Georgia’s Aaron Murray ‘relieved of interview duties’ this week (UPDATED)
Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, here directing traffic during last Saturday's game against Georgia Tech, was not available for interviews after that game, nor will he be before this week's SEC Championship game. (AP photo)
*Updates with quotes from Christian Robinson . . .*
ATHENS – Aaron Murray has gone silent.
Georgia’s record-setting quarterback has decided not to talk to the media this week as the No. 3-ranked Bulldogs’ prepare for Saturday’s monumental matchup against No. 2 Alabama in the SEC Championship game. According to Claude Felton, UGA’s director of sports communications, Murray “has requested that he be relieved of interview duties this week and Coach Richt has approved. . . . Apologies.”
Murray will apparently be available after this Saturday’s game.
Murray also bolted from the locker room after this past Saturday’s game. Traditionally Murray answers questions from the same stool in the southeast corner of Georgia’s locker room at Sanford Stadium after every home game.
“He told somebody he just wanted to hook up with his family,” coach Mark Richt said on Sunday. “I don’t know if his family was going to try to drive home after the game because it was not a late game or what. I think he wanted to get out and spend some time with his family before they took off.”
It has made for an interesting turn of events. Not only is Murray a fantastic player and leader on the field, but he also has served as a face and voice for the team for most of his three seasons as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback.
Murray is playing the best football of his career at the moment. This past Saturday he became the first player in SEC history to pass for more than 3,000 yards passing in three consecutive seasons. He comes into the SEC game with 3,201 yards with 30 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, which gives him 9,399 yards, 89 and 29 for his career. Against Georgia Tech his past Saturday he was 14-of-17 for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Since the fourth quarter of the Florida game, Murray has thrown for 14 TDs and no interceptions.
Of course, the knock on Murray has been how he has played in marquee games against elite defenses. He threw three interceptions in the first half against Florida on Oct. 27 and was 11-for-31 for 109 yards and an interception in the Bulldogs’ 35-7 loss to South Carolina on Oct. 6. Perhaps Murray didn’t want to be answering again all those questions about not playing well in big games.
Meanwhile, Alabama comes into Saturday’s game with a defense that is ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense (233.67 ypg) and scoring defense (9.25 ppg), No. 2 in rush defense (77 ypg) and No. 3 in pass defense (156.67 ypg).
Obviously Murray wasn’t available to explain. But senior linebacker Christian Robinson, one of Murray’s roommates and best friends, defended Murray’s decision.
“I don’t think it has anything to do with the media,” said Robinson, one of three UGA student-athletes to participate in an SEC conference call Monday. “I don’t think he’s trying to send a message. I just think he’s so dedicated this week to being prepared. He wasn’t at the house (Sunday); he was here studying film all day. He’s just a great competitor, one of my great friends, and I know this one means so much to him. He works his tail off every day and people don’t see that. He just wants to be completely ready and not have any distractions. He’s just trying to prepare and I don’t think it’s bigger than that.”
So what do you think? Is it a good call Murray has decided to shut it down from a media standpoint this week? Or is he making a mistake from the standpoint of breaking from his normal routine and treating this game differently than he has all the rest?
Ultimately, the answer will come on Saturday.
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178 comments Add your comment
CHDawg
November 26th, 2012
12:26 pm
Beanster, I think you are right about Murray being coached away from running, and that is why I said CMB needs to cut him loose. I understand the importance of not getting him hurt. But, Aaron is a very good runner with good instincts, and this is a once in his career opportunity. His only weakness is not avoiding hits–he wants to stick his nose in there and deliver a blow. He just can’t do that for the good of the team. He has to run really smart. However, I think three or four first downs out of Aaron’s legs and Kirby is going to start having flashbacks and layoff the pressure and dial in containment, which will help our line. We can certainly go with the our standard run/pass and see how we do. If our line can block Alabama, it will be a long afternoon for them. If they can’t, though, I hope we have some strategies for success!
Jimmy Crack
November 26th, 2012
12:27 pm
Good. I love it when the media is DENIED and then embarrass themselves by trying all week to figure out…
WHY WON’T AARON TALK???
doug dawg
November 26th, 2012
12:29 pm
as far as i’m concerned, good for mr. murray. i am SO SICK of hearing all of this s— week after week since when, january? we finished 11-1. if we lose to alabama, we still go to a good bowl and have the hope of finishing 12-2. i’ll still go to bed happy. it will be absolutely wonderful. peace.
poopdawg
November 26th, 2012
12:30 pm
Beanster , could you imagine the bill on those steak dinners for the OL? Murray is probably detailing their cars. I am not sure if i would want the ice cream bill either.GO DAWGS!
