New UGA Football uni's, some like, some not-so-much

The "New Look" UGA Uniform

((ht: nike))

What do you think?

There's some bluster going on this Saturday on the Internets as Nike and the University of Georgia unveiled their new "Pro Combat" football uniforms. They'll make their game day debut Labor Day weekend when the Bulldogs kickoff the 2011 College Football season against Boise State.

You can see the photo to the right.

It's definitely not the traditional look, but it is very, interesting. Those who post stories about things like this are mixed in their reviews so far.

We say "Nice". We like the look. And we like the helmets especially. We suspect this will be the cause of much consternation amongst the older Bulldog faithful, but we think it is a nice, modern update to a solid, traditional look. (Never thought we'd do fashion reviews)

Donnan Settles Ohio Lawsuit

((HT: AJC.com/Boone))

Former University of Georgia head football coach Jim Donnan is settling his lawsuit with an Ohio company that claimed Donnan and his wife had taken advantage of something referred to in court as a "Ponzi scheme."

He's transferring over US$5-million in liquid assets to GLC Limited in a scheme that brought in several big-named college coaches that cost investors $27-million by the time it was over with...

The motion still has to be approved by a federal judge...

More when we know more...

So, Now It's A Ponzi Scheme With Donnan

((HT: ESPN.com/Barr))

The HQ has reported previously about the impending bankruptcy of former Georgia head coach Jim Donnan...

Now we know that, apparently, he was involved in a Ponzi scheme when GLC Enterprises of Ohio was soliciting funds. Depending on who you believe, Donnan was either a recruiter of fellow college coaches who knew Donnan and not the goals of GLC, or suckers who padded Donnan's bank account...

From Barr:

According to court documents, investors sank nearly $82 million dollars into GLC Enterprises, but less than $12 million was spent on inventory and at least $13 million in investor money remains unaccounted for. With dwindling revenues, GLC eventually used money from new investors to pay old investors, which, according to the court documents, constituted a Ponzi scheme.

GLC is being restructured under new management. The current operators, who filed Thursday's lawsuit, declined to comment, as did their attorneys.

The Donnans and their family members made more than $14.5 million from GLC in the form of "approximately 293 transfers to James and Mary Donnan or their immediate family members," according to the court documents.

Donnan recruited coaches like Frank Beamer, Tommy Tuberville, Dennis Franchione, and Barry Switzer to be involved in the GLC venture over time.

Here's the lawsuit against the Donnan family...

Either way, this doesn't look good for Donnan the family... and while this may be a signature moment for the coach off the field, here's one of the signature moments of Donnan on the field- against Tennessee...
((HT: ESPN/SEC/youtube))

Positive Pub's Week In The SEC: Chizik And Camp Sunshine

((HT: Positivepub.com))

FOSG ((and contributor)) Gil Tyree has been a very busy boy this summer before he heads back into the high school bunker...

He and fellow FOSG Lisa Weiss have been making the rounds checking in on all that is good about the people, places, and things of today...

Thus, the name of the gig- "Positive" Pub...

His first stop was checking in with someone who would make TBH very happy...
Auburn Head Coach Gene Chizik's new book is out- entitled "All In..."

Of course...
And here's where Lisa and Gil caught up with the man...

Positive Pub: Gene Chizik from CWI Viewer on Vimeo.

Item #2: The University of Georgia Bulldogs football squad went out to Camp Sunshine to hang out with kids who have a different fight on their hands- cancer. For the last three decades, Camp Sunshine has been a place where the "C" word is the last thing on family's minds and they get the opportunity to be treated like they should be 100-percent of the time...

As normal human beings...

Once again, here's Lisa and Gil...

Positive Pub: Camp Sunshine from CWI Viewer on Vimeo.

Ex-Dawg Coach Donnan Files For Bankruptcy

((HT: AJC.com/Stevens))

Former University of Georgia head football coach Jim Donnan has had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection citing $10-million in debts with $8.25-million to one creditor alone who themselves filed for bankruptcy last spring.

