Dawgs Victims of Micro-FANagement
I’m not sure what the typical Georgia Bulldogs fan’s expectations for 2010 were exactly. I for one had no delusions of either SEC or National Championships dancing in the back of my mind this summer. I basically took the summer off from RTK and I am somewhat loathe to jump back in to the deep end this early in the season.
After three games, the Dawgs are 1-2, having suffered a last minute loss to Arkansas this past weekend. If I had been asked, I would have predicted 2-1 at this point. The loss to South Carolina was a surprise, but only because of lethal combination of the running of Marcus Lattimore and the Dawgs thinking it was two hand touch.
While many Dawg fans lament the less than stellar play the last two weeks, and I don’t disagree completely, I do think there is another point of view to consider.
I have seen several blog posts with in-depth analysis and somewhat reasonable characterizations of the coaches and players alike. I have also witnessed Tweet-crazy folks who have no perspective on this team, this season or life itself. I now call this micro-FANagement. It’s way too early to try and build the case for keeping or firing anyone.
I want to share the way I look at coaches and coaching.
One, do the players under their tutelage get better over time. Second, does the TEAM get better over the course of a season(of course, the very best teams start strong). Third, are the players fundamentally sound and/or disciplined. Some of these questions are being answered and some have yet to be answered.
I will try and wait to see the season in it’s entirety, before I assess the ultimate success or failure of individual players, coaches or this team as a whole.
I said I will try.
What’s Red, Black & Green All Over?
I don’t know, but it’s worth $1,000 and a four game suspension apparently. Georgia’s AJ Green has been suspended for three additional games, pending a UGA appeal for selling a game worn jersey to someone technically considered an agent.
The Dawg Nation is beside their collective selves, which is understandable. What I don’t understand is why they consider AJ a victim. He knew the rule and he broke the rule. If you think the rule sucks fine, but don’t place victim status on him.
AJ was and is dead wrong. I have no love for the NCAA, but just as in any real world working relationship, there is the “BOSS” and the “employee”. The NCAA controls the activities and the amateur status of athletes under scholarship at their member institutions.
Unlike other decision makers, the NCAA has chosen to up the ante in order to nip this type of thing in the bud. Four games is harsh, but harsh was what was called for, I guess.
As a Georgia fan, I am convinced that we have plenty of offensive weapons to survive the early slate of games. Our defense is the question and many of those questions have already been answered in a near shut out of Louisiana Lafayette.
The Dawgs will survive this nightmare. I believe it to my core.
Dawgs Back on Track
I really hate it when so much negativity is swirling around the Classic City. I want to stay positive as much as possible, so I’m going to take a deep breath and blow off some steam, in a minute.
My impressions of the Dawg’s first game was very positive. We looked good in all phases, offense, defense and special teams. We beat an over-matched Louisiana-LaFayette team and save a blown coverage by Baccari Rambo, we pitch a rare shut-out.
We beat La-La soundly, the way we should have. But how long has it been since that happened? For several years we won these kind of games in a somewhat ugly fashion.
Coach Richt and Company have righted the ship and we’re on the way. South Carolina is alway tough, but we have the right attitude to go with the talent. It’s going to be fun this year(on the field).
SEE NEXT POST FOR STEAM BLOWING!
TEAM me…One More Time
The motto TEAM me started with Coach Erskine Russell of course, but the meaning and attitude lives on in Roswell, Georgia. Two weeks ago I attended a fundraiser for Roswell Youth Football and Cheer Associations. Coach Vince Dooley spoke to the group of kids and their parents.
You may remember the names Matt McCormick and Heather Stepp McCormick. Both are DGD’s from way back. Matt played football and Heather a gymnast. Heather put the fundraiser together and was responsible for Coach Dooley being there. I don’t know how often Coach Dooley invokes the TEAM me as one of the catalysts for our 1980 success, but with Jim Broadway and I in attendance he referred to many of our fondest memories. TEAM me being one of the greatest.
