Distant Replays
Do you know anyone who is living in the past? Someone who is so enamored with the people, places and things of yesteryear, that it impacts them negatively today? I do. It is both amazing and sad to see talented people dragged down because of some delusion that they owe a piece of themselves to “old friends”. You hear examples with famous athletes like Michael Vick, whose inability to disconnect from his childhood friends and the lifestyle they enjoyed, ultimately brought him down. It happens to us regular folk as well.
Whether it’s your buddies from high school or some girl from your past, at some point you have to let them go. It’s not an easy thing, but it is very simple. If the bad things that have happened in your life are connected to these people, then they have to go. Well, that’s if you want to go on to lead a productive life, that is. If you are okay with the cycle of addiction, whether to a substance or to a person or both, then by all means go ahead.
Just don’t call me to bail you out.
I have friends from just about every strata this life offers. I just don’t meet them on their level of existence. I choose to meet them on mine. That’s not arrogance, that’s called prudence. If you have a problem with that, then we’ll just have to agree to disagree.
A Miss Georgia You Never Heard Of
For the sake of doing something different and positive for Georgia Bulldog fans, here is Miss Georgia 2004, Salome Chikviladze. We’ll call her Sally.
The fact that this is the country of Georgia matters not to me. See her profile here and by all means see her swimsuit pic below. I swear I’m not going to do a “Babe of the week” like my son does on his blog.
I just ran across this profile while doing a very innocent search for a University of Georgia background on Google. I love me some Google, don’t you?
Go Dawgs!
Are You a Disney Dawg?
I guess this terminology originated on the The DawgVent…www.ugasports.com. You know the type. Zippity Doo Dahz all the way through life, not even considering that there could be something wrong with our beloved Dawgs. You can’t even say a glass half full kind of person. They would insist the glass was too small to begin with.
As I have dipped my toe into Fandom and seen both sides of this equation, I have questioned which is worse, the Disney Dawg or the guy who’s never satisfied with anything but a Mythical National Championship.
Those guys can only be represented by the two old guys from the Muppet Show, Statler and Waldorf. See below. Look, they are on the Dawgvent as we speak.
Statler and Waldorf want Mark Richt fired…right now. Nevermind that he has taken dramatic steps to improve our defense. The mistakes of the past can never be rectified by any measure of success.
Check the comment posted here by BuLLdawg.
Neither end of this pole is productive. We have to be realistic. You can’t put your head in the sand like a Disney, but give Coach Richt his due when he does something right. Do we have work to do? Absolutely. Work resumes today in Athens, and I can’t wait to see the product this fall. G-Day is fun, but will not give a great picture of what is to come.
Go Dawgs!
Death By Ego, The Mike Leach Story
Another chapter in the Mike Leach story was written yesterday. He was deposed for five hours in his lawsuit against Texas Tech (click). Bernie beat me to the punch(click), but I still want to share some of my own thoughts. While there is no disputing his track record on the field, Mike Leach was given just enough rope to hang himself in the end. His ego, like a Toyota Prius was out of control.
It’s the only explanation to his “taped” profanity laced…no wait profanity filled…no…profanity engorged tirade following a game last fall. It’s one thing to recognize complacency and identify it for what it is. It’s another thing to drop F and MF Bombs like a Hall’s mentho-liptis. It may make you feel better, but it doesn’t cure anything.
The fact that he allowed such a tirade to be video-taped proves to me that he thought he was above reproof, untouchable. Well he was touched by an angel, Adam James and he may never coach D-1 football again. The more that is revealed, the worse his PR becomes. Can a University President and AD hire such a nightmare? Maybe, but very few.
I have witnessed many tongue lashings and have received a couple as well. It’s a part of being a part of a football program with expectations. But my Lord, try and count the number of bombs he dropped in this six minute and thirty nine second video(Rated R)(click). There is no doubt that a football locker room is no place for the timid, or weak of heart. Getting a group of 80 young men to act as one takes fortitude and tremendous force of will. Even the Georgia locker room with a Christian coach like Mark Richt cannot be devoid of passion and reality checks.
