Steve Spurrier Wants To Give Players Food and Beer Money

Okay, so the headline above sort of wreaks of attention-seeking behavior but, oh well.

 I read where Steve Spurrier extended his voice, and his pockets, towards the "pay-for-play" debate. Apparently, the Ol' Ball Coach is for giving a few dollars to his players for a job well done—$300 per game to be exact.

Over the course of one season, assuming you are allowed to carry a full 70 man roster, you would be giving out roughly $21,000 per game or about $250,000+ per season.

Now, for a guy that makes $2.8 million per year like Spurrier does, that's a drop in the bucket, but you shouldn't be surprised if every other coach in the conference isn't willing to jump on board the money train. That said, his idea is less about the money than it is about the conversation: Should the NCAA allow universities to start paying players for what they do for college football programs both on and off the field?

I, for one, have been on the fence with this one. Well, wait, I was on the fence until I saw what happened to former Georgia receiver, A.J. Green.

Green, in case you forgot, was forced to serve a four-game suspension by the NCAA after it was determined that he sold his Independence Bowl game jersey for $1000 to some agent-type (an offense that I am still scratching my head over. I mean, it's not like he was trading his signature for tattoos or anything).

Once the suspension was handed down, I felt bad for Green, bad for coach Richt, bad for the fans, and bad for Georgia because one of their most prized commodities was being forced to sit out because he sold something that belonged to him. I mean I've heard rumors that certain players are told to give up their game jerseys after each game so that memorabilia dealers can sell them at their stores for top dollar. I don't know what kind of kickback the university or the NCAA gets for such a sale, but you can see where this might be considered a little shady.

However, Spurrier is merely proposing coaches spread the wealth a bit. After all, he says, if not for the performance of the players on the field, there would be no million dollar contracts for coaches in the SEC.

I get what he's saying and I can definitely see where he is going with his argument, but it's not something that's likely to happen so long as it's not possible in every sport at the college level—both male and female—because too many people are still willing to believe that their sport is every bit as important as football.

It kind of makes you wonder, though, with all the forgiveness in Spurrier's heart for the oft-suspended Stephen Garcia, if he's funded a few of the beer-guzzling quarterback's all-night excursions himself. Or maybe he just didn't want to answer any questions about why he's for over-signing. Or maybe, he's just trying to be a pot-stirrer (he's always been good at that)...or maybe he's just, well, who knows what he's doing? Either way, this conversation is being had yet again.

Related articles

• Steve Spurrier, others propose paying football players (theglobeandmail.com)
• Seven SEC coaches would pay players - out of their own pockets (collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com)
• Stephen Garcia: Back In The Saddle Again...Almost (theladysportswriter.blogspot.com)

Georgia Bulldogs: You Are What You Eat?

If Joe Tereshinki's decision to keep tabs on player's plates and meal choices has had the affect on every guy, on Georgia's roster, that it seems to be having on wide receiver, Tavarres King, I'll take "more of that, please" for $1, Alex.

Said King, in an interview by UGASports.com's Anthony Dasher, "I've seen a lot of changes just with the personality of our weight room; it's very business-like. Nothing against the old way that we did things, but we need to be disciplined right now and we needed some changes in the way we behaved."

That last statement falls squarely under the category of, "ya think?"

It became very apparent last season that the team was a group of individuals with very different agendas on the football field—only a portion of which actually involved playing consistently good football.

King, Washaun Ealey, that other King [Caleb], and even A.J. Green, all made some very bad decisions that resulted in bad on-field play which attracted an even bigger off-field microscope. It was tough to see guys, whom many felt were high-caliber football players, play like lost puppies.

It was a sickening experience which many would just as soon forget—2011 couldn't get here fast enough.

That said, it truly feels like the attitude being fostered by Joe Tereshinski within the weight room is rubbing off on the outside of it as well. King gave credence to that point with the following statement,

"With some of these workouts, I think we'll definitely be a stronger fourth-quarter team. Last year we really couldn't finish in the fourth quarter and I feel like these workouts will eliminate those fourth-quarter struggles...maybe we were (in shape), maybe we just couldn't take a few shots to the mouth in the fourth quarter and fight back, but I think these workouts are doing something to us physically, by giving our body endurance, as well as mentally." (Anthony Dasher, UGASports.com, 3/3/11).