The story was not lost on the 3rd grade Green Hornets and they called me to see if history could repeat itself. I delivered 22 TEAM me shirts in time for the first game today and the picture is below. By the way, the Green Hornets won 32-0!
What an awesome lesson in sports and in life…just one more time.
Thanks Coach Russell!
Come To Jesus Meetings
On July 12, I participated in the Bulldogs Battling Breast Cancer Golf Tournament at The Georgia Club. This great event is supported by Coach Mark Richt and the team members themselves. What was unusual about this day was the golf being delayed by monsoon rains and the emphasis Coach Richt placed on all the players attending a mandatory 7:00 PM meeting that night. Based on this, most players did not finish their round of golf.
Said mandatory meeting was in response to the July 10th DUI arrest of Dontavious Jackson with Tavares King and Branden Smith in tow. This was supposed to be one for the ages, maybe a defining moment in the career of CMR. Or maybe not. Here it is, a little over six weeks since the meeting and one week away from the opening game and Waushaun Ealey shows us where his head is.
Let’s just say the sun doesn’t shine there and the smell rarely changes.
I am shocked and dismayed that this “situation” occurred at all much less at 5:22 AM. Staying out late is one thing, an allnight-er on a SUSPENDED LICENSE is inexcusable. Coach Richt seemed to be drawing a line in the sand on July 12th. That line was crossed this morning to the tune of, hey coach, screw you!
(REVISED)…UNBELIEVABLE!
For one thing,you have put Coach Richt in a bad, bad position. Two, for caring so little for your team. Third for not caring more about your own career. If Coach Richt plays this soft, he could lose all credibility with his team. If he plays it too hard, he might lose arguably his best running back. I know how I would vote.
UPDATE!
I rest my case.
Dez Bryant May Not Survive Camp
Did you hear what Dez Bryant did? Or more accurately, what he didn’t do? Veteran wide reciever Roy Williams told Bryant, a rookie from Oklahoma State to carry his shoulder pads after practice. Dez refused. Big mistake(click),
The biggest challenge an incoming freshman in college or rookie in the NFL faces is fitting in and becoming a part of the team. Dez has put himself squarely behind the eight ball. He needs to do a 180 degree turn or he’ll be the victim of both verbal and eventually physical “encouragement”.
I remember singing I’M A LITTLE TEAPOT as a freshman at Georgia and GLORY GLORY TO OLD GEORGIA as a rookie with the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s embarrassing, but really no big deal. One of the great things going into 1980 was a much heralded freshman, Herschel Walker. He did all the right stuff as it relates to freshman “hazing”. Herschel was not too proud to do a little dance. He loved to dance, probably still does.
Dez Bryant carrying some pads in from the field should have been no big deal. Now he has drawn the attention of the other veterans and the national media.
NOW IT’S A BIG DEAL!
I’m betting the next name you hear about will be Keith Brooking. He’s the type to get in somebody’s grill and in this case it’s very much deserved. Stay tuned.
Things Mark Richt Says In Private
I just had a thought. Okay, okay, it is a rare occurrence, but it does happen. I was “Tweeting” earlier and the commercial came on with R. Lee Ermey as a “therapist”. Based on his counseling, I would never ever want to live in Mamby-Pamby Land or be considered a Jack-Wagon. I kiddingly suggested that it sounded like something Mark Richt would say in private.
Not really, but what if?
With everything happening in Athens, from DUI’s to NCAA inquiries(bogus), what might one hear emanating from the Butts-Mehre Building late at night? From time to time, the term “Evil Richt” comes up. We have seen a few things “Evil Richt” can do, but what else could he do and what does he sound like? I would love to hear your suggestions. I want these to fall in the line of Chuck Norris jokes, where Chuck is beyond amazing.
So if you had to guess, what else could “Evil Richt” do or say?
Please keep them clean!
Coutu Redo
Georgia Bulldogs everywhere remember Brandon Coutu. He’s the one that made Dawg fans feel a little better about losing Billy Bennett. I just hope NFL personnel departments have not forgotten him. They can have extremely short memories. Brandon is one of the best kickers in recent years and a hip condition prevented him from performing at the highest level when drafted by Seattle a couple of years ago.
