Aaron Murray focused on his father as Bulldogs put South Carolina behind them

Aaron Murray poses with his family, including his father Dennis (L) following graduation last fall. (Murray family photo)

Aaron Murray poses with his family, including his father Dennis (L) following graduation last fall. (Murray family photo)

ATHENS – When Aaron Murray tweeted Sunday, “probably the worst 12 hours of my life,” he wasn’t just talking about Saturday night’s 35-7 loss to South Carolina.

Murray found out that his father, Denny Murray, had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. “Papa Murray,” as Aaron referred to him in another tweet, underwent surgery today at the Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa. The family reports that it went well and he is recovering.

Apparently Denny Murray had been diagnosed “a few weeks ago,” but the parents told Aaron only on Sunday. Aaron Murray and his brother drove to Tampa yesterday.

The distressing news followed a depressing Saturday night for Murray and his roommate, linebacker Christian Robinson. As revealed in a tweet from Robinson, they returned from the team’s trip to Columbia to find their rented home in Athens egged and rolled with toilet paper. “Seems that people turn on you when you’re not perfect. Thought we were in this together,” Robinson wrote.

Word is good Samaritans later cleaned up the mess.

So there’s a lot more on Murray’s mind today than the Bulldogs’ poor showing in Columbia. Please keep that in mind going forward.

MORE ON GEORGIA FOOTBALL

351 comments Add your comment

john brantley

October 8th, 2012
12:43 pm

Hay A M its just a game, FOOTBALL WILL ALWAY BE THERE, i hope your pops git well, keep god in youe life and thing will be good.

montanadawg

October 8th, 2012
12:44 pm

Start Hutson against Kentucky

Paul's got a small Johnson

October 8th, 2012
12:46 pm

Tell us who the hot babes are in the pic!

[...] by Georgia fans following the loss. He also drove home to Tampa the next day to be with his father, who is having a thyroid cancer operation. His parents had just told him about the illness. Murray found out that his father, Denny Murray, [...]

Big Crimson 75

October 8th, 2012
12:46 pm

Well wishes for Aaron Murray.
Having lived 3 years in Tampa, I can say his Father is in the best hands possible with the Moffit Center.

Brian

October 8th, 2012
12:47 pm

I blogged about this today at http://bblive.cc so check it out!

Dawg Haus

October 8th, 2012
12:50 pm

Under the Bleachers, did you see the one ripping on Michael Bennett and Stephanie Murray? Good grief… But I know there are good South Carolina fans out there. I married one of them (and she actually hates Spurrier). I wish the internet peanut gallery wouldn’t throw people like us in with the morons that, like you said, never even went to our schools in the first place.

Just Saying

October 8th, 2012
12:53 pm

@Aaron,
Sorry to hear about your Dad…..hang-in-there my friend. Also, please don’t believe that the average UGa fan thinks that winning is more important than God or your family. I’m amazed at how crazy some fans can get. Congrads on graduating early, being accepted to grad school, winning the Allstate Good Citizen Award and for being a great son. Also, thanks for spending more time than any QB in UGa history preparing for games. I know you are giving this 100% and I appreciate your hard work on the field, in the classroom and in the community. You epitomize what a great student-athlete should be. Thanks again Aaron……you are a winner in my book!!!

C from Marietta

October 8th, 2012
12:53 pm

@ hirejongruden

This is not the article or blog to post your hatred for Mark Richt. No, I am not with you.

waverlydawg

October 8th, 2012
12:53 pm

I am betting that the overlwhelming majority of individuals with low class, or no class comments, have never put on pads and walked onto a collegiate field. Probably have never walked onto even a high school field. With that said, their opinion is worth about as much as any free advice.

At the end of the day, it is still just a game. Whoever took upon themsleves to trash the house should be banned from attending any future home games. That will not happen because, cowards that they are, they will not allow themselves to be identified.

As for Aaron Murray, today he is dealing with something infinitely more important than a game. If you can not respect that then do us all a favor and keep your misguided opinions to yourself.