If that is indeed the case, 2011 is looking much better for this Georgia team—assuming the banter we keep hearing isn't just the usual coach/player-speak to which we've all grown accustomed—and for that alone I have to tip my hat to Mr. Tereshinski.

Georgia Football: Seniors Asked to Return Plaques—Wins Miscalculated

Perhaps Blair Walsh wasn't just speaking for his teammates when he spoke of their feeling "entitled" to win the bowl game against Central Florida last Friday night.

Claude Felton, UGA's spokesman, announced that the seniors would have to return the plaques they received at the teams' annual awards gala—held prior to playing in the Liberty Bowl.

Apparently, the plaques posted a 7-6 record—assuming a bowl win over UCF—that didn't actually happen. According to Felton, it's a common practice at Georgia to include the bowl games as wins and corrections have had to be made at least once before.

How embarrassing.

Perhaps, the idea that the players feel entitled has longer legs than I thought.

We've been hearing a lot about changes coming to the overall culture of Georgia football, and it's obvious that's something that needs to happen across the board.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

College Football ATS Picks: South Carolina Looks To Knock Off Florida State

The biggest game on the national menu will take place in the Georgia Dome this evening as Florida State locks up with South Carolina for the rights to a 10-win season—the first either team will have seen in quite some time.

South Carolina has fresh memories of their last trip to the Dome—a 56-17 beat down at the hands of Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers—however this game won't bear any resemblance to that one.

Florida State quarterback, Christian Ponder, is expected to make his triumphant return, but he's no Cam Newton and the Seminoles won't have a Nick Fairley to terrorize quarterback Stephen Garcia.

South Carolina has plenty of weapons at its disposal—from freshman running sensation Marcus Lattimore to future NFL draft pick, Alshon Jeffery—not to mention a defense that is tough against the run and well-rested coming into the contest.

Florida State has shown brilliance on both offense and defense this season, but there are questions about the consistency of both units. Can the Seminoles contain the Gamecock's rushing attack for a full 60 minutes?

Will Christian Ponder be ready to come back at full-strength and infuse the Seminoles' offense with the leadership it needs to win the game?

Both teams have plenty to play for so the only question truly is 'who wants it more'?

ATS picks follow. All lines are courtesy of VegasInsider.com. The 'Lady' is 8-9 in ATS bowl picks thus far.

South Florida at Clemson, Meineke Car Care Bowl: Clemson (-5.5)

Clemson isn't a world-beater, but they field a very tough defense and it's tough to imagine that the Bulls will have an answer for anything the Tigers throw at them today—Da'Quan Bowers should be in for another big game.

The Lady's Pick: Clemson to cover

Notre Dame at Miami Hurricanes, Sun Bowl: Miami (-2.5)

Flip a coin in this game as neither side is in the best shape coming into the contest.

The Irish lost many of their games this season due to inconsistent play and key injury. However, they want to finish the year strong and reset for 2011.

As for Miami, coach Shannon is gone, and it is unclear how many players will be motivated to play their best brand of football without their guy on the sideline.

It's a tough one to call, but the return of Jacory Harris might be the difference in this one.

The Lady's Pick: Miami to cover

Central Florida at Georgia, Liberty Bowl: Georgia (-6.5)

Pay attention to the way Georgia plays the run in this one. The Knights are a strong rushing team behind the trio of Ronnie Weaver, Jeff Godfrey, and Latavius Murray and five of Georgia's six losses this season came as a result of poor run defense biting them in the backside.

As for the Knights, they will have the tough task of defending a Georgia passing game that features, arguably, the best wide receiver in the country in A.J. Green. Look for Aaron Murray to take to the air early in this one—hopefully opening up some room for Washaun Ealey and Carlton Thomas to make a play or two against a tough Knights run defense.

The Lady's Pick: UCF to cover

Florida State at South Carolina, Chick-Fil-A Bowl: South Carolina (-3)

Florida State will see the return of Christian Ponder, but unless the Seminole defense can find an answer for a healthy Marcus Lattimore and a determined Alshon Jeffery, that won't matter much.

While both teams sport good run defenses, the edge has to go to the Gamecocks here as they will likely be the most motivated to play well today—erasing the debacle of the SEC Championship from their memory.