Alexis Stevens and the AJC have found in court documents that the bulk of that debt is connected with GLC Limited. GLC, in their February documents, claim almost 600 creditors ranging from individuals to businesses themselves centering around the money used to invest in liquidation stores in the Appalachians.

The Ironton Tribune has the details hyah...

The Donnans, apparently, owe the Internal Revenue Service $300,000 for 2010 and also owe four banks over a million dollars. In late June, the Donnans entered credit counseling.

No word on the next court date for the former coach...

Here's a flashback on one of Donnan's signature moments as coach- the win in 2000 over Tennessee in Athens where the student body actually got to take the goalposts down at Sanford Stadium...
((HT: ESPN/SEC/youtube))

Leonard Pope Comes Up Big Off The Field

((HT: Americus Times-Recorder))

University of Georgia fans know about how Leonard Pope became "Big Pope..."
But the HQ figured we'd talk about life off the field...

Everyone knows about his desire to help in his home town of Americus, in southwest Georgia, like his efforts at Sumter Regional Hospital after the hospital was hit by a tornado a few years ago...
((HT: TheImageCompany))


Now, the story comes through that Pope has come up big again- saving a six-year-old from drowning...

The Times-Recorder tells us that Pope dove into a pool at a party over the weekend and saved Bryson Moore from drowning.

“My prayers were answered by God when Leonard jumped in and saved my son,” said Moore. “The fact that he is normally at camp and could have been in Kansas City just proved to me that he was placed here to save my son from drowning, and I thank God that he was here. He truly lived up to his nickname “Champ” because he was truly a champion for me and my son this past weekend.”

Pope is not answering any calls to respond on the matter, and it looks like Bryson will be okay...

Way to go, Big Pope...

BREAKING: UGA's Ealey To Transfer

((From the University of Georgia their own selves))

The University of Georgia has granted tailback Washaun Ealey "an unconditional release" to transfer to another institution for the 2011 academic year according to UGA head coach Mark Richt.

"Washaun and I have had several conversations in recent weeks," said Richt in a release by the school. "We both have come to the conclusion that a transfer to another institution would be in his best interest."

Ealey played in 21 games during his two-year career at UGA and rushed for 1,528 yards- 717 in 2009 and 811 in 2010.

And with highly-sought after recruit Isaiah Crowell coming in from Carver-Columbus, Ealey knew his playing time would get smaller and smaller...

But Ealey's run-ins with the law didn't help Ealey's worth on campus either...

More when we know more...

Taylor And Veazey Visit UGA Teammates

((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))

It was a cool night for the University of Georgia as injured baseball player Johnathan Taylor visited his teammates for the first time after his neck injury earlier in the season at Foley Field in Athens...

FOSG K-Rod was live at Turner Field...

Injured UGA Baseball Player, Teammates Reunite: MyFoxATLANTA.com

UGA's Johnathan Taylor Paralyzed, Still Progressing...

((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))

Johnathan Taylor fractured two vertebrae in a game last month playing for the University of Georgia. He has been in rehab since surgery, and has had the standard ups-and-downs in recovery.

But the key is that he is recovering...

He, originally, was not able to breathe on his own. He can now. He stil doesn't have feeling in his fingers or below the waist.

Doctors still recognize that JT has a long road ahead of him

Aungelique Proctor has the latest from Shepherd Spinal Center...

Doctors: Injured UGA Baseball Player Getting Stronger: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Georgia self-reports violations

Ray Drew, David Pollack and Randall Godfrey/Courtesy: Chip Towers-AJC.com

These violations are not "Major" in their scope, but they are violations of the NCAA's voluminous rulebook. And expect there to be a penalty of some sorts.

The school reported on themselves for what is believed to be a violation when two alumni, Randall Godfrey and David Pollack were in the house on January 28th, when recruit Ray Drew announced his intention to come play at Georgia.

