Conference is more important than rivalries

I wish I had the respect for Coach Richt that should be there, however, over the years he seems to be reverting to the practices of Bobby Bowden. That being, it doesn’t matter what the player does off the field,(or, during high school, as in a ‘rap’ sheet), just make sure that the locals understand that the football player is ‘off limits’, as has been the ‘understanding’ in Tallahassee for any of “Bobby’s Boys”,i.e. Jankowski being a classic example. Especially, since he was brought to FSU from OVER SEAS and could hardly speak/write/understand English much less attend class. MAJOR games were won for FSU by Jankowski that put a black eye on our beloved college football.

If it takes cutting Coach Richt, in order to help him learn that what he was taught at FSU, as being ‘acceptable practices’, is NOT acceptable for the ‘Mighty’ FINE/OUTSTANDING University of Georgia, then so be it.

Even though I am a Gator, I have had the pleasure of being guest of UGA at many football games (mostly prior to Coach Richt and then for his first year), and have cheered my heart for them…all but one game, that being, in Jacksonville!

Coach Dooley even informed me that I was a ‘Dawg Gator’ since I had bought TWO tables for supporting UGA Baseball, back when John Grisham came to give his talk for Coach Polk’s & UGA’s benefit. When I had the opportunity to buy for my ‘Dawg’ friends a few of Coach Dooley’s books: “Dooley’s Dawgs”; Coach recognized me and signed my book: “Love to Deborah~~A ‘Dawg-Gator’, Vince Dooley”!!(I shared with my ‘Dawg friends that since Coach Dooley could write the word: “Gator”, that surely they could say it without getting the bends!”)

The larger picture is of GREAT importance as THE University of Georgia is “DOOLEY Tried and True” and HAD, at one time, been REGARDED as MOST HONORABLE, NationWIDE!…there is still time to ‘recapture’ YOUR FINE HERITAGE. Plus, the importance of SUPPORTING your team…they need to know that all the ‘blood, sweat and tears’ they have put into practice/games will be used for bettering themselves and your University. Each game is a NEW game so, please do not forget that!

All this ‘hating’ is so useless and such a waste of time, as well as being BELOW both of these FINE/OUTSTANDING Universities and Fans! Let the games regain their ‘proper’ perspectives, so WE can show the nation what SEC football is all about!!

DEBORAH SEAY-WILLIS
Alumna, University of Florida

Don’t judge all by the actions of few

It is with the greatest humility that I feel the need to apologize for the behavior of Brandon Spikes with his dirty eye stickin’ play during the game. As a lifelong Gator with a great deal of pride in my university, Spikes should have been kicked off the team immediately. Many of us feel this way and hope that UGA Bulldogs can learn not to judge the rest of us from this assault. Best of luck with the rest of your season. Greg Wall, UF ’82.

GREG WALL
Alumnus, Sarasota, FL
University of Florida

Be sensitive to difficult stories

While the article written about John Shores was well-written for the most part,

I feel the section reporting the details of his death to be extremely unnecessary, if not downright disrespectful.

John Shores was a wonderful and decent man and will be greatly missed.

JILL CARNES
Faculty, Athens
Georgia Center for Continuing Education

Show respect to the friends and family

I am a co-worker of John Shores, and have known him for 21 1/2 years. We’ve been in the same department all those years. He was a tremendous friend and excellent at what he did. I appreciated everything you said in the article UNTIL I got to the part about how he was found. What does it matter how he was found. Why would you want to taint John’s memory what that. It was totally unnecessary and leaves the reader with questions and doubts about John and his character. I guess you are just like any other media outlet – just out for the sensationalism. I am thoroughly disappointed and disgusted.

SUSAN DRIVER
Print/Mail Manager
Georgia Center for Continuing Education