But remember this. Keep all the dirty laundry in the family and don’t allow any videotaping.
Divorces can be a ______!
Roethlisberger at Scene of the Slime
It remains to be seen if Ben Roethlisberger is guilty of sexual assault, but one verdict is in. He’s a schmuck. Sure he’s only 28, but to resort to hanging out in a small college town such as Milledgeville and Georgia College with 18-21 year old GIRLS is unseemly. Now he has admitted to sexual “contact” with the girl in question.
I talked to my youngest son, who is a senior at GCSU and usually goes to Capital City, the “scene of the slime”. He usually goes on Thursdays, but didn’t go last week. He has plenty of friends that did though. What he described to me was like any scene from your favorite movie depicting a King sending out his guards to bring in an endless procession of young maidens. Once in the inner sanctum(VIP Room), he was able to check them out and grab some ass. Not just one, but many. Schmuck.
Schmuck is most often used in American English as a pejorative or insult, meaning an obnoxious or contemptible person; one who is stupid, foolish, or detestable.
Now, their is no law against being a schmuck, but Ben has put himself in a bad situation for a second time and has created the perception that he has issues with women. At the very least he has proven that he sees them as playthings here to do his bidding. It may come out that it’s much worse than that.
Ben in better times. Not last week.
Am I missing something? Am I just an old fart? What say you?
Mettenberger Sacked
I hate to see it, but apparently Zach Mettenberger was arrested over the weekend for underage drinking among other things. His bid to become the man come September may have taken a serious hit, and might also give Aaron Murray the opportunity to solidify his place as the team’s starter. Most people thought it would end up like this anyway, but as a coach you want that true open competition to ensure all the contenders are working their hardest.
If Zach misses one or two games, it might be too much to overcome. At the same time, I hope he doesn’t let this derail him long term, we may need him down the road.
Quarterback Controversy Averted
As of this writing 138 Georgia Bulldogs fans have voted on the RTK poll regarding the 2010 quarterback situation. I am happy to report that all is well. Aaron Murray has won in a landslide receiving 78% of the vote. Zach Mettenberger was second with 10%, Logan Gray had 7% and true freshman Hutson Mason just 4%.
The official tally has been hermetically sealed and sent to Funk and Wagnall for verification. You old Georgia Dawgs will know what I’m talking about. Once approved, the results will be forwarded to Coach Mark Richt so he can make the necessary adjustments to the practice schedule.
Since we have had such an over-whelming response, there will be no need for QB’s to split reps evenly. Thanks to all who voted.
New Poll on RTK…Who will…
Who will be the quarterback in Athens this fall?
Vote in the RTK Poll to the right.
Spring is In The Air, Sort of
What’s that noise Georgia fans? I hear there are Georgia Bulldogs stirring in the deep recesses of the Big BM. That’s the Butts-Mehre building for those of you in Phenix City. Mat drills are over. Optimism abounds. Willie is free. Life is good.
Spring football is starting in Athens and the Dawg Nation searches for signs that the upgrades continue. New blood on the staff should equate to a new attitude, not just on defense, but across the board. After all, it was the offense that ranked near the bottom in the NCAA in turnovers and penalties.
I think I am ready for the Aaron Murray watch. Many assume he’s the man. I wonder what Zach Mettenberger thinks about that? I’m going to put my considerable weight behind Zach.
Zach is the Cinco Grande, the future of the Georgia 5′s.
I am implementing the new “Vick logic”. He wants to go to Carolina because he like the uniforms. My heart is in the number 5. Seriously, I hope that one of these red-shirt freshman is ready by fall. Our season depends on it.
Hello Kitty! Come to Papa!
Hey Georgia Fans! I am looking foward to seeing how the #Dawgs do tonight against those Kentucky Wildcats. Coach Fox and Company played well in Rupp Arena earlier this year. I am hopeful we can make the Stegasaurus rock again tonight, just like the Tennessee game.