For their part, the school says they were unaware that Pollack and Godfrey were at the event until they saw a picture, posted by AJC.com's recruiting expert and friend of the OSG Chip Towers.

The story from OnlineAthens.com RIGHT HERE

OnlineAthens also has a copy of the letter that Athletic Director Greg McGarity sent to the NCAA regarding this. RIGHT HERE

We don't want to poo-poo this incident by not reporting it or saying that it is not serious, it is. But is not something that will shut down the program. According to the University there was incidental contact between Drew and it appears Pollack on a couple of other occasions, but they are stating it was unplanned and related to both peoples involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

We'll keep an eye out and let you know if any action is taken.

UGA Baseball player undergoing neck surgery after outfield collision ((With UPDATE))

Paramedics on Field with Taylor/Courtesy: Michael Baron-Redandblack.com

Johnathan Taylor a Junior outfielder for the University of Georgia will be undergoing neck surgery on Monday after suffering a "Serious" neck injury in a game Sunday versus FSU.

Taylor collided with leftfielder Zach Cone as they both dove to catch a line drive in the gap. Cone apparently made the catch and with help was able to stand up. Taylor was not able to.

He was transported immediately to St.Mary's Hospital in Athens, where he'll undergo the surgery.

OnlineAthens has more RIGHT HERE

The UGA baseball team has dealt with spinal injuries to one of their own before. A little over a year ago, infielder Chance Veazey was paralyzed from the waste down after an accident with a scooter.

The Bulldogs, needless to say haven't had much to say about what currently is going on. They, and we wish Taylor the best.

2300 UPDATE: Taylor has undergone the surgery, and he is scheduled to be transferred from St. Mary's Hospital to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for rehabilitation later in the week.

UGA is not releasing any other information at present...

FOSG Randy Waters catches up with a fan at the game who shot the accident on his camera phone...
((HT: WXIA-TV Atlanta))

Indefinite= Three Weeks In Athens For Ealey

It only took troubled running back Washaun Ealey three whole weeks to get un-indefinitely suspended in the eyes of the Bulldogs coaching staff and university personnel.

Ealey, Georgia’s leading rusher the past two seasons, can now participate in spring practice, which begins in a little less than two weeks time.

“Over the past few weeks, Washaun has done the things we expect him to do, the things we expect all our players to do,” Richt said in a statement Saturday. “He’s been doing things the Georgia way and will rejoin team activities Monday.”

Ealey was initially indefinitely suspended for not showing up for an early-morning punishment run-type deal. remember, this isn't the first time he has had to deal with the "Wrath of Richt." He was suspended from last season’s opener because of an arrest for hit-and-run of a parked vehicle and driving with a suspended license.

The HQ wonders just how he's going to react with Isaiah Crowell in the house...
A lot of folks are hoping like what's shown below...
((HT: ESPN on SEC/youtube))

UGA Running Back in trouble again... UPDATE: It's A Staring Contest...

Washaun Ealey/Courtesy: redandblack.com

If you ever wanted to know why it was so crucial to those in Athens, at the University of Georgia to get Isaiah Crowell to come play for them, then consider this.

Washaun Ealey, last years leading rusher, has apparently been suspended from team activities for missing a punishment run.

More from Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com who broke the story RIGHT HERE

It's not the 1st time Ealey has been in trouble, he was arrested last summer for leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license.

It doesn't help those in Bulldog land, particularly when the other "Returning" running back, Caleb King has as many suspensions last season as touchdowns....2. And was academically ineligible to play in the 'Dawgs bowl game against UCF.

Considering the history of offseason problems on this team, perhaps they should consider themselves lucky this wasn't a legal issue.