AGTFan53
November 26th, 2012
12:33 pm
Congratulations Dawgs. You stomped my Jackets good. Win the next 2 games. I’ll pull for you the rest of the way, even though it makes mt eyes bleed.
Dawglasville
November 26th, 2012
12:34 pm
Don’tsufferfools – I was thinking about the Mizzou game, first half. My apologies to the Bennett family. I do wish we had him.
It does seem like when Aaron struggles he can’t catch a break even when he starts to get it going.
poopdawg
November 26th, 2012
12:36 pm
Real class 53, good luck in the ACC CHAMP game.
Tom
November 26th, 2012
12:38 pm
VERY SMART BY MURRAY! All he gets now are questions about problems with elite defenses or idiot reporters asking about him going to the NFL next year. Why not keep all of that crap at bay by not talking to the people who constantly try to throw his mental preparation off? Sounds like a good decision to me.
beanster
November 26th, 2012
12:42 pm
You and I are definitely on the same page CH. If there is a time to turn him loose it is now. I thought the same thing during the SC game and the UF game but somehow CMB didn’t hear me yelling from my living room. That is why I don’t think UGA will do anything differently on Saturday. AM will run the hurry up to try to take away from Bama’s depth but I just don’t see him resorting to scrambling. It’s not CMR’s style.
On a related note, we have had the position known as Tight End appear on the radar since SC. Could this be Jay Rome’s vault to glory? Or Lynch for that matter?
Joey
November 26th, 2012
12:49 pm
“We need more GT/FSU articles AJC – wake up and smell the ACC Championship!”
**********************************************
After last Saturday’s SEC shellacking, most of us already “smell” that ACC game, Goldenrod. And it isn’t pleasant.
sam P
November 26th, 2012
12:50 pm
@ golden rod – I guess its lonely at the bottom of the state . I think Georgia southern put up more of a fight than tech did . Have fun getting waxed these next couple weeks. On a quick side note “We Run This State “
CHDawg
November 26th, 2012
12:53 pm
I have noticed the TEs, too. Both of those guys have extreme potential. Lynch has disappointed me with some drops, and Rome has made a couple of bone-headed, freshman mistakes. However, Rome has shown some brilliant ball skills, and he is quite a gifted athlete. I feel like he could become a superstar at any time–one great game. Lynch is a stud TE with very few weak areas, if any. He needs to catch it 100% of the time, and the other thing he needs to realize is how hard it is to bring him down and use that to his advantage. There is only one way for a little 210 lb back to tackle him solo–take out his legs. If he will cutback, slow down, do just about anything to deny chopping his legs in the open field, he will gain a lot more yards after his catches. Both of those guys, with a little bit improvement in weak areas, could be high draft picks when the time comes imo.
BullDawgRick
November 26th, 2012
12:56 pm
Nice move AM…
No need to say anything leading to the game..
Do all your “stuff” on the field Saturday afternoon!!
Gooooo Dawgs!!
Mobile Dawg
November 26th, 2012
12:58 pm
I would also like to see the rest of the players follow Murray’s lead. Bulletin board material “does” often come back to bite you. Mike Bobo and Aaron Murray really have to step up big time, although I don’t think this game is like David and Goliath, the Dawgs, if they show up, should represent themselves well, with a reasonable possibility of coming out on top.
DawgfaninAugusta
November 26th, 2012
1:01 pm
Good decision by Murray. His post game comments will be–
Texas A&M cut one leg off their high horse and we finished
the drill and brought them back down to earth!
Go Dawgs!!!
David
November 26th, 2012
1:14 pm
@Goldenrod, that was the most ignorant and senile comment I have ever heard. Don’t blame Rambo for being a physical specimen among the inferior boys of Tech.
Nashville4UGA
November 26th, 2012
1:17 pm
Here are Murray’s comments pre-game. “Alabama is a great team. They have won recent championships, which is where we want to be at UGA. We will have our work cut out for us, but we are going to the Dome to win to take this program to the next level. We feel like we can play with anyone in the country and we’ll find out on Saturday night if that is true or not. We respect Alabama, but do not fear them.”
