Glory To Ole Georgia | A Georgia Bulldogs Chise

[Nash]

Position Preview: Wide Receiver



Just a few years ago (I'm talking to you 2006), this position was a weakness on the team. Dropped passes, missed assignments, and many other failures occurred regularly.

Now, the position is one of the biggest strengths on the team.

The corp has star power in A.J. Green, and overall depth with a blend of different styles. They can go for a bigger style receiving group by playing A.J. Green (6'4), Kris Durham (6'5), and Marlon Brown (6'5), or they could try to go to a speed group by playing A.J. Green (4.37 40 Yd dash), Tavarres King (4.37), and Rantavious Wooten (4.38).

---------

You can't mention Georgia without talking about A.J. Green. Green is widely considered to be the best wide receiver in the nation. He blends height (6'4"), speed (4.37 40 Yd dash), hands, and route running.

He is almost a Randy Moss clone as he can outjump you and outrun you and is nearly unstoppable when healthy.

In fact, before being injured in the Florida game, Green was averaging nearly six receptions, a hundred yards, and a touchdown a game. However, injuries ended an amazing season as he missed the last two games of the regular season with an AC Sprain (same injury as Sam Bradford).

---------

The real question for this position is who will line up opposite of Green. It could be one of numerous players but the leader right now is Tavarres King.

King, a hometown hero, is a speed demon mixed with fantastic route running. In fact, Georgia coaches regard him as one of the best route runners they've ever coached.

King started last year and he posted 18 catches for 377 yards (yes, an average of 20.9 yards per catch) and a touchdown.

---------

The dark horse for the second starting spot is Kris Durham. Durham has been a solid player for the Dawgs for many years and it seems as if many people forget that he is still on the team because he missed all of last season with a torn shoulder. However, he received a medical redshirt as a Senior.

Durham, is a big guy (6-5. 209 lbs) and deceptively quick. He is also a big play receiver and in 2008 had 13 catches for 199 yards and a touchdown.

In this year's Spring Game he caught three passes for 54 yards.

---------

Another candidate is Rantavious Wooten. Wooten was a prized recruit and put together a solid freshmen season 10 receptions and 197 yards with two touchdowns.

He is a quick receiver and has a knack for making a key catch at big time situations. He was clutch but his body size (5-10, 170 lbs) is more conducive to the slot receiver.

No matter where he plays, he is going to make some key plays in Athens this season.

---------

The player that could have a huge breakout season this season is Marlon Brown. If that name sounds familiar, its because he was one of the biggest recruits just a season ago.

However, he came in and needed to adjust to SEC football. Playing at a little school in Tennessee, Brown only needed to know two routes (streak and screen) to dominate. When he came into Athens, he struggled to pick up the playbook and routes.

Coach Mark Richt put this perfectly saying in high school he was a "man among boys" and now he is playing against other men. However, after a season at Georgia, reports are that Brown has improved greatly and could be a huge playmaker this season.

At 6'5, he blends power and physicality which is the perfect counter to Green's style. He plays very similar to Anquan Boldin of the Baltimore Ravens.

[Nash]

Position Preview: Tight End



If in the last decade USC is Running Back U, Ohio State is Wide Receiver U, and Miami is Defensive Back U, then Georgia is Tight End U.

"It's just the tradition that started when Coach Mark Richt got here," Martrez Milner said. "He gets the ball to the tight end."

Every year it seems Georgia has an amazing tight end. From Randy McMichael to Ben Watson to Jermaine Wiggins to Leonard Pope, talent has never been missing.

This year is no different as UGA is absolutely loaded at tight end with quality and quantity.

---------

Georgia will use two tight end formations so the first starter for the Bulldogs is Aron White. White started 12 games for the team in 2009 and recorded 13 receptions for 198 yards and 4 touchdowns.

His highlight of his career is the bowl game last year where he was named the Most Outstanding Offensive Player after his two touchdown performance.

White was injured early on in his career but is a good combination of a blocker and receiving threat.

---------

The other starter could end up being All-SEC if all things go right in Orson Charles.

Charles was the third leading receiver on the team as a true freshmen with 374 yards on 23 receptions and three touchdowns.

He is a physical specimen with the size of a tight end (6-3, 230 lbs) and the speed of a wide receiver. If you were to compare him to an NFL player, Antonio Gates comes to mind. He was often lined up wide last season to spread the defense out and be a nightmare problem.

Charles quickly earned the Bulldogs nation heart even before he stepped onto campus when in a recruiting visit to Florida, he accidentally dropped their 2006 National Championship Trophy causing it to shatter.

