Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football coach Paul Johnson may have already responded in spirit to the NCAA's investigation into his program, but the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Doug Roberson went ahead and presented some actual quotes from the actual coach anyhow.
He says the "Wednesday or Thursday" before the team's 2009 game against the Georgia Bulldogs, he was told by AD Dan Radakovich that Morgan Burnett and Demaryius Thomas were eligible to play. That's one point the NCAA disagrees with.
When asked about the mood of his team, he describes his team as "frustrated," but seems to reflect the positive sentiment Denzel McCoy claimed was in the air during the afternoon players meeting. Johnson took plenty of solace in the fact that the program won't be hampered by bowl bans or lost scholarships in the future -- though its on probation, of course.
The fourth-year Tech coach also says the scandal doesn't change his desire to remain on the Flats.
Former player Sean Bedford also posted the following on his Facebook:
Dear NCAA,
Thank you for handing down penalties that only adversely affect the players who did things the right way. This reeks of an organization desperate to prove that it has some sort of control over its member institutions despite lacking the ability and firepower to police the serious offenders and protect the student-athletes whose interests you purport to have at heart. While I realize that all violations merit some kind of punishment, I have a hard time grasping the notion that one of the proudest moments in my life (and the lives of every other individual that was a part of the team and program in 2009) is apparently worth $312 in your eyes. If that truly is the case, I'd be happy to provide you with that same amount of money (cash or check, your choice) in exchange for the reinstatement of the title my teammates and I earned through our blood, sweat, and tears. It took months of hard work, dedication, and personal sacrifice by a team of over 100 players, 10 coaches, and countless staff members to achieve that championship, but, evidently, it only takes the handful of pencil pushers, lawyers, and professors on your infractions committee to strip us of it. I was a part of the 2009 ACC Championship team and, while you can pretend retroactively that it didn't happen, I have vivid memories of an incredible season that was, and continues to be, one of the most fun, meaningful, important, and very real times in my 23 years on this planet. I'll be wearing my championship ring with pride and if you want that too, you'll have to pry it from my cold, dead finger.
Sincerely,