Now he is rehabbing from a second surgery on his hip(click here) and is hoping to get just one more shot. There is no doubt he has the ability. As always, he just has to be at the right place at the right time.
I wish him well.
Just Kickin’ It!
The next two weekends are going to be fun for me. This Saturday I will be headed towards Athens to hold a kicking clinic at Prince Avenue Christian School. Some dude named Tarpley had the bright idea that they might be interested. For once he was right and he and Coach Brian Wommack have worked to put it together. I really appreciate it.
All I have to do is show up and coach, the easy part.
I don’t even know how many kickers will be there, maybe 8 or 10. I just want every kicker to take something away from the experience. It may be something fundamental or a tip about getting more powerful. It’s different for every kid. Check back, because I will post pictures and maybe video if I can figure out how.
Next weekend, on July 24th, I will host a National Combine Series event at Riverwood HS in Atlanta. Click here to learn more.
Damon’s Demise
I have had many people ask me about the Damon Evans situation. I have received calls, texts and comments on Facebook inquiring as to my opinion. I have waited until now to learn more of the story and as of yesterday Damon has resigned as Athletic Director at UGA.
Damon was driving at least partially impaired last week and it was enough to draw the attention of the police. He refused a breathalyzer test and was arrested for DUI. The full account of the arrest is here(click). The fact he was with a young woman not named Mrs. Evans exacerbated an already bad situation.
University President Michael Adams was out of town last week and that was the only reason the “resignation” took three days to come. An article recounting his resignation is here(click).
Damon brought changes to the athletic department that opened up opportunities for more people to have a chance to do business with the program. Before that, it was a closed door to many. This competitive bid process is but one reason the department is more profitable today.
Damon did a great job, but a series of bad choices brought about his demise.
Do me a favor, don’t say he made a mistake.
“Mistake” is one of the most overused and misused words in the language. A mistake to me connotes something done quickly and spontaneously. Some decisions in life require thoughtful planning, even the bad ones. To me it can’t be dismissed as a simple mistake. I am not throwing stones, believe me. I don’t live in a glass house, but let’s just say it ain’t granite either.
I hate that what was a brilliant career in the making has burned out like misfired fireworks on Independence Day. I hope in time he can rise from the ashes and rebuild his personal and professional life. He deserves the opportunity to do that. Just somewhere other than Athens.
Coach Richt, RTK and Down 34
I had a great time at the Georgia Kicking Camp last week. I saw Dax Langley and Billy Bennett as well as many young kickers I have met over the last few years. I am hopeful I will be able to be involved in the camp more in the future. One of the interesting developments of the day was seeing Coach Mark Richt for the first time since I started this blog.
As you may or may not know, as last season wore on, I had posted some controversial comments that got me in hot water with some fans. I wanted to make sure CMR knew where I was coming from. When I asked him about it, he said he had heard a little about it. We were interrupted before we could get too deep, but we talked about meeting down the road to finish the conversation. He certainly does not owe me anything, but it’s important to me have the discussion.
I saw several players while in Athens. Drew Butler looks like a decathlete. He spoke to the campers about the process he has a gone through as a player and young man. He did a great job. I met Richard Samuel for the first time. He is more beastly than ever before. He is up to 233 lbs. Brandon Boykin, Baccari Rambo and A.J. all look great. I met and spent a good bit of time talking to Coach Van Halanger. He was effusive in his praise of the work the guys have done this off-season.
Last and least is my continued effort to get back in shape. I had plateau’d between 25-30 lbs for several weeks. A trip to Jacksonville and the lure of great seafood did not help. I am happy to report that I now have broken through to a new and seemingly legit loss of 34 lbs.
My workouts have been slowed a bit the last week because of a strained flabdominal, but my daily walk is up to 3.5 miles and I’m just being consistent with moving forward, even when making eating mistakes. You can’t let a mistake derail you. Just keep going!
Have a great week folks!