---------

An unknown for the position is sophomore Arthur Lynch. Lynch is massive at 6'5, 250 lbs and is already one of the top blockers at the position. In fact, he played in 11 games last year just because he made an impact in the running game.

However, after a season, he might have become a receiving threat too as he caught two passes for 51 yards and a touchdown. He also looked noticeably quicker while running routes.

---------

Finally, the darkhorse at the tight end position is Bruce Figgins. Figgins started 24 games in 2007 and 2008 but was suspended for the first half of the 2009 season and then after being injured to end his season, he received a redshirt.

Now after White and Charles both had spectacular seasons last season, Figgins is buried in the depth chart.

Figgins is by far the best blocker of the group and could quickly work his way into the rotation again this season.

[Nash]

Position Preview: Offensive Line



Finally, barring injury, is the year the Georgia Bulldogs have been waiting for in the offensive line.

Everyone is relatively healthy after years of the injury bug. Now, the Georgia line has experience and incredible depth. With all five starters and three key backups (all who have started numerous games in multiple positions) returning, the Dawgs look to finally have the success the team has shown in spurts the last couple of years.

This line goes back to 2007 where injuries and youth led to multiple freshmen (three) having to start on the offensive line. The line gelled and behind Knowshon Moreno rushed for 177 yards per game. The star of the line was freshman Trinton Sturdivant who showed true NFL potential at left tackle.

In 2008, Georgia lost two starters and then lost Sturdivant to a torn ACL in the opening game against Georgia Southern. This made the line incredibly young once again with two sophomores and three freshmen making the offensive line. Likewise, the numbers dropped significantly to 148 rushing yards per game. However, it gave young players valuable playing time.

Last year, all five starters returned in addition to Vince Vance (6 starts until injured) and Trinton Sturdivant giving it the potential to be the best line since 2005. Unfortunately, Sturdivant tore his ACL once again in the opening game against Oklahoma State. In addition, right tackle Josh Davis missed the first six games with injury. Still, the line improved to 161 rushing yards per game. The real strength of the line was in protection though where they led the SEC with only 12 sacks allowed. The numbers however, are very misleading because once Josh Davis returned, they averaged 243 rushing yards per game.

This year, the line is finally healthy and ready to unleash hell on the SEC. It has quality and quantity and was ranked the top offensive line in the country by Phil Steele.

---------

The success of the line starts with the center Ben Jones. The junior is a fiery competitor who is now famous for the eating of Georgia Tech's grass after last year's win. He was a little disappointing last year just because of his spectacular freshmen campaign.

His best moment came in his freshmen moment when matched up against Mount Cody of Alabama. It was his sink-or-swim moment early on and he definitely passed the test. Jones should atleast be on the 2nd Team All-SEC team by the end of the year.

---------

Perhaps the most talented player for the Dawg's line is Clint Boling. He might just be the most versatile linemen in the nation and that is what has NFL scouts drooling.

He started in all 13 games last year but played the first 6 games at right tackle, then he made a start at right guard vs. Vanderbilt, and then started the final six games at left tackle.

He is incredibly gifted and once he moved to left tackle, the running game was dominant. He is predicted to be 1st Team All-SEC at left tackle and 3rd Team All-American.

---------

On the opposite side of Boling is junior Justin Anderson. Anderson is finally entrenched at right tackle since Boling's move.

Last year, Anderson started five games and looked solid in his time.

---------

The interior of Georgia's line is a major strength with two solid guards.

The first guard is Cordy Glenn. Glenn is very mobile for his size (6-5, 330 lbs) and versatile is similar to Boling in which he spent time at right guard and left tackle before starting the last eight games at left guard.

Glenn is a major force in the toss sweep running play and Georgia runs it often to take advantage of his mobility on the pull. He is predicted to finish 2nd Team All-SEC.

---------

At right guard is Chris Davis. Davis is much smaller than Glenn (6-4, 295 lbs) but is also very versatile. He started the first seven games at left guard before moving to right guard for the final five games.

Davis is a lock for the offensive line however and is seen as a leader after starting all but one game going into his senior season.

He is predicted to finish 3rd Team All-SEC.

---------

The Dawgs' however go eight deep on the line and the first backup is Josh Davis. He will mostly play at right tackle and has seen starting experience having started the final six games last season.

Even if he doesn't start, he will definitely appear in most games as his talent is too good to leave off the field.

---------

The second backup is Tanner Strickland. Strickland was a prized recruit and had seen tons of game time through special teams and other opportunities. Last year, he was making a push to start at left guard before he tore his Labrum lifting weights in the off-season.

The injury caused him to miss the entire season, but luckily he was able to earn a redshirt giving him two more years of eligibility.

