Georgia’s Mike Gilliard: ‘I felt disrespected and, yes, I definitely took it personally’
Linebacker Mike Gillard, here tackling a Florida Atlantic player, was not at all happy about Shawn Williams' characterization of his play at inside linebacker. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
ATHENS — OK, here are a few addendum’s from Tuesday’s post-practice interview opportunities. Todd Grantham, Mike Gilliard and Jarvis Jones talked about Shawn Williams’ comments on the defense and a few other things. So here they are kind of raw and unabridged:
SENIOR LINEBACKER MIKE GILLIARD:
On Williams’ remarks about Amarlo Herrera being the better linebacker . . .
“As a man, I wasn’t hurt at all. I felt disrespected. And, yes, I definitely took it personally. Today in the linebackers meeting, I stood up and told them, ‘no disrespect to Amarlo and Ogletree, but when I read that I felt disrespected and I’ll definitely taking it personally. But there’s no issue between me and Shawn Williams. All it is is fuel for the fire and basically its given me motivation to go out there and give 100 percent. And that’s what I did today. You can ask any of my teammates. I was upset today at practice today any time the ball came my way I tried to knock the [expletive] out of him.”
On the response of the defense to Williams’ remarks. . .
“He called us out. Us as linebackers and asa defense as a whole, we’ve just got to deliver. This week, that’s what I plan to do. You best believe whoever’s carrying the ball, I’m gonna know the (expletive) out of them.”
On talking to Williams on Tuesday . . .
“He told me it was nothing person. Then again, by saying their names, he said my name without saying my name. I took that personal. I feel like when another man calls me soft, he’s disrespecting my manhood. So all I can do is go out there and deliver. It just gave me motivation. You best believe, on Saturday I’m going to be ready. And as a defense as a whole, we had a great practice. We flew around the ball, tried to hit hard. That’s what we’re going to continue to do for the rest of the week.”
On how he might have handled . . .
“Me, personally, I never would have told the media something like that. I’d keep it in-house and talk to the defense. I would have sat down and talked to the defense and tried to resolve the issue then and there. But there’s not going to be any issues after this right here. It’s just if another man calls me soft, I’m gonna show him there ain’t nothing sweet around here.”
JUNIOR OUTSIDE LINEBACKER JARVIS JONES
On Williams’ remarks . . .
“Everybody knows Shawn is a very passionate guy. He loves this game of football. Looking back at last year and this year, we’re playing down a level and not executing like we’re supposed to. I feel like that woke a lot of guys up. Guys understand where he’s coming from and definitely respect him. It wasn’t like he was throwing anybody under the bus, coaches or anything like that. Personally, me and a lot of other guys feel like it was just a challenge for us to go out there and just re-focus ourselves and get back on the right track and play the defense we’re known for playing and that’s smash-mouth football . Last year that’s the kind of football we played and that’s what Shawn is looking for, the team that played hard, that ran to the ball, that hit people, that got sacks and turnovers. Obviously we haven’t been that team and that’s what he wants to get back to.”
Has the controversy had an effect . . .
“Oh, yeah. Guys were turned up on both sides of the ball. They really pushed themselves to get better. I definitely think we got better in a lot of area today. Guys were giving everything they had as far as the mental stage and physical.
How might he have handled it . . .
“I’m more of a quiet guy; I’m not that vocal. I probably would have just called my defense in together and talked about it. But sometimes you have to look into different ways to get your team’s attention. Shawn was coming from the heart with it. He definitely got our attention. So we’ve just got to look past the negativity of it and what other people think. We understand where Shawn’s coming from. We’re a brotherhood here. We’ve just got to keep grinding and keep getting better this week.
“I know what kind of guy Shawn is and I know how he meant it. He’s just challenging us to get better and just push ourselves physically and mentally.”
On practicing Tuesday after sitting out since Oct. 6 with an ankle injury . . .
“It was good to get out there and move around a little bit,” said Jones, who hasn’t played since injuring his right ankle against South Carolina on Oct. 6. “Everybody’s working hard and focusing, and it was good to get back out there with the guys. I feel good right now. It’s just Tuesday, and I’m still getting better.”