Do you honestly think Murray would give Bama bulletin board material? His interviews are always politically correct. Find some other story lines other than QB1 watching film, saying his respects, etc.
JB
November 26th, 2012
1:19 pm
Few outside of this state’s borders thinks Dawgs even have a chance to beat Bama. I’ve seen them play. They are very good. Great. No. Beatable? Yes. Dawgs don’t get the love or National respect Bama does….and to be fair, rightly so. Bama has been there. Lose once in a blue moon…….But, they got to beat the Dawgs. I’m sure Saban is not happy with the National talk and trying to keep his players away from it. These Dawgs can back up being dissed……Hang on.
G-Dawg
November 26th, 2012
1:20 pm
Now tech fans are complaining about getting tackled too hard?? SMH!!
7576DAWG
November 26th, 2012
1:20 pm
Murray loves to talk and this is why he has been one of the teams representatives when someone has to talk about upcoming events. I respect the fact that Murray realizes he has answered all the questions that have already been asked and that no new subjects will surface. Murray is showing more and more leadership.
His father is battling cancer and finals will be in a few weeks and with him taking his Masters and PHD together so will any projects or paper that are due. Then there is a little distraction called the SEC Championship game this Saturday. With all the film room time he will be putting in and practice his plate is full . You hope everybody on the team wants to win this bad and has a self imposed gag rule this week.
When you are this close to playing for a National Championship nobody needs unnecessary distractions.
JB
November 26th, 2012
1:22 pm
Dawg fans on here should not even react to Tech nerds on here. They are a small, petty sorry bunch and just hate everything UGA and the envy is out of control. FSU kills them. Ditto Bowl game. Then more excitement for 2013 an another 6-6 year. Vad Lee is horrible by the way. We are all they have in sports to hang on to.
Mark (another one)
November 26th, 2012
1:28 pm
I don’t know the reason for Murray’s request and frankly don’t care. I am certain the AJC will come up with something to read this week. They always do. I just hope the team is focused on preparation for Saturday and maintaining their eligibility (hitting the books). Murray has shown he can take care of business. Best wishes to his Father as he continues his battle.
Don
November 26th, 2012
1:38 pm
Does anybody know the condition of Murray’s father?My mom had thyroid cancer 20 years ago and never even had to have treatments.
NCDawgFan
November 26th, 2012
1:47 pm
As humiliated as most all the ACC fans must all feel after this past Saturday’s assorted beat downs at the hands of four SEC teams, how much worse would it be if Tech upsets Florida State (which I think could happen) then goes to the Orange Bowl at 7-6 to play… wait for it,.. Kent State. The same Kent State team who lost to Kentucky (maybe the worst team in SEC history) by 33 points. Losing that game (and with their recent stellar bowl history, why not?) would be even more embarrassing that getting drilled by MTSU at home by three TD’s. It has almost gotten to the point where I no longer get any satisfaction making fun of Tech or their sad little conference. Almost.
Nick
November 26th, 2012
1:47 pm
ESPN is happy, they can do more stories on Notre Dame now.
Whiznot
November 26th, 2012
1:49 pm
Murray is apparently afraid that he will repeat his famous SEC Media Days gaff that Mark Richt is a great man who is teaching his players to become “better husbands and better wives”. If I had made such an idiotic comment I’d refuse interviews for life. Go Dawgs (don’t play like wives).
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November 26th, 2012
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Joey
November 26th, 2012
2:11 pm
JB, the one thing that gives me pause is the total lack of adjustments by our staff vs SC. No clue how to mount a counter-offensive.
Hopefully we come out of the gate like in Jax.
@GTBob
November 26th, 2012
2:12 pm
A.Murray isn’t the only one that has decided to be quiet. Haven’t heard a peep out of GTBob either. A. Murray “relieved of interview duties”, while all of the AJC readers are “relieved that they don’t have to read GTBob’s asinine comments”.
Eisendawg
November 26th, 2012
2:15 pm
Wouldn’t be a bad idea for MR to relieve Rambo of his interview duties as well.
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November 26th, 2012
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Dawg in Mississippi
November 26th, 2012
2:29 pm
he’s going to be too amped up. Too uptight and nervous!
NC Dawg
November 26th, 2012
2:30 pm
@Serious Question, Catching the flu from the Tech players would have been physically impossible since none of them got anywhere close to Murray on Saturday.