---------

The final person is the wildcard of the entire offensive line. When healthy, he is the best player on the line. The problem is, however, that he hasn't been healthy in two years. The player of course is Trinton Sturdivant.

Sturdivant was named to the Freshmen All-American team in 2007 after putting together a remarkable season. He started all 13 games and helping the Dawgs' finish 2nd in the nation. NFL scouts were salivating at his talent and athletic ability and he was considered a lock for a first rounder.

However, in off-season drills in 2008, he completely blew out his knee causing to miss the entire season. It was a huge blow to the offensive line and the team struggled. Sturdivant was bound and determined to make it back for the 2009 season however. He recovered from a year and a half long injury in just ten months to make the start at left tackle last season against Oklahoma State.

Unfortunately, that start turned into a nightmare as on the opening drive, he tore all the ligaments in his knee again. He was once again out for the season and now many fans consider what is left for him.

He has once again returned healthy and as a redshirt Junior, still has some time to fight his way back into the starting depth chart. But the question is, what talent does he have now? Is he the same mobile big ugly that created havoc in 2007? Or is he a shell of his former shelf after two major surgeries? The answer to these questions will soon be answered and if he can return to previous form, he could lift the line even more to unthinkable heights.

[Nash]

Position Preview: Defensive Line



Probably the second most important position behind only quarterback is the defensive line. After losing four key contributors and changing defensive schemes, nobody really knows exactly what to expect or who will play in fact.

For the Dawgs' to be successful this year, this line will have to step up and make huge plays for the team.

---------

One of the only known starters is DeMarcus Dobbs. Dobbs played defensive end in the 4-3 but always was too big to be a real contributor. However, after making the switch to a 3-4, the 274 pounder is the perfect size at the position.

Dobbs is a playmaker that can move generally well for his size and in fact returned an interception over 70 yards for a touchdown in 2008.

Dobbs contributed some last year with 20 tackles and a couple of sacks.

---------

Lining opposite of Dobbs should be sophomore Abry Jones. Jones was a huge recruit a couple of years ago and is also perfect size for a end in the scheme (6-3, 290 lb).

He was recruited to be a defensive tackle but is now too small to play that under Grantham. However, he has plenty of quickness to move over this season.

Last season, in minimal game time he had eight tackles and a sack.

---------

At nose tackle should be DeAngelo Tyson. Tyson lacks the ideal size (6-2, 294 lb) but has enough strength to play at the position.

In 2008, Tyson was named to the Freshmen All-SEC team after recording 11 tackles and five quarterback hurries.

In 2009, Appeared in 13 games recording 12 tackles and five quarterback pressures. The reason his numbers didn't improve as much as they could have is mainly due to game time. He was playing with three now NFL defensive tackles in Jeff Owens, Geno Atkins, and Kade Weston.

---------

A true sleeper for the nose tackle position is Kwame Geathers. Although Grantham has shown he can use an undersized player here and excel in Jay Ratliff of the Dallas Cowboys, he would still prefer a massive player here. His defense is similar to Alabama's or New England's and their system is effective because of Mount Cody and Vince Wilfork.

Well, Geathers is already 6'6" and 326 lbs as a redshirt freshmen. He seems like the perfect fit size wise for the 3-4 defense.

---------

Backing up Abry Jones could be senior Brandon Wood. Wood is low on production but he never quite fit into the 4-3 scheme. The move to the 3-4 could be a big plus for him.

---------

[Nash]

Position Preview: Linebackers



The last couple of seasons, this unit has been a weakness on the defense. However, even after losing tackling maching Rennie Curran, the position should improve dramatically.

This is mostly due to coaching. Under former Defensive Coordinator Willie Martinez, the players were taught to just play defense passively and react to the other team. Now under linebackers coach Warren Belin, the players are taught to attack attack attack. Blitzes will come from every angle and this group should finally become the aggressor.

---------

The best player in the linebacking unit wasn't even a linebacker last year. But don't sleep on former defensive end Justin Houston. Houston's size is perfect for the outside linebacker position and should excel.

Last year, Houston was 2nd Team All-SEC after a season of 7.5 sacks which was 2nd most in the SEC. This year he could be an even bigger force and is predicted to finish 1st Team All-SEC.

---------

With most of the attention going to Houston off the edge, the other side will be crucial to continually get pressure. This responsibility is given to Cornelius Washington, otherwise known as "The Freak."

And a freak he is, at 6'4", 260 pounds, he still runs a 4.29 40 yard dash time (2nd best on the entire team). Washington also ran a 10.8 100m in the state track competition as a senior in high school. In addition, he has a ridiculous 38 inch vertical jump (2nd highest on team), and can bench 225 pounds 26 times (6th best on team). All of this from another converted defensive end too.