Go Dawgs!
MHS Football Finds New Direction
Georgia High School Football has it’s newest member to welcome to the fraternity. My old Alma mater, Marietta High School has hired Virginia coach Scott Burton as it’s newest head coach(click). Burton, replaces James “Friday” Richards who stepped down earlier this year(click). The Marietta School board voted 7-0 to hire the 37 year old coach. Burton is committed to both athletic and academic excellence and some interesting methodology to get there.
Welcome coach, I will be by to try and sell you something very soon.
Tim Tebow Impresses at Combine
The NFL Combine has a couple of days left but Sunday was a huge day for us all because Tim Tebow participated. He had a very good vertical at 38″ and broad jump of 9′ 7″. His shuttle time was downright demonic at an unofficial 6.66, and that can’t be good.
Then he proceeded to run his two forties. The first was a 4.70 and his second was a tad slower at 4.72. At this point his only option is to over-haul his throwing motion as has been reported, because his running days are officially over. Check out this guy’s article. He called 4.72 “blistering”. Toby Gerhart running 4.53 at about the same size as Tebow, that’s blistering.
He is looking at the proposition of playing against NFL defenses where 7 to 8 players on the other side of the ball are faster than him. He always had a knack for avoiding most major collisions in college. Now he will be a sitting duck if he does not learn to get the ball out quicker. It could get ugly. Anyone heard of the new Wildsplat offense?
Oh, this just in. His interviews went really well. So he has that going for him.
All-American Kickoff
I am very proud to announce that I will be partnering with Michael Husted of National Combine Series and Football University in coordinating the All American Kickoff combines in Atlanta, Birmingham and Nashville for 2010. NCS is providing input to Football University(FBU) in choosing the kickers for the Army All-American Bowl Game. I will continue to work with kickers on a small group and one on one basis in Marietta. In addition I may be doing a weekend camp at Irmo HS in Columbia, SC this summer.
The Atlanta camp will be at Mountain View HS in Lawrenceville, Georgia on April 30 – May 2.
The Birmingham area camp will be at Spain Park HS in Hoover on June 4-6.
The Nashville camp will be held at Father Ryan HS on June 25-27.
Go to the FBU website and nominate yourself or someone you know!
Of course, you can always call me at 404-455-0393 if you have questions.
Rex
College Football and Social Media
There are quite a few Georgia Bulldogs who jumped in the deep end of social media in 2009. From Facebook to Twitter, and probably some Myspace thrown in for good measure, being “social” with friends we don’t know has become all the rage. Although, I can see some positive aspects to this phenomenon, the negatives keep piling up in my mind’s eye.
Going back to last year when I jumped in the pool myself, it was interesting to connect with so many Dawg fans of all ages. As a former player, it was fun and a little bit of an ego boost to be perfectly honest. I can’t even imagine how crazy it could get for a present day player….wait, yes I can.
I have followed Jeff Owens and Mike Moore from the beginning of the 2009 season. I added Darryl Gamble, Tavarres King, Neland Ball, Bacarri Rambo, Drew Butler and AJ Green. Along the way I picked up on some players from other teams as well. I’m going to hold off on their names, you’ll understand shortly.
On the surface one would think it would be great to follow and understand the day to day routine of a college football player. At times it was true, but there were other times it was disappointing. When the season did not go according to plan, it gave over zealous fans the ammo they needed to criticize some players. It was ugly.
One in particular was Jeff Owens, who tweeted early and often about his daily grind, never missing an opportunity to let his followers know when he got his grub on. Jeff received some some serious heat after the Florida game, I believe it was. In addition, none other than David Pollack was relentless in in the fall, telling #95 to try a salad from time to time. Sometimes brutal, sometimes funny, but #47 was really just trying to help I think.
This has been a bad week for college players and social media. Elijay Fields of the Pitt Panthers was dismissed for pictures he posted on Twitter (click and also see picture below). If thats not enough, try Oregon’s Jamere Holland, upset because he thought,(mistakenly) that one of his boys had been kicked off the team for a DUI. He let loose on Facebook and now he’s the goner(click).