In regards to Richt, I would still rather have my son playing for an individual of his character than a Saban or Spurrier. What comes after college football is a lot more important than a game.

Uncle Kirk

October 8th, 2012
12:54 pm

Columbus dawg,

Not big talk at all. Any idiot that would stand on the corner in Athens on game day with a sign dogging Richt is bound to get his arse whooped. Unlike most motormouths on these blogs, a vast majority at the actual games are true UGA fans.

SEC BOYZ

October 8th, 2012
12:59 pm

Prayers for his dad & family.. But we ain’t talking bout that.. It’s the play on the field we the UGA fans” r yacking about.. We r very impatient & with the talent we have coming out of Georgia & recruiting n other states the way we do there is no excuses…

Fire CMR & bobo
I’m born & raise in Georgia & have been a die hard fan thru & thru
Yea we don’t get paid to cheer but we pay to cheer, I want wins

Under The Bleachers

October 8th, 2012
1:00 pm

waverlydawg

October 8th, 2012
12:53 pm
I am betting that the overlwhelming majority of individuals with low class, or no class comments, have never put on pads and walked onto a collegiate field. Probably have never walked onto even a high school field. With that said, their opinion is worth about as much as any free advice.

At the end of the day, it is still just a game. Whoever took upon themsleves to trash the house should be banned from attending any future home games. That will not happen because, cowards that they are, they will not allow themselves to be identified.

As for Aaron Murray, today he is dealing with something infinitely more important than a game. If you can not respect that then do us all a favor and keep your misguided opinions to yourself.

In regards to Richt, I would still rather have my son playing for an individual of his character than a Saban or Spurrier. What comes after college football is a lot more important than a game.

___________________________________________________________

You were doing pretty well with your statements until that last paragraph. Do you personally know Saban or Spurrier? I doubt it. I guess graduating your players, getting kids drafted, making sure they stay out of trouble, making sure they attend class, and teach them about life are just horrible traits to have. If you want to talk about winning championships( which is an entirely completely different point of discussion) we can.

Just Saying

October 8th, 2012
1:00 pm

All I know is Saturday’sgame was the second worse butt whipping that Spurrier has been a part of. The biggest one was in the late 60’s when his number 1 ranked Gators were decimated by UGa. He went on to win the Heisman that year, but I guarantee that he has never forgotten that incredible beat down by the Dawgs!!!

Big Crimson 75

October 8th, 2012
1:01 pm

Rolling the kids house following a loss & following the news of his fathers cancer, which was public knowledge prior to the Game.
Shameful.
Nah, their are no Updykes supporting Ga Football.

Bulldog Mom

October 8th, 2012
1:01 pm

Try to figure which team has the most to gain by firing MR. I do think people (not a fan) write all these negative blogs hoping to create a ground swell to fire a coach. However they certainly are not helping the Georgia Bulldogs. Read those blogs carefully and try to figure what their motive is.

BamaGuy

October 8th, 2012
1:02 pm

South Carolina just scored again….

Just Saying

October 8th, 2012
1:03 pm

@under the bleachers,
I personally know all 3 coaches and WaverlyDawg is right on!!!!

Just Saying

October 8th, 2012
1:05 pm

BamaGuy
And LSU just scored again…..we don’t count “mulligan games”!!!!

Under The Bleachers

October 8th, 2012
1:05 pm

Just Saying

October 8th, 2012
1:03 pm
@under the bleachers,
I personally know all 3 coaches and WaverlyDawg is right on!!!!

______________________________________________________________

Well I, personally know Saban and You are Wrong about him, and I will go to my grave knowing the truth.

ALittleCocky1216

October 8th, 2012
1:06 pm

Gamecock fan here. Just wanted to let you know that the Murray family is in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope that the community in Athens is supportive of Aaron as he deals with all of the stress and pressure on his shoulders right now.

BamaGuy

October 8th, 2012
1:07 pm

Just Saying
October 8th, 2012
1:05 pm

BamaGuy
And LSU just scored again…..we don’t count “mulligan games”!!!!