So everyone knows how athletic Washington is, now it just needs to show up on the field on Saturdays in Athens. Last year, opposite of Houston on the line, he had four sacks as a freshmen.

Expect his production to increase astronomically as teams focus on Houston.

---------

At inside linebacker expect one starter to be Marcus Dowtin. Dowtin only started in four games and played most season with a club on his hand. Still, he was third on the team with 57 tackles. He is a solid player for a Junior and could explode in the right situation.

He is predicted to finish 3rd Team All-SEC by Phil Steele and this is a real possibility.

Expect Dowtin to blow up this season.

---------

The final starter of the front seven should be Senior Akeem Dent. Dent is very talented and has been either very productive or horrible. In 2008, he had ten tackles against Alabama and last year he had eleven against rival Georgia Tech.

He has good speed and could should again see some increase in production under good coaching.

---------

The biggest question mark in the group is definitely Richard Samuel. Samuel was the starting running back last year for the first five games before slowly being faded out of the rotation.

He was big, fast, strong, just overall extremely athletic. The problem was he had no balance and would much rather truck people as hard as possible than run into the hole. So what do you do with him?

Luckily, Samuel was a 5-Star Linebacker in high school so Richt decided to move him to his old position in the offseason. Samuel has regained his fundamentals and could be an absolute force if this works.

It is almost as if Georgia gained a 5-Star recruit in him this offseason.

---------

Another player that should see the field somehow is Darryl Gamble. Gamble started eleven games last year and recorded 47 tackles including a season-high nine against South Carolina.

Gamble is most known for returning two interceptions for touchdowns against LSU in 2008. The first came on the opening play of the game where he read the quarterbacks eyes and met the ball before the receiver could.

---------

Backing up Houston on the outside should be prized recruit T.J. Stripling. Stripling needs to put on some weight but his speed is remarkable off the line and should be a force in a couple of years.

He reminds some scouts of a young Michael Johnson of Georgia Tech and should play on coverage teams and as a pass rusher on third downs as a true freshman.

The earlier he is able to put on weight, the sooner he will be an every-down starter. Stripling has the makings of a multiple all-league performer.

---------

[Nash]

Position Preview: Cornerbacks



Their is no doubt the Dawg's have the top tier talent here at corner, the question is the depth of the group.

The main loss in the group from last year was Prince Miller and it wasn't like Miller was a world beater. The main weakness other than depth at this position is youth. It is very young with new players being thrust into action.

However, the removal of Willie Martinez along with the hiring of former UCONN defensive back coach Scott Lakatos should make the group fundamentally sound. Lakatos has a reputation as being one of the best in the business bringing the Huskies' pass defense to being one of the best in the nation.

---------

The potential star/star in the making of the group is junior Brandon Boykin. Boykin is a freak of nature with the best broad jump on the team (11’ 4.5”) to go along with a 41 inch vertical. He is also a monster in special teams where he returned an SEC record three kickoffs 100 yards for touchdowns.

Boykin started 12 games with 54 tackles, six pass break-ups and three interceptions.

Boykin has shown the potential to be the next great corner for the Dawgs.

---------

The "best" corner on the team as of the Spring according to Lakatos however was unknown Vance Cuff. Cuff was a better fit for an attacking defense but struggled under Martinez's bend-but-don't-break defense.

However now he might finally live up to his potential as a Senior.

The biggest number that stands out with him is the eye-popping 4.24 40 yard dash time he posted in the Spring. The time was the fastest in Georgia Football since former corner Champ Bailey.

---------

The probable nickel corner is Branden Smith. Smith was a huge recruit a couple seasons ago and did not disappoint in his Freshman year.

Smith only made 14 tackles but that was mostly because nobody threw at him. He locked down the slot receiver and could move to the far boundary corner this year if necessary.

He is a known play maker who plays on offense and special teams too giving a full impact. Georgia tries to implement him in numerous ways because he is scary quick. His most memorable play was again South Carolina. He looked like a shot out of a cannon on a reverse. Youtube it, believe me, you won't be disappointed.

---------

A player that could excel in the new defense is sophomore Sanders Commings. Commings has the size (6-2, 214 lbs) to be a physical force at corner in the 3-4.

He played in every game last year and saved his best for last. In the bowl game, Martinez and all but one defensive coach had been fired so the lone defensive coach called the plays and wanted a physical defense.

Commings had three tackles and his first career interception in the game.