MattDawg
November 26th, 2012
2:32 pm
I think it goes to show the focus of this team and its leadership. I think the loss to South Carolina was Aaron Murray’s Tebow moment after he lost and gave his great speech. I think this team has become very focused and he doesnt wanna talk, just prep and leave it all on the field. A lot of folks said they were gonna over look tech and it was clear that they did not. I am proud that this team is showing so much maturity.
Music City Dawg
November 26th, 2012
2:55 pm
Its a great decision on his part. Gets him away from all the “noise” about the big game and let’s him focus better. He’ll be ready come Saturday! Go DAWGS!!!
JoJo
November 26th, 2012
2:58 pm
love it the move aaron needs to do whats best for him and the DAWGS!
Dawg
November 26th, 2012
2:58 pm
Great idea Murray! Let your play on Saturday do the talking!
DawgFaithful
November 26th, 2012
3:03 pm
@GTBob,
GTBob has posted on other articles today but yes he’s being pretty quiet.
Where is the Tech fan that calls himself “Tide Roll”? I haven’t heard from him all day. You would think if he was really a Bama fan he would have been all over this stuff today. I’m sure he’s a little let down.
Georgia’s Aaron Murray ‘relieved of interview duties’ this week (UPDATED) – Georgia – Dawg News
November 26th, 2012
3:22 pm
[...] link: Georgia’s Aaron Murray ‘relieved of interview duties’ this week (UPDATED) ← Back to Home Tags: alabama crimson tide, football, mark richt, murray, quotes, [...]
Fair n Balanced
November 26th, 2012
3:22 pm
I think they all ought to go silent (especially Rambo) and work their tails off to win the SEC. that is what I would be doing if I was a player on the team. We don’t need to hear from these players in the media. The Dog Nation needs to see them win on the field…..then everybody can talk.
Jville Dawg
November 26th, 2012
3:23 pm
Good! Now Aaron won’t have to waste his time answering a bunch of stupid questions, and misinterpreted all week or have much ado about nothing comments blown way out of proportion. Sorry Chip, you do a great job, but I’m sure even you have to admit that what passes for not even good, but just mediocre journalisim these days is laughable at best.
Gee Golly Batman?
November 26th, 2012
3:30 pm
The dawgs are going to come out of fire….it will be over by the half like the tech game!
Chip Towers
November 26th, 2012
3:36 pm
JvilleDawg: I think the quality of journalism depends on from which publication or site you are getting it.
I have to agree
November 26th, 2012
3:42 pm
probably didn’t want to talk about georgia fans egging his house a few weeks ago.
dawgster
November 26th, 2012
3:42 pm
In all fairness to Rambo…and Chip Towers will back this up as he did this morning in an interview…The question was posed to Rambo on whether he thought the dawgs defense waa as talented as bama’s…Come on people what would you expect him to say…of course he feels that the dawgs defense is as good or better in his opinion…I would expect the same answer from a bama player….Unbelievable how many are trying to spin something based off a questions that was directed towards him…Yeah I guess he could have said “no comment”…now what does that say about your confidence or your support for your own team…Either way, as Chip alluded to this morning, it was a loaded question and really the only answer he could give…buy hey I like the confidenece, now you just have to go out there and make it happen….go dawgs
Doodaddy
November 26th, 2012
3:46 pm
Seriously, what could Murray say that hasn’t already been said? The kid has his head on straight and his priorities in order. You gotta respect that.
Jville Dawg
November 26th, 2012
3:47 pm
NCDawgFan
November 26th, 2012
1:47 pm
I know what you mean. I came into work and got a very classy email from a Tech Fan I work with congratulating me on the win, and dialed his extension and the first thing he said was, “Okay man, let me have it, I’ve been waiting.” There was a sadness in his voice, and just didn’t have the heart. I just said, “hey didn’t call to pile on, just to say ‘thanks’ for the classy email.” It has gotten bad when it’s not even enjoyable to make fun of them. It’s almost socially unacceptable. Making fun of Tech is like making fun of someone who’s handicaped, or mentally challenged, you just shouldn’t do it. It’s not right.
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[...] else. Per a statement from Georgia Monday morning, “Aaron Murray has requested that he be relieved of interview duties this week and Coach [Mark] Richt has [...]
dawgdays
November 26th, 2012
4:05 pm
I heard that GT is making rings again… LOL!