That is the best you got? Wait, I guess it is….Sad Day…

BamaGuy

October 8th, 2012
1:10 pm

Dang, I’m even starting to feel sorry for the Dawgs…

dmr

October 8th, 2012
1:10 pm

Just another example of putting football in perspective. Wishing G-d speed and a quick recovery to Mr. Murray and his entire family.

james mcrae

October 8th, 2012
1:11 pm

All u guys are talking about a dang football lost, and A.M. father has cancer. what the hell wrong with u guys,come on guys it is more than football in this world. I love GA. and played fb, i can bet all of the commends are from guys that hasn’t played one thing in life. Some of u need to get a life this world is more than Ga. winning a damn fotball game.

phil

October 8th, 2012
1:12 pm

Praying for a full recovery….

that said, we can’t show up and play like that. Well, then again, under Richt, sure we can, because we normally do in the biggest games.

Oh well.

old dog

October 8th, 2012
1:12 pm

@ALittleCocky2016,
Class comment my friend!

Big Crimson 75

October 8th, 2012
1:13 pm

Bleachers — it’s laughable.
I’ve met Saban twice, Spurrier once, and never met Richt, so I’m gonna claim to figure out who’s the better this or that.
I like to base the Coaches on how their Teams perform on & off the Field.
Between the three, Richt is dead last, it’s not even close & he’s losing more and more ground!

old dog

October 8th, 2012
1:14 pm

p.s., A LittleCocky2016…..
Y’all whooped us good………..especially in the trenches.

Cobb Dawg

October 8th, 2012
1:16 pm

Prayers for the Murray family…….and for the individuals who egged and rolled AM’s home. Apparently they are emotionally unstable and need all of the help they can get.

Dawg4Life

October 8th, 2012
1:16 pm

Best wishes and prayers to the Murray Family.

d-man

October 8th, 2012
1:17 pm

Why do so many Georgia fans have to be such a-holes? Show some class. We hope & pray that Aaron’s father Denny gets the proper care, rest, & recovers fully. As far as egging & T-P ing his house? What a bunch of friggin’ morons!! The loss was Aaron Murray’s fault? He’s 1 person. If anything, blame the Georgia coaches for treating South Carolina as a second-tier team & not having their team in a position to play ball with the now-# 3 Gamecocks!! I’m not so sure that being on the corner with the Fire Mark Richt sign is the way to go, but certainly we need to look at our total coaching staff if we want to be an ELITE team; not a maybe win the SEC East team.

GAtor

October 8th, 2012
1:18 pm

Did the AJC really need to put a comment section on this article?!?

RNB

October 8th, 2012
1:19 pm

You blind loyalist keep taking up for Richt. Again he is a good coach just not great. The goal is to win championships not 10 games. When Tennessee gets Petrino after this season we will be lucky to finish 4th in the East. I to am praying for AM’s father. This has nothing to do with that. This was not a prepared football team Saturday and that falls on Richt.

Big Crimson 75

October 8th, 2012
1:19 pm

* NOT claim……

Alphadawg

October 8th, 2012
1:19 pm

So sorry to hear this for Aaron. Stay strong and take care of your family. The Bulldawg nation is with you during this trying time.

Judy Franks

October 8th, 2012
1:20 pm

The football genius did the only thing he could. He loaded both his OL and DL and destroyed UGA Plays were over before they could happn, SC basically blitz the whole game. Frinking Genius and I am a sick when I die UGA fan and all that.

Just Saying

October 8th, 2012
1:21 pm

Man you Bama fans are struggling and way to cocky. There is no denying you have a great football history…..probably the 3rd best program in U.S. History. But your university totally sucks!!!! I know 5 families in Georgia whose kids could not qualify to get into UGa and 3 were accepted immediately to Bama and 2 to Auburn. Hmmmmmmmm cast as many stones as you like at out football program, but at least our overall institution doesn’t $uck like the one in Tuscaloosa!!!

