Do as Evans says, NOT as he does

After his arrest for an alleged DUI, UGA athletics director Damon Evans, said he hopes to keep his job. As a lifelong Georgia fan, I hope he doesn't. Don't get me wrong. I believe in second chances and forgiveness. But, I also find it very difficult to look past the shame Evans just brought upon his alma mater. This once proud proponent of the state of Georgia's "zero tolerance" policy demands high standards from student athletes. Cited as "violation of team rules," Mark Richt has tossed quite a few kids off his team, for making "mistakes" similar to this. Damon Evans supported the decision, every single time. And, that's what a good athletics director should do.

But, this is a recently arrested A.D. we're talking about. The mugshot alone vastly diminishes any respectability Evans once owned. If he's allowed to retain his position at the school, I'll just have to wonder... Why should student athletes be held to a higher standard than the man who oversees the entire athletics department at the University of Georgia? That makes zero sense to me.

Evans is quoted in the AJC as saying, "My behavior, my actions, were not indicative of what we teach our student-athletes at the University of Georgia." Heck no, it ain't. Heaven forbid a football or basketball player find himself in the same situation. Dude would either be suspended or in desperate need of a transfer. Evans should be held accountable in the same manner as any "immature" athlete or university employee who runs afoul of the law. Actually, he should be held accountable to a higher degree of excellence. As athletics director at UGA, Evans sets the tone for anyone clothed in Red and Black. There is no excuse for the disgrace he just brought upon the University of Georgia. Damon is a man. He's 40. Shouldn't he provide better representation for the university whose standards he bares?

Although his apology resonated with somber words of remorse, Evans is no greater than the athletes UGA has dismissed for similar actions. And, he should not be granted any form of hypocritical immunity for his "unlawful" transgressions. Georgia's President, Michael Adams, has yet to make a decision on Evans' future at the school. As quoted in the AJC, Adams will "reserve further action pending a full review by staff and legal counsel." The President Dawg goes on to say that Evans is a man of integrity. Well, if that was the case, Damon Evans would have resigned his post tonight. He failed to do so. Evans claims to be "ashamed and embarrassed" by his actions." To be honest, I'm ashamed and embarrassed that he still represents the University of Georgia. Sorry to be blunt, but that's how I feel!

Click on the title of this post to hear Damon Evans' PSA on DUI prevention.