---------

Two corners who could potentially work their way into the rotation are redshirt freshmen Jordan Love and junior Jakar Hamilton.

Love was one of the top corners in the 2008 recruiting classes but needed a redshirt last year.

Hamilton was one of the best Junior College players last year and is an extremely hard hitter. In fact, his nickname is "The Hitman." Hamilton's natural position is safety but moved to corner because of lack of depth.

---------

[Nash]

Position Preview: Safeties



Just like the cornerback position, the Georgia Safeties have talent, just not a lot of depth. If healthy, they have the potential to make one of the best secondaries in the nation. The tricky part is if or when players get banged up.

Last year, the safeties were incredibly disappointing. Reshad Jones had all the physical tools to be an All-American but was more concentrated on getting the "big hit" rather than the smart play. Opposite of him was Bryan Evans. Evans played corner his Junior year and was often the target for quarterbacks. However, his Senior year, Richt decided he would be better fit for safety. Well... he was not. It was just as bad but he continued to play for an unknown reason.

---------

The best safety on the team is by far Bacarri Rambo. Not only does he have the best name, he has the most talent. In limited time last year (he should have played MUCH more), he made 25 tackles, five pass break-ups and two interceptions as a redshirt Freshman.

Expect his numbers to blow up now as a starter and a year older. In fact, Rambo is predicted to be an All-SEC candidate at safety.

---------

Lining opposite Rambo is the real question. Some people think it will be Junior College transfer Jakar Hamilton. Hamilton is a big time hitter and could be the physical force the Dawgs need in the secondary.

---------

Another candidate is true freshman Alec Ogletree. Ogletree was a huge recruit and has tons of potential. He is infamous for his high school career as he singlehandedly beat the top team in the state and one of the best in the nation (Grayson High) in the State Playoffs. He had two interceptions, an unbelievable one handed touchdown catch, and he blocked the would have been game-winning kick at the end of the game.

---------

A player that when healthy is Quintin Banks. The problem is he is never healthy. He has battled injuries his whole career so don't expect him to be any different this year.

However, if he was, he could be a real difference maker.

Still, Banks has only appeared in five games in the last two years so it is doubtful.

---------

[Nash]

Georgia AD Damon Evans Arrested For DUI
Mark Schlabach | ESPN.com



ATHENS, Ga. -- University of Georgia athletic director Damon Evans was arrested Wednesday night in Atlanta on suspicion of DUI, Georgia State Patrol spokesman Gordy Wright told ESPN.com Thursday.

Wright said a state trooper pulled over Evans' 2009 BMW and detected an odor of alcohol in the car. Wright said the trooper administered a field sobriety test and placed Evans under arrest on charges of DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Wright said Evans later refused to take a Breathalyzer test at an Atlanta jail.

Wright said a passenger in Evans' car was also arrested. Wright didn't have the identity of the passenger and didn't know why the passenger was arrested, and said the information wouldn't be available until an incident report was completed later Thursday.

A person at the Atlanta Pre-Trial Detention Center said Evans was released from the facility early Thursday morning.

Evans, who was named Georgia's athletic director in 2003, couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

A Georgia spokesman said the school was aware of reports of Evans' arrest. Evans and Georgia officials will appear at a press conference on campus Thursday evening.

Evans was only 34 years old when he was hired to replace longtime Georgia athletic director and football coach Vince Dooley, who was forced out after a contentious contract dispute with school president Michael Adams.

Evans has been honored multiple times by Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal and was named one of Sports Illustrated's "101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports."

In 2009, he was named The Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year for the Division I Southeast Region.

Evans, who played wide receiver at Georgia from 1988-92, received a five-year contract extension in February that raised his annual salary to $550,000. His new salary was set to take effect on Thursday.

At the time the school's athletics board awarded Evans a new contract, Adams told reporters: "He's already become a nationally recognized figure in athletics, and we are fortunate to have him. I think he's done an extraordinary job. ... And there's not been a whiff of impropriety during that six-year period. If you're the president of an institution, that means a whole lot."

[Nash]

More Details Come Out From Evans' Night
Dean Legge | dawgpost.com



ATHENS, Ga. -- An incident report filed by the Georgia State Patrol describes the allegations against Damon Evans in detail.

According to Georgia State Patrol Officer M. Cabe, Evans had a slow, mumbled speech pattern and watery and bloodshot eyes and a strong alcoholic breath the night of his arrest. The arresting officer alleges that Evans “kept his left heel on the ground almost the entire test, even after instructed him to approximately 6 inches off the ground.”

After pulling Evans over, Cabe alleges that Evans “fumbled through his cards and dropped some of the items before giving me his license. I also noticed that the subject (Evans) had a red pair of lady’s panties between his legs.”