The Lady's Pick: South Carolina to cover

Related articles

• Florida State vs. South Carolina Pick, Point Spread & Betting Trends: December 31st 2010 (touthouse.com)
• 2010 SEC Bowl Previews (blogcritics.org)
• Chick-Fil-A Bowl, South Carolina Vs. Florida State: Two Near-BCS Teams Do Battle In Atlanta (sbnation.com)

Georgia Bulldogs Football: Redshirt Players Who Could Have An Impact in 2011

For most Georgia Bulldog fans, the 2010 season is already done—no matter what happens in the Liberty Bowl. For those fans, the time for looking ahead starts now...today. So, as we look into the future just a little bit, and search for potential 'diamonds in the rough', there is no better place to start than the guys who took a redshirt in 2010.

Aaron Murray used his one season of bench time to study the offense and become the man that Georgia would eventually call their starting quarterback. And, despite the impression Georgia's 6-6 record might have sent, there were few who saw him play that didn't walk away with a positive impression.

That said, 2011 presents the opportunity for another young player to show what he has to offer to the team and, perhaps, become the piece that either the offense or defense needs to help Georgia get back on the championship track.

Here are just a few guys worth keeping track of this summer:

Michael Bennett, WR

Bennett wasn't highly touted coming out high school but his work ethic and ability to make the big play didn't escape the attention of many during last summer's workouts. With Kris Durham graduating and A.J. Green likely bolting for the NFL (unless there is a lockout), Murray will need another big, strong, dependable target to lock in on when he's in a tight spot. Bennett could be that guy—he's a definite sleeper.

Mike Thornton, DT

He was one of last years biggest 'gets', and there were some who felt he was a perfect fit for Todd Grantham's 3-4. However,  for whatever reason, he wasn't ready to be installed into the system this season. Even so, he's worked hard and put on a little more weight and has impressed his coaches with his tough play. With the 3-4 still searching for playmakers, particulary at the nose spot, Thornton could make a big splash real soon.

Ken Malcome, RB

Georgia flirted with letting him see playing time after injuries, and suspensions, limited the depth chart at his position. However, he managed to stay on the sidelines this season and continue to get comfortable with his potential responsibility at running back. That said, he isn't likely to be a gamebreaker, but Georgia won't need him to be if he can do two things well, 1) hold on to the football and 2) move the chains.

He could become a big factor this fall as neither Washaun Ealey, nor Caleb King can count on being the shoe-in's that they were when the 2010 season began.

It Must Be "Let The Village Idiot Loose" Week in SEC Land

I saw this little bit of foolery from Paul Finebaum:

5. Mark Richt (Georgia): Everyone loves Mark Richt (blah, blah, blah), but can the guy coach? That's a strong question to ask for someone with two SEC titles and a glittering résumé. However, Georgia fans have stuck their heads in the sand recently, giving Richt a blank check while blaming everyone else.

Okay, I get it, Paul Finebaum has set a goal this off-season and it involves setting a huge flame to anything Georgia Bulldog related. Well, to each his own.

After all, I've said it once and I'll say it again, no self-respecting Georgia fan should allow anything Paul Finebaum has to say, ruin his/her happy place.

This man makes his living as a pot-stirrer and whenever he needs to find a way to draw more listeners and readers into his tawdry web, he says the most outrageously stupid thing he can imagine. That's his thing.

That said, I still find that lists (particularly those with rankings) irk me. My philosophy where those types of lists are concerned is if you're going to put yourself out there, do so with intelligence.

Don't be a moron.

Here is an example of me taking a moronic list to task. 

So, while I have no problem with Finebaum's decision to release another list ranking SEC coaches, I do take issue with his decision to place Richt at No. 5—particularly when neither of the two guys he ranks before him have 1) won an SEC Championship this decade, 2) have a winning record against Richt, or 3) have played in a bowl game of any significance—specifically a BCS bowl.

Bobby Petrino is 13-12 in two season's at Arkansas. That's it. His team went 8-5 last year and, barely—and I do mean barely—beat East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl.

As for Steve Spurrier, he might have been the "Ol' Ball Coach" at Florida but he's just an OLD ball coach at South Carolina where Richt has gotten the better of him eight times in nine years.

So, I  am willing to go out on a limb and say that Mark Richt is a better coach than both Bobby Petrino (whose done nothing yet) and Steve Spurrier (whose done nothing yet at South Carolina).

Try again Paul Finebaum.

You know, he''d be funny if he weren't such a prick...just saying. 

My advice to Georgia Bulldog fans where Paul Finebaum is concerned: change the station, there's nothing to see here, folks.