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.
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.
Tell me what you really think!