Here is the story of Mr. Ealey's arrest last year from WNEG-TV in Athens, back when they did news:



PM UPDATE: OSG sources close to the situation in Athens are telling us at the HQ that Ealey in all likelihood has played his last game at UGA. The sources say it is "highly" likely that Head Coach Mark Richt along with running backs coach Bryan McClendon will encourage Ealey to transfer to another school. Too many off the field incidents have dogged Ealey since he arrived in Athens.

Our sources are viewing the running back from Emanuel County Institute as "misguided," although a good kid at the same time.

Keep an eye on Carlton Thomas' future in the backfield. The Florida high school product may be viewing the writing on the wall as well.

The interesting "few months until Spring Practice" officially begins right now...

BREAKING: UGA VIII Passes Away

From the University of Georgia their own selves...

Uga VIII, the white male English Bulldog mascot of the University of Georgia, passed away early Friday. He had been diagnosed with lymphoma in early January of this year.

No formal funeral ceremony is scheduled.

Born Sept. 12, 2009, Uga VIII had been introduced to the Bulldog Nation Saturday, Oct. 16, during pre-game ceremonies of the Georgia-Vanderbilt game in Sanford Stadium. He served the final six regular season games of 2010.

According to the Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler family, long-time owners of the Bulldog line of mascots, “Russ” will serve again as the interim mascot. Russ served as interim mascot the final two games of 2009 and the first six games of 2010 prior to Uga VIII being introduced. The continuous line of Georgia Bulldog mascots have been owned by the Seiler family for more than 50 years.

As a remembrance, here's his first day on the job...
((HT: UniversityOfGeorgia))

DEVELOPING: Former UGA AD Evans Gets 12 Months Probation

An attorney for former UGA athletic director Damon Evans says that he has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and was sentenced to a year of probation, a $750 fine and community service.

Evans resigned last July four days after he was pulled over by a Georgia state trooper in Atlanta, literally minutes before his new contract was to kick in that would have paid him over half-a-million dollars a year. Evans' attorney, Steve Weiner, said his client appeared in Atlanta Municipal Court back on January 19th, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to what we talked about in Paragraph 1.

Weiner says Evans was ordered to undergo an alcohol and drug evaluation and participate in a panel for MADD- Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Here's your refresher of the resignation, thanks to our friends at MyFoxAtlanta...
FOSG Buck Lanford was in Athens...

Damon Evans Resigns As UGA Athletic Director: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Read the arrest report if you choose...

AJ Green Declares For NFL Draft

Surprising no one...

From the university their ownselves...

"While it was a difficult decision, it came down to the opportunity of pursuing a dream I've had since early childhood," said Green. "But Georgia is a great place and I'm so appreciative of the opportunity to be a Georgia Bulldog. I want to thank the coaches, my teammates and the fans who have supported me and helped me grow not only as a player but as a man."

Green also indicated he has only two semesters of school left to graduate and intends to work on that as well.

"A.J. has made an immeasurable impact on our team over the past three seasons and we wish him nothing but the best," said UGA head coach Mark Richt. "I've enjoyed the blessing of working with him and getting to know his family and we wish him all the success in professional football.

"Once a Bulldog always a Bulldog."

Here's a reminder of what he was to the UGA program... regardless of the QB...
((HT: FSN/youtube))

TWTW Bowling: UCF Reinforces UGA's Mediocrity In Liberty Bowl

Latavius Murray scored on a 10-yard touchdown run with a little more than nine minutes left, and UCF beat Georgia 10-6 in the Liberty Bowl. The win gives the Knights the best season in school history and the program's first postseason victory.

The Knights (now 11-3) had never won more than 10 games in a season and had lost their first three bowl games, including their last visit to Memphis three years ago.

Georgia (now 6-7) snapped a four-game bowl winning streak with their first loss since the 2006 Sugar Bowl. They also have first losing season since going 5-6 in 1996.

Here's the last play, shot on someone's I-Phone with reaction from Orlando...
((HT: Youtube))

Busy Day for Sitting In UGA-Tech Bowls

((HT: AJC- Roberson, Tucker))

First, since Georgia Tech is playing today in Shreveport against the Air Force... there really don't seem to be a lot of players left...