Like I mentioned earlier, I have been following some players from other schools besides Georgia and I have seen Tweets about partying, getting high and even one guy watching his room mate having sex in the room. It’s crazy. It’s like these kids think the only ones reading it are their friends and or team mates.
Another example is the fan pressure exerted on Facebook pages during recruiting season. Da’Rick Rogers was supposedly bombarded by Georgia and Tennessee fans. Now Rogers and Baccari Rambo have had a verbal sparring match online. It seems to have subsided for now, but I have a feeling it’s not over(click).
All in all, as a fan I think social media is cool. It gives you an unequaled access to players and their thoughts day to day. But the abuses are so numerous, if I were a coach, I would want my players to steer clear. I think any player willing to risk exposing himself to the fringe that exists out there, better be thicked skinned, because people will put you on blast in a hurry. And by all means watch the “Twitpics” and keep your mouth shut!
My own personal time on Twitter and Facebook has been dwindling because of having to devote more time to my business, but I feel sure when the season gets here, I will be among those barking…
Gooo #Dawgs!
New Series – Old School/New School
Hey you Georgia Bulldog fans, I am considering a series called Old School/New School where I will travel around Georgia and meet the 2010 signees, at least as many as possible. I want to try and approach it differently than most “reporters” might. If you think you would like this idea, what questions would you want answered? I am open for suggestions.
From Rivals.com:
| SIGNED LETTER OF INTENT | Pos | Stars | Ht | Wt | 40 | RR | Video | Enrolled | Hometown |
| Demetre Baker | LB |  |
6-0 | 200 | 4.45 | 5.7 |  |
Orange Park, FL | |
| Brent Benedict | OL | |
6-4 | 278 | 5.07 | 5.9 | |
Jacksonville, FL | |
| Michael Bennett | WR | |
6-3 | 186 | 4.55 | 5.7 | |
Alpharetta, GA | |
| Brandon Burrows | DE | |
6-3 | 240 | 4.7 | 5.7 | |
Marietta, GA | |
| Marc Deas | DB | |
6-0 | 185 | - | 5.6 | |
Kissimmee, FL | |
| Jalen Fields | DE | |
6-5 | 250 | 4.65 | 5.8 | |
Dalton, GA | |
| Kenarious Gates | OL | |
6-5 | 300 | 4.9 | 5.5 | |
Greenville, GA | |
| Jakar Hamilton | DB | |
6-2 | 196 | 4.4 | 6.0 | |
 |
Milledgeville, GA |
| Kolton Houston | OL | |
6-5 | 270 | - | 5.7 | |
|
Buford, GA |
| Ken Malcome | RB | |
6-0 | 213 | 4.54 | 5.8 | |
Decatur, GA | |
| Hutson Mason | QB | |
6-2 | 190 | 4.89 | 5.6 | |
Marietta, GA | |
| Dexter Morant | DE | |
6-7 | 240 | 4.9 | 5.8 | Manning, SC | ||
| Alec Ogletree | DB | |
6-3 | 210 | 4.55 | 6.0 | |
Newnan, GA | |
| Alexander Ogletree | RB | |
5-9 | 205 | 4.55 | 5.6 | |
Newnan, GA | |
| Lonnie Outlaw | WR | |
6-6 | 200 | - | 5.2 | Rochelle, GA | ||
| Derek Owens | DB | |
5-11 | 180 | 4.45 | 5.7 | |
Jacksonville, FL | |
| Garrison Smith | DT | |
6-4 | 250 | - | 5.9 | |
Atlanta, GA | |
| T.J. Stripling | DE | |
6-6 | 215 | 4.64 | 6.0 | |
Decatur, GA | |
| Mike Thornton | DT | |
6-2 | 280 | 4.8 | 5.8 | |
Stone Mountain, GA |
Racing to the Finish
The show “Full Color Football” was on the NFL Network over the weekend. One episode points out the fact that as recently as 1963, the NFL was not exactly an open door when it came to African-American players. Right off the bat, I was taken aback by the statement that if an NFL team did have black players it was a small number like 2 or 4, never 3 or 5. That way, with an even number, the black players could room together on the road.