Cabe then stated that Evans told him that he’d had “a couple of drinks”, but that he “felt pretty good.” Cade then states that he repeatedly told the passenger, Counrtney Fuhrmann, “not to get out of the car again” after she had done so many times before. Cabe then reports that he was instructing Evans when Fuhrmann “began yelling out the driver’s side window. Ms. Fuhrmann got out of the car again. I told Ms. Fuhrmann to get back into the vehicle, and that if she got out again, I would place her under arrest.”

Cade then stated that Evans told him that Fuhrmann “was only trying to protect (Evans).” Moments later, according to Cade, Fuhrmann left the car once more. The officer then place her under arrest.

Cade then stated that Evans told him that: “I have a young lady, and she is intoxicated and I am just trying to get her home. I apologize, and don’t want to use my influence but she is trying to protect me.”

Cade then alleges that when he tried to place the Georgia AD under arrest that Evans “pulled away from me and kept trying to turn around.” Cade then states that Evans refused to “a request for his breath.”

Then, according to Cade, Evans said: “I am not trying to bribe you, but I am the Athletic Director at the University of Georgia.” Cade said that Evans then started to cry. “I didn’t think I was that drunk,” Evans said according to Cade.

Cade then asked about the red panties. He said Evans replied: “She took them off and I held them because I was just trying to get her home.”

Cade then said Evans said he understood what was going on, but stated: “I don’t want to use who I am, but I would just like ask that you take me to a Motel.” Cade then reported that Evans said: “We go though life and we all drink and jump in a car. I felt I was good, but maybe not. But I am not trying to bribe you, but is there anything you can do without arresting me?”

Evans denied a relationship with Fuhrmann, Cade said. Cade then stated in his report that Fuhrmann was upset with Evans “because he was going to get off and she was not.” Cade then said Evans asked if he could write a warning, but the officer refused.

Cade, in his report, then says he asked Fuhrmann “how long they had been seeing each other”. He said Fuhrmann replied: “only a week or so.” She then said, according to Cade, “it will be erased because he is the Athletic Director at UGA, and he had that power.”

[Nash]

Evans' Contract Could Be Costly
Dean Legge | dawgpost.com



ATHENS, Ga. --The contract stipulates that Adams does have the ability to remove Evans at any time, and without cause, but that action would be costly – perhaps potentially costing the University $2,950,000 if Evans remained unemployed until 2015 and did not agree to a settlement.

Also, it appears Adams would have a difficult time firing Evans and keeping all of the money due because the president would have to fire the AD “with cause”. The DUI Evans is accused of may or not be legally considered “with cause” depending on a court’s interpretation of language included in the contract.

Still, Evans seems to have, at a minimum, broken with the sprit of the contract with his recent behavior. In the first paragraph of section 2.01, regarding “Employment”, Evans agreed “to give (his) best efforts, and loyalty to the University and to act at all times on and off campus with appropriate recognition for the fact that the reputation of the University also depends in part on public respect for and approval of those persons associated with its athletics programs.”

Dawg Post obtained Evans’ new contract through a Freedom of Information Act request. The contract was signed on April 14th and lays out compensation for Evans as well as Adams’ options should he choose to discipline or even terminate the AD.

Evans agreed to a contract that is set to terminate on June 30, 2015. He and the University may negotiate a new contract as early as July 1, 2014. According to section 4.01 of the contract, it is “anticipated” that Evans will make $550,000 this fiscal year; $570,000 next FY; $590,000 in FY 2013; $610,000 in FY 2014; and $630,000 in the final year of the contract.

Evans is entitled to “two full-sized automobiles for business and personal use” for himself and his immediate family. He also receives an annual allowance of $800 for “gas, maintenance and insurance incurred in operating the automobiles.” Georgia also pays for all country club expenses “and costs associated with using the membership excluding one-half monthly dues.”

Evans is due a $15,000 bonus per year for any year in which Georgia ranks “in the top one-third of the Graduation Success Rate in the Southeastern Conference as determined by the NCAA.” The Bulldogs’ GSR was second best in the SEC for the last academic year.

According to section 4.03 (d) of the contract, Evans is due a longevity bonus of $100,000 “within 30 days after July 1, 2011.” If Evans stayed on until July 1, 2015 he would be due another longevity bonus of $250,000 .

TERMINATION:

There are multiple scenarios for termination or even suspension without pay in the contract, but none of them specifically include dismissal for being arrested for DUI.

