At least for the moment, Damon Evans still holds the title of athletic director at the University of Georgia.
While there was some speculation Evans could be fired or resign his post following a drunk-driving arrest Wednesday night, the press conference held by an emotional Evans confirmed that the latter is not. The former still seems to be in the mix however as Evans said, when asked about his hold on the job for which he was hired exactly six years ago today, “I don’t know what’s coming my way. That’s up to the president.”
The president Evans’ refers to is the vacationing Michael Adams, who released a statement shortly after the conclusion of his AD’s press conference that indicates a final decision will not be made until he returns to Athens.
“UGA Athletic Director Damon Evans informed me early this morning of his arrest and provided me an account of the events of last night. Drinking and driving is a serious matter, and I was extremely disappointed to hear of his arrest. Certainly this is not an example of the kind of leadership that I expect our senior administrators to set. I have high regard for Damon personally; I care deeply about him and his family and know him to be a man of integrity. He has sincerely apologized to me for the embarrassment this has brought upon the university. I was notified of this matter while away on vacation and will reserve further action pending a full review by staff and legal counsel.”
Evans was arrested and charged with drunk driving following a late-night traffic stop in Atlanta yesterday. A 28-year-old female who is not the married Evans’ wife was also arrested during the stop after she refused police orders to remain in Evans’ 2009 BMW. Evans seemed to address the perception that arose from the female — who Evans described as “just a friend” — when he said he “brought shame to my family. My wife is going through a lot right now and that haunts me.”
Evans also met with coaches earlier today to apologize for the arrest.
To the AD’s credit, he not only addressed the situation publicly less than a day after the events unfolded, but he also fielded questions from the media following the press conference. It does nothing to lessen the fact that he was drinking and driving — especially given his position as a leader at his school — but getting out in front of it was the best thing he could do.
Whether that’s enough to save his job is a question that can’t and won’t be answered for awhile.
How many Tiger Woods’ or Ben Roethlisberger’s do there have to be before people start to realize you can’t mess around if you want to be up top?
White women are the DEVIL! Damon.
At least he doesn’t play QB for the Dawgs then we’d really be screwed this season.
I guess he going to miss the cocktail party in jville this year
Try getting the UGA President’s name right before you put it in bold letters John.
@ hickory: Flashbacks to my high school principal. Thanks for the heads up.
your choice of allowed comments reflects your insecurity about pathetic twitter journalism. Man up or at least edit your work. Who is Michael Clark? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Georgia
@ hickory: Your comment was approved and published. Sometimes it takes a while for the comments that are approved and published to show up for some reason. That’s out of my hands.
It will be interesting to see what the Prez does about this one. Will he slap him on the wrist or send him packing?
Hard to see how he stays.
What a hypocrite.
I am officially ashamed to be a Georgia Bulldog. I never thought in a million years I would ever say that. I am so angry I am shaking. There is NO integrity at my beloved university. Many already assumed that Michael Adams had little, if any integrity, and his decision to not fire Evans or demand his resignation is all the proof one needs if there were ever any doubt.
If Damon Evans himself had an ounce of integrity he would have resigned. Someone who is a REAL leader would resign. Instead, like a coward, he is pitifully clawing and crying for his job, and has convinced other cowards to let him keep this job he no longer deserves. How can this man look another student athlete or coach in the face when he has to pronounce judgment over an alcohol-related incident?
When I was in the Marine Corps, two guys I knew were killed by a drunk driver. It doesn’t matter if this was Evans’ “first real mistake,” or his only “blemish” on a spotless resume. The DECISION he made, not a mistake, the DECISION he made could have led to his death, or even more unfortunately, the death of innocent others.
Evans deserves NO empathy, NO sympathy, and NO mercy from the media and members of Bulldog Nation.
I will NEVER donate or give a single cent to UGA or the UGA AA until Evans is gone. Any ticket I buy will be through Stub Hub, so as to ensure that the money I earn never enters the pockets of Evans or of those who refused to do the right thing today. My money is too honest for UGA.
Hey BugKiller, even if you buy a ticket from Stub Hub, Georgia will get paid.
Hang in there BugKiller, it could be worse, you could have Lane Kiffin as your coach
If I purchase tickets from StubHub, my money goes to the person who originally bought that ticket.
The point is, my money will not directly be supporting what I see as something that is morally reprehensible: the continuing employment of Damon Evans.
What that person chooses to do with what becomes his money, is his business.
As a friend to you, I suggest you resign, you got caught and it is no excuse. You embarassed me brother, you emarassed your family, I feel sorry for them, get some help and try to move on.