Three players, including starting outside linebacker Anthony Egbuniwe, were suspended from the first half of the Independence Bowl because they missed Friday night’s curfew.

The other two players are reserve defensive backs Michael Peterson and Louis Young.

Starting safety Mario Edwards was already ruled ineligible earlier this week after failing to meet Tech’s academic standards. Reserve outside linebacker Anthony Barnes and reserve defensive end Robert Hall, also failed to meet the NCAA’s academic standards.

In addition, starting wide receiver Stephen Hill was ruled out, also for failing to meet Tech’s academic standards.

Notice a trend...???
Here's Macon Telegraph reporter Coley Harvey reporting from a very windy parking lot on his keys to the game...
((HT: Coley Harvey his own self))


Now to all the Georgia stuff...
Tailback Caleb King, backup cornerback Derek Owens and reserve offensive lineman A.J. Harmon won’t play in the Liberty Bowl because of academic issues.

According to UGA, King won’t be allowed to play in the game because he violated the athletics department’s attendance policy by missing five academic-related appointments, while Owens and Harmon are ineligible for the game under NCAA academic rules. Those rules require players to earn at least six credit hours in the semester preceding a bowl.

Figures...

Here's a feature that CSTV ran when King was leaving high school asking if he was going to be the next Herschel Walker...

The HQ laughs and points an index finger in the direction of the video below...


Waste, waste, waste...

BREAKING: Coach Van Out And Up At UGA...

OSG Sources close to the University of Georgia football program are saying that current Director of Strength and Conditioning Dave Van Halanger is leaving the position to take a new role as head coach Mark Richt's administrative assistant, beginning January 1st.

Fellow Strength and Conditioning coach Joe Tereshinski is assuming both positions...

Van Halanger spent 18 years as FSU's strength and conditioning coach from 1983-2001 and five years as head strength coach at his alma mater, West Virginia, where he is credited with starting WVU's first organized weight training program.

He then came to UGA in January of 2001...

Tereshinski has served as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach since 1982. He also serves as video and game analysis coordinator, the walk-on program director and summer camp co-coordinator on the UGA campus...

BREAKING: Bulldogs RB Caleb King held in jail, UGA approaching record....

Caleb King/Courtesy: AthlonSports.com

***UPDATED INFORMATION AT THE END OF THIS STORY***

We aren't sure what to make of this story, but we've now seen it in two different legitimate newspapers. It appears that Georgia redshirt junior running back Caleb King is being held at the Clarke County Jail (Athens).

According to the reports, he is being held on charges that say "Hold/Other Agency". Based on what the Athens Banner-Herald is saying, it's probably the UGA Police Department.

Read the Athens Banner-Herald story for perspective....RIGHT HERE

Again, there is some speculation involved here. Whether he committed an actual crime or not is in some question. But he obviously has been associated with one, or he would not be sitting in the pokey.

If he is actually charged, it would continue a very, very disturbing trend in Athens. There have been at least 10-players charged with some form of crime in and around the campus area in the past several months. And while we have sometimes defended the fact that the teams legal trouble is somewhat consistent with the percentage of students who actually get in trouble, this is becoming very hard to defend.

As for Mr. King, we've known him since he was a rising high school star in at Brookwood High School and then Greater Atlanta Christian School. And while there has always been a few questions as to how he had to transfer around Gwinnett County in order to get his grades up to qualify for college, he seemed like a pretty good kid.

We will continue following this story over the course of the day.

**Update: 9:29am**--It appears that young Mr. King failed to appear in court in August after a speeding ticket was issued to him in June.

OnlineAthens again has more RIGHT HERE

That doesn't excuse this, and we expect there will be some discipline issued by coach Mark Richt at some point today or tomorrow, again, we will update this story later today.