Termination for Cause

Section 5.01 (b) (3) may be the most likely clause that would allow Adams to fire Evans “for cause” for the matter in Atlanta the night of June 30th, but that seems unclear – or even unlikely given recent court interpretations of language used in the contract.

The contract states that Evans can be terminated for “conviction of (Evans) of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude.” Even if Evans is convicted of the DUI he is accused of, that alone would not be cause for termination per the contract “for cause” as a DUI under Georgia law is not considered a felony.

A crime of “moral turpitude”, according to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, does not include driving under the influence, but that may be left up to a court to decide.

Termination without Cause

Georgia may end the contract, according to section 5.01 (c), “without cause and for its convenience prior to its expiration”. If Adams and the University were to do so, they would have to give Evans 30 days notice.

He would be entitled to “liquidated damages”, as laid out in section 5.01 (d), which would only include the “base salary for the remainder of the term of the Agreement then in effect.” The payments from Georgia to Evans would be made monthly. If he Evans is dismissed before July 1, 2011 he would not be eligible for the $100,000 or $250,000 longevity bonuses included in the contract.

If Evans was terminated without cause he would be able to retain health insurance through Georgia, but he would have to pay for the costs out of pocket. He would not be entitled to any bonuses or vehicles from Georgia.

Section 5.01 (d) also states: “the parties further agree that the payment of such liquidated damages… shall constitute adequate and reasonable compensation to (Evans) for the damages and injuries suffered by (Evans) because of such termination by the Association.”

But the contract requires that if Evans is terminated without cause that he must “make reasonable and diligent efforts to obtain equivalent employment.” Once Evans gets a new job Georgia’s “obligation to pay the full amount liquidated damages… shall be reduced by the amount of the minimum guaranteed annual salary” of the new job.

Suspension for Criminal or Other Charges

Section 5.01 (h) allows for Evans to be suspended, but only for “indictment or information being filed against (Evans) charging a felony”.

Termination by Athletic Director

Evans, who didn’t not resign Thursday and said he hadn’t thought of resigning, is allowed to leave his post according to section 5.01 of the Agreement. If Evans changes his mind, he must give Adams 30 days written notice. If he terminated the contract in that manner Evans would be due no money.

However, the contract seems to address any obligation Evans would have to Georgia if he terminated the Agreement predicated on the assumption that he would be leaving for another position… not if he just decided to quit:

“Because of the difficulty of quantifying these damages, (Evans) hereby agrees that he, either personally or through his then-employer, will make a lump sum payment equal to one half of one full year of his then current Annual base salary (e.g. $550,000 in 2010) to the Association… which is the parties reasonable estimation of the Association’s loss if (Evans) terminates the contract prior to June 30, 2015.”

[Nash]

Evans Resigns After DUI Charge
Dean Legge | dawgpost.com



ATHENS, Ga. --ATHENS, Ga. -- Damon Evans has resigned as Georgia's athletic director less than a week after he was arrested on a DUI charge.

School president Michael Adams made the announcement Monday following a conference call with the executive committee of the athletic association's board of directors.

Adams says he'll have no further comment until Tuesday.

Evans was arrested late Wednesday in Atlanta. He was charged with DUI and failure to maintain a lane. Also arrested with him was Courtney Fuhrmann, who was charged with disorderly conduct.

Evans became the Southeastern Conference's first black athletic director in 2004.

There was no immediate word on a replacement.

Evans, who was hired to replace longtime Georgia athletics director and football coach Vince Dooley in 2004, was scheduled to begin a new five-year contract that would have paid him $550,000 annually.

"On Thursday night, I thought he would survive this," a UGA official told ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach. "But after reading the police report, I didn't think he would be able to overcome it."

According to a police report released Friday, Evans repeatedly referred to his position at the school before being arrested.

"I am not trying to bribe you but I am the athletic director of the University of Georgia," Evans said, according to the officer identified in the report as M. Cabe.

A Georgia coach told ESPN.com on Sunday that during a meeting with several Bulldogs coaches on Thursday, Evans said his relationship with Fuhrmann, the 28-year-old passenger in his car, was "nothing more than friends."

"He wasn't forthcoming about his relationship with the woman," the UGA coach said.

The officer also said that Evans asked to be taken to a motel instead of jail or to be let off with a warning. According to the report, Evans later said: "I am not trying to bribe you, but is there anything you can do without arresting me?"

In the report, the officer noted he found a "red pair of lady's panties between [Evans'] legs." When he asked Evans, a married father of two children, what he was doing with the underwear, Evans said: "She took them off and I held them because I was just trying to get her home," according to the report.

Evans told the officer that Fuhrmann was nothing more than a friend, according to the report. But the officer said that Fuhrmann later told him that the two had been seeing each other for "only a week or so."