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR TODD GRANTHAM
On Williams’ comments . . .
“It’s no big deal. Shawn’s a passionate guy. He cares about the way he plays and the way the other guys plays. I think it was probably taken a little bit out of context from the way he meant it in some ways. But really you’ve got a guy who wants to win and cares about his players and he’s ready to move on.”
On whether he had any advance notice from Williams . . .
“Shawn and I are pretty close and we talk. He’s a guy who wants us to play well and physical and do those kinds of things. So, you know, I don’t know.”
On Williams making lineup suggestions . . .
“Players have opinions. Everybody’s got their opinion. I have my opinion about (reporters), too.”
On how he addressed the situation with defense . . .
“We always have meetings before practice as a team. I let him have the floor for a couple of minutes and basically explain what he meant and what he cares about. The most important thing is getting ready to play Florida and it’s really not an issue. So we moved on with practice. “
MORE GEORGIA COVERAGE
- Teammates, coaches react to Williams ’soft defense’ remarks
- Georgia players and coaches preview Florida game
- Notebook: Richt floats idea of coaching kickers himself
- Georgia’s O-line eager for another chance against an elite defense
- QB Aaron Murray will take offensive player of week honors into Florida game
- Georgia-Florida week: Will Abry Jones or Jarvis Jones play?
- Dogs struggle vs. Kentucky, but win sets up marquee matchup with Gators
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370 comments Add your comment
Fats G
October 24th, 2012
3:57 pm
Will UGA’s “girlie men” defense show up wearing lipstick and high heels in the Florida game? Geez I hopes not
The Truth
October 24th, 2012
3:59 pm
UCF – no one as long as Mark Richt and the rest of his missionaries are employed.
sunshine sally
October 24th, 2012
4:00 pm
One time, at band camp, I stuck my flute in my UGA fanbase!!!!!!!!
48-40-2
October 24th, 2012
4:02 pm
Pease is definitely an upgrade from Weis who only knows how to coach big slow plodding offenses. Weis had a Ferrari and drove it like a ridding lawn mower.
I personally think the game is going to come down to two key match ups and which team has more combined wins on each side:
UGA’s Front Seven on D vs UF O-line
UGA’s ability to run against UF’s D
Neither team can afford to become one dimensional. If Bobo is smart he’ll open up with bubble screens and throw in a few toss sweeps to spread UF’s D, that will open up things in the middle.
O-Line MUST protect Murray, and give him time, if he has time he will carve up the UF secondary.
Grantham and the players CAN NOT allow Gilislee (apology on the sp) gash us up the middle.
Those are the keys to the game for UGA
UF has to create turnovers and give themselves short fields to work with as they did against SC. Jump out to an early lead, hit hard and try to break UGA’s players will. If UF trys to get into a shoot out they will definitely lose. Time of possession is key as well, UF has to keep Murray on the bench and wear the D down.
Make no mistake about it, this game will come down to who’s will to impose theirs is greater.
All trash talk aside, this game will likely go down as one of the great ones that we’ll be telling our grandkids about one day. Ton on the line, both highly ranked, should be a classic!
LakeDawg
October 24th, 2012
4:03 pm
Gilliard is responding the right way. Also, IMO if Williams had kept his comments behind closed doors they probably wouldn’t have had the effect they’re having. The D has had ample opportunity to get their crap together and haven’t. Shining the light on that might do wonders for their production.
everyone considered Georgia the coward of the conference
October 24th, 2012
4:08 pm
O-Line MUST protect Murray, and give him time, if he has time he will carve up the UF secondary.
___________________
Murray only carves up teams with losing records. Florida is undefeated. Guess they are a “no carve zone” for Murray. QB change by halftime from CMR. The bleeding will be uncontrollable by that time. Florida up 33-zip at the half. A Bama style beatdown without the black t-shirts.