Time To Join The Battle
I am at a point where want Roughing the Kicker to be a vehicle to provide what I consider valuable information to the Bulldog Nation. Not so much football related, although the closer we get to the season, my juices are starting to flow. One such instance is coming July 12th when the 6th Annual Bulldogs Battling Breast Cancer Golf Tournament(click here) takes place at the Georgia Club in Statham.
For those of you that don’t know, Chris Abbott was an offensive lineman from Douglas County who played for the Dawgs from 2002-2006. In 2003, his mom Teresa was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought this battle and won, having been cancer free for over five years now. The Abbott’s now host the golf tournament to help women in need to get the mammograms they need for early detection and treatment.
Some of the Bulldog coaching staff as well as present and past players play in each foursome with participants. There is probably not a better chance to truly get to know the Dawgs than this.
Breast Cancer Awareness is at an all-time high, but until it is eliminated completely, we all need to fight this fight.
I hope to see you there.
Is Georgia the Real “Kicker U”?
I was going to post this last year and never did. Now, as of yesterday, I am working the Georgia Kicking Camp next Tuesday June 1st. Dax Langley is running the camp. It will be great to see him.
Ole’ Bill King of Junkyard Blawg fame or infamy depending on who’s posting, was apparently short on material one day. He posed the question that I am sure was on everyone’s mind at the time. Who is the best kicker in Georgia history?
I have no delusions on this one and actually posted a vote. UGA has had it’s share of successful kickers, whether on the college level or in the NFL. But is Georgia the true Kicker U?
I had to know!
Here is my UGA list:
Bobby Etter – Falcons – 1968, 1969
Alan Leavitt -All-America 1976 - Buccaneers – 1978?
Rex Robinson – All American 1979-1980 - Patriots – 1982
Kevin Butler – All American 1983-84 – Bears, Cardinals 1985-1997?
John Kasay – Seahawks, Panthers – 1990-Present – Holy Crap!
Todd Petersen – Giants, Seahawks, Falcons – 1991- 2005?
Billy Bennett – NCAA leader in FG’s (87)
Brandon Coutu – Seahawks – 2008
Blair Walsh – Lou Groza Finalist 2009
Who will be next? We may see him Tuesday.
Any guesses of the other Kicker U? The University of California-Berkeley
Ray Wershing – 49er’s – 1973-1987
Jim Breech- Bengals – 1978-1992
Mick Luckhurst – Falcons – 1981-1987(could have been longer)
Doug Brien – 49ers, Saints, Jets, Bucs, Colts, Bears -1994-2005
Ryan Longwell – Packers, Vikings – 1997-present
That’s a pretty strong group, but a couple of the guys I thought went to UC, Berkeley actually went to other California schools. Frank Corrale went to UCLA. So maybe UGA does out- shine Cal. It has been an amazing run for those who wanted to be a part of a great group of guys at Georgia.
Kickers? Different? Well yeah, you have to be to do what we do. It’s hard to put a finger on what came first. Crazy people being drawn to kick or kicking making them that way. Either way, you have to have a different mindset or you will be cuckoo for cocoa puffs.
As I mentioned earlier, I cast my vote on AJC.com. As much as I love the young guys, Kevin Butler is still the man. But who was the man that made the man, wanna be the man. Hmmm? Yeah, that’s right. lol. If you look, Kevin is still ranked #3 in career field goals and #4 in kick scoring in SEC history, nearly 25 years later!
Bulldog Club Rescue
Many Georgia Bulldog Clubs are struggling. I had heard bits and pieces about the differences in how the Bulldog Clubs are run and looked at by the University and Athletic Department. The last few years I have heard stories about declining membership and attendance. Some clubs are actually consolidating with other clubs. The thing is, it’s not a new problem(click here).
I was down in Jacksonville last week and was going to play in the Bulldog Club golf tournament, but it rained. And it rained. And it rained. So we didn’t play. It was a bummer but it gave me an opportunity to talk to some members and learn how things have changed for what was once the greatest of the Bulldog Clubs.