"Just to let you know, it will be erased because he is the athletic director of UGA and he has that power," Fuhrmann told the officer, according to the report.

She was charged with disorderly conduct after police said she repeatedly ignored warnings to stay inside the 2009 BMW while the trooper was conducting the field sobriety test and later acting "combative" in the back seat of the patrol car, according to the report.

"I apologize and don't want to use my influence but she is trying to protect me," the officer said Evans told him.

Fuhrmann told The Associated Press on Friday the charges against her are a "misunderstanding from what the media is portraying it as" but declined to speak further.

Evans apologized for the incident during a news conference in Athens on Thursday and said he "failed miserably." He also apologized to his wife, Kerri, who attended the news conference.

"My behavior and my actions are not indicative of what we teach our student athletes," he said. "My actions have put a black cloud over our storied program."

Evans said Thursday he hoped to keep his job, which he has held since July 2004. He acknowledged he had placed Adams in a predicament.

[Fox1994]

lol. True story. Fucking wow. Haha. Nice.

[Nash]

Great reads, lol @ Evans.

lol. True story. Fucking wow. Haha. Nice.

:stone:

they aren't so funny when its your team :cry:

[Nash]

Crumley Named Georgia Interim AD
Dean Legge | dawgpost.com



ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia promoted Frank Crumley to interim athletic director on Tuesday, though school president Michael Adams said he wants to look outside the university first for a full-time replacement for Damon Evans.

Evans resigned following a DUI arrest last week.

Crumley received the job after working as Evans' top assistant -- executive associate athletic director for finance -- since 2007.

"Not to make light of it, but it will be business as usual," Crumley said.

Crumley said Evans' arrest brought "some surprise and shock" to the athletic department.

"I think it's sort of shock but everybody is adjusting and happy to get back to work today. I know I was ... to get some normalcy back in it," Crumley said.

Adams selected a six-member search committee, headed by University of Georgia law professor David Shipley, to seek Evans' permanent replacement.

"This is one of the best five or six AD jobs in America, I believe, and I assure you there will be no shortage of interest," Adams said.

Adams said he is looking for "a person of integrity."

"I think in all these cases anyone you want already has a good job and so you have to work with someone else's schedule other than your own," he said.

"I'm looking for someone who has a very high level of experience."

Adams said he hopes for an "expeditious" search, but Shipley said it is "overly optimistic" to suggest the search will end before 2011.

Among the other search committee members are Georgia swimming coach Jack Bauerle, associate athletic director Carla Williams, and the student member of Georgia's athletic board, Trey Sinyard.

Evans became the Southeastern Conference's first black athletic director in 2004 when he was hired by Adams to replace Vince Dooley, who had been at the school as football coach and athletic director for 40 years.

Adams said he hoped Evans would provide continuity as a long-term head of the athletic department, but that plan was crushed by the embarrassing arrest on Wednesday.

"The past five days have been very difficult, even sad, for all of us," Adams said.

"Once I learned all the facts I felt there was no choice but to do what is best for the university."

Adams said Evans offered his resignation on Saturday. Adams said it didn't take long to decide a change was necessary.

"I would simply say to you it was the totality of the situation and what it said about good judgment or lack of such at this level that led me to my conclusion," Adams said.

Adams said Evans had done nothing previously to cause concern about his future.

"I have not had any reason to question his judgment and I've not seen any evidence of the kind of conduct that led to this unhappy conclusion," Adams said. "It's clearly been one of the most difficult times I have been through. I've said it before and it's still true, I care deeply about Damon and his family.

"The tragedy in all of this is the terrific job he has done the past six years."

Crumley, who joined the athletic department in 1991, worked under Dooley and Evans.

Like Evans, Crumley's specialty is finances. He served as chief financial officer for the athletic department. Under Evans, Crumley was responsible for day-to-day operations and budget planning.

Adams said Crumley could be a candidate for the full-time job even though he first wants to look at outside candidates.

Adams was to meet with Georgia's coaches and senior staff on Tuesday.

"I have great confidence in them and their ability to move things forward," Adams said, adding he would remind the coaches and senior staffers to avoid a situation such as the one that led to Evans' exit.

"This is a sacred trust that we're all merely stewards of and we need to make sure in every decision we make and everything we do we have ultimately the best interests of the university at stake," Adams said.

[Fox1994]

:stone:

they aren't so funny when its your team :cry:

Because of a greedy halfback and an inattentive program administration, we've been robbed of wins for the 2004 and 2005 seasons, ten scholarships for each of the next three years, and bowl games for the next two.