The AFL on the other hand, was slightly more flexible. Partly because of the need for players, but also because they wanted to get the best players possible. They might sign as many as 15 black players, but only at certain positions. Weak safeties, middle linebackers and of course, quartebacks had to be white because of the mental demands of the position. Wow.
At this point you may wonder why I am even discussing the issue, after all, this was nearly 50 years ago. Well, each example of racism listed above, is of a subtle variety. In a sense, even the supposedly progressive AFL was saying, we will give you an opportunity, but it will always be the opportunity we choose. By the way, can you name the player to the right? He was the first Black player ever drafted number one overall by either league.
Obviously things are much different in the NFL, but what about the real world, where you and I live.
I grew up in west Marietta, Georgia near where several black families lived. They were sometimes my only friends, because there were no other white kids my age in the neighborhood. That fact and playing baseball and football with numerous black players as a kid, I didn’t have a racist bone in my body. Fortunately, my family didn’t foster any such bigotry. Living with players at McWhorter Hall at UGA only deepened my affection for all people, well except this one guy we called THE FUNK. He was white, but from Alabama…nuff said.
Because of those relationships and spending time out in the world with my team mates, I have witnessed the subtle prejudices perpetrated against them. It doesn’t have to be as ominous or violent as days gone by to damage the psyche and the soul.
Something as innocuous as a double take and stare when an old team mate visited me in the Dunwoody Townhome Complex where I lived in 1995-96, can cut deeply. Since apparently no black families lived in the complex, my friends presence could only mean he was there with bad intentions. Holy crap.
Sure we have an African-American man in the white house, but that doesn’t change the realities on the street. Whether subtle or not, things have not changed as much as we think.
Do you agree?
Just One of The Greatest Generation
Today is the 65th anniversary of the U.S. landing on Iwo Jima(click here). My Dad was there. I found out yesterday that he did an interview down in Panama City, Florida for the local newspaper’s website. See the video here. He lived there with his second wife for almost 20 years. I actually learned things last night that I didn’t know about my 84 year old father. Growing up, I really didn’t want to know the details of war. You will hear how my Dad’s best friend was killed on Iwo Jima. My brother Allen is named after him. When I was between the ages of 8 and 12, Allen was in the Navy during the Vietnam conflict. All of them made sacrifices so I didn’t have to.
I am thankful and proud today. The Greatest Generation, indeed.
Why is it Always The Good Ones?
I never met Rajaan Bennett, but I’ve met many young men like him. I have coached on teams where your greatest hope as a coach, is that young men in your sphere of influence stay in the game. By staying in the game I mean, keep their priorities straight long enough to get their diploma and if they worked hard and were fortunate, and chance to go to college. Football can provide that dream and that focus.
From everything I am hearing, Rajaan had his priorities in order. A scholarship to Vanderbilt is solid evidence. The fervent hope and the security a degree would afford he and his future family. That future ended today. His mother’s ex-boyfriend took that away from Rajaan and then killed himself.
I never understood the selfishness of a murder-suicide.
If you want to go, by all means go, but leave the innocent to their own pursuit of happiness. Young black men in America have enough hurdles to overcome. Most can be negotiated with the right focus and determination.
But bullets are one threat no one can outrun.
Tiger Woods Brought To His Knees?
How many times have you heard a public figure, whether pro athlete or politician, ask for forgiveness because of a “mistake” in judgement. It could be DUI or drug related, a weapons charge or infidelity in a marriage (click). Tomorrow at 11:00 AM, Tiger Woods is going to speak in public for the first time since his rapid descent into humanity.