Before I get in too deep, let me say that I think I understand that the Bulldog Road Tour and Coach Mark Richt cannot go to all the clubs the way coaches used to do. That’s fine. But what I’m hearing about is a complete cutting off from any and all support and cooperation from UGA. What’s up with that?
These are the people who have bled red and black and have died a thousand deaths watching their beloved Dawgs. Before I go too far and say something that I will regret and get me in trouble, let me just say this.
I want to try and create a network of former players that the Bulldog Clubs can call on to speak and/or make appearances at club functions. This idea had it’s genesis from a Bulldog Club president who felt many members enjoyed hearing from former players more anyway. I have created a page on RTK called Bulldog Club Rescue. I am hoping to get some old team mates and other former players signed up to create some options for the clubs.
You have supported us and now it’s our turn to support you.
Let me know if your club needs help or if I’m barking up the wrong tree. Go Dawgs!
Former Players Must Remain Mum?
A truly hot topic today is the brewing verbal sparring match between former Chicago Bears greats, Gale Sayers and Mike Ditka and present day stand-out Brian Urlacher. Sayers was speaking to a group in Nebraska earlier this month, and pointed out some question marks for the Bear’s 2010 season. Namely Jay Cutler’s sub-par year and Urlacher’s return from off-season surgery on his wrist. Urlacher took exception(click here).
Instead of answering the specific questions Sayers posed, Urlacher went on the offensive. “How many championships has he won?”, speaking of Sayer’s career, etc, etc. If you listen to the video or read the article linked, you will probably understand that Sayers was not taking cheap shots at his old team, but based on last year’s performance, speaking the truth. But does speaking the truth even matter in this situation?
Many of you realize that I got into some hot water last season by choosing my words carelessly in some blog posts. In my situation as well, I felt strongly that some of the negatives I pointed out were true, but many Georgia fans feel I as a former player should never, ever speak ill of the program. I don’t think that’s fair. As long as the statements are based in reality and are not some inflammatory position taken just to recieve page-views as some bloggers are wont to do, then it’s all good.
I have learned a lot in my year of blogging, but I will always try to be honest. I may lose some fans, but maybe I will gain a few in the process as well.
At the risk of opening old wounds, what say you Dawg fan?
The Needs Are Great
I’m playing today for the second year in the Leeman Bennett Charity Golf Tournament in Forsyth County…or is it Fore-syth today? This tournament benefits the cancer programs at Northside and Georgia Baptist Hospitals and the Eagle Ranch for Boys and Girls.
Jan Ros, Frank’s wife, works for Eagle Ranch and got me involved last year. Please support these worthy causes when you can. All of these organizations work where the needs are greatest.
Have great week Dawgs!
Bulldog Clubs and Down 25
The next couple of weeks should be a lot of fun. I just participated in my first FBU Camp and worked with some great young kickers and punters. I will do a separate blog post to discuss these young men. For now, I wanted to mention some upcoming events where I would love to see you.
This Thursday, May 6th, I will be visiting the Rockdale County Bulldog Club to discuss the 1980 National Championship among other things. Try and come by. On May 17th, I will be down in Jacksonville to play in the 18th Annual Vince Dooley Scholarship Golf Tournament sponsored by the Jacksonville Bulldog Club(click here). I can’t wait!
Chris Troxel of RACC and I will be there to show off his great new product(click here).
For those that care not named Tarpley, I have now lost 25 lbs. since March 22nd. That’s a little over 4 lbs. a week for six weeks.
I feel good…but then….I knew that I would.
Down 20 and Logan’s Run
Last week was a definite plateau week for me, but broke through this weekend. I have lost 20 lbs. in four weeks. I feel good about that but I’m not quite half way to my initial goal of losing 55 lbs.
I have seen a few of you and you have been gracious to comment on my efforts. I appreciate that. Now, on to more important issues, like Georgia football.
The most pressing issue of the day seems to be Logan Gray and the possibility of him transferring. Reader Tyler T. wants to know what’s up.
