The Georgia Bulldogs, when they played (and lost) to Oklahoma State two weeks ago on the road, did not feel they could win the game without quarterback Joe Cox on the field with the team. Understandable. However, Cox was suffering from [swine?] flu and wasn’t on the team plane when it left.

So UGA was left with a problem. (Um, how do we get Joe Cox out there?) The solution? Spend $6,000 and change to fly Cox out separately. For serious, folks.

Georgia spent $6,274 for Cox’s Sept. 4 flight from Athens to Oklahoma City on an Athletic Association plane, according to an invoice obtained by the Athens Banner-Herald under an open records request.

Now, obviously, this is not the standard cost for any old flight from Athens, Georgia to Oklahoma City.

In fact, I just hopped on Kayak and found one that leaves first thing tomorrow morning (one-way, natch) for $583. Is the layover ideal? No. Is the departure time that great? Of course not. Could it involve multiple airlines? Why, yes, yes it could. Does it cost a public school in the state of Georgia and by association the fine taxpayers of that state an additional $6,000 to fly on? Why, no, no it does not.

And that’s one of the biggest problems here — apparently the AD, head coach Mark Richt and several other bigwigs at Georgia got together and decided that it was in the university’s best interests to give Cox an “extra day of rest” and fly him solo on a private plane that costs roughly $1,000 an hour.

Now, not only is that taxpayer money, but as MDS pointed out, it’s a very, very clear indication that “sports >> school” when it comes to big-time colleges.

Keep reading →

You know what’s great? Knowing people. It’s what really makes life special. Why wait in line, when your friends are at the front of it? Why actually go through a complicated admissions process, when your dad’s friend is on the board?

Why pay for tickets to a football game, when you know a guy on the team, and he can easily get you a couple freebies?

That’s what former Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford did for a November game between the Falcons and Broncos last season. He hollered at Jay Cutler, New Bears Lord And Savior, and was granted four tickets to the game. No biggie, right?

Well, since the NCAA is involved, it’s a small deal, and Georgia self-reported it as a secondary violation. From the Athens Banner Herald:

The Georgia player told athletic department officials that he had known Cutler since his junior year of high school and had maintained a relationship by phone and text messages. The player said he texted Cutler for tickets for the Broncos’ Nov. 16 game at the Georgia Dome.

The players that got tickets, valued at $40 each, donated that amount to the Boys and Girls Club of Athens.

“We had to pay the money back for the tickets, which is fine,” Chapas said.

This article later goes on to state that at the SEC meetings in the spring, Georgia athletic director Damon Evans tried to push for an NCAA rule change to allow student-athletes to get tickets from friends and former teammates, instead of doing so under the table. It “failed miserably.” Because, really, think of the horror that comes from a friend giving you free tickets!

Secondary violations are silly by nature: a coach gives out a free t-shirt to a recruit, someone makes an extra phone call … so this situation certainly fits the bill. But I’m sorry, I’m just not comfortable living in a world where Jay Cutler’s name is dragged through the mud for being a nice bro.

Where’s the humanity in that?

HT: Dr Saturday

Well, he didn’t used the words “Georgia coaching vacancy” at any point yesterday — at least publicly — but he did say this on ESPN radio:

“It has to be a situation that I think is right for me and one where I would be right for the university,” Knight told ESPN Radio. “It has to be one, from my standpoint, where I think we would have the wherewithal to recruit and be able to compete with anybody.”

His name has been linked to the opening at Georgia, but Knight, who resigned as Texas Tech coach almost one year ago, said he has had no contact with Georgia.

Again, this isn’t an out and out “Hey Georgia, please hire me,” but it’s clear Knight is interested in returning to the sidelines again. If not, why wouldn’t he just deny the rumors? He expressed that same sentiment — wanting to coach again — to Brent Musburger as they called Pat Summitt’s attempt for her 1,000th win last night.

So, with Knight’s buddy telling the AJC he wants the job, and the General backing it up in part, where does Georgia go from here?

On one hand, you have the all-time winngingest coach at your disposal; he’s an individual known for discipline and success, a guy that does things the right way. Georgia is a football school that has money, hiring Knight brings instant excitement and credibility to the hardwood. The SEC isn’t exactly a power basketball conference. From that standpoint, why would you not pull the trigger on this?

Keep reading →