@milledge.ave

October 8th, 2012
1:23 pm

USMC – Start Mason ? Are you serious…., Boozerali – Omgoodness…Look at Auburn now…did you really just say that and SEC BOYZ- Nobody made you buy a ticket did they… good grief what a difference a week makes – its always a joke what comes out of people’s mouths, that have never set foot on a field other than to cut the grass say. Save the hot air

hit a single

October 8th, 2012
1:25 pm

Thoughts and prayers for Mr. Murray.

Big Crimson 75

October 8th, 2012
1:25 pm

Just saying —– that’d be news to LSU!!
They scored 9 last November, and that included OT!!

I give ya a little help, that saying is usually reserved when another Team scores LOTS of points on said opposition, like WV against Clemson last year, not when it’s a 9 to 6 slugfest.
Perhaps the better shot would be y’all just missed another FG, or y’all just missed another FG, or y’all just missed another FG……………so one and so forth, I believe we shanked 5 in that one.

FANFORLIFE

October 8th, 2012
1:26 pm

Hirejongruden,
Were you planning on holding up your “FIRE MARK RICHT” sign two weeks ago when we whooped Vanderbilt? Probably not. We can’t turn on this team now. Yes, it was a very important game, and we didn’t play to our potential, but us Dawg “FANS” are going to stick together, and stand behind the team and our coaches.

Just Saying

October 8th, 2012
1:28 pm

I agree GAtor and sorry I even responded to attacks/comments from trolls that had nothing to do with AM and his Dad. Good luck to the Murray family.

DebDoes

October 8th, 2012
1:31 pm

Prayers for you and the family! Priorities here guys….health and life, not football!

Just Saying

October 8th, 2012
1:34 pm

@big crimson,
This is about the Murray family not Bama’s 3rd place finish in the SEC last season.

Under The Bleachers

October 8th, 2012
1:34 pm

Big Crimson 75

October 8th, 2012
1:13 pm
Bleachers — it’s laughable.
I’ve met Saban twice, Spurrier once, and never met Richt, so I’m gonna claim to figure out who’s the better this or that.
I like to base the Coaches on how their Teams perform on & off the Field.
Between the three, Richt is dead last, it’s not even close & he’s losing more and more ground!

___________________________________________________

Saban currently has two members of my family on his staff/ recruiting team and I know he is nothing but class and honest with everyone. I Know everyone in my direct family appreciates the fact that he insured my nephew got his degree early, worked on his staff as a G.A. and helped him get a job with a BIG 8 School. One classy fellow.

NOFAIRWEATHERFANS

October 8th, 2012
1:34 pm

Hirejongruden- where did you go dude? John Gruden’s coaching winning percentage of 53% is about where your IQ is. Hope to see you in a few weeks on that corner. Maybe they’ll be able to scoop you up with that sign afterwards and put you in the trash where you belong !

Athensdawg

October 8th, 2012
1:35 pm

@ hirejongruden

WHAT AN IDIOT YOU ARE, this is not the time or place for your rant. Besides there is a reason Jon Gruden is no longer a coach, he is not very good. However he is very good at running his mouth on TV and convincing IDIOTS like you that he knows what he is talking about.

Beast from the East

October 8th, 2012
1:35 pm

At the end of the day, football is just a game. Best wishes to you and your father, Aaron!

Chris Burgess

October 8th, 2012
1:37 pm

am as big of a UGA fan as anyone and it hurts and angers me when they lose just like any other fan but in competitive sports, no one hurts after a loss more than the players on the field. That being said, I am absolutely embarrassed by the small group of Georgia “fans” that stooped to the low level of vandalism of Aaron Murray’s property. No.1- He is just a kid playing a position in a TEAM sport, No.2- He can do no more than do his best to execute poorly called plays by Mike Bobo, and No.3- At the end of the day, it’s just a football game and you never know what these players are dealing with in their personal lives. It is shameful to think that I am in the smallest way grouped in a fan base with people of such low class and moral character.