I believe tomorrows “mess” conference will be a farce(click). He will make a prepared statement in a room of familiar and friendly faces, save the camera’s glaring lens. Most people in this position have learned that there is a formula that works. If that formula is followed, regaining the public’s adoration is usually assured.
- A public apology admitting whatever transgressions are applicable.
- Characterize said transgressions as mistakes thereby avoiding the label as a purposeful cheater.
- Contrition and a resolve to make restitution to any injured parties.
- A statement of re-dedication to his family and the sport that he loves, golf.
That should just about do it. But when did the definition of “mistake” get so skewed? It’s one of the most over-used and mis-used words in the language. Webster’s defines mistake as follows:
mis⋅take
[mi-steyk] 
Show IPA noun, verb, -took, -tak⋅en, -tak⋅ing.
| 1. | an error in action, calculation, opinion, or judgment caused by poor reasoning, carelessness, insufficient knowledge, etc. |
| 2. | a misunderstanding or misconception. |
Notice how the definition speaks in the singular? To me that implies that a repeated action over time is no longer a mistake but a habit or lifestyle, a conscious decision (click). Now don’t misunderstand, I’m not being overly judgmental of Tiger Woods. I’m just weary of public figures apologizing for actions when the real regret is that they got caught.
Tiger can try to control the rehab of his public persona all he wants. The real challenge will come on the golf course when he can’t keep John Q. Youdaman! from heckling him. Don’t think for a second it won’t happen. It won’t happen in the gentile environs of Augusta, but whenever the PGA Tour circles round New York/New Jersey, strap it on!
Those unequaled opportunities for abuse will come in August. The first is in The Turning Stone Resort Championship in Verona, New York. The second is The Barclay’s in Paramus, New Jersey. He probably won’t play in both if he plays in either one. If I’m his agent, I tell him to stay out of the northeast for 2010.
All in all, I don’t have any disdain for Tiger Woods, just a better understanding of him. Most peoples view of him was not real. I certainly don’t want his life to disintegrate further. I’m just reminded of the old character Fletcher in the movie “The Outlaw Josie Wales”, when he said:
Don’t piss down my back and tell me it’s raining (click)
Sebastian JaniWOWski
Oakland Raider’s kicker Sebastian Janikowski is a happy man today. I doubt he was bummed anyway, but the Raiders have seen fit to make him the highest paid kicker since King David kicked butt in the Old Testament.
Janikowski is coming off the best season of his 10-year career. He made 26 of 29 field goals, with his only misses coming from 45, 57 and 66 yards. He made six kicks of at least 50 yards, including a 61-yarder that was the fourth longest in NFL history(click).
That ain’t bad folks.
Some will question why the Raiders would go to these lengths to keep their free agent kicker. Well, the answer is as simple as looking at some of the top teams in the NFL. Just when you think you are poised to make a run for the Super Bowl, the kicking game lets you down.
Oakland is not that far from San Diego(click).
Let’s Play Some Golf!
If you are a Georgia Bulldog fan that plays a lot of golf, check out my latest advertiser, Golf Card International. No matter where you are there is a chance you can benefit from this program. I don’t play as often as I would like, and played so poorly in 2009, I swear I quit 5 times.
I actually need some instruction and to get fitted for my clubs…
I usually only get to play in charity events and fundraisers for customers. The Golf Card provides opportunities for discounted greens fees at hundreds of courses all over North America, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. If you get a card, let me know and give me some feedback on this service. It almost sounds too good to be true!
While we’re talking golf, if you need any golf balls with your company or high school logo on them let me know. I now do all kinds of promotional items for businesses and booster clubs.
Memories of Mel, and The Other 1980
When I hear the word Olympics, it takes me way back. Once again back to early1980 and a stolen opportunity for so many phenomenal athletes who had dedicated themselves to reach for the Rings. The boycott of these Summer Olympics in Moscow was a travesty (click). One of the athletes most affected was a Georgia Bulldog, Melvin Lattany (click). I had the unique pleasure to watch Mel, one of the top athletes in any sport to ever attend the University of Georgia.
