Georgia AD Greg McGarity ‘angry’ over cancellation, fears Vanderbilt will catch up



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ATHENS – Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity has built a reputation over the past 10 years for being a kind, gentle man who doesn’t get angry.

That changed quickly on Friday.

“I don’t take it personal, but when our institution suffers it bothers me a lot,” said McGarity, furious to learn that Vanderbilt won’t be bringing a team to Athens on Saturday for Bulldogs Senior Day.

“When something affects our school, it’s extremely frustrating.”

The No.8 (6-2) ranked Bulldogs were due to face the Commodores 0-8 at 4 p.m. on Saturday, but news broke on Friday that the academically-oriented SEC school was not ready to field a team due to COVID – 19.

RELATED: SEC Releases Post on Vanderbilt-Georgia Gambling

Georgia has already seen Missouri pull out of a previous season’s meeting due to COVID-19, then ask the SEC office to reshuffle its week off due to Florida’s two-week COVID hiatus.

Bulldogs fans, players and player families were furious.

“They should be angry, and we are angry too,” said McGarity, who will be stepping down as DA on Dec. 31.

RELATED: Players Respond to Georgia-Vandy’s Cancellation Announcement

“It’s just extremely frustrating and extremely disappointing, especially if the 19 game cannot be played, and that’s what we fear.

It’s a realistic concern when you consider 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 revealed the players were threatening to retire on Vanderbilt’s heels using a woman as a kicker.

“Hopefully Vandy will be ready to play (Dec. 19),” McGarity said half-heartedly.

“It’s so frustrating when you have coaches and players and support staff who make significant sacrifices to stay safe, and they do, and then they have no competitive advantage other than their health.

“We have demonstrated our ability to stay healthy by being disciplined and following the advice of Coach (Kirby) Smart and (Head Coach) Ron Courson. We are an example of what can be done with discipline and desire to play college football.

RELATED: Everything Greg McGarity & UGA President Said About The Change

McGarity said the SEC had not discussed the potential for teams that couldn’t field teams to give up in pre-season meetings when considering how to handle the potential for COVID postponement.

“The intention and commitment of each institution was to play the game unless COVID prevents you from playing the game,” McGarity said. “I’m not questioning anyone’s integrity, if young people want to play, they will make the sacrifices to do so, and unfortunately some may not have followed protocol.

“We have proven over the past 11 weeks that you can fight the virus. South Carolina went straight, give them credit. But injuries come into play, as does COVID.

“One thing is for sure, COVID has nothing to do with fairness. In the COVID world, there is no fairness. “

McGarity asked Georgia fans to be patient and grateful for their program.

“I know it’s so disappointing for everyone: the players, the fans, the staff, and we just ask everyone to stay with us and know that they can be very proud of the way our young men and coaches have entered this season, ”said McGarity. “I am extremely proud of the way these young men listened and illustrated that they love football and that they want to play.

“I can’t say that about everyone. If you want something bad enough, you’re going to do what you’re told to do.



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