Jimmy P
October 24th, 2012
4:10 pm
The most talented individuals do not always comprise the best team. If you want to look at spirit and intensity, look at the plays that Connor Norman (on side kick recovery) and Richard Samuel (threw blocker aside, made tackle on fake punt) have made. If the starters cannot play like that, maybe they shouldnt be starters.
gdawginkalamazoo
October 24th, 2012
4:11 pm
It would be a nice year to screw Florida up wouldn’t it?
dawglova
October 24th, 2012
4:18 pm
UGA is a big time program Duchee…i mean ucf. They are top 10 almost every yr and compete for sec champs every few… there is a diff btween big time and elite however. And so you know UCF IS NEITHER. Like 5th best…..in fla. Why dont u get on a UCF blog…do they even have one?
LHarding Dawg
October 24th, 2012
4:18 pm
I guess we don’t talk about the two (2) touchdowns passes against Florida to win the game carving up anyone.
It’s too dumb on here for me.
dawglova
October 24th, 2012
4:20 pm
my god coward, turn off the computer in your parents basement and look for a job. I am tired of supporting people like you. Obviously a Obama voter…..bye the way whats mom cookin for dinner?
beebee
October 24th, 2012
4:24 pm
What do you think the Florida Gators are doing while UGA’s Dogs are huddled together discussing disassociative relationships and he said, who said, me said, yo’ name my name and all that c.r.a.p?
The score will be 45-0 before UGA even crosses midfield for the first time in the game.
That new mutt might just die on the sideline.
This “Shawn” guy for UGA prolly should be y’all’s next head coach.
Tech is laughing at ya!
bee
lakesidegator
October 24th, 2012
4:29 pm
Gilliard, your $hit is soft.
MaconKnight
October 24th, 2012
4:30 pm
Stop the run and go up by 14 or more DAWGS will win, they are dead last in passing but with the way they run the football they dont have to pass much, contain the qb on 3rd and long situation because he likes to scramble. Robinson should not be on the field in 3rd down situations period the kid is slow there qb will do just what shaw did and run by him. I believe they will try to run the same thing the chickens ran with long throws over top our safeties have to stay home and make a play when the play is there to be made. We have to play fast and smart! And bobo use all of Murray’s GOD given ability that’s including his legs dont make the kid stay in the pocket if they give him lanes to run like SC did. Its going to take a complete game by all phase to win this game offense defense special teams. Everybody know that the first 10 12 plays are scripted just need to change and give there defense a different look. GO DAWGS!!!!!
48-40-2
October 24th, 2012
4:35 pm
beebee
October 24th, 2012
4:24 pm
“Tech is laughing at ya!”
Why is Tech laughing at ANYONE?! Talk about a joke of a program!!
You’re about to get punked by the mighty morphin mormons from BYU!!!
old dog
October 24th, 2012
4:46 pm
We can call out the D…they can do better. Calling out the o-line would be all-for-naught. We simply do not have SEC ability there, and most of ya’ll know it. We will have to throw quick-outs, and a few old-fashioned “drop quickly and fling it” plays and have some luck to boot. We cannot match up up front at all. We will need to TRY to coach around it, and then RECRUIT TOP-TIER LINEMEN for the next few years, as this is still where it is won. It will be tough to coach around them, though; hard to “hide” an o-line.
Congrats on calling out the D, though….we have the talent there….just ain’t makin’ the plays…
Return to Glory
October 24th, 2012
5:44 pm
Disrespected is when SC hangs 35 on you, so shut up and play
COMPETE Saturday: NO EXCUSES !!!!!!
Defense wins Championships
October 24th, 2012
5:54 pm
Nobody thinks Dawgs are man enough to beat Gators.
Dad of 4 Boys
October 24th, 2012
5:56 pm
I LOVED IT!!!!! About Time!!!! Tired of looking at that mess we call a defence. We dont pressure the QB. We dont knock down ANY passes at the line. Cant stop anyone on third down. I’m happy someone is pissed off on the defence. Shaun Williams………..Here is one fan that LOVED what you said. HOPEFULLY……..someone will call the O-line out. And our fullback. We were all thinking national championship…….even players on the team. ALL of these players need to get HOT and Pissed off and play like a DAMN football player. Knock the shit out of someone….get mean!!!! Shaun didnt say anything wrong!!
Fats G
October 24th, 2012
6:04 pm
Will the UGA “girlie men” defense show up wearing skirts this Sat.? Man I hopes not
REMINGTON
October 24th, 2012
6:06 pm
I’M A TENNESSEE FAN…..GO DOGS….GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So?