I have attached links to some great stories, that tell the tale much better than I ever could, but suffice it to say, Mel was awesome. Between the present Olympics being underway and two plaques that are on my wall, Mel came to mind today.
About this time of year in 1980, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame held it’s award banquet, just as it does to this day. I was nominated for amatuer athlete of the year in 1980 and 1981, an award that was for any athlete of any sport at any college in Georgia. That’s right….me…a kicker.
Only one problem. In 1980 so was Mel and in 1981, so was Herschel. D, JD.
Here are the two guilty parties at a meet in Athens. Notice how Mel sort of left HW in the dust? Herschel weighed nearly sixty pounds more than Mel though. Herschel at 222, and Mel at 165. That fact was far more amazing to me than any football accomplishment of #34. Mel told me that at age 50 he weighs 195. He trains five days a week and can still run a 4.7 40. Wow.
Mel lives in London now. I reconnected with him about 2 months ago. In researching my first post on Herschel’s MMA debut, I read an article that Mel actually commented on. The “intrawebs” made it very easy to find him and trade emails within hours.
1980 has vastly different memories for Mel and I. Both historic, but on different ends of the emotional spectrum. I, along with my team mates found the ultimate in joy and triumph. Mel and his Olympic team mates saw only frustration and disappointment. Let’s hope no aspiring Olympian has their hopes dashed by politics ever again.
News From Ill-Gotten Gainesville
I case you have not heard, Urban “Don’t call Me Corch Meyers” Meyer has decided to take another run at leisure. He was supposed to start said leave after signing day, but he just didn’t have the heart. I’m also sure it skipped a beat when he heard that his DT Gary Brown had been arrested for slapping several women at a party over the weekend.
Meyer is to take this time between now and spring football, which is set to start at UF on March 17th, as his much publicized but never realized leave of absense. It would be interesting to see if Las Vegas has a line on how long this attempt will last. His prior foray into relaxation lasted only a “miserable” 36 hours.
Dawg Food For Thought
The recent controversy related to the last minute “change of heart” by a few commits, has had me thinking. I know, I know, I’m trying not to hurt myself. That’s why it has taken this long to put it in a post. A fairly common theme has been, “well if a kid doesn’t want to be a Dawg, we don’t want him”. I have even echoed that sentiment myself, but here’s the rub(click).
While the Nance family influence on one defector, Da’Rick Rogers was primary, I’m not convinced that the Tennessee staff didn’t have another ace in the hole. Charlie Baggett was named to the new staff in Knoxville on January 18th, just in time to become a factor in the Rogers Saga (click). Baggett had been an NFL assistant for 11 years and has coached the likes of Cris Carter, Randy Moss, Andre Rison, Plaxico Burress, Muhsin Muhammad, Derrick Mason, and Chris Chambers. Wow.
Now here is Tony Ball’s bio from www.georgiadogs.com
Ball is credited with coaching some of the school’s(Virginia Tech) greatest receivers including Ernest Wilford (2002-03), the school’s all-time receptions leader, the first player in school history to post two 50-catch seasons, and a fourth round choice in the 2004 NFL draft. In addition, Ball coached Andre Davis, one of the Virginia Tech’s top three receivers in career catches, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions. Davis was a 2002 second round NFL selection of the Cleveland Browns.
Okay, you tell me which seems more impressive to a young, 5-star athlete who wants to play in the NFL someday. Hell, even if that’s not in the forefront of a recruits mind, a coach can plant that seed and make it grow.
As a old school Georgia fan and former player, I don’t think the letters N-F-L should carry the weight they do in “college” recruiting, but that’s the reality. Our hiring of Todd Grantham is in the same vein, so why do we rip a kid to shreds when we as a program are not always fostering a true “Red and Black” allegiance? We’re playing the same game. Sometimes we will win and sometimes we will lose.
But by all means, as the kids say, “Don’t hate the player, hate the game”.
What do you think?
Tell me what you really think!