- If you have time to read only one blog post today about Damon Evans, make it Kyle King's, of our very own Dawg Sports:
Even though my legal practice does not involve working in the criminal law arena, I understand that Evans had to walk a fine line at his press conference, preserving his entitlement to the presumption of innocence while apologizing for putting himself in a position to create a public relations fiasco. He chose his words carefully because he knew the prosecutors who will decide how to handle his case were watching, but Evans’s need to fixate upon the niceties of the law undermined his ability to focus upon the nuances of leadership. I heard him apologize for causing pain and embarrassment to various people and institutions; I have no idea for what, specifically, he was apologizing. Is he sorry for how it looks or is he sorry for what he did? If the latter, what did he do? I know what I think he did, but I also know that he knows what he did. "I’m sorry I did you wrong, but I’m not going to tell you how" doesn’t fly with me as an apology. That sounds an awful lot like "I’m apologizing because I think you think it’s important to hear me say ‘I’m sorry’" to me.
The biggest question: Do I think Evans will keep his job? Honestly, I don't know, but I will say that virtually every source I talked to before the news conference thought he would offer his resignation. The fact that Michael Adams is on vacation may delay any sort of decision, too. But the truth is... this is going to be very, very hard for Evans to overcome at Georgia. Which isn't to say it can't be done.
- MaconDawg of Dawg Sports reflects on what the university may lose because of Evans' mistake:
I genuinely like Damon Evans. He is a Double Dawg and a Georgia Bulldog Letterman, sure. But he has also demonstrated himself to be a shrewd and decisive leader and educator. Last year I was talking to Roderick Battle about his sports management major. He surprised me a little when he said that Damon has been very helpful to he and other students in that program, that he would come to classes and explain to them why certain decisions within the Athletic Association were being made, and was always willing to have them stop by and ask him questions. That really stuck with me, because I like to believe that the folks over in that money printing factory known as Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall actually care about students and consider themselves teachers.
- Vineyarddawg of Dawg Sports compares Evans' decision to some of the dumbest moments in sports history. This is likely your first and only chance to see an athletic director compared to Tonya Harding.
- Bill King:
Frankly, I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t have to do a lot more than just apologize. UGA athletes arrested on alcohol-related charges must sit out at least 10 percent of a season. If Evans is going to get to keep his job, it would seem only fair that he at the very least forgo that $110,000 salary increase that went into effect today.
- The Bubba 'N' Earl crew know a Georgia Tech conspiracy when they see one.
- Chelsea Cook collects student reactions:
"I was surprised when I heard," said UGA rising senior Caleb King, who coincidentally has the same name as a UGA football player. "It's pretty hypocritical. Isn't he the guy who warns you to not drink and drive before every game?"