October 24th, 2012
6:10 pm
Gators 31 Shawn (cheap shot) and crew 10
mambo
October 24th, 2012
6:22 pm
Well, it looks like somebody hit the motivation switch. Hopefully, the defense will get off its butt and hit and wrap people. Florida will play like men. Hope we do too.
Ricky 4
October 24th, 2012
6:30 pm
Hell we need someone calling our D out. If you don’t like, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
Marquis de Mercury
October 24th, 2012
7:14 pm
c’mon people; CMR came up with this bs in order to get the team fired up…its clear as day…if nothing else is working, go to the gimmick…thats CMR’s M.O….wow, and yall cant see that?…
hangman
October 24th, 2012
7:56 pm
NO PASSION, NO PASSION, NO PASSION, SOFT, SOFT, SOFT. GET SOME FIRE IN YOUR BELLIES. GET MAD. SHOW PRIDE SHOW PRIDE
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life)
October 24th, 2012
8:04 pm
@ lol:
You are a MAJOR LEAGUE I D I O T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life)
October 24th, 2012
8:05 pm
@ Marquis de IDIOT:
Just stick a sock in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life)
October 24th, 2012
8:07 pm
@ So?:
I assume you were completely happy with the way our defense has been playing??????????????????
GatorsforRicht
October 24th, 2012
8:17 pm
Fired up or not, the dogs lose Saturday. Muschamp has the Gators on a mission to Atlanta, there is always the CapitalOne bowl for you dogs, which is not that bad. Hang on to Richt dogs
007
October 24th, 2012
8:20 pm
If you felt disresected…then PLAY HARDER.
hilarious at UGA
October 24th, 2012
8:21 pm
So you’ve played soft all year, but going to punch in the mouth a team that has come from behind in basically every game they’ve won. A bunch of 1-loss possers trying to get fired up and show out against a team that has beaten LSU and South Carolina. You know, South Carolina! The team that UGA gave up against!
GatorBait 18-4
October 24th, 2012
8:28 pm
48-40-2
October 24th, 2012
4:02 pm
48-40-2 That was an excellaent post——————my hat is off
DIRTYWHITE BOY
October 24th, 2012
8:34 pm
THEY SHOULD FEEL DISRESPECTED, NO ONE RESPECTS UGA DEFENSE, THEY ARE SOFT, THEY SUCK, KU RUSHED AT WILL ON THEM LAST WEEK.IF KU HAD BEEN ABLE TO PASS THE BALL THE OUT COME WOULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT. THEY AREN’T MAN ENOUGH TO BEAT A RANKED TEAM.
blazer
October 24th, 2012
8:51 pm
did the truth hurt?
Notebook: Georgia’s offensive line will be shuffling again against Gators | UGA sports blog
October 24th, 2012
9:19 pm
[...] UGA’s Mike Gilliard: ‘I felt disrespected and, yes, I took it personally’ [...]
joe jenkins
October 24th, 2012
9:30 pm
their is noway we win this game! te ST and DEFENSE are just too out of whack…..our o-line is god awful…i hope we can put it all together but we just don’t have the IT factor this year…to many pay raises and too many eyes looking for the nfl…..we look good on paper but when it’s time to play football on the field….we look like a bunch of deer caught in headlights….oh well cant wait for us to come back home and struggle with ole miss
Shep
October 24th, 2012
9:42 pm
The headline left out the most important Gilliard comment!!!! He said, “its given me motivation to go out there and give 100 percent.” Reporters need to stop fanning fake flames of dissension with corrupt headlines to get someone to look at an article. We are all Bulldogs to the end.
DawgNole
October 24th, 2012
9:47 pm
Shep
October 24th, 2012
9:42 pm
The headline left out the most important Gilliard comment!!!! He said, “its given me motivation to go out there and give 100 percent.” Reporters need to stop fanning fake flames of dissension with corrupt headlines to get someone to look at an article. We are all Bulldogs to the end.
______________________
Seems kinda late in the season to finally get motivated to give 100 percent. Better late than never, of course.
FLA DAWG
October 24th, 2012
10:36 pm
Before the first snap the blame game by the D has already begun.
