, 2011
12:56 pm
One thing is clear. All the Tech trolls on this blog don’t add up to half a whole moron.
Here’s a novel idea, go engineer a solar panel that works so that our “president” don’t continue to throw good money after bad. You should have plenty of time on your hands since he killed the space program.
Grantham, yeah, that’s what I’m talkin’ about!
mcdaviddawg
October 17th, 2011
12:56 pm
More of a program totally without leadership and out of control.
Just a Fan
October 17th, 2011
12:56 pm
Richt should be calling Franklin out today as he is a liar! Man up Franklin! Coach Grantham did what he had to do to protect his players!
01HAWK
October 17th, 2011
12:57 pm
DOOLEY…………………………………FROM ALABAMA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
murfdawg
October 17th, 2011
12:57 pm
Hey 01HAWK,
What did Mike Price say to the Vandy coach after the game? I can’t believe a Bama guy/gal would come on a Dawg blog and criticize a coach. Have the names DuBose, Shula and Price been erased from the memory of every Bama fan? Good Grief!