I don’t know any more than the regular fan, but I think I understand where he is. If Aaron Murray is indeed the guy, Logan could be relegated to a repeat of 2009. Now, I’m not sure if Logan could contribute at receiver as has been bandied about, but I do know this. There are no accolades being doled out for fair catch specialists. Almost every time he entered a game last year, every person in the zip code knew what was coming. It was not fair. He was never put in a position to succeed, which is part of a coach’s job.
If Logan is frustrated, last season had to be the genesis. Being passed on the depth chart by a red-shirt freshman surely adds fuel to that fire. The coaching staff had their opportunity to see Logan’s work. The implication was he is a great athlete. But even the best athlete can’t perform with handcuffs and shackles on.
Who could blame him for wanting to break free?
Hard Line Just in Time
It seems many Georgia fans are continuing to question Mark Richt’s decision to dismiss Zach Mettenberger. They want an explanation for the seemingly hasty decision. They want details. Well, this ain’t TMZ and Mark Richt owes no one any explanations.
People have screamed for several years about discipline in the program both on and off the field. I myself have offered opinions that Coach Richt had possibly lost some control of the team and I got put on blast. Now that he seems to want to reassert himself, the other camp cries foul. It’s another example of how you can never please all of the people all of the time.
Maybe you think he should have given young Mett more latitude because he had the chance to be our starting quarterback. I say BS. It’s that kind of inconsistent disciplinary standard that breeds resentment on a team in my humble opinion.
I have seen Georgia fans characterize the Mettenberger decision as knee-jerk and reactionary. They think Coach Richt has initiated a zero tolerance policy. I haven’t heard that. I see no evidence of that. I don’t know that the “spring break incident”(click) was the first or last transgression on Zach’s record, do you? I have heard some rumors from fans, not the athletic department, so I will not spread that stuff. That friend of a friend stuff just doesn’t fly here.
I want to remind you all that some consider Mark Richt on the hot seat in 2010. I don’t, but many do. Even so, I have wondered if the changes in the defensive staff would be the only ones made in the culture in Athens. I think we have the answer. It’s one thing to dismiss a back-up punter(click). It sends a real message when your potential starting quarterback is told to hit the bricks.
Georgia Fans can’t have it both ways. Nor can CMR have different rules for your favorite guys versus the ones you could do without. If “Evil Richt” has returned, 2010 is gonna be great.
Doing The Right Thing
The last few days have reminded me of how important doing the right thing really is. I played in yesterday’s Boy’s and Girl’s Club fundraising golf tournament which is obviously fun but a more than worthwhile group to support. I was tempted at one point though, to do the wrong thing.
A group ahead of us, included an Auburn fan who left his ball marker on the green. As a Dawg, my first impulse was to skip it across a nearby lake. I did resist and as it turns out, one of my playing partners works with said “Tiger” and introduced us after the round. Based on some preliminary discussion, I may be able to do some business with them.
The right thing was rewarded.
My son recently wrote an interesting post about how video games can be a reflection of your innermost self. As they say, character is what you do when no one is watching. Click here.
Which brings me to Zach Mettenberger. I don’t know any more details than any other fan. My Blackberry was blowing up with questions, but all I can say is this. It must be pretty bad. Between being a leading candidate to be our quarterback to having a mom working at UGA, this could not be something borderline. Mark Richt does not do anything rashly. His decisions are always thoughtful and balanced. So my thoughts could be summed up this way.
Mark Richt chose to do the right thing because Zach Mettenberger refused to. Period.
Something You May Have Missed at G-Day
The RACC. Below you will see the coolest thing since the Ice Age. The RACC folks were set up in the Tate Center Parking lot so you may have missed them. If you have ever wrestled with your standard tent canopy to tailgate, you’ll understand the genesis of the idea. Chris Troxel said, “there has to be a better way” and now there is. Partner Paul Jankowski has designed a better mousetrap and you can be the benefactor. Go to www.raccstore.com. This week they will be at Auburn’s spring game, then The Steeplechase on the 24th and The Taste of Marietta with me on the 25th. Come see us!