Our Dawgs are biting at themselves. Virtually unprecendented in Dawg History.
Richt, Bobo and Grantham are to blame in my opinon – with probable blame laid at the feet of McGarity.
UF will beat us by 35 points.
Get ready DAWG NATION.
You asked for it by allowing Richt to stay on.
Now you’ll get just exactly what you asked for.
SolDog
October 24th, 2012
10:43 pm
Murray will carve up the florida D like a thanksgiving turkey—look for 2-3 TDs from murray and a few more from gurshall! Dogs roll 33-17!!!! Ga–back on top!
Doug
October 24th, 2012
10:44 pm
UGA has become so classless that it is almost hard to remain a fan, and this comes from a UGA grad. Time to sweep the place clean.
jaxdawgfan
October 24th, 2012
10:51 pm
Gilliard, if you are so worried about disrespect, clean up your foul mouth and learn to express yourself intelligently. The best thing you can do right now for yourself, your team and Dawg fans is to pipe down and do your talking on the field. If you think Williams’ comments are off base, prove it… and not just this week; otherwise, EVERYONE will disrespect you.
RMikel58
October 25th, 2012
12:19 am
Gilliard truth hurts dont it? Give up 20pts a game is just a sorry excuse for “just showing up”. Yeah your defense plays like little girls and youre afraid youre gonna break a nail or something. There arent any men on that defense.
Div II Schools played toe to toe with you. Gave up 3-100 yard rushers. Dismal total yards allowed.
Looked like idiots on coverage.
Best not enter any draft at the end of the season…….. your best bet is to trying to get on an NFL Scrimmage Squad.
You have suceeded in making Todd Grantham the laughing stock in CFB. Embarrased your families, friends, relatives, fans, student body, University and coaches.
Oh should i least forget the ESPN Announcers who was shocked by the lack of ability. Maybe 2 players out of that whole defense will get into the NFL.
You have got to be the worst 6-1 team in CFB. Certainly the most over rated team. No pride, no urgency, no goals, none of the traits that made past Georgia Defenses great.
The Freshmen play harder than the Juniors and Seniors on that team do. Yeah your mommy and daddy will always tell you how great you are but deep down you know youre not.
Your defense ranks nowhere in CFB, no take-aways , but almost bottom of every poll.
You even were given the softest schedule in CFB and have had to do miracolous recoveries toward the end to win that game.
Are you really a top 25 team?
You have 6 games remaining and i dont see you winning but those 3 and that certainly isnt Florida.
You may very well go down as the worst Defensive Unit in Georgia history……a memory of a lifetime.
With the easiest schedule.
globeflyer
October 25th, 2012
1:02 am
UF by 20.
Fats G
October 25th, 2012
1:29 am
Dont youse Dawg defense embarrass us Sat. Don’t wear no skirts . I was only kidding. Pls dont actually show up as Girlie Men Defense
dawgs1966
October 25th, 2012
2:00 am
P l e a s e UGA, give them their “pot” back, obviously that did a better job than the coaches are doing. Suspend the overpaid coaches for the next 4 games and we’ll have a better chance.
A-Ville Ranger
October 25th, 2012
2:22 am
What is damning to this coaching staff is that players can’t give 100% on a regular basis. Just as bad is the constant state of confusion on the defensive side of the ball. I can’t recall a program that was constantly talking itself up with really no translation to on field play.
Coach Grantham will be back coaching a position in The NFL in 2 years. He is not cut out to coordinate a defense on this level. I don’t know why there is still so much unwarrented faith in Grantham.
I think this will spell the end of the Richt era….UF 35 – UGA 14.
Reality
October 25th, 2012
6:10 am
Ok UGA fans, you are cleared to rehearse your annual statements: “Wait until next year.” “Next year we’ll be champions.” “Next year will be our year.” They aren’t dusty, so you wont have to brush them off.
Win. P.
October 25th, 2012
6:45 am
“disrespected”. sorry Gillard got his feeling hurt. Was taught that respect was something you gave your parents, elders and those in “authority”. Don’t remember football players being included. Respect is based on achievement and effort. It is not isssued along with the football uniform.