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.
Buck Belue had a great piece today on the Florida game in 1980 on College Football Live and had some awesome things to say about you. I had no idea you were 5 for 6 at 50+ yards going into that game! Holy crap! Also had never heard the story that if the play to Scott didn’t get yardage the plan was just to get it close enough to give you a shot-that everybody knew you’d win it. Wow.
It was a great piece-i really hope you saw it or somebody recorded for you. Excited for you & the 1980 team this year. The celebration in Athens for the 30th anniversary of the Nat Championship better be done up right-y’all deserve it.
Miss you on twitter. Hope you’re doing well!
07/13/2010 at 12:35 AM
When the story first broke, my first reaction was total shock and my opinion of Damon Edwards went from 100 to about 25 in as much time as it takes for me to take a breath!
After watching the events unfold, my empathy towards Damon began to grow, as I too have made some choices in life that could never be considered “the smart choice”, and to experience the humiliation and deep regret of making such choices is something I pray I, nor any of my worst enemies will have to experience.
That being said, I do believe that Damon did in fact “Man Up” to this situation and his indiscretion. Some think that his resignation was NOT voluntary as has been reported, which may be true. Even so, he still could have forced UGA into a long and protracted legal battle which would have made it more expensive to defend, as well as hamper UGA in finding the next AD for UGA.
Families endure hardships, and in the end, they come out stronger. Here’s to Damon and his family, as well as all of us of the Bulldog Nation.
07/10/2010 at 11:17 AM
Excellent post Rex, well written! You should be on the AJC! Jennifer’s reply was right on, just don’t drink and drive period. And don’t mess around if you’re married. I will add: if you do drink, take a CAB.
There are times in life where bad decisions result in severe consequences, in worst cases loss of life or disability. It is amazing how quickly you can trash your career, life, and family. Thankfully Damon didn’t hurt himself or anyone else while driving, one of the few positives in this whole saga. On that night Damon Evan’s AD title stood for “AWFUL DECISION”. The fact that Evans was the spokesman for the video message about not drinking and driving at UGA games is even more sickening. I really feel sad for his family most of all.
Evans was in line to make over $3.8 million through 2015, with an additional allowance for two cars. His severance is around $237K. This AWFUL DECISION cost him over $3.6 million just looking at the money side, and then there are the impending legal fees. There are so many folks with status and power that believe they are entitled to special treatment. Damon discovered this is not the case the hard way. Those three drinks or so were very costly to Damon, over $1 million a pop, not to mention the other damage. Damon destroyed his image and also tarnished UGA’s. Slim chance he will ever be AD at a major BCS school again, and definitely not UGA. I hope he can learn a lesson from this and rebuild his personal and professional life. Prayers for his family, they did not deserve this.
07/07/2010 at 10:13 AM
As a long time booster and supporter of Georgia Athletics, it has been unfortunate and embarrassing to see the rise and fall of Damon Evans in the last week. When given the opportunity to become AD at the University of Georgia (or should I say acquiring it) either way, he obviously had the morals, work ethic and dedication to student athletes needed for the position (at the time). From the outside looking in, I can only theorize about where it all went wrong for him. Just like when “big time” college football and basketball players are treated like celebrities or stars, they often become larger than the sport, team and school who gave them the opportunity to begin with. When they choose to enjoy the benefits, privileges and status that comes along with the “star syndrome” to much, self destruction usually isn’t far behind. No, I don’t consider cheating on your wife a benefit or privilege but obviously Damon did. On the grande scheme of things Damon wasn’t a national celebrity but he did have the best job in the state of Georgia. Which was enough for him to loose everything he has ever worked for.
07/07/2010 at 10:02 AM
Thank you for noting that this was not a “mistake.” This was a deliberate series of selfish, dangerous, and irresponsible actions by someone who clearly felt laws and rules did not apply to him. I am also sad to see what he has done to his life, career, and family.
07/07/2010 at 2:43 AM
He got caught Tiger-ing.
He’s a dawg so I hurt for all of us but I’m not going to slam him for the f’ng around as much as the driving plastered as the former is evidence of low class but the latter is really bad judgement.
07/06/2010 at 11:24 PM
Great lesson for everyone. Don’t drink and drive–period. And, if you feel the need to mess around, make sure you are not married. Simple really.
I hate that the University of Georgia has been mentioned four days in a row–yes, four days in a row–in the San Diego Union Tribune because of this mess. UGA is never mentioned out here–unless something bad happens. And this was bad enough to warrant continuing coverage. Enough said.
07/06/2010 at 8:05 PM
Yeah, I heard very little about it up in Michigan, which was a plus, but I know exactly what you mean. I hope you are well!
07/06/2010 at 8:14 PM
I pray his family finds peace. This has to have been a horrific few days for them.
07/06/2010 at 7:52 PM
Amen.
07/06/2010 at 7:54 PM