ATHENS — Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity has built a reputation over the past 10 years for being a kind, gentleman who doesn’t get angry.
That changed quickly on Friday.
“I don’t take things personal, but when our institution suffers, it upsets me greatly,” said McGarity, fuming at the news that Vanderbilt won’t bring a team to Athens on Saturday for the Bulldogs’ scheduled Senior Day.
“When something affects our school, it’s extremely frustrating.”
The No. 8-ranked Bulldogs (6-2) were scheduled to play the 0-8 Commodores at 4 p.m. on Saturday, but news broke Friday that the academically-oriented SEC school was not prepared to field a team on account of COVID-19.
Georgia already experienced Missouri bowing out of an earlier season meeting on account of COVID-19, and then having the SEC office shuffle its bye week on account of Florida’s two-week COVID-break.
The Bulldogs fans, players, and players’ families were furious.
“They should be angry, and we’re angry, too,” said McGarity, who will vacate his post as AD on Dec. 31.
“It’s just extremely frustrating and extremely disappointing, especially if the game on the 19th can’t be played, and that’s what we fear.”
t’s a realistic concern when one considers how uncompetitive Vanderbilt has been in football over the years, and the institution’s lack of commitment to the sport.
The Commodores lost 41-0 last Saturday at Missouri, and reports surfaced players were threatening to opt-out on the heels of Vanderbilt utilizing a female as its kicker.
“Hopefully Vandy will be prepared to play (Dec. 19),” McGarity said without much conviction.
“It’s just so frustrating when you have coaches and players and support staff that make significant sacrifices to stay safe, and they do so, and then they have no competitive benefit other than their health.
“We have shown the ability to stay healthy by being disciplined and following the advice from Coach (Kirby) Smart and (Head trainer) Ron Courson. We are an example of what can be done with discipline and a desire to play college football.”
Ok, that about tells one UGA is going to Vanderbilt PISSED! LET'S SAY 55-3 PISSED.