One Tough Year
Today marks the one year anniversary of Total Team Sports being open for business. It has been a tough year, but we have survived and as of this date, I am as busy as I’ve been in years. That does not mean I don’t need your business. I most certainly do. Check out the apparel links to the left.
I wanted to thank the people who first gave me an opportunity to serve them this past year.
In alphabetical order:
Advanced Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Ansbach High School(Germany)
Campbell HS Soccer
Chattahoochee HS Football
Chattahoochee Jr. Cougars Football
Department of Forensic Cleaning, LLC
Etowah Baseball Boosters
Georgia Mustangs, Inc.
Haralson County Football
Hillgrove Gridiron Club
Hillgrove High School
Kennesaw Mountain Football
Lassiter HS Football
Marietta Fast Pitch
Marietta Heat(AAU)
Marietta HS Football
Phil Gingrey
Pope HS
R and D Automotive
Shorter College Football
South Cobb HS Track Boosters
Trinity Chapel Academy Soccer
Tucker HS Football
Union Grove HS Football Boosters
Walton HS Dugout Club
Woodland Football Boosters
Woodland HS Track Boosters and many, many individuals that I can’t really name here. Thanks to all of you.
It’s a great start, but we have a long way to go. I am actually considering taking on some sales people, so if you know someone who is looking for work and is well connected in athletic circles have them email me at rexrobinson5@gmail.com.
Phil, Tiger and Down 17
Why does Georgia’s G-Day Game coincide with The Masters? Does that make any sense? Bernie, see what you can do. I know that as good as attendance was at G-Day, it would be even better with no golf to compete with.
As last week wore on and Tiger was being described as some kind of victim, I grew more and more weary of the commentary. Tiger brought whatever scrutiny he was under on himself. No sympathy here.
What a juxtaposition between the Woods family and the Mickelson’s. Could they be any more different? One family’s future still very much in doubt. The other bonded by real adversity(cancer) and seemingly stronger now than ever.
The irony of it all is delicious. Isn’t karma a Buddist teaching anyway? Just asking.
For those of you not named Tarpley, I weighed in “down 17″ pounds this morning(4-13-2010). I had a rough weekend, especially Saturday, but I am back on the beam. Again thanks for all the support.
Gem City to Classic City and Back
The next few days in the Dawg Nation will be ones to remember. I can’t remember a stretch over a weekend with such promise. The Rotary Club of Marietta Park to Park Fun Run is the first of what I hope will be many race tee shirts for me. The starting line is at the First United Methodist Church in Marietta and begins at 8:00 AM.
After that, we’ll head to Athens to meet Chris Troxel of the Retractable Awning Canopy Company to see a great product that I hope to at least promote if not sell through Total Team Sports. Chris will be at the Tate Center Parking lot before the game and East Campus after.
Look for him!
We may have to stop by Glory Glory in Lawrenceville on the way to see the Lewis’. I can never drive that close to such a great selection of Dawg Stuff and not stop in. We may try and run by The Blind Pig Tavern to see the DawgVent folk. They kinda scare me so that is subject to change.
Oh yeah, then the G-Day Game!
After the game, I need to run by and see some old team mates at the Lettermen’s Bar-B-Que, but I want to go see the baseball game. Tomorrow, Chance Veazey is throwing out the first pitch. You should all come support the Diamond Dawgs and Chance. I know a lot of you are planning to anyway.
As Ole Lady Luck would have it, both of my sons will be in Athens tomorrow. Ryan lives in Athens and works for UGA, Sean will be coming up from Milledgeville(Georgia College and State University). I may get the see them as well.
How’s that for a Saturday.
Sunday, I will be out with some kickers in the afternoon. I start with a new kid from Wheeler HS. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.
Monday, I will be playing in The Boy’s and Girl’s Club Golf Tournament at The Marietta Country Club. You may want to avoid the vicinity. My old room/team mate, Frank Ros is playing this year.
Have a great weekend Dawgs! As the kids say, it could